Custom Pet Pokemon Cards? Quick Answer

With so many cards produced over the past year and the recent Pokémon Go drop, Pokémon cards are still massive and still selling for insane numbers. But what are the most expensive Pokemon cards out there?

The value and rarity of a Pokemon card is primarily determined by one factor, how many of them have been officially released. The rarer the card, the more expensive it gets, with some of the most valuable being well over $1,000,000. We even recently tested whether a PSA Charizard could survive extreme conditions, such as: B. being set on fire, shot and drowned so you know how safe your cards are. From the Gold Star Umbreon to the Pikachu Illustrator, here are the 15 most expensive Pokémon cards in the world right now.

Rare and valuable Pokémon cards

15. 24k Gold 20th Anniversary Pikachu

A rare solid gold card

Sold in October 2016 for 216,000 yen ($2,081).

The card is a reprint of the game’s original Pikachu, albeit in solid 24k gold. Image: Nintendo/Creatures Inc./Game Freak

While many of the rarest Pokémon cards are cards released in the early years of the game, this card is an exception in that it made its debut just a few years ago in 2016, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Pokémon TCG.

What makes the Pikachu 20th Anniversary card so special is the fact that it’s made of solid gold. Actually 11 grams of 24k gold. Japanese jewelery maker Ginza Tanaka produced a limited run of solid gold cards based on the original Japanese Pikachu card – affectionately dubbed “Fat Pikachu” due to the electric mouse’s distinctive chubby cheeks in its original design.

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The only way to get a copy of the golden Pikachu was by entering a lottery that was held in 2016. If you won, you had the chance to buy a copy of the limited-edition card for 216,000 yen – or around $2,081/£1,700. It came in a special anniversary frame and box which you hope will be kept safe given the price and rarity.

Although the card replicates the original Pikachu card – including the Pocket Monsters Card Game logo on the back and Japanese text on the front – it’s actually not legal for use in tournaments. You know, because it’s made of gold. We probably wouldn’t recommend swapping it in the schoolyard either, unless your friend has a Rolls-Royce they can give you in exchange.

14th Raichu Prerelease

A card so rare it can only be a rumor

Reportedly sold in April 2009 for $10,500

Fact or Fiction? Prerelease Raichu might be the rarest Pokémon card of all time—if it’s real.

Perhaps the most controversial Pokémon card of all time, Prerelease Raichu may also be the rarest Pokémon card ever made—in fact, it’s so rare it’s difficult to pinpoint exact details.

It has long been rumored that Prerelease Raichu was a card printed by mistake in advance of the 1999 English-language release of the Pokémon TCG’s second expansion, Jungle. Raichu cards from the game’s base set were inadvertently reprinted with the word “Prerelease” stamped in the lower right corner of the card artwork. The game’s English manufacturer, Wizards of the Coast, reportedly destroyed all but a fraction of the copies, leaving 10 or fewer in the wild. The few remaining copies are believed to have been passed on to Wizards of the Coast employees.

For years, the existence of Prerelease Raichu was rumored until 2006 when a supposedly genuine copy surfaced by a former Wizards of the Coast employee, apparently changing hands for $10,500. Whether the sale was real or an elaborate April Fool’s joke remains questionable in view of the April 1st closing date.

Whether Prerelease Raichu actually exists remains a matter of debate – no copies of the map have even been professionally certified or sold at auction, although a number of obvious forgeries have surfaced over the years. If a legitimate copy of the card turns up, it could well set a new record for the most valuable and rarest Pokémon card of all time. Until then, it remains a true Holy Grail.

13. Key of the Master

A newer card – but no less rare

Sold in November 2019 for $21,000

Master’s Key is one of the rare Pokémon cards not from the early days of the TCG. Image: PWCC

Master’s Key is another rare Pokémon card awarded to participants in a Pokémon TCG tournament. However, unlike Trainer #1 and his ilk, this card is a little younger and was given to participants at the 2010 Pokémon World Championships in Hawaii.

Both participants in the Trading Card Game tournament and its video game counterpart received a copy of Master’s Key – the cards were identical but presented in a different trophy frame depending on the category.

It is estimated that only 36 copies of the map exist – equivalent to the number of participants in all age groups at the World Championships.

A copy of the Master’s Key card, which was auctioned for more than $21,000 in November 2019, underscores the value of the rare prize card.

12. Espeon and Umbreon Gold Star POP Series 5

A pair of Gold Star Pokémon cards from one of the most valuable Pokémon sets of all time

Sold for $22,000 in February 2021

The Gold Star Pokémon cards are one of the most valuable Pokémon sets ever produced, with Espeon and Umbreon being two of the rarest cards in the set.

Gold Star Pokémon cards are among the most valuable Pokémon decks out there, so they’re incredibly valuable. The cards are named after the gold star that appears next to the Pokémon’s name at the top of the card, which means the card features differently colored art than the regular version. Only 27 Gold Star cards were released from 2004 to 2007, making them the rarest Pokémon cards available.

While all Gold Star Pokémon cards are rare, appearing only about once every 88 booster packs (or two booster boxes) for certain Pokémon TCG expansions, the “Eeveelutions” – the many evolutions to the basic Pokémon of the 1st generation – the rarest Eevee can evolve. And the rarest of the rarest are the original Japanese versions of the cards, offered to members of the Pokémon Players Club, who can spend points earned by participating in officially organized games and tournaments to get exclusive cards.

While Eeveelution’s Flareon, Jolteon, and Vaporeon were available for purchase through the Pokémon Online Store in the 2007 EX Power Keepers set, their Psychic and Dark Elemental siblings, Espeon and Umbreon, could only be claimed by players who had accumulated enough Pokémon Players Club Points. The Espeon 025/PLAY card required 40,000 EXP points to be earned, while Umbreon 026/PLAY was even the most expensive at 70,000 points.

While the Japanese versions of the cards are the most valuable due to their limited availability, even the English language versions of the Espeon and Umbreon Gold Star cards fetch a hefty price tag. A Gold Star Espeon in PSA 10 Gem Mint condition sold for over $22,000 in February 2021, while an equally perfect condition Umbreon fetched just over $20,000 at auction in December 2020. PSA values ​​the two cards at $194,209 and $187,277 respectively, making them easily two of the most valuable Pokémon cards in existence.

11. 2002 Pokémon World Championships #1 Trainer

Each copy of this rare and valuable promo card is unique

Sold for $31,200 in April 2021

The 2002 #1 Coach Card has been personalized with the name of the tournament winner, making each card unique.

This special card, the first of two rare and valuable Pokémon cards named #1 Trainer on this list, was awarded to the winners of the regional Battle Road Spring tournaments held in Japan in early 2002. (Battle Road Summer versions were awarded during competitions held later in the year.)

The regional tournaments were held as qualifiers for the Pokémon World Championships, with the small number of #1 Trainer cards produced for the few winners making them some of the rarest Pokémon cards in existence.

