Pokémon Advanced Challenge Trading Cards

A packet of Pokémon Advanced Challenge Trading Cards

A comparison between a foil card and a non-foil card

Pokémon Advanced Challenge Trading Cards was a set of Pokémon cards manufactured by Topps. There were 90 cards in the set: 89 Pokémon cards and a checklist. Each of these 90 cards also had a foil card version. In addition, there were 28 bonus "chase cards" not included on the checklist: 18 embossed evolution cards and 10 pop-up cards.

Cards were sold in randomly distributed packets of seven. One card in each packet would be a randomly chosen foil card.

Collecting summary

Set	Example	No. of cards	Cards each pack	Packs needed to finish
Non holo		90/90 cards	6 out of 8 cards each pack	15 packs
Silver foil / holo		90/90 cards	1 out of 8 cards each pack	90 packs
Diecut cards		18/18 cards	1 every 2 packs	36 packs
Pop-up cards		10/10 cards	1 every 6 packs	60 packs

Cards in the Pokémon Advanced Challenge series

Pokémon

Like the Pokémon Advanced Trading Cards series, Pokémon cards are alphabetically instead of by their Pokédex numbers. All Pokémon appearing in this set were introduced before or in Generation III.

Set #	Front	Pokémon	Back	Back text
1		Absol		Known as the disaster Pokémon, Absol is usually seen just before natural disasters, such as an earthquake or tidal wave. It loves to live in the mountains, far from people.
2		Alakazam		The final evolution of Abra, this psychic-type Pokémon is most often the prize possession of a skilled trainer's collection. It takes a trainer of mighty skill to master one.
3		Bagon		Usually living in small caves, Bagon is easily mistaken for just another stone, thanks to its rocky head. Though small in stature this Pokémon evolves into the powerful Salamence.
4		Baltoy		Looking like a child's top, Baltoy is very hard to find and often hides in plain sight thanks to its rocky coloring. Though it may look like a top, it's really spinning and standing on one foot.
5		Barboach		This water-type Pokémon lives in the mud, leaving only its whiskers exposed. If it senses trouble, or hears someone nearby, the quick-swimming Barboach is gone in a flash!
6		Beautifly		This Pokémon loves the smell of flowers. More than one trainer has captured one totally by accident after setting a potted flower outside on a spring day.
7		Beldum		A steel-type Pokémon, Beldum floats along by emitting a magnetic field. When it sees others of its type, it "talks" by sending out and receiving magnetic pulses.
8		Blastoise		The final evolution of the water-type Pokémon Squirtle, Blastoise can shoot water jets out of the nozzles on its back that hit harder than any fire hose. Blastoise is more than a squirt gun, that's for sure!
9		Blaziken		This fire-type Pokémon has amazingly strong legs to go with its powerful blasts of fire. It can fight enemies and leap tall buildings to get away if needed.
10		Breloom		This cute-looking grass-type Pokémon is actually an amazing fighter, thanks to its arms, which can stretch to reach its opponents. More than one trainer has been surprised by this Pokémon in battle.
11		Bulbasaur		This cute grass-type Pokémon is a favorite of many beginning trainers. Thanks to the nutrient-holding bulb on its back, it rarely requires food - just a good rain, and a little fertilizer.
12		Cascoon		This bug-type Pokémon is "in transition", as it has spun a silk cocoon around itself to protect it while it evolves. Don't think it's a pushover though - if you attack Cascoon, it will come after you later.
13		Castform (Fire)		The fire-type of Castform, this version uses fire to protect its tiny body from other, larger Pokémon. Castform changes its type with the weather or environment it's in.
14		Castform (Ice)		Brrr! Get Castform on a cold day, and you'll end up with an ice-type Pokémon able to use ice-style attack and defenses to protect itself against larger Pokémon.
15		Castform (Water)		Rainy day or water plus Castform? You've got a water-type Pokémon when you only had Castform before! This cute Pokémon is three in one, as it takes on the characteristics of its surroundings.
16		Charizard		This evolved Charmander likes to live alone, far from other Pokémon, in remote areas where its fire can't harm anyone. Its fire can get hot enough to melt almost anything.
17		Charmander		This fire-type Pokémon loves to live in hot areas, often just sitting with a smile in the hottest places. Sometimes, when it rains, Charmander will give off puffs of steam as the water hits it.
18		Chimecho		Many trainers have heard the cries of this Pokémon as sounds echo throughout its hollow body. When Chimecho gets upset, it can cry so loudly that it sends its enemies flying.
19		Clamperl		Living inside a shell of its own making, this water-type Pokémon lives in shallow water when young, and moves to deeper water as it grows older. Watch out for that shell though - it can clamp shut and catch opponents.
20		Claydol		This ground-type Pokémon was created ages ago when primitive humans made it out of mud and brought it to life. Today, there are only a few of these evolved Baltoy in the world.
21		Combusken		This fire-type Pokémon loves to run and can often be found running for the fun of it along mountain paths. But don't stop it - Combusken defends itself with fire from its beak.
22		Corphish		This water-type Pokémon can be found in nearly any body of water, clean or dirty, shallow or deep - it doesn't mind. It will eat anything it can catch with its claws.
23		Donphan		This large ground-type Pokémon usually stays with others in a herd, the most powerful members growing the longest trunks. Watch out when they're mad though - they can knock over anything in their way.
24		Dusclops		This ghost-type Pokémon is just a shell - literally - there's nothing inside. But watch out - it can absorb nearly anything, but nothing ever comes back out.
25		Dustox		Flocks of this bug-type Pokémon will often be attracted to bright lights, eating any leaves or plants in their way. As they fly, a poison dust falls from their bodies, so be careful.
