EVOLUTION

Some monsters can grow up and get stronger! This is called Evolution.

Some cards say "Basic" on them. You can play these right away. They are like puppies or kittens. Some cards say "Stage 1". A Stage 1 card is a bigger, stronger grown-up version of a Basic card.

If you have a Basic monster on the table, and you hold its matching Stage 1 card in your hand, you can put the Stage 1 card right on top of the Basic card! Now your monster has more HP and much bigger attacks!

What Stays and What Changes?

When you evolve, your monster is still the same character story, just older. In the real Pokémon TCG, the new card keeps the Energy that was attached to the Basic — you do not throw those cards away! That is wonderful news: your hard work attaching Energy is not wasted.

Damage counters usually stay on the Pokémon when it evolves (unless a card says to heal). That can feel surprising! But remember: evolved Pokémon also gain a bigger HP number, so they can "soak up" the hurt they were already carrying. If this feels confusing, place the damage counters on the new card together and compare the new HP — the math story becomes clearer.

Stage 2 and Beyond

A few families have Stage 2 Pokémon — that means Basic → Stage 1 → Stage 2, like a three-step ladder. You climb one step per evolution, on separate turns, following the same patience rules. If your deck only has Stage 2 monsters and no Basics, ask a grown-up for help building a legal deck; every evolutionary line needs its baby Basic card to get started.

One Evolution at a Time

Normally you evolve only one of your own Pokémon during your turn, and only during the correct step in your turn (your coach can show you the official timing). You cannot evolve on your first turn of the game, and a brand-new Basic usually cannot evolve the same turn it entered play — it needs a sip of sunlight and a turn of patience first.

Test Your Knowledge

Complete the official Academy Exam for EVOLUTION to earn Doubloons and secure your operational badge.