Image courtesy of TCGdex.net
Should You Evolve Blipbug Now or Hold?
If you’ve been building a lean, budget-friendly Grass-focused deck in Expanded or just starting your journey with Blipbug, you’ve likely wondered when to pull the trigger on evolution. The common Blipbug—hailing from the Battle Styles set (swsh5)—starts as a tiny, unassuming Basic with 50 HP and a single, simple attack: Stampede for 10 damage. It’s a humble start, but in the Pokémon TCG, even humbleness can bloom into something far more strategic. With Masakazu Fukuda’s delicate artwork gracing the card and a clear path toward evolution, Blipbug invites players to weigh tempo, resources, and long-term plan.
As a Grass-type Basic, Blipbug sits on the bench with a modest retreat cost of 1 and a Fire-type weakness that can sting if your opponent lines up fire-powered threats. Its regulation mark is E, placing it squarely in Expanded play. In the battle, a 50 HP body is a reminder that this little bug isn’t chasing heavy hitters on its own; it’s the launching pad for a more resilient stage-one and, eventually, a powerful stage-two Pokémon. The artistry behind its illustration by Fukuda adds a touch of whimsy to a card that often helps players learn how to “inch forward” with tempo and setup.
Weighing the Pros and Cons of Early Evolution
Evolving Blipbug early into Dottler—and later into Orbeetle—can feel like trading a small, steady trickle for a more explosive flood. The primary advantage of quick evolution is access to stronger attacks and greater survivability. While Stampede is a modest 10 damage for Colorless energy, a Stage 1 or Stage 2 breakthrough typically unlocks more formidable attacks, higher HP, and enhanced abilities that keep your opponent guessing. In Expanded formats, where you can assemble a broader toolkit, evolving on the right turn can set up more consistent draws, reach, and board presence that outlasts your opponent’s early trades.
But there’s wisdom in holding Blipbug back for a turn or two. If you’re short on Evolution cards or energy to power a stronger attack, keeping Blipbug in play as a “fiery tempo damper” can stall the opponent while you assemble a more efficient lineup behind it. The decision often hinges on your current hand: do you have a reliable path to Dottler on your next turn, or are you better off reining in tempo to guarantee you have a more threatening board later in the game? The math of a 1 Retreat cost and a 50 HP baseline means Blipbug can be fragile, especially when faced with aggressive Fire-type threats. In those moments, you might choose to keep Blipbug out of the evolving eye-line and pivot to other tactics to avoid an early knockout.
Market Value and Collector Insight
From a collector’s perspective, Blipbug in Battle Styles is a budget-friendly piece that often appears as a common pull. The card’s pricing data shows it tends to sit near the bottom of the market. CardMarket’s updated averages hover around 0.04 EUR for non-holo copies, with holo variants showing slightly higher averages. TCGPlayer’s data paints a similar picture for the standard print: low market prices, with a few rare instances of reverse-holo listings moving close to small figures. The takeaway for collectors is clear: Blipbug isn’t a flashy chase card, but its role in the evolving chain makes it a practical pickup for players assembling an Expanded lineup—especially for players seeking reliable, budget-friendly core cards that can be upgraded over time.
As you track price trends, keep an eye on the reverse-holo versions and any reprints in later sets. While Blipbug itself may not surge in value, the journey through Dottler and Orbeetle can be a satisfying narrative arc for a collector who enjoys seeing a basic card grow into something more substantial in a deck’s lifecycle. The Expanded format provides flexibility for including a broader range of evolved forms, making Blipbug a helpful anchor in a budget-conscious strategy.
A Deck-Building Approach: Practical Tips
- Plan your evolution curve. If you’re chasing a smooth transition from Blipbug to Dottler and beyond, map out the turns you’ll draw the necessary Evolution cards and energy support. In many games, evolving on the second turn gives you a sturdy step up without overextending your bench.
- Balance HP and tempo. Blipbug’s 50 HP is a reminder that early-stage life is fragile. When you upgrade, look for a Pokémon that can absorb hits and help you press forward with stronger attacks. In Expanded, the added support cards and energy acceleration can transform a once-fragile basic into a durable cornerstone.
- Leverage Grass synergy. While the early Stampede attack isn’t a powerhouse, evolved forms in the Grass family can offer better consistency in resource generation and energy attachment. The decision to evolve should align with your plan to sustain pressure while protecting your bench.
- Manage weaknesses. Fire-type threats are a recurring challenge for Grass decks. Evolving gives you more defensive options and the chance to stitch together a more resilient lineup that can weather Fire-type matchups until you can shut down the game with a key pivot.
- Collect and trade thoughtfully. If you’re building a collection for Expanded play, Blipbug is a practical anchor. Its common rarity makes it accessible for trades, while its evolution chain connects you to more valuable cards without breaking the bank.
Art, Lore, and the Joy of the Card
Masakazu Fukuda’s artwork on Blipbug brings a gentle, nature-inspired aesthetic to a card that is all about growth and transformation. The little creature’s hairs and gaze hint at a patient, observant approach to the game—an attitude that resonates with players who value careful planning over quick, reckless aggression. The Battle Styles set keeps the story grounded in a familiar world of Pokémon you can grow with, not just cards you collect. The art enriches the experience, reminding us that even a small, common Pokémon can blossom into something memorable when given the right support and timing.
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