26		Electrike		This electric-type Pokémon generates and stores electricity in its long, silky hair. Thanks to its electrical charge, it can run very fast - quicker than the eye can see.
27		Electrode		This round electric-type Pokémon is highly dangerous, thanks to the electricity it stores in its body. One small shock will cause it to explode!
28		Flygon		Often found in the desert, this ground-type Pokémon blows up clouds of sand as if it flies, so trainers usually see the sandstorm before the Flygon.
29		Girafarig		This two-headed Pokémon is doubly dangerous, as both heads can attack. With the rear head not needing to sleep, it's always awake and on the lookout for trouble.
30		Golbat		Found in the darkest caves, this flying Pokémon is very ferocious looking, with good reason - it drinks the blood of its enemies!
31		Golduck		This evolution of Psyduck can swim faster than nearly any other water-type Pokémon, thanks to its webbed feet and hands. It will frequently save people from shipwrecks if it finds them in trouble.
32		Gorebyss		This final evolution of the Clamperl lives at great depths, where it can be alone. If it's disturbed though, this tough Pokémon fights fiercely, defeating nearly all opponents.
33		Groudon		This gigantic ground-type Pokémon was thought to be a myth until found by trainers. Its massive size and powers enable it to scatter clouds and bring an end to rainstorms.
34		Grovyle		This grass-type Pokémon is amazingly adept at hiding itself in the tall grass or trees where it lives. When startled, it will dash away through the treetops, faster than any other Pokémon can keep up.
35		Gulpin		Its name tells you what this poison-type Pokémon does - it gulps down anything in its way. Thanks to being nearly all stomach, it can eat things as big as it is.
36		Huntail		Living at the deepest depths of the ocean, those hunting this Pokémon usually only see its glowing eyes as its slender body slithers by them. Huntail's large mouth and teeth are a far cry from the cute Clamperl.
37		Kyogre		Another Pokémon thought only to exist in myth, a few lucky trainers have seen this gigantic water-type Pokémon known to cause torrential downpours and end droughts.
38		Lombre		This nocturnal water-type Pokémon is known as a trickster - it finds the fishing lines of nighttime anglers and tugs on them to tease them. It's a very passive Pokémon though, and will run rather than fight.
39		Lotad		This water-type Pokémon lives in quiet bodies of water, where the leaf on its head is often mistaken for a lilt pad as it floats near the surface. If its water gets too dirty however, it will go on land to hunt for fresh water.
40		Lunatone		Many think this rock-type Pokémon came from space, since it was first discovered near a crashed meteorite. It's certainly creepy enough to be an alien, as it floats through the air.
41		Luvdisc		Making a home in the shallow warm waters of the tropics, this heart-shaped, water-type Pokémon can sometimes be found trailing behind young couples in love.
42		Manectric		This electric-type Pokémon is so powerful that it causes thunderstorms when it battles other Pokémon. Rarely seen by trainers, Manectric lives in deep forests.
43		Marshtomp		Preferring mud over water , this water-type Pokémon loves to slop around beaches and marshes at low tide. Thanks to its powerful hind legs, it can move very fast in mud that slows other Pokémon.
44		Mawile		It may look, cute, but watch out for this steel-type Pokémon's large jaws. In fact, it lures opponents to come near with its cute face and then snaps its jaws down.
45		Metagross		Smarter than your average Pokémon, this steel-type has four brains that allow it to be an amazing battle opponent. It's best to avoid Metagross at all costs when encountered in the wild.
46		Metang		Formed when two Beldum join together, this steel-type Pokémon is incredibly tough and fast. Many trainers have longed to catch one, only to see it zoom away from them.
47		Mightyena		This dark-type Pokémon always travels in packs, where the many act as one unit, fending off any opponents that may come its way. If it thinks you're a good enough trainer, it will obey your commands.
48		Milotic		This water-type Pokémon is said to be the most beautiful of all, and as many people have learned, it can soothe anger and calm troubled hearts. They're often found at the bottom of large lakes.
49		Mudkip		Using the fins on top of its head, this water-type Pokémon can sense what's going on all around it, in both water and air. Don't let its cute appearance fool you - it's very strong.
50		Nincada		Living underground for nearly all its life, this bug-type Pokémon digs in the dirt, and absorbs nutrients and water from the roots of trees. Even when you dig it up, it's hard to find, as it sits motionless for weeks.
51		Ninjask		This bug-type Pokémon flies so fast that for years, people thought it was invisible. Watch out if you're a trainer - if its not trained well, it will cry loudly and continuously.
52		Oddish		This cute grass-type is awoken each night by moonlight. Active at night, this Pokémon buries itself and sleeps during the day.
53		Pikachu		A good-natured electric-type Pokémon, Pikachu, when gathered as a group, often accidentally cause lightning storms to form. While gentle, these cute Pokémon can defend themselves very well.
54		Rayquaza		For centuries, no one knew this dragon-type Pokémon even existed, as it lives high above the clouds, and never touches earth. A beautiful Pokémon, its grace is only matched by its strength.
55		Regice		So cold that it never melts, this ice-type Pokémon is found in frigid climates, but sometimes ventures to temperate zones for a change of pace. Don't get too close - anything near it will freeze solid.
56		Regirock		Looking like a jumble of moving rocks, this rock-type was first discovered ages ago by people who sealed them away in caves. As such, they can only be found deep under the earth.