Adding to the rarity of the card is the fact that each #1 Trainer card is personalized with the tournament winner’s name printed on it, making each card unique. According to auction house Heritage Auctions, the personalized aspect of the cards also means they rarely appear at auction, making them an even rarer sight in the world of Pokémon cards.

The 2002 #1 Trainer card was illustrated by Ken Sugimori, best known as one of the original artists and designers for Pokémon’s first generation of 151 Pokémon. The caption reads, “The champion of the Pokémon Card Game Official Tournament Battle Road Spring 2002 is here recognized and his honor celebrated.” Sugimori’s #1 trainer artwork—featuring fan-favorite Pokémon like Pikachu, Chansey, and Marrill—is exclusively for the map and makes it particularly unique.

A copy of the 2002 Pokémon World Championship #1 Trainer Card, complete with the original display folder and even the envelope it came in, was auctioned in April 2021 for just over $31,000. While it’s not the absolute rarest of the #1 trainer cards, it’s still one of the most valuable Pokémon cards.

10. 1996 Pokémon Japanese Base Set No Rarity Symbol Holo Venusaur

A very rare Pokémon card made even more valuable by being autographed by its artist

Sold in November 2021 for $55,000

This special Venusaur card was made even more valuable with the signature of legendary Pokémon illustrator Mitsuhiro Arita. Image: PWCC

Many of the rarest Pokémon cards date back to the early days of the trading card game, with first edition cards released in the 1990s being some of the most valuable Pokémon cards today.

While the first issue stamp on cards in the English edition of the Pokémon card game is highly coveted, the rarest Japanese Pokémon cards are instead denoted by the lack of a stamp. Specifically, a missing black star in the lower-right corner of a Japanese-language card is what’s known as “not a rarity” — meaning the card lacks the common symbol used to indicate a Pokémon card’s rarity.

No Rarity Pokémon cards are some of the rarest Pokémon cards in existence, and few are rarer than the Venusaur Pokémon card from the game’s first edition back in 1996. Only five specimens of the Bulbasaur evolution – famous for its Appearing in the original video game Pokémon Green – were rated a perfect Gem-Mint 10 by PSA, making a flawless copy of the card extremely rare.

While a No Rarity Venusaur card fetches a hefty price on its own, a copy sold in November 2021 set a new record for the rare Pokémon card by fetching $55,000 at auction. Also contributing to the record total was the signature of card illustrator Mitsuhiro Arita—the legendary artist behind many Pokémon cards over the past 20+ years—on the card sleeve, making the already rare Pokémon card truly unique.

9. 1999 Pokémon Japanese Promo Tropical Mega Battle Tropical Wind

An ultra-rare promo card – one of only a dozen ever made

Sold for $65,100 in October 2020

With only a dozen top players awarded in the 1999 Tropical Mega Battle tournament, the Japanese Tropical Wind promo card is extremely rare.

Only 12 Tropical Wind cards were produced as promo cards for the 1999 Tropical Mega Battle, a precursor to the Pokémon World Championships, making it one of the most valuable Pokémon sets out there.

The Tropical Mega Battle saw 50 players from around the world compete in a trading card game tournament in Honolulu, Hawaii. The only way to enter was to win a battle in your region and get an invite, making it an exclusive event for the best Pokémon trainers in the world—and the cards on offer as prizes are some of the rarest Pokémon cards that exist.

This special Tropical Mega Battle promo card, the Japanese-language copy of 1999’s Tropical Wind, has been auctioned for up to $65,100 in PSA Gem Mint 10 condition, with the last record-breaking sale taking place in October 2020. PSA Estimates It’s worth up to $148,482, making the ultra-rare card a contender for one of the most expensive Pokémon cards ever made.

8. 1999 Super Secret Battle #1 Trainer

The answer to “What is the rarest Pokemon card of all time?”

Sold for $90,000 in July 2020

With only seven specimens believed to exist, the Super Secret Battle No. 1 Trainer is easily one of the rarest Pokémon cards ever made.

You are unlikely to be affected by Super Secret Battle No. 1 trainer have heard of, and extremely unlikely you have ever seen a copy in person. When it comes to rare Pokémon cards, there are very few cards rarer than this one.

Trainer #1 is a holographic promotional card awarded to finalists in the 1999 Secret Super Battle tournament held in Tokyo, Japan. In order to secure a place in the finals of the competition, held at a secret location, players first had to win a regional tournament. Their prize was the #1 Coach Card, which gave them access to the finals.

The text of the card reads: “The champion of the official tournament of the Pokémon card game is here recognized and this honor is commended. Presenting this card may grant you priority entry into the secret super battle.” The card features the Japanese logo for the Pocket Monsters Trading Card Game along with artwork of the original generation Pokémon Mewtwo by illustrator Hideki Kazama.

Since only seven regional tournaments were held, only seven copies of this card are believed to have been made – making it one of the rarest Pokémon cards in existence. Six of the ultra-rare cards have since been certified as in perfect Gem Mint 10 condition by PSA – the renowned organization that assesses the quality, condition, and value of trading cards up to the highest level of Gem Mint 10 – in July 2020 for $90,000 will be auctioned.

This is a card so rare and valuable that Indiana Jones probably had to use it to escape a crumbling temple at some point. Its 1999 counterparts, the #2 Trainer and #3 Trainer cards, similarly awarded to Japanese Pokémon tournament winners in the late 1990s, are almost as rare and valuable.

7. 2006 Pokémon World Championships Promo #2 Trainer

One of the rarest Pokémon cards of all time, with only 3 known to exist

Sold for $110,100 in February 2021

Only three copies of the #2 trainer of 2006 were awarded to the event’s winners, making it one of the rarest Pokémon cards of all time—with a price tag to match. Image: PWCC

Like its equally rare and expensive trainer trophy cards, 2006’s #2 trainer is one of the rarest Pokémon cards of all time, with only a small handful of cards ever made.

Given as a trophy card to finalists at the Pokémon World Championships held in August 2006 in Anaheim, California. To get the card, players had to gain entry into the tournament by earning enough points to qualify and then make it to the finals in their divisions.

Only three copies of the 2006 #2 trainer are believed to exist, easily making it one of the rarest Pokémon cards in existence. Its rarity also means it fetches a hefty price tag, with a specimen graded Mint 9 by PSA selling for just over $110,000 in February 2021.

The card itself features the popular Pokémon Pikachu holding up a silver trophy decorated with a holographic pattern. The card reads, “If you won this card at the 2006 Pokémon TCG World Championships, you can return to battle in 2007 as the best.”

Trainer #2’s rarity and value puts it close to the legendary expensive Trainer #1 in terms of rare Pokémon cards – making it one of Pokémon’s most desirable cards.

