• ℹ️ CARD INFORMATION
• ✨ ABILITIES
• ⚔️ ATTACKS
• 💰 LATEST PRICES

CARD INFORMATION

• SUBTYPES:
  • Stage 2
• HP: 180
• TYPES:
  • Water
• EVOLVES FROM: Tirtouga
• WEAKNESSES:
  • TYPE: Lightning
  • VALUE: ×2
• RETREATCOST:
  • Colorless
  • Colorless
  • Colorless
• RETREAT COST: 3
• RARITY: Illustration Rare
• FLAVOR TEXT: They can live both in the ocean and on land. A slap from one of them is enough to open a hole in the bottom of a tanker.
• REGULATIONMARK: I

CARD ABILITIES

• NAME: Mighty Shell
• DETAILS: Prevent all damage from and effects of attacks done to this Pokémon by your opponent's Pokémon that have any Special Energy attached.
• TYPE: Ability

CARD ATTACKS

• NAME: Big Bite
• COST:
  • Water
  • Colorless
  • Colorless
• ENERGY COST: 3
• DAMAGE: 150
• DETAILS: During your opponent's next turn, the Defending Pokémon can't retreat.

MARKET PRICES FOR CARRACOSTA 💰

Last updated: 2025/10/12

HIGH	34.95	USD
MID	5.75	USD	TREND
LOW	5.25	USD

Check the latest prices on:

Tcgplayer
(link)

Cardmarket
(link)

Pokechange
(link)

Carracosta emerges as a formidable Water-type Stage 2 Pokémon with an impressive defensive ability that could turn the tide in specific matchups.

With 180 HP and an ability that shields it from Pokémon with Special Energy, this prehistoric turtle presents an interesting tactical option for players looking to counter the current Special Energy-heavy meta.

Offensive rating: 8/10

Carracosta's Big Bite attack delivers a substantial 150 damage for three energy (one Water, two Colorless), making it reasonably efficient for a Stage 2 Pokémon.

The attack's secondary effect prevents the Defending Pokémon from retreating during your opponent's next turn, effectively trapping damaged Pokémon in the active position.

This combination of solid damage output and retreat lock creates excellent board control, allowing you to dictate the pace of exchanges and potentially force unfavorable matchups for your opponent.

However, the attack lacks any scaling mechanisms or ways to bypass defensive abilities, limiting its ceiling against certain defensive strategies.

Survival rating: 9/10

With 180 HP, Carracosta sits in a solid middle range for Stage 2 Pokémon, able to withstand multiple hits from average attackers.

The true defensive strength lies in its Mighty Shell ability, which completely nullifies damage and effects from any opponent's Pokémon with Special Energy attached.

In a meta where Special Energy cards like Double Turbo Energy and Twin Energy are prevalent, this ability can render Carracosta nearly invulnerable against certain decks.

However, its Lightning weakness is problematic in matchups against popular Electric types, and the heavy retreat cost of three makes pivoting difficult when necessary.

Its survival capability is highly matchup-dependent but can be exceptional in the right circumstances.

Versatility rating: 7/10

Carracosta demonstrates moderate versatility through its ability to function as both a tank against Special Energy users and a decent attacker.

The Mighty Shell ability creates strategic depth, forcing opponents to adapt their energy acceleration plans or switch attackers mid-game.

The retreat-locking effect from Big Bite adds tactical versatility, potentially disrupting opponent's strategies by stranding vulnerable Pokémon in the active position.

However, Carracosta suffers from situational effectiveness - it shines brightly against Special Energy-reliant decks but offers less value against Basic Energy strategies.

Additionally, as a Stage 2 Pokémon, it lacks the flexibility of quicker options and requires commitment to its evolutionary line.

Speed/Setup rating: 5/10

As a Stage 2 Pokémon, Carracosta faces significant setup challenges.

Evolving from Tirtouga requires assembling a three-card evolutionary chain, making it vulnerable to disruption and inherently slower than Basic or Stage 1 alternatives.

The three-energy attack cost further extends the time needed before Carracosta reaches full effectiveness, typically requiring at least 2-3 turns of setup under ideal conditions.

While Water-type support exists in the form of cards like Capacious Bucket or Melony, the overall setup speed remains below average.

Accessibility is also limited as Stage 2 Pokémon generally require dedicated search cards like Rare Candy to accelerate their deployment, consuming additional deck space and resources.

To maximize Carracosta's potential, pair it with cards that accelerate evolution and energy attachment.

Rare Candy bypasses the Stage 1 requirement, while Melony can quickly power up Big Bite.

Include Irida for searching Water Pokémon and key support cards.

Consider Inteleon or Lumineon V for consistent draw support and card retrieval.

Defensive partners like Path to the Peak can shut down opposing abilities that might threaten Carracosta.

Perfect Partners examples:

Carracosta occupies an interesting niche in the current metagame as a Special Energy counter that can also dish out respectable damage.

Its Mighty Shell ability can completely shut down opponents relying heavily on Special Energy, creating favorable matchups against popular archetypes.

The 150-damage Big Bite with retreat lock provides solid offensive pressure while controlling board positioning.

However, this prehistoric protector faces significant challenges - a cumbersome evolution process, relatively slow energy buildup, and vulnerability to Lightning-type attackers.

Carracosta shines brightest when properly supported with evolution acceleration like Rare Candy and energy attachment from cards like Melony.

While not a universal powerhouse, Carracosta can be devastating in the right metagame as a specialized counter-pick that forces opponents to adjust their strategy or face a nearly invulnerable defender.

Consider it as a tech option when Special Energy dominance rises or as a centerpiece in Water-based control decks.

POWER INDEX

67