57		Registeel		A steel-type Pokémon of unknown origin, Registeel's body is made of a metal that eve nProfessor Birch can't identify. As with several other massive Pokémon, Registeel are thousands of years old.
58		Relicanth		Long thought to be extinct, this water-type Pokémon was found recently living in the deep ocean, where it feeds on microscopic particles. Its skin is rocklike in appearance.
59		Salamence		The final evolution of Bagon, this dragon-type comes into existence thanks to training, as well as its lower forms dreaming of one day having wings. This magnificent Pokémon can soar high.
60		Sceptile		A grass-type Pokémon that lives high in trees, it is said that sceptile are caretakers of forests the world over, tending to the trees, and feeding them with the nutrients in their spines.
61		Seviper		An ages-old enemy of Zangoose, this poison-type Pokémon will attack any Zangoose on sight, even if it means disobeying its trainer. Watch out for that tail!
62		Shedinja		This is one confusing bug-type Pokémon - it doesn't breathe, it doesn't move, and some trainers think it may not even be alive. But the Pokédex still recognizes it, so this one needs more study.
63		Shelgon		This evolution of Bagon is rarely seen, as it prefers to stay in underwater caves while waiting to evolve into Salamence. It moves slowly, if at all, and nearly every attack bounces off its shell.
64		Shuppet		Even though it's a ghost-type, this Pokémon is one of the cutest, and most sought-after by trainers. Plan to stay up late though - this Pokémon doesn't need any sleep.
65		Silcoon		Taking this form while waiting to evolve into a Beautifly, this bug-type Pokémon can nearly always be found hanging in trees, with one eye looking out, seeing what's happening.
66		Slaking		A normal-type Pokémon, Slaking is one of the laziest Pokémon ever. All it likes to do is lie around, eating grass. When it strips one area bare, it will move to another.
67		Snorunt		Found in regions with heavy snowfall, this ice-type Pokémon spends warmer seasons among the stalactites and stalagmites of deep caves where it's always cool.
68		Solrock		This rock-type Pokémon is thought by many experts to have come from space originally, given its extraterrestrial appearance and ability to defy gravity and float.
69		Spheal		Its body shape gives away this ice-type's means of transportation - it rolls on its belly! In winter, large groups will skate across the ice floes in the far north.
70		Squirtle		One of the most popular Pokémon for new trainers to start with, Squirtle is born with a very soft shell, which hardens as it gets older, so it can hold more water.
71		Surskit		AS graceful in movement as its appearance suggests, this bug-type Pokémon can glide along the surface of the water on the tips of its four legs.
72		Swablu		One of the tamest and friendliest Pokémon, this normal-type will often land on people's heads and ride along as they go about their day. Before it leaves, it makes sure to neaten its host's hair.
73		Swalot		A giant of a Pokémon, this poison-type secretes a toxic fluid over its prey, and then swallows it down whole. With no teeth, it can open its mouth wide enough to swallow the largest creatures.
74		Swampert		This water-type Pokémon can always tell if a storm is coming, and if one is, it builds a mound of rocks to protect itself. The larger the pile, the more severe the storm.
75		Swellow		A normal-type Pokémon with the ability to fly, the fast-diving Swellow is a very proud Pokémon. Often, when two or more gather, they spend hours preening their glossy wings.
76		Taillow		A small, young normal-type Pokémon, Taillow can be found in forests, often still staying near the nest which it just left. As it gets older, it moves further and further away.
77		Torchic		This fire-type Pokémon is very loyal - and warm! Most often it leaves its foes scorched black in battle. Hug it close and it will glow with warmth.
78		Torkoal		This smokey fire-type Pokémon can often be found burrowing through mountains, looking for coal to burn. If surprised, it will puff out a cloud of thick smoke and retreat quickly.
79		Treecko		Though small, this grass-type Pokémon packs an extra large attitude. Not one to run away from a fight, Treecko will take on the largest of opponents.
80		Tropius		Sometimes mistaken for a fruit tree, this large grass-type Pokémon has fruit growing on its neck that it loves to share with children. Occasionally, this Pokémon will fly by flapping its leaves.
81		Venusaur		The final evolution of Bulbasaur, this large grass-type Pokémon needs sunlight for energy, and thus, is more powerful in the summer than in the winter.
82		Vibrava		A low-crawling ground-type Pokémon, Vibrava can rub its wings together to create an ultrasonic sound that can cause headaches in people nearby.
83		Wailmer		A very large water-type, Wailmer is one of the most playful Pokémon you're likely to find. If it senses people are too serious, it will shoot a jet of water at them!
84		Wailord		The largest of all known Pokémon, Wailord lives in the sea, the only place large enough for its gigantic body. It eats vast amounts of food daily, but is one of the gentlest Pokémon around.
85		Walrein		Armed with two impressive tusks, this water-type Pokémon can be found in the cold reaches of the poles, where it loves to smash icebergs into small bits.
86		Whismur		Looking meek, this Pokémon's normal voice is barely audible - unless it senses danger, and then it will cry with an ear-shattering wail.
87		Wingull		Known for its tendency to snatch shiny items away from beachgoers, this water-type Pokémon loves to spend the day riding warm updrafts near the ocean.
88		Wurmple		A cute bug-type, this Pokémon loves to eat the sap from trees. But watch out - those spikes can pump out a nasty poison if it's attacked!
89		Zangoose		Sworn enemy of Seviper, this Pokémon is extremely agile and quick, and Trainers through the ages have battled the two Pokémon to a draw over and over.