6. 2000 Pokémon Neo Genesis 1st Edition Holo Lugia #9

A Legendary Pokémon on a Legendary Rare Pokémon card

Sold in May 2021 for $144,300

The Neo Genesis set is notoriously difficult to rate, making rated cards like this Lugia some of the most valuable Pokémon cards available.

Lugia is one of the most iconic and popular Pokemon in the entire series, having appeared on the front page of the early Game Boy game Pokemon Silver and its Nintendo DS remake, SoulSilver. A legendary Gen II Bird Pokémon, Lugia is one of the most powerful and elusive Pokémon players can catch in video games – so it’s only fitting that its Pokémon card is also extremely rare.

The Neo Genesis 1st Edition Holo Lugia #9 Pokémon card is described by auction house PWCC as one of the most difficult Pokémon cards to grade, due to a number of errors and misprints included in the early editions of the Neo Genesis set were for the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Later editions have been corrected, but many of the cards from the expansion remain more common in their earlier uncorrected forms.

As of May 2021, PWCC claims that only 41 Neo Genesis 1st Edition Holo Lugia #9 cards in Gem Mint 10 condition have ever been graded by PSA, with only three having received the maximum BGS 10 Pristine rating from the grading company Beckett Grading Services. The Lugia’s rarity means that it ranks almost as high as the legendary first edition Charizard when it comes to the most valuable Pokémon cards.

Thanks to its popularity and rarity, the Pokémon card also fetches a very high price at auction. A first edition Neo Genesis Lugia, rated PSA 10, reportedly sold for $50,000 in October 2020, while a BGS 10 Pristine copy sold for over $144,000 in May 2021. A legendary price for a definitely legendary card in every sense of the word.

5. Kangaskhan Holo #115 Family Event Trophy Card

The third rarest Pokémon card of all time

Sold for $150,100 in October 2020

Only three copies of the Kangaskhan Trophy card have been sold in the past two decades, making it one of the rarest Pokémon cards of all time.

Dating back to the early days of the trading card game, this valuable Pokémon card was presented to participants in the 1998 Parent-Child Mega Battle tournament in Japan. As the name suggests, teams consisted of parents and children. Those who achieved a set number of wins during the tournament received this special trophy card – the only time it was ever up for grabs as it was never mass-produced – making it one of the rarest promo cards available.

What sets the trophy card apart from its usual counterparts is the inclusion of the Pocket Monsters Card Game logo – the original Japanese name for the Pokémon trading card game – on the back of the card in addition to the front, marking it as an extremely rare variant of the original holographic Kangaskhan.

Following the sale of a PSA 7 card in June 2020 for $35,000, a copy of Kangaskhan holo #115, rated Gem Mint 10 by PSA, sold on eBay in October for over $150,000, which making the already rare card one of the most valuable Pokemon cards sold in recent years.

At the time, auction house PWCC announced that only 46 copies of the map had ever been appraised, with just three ever publicly sold in the more than two decades since the map’s release. The October 2020 auction was the first such sale of a card in mint condition. PWCC described the card as the third rarest Pokémon card in the world and called it museum worthy. Whether in a museum or in someone’s collection, it’s undoubtedly one of the rarest Pokémon cards ever made.

4. Black Star Ishihara Signed GX Promo Card

A card featuring the President of the Pokémon Company himself.

Sold in April 2021 for $247,230

A card for the Pokémon founder’s 60th birthday, also signed by him.

This card, the latest card to make headlines for its sheer value, was auctioned on April 26, 2021 for nearly a quarter million dollars. You can see the full details in our story here, but this card features the Pokémon Company’s founder and current president, Tsunekazu Ishihara, and was given to company employees to celebrate the man’s 60th birthday in 2017.

This makes the card rare, but this particular version is even rarer as Ishihara actually signed this near mint condition card to boost its price even further. The “2017 P.M. SM Black Star #TPCi01 Tsunekazu Ishihara Autographed Pokémon GX Promo Card, to use its full title, is a testament to the raw power the Pokémon President appears to possess. The Red Chanchanko ability refers to the red vest traditionally worn for 60th birthdays in Japan and prevents the effects of attacks, abilities, or trainer cards against Ishihara. Meanwhile, the GX train “60 Congratulations” asks you to flip 60 coins and take a gift for each one. A truly legendary card.

3. Pokémon Blastoise #009/165R commissioned presentation Galaxy Star Hologram

A unique card that suddenly became one of the most valuable Pokémon cards of all time

Sold in January 2021 for $360,000

The Blastoise is an extremely rare Pokémon card that was auctioned for $360,000.

One of only two Pokémon cards of its kind in existence – making it extremely rare – this Blastoise suddenly became one of the most valuable Pokémon cards of all time after it was auctioned for a whopping $360,000 (£266,000) in January 2021.

The ultra-rare Pokémon card was created as a presentation piece by Wizards of the Coast, makers of Magic: The Gathering, in 1998 to convince Nintendo of Japan executives to take over the English-language publishing of the trading card game. The game would eventually make its international debut a year later in 1999.

Although two Blastoise presentation cards were produced, this is the only one that has been seen publicly. Even more impressive is that it has an NM/Mint+ 8.5 rating from certification website CGC, meaning the 20+ year old card is in near perfect condition. The location and condition of the other presentation map remains unknown – meaning this may be the only such map of its type left.

2. 1999 First Edition Shadowless Holographic Charizard #4

A very valuable version of a classic fan favorite

Sold in March 2022 for $420,000

Brilliant Charizard has always been in demand, but its shadowless variant is also extremely rare.

Shiny Charizard has been one of the most popular cards in the Pokémon card game since its release in 1999, so it’s no surprise that more than 20 years later it’s one of the most coveted cards for collectors and fans alike.

While a number of first-edition cards from the early days of the Pokémon TCG are worth some money due to their limited availability and age—provided they’re still in good condition—this particular version of the holographic Charizard stands out as the absolute rarest and most valuable Pokémon- Maps ever published.

A PSA 10 Base Set 1st Edition Charizard has just sold at auction with a final bid of $183,812.00 via @IconicAuctions.

Including the 20% buyer premium, the total transaction value exceeds $220,000.

As of now, this is the highest known sale of the card. pic.twitter.com/2mwkoopTvL — Cardhops (@Cardhops) October 10, 2020

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What makes the card stand out is the lack of a shadow under the fire-breathing dragon-type Pokemon. This was a typographical error that has been corrected on most printed cards, making the shadowless card that much rarer. According to auction house Iconic Auctions, the rare card is “the Holy Grail of Pokémon cards, the most iconic and important card for both the Pokémon franchise and its die-hard fans.”

A shadowless holographic PSA 10 Charizard in mint condition first edition sold at auction to retired rapper – and Pokémon fan – Logic in October 2020 for a whopping $220,574, setting a new record for the already valuable card, according to card game outlet Cardhops.

