CARD INFORMATION

SUBTYPES:
- Basic
HP: 70
TYPES:
- Fire
EVOLVES TO:
- Pignite
WEAKNESSES:
- TYPE: Water
- VALUE: ×2
RETREATCOST:
- Colorless
RETREAT COST: 1
RARITY: Common
FLAVOR TEXT: It can deftly dodge its foe's attacks while shooting fireballs from its nose. It roasts berries before it eats them.
REGULATIONMARK: I

CARD ABILITIES

This card has no abilities

CARD ATTACKS

NAME: Tackle
COST:
- Fire
ENERGY COST: 1
DAMAGE: 10
DETAILS:

NAME: Rollout
COST:
- Fire
- Fire
ENERGY COST: 2
DAMAGE: 30
DETAILS:

MARKET PRICES FOR TEPIG 💰

Last updated: 2026/02/25

HIGH	2.29	USD
MID	0.11	USD	TREND
LOW	0.03	USD

Check the latest prices on:

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Tepig, the Fire-type Basic Pokémon from the White Flare set, serves as a foundational piece for Pignite and Emboar evolution chains.

With its modest 70 HP and straightforward attack structure, beginners might find it approachable, but how does it measure up in competitive play? Let's analyze this fiery starter's potential on the battlefield.

Offensive rating: 2/10

Tepig's offensive capabilities are quite limited, even for a Basic Pokémon.

Its primary attack, Tackle, deals just 10 damage for one Fire Energy—underwhelming by any standard.

Its secondary attack, Rollout, requires two Fire Energy for a modest 30 damage with no additional effects.

The damage-to-energy ratio is poor, offering just 15 damage per energy at best.

Without any bonus effects, damage modifiers, or ability to bypass defenses, Tepig struggles to make a meaningful offensive impact.

Its only saving grace is the relatively low energy investment needed to attack, but the payoff simply isn't there.

Survival rating: 3/10

With just 70 HP, Tepig falls on the lower end of the durability spectrum.

Its x2 Water weakness is particularly problematic in a meta where Water-type attackers can easily deal 140+ damage, guaranteeing a one-hit knockout.

The single Colorless retreat cost is a modest positive, offering some mobility without excessive energy loss.

However, Tepig lacks any defensive abilities, healing mechanisms, or damage reduction effects that might extend its longevity on the field.

In the current high-damage environment of the TCG, Tepig will rarely survive more than a single turn against established attackers.

Versatility rating: 3/10

As a basic Fire-type, Tepig does have inherent versatility as an evolution base for the Pignite/Emboar line.

Its primary utility comes from being searchable via Pokémon communication, Nest Ball, and other Basic Pokémon search cards.

However, its actual performance versatility is severely limited.

With no abilities, no status effects, and no utility attacks, Tepig cannot pivot between different roles.

Its matchup coverage is poor, failing to threaten any relevant Pokémon in the current meta.

Its only real versatility comes from being an evolution stepping stone, but even there, better Fire-type basics exist.

Speed/Setup rating: 5/10

Tepig's setup requirements are straightforward but not particularly efficient.

While it can attack on turn one with a single Fire energy attachment, the 10 damage from Tackle is negligible in impact.

To use Rollout, you'll need two turns of energy attachments or acceleration support.

The card requires minimal investment to become operational, but the return on that investment is underwhelming.

On the positive side, being a Basic Pokémon means Tepig can hit the field immediately, and its evolution path is clear.

Fire energy acceleration exists in various forms, which can help Tepig power up faster, though those resources would typically be better spent elsewhere.

To maximize Tepig's limited potential, focus on energy acceleration and evolution support.

Cards that can quickly evolve it into its stronger forms or provide consistent energy attachment are essential for making this card remotely viable in constructed formats.

Perfect Partners examples:

Rare Candy

Skips the Pignite stage to reach Emboar faster, greatly increasing your board presence and offensive capabilities while minimizing the time spent with the vulnerable Tepig active.

Welder

Provides crucial Fire energy acceleration while also drawing cards, potentially allowing Tepig to use Rollout on the first turn or setting up a quick evolution with sufficient energy.

Scoop Up Net

Allows you to retrieve a damaged Tepig from the field and replay it, preserving your evolution chain while avoiding knockouts, particularly useful against unfavorable matchups.

Tepig exemplifies the classic starter Pokémon dilemma in the TCG—it exists primarily as a stepping stone to more powerful evolved forms rather than as a competitive card in its own right.

Its weak attacks, fragile defensive profile, and lack of special abilities make it subpar compared to other Basic Fire-types available.

In constructed play, Tepig should only be considered as part of a deliberate evolution strategy focused on its final form, Emboar.

Even then, the deck would need to incorporate energy acceleration, protection cards, and evolution support to overcome Tepig's inherent limitations.

For casual or beginner players, Tepig offers a simple introduction to Fire-type mechanics, but tournament players will find little to work with here without substantial support infrastructure.

Consider this card strictly as an evolution material, not as a standalone battler.