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CARD INFORMATION

  • SUBTYPES:
    • Stage 1
  • HP: 130
  • TYPES:
    • Grass
  • EVOLVES FROM: Deerling
  • WEAKNESSES:
    • TYPE: Fire
    • VALUE: ×2
  • RETREATCOST:
    • Colorless
    • Colorless
  • RETREAT COST: 2
  • RARITY: Illustration Rare
  • FLAVOR TEXT: They migrate according to the seasons. People can tell the season by looking at Sawsbuck's horns.
  • REGULATIONMARK: I

CARD ABILITIES

This card has no abilities

CARD ATTACKS

  • NAME: Push Down
  • COST:
    • Colorless
    • Colorless
  • ENERGY COST: 2
  • DAMAGE: 50
  • DETAILS: Switch out your opponent's Active Pokémon to the Bench. (Your opponent chooses the new Active Pokémon.)
  • NAME: Solar Beam
  • COST:
    • Grass
    • Colorless
    • Colorless
  • ENERGY COST: 3
  • DAMAGE: 100
  • DETAILS:

MARKET PRICES FOR SAWSBUCK 💰

Last updated: 2025/10/11
HIGH

39.99

USD
MID

13.04

USDTREND
LOW

13.25

USD

Check the latest prices on:
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Sawsbuck emerges as a mid-tier Stage 1 Grass-type contender with a modest 130 HP and some interesting utility.

While not a powerhouse, its ability to disrupt opponent's strategy through forced switching makes it worthy of consideration in the current meta where board positioning is increasingly important.




Offensive Score Image Offensive rating: 5/10

Sawsbuck's offensive capabilities are decidedly average.

Push Down deals only 50 damage for two colorless energy, but compensates with a forced switch effect that can disrupt opponents' setups and potentially strand weaker Pokémon in the active spot.

Solar Beam hits harder at 100 damage for three energy (one Grass-specific), which translates to roughly 33 damage per energy - respectable but not outstanding.

Neither attack offers damage modification or bonus effects beyond the switch, limiting Sawsbuck's knockout potential against higher HP targets that dominate the current meta.

Against 300+ HP Pokémon-ex, Sawsbuck simply can't generate enough offensive pressure without significant support.




Survival Score Image Survival rating: 4/10

With 130 HP, Sawsbuck sits at the lower end of Stage 1 survivability, particularly in a meta dominated by hard-hitting Pokémon-ex.

Its Fire weakness is particularly problematic given the prevalence of powerful Fire-type attackers in the current format.

The moderate two-energy retreat cost is manageable but can be punishing if Sawsbuck gets stranded in the active position against unfavorable matchups.

Notably, Sawsbuck lacks any inherent defensive abilities or effects that might mitigate damage or prevent KOs.

Its survival largely depends on external support cards or abilities from teammates.

In practical tournament scenarios, Sawsbuck can expect to withstand perhaps one attack from mid-tier attackers, but will fall quickly to meta-dominant threats.




Versatility Score Image Versatility rating: 5/10

Sawsbuck shows moderate versatility primarily through its disruption potential.

Push Down forces your opponent to rearrange their board, potentially interrupting their strategy by forcing retreats of powered-up attackers.

This effect can buy precious time or force opponents to spend resources on switching back.

As a Grass-type, Sawsbuck can leverage type-specific support cards, though it doesn't particularly excel in any matchup besides Water types.

The card functions primarily as a disruptive attacker rather than a main damage dealer, limiting its role flexibility.

In specialized Grass-focused builds, Sawsbuck might find a niche, but it struggles to adapt to the broader meta where more efficient attackers and supporters exist.

Its utility primarily comes from specific tactical scenarios rather than broad strategic value.




setup Score Image Speed/Setup rating: 6/10

As a Stage 1 Pokémon, Sawsbuck requires finding and playing its Deerling pre-evolution, adding a layer of setup complexity.

Its attacks require minimal energy investment (2-3 energy), which is manageable but not exceptionally fast in the current accelerated meta.

The colorless energy requirements provide flexibility in energy attachment, allowing players to power up Sawsbuck relatively consistently.

Grass acceleration effects can expedite its setup time, potentially enabling a Turn 2 Solar Beam.

The card is searchable through standard evolution support items, but doesn't benefit from any special search mechanics.

With ideal support, Sawsbuck can be battle-ready by Turn 2, which places it at a moderate setup speed - not lightning-fast but not prohibitively slow either.




Sawsbuck benefits from partners that can accelerate energy attachment or enhance its modest damage output.

Cards that lock opponents' Pokémon in the active position after being switched by Push Down create powerful disruption combos.

Ideally, include Grass-type support cards and effects that can capitalize on the tempo gained from forced switches.

Perfect Partners examples:

This special energy provides both acceleration and potential healing, addressing Sawsbuck's energy needs while improving its survivability. The grass energy it provides helps meet Solar Beam's type requirement efficiently.

Pidgeot ex's Power Preventing ability prevents opponents from using abilities on Basic Pokémon. This creates a powerful disruption combo when combined with Sawsbuck's Push Down, forcing weaker Basic Pokémon into the active spot and rendering them ability-less.

Liligant's Floral Aroma Ability lets you search for up to 2 Grass Pokémon, making it easier to set up your Deerling-Sawsbuck evolution line consistently. This improves Sawsbuck's otherwise average setup speed significantly.




Sawsbuck occupies an interesting tactical niche in the current format, offering moderate offensive output coupled with potentially disruptive switching effects.

While its 130 HP and average damage output prevent it from standing toe-to-toe with format-defining powerhouses, its utility shouldn't be underestimated.

The Push Down attack creates interesting strategic options that skilled players can leverage to gain tempo advantage.

In tournament play, Sawsbuck functions best as a supporting attacker in Grass-focused decks rather than as a centerpiece.

To maximize its effectiveness, pair it with energy acceleration, damage modification effects, and cards that can capitalize on forced switches.

Players should view Sawsbuck as a tactical option rather than a staple - it won't dominate matchups outright, but in specific scenarios and with proper support, it can contribute meaningfully to your strategy by disrupting opponent's carefully laid plans while dealing acceptable damage.



POWER INDEX

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