That record was broken in November 2020 after a copy of Shadowless Charizard sold for $350,100 at auction, before reportedly breaking it once just a month later with the sale of a copy for $369,000 – auction house Goldin Auctions claimed the number was that highest amount of money ever paid for a Pokémon card.

The record price for any Pokémon card was set by us tonight, this @sgcgrading Gold Label Charizard sold for $369,000. WE ACCEPT POKEMON SHIPMENTS, 1st email cards only please [email protected] pic.twitter.com/bqliNhtKEg — Goldin Auctions (@GoldinAuctions) December 13, 2020

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Since that record-breaking sale, Gem Mint 10’s Shadowless Charizard has continued to be one of the most valuable Pokémon cards of all time, with another sale in January 2021 raking in $300,000.

A year later, that record was broken again by a PSA 10 Charizard, sold for $420,000 in March 2022. The price is the highest paid for a Shadowless Charizard to date, making it the third-highest price ever paid for a Pokémon card — cementing its place as one of the most valuable Pokémon cards in existence.

Heritage Auctions called Charizard’s first issue “arguably the hottest card in the entire hobby,” with just 121 examples reportedly classified as a Gem Mint 10 by PSA.

1. Pikachu Illustrator

Extremely expensive, extremely rare – the holy grail of Pokémon cards

Sold in July 2021 for $5.275 million

Pikachu Illustrator is the most expensive Pokémon card out there and the true Holy Grail of Pokémon card collecting – only one known PSA 10, released in July 2021 by YouTuber Logan Paul for a whopping $5,275,000 was bought.

He bought the Illustrator in exchange for a PSA 9 version of the same card, said to be worth $1,275,000 plus an additional $4 million. While he bought it in 2021, the private sale wasn’t announced until he wore it around his neck at the WWE wrestling event WrestleMania in 2022, where he then received a Guinness World Record for the most expensive Pokémon trading card sold in a private sale.

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However, prior to Paul’s stunning trade, the card was still very valuable, with a PSA 9 selling for $195,000 in 2019 and a PSA 7 for $375,000 in 2021, and before its private sale was announced, a PSA 7 in 2022 for $900,000.

It’s no surprise that it’s so expensive though, it’s one of the rarest cards out there. Pikachu Illustrator was originally given to the winners of promo contests held by the Japanese magazine CoroCoro Comic in 1997 and 1998. 39 copies were officially awarded to the winners, while two copies were later rediscovered in 2020 by one of the card game’s co-creators, Yuichi Konno, bringing the total number of existing copies of Pikachu Illustrator to 41.

Die Karte ist nicht nur lächerlich selten, sondern auch in vielerlei Hinsicht einzigartig. Es ist die einzige Pokémon-Karte, auf der oben auf der Karte „Illustrator“ statt „Trainer“ steht, und hat ein einmaliges Stiftsymbol in der unteren rechten Ecke, um ihre Erstellung für den Designwettbewerb zu würdigen. Das Artwork von Pikachu auf der Karte stammt von der Illustratorin Atsuko Nishida, der ursprünglichen Designerin des beliebten Pokémon.

Der japanische Text auf der Karte lautet: „Wir bestätigen, dass Ihre Illustration ein hervorragender Beitrag zum Pokémon Card Game Illust Contest ist. Daher erklären wir, dass Sie ein offiziell autorisierter Pokémon-Karten-Illustrator sind und Ihre Fähigkeiten bewundern.”

Nur 23 Exemplare der Pikachu-Illustrator-Karte wurden bisher vom Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) zertifiziert, der für die Einstufung des Kartenzustands verantwortlich ist, sodass einige der äußerst seltenen Pokémon-Karten möglicherweise noch nicht wieder auftauchen.

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Check out all Pika pictures!

Parts of the northern hemisphere are home to the pika. Although they resemble a rat, hares and rabbits are their closest relatives in the animal kingdom. One of the ways you can tell you’re looking at a pika is that it doesn’t have a tail. Their bodies are small and round.

In Rocky Mountain National Park, pika live high in the trees. The park is one of the few places on earth where two subspecies of the animal are found. One of these species calls the southern hemisphere home, while the other calls the northern hemisphere home.

Four Pika Top Facts

The American pika represents climate change

Pika is an animal closely related to the rabbit

Pika prefers solitude to company

They warn each other of nearby predators

Pika Scientific name

The scientific name of the pika is Ochotona Minor. It is part of the Mammalia class and the Ochotinade family. American pikas belong to the lagomorph group and are also its smallest members.

The word pika dates back to the years between 1820 and 1830. A German naturalist used it to describe the sound of the Russian pika, which means to squeak. Because Pika makes a high-pitched sound, the word is used to describe the animal.

Appearance and behavior of Pika

The body of a pika is small and short. It has big, round ears. The average pika is seven or eight inches long. In comparison, a skittle is twice the size of a pika. They weigh between 2.6 ounces and 10 ounces, making them about the same weight as a hamster.

A pika is either black or tan and has a thick coat of fur to keep them warm during the winter months. The dark color of their fur helps them blend in with the rocks in their natural environment.

As the weather warms up, a Pika’s coat will thin out so it doesn’t get too hot in the sun. However, in extreme heat, their fur is still thick enough for them to suffer.

Pika are animals that live close together and in colonies. Within their colonies, each has its own den. They warn each other when a predator is nearby, warning each other by whistling. That’s why Pika has big ears.

Pika Habitat

There are only certain places in the world where you can find a Pika. They can be found in a few places in Europe, Asia, and North America. Mountain meadows are generally located near where the pika live, as they often live on cliffs.

Some pika live at low altitudes, such as those in California’s Lava Bed National Monument. Other states where the pika resides are:

New Mexico

Montana

Nevada

Wyoming

Utah

Colorado

Oregon

Washington

Idaho

Pika can also be found in western Canada.

pika diet

Pika are herbivorous animals, so their diet consists mostly of vegetables. During the day they hunt berries and seeds, but also thistles, grasses and weeds. They live in places with rocky mountain formations and gather food in the summer so they don’t go hungry all winter.

Pika Predators & Threats

Because they are so small, pika like to live apart from other animals. But they are still vulnerable to predators. Weasels are their most common threat. Others include cats, birds of prey, foxes, eagles, coyotes, and dogs.

It’s not just predators that pose a threat to the pika. Increasingly warm weather decreases the pika population. When the outside air temperature is 77 degrees Fahrenheit, Pika cannot survive for more than six hours. They are threatened with extinction if the world continues to warm.

Pika reproduction, babies and lifespan

The breeding season for pika occurs in the earliest part of spring. It is not uncommon for them to have another breeding season in the summer. When they are ready to breed, one pika stays in one area and another pika in another area. The two pika will call each other, which will start the reproductive process.

Pika carries babies for a month before the babies are born. The average size of a pika litter is three. However, they may have as few as two babies, or as many as six.

