ivysaur #2
Type Matchups
Weak to (2x damage):
Resistant to (½x damage):
ivysaur
Generation I · #0002 — Seed Pokémon
Ivysaur, known in Japan as Fushigisou, is the grass and poison-type evolution of Bulbasaur and represents the second stage in one of Pokémon's most iconic evolutionary lines. As the Seed Pokémon, Ivysaur occupies a unique transitional role in the Generation I Pokédex, evolving from Bulbasaur at level 16 and continuing its development into the formidable Venusaur at level 32. With a base stat total of 405, Ivysaur demonstrates balanced growth in its special attributes, boasting 80 base Special Attack and Special Defense—equal to its evolved form Venusaur's special stats before evolution further amplifies them. The species serves as an excellent example of how Pokémon design evolves alongside the creature itself, with the budding flower on its back telling the story of growth and preparation for a magnificent transformation.
Base Stats
Height
1.0m
Weight
13.0kg
Category
Seed Pokémon
Gender
Male 87.5% / Female 12.5%
Color
green
Shape
quadruped
Habitat
grassland
Abilities
Strengthens grass moves to inflict 1.5× damage at 1/3 max HP or less.
Doubles Speed during strong sunlight.
Ivysaur Biology & Physical Characteristics
Ivysaur is a quadrupedal amphibian Pokémon characterized by blue-green skin with darker patches and pointed ears with black insides. Its most distinctive feature is the large pink bud sprouting from its back, supported by a sturdy brown trunk surrounded by leafy green fronds. This botanical burden forces Ivysaur's legs to grow thick and strong to compensate for the increasing weight of the developing flower, a morphological adaptation that explains why it loses the ability to stand on its hind legs that its pre-evolution Bulbasaur possessed. The Pokédex notes that when the bud on Ivysaur's back grows large, it becomes impossible for the creature to maintain an upright posture. The bud itself gives off a sweet, distinctive aroma when it approaches its blooming stage, signaling that the creature is ready for its final evolution into Venusaur. Exposure to sunlight significantly contributes to Ivysaur's strength and accelerates the growth and maturation of the plant bulb, making solar energy essential to its development.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Ivysaur Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Ivysaur exhibits a significant gender ratio of approximately 87.5% male to 12.5% female, making females noticeably rarer in the wild and making female specimens valuable for breeding purposes. The creature belongs to both the Monster and Grass egg groups, providing trainers with diverse breeding compatibility options and allowing for interesting genetic combinations with other Pokémon in these categories. With a base happiness value of 70 and a hatch counter of 20 cycles (approximately 4,884 to 5,140 steps), Ivysaur eggs take a moderate amount of time to develop before hatching into their Bulbasaur form. The medium-slow growth rate means that while Ivysaur develops steadily through leveling, it requires more experience points than fast-growing species to reach its next evolution threshold of level 32. Trainers seeking to breed Ivysaur should note that offspring will hatch as Bulbasaur regardless of the mother's evolutionary stage, maintaining the species' natural progression through its developmental line. The capture rate of 45 makes wild Ivysaur reasonably catchable with standard Poké Balls, though persistence is typically required for successful captures.
Sprites
TMs & HMs
tm01
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm01
ultra sun ultra moon
tm01
sun moon
tm02
crystal
tm02
gold silver
tm03
yellow
tm03
crystal
tm03
gold silver
tm03
red blue
tm03
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm03
blue japan
tm03
red green japan
tm05
ruby sapphire
tm05
emerald
tm05
gold silver
tm05
crystal
tm05
diamond pearl
tm05
black white
tm05
platinum
tm05
heartgold soulsilver
+620 more TMs/HMs
ivysaur's Evolution Chain
Ivysaur Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Ivysaur occupies the critical middle ground in the Bulbasaur evolutionary line, marking the transition point where the initial seed bulb has developed into a blooming bud with clear potential for further transformation. Evolution from Bulbasaur occurs at level 16, representing a significant power spike with improvements to both offensive and defensive capabilities. The creature continues to evolve into Venusaur at level 32, where the bud finally blooms into a magnificent flower and the Pokémon gains access to its signature Mega Evolution in compatible game titles. The evolutionary path demonstrates a clear narrative arc: the small seed (Bulbasaur) develops into a creature burdened by growth (Ivysaur) before reaching full botanical magnificence (Venusaur). This gradual progression allows trainers to experience the complete life cycle of the species, making Ivysaur an essential stepping stone in understanding the full potential of the line. The timing of evolution at level 16 makes Ivysaur readily available throughout most early-to-mid game progression in Kanto-based adventures.
Where to Find
Location data not available for this Pokémon in the database.