Other

Set #	Front	Title	Back	Back text
90		Checklist		All different cards of the set with checkmark boxes

Chase cards

Embossed evolution cards

There are 18 embossed evolution cards in the set, representing six three-stage evolutionary lines. Each evolution card is die-cut in a way that when the three stages of the evolutionary line are placed together, the shapes of the cards will fit together. Additionally, the image of the Pokémon and the Pokémon logo are embossed.

Set #	Front	Back	Pokémon
D1			Bulbasaur
D2			Ivysaur
D3			Venusaur
D4			Lotad
D5			Lombre
D6			Ludicolo
D7			Spheal
D8			Sealeo
D9			Walrein
D10			Slakoth
D11			Vigoroth
D12			Slaking
D13			Trapinch
D14			Vibrava
D15			Flygon
D16			Charmander
D17			Charmeleon
D18			Charizard

Pop-up cards

There are 10 pop-up cards in the set. Each pop-up card has an image of a Pokémon which can be punched out and then propped up using the rest of the card for support.

Set #	Front	Back	Pokémon
P1			Absol
P2			Treecko
P3			Combusken
P4			Pikachu
P5			Venusaur
P6			Marshtomp
P7			Mudkip
P8			Charizard
P9			Grovyle
P10			Torchic

This article is part of Project Merchandise, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on all Pokémon toys, dolls, books, and collectible merchandise.