For the first month of a pika’s life, they must stay with their mother. From the age of three months they are considered adults. When they turn one year old, they are old enough to breed. The average lifespan of pika rodents is six years. However, due to circumstances beyond their control, some live only half as long.

pika population

Because of global warming, animal rights activists have tried to declare pika an endangered species. As of 2020, this has not happened. Pika used to live in 29 different locations across California. Now they only live in 11 of those 29 places. This has caused concern among those interested in their welfare.

Pika used to live in Zion National Park in Utah but is no longer found there. While some still live in the Great Basin (between Utah’s Wasatch Mountains and both the Cascade Mountains and the Sierra Nevada), one study showed that the area had 44% fewer pika than there used to be. In both Nevada and Oregon, the pika population is believed to be only 1/3 of what it was before.

Check out all 120 animals that start with P

Pugemon leadership

Has there ever been anything cuter than a Pugémon? Unlikely.

Australian illustrator Sean Dowling is obsessed with three things: art, dogs, and Pokémon. Combining those loves into one project, he created Pugémon – a series of adorable illustrations depicting what Pokémon would look like if they were tiny pugs.

Yes that’s right. Two of the internet’s most beloved things have come together in a glorious fusion of cuteness and geeky nostalgia that will have you pulling out your old Game Boy and Pokédex.

Also See: Pokemon’s First-Ever Super Bowl Ad Will Cheer You Up In Your Childhood

Mashable Australia spoke to Dowling via email about the creative process behind his project, which is currently being crowdfunded on Kickstarter. “They started out as warm-up drawings. Every morning before I start work I’ll do a quick sketch or make something to get my brain going,” he said. “So they were necessarily very quick and easy.”

25_Pikachu

“It’s Bulbasaur’s fault,” Dowling said, referring to the Pokémon character. “He was the first one I drew and I’ve always loved his big, ridiculous mouth. When he yawned or screamed, his whole face opened up to reveal that huge pink smile. It always reminded me of pugs and boston terriers because they have the same wide mouth that just screams personality.”

Each illustration even has its own pug-themed name based on its Pokémon equivalent.

01_Bulbasaurus

Image: Sean Dowling

Each Pugémon takes about half an hour to illustrate. So far, Dowling has completed 110 of the 151 first generation Pokémon and is already considering further expansions of the project. “Certainly doing the different Eevee evolutions would be a fun sequel,” he said. “There have been some requests for it, so I think Pokémon fans would love to see it.”

That’s not to say everything went smoothly, with some of the Pokémon proving to be more challenging than others. For example, the customization of bird Pokémon was problematic in terms of style and design. The question of whether the dogs really had wings or were just in costumes often bothered Dowling, leading to many “deep philosophical discussions” about the best direction.

The story goes on

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Image: Sean Dowling

Growing up with Pokémon, almost every kid of the 90s has their favorite. In terms of his Pugémon creations, Dowling is definitely in the water corner, endorsing Staryu as his favorite illustration thanks to his stylistic direction. “It’s such an abstract thing, turning into a dog, and one day I just had this flash of inspiration that the star and gem were like a ‘cone of shame’ or a space helmet that this chocolate pug was wearing (and licking Inside).”

120_Staryu

Image: Sean Dowling

Dowling’s Kickstarter campaign still has a long way to go, and the hope is that nostalgia could inspire people to participate. “Obviously crowdfunding projects is a tough game and getting people to see the work is part of the game, but those who have seen it all seem very positive about them all,” he said.

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At PokeCardMaker, we have a long history of creating custom trading cards. We run several trading card shops and now we want to give some love back to our community.

With our map maker tool you have the opportunity to create your digital map completely free of charge and show it to your friends via our map gallery!

Of course it can happen that you fall in love with the map you have created and now want to have it as a real map. You have the opportunity to have your card created and sent by us in real life!

The Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield expansion launches February 7, 2020, bringing incredible Pokémon from the Galar region and powerful new Pokémon-V to the game. These Pokémon-V have massive HP and incredibly strong Abilities and Attacks, but they also award two Prize cards when Knocked Out. Some can evolve into incredibly powerful Pokémon VMAX, but be careful—if one of your Pokémon VMAX is Knocked Out, your opponent gets three Prize cards!

Among the first Pokémon V to be revealed are two Legendary Pokémon from the Galar region, Zacian V and Zamazenta V. Zacian V’s Dauntless Sword Ability helps you find and attach Metal Energy from your deck, and its attack Brave Blade uses this energy to do the following: massive 230 damage! Zamazenta V’s Dauntless Shield Ability prevents attack damage from opposing Pokémon VMAX, while its Assault Tackle attack does 130 damage and knocks a Special Energy off its target. The steely might of these Legendary Pokémon is unparalleled in the Pokémon TCG!

Zacian V and Zamazenta V aren’t the only new Pokémon joining the action. You can also look forward to seeing the evolved forms of the first partner Pokémon from the Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield video games. Even the adorable Galarian Ponyta is ready to join the fray—and rest assured that other Galar-region Pokémon won’t be far behind.

The first Pokémon VMAX have also been revealed, with two Pokémon originally discovered in Kanto taking the spotlight. Lapra’s VMAX has virtually unlimited damage potential with its G-Max Pump attack, and deals 30 more damage for each Water Energy attached. And with 340 HP, Relaxo VMAX has the highest HP ever approved for a competitive Pokémon. In addition to fighting abilities, each of these cards features stunning artwork of the Pokémon’s Gigantamax form – a dream to add to any collection.

Stay tuned to Pokemon.com for more details on the Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield expansion as we near launch on February 7th!

Each Pokémon has fighting power (CP) and hit points (HP).

All Pokemon start out with full HP upon acquisition, but HP may be depleted during battle.

Each and every Pokemon is assigned CP when caught, which indicates how well that particular Pokemon will do in battle. Not all Pokemon have the same CP – for example, if you caught two Pikachu, they don’t necessarily have the same CP.

Generally, as you gain XP and become a higher level trainer, the CP of the Pokemon you catch will be higher. However, some types of Pokemon will always have a lower CP, of course.

You can turn on your Pokemon to increase their CP and HP.

25 Most Expensive Pokemon Cards People are crazy about Pokemon cards, and the most expensive ones cost well over $100,000.

25 Most Expensive Pokemon Cards The Pokemon trading card game surged in popularity during the pandemic as people looked for a new hobby to while their time. The result? Swarms of collectors staking store shelves for the latest packs, and an unprecedented surge in prices for the rarest Pokémon cards. Some of these Pokémon cards are extremely valuable, with the world’s most expensive Pokémon card selling for $375,000 on the PWCC marketplace in 2021 — $15,000 more than the previous record holder. That’s correct. Some people are willing to pay for a cardboard Pikachu or Charizard rather than an entire house. That’s okay. We don’t judge. These are the 25 most expensive Pokémon cards in the world. While you almost certainly don’t have these ultra-rare cards tucked away in a box somewhere, it’s always fun to see what collectors are willing to pay now for cards that were once worth pennies.