Ivysaur Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Ivysaur typically inhabits plains and open grasslands where sunlight is abundant, as the creature's growth is directly tied to photosynthetic processes and solar radiation. The Pokédex entries across multiple generations indicate that Ivysaur can be observed spending increasing amounts of time basking in direct sunlight when its bud is preparing to bloom, a behavioral indicator that evolution is imminent. According to research from Pokémon Sleep, Ivysaur actively seeks out sunny spots to rest and undergo photosynthesis, demonstrating a lifestyle perfectly adapted to maximize both growth and energy absorption. The creature's behavior becomes increasingly plant-like as it develops, transitioning from the more animal-like movements of Bulbasaur to a more stationary existence centered around nutrient absorption and solar exposure. Ivysaur absorbs nutrients from the soil and environment to fuel the continuous growth of the bulb on its back, creating a symbiotic relationship between the Pokémon and its host plant that exemplifies the series' grass-type philosophy.
Pokedex Entries
Generation I
When the bulb on its back grows large, it appears to lose the ability to stand on its hind legs.
The bulb on its back grows by drawing energy. It gives off an aroma when it is ready to bloom.
Generation II
Exposure to sun light adds to its strength. Sunlight also makes the bud on its back grow larger.
If the bud on its back starts to smell sweet, it is evidence that the large flower will soon bloom.
The bulb on its back grows as it absorbs nutrients. The bulb gives off a pleasant aroma when it blooms.
Generation III
There is a bud on this POKéMON’s back. To support its weight, IVYSAUR’s legs and trunk grow thick and strong. If it starts spending more time lying in the sunlight, it’s a sign that the bud will bloom into a large flower soon.
To support its bulb, IVYSAUR’s legs grow sturdy. If it spends more time lying in the sunlight, the bud will soon bloom into a large flower.
There is a plant bulb on its back. When it absorbs nutrients, the bulb is said to blossom into a large flower.
When the bulb on its back grows large, it appears to lose the ability to stand on its hind legs.
Generation IV
When the bud on its back starts swelling, a sweet aroma wafts to indicate the flower’s coming bloom.
Exposure to sunlight adds to its strength. Sunlight also makes the bud on its back grow larger.
If the bud on its back starts to smell sweet, it is evidence that the large flower will soon bloom.
Generation V
When the bud on its back starts swelling, a sweet aroma wafts to indicate the flower’s coming bloom.
When the bud on its back starts swelling, a sweet aroma wafts to indicate the flower’s coming bloom.
Generation VI
There is a plant bulb on its back. When it absorbs nutrients, the bulb is said to blossom into a large flower.
When the bud on its back starts swelling, a sweet aroma wafts to indicate the flower’s coming bloom.
There is a bud on this Pokémon’s back. To support its weight, Ivysaur’s legs and trunk grow thick and strong. If it starts spending more time lying in the sunlight, it’s a sign that the bud will bloom into a large flower soon.
Generation VII
The bud on its back grows by drawing energy. It gives off an aroma when it is ready to bloom.
Generation VIII
When the bulb on its back grows large, it appears to lose the ability to stand on its hind legs.
Exposure to sunlight adds to its strength. Sunlight also makes the bud on its back grow larger.
Ivysaur Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name Ivysaur combines 'Ivy,' referencing the climbing plant, with 'saur,' derived from the dinosaur-themed naming convention established throughout Generation I's Pokémon line. In Japanese, Fushigisou (フシギソウ) consists of 'Fushigi' meaning 'mysterious' and 'sou' meaning 'plant' or 'grass,' emphasizing the wondrous and peculiar nature of a creature carrying a living bud on its back. The design itself draws inspiration from various botanical and biological concepts: the blue-green coloration suggests amphibious origins similar to a toad, while the pink bud represents a typical flowering plant in its blooming stage. The creature's visual progression tells a biological story—Bulbasaur's small bulb develops into Ivysaur's larger bud, ultimately becoming Venusaur's full-grown flower—creating one of the most thematically coherent evolutionary lines in the entire franchise. The sturdy legs and trunk supporting the bud reference real-world botanical anatomy, where stems and roots must strengthen to support heavier blooms, grounding the design in genuine biological principles despite its fantastical nature.
