Stage 2 Pokémon (TCG)

This article is incomplete. Please feel free to edit this article to add missing information and complete it. Reason: The playing section needs fleshing out with rules and exception examples.

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An example of a Stage 2 Pokémon

A Stage 2 Pokémon (Japanese: 2進化(しんか)ポケモン 2nd Evolution Pokémon), also known as a Stage 2 card or a Stage 2, is a type of Evolution card in the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Stage 2 Pokémon usually evolve from Stage 1 Pokémon, with some exceptions. Stage 2 Pokémon usually have the most HP, strongest attacks, and highest Retreat Costs of Pokémon in their evolutionary line.

Playing

A Stage 2 Pokémon can be placed in play if the corresponding Stage 1 Pokémon is Active or Benched. Certain effects can circumvent this, such as the Rare Candy Item card, that allows a Basic Pokémon to evolve into a Stage 2 Pokémon. All attached cards and damage on the Stage 1 are put onto the Stage 2, but all Special Conditions and other effects are lifted. The Stage 2 Pokémon can only use its Stage 2 attacks, unless the card says otherwise.

Appearance

The design of Stage 2 Pokémon is generally similar to the design of Stage 1 Pokémon. In both designs, the "evolves from" field is generally in the upper left corner, accompanied by a picture of the species of the Pokémon that the Pokémon evolves from. Stage 2 Pokémon designs often feature additional repetitions of design elements seen on the top bar of Stage 1 Pokémon.

• Base Set to Skyridge, Evolutions: Stage 2 Pokémon have a gold line under the "Evolves from" text, which is shared with Stage 1 Pokémon.
• EX Ruby & Sapphire to EX Power Keepers: Stage 2 Pokémon have two transparent curved lines on the top bar between the name and HP, which both have a less transparent line to their left. The left line is not present on Stage 1 Pokémon.

In the EX Series, the "Evolves from" field was below the art instead of at the top of the card.

• Diamond & Pearl to Arceus: Stage 2 Pokémon have three curved lines on the top bar between the name and HP, with the middle line not being present on Stage 1 Pokémon.
• HeartGold & SoulSilver to Call of Legends: Stage 2 Pokémon have two gold curved lines on the top bar between the name and HP, with the left line not being present on Stage 1 Pokémon.
• Black & White to Steam Siege: Stage 2 Pokémon have a wide silver curved line with two black, curved slits on the top bar between the name and HP. On Stage 1 Pokémon the silver curved line is thinner and has one black slit.
• Sun & Moon to Cosmic Eclipse: Stage 2 Pokémon have two short, black lines at the right end of the "Evolves from" bar, with the right line not being present on Stage 1 Pokémon.
• Sword & Shield to Crown Zenith: Stage 2 Pokémon have two silver arches on the top bar between the name and HP, with the left arch not being present on Stage 1 Pokémon.
• Scarlet & Violet onwards: Stage 2 Pokémon have two silver curved lines on the top bar, between the name and HP, with the left line not being present on Stage 1 Pokémon.

Relation to the video games

Azumarill is a Stage 1 Pokémon because Marill is a Basic Pokémon.

In most cases, Stage 2 Pokémon are Pokémon that have evolved twice in the Generation that they were introduced in. Examples of this are Venusaur, Reuniclus, and Garganacl.

Some exceptions to this are Pokémon in evolutionary lines with Baby Pokémon introduced in later generations. Azumarill and Magmortar are examples, as the Pokémon they evolve from were designated as a basic Pokémon before the introduction of their pre-Evolutions.

This Cradily is a Stage 2 Pokémon because The Lileep in the set it is from is a Stage 1 Pokémon.

The evolved forms of Pokémon restored from Fossils have varied in card stage designation throughout the TCG. In the Black & White Series and XY Series, these Pokémon are designated as Stage 1 Pokémon. In other Series, These Pokémon are designated as Stage 2 Pokémon, as the Pokémon they evolve from evolve from a Fossil Trainer card.

This article is part of Project TCG, a Bulbapedia project that aims to report on every aspect of the Pokémon Trading Card Game.