25. 2005 Holo Gold Star Espeon #25 Price: $21,988.80

Conclusion: 2005 Holo Gold Star Espeon #25 The Gold Star Espeon was only available to members of the Pokemon Player’s Club, and they needed 50,000 EXP points by the end of Season 4 to get it. A player would have to earn points by playing games, holding events, participating in tournaments, or participating in events. And they would only have four seasons to do it. It’s an extremely rare card. This makes it a valuable collector’s item. There are believed to be 37, and only one of those maps was graded above this mint 9 grade map, which sold for almost $22,000 at a PWCC auction in late February 2021.

24. 1999 First Edition Shadowless Holo Venusaur Price: $22,615

Conclusion: 1999 First Edition Shadowless Holo Venusaur This Venusaur is the final evolution of the original Bulbasaur and is one of the hardest and most expensive Pokémon cards out there. Venusaur is very popular, so collectors tend to stick with the big green guy unless the price is right. This has been rated a perfect 10 “Gemmint” by the PSA.

23. 1999 First Edition Shadowless Holo Mewtwo #10 Price: $22,655

Bottom Line: 1999 First Edition Shadowless Holo Mewtwo No. 10 Mewtwo is a feline Pokémon created by science and the main villain of the Pokémon franchise. As such, it’s one of the most popular Pokemon cards out there, as it inspires some serious nostalgia among Pokemon collectors. The PSA has given 80 of these a grade 10 rating, and they are now selling in the $22,000 range based on the retail price of this Mewtwo, which was sold in November 2020.

22. 1999 First Edition Holo Shadowless Hitmonchan #7 Price: $23,100

Conclusion: 1999 First Edition Holo Shadowless Hitmonchan No. 7 The Hitmonchan was a popular card that was actually played in the original Pokemon base set. As such, it’s very difficult to find one in exceptional condition, which drives up the price of Hitmonchans in perfect condition. The most expensive Hitmonchan card ever sold was $23,100 in November 2020. This is a fairly expensive special stamp.

21. 1996 Japanese Holo Poliwrath No Rarity No. 62 Price: $25,015

End result: 1996 Japanese Holo Poliwrath No Rarity No. 62 The Poliwrath is a blue water-powered Pokémon with a large, muscular body that evolves from Poliwhirl. It’s a tough one and can be sold for the price of a car. This original Japanese Pokemon base set Poliwrath card does not have a black star in the bottom right corner. In addition, it is in absolute top condition. Only three of these cards were in mint grade 10 gem condition.

20. 2003 Skyridge Holo Crystal Charizard #146 Price: $25,100

End result: 2003 Skyridge Holo Crystal Charizard #146 This Charizard card is the last version produced by Wizards of the Coast. The Skyridge set is one of the rarest Pokémon sets on the market, with unopened packs selling for around $260. The crystal cards are the most valuable Pokémon cards in this set, and some of the most valuable Pokémon cards in the world. Especially the Crystal Charizard, which can now be sold for $25,000.

18. 2004 Team Rocket Returns Gold Star Holo Torchic #108 (Tie) Price: $25,400

Bottom line: 2004 Team Rocket Returns Gold Star Holo Torchic #108 Gold Star Pokemon cards are pursuit cards that have a pull rate of about one in two boxes. Team Rocket Returns was the final addition to the Team Rocket set and is a fan favorite. Booster boxes range from $7,500 to $10,000, and Gold Star Torchic is one of the most desirable cards in the entire lineup, especially when it’s in perfect condition.

18. 2006 Dragon Frontiers Gold Star Holo Charizard #100 (Draw) Price: $25,400

Bottom Line: 2006 Dragon Frontiers Gold Star Holo Charizard #100 In 2018, a mint condition Dragon Frontiers Gold Star Charizard went for $4,000 or less. Less than three years later, those cards cost eight times as much. It’s all due to the rising popularity of Pokemon trading cards and fans’ love for Charizard. This Gold Star Charizard is from the 2006 Dragon Frontiers expansion set. Super rare and super expensive, this is a Pokémon card that will burn a hole in your bank account.

17. Pokémon World Championship 2010 Master Key Prize: $26,900

Conclusion: Pokémon World Championship 2010 Master Key The Pokémon World Championship Master Key is a coveted Pokémon trophy card presented to the 36 participants in the 2010 Pokémon World Championships in Waikoloa Village, Hawaii. The foil around the edges glitters in the light, and the text reads, “Draw a card. Then flip a coin. If head, shuffle Master’s Key into your deck.” A Class 9 was auctioned in August 2020 for $26,900. That’s over $5,000 more than a copy that sold for $21,201 in November 2019.

16. 1999 1st Edition Base Set Shadowless Holo Chansey No.3 Price: $36,877

Conclusion: 1999 1st Edition Base Set Shadowless Holo Chansey No.3 The first Pokemon holograms had a manufacturing defect that could easily scratch the surfaces. This means that most hologram variants are in less than ideal condition, driving up the price of pristine first edition hologram cards. One of the most expensive first-edition holograms in mint condition is the shadowless Chansey, which sold for nearly $36,900 in November 2020 after 47 bids at trading card auction house PWCC. PSA only rated 46 of these cards with a perfect 10, like new.

15. 1995 Japanese Topsun Holofoil Charizard No.6 Price: $37,600

End result: 1995 Japanese Topsun Holofoil Charizard No.6 It’s unclear if Topsun was the first line of Pokemon cards ever made (there’s an entire thread on the subject if you’re interested). Regardless, they’re still considered one of the earliest Pokemon cards. It’s no surprise that Charizard, a longtime fan-favorite Pokémon, is one of the most expensive Pokémon in the Topsun set. This card is a holofoil variant and was gem mint grade 10, making it extremely valuable. It sold for $37,600 at auction on the PWCC Marketplace.

13. 1999 Shadowless Base Set Holo Blastoise #2 (Tie) Price: $45,100

Conclusion: 1999 Shadowless Base Set Holo Blastoise #2 Blastoise is an iconic Pokemon with turrets on its shell that deal a lot of water damage. He became iconic for being on the cover of Pokemon Blue for Game Boy and remains a popular Pokemon card to collect from the original base set. The shadowless hologram version of Blastoise typically ranges from $182 to over $6,000, but a particularly beautiful version auctioned by PWCC fetched a bid of $45,100.

13. 2005 Ex Deoxys Rayquaza Gold Star Holo (tie) Price: $45,100

Bottom Line: 2005 Ex Deoxys Rayquaza Gold Star Holo The Ex Deoxys booster boxes are some of the most expensive Pokemon booster boxes ever made, and the Rayquaza Gold Star card is one of the most coveted cards from those boxes. If you had two boxes of Ex Deoxys, you had a chance to draw one of these cards – that’s how rare they are. Even those in poor condition can fetch $235, while those in the best condition can cost as much as a new car.