Learnable Moves
Ivysaur can learn 83 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| acid spray | poison | Special | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| amnesia | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| bide | normal | Physical | — | — | 10 |
| bind | normal | Physical | 15 | 85 | 20 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| bullet seed | grass | Physical | 25 | 100 | 30 |
| captivate | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| charm | fairy | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| curse | ghost | Status | — | — | 10 |
| cut | normal | Physical | 50 | 95 | 30 |
| defense curl | normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| echoed voice | normal | Special | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| energy ball | grass | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| false swipe | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 40 |
| flash | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| fury cutter | bug | Physical | 40 | 95 | 20 |
| giga drain | grass | Special | 75 | 100 | 10 |
| grass knot | grass | Special | — | 100 | 20 |
| grass pledge | grass | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| grassy glide | grass | Physical | 55 | 100 | 20 |
| grassy terrain | grass | Status | — | — | 10 |
| growl | normal | Status | — | 100 | 40 |
| growth | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| headbutt | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| helping hand | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| ingrain | grass | Status | — | — | 20 |
| knock off | dark | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| leaf storm | grass | Special | 130 | 90 | 5 |
| leech seed | grass | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| light screen | psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| magical leaf | grass | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| mega drain | grass | Special | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mud slap | ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| natural gift | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| nature power | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| outrage | dragon | Physical | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| petal dance | grass | Special | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| poison powder | poison | Status | — | 75 | 35 |
| power whip | grass | Physical | 120 | 85 | 10 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| rage | normal | Physical | 20 | 100 | 20 |
| razor leaf | grass | Physical | 55 | 95 | 25 |
| reflect | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| roar | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| rock smash | fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| safeguard | normal | Status | — | — | 25 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| seed bomb | grass | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| sleep powder | grass | Status | — | 75 | 15 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sludge bomb | poison | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| solar beam | grass | Special | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| strength | normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| string shot | bug | Status | — | 95 | 40 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| sweet scent | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| swords dance | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| synthesis | grass | Status | — | — | 5 |
| tackle | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| tera blast | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| trailblaze | grass | Physical | 50 | 100 | 20 |
| venoshock | poison | Special | 65 | 100 | 10 |
| vine whip | grass | Physical | 45 | 100 | 25 |
| weather ball | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 10 |
| work up | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| worry seed | grass | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
Ivysaur Competitive Battle Guide
Ivysaur operates as a capable special attacker in competitive play, leveraging its balanced 80 base Special Attack and Special Defense stats to function as a respectable mixed sweeper during early-game competitions. The creature's primary ability Overgrow provides a significant damage multiplier of 1.5× to grass-type moves when Ivysaur's HP drops to one-third of its maximum, creating clutch offensive opportunities in tightly contested battles. Its hidden ability Chlorophyll doubles Ivysaur's Speed stat during harsh sunlight, transforming it from a moderately-paced Pokémon into a formidable speed threat when weather conditions favor such a strategy. With a movepool that includes powerful special moves like Leaf Storm and Sludge Bomb, along with support options such as Synthesis for recovery and Toxic for status conditions, Ivysaur can function effectively as both an offensive and defensive team member. However, its moderate bulk with 60 base HP and 63 base Defense means it can be vulnerable to physical threats and powerful priority moves, requiring careful team composition and strategic positioning. The 60 base Speed, while not crippling, means Ivysaur will often require additional speed support or Chlorophyll activation to outpace common threats in its tier.
Commonly Asked Questions About Ivysaur
What type is Ivysaur?
Ivysaur is a grass and poison type Pokemon.
What does Ivysaur evolve into?
Ivysaur evolves into venusaur.
What are Ivysaur's weaknesses?
Ivysaur is weak to flying, fire, psychic and ice type moves.
Ivysaur Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Ivysaur holds a significant place in Pokémon history as one of the original 151 creatures introduced in Generation I, and its presence on the cover of Pokémon Leaf Green cemented its status as an iconic starter option for Kanto region trainers. The creature has appeared prominently throughout the Pokémon animated series, most notably through Shauna's Ivysaur in the XY series, demonstrating the strong bonds that can form between trainers and their grass-type companions. The Bulbasaur line's appearance in crossover titles including Super Smash Bros. Brawl and subsequent iterations highlights the universal recognition these creatures enjoy across gaming platforms, with Ivysaur receiving trophy representations in multiple fighting game entries. In the Pokémon Trading Card Game, Ivysaur has been featured across numerous sets and eras, with its artwork often emphasizing the beautiful pink bud that defines the species' visual identity. The creature represents a crucial point in Pokémon game narratives, as reaching an Ivysaur in one's early Pokédex completion is considered a major milestone for novice trainers, making it a touchstone for player progression and growth. Ivysaur's design has aged remarkably well across multiple console generations, remaining visually appealing and thematically coherent with modern Pokémon aesthetics.
Where to Find Ivysaur in Every Pokémon Game
Ivysaur is available across a remarkable range of Pokémon titles spanning multiple generations and platforms, beginning with its original appearances in Red, Blue, and Yellow versions where it serves as one of three starter evolutions. The creature appears