If you're familiar with the classic starter Pokémon, you know that Wartortle holds a special place in the evolution line from Squirtle to Blastoise. It's not as cute as Squirtle and not as imposing as Blastoise, but Wartortle has its own charm and story. In this blog, I'll take you through who Wartortle is, where it comes from, and why it deserves more appreciation than you might think at first glance.

From Squirtle to Wartortle: The Step with Character

As you know, it all starts with Squirtle , the blue turtle that uses water attacks to defend itself. He is one of the three original starters from the first generation and quickly became a favorite in the animated series. But once he evolves into Wartortle, something changes.

Wartortle is much more confident. His ears grow longer, his tail takes on a fluffy, almost cloud-like shape and he looks as if he is ready for action. In the wild he is known as a loyal and tough fighter. According to ancient legends, his tail symbolizes longevity – something that gives it a spiritual meaning in Japan.

What makes Wartortle special?

However, many people tend to skip Wartortle. They want to get to Blastoise as quickly as possible. But Wartortle has shown in both the anime and the games that he is more than just an in-between. He is strategic, defensively strong, and visually unique. Some Pokédex entries even mention that an older Wartortle has a tail that has turned completely white from age. How cool is that?

There have also been some notable Wartortle cards in the card game. While they may not fetch the prices of Charizard or Blastoise, there are some collectible cards from the Base Set and Expedition Set that are fan favorites.

The Most Popular and Expensive Wartortle Cards

• 💧 Wartortle (Base Set 1st Edition Shadowless – 1999)
  A classic that sold in PSA 10 quality for a whopping €2,100. Extremely rare and sought after by vintage collectors.
• 💧 wartortle( scarlet and violet 151 )
  A stylish release, in PSA 10 around €130 to €150.
• 💧 Dark Wartortle (Legendary Collection Reverse Holo – 2002)
  Thanks to the reverse holo this variant is extra popular. In PSA 10 around 1.087

A memory of my first Wartortle

I remember drawing my first Wartortle card from a Base Set booster pack. I didn’t have Blastoise yet, and yet it felt like a win. The card had a classic feel to it. That experience showed me that you can enjoy the journey, not just the destination.

As you know, Wartortle is part of a legendary trio. He is the bridge between playful Squirtle and mighty Blastoise. His role may be subtle, but for me it is just as memorable.

Why Wartortle deserves a place in your collection

Wartortle cards are usually more affordable than Blastoise cards, but that makes them interesting for collectors. His design is timeless and the card from the original Base Set remains a classic. Later sets sometimes give him new flair, such as holo versions or unique poses.

My advice? Take another look at Wartortle. He may not be a dragon or a tank, but he is a symbol of growth and balance. And that makes him an enduring favorite in the Pokémon universe for me.