12. 2017 Ishihara GX Price: $50,000

Conclusion: 2017 Ishihara GX This Pokémon card is unlike any other. The Ishihara GX Pokemon Card features Pokemon Company CEO Tsunekazu Ishihara and was distributed at the 2018 Pokemon Worlds event in Nashville, Tennessee to celebrate Ishihara’s 60th birthday. Ishihara himself gave these cards to guests made up of Pokemon staff. It is unclear how many of these were made, although the circulation is estimated at between 300 and 200 copies. A 10 mint sold by Collectors Cache fetched $50,000 on eBay in March 2020.

11. 1999 Japanese Tropical Mega Battle #2 Trainer Prize: $50,300

Conclusion: 1999 Japanese Tropical Mega Battle No. 2 Coaches This 1999 Tropical Mega Battle card was awarded to the top three players in the tournament from each region. Only five of them were authenticated by PSA, and there was basically no sales history until this trophy card sold for $50,300 at auction in late October 2020.

10. 2005 Japanese Summer Battle Road Mew Victory Orb Trophy Prize: $60,000

Final result: 2005 Japanese Summer Battle Road Mew Victory Orb Trophy Three of the top players in each age group of the 2005 Pokémon Summer Battle Road tournament received a copy of the Victory Orb Mew card. An estimated 162 of these cards were issued, but it is unclear how many still exist. Only 16 of them received the Gem Mint grade from PSA, and one of them sold for not much less than the price of a Tesla Model S in 2020.

9. 1999 Japanese Tropical Mega Battle Tropical Wind Promotion Price: $65,100

Bottom Line: 1999 Japanese Tropical Mega Battle Tropical Wind Promo The 1999 Japanese Tropical Mega Battle Finals trophy card was awarded during the original Japanese Pokémon World Championship (then called the Japanese Tropical Mega Battle). The event took place in Honolulu, Hawaii as the final match between 50 players from around the world. In this card, Psyduck and Jigglypuff are hanging in a hammock. Subsequent versions of this map, all featuring Psyduck, have been distributed to Mega Battle participants each year.

8. 1998 Tamamushi University Japanese Magikarp Trophy Promotional Price: $66,100

Bottom Line: 1998 Tamamushi University Japanese Magikarp Trophy Promotion The Tamamushi University Magikarp Trophy Card was an award given to players at a Pokémon tournament for children in Japan. Only 69 of these Magikarps were graded by PSA and 12 received Gemmint status. One of these gem mints was sold at PWCC in February 2021 for $66,100. The artwork created by Ken Sugimori never had an English publication.

7. 1999 Super Secret Battle #1 Trainer Hologram Promotion Price: $90,000

Bottom Line: 1999 Super Secret Battle #1 Trainer Hologram Promo The Super Secret Battle card granted a player entry to a secret gaming tournament in Japan. It was the Pokémon equivalent of a Willy Wonka gold ticket, according to Heritage Auctions, which sold the coveted card for $90,000 in July 2020. Only seven of these cards exist. The text reads: “The champion of the Official Pokémon Card Game Tournament is here recognized, and that honor is commended.

6. 1995 Japanese Topsun Blue Back Numberless Charizard Price: $98,850 According to the PWCC, this was one of the first Pokémon cards ever released, making it the very first Charizard. The original Pokemon cards were released in Japan and featured chewing gum. The card is blue backed, meaning it is considered part of the first printing, and the lack of a card number indicates that this is among the first printings of the first run, according to the PWCC. So, yes, it’s no surprise that this ultra-rare card fetched such a hefty sum. It was also a Grade 9 mint example, which greatly increased its value.

Bottom line: 1995 Japanese Topsun Blue Back Numberless Charizard According to the PWCC, this was one of the first Pokémon cards ever released, making it the very first Charizard. The original Pokemon cards were released in Japan and featured chewing gum. The card is blue backed, meaning it is considered part of the first printing, and the lack of a card number indicates that this is among the first printings of the first run, according to the PWCC. So, yes, it’s no surprise that this ultra-rare card fetched such a hefty sum. It was also a Grade 9 mint example, which greatly increased its value.

5. 2006 Pokemon World Championships Promo #2 Trainer Prize: $110,100 This #2 trainer card trophy could only be won at the 2006 Pokemon World Championships in Anaheim, California. Players had to reach the top ranks for this literal trophy, and it is believed that only three were ever issued. PWCC sold a mint condition version of this Class 9 card in February 2021 for $110,100.

Bottom Line: 2006 Pokemon World Championships Promo #2 Trainer This #2 trainer card trophy could only be won at the 2006 Pokemon World Championships in Anaheim, California. Players had to reach the top ranks for this literal trophy, and it is believed that only three were ever issued. PWCC sold a mint condition version of this Class 9 card in February 2021 for $110,100.

4. 2000 New Genesis First Edition Holo Lugia #9 Price: $129,000 Lugia is an extremely popular Pokemon, and the very first English Lugia card can be very expensive – especially if it’s in great condition. But these are hard to find due to their popularity. While a Class 3 First Edition Lugia in “good” condition can cost $40, higher-classed specimens can cost several thousand dollars. The most expensive of these Lugias ever sold fetched $129,000 at a PWCC auction in November 2020. It was in perfect “gem” condition.

Conclusion: 2000 New Genesis First Edition Holo Lugia No. 9 The Lugia is an extremely popular Pokemon, and the very first English Lugia card can be very expensive – especially if it’s in great condition. But these are hard to find due to their popularity. While a Class 3 First Edition Lugia in “good” condition can cost $40, higher-classed specimens can cost several thousand dollars. The most expensive of these Lugias ever sold fetched $129,000 at a PWCC auction in November 2020. It was in perfect “gem” condition.

3. 1998 Kangaskhan Holo Family Event Trophy Promotional Price: $150,000

Final Score: 1998 Kangaskhan Holo Family Event Trophy Promo This card could only be obtained by winning a certain number of battles during a 1998 Japanese Parent/Child Pokémon Tournament. An unknown number of them exist, and only 46 have been assessed by PSA. According to the PWCC, this is considered the third rarest Pokémon card in the entire world. A Grade 7 version of this card sold for $35,000 in the summer of 2020, but a Grade 10 version blew that price out of the water when it sold for $150,000 later that year. What appears to be the same card (only a class of 10 is currently known) is now being sold on eBay with a list price of over $485,000.

2. 1999 Charizard First Edition Shadowless Price: $350,100

Verdict: 1999 Charizard First Edition Shadowless This shadowless 1999 Charizard made headlines when rapper Logic spent $220,000 for this absolutely pristine Gem Mint 10-spec Pokémon card in October 2020. In December 2021, Logic flipped the card at PWCC for $350,100. “To date, PSA has evaluated 2,166 Shadowless Charizard examples, with only fifty, even fifty, receiving the GEM MINT designation,” according to PWCC.

