Ivysaur

General overview of Ivysaur

Ivysaur is a Grass and Poison-type Pokémon, known in French as Herbizarre and by the Japanese name フシギソウ (Fushigisou). It bears number 002 in the National Pokédex and is the middle evolution of the starter Pokémon Bulbasaur's line. On its back, the bulb present since birth has turned into a large bud ready to bloom, which slightly weighs down its gait on its four legs.

It stands 1.0 m tall for a weight of 13.0 kg. The gender ratio is 87.5% male to 12.5% female. According to the Pokédex description, the bigger the bud on its back grows, the more Ivysaur seems to lose its ability to stand on its hind legs, a sign that a flower will soon bloom.

Type, evolution and abilities

The dual Grass and Poison typing defines Ivysaur's identity. It learns Overgrow as its standard ability, which boosts its Grass-type moves when its HP is low, and Chlorophyll as a hidden ability, which doubles its Speed in harsh sunlight.

Evolution happens by leveling up. Bulbasaur becomes Ivysaur at level 16, then Ivysaur evolves into Venusaur at level 32. This pre-evolution and evolution make it a transitional stage with balanced stats.

Weaknesses and resistances

Its weaknesses concern Fire-type moves, along with Flying, Ice and Psychic. Conversely, it resists Water, Electric, Grass, Fighting and Fairy assaults. This combination protects well against certain defensive types but remains vulnerable to common offensive attacks.

Base stats

• HP: 60

• Attack: 62

• Defense: 63

• Sp. Atk: 80

• Sp. Def: 80

• Speed: 60

Its best values lie in the special stats, which steers Ivysaur toward a special offensive role backed by moves like Solar Beam.

Moves and strategy

The list of moves learned by level covers a varied range of support and damage techniques. Here are a few useful moves:

• Vine Whip and Razor Leaf for Grass-type power

• Solar Beam for a long-range power hit under the sun

• Leech Seed to drain the opponent's HP each turn

• Poison Powder and Sleep Powder to hinder the target with poison or sleep

• Synthesis to recover HP mid-battle

• Sweet Scent, Tackle and Growl as starting techniques

In breeding, Ivysaur can pass down interesting egg moves through Bulbasaur. Its capture rate remains high since it is a starter, which makes it easy to obtain in several games.

Ivysaur in the TCG and collecting

Ivysaur appears regularly in the Trading Card Game as a Stage 1 Grass card. It is found in many sets, most often in common or uncommon versions, which makes it accessible to beginner collectors. Some appearances illustrated by renowned artists or in holographic versions gain greater value among enthusiasts. Its card stays popular with those looking to complete the Bulbasaur, Ivysaur and Venusaur line in a single binder.