1. 1998 Japanese Promo Holo Illustrator Pikachu Price: $375,000

Dane started gaming at the tender age of 3 with the first Atari console. His favorite video game genres are turn-based RPGs (can I call Tactics Ogre?) and fighting games. Continue reading…

The Pokemon series has long been full of hidden stats that determine how powerful your Pokemon can be. IVs and EVs have defined Pokemon’s individual stats for generations, but in Pokemon Sword and Shield there are two other, even more confusing, stats that affect your Pokemon: Friendship and Affection. In this Pokemon Sword and Shield Affection vs Friendship guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about these stats if you’re wondering, “Why is my Pokemon shaking in battle?”

What is the difference between affection and friendship/luck in Pokemon Sword and Shield?

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Because “friendship,” “happiness,” “affection,” and “loyalty” all sound pretty much the same, trying to figure out what that is can be very confusing. To help you sort everything, we will first list the differences between the two below.

ALSO: Pokemon Sword and Shield Day/Night Cycle | Does the time change in the game?

what is friendship

Friendship is a hidden stat introduced in Pokemon Yellow. It affects the power of certain moves, but Trainers pay most attention to it, since a high Amity is required to evolve the following new and returning Pokemon in Sword and Shield:

Alolan Meowth in Alolan Persian

Eevee in Espeon or Umbreon

Pichu in Pikachu

Cleffa in Clefairy

Togepi in Togetic

Budew in Roselia

Munchlax in Snorlax

Riolu in Lucario

Woobat in Swoobat

Enter: zero in Silvally

Snom in Frosmoth

Pokémon fans also often refer to friendship as luck or loyalty. When you see references to a Pokémon’s “luck” in-game, it’s related to friendship; Any hint you see of a Pokémon’s “kindness” or “luck” is always related to friendship rather than affection.

What is affection?

Affection is another hidden stat introduced in Pokemon X and Y. It affects your Pokemon’s performance in battle, occasionally causing them to critically hit or survive an attack that would otherwise have knocked them out. This is the stat that makes Pokémon wobble in battle. High Affection is only required for a single Pokémon evolution:

Eevee in Sylveon

Affection has no other names. We’ve never seen affection mentioned directly anywhere in the game. So, as mentioned above, if you see a reference to “friendship,” the game is talking about friendship, not affection.

What increases a Pokémon’s Friendship or Affection levels in Pokémon Sword and Shield?

Another important difference between the two values ​​is how they are raised or lowered. Read on for details.

How do you increase friendship?

The following methods can be used to increase your Pokémon’s friendship levels. While we can’t 100% confirm that some of these increase friendship (like using items that increase stats), they worked in previous games and probably haven’t changed for Sword and Shield.

Cooking curry in the Pokemon Camp increases friendship depending on the level of the curry created. The highest Curry, Charizard class, makes Pokemon “very friendly” towards you. Check out our Charizard Class Curry Guide to learn more.

Using a friendship-boosting berry on the Pokemon. The following berries awaken Friendship: Grepa Hondew Kelpsy Pomeg Qualot Tamato

Give a Pokemon the Calmdown Bell to hold, which increases friendship gained over time.

Catch a Pokemon in a Luxury Ball or Friend Ball, both of which increase friendship gain.

Using a Pokemon in battle

Traveling with a Pokémon in your party

Using consumables to increase stats on a Pokemon, such as B.: Vitamins such as HP Up, Protein, Iron, PP Up, etc. Rare Candy and EXP Candy

Probably the quickest way to increase Friendship is to give a Pokemon the Calming Bell, cook it some Curry, play with it, cook more Curry, and keep repeating this process. However, friendship can also be lowered by taking the following actions, so keep these in mind:

Faint a Pokémon in battle.

Using herbal medicine (like Energy Powder or a Revival Herb) on a Pokémon.

Using berries with bitter flavors on a Pokemon.

Storing the Pokémon in the PC box storage.

How do you increase affection?

Unlike Friendship, Affection cannot be lowered, and the only known way to increase a Pokemon’s Affection in Pokemon Sword and Shield is to play with it at your Pokemon Camp. In the past, affection was increased through the similar Pokemon Amie activity in X and Y, and through the Sun and Moon Pokemon update.

How do you know if a Pokemon has high Friendship or Affection in Pokemon Sword and Shield?

Unfortunately, Pokemon Sword and Shield keep your Pokemon’s level of friendship and affection stats hidden. There aren’t any gauges to track these stats, so instead you’ll have to visit outlying NPCs and look for specific characters in your Pokémon camp.

How do you check your Pokemon’s friendship level?

To check a Pokémon’s friendship level, you need to visit the so-called “Friendship Checker” NPC. The Friendship Checker location is in the town of Hammerlocke and is accessible after earning your third Gym Badge. Go to the house pictured above across the street to the right of the Pokemon Center.

In it, a little boy can tell you how a certain Pokémon feels about you. You can also get the Calming Bell from another NPC in the same house.

How do you check your Pokemon’s affection level?

While Pokemon Sun and Moon had an actual affection meter you could relate to, Sword and Shield doesn’t. Instead, you must set up camp and summon your Pokémon. When it’s nearby, press A to “talk” to it, then watch the number of hearts appear over its head. In Sun and Moon, the number of Affection Hearts meant the following effects were applied, and these appear to be the same in Sword and Shield:

Two hearts mean that the Pokémon gains 1.2x experience from battles.

Three hearts means the Pokemon has a chance to survive attacks with 1 HP.

Four hearts means the Pokemon has a chance at the end of a turn to dodge attacks (even those with 100% accuracy) and/or recover from states (asleep, paralyzed, etc.).

Five hearts means the Pokémon’s critical hit chance is doubled.

Even without entering Pokemon Camp and speaking to your Pokemon, you may still see the effects of high affection. As mentioned above, when sent into battle, Pokémon with affection levels high enough to have a potential impact in battle will begin to tremble/shudder from side to side. If you’re watching this, you’ll also likely see messages appear randomly at certain points in the fight. These vary based on your Pokemon’s Affection level, so you can also use them to determine what a Pokemon’s Affection level is. You will likely see the following messages first as they apply during the first stage (two hearts) of affection.

“[Your Pokémon] is thinking about camping…”

“[Your Pokémon] falls asleep… It must be sleepy…”

“[Your Pokémon] appears to be being petted…”

“[Your Pokémon] seems a little worried about being able to fight well…”

These can give the impression that your Pokémon is distracted and therefore doing worse in battle, but don’t worry: since they mean your Pokémon’s affection is growing, it will soon do even better.

Go on an adventure as a Pokémon Trainer in Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon, catching, fighting, and trading brand new Pokémon on the tropical islands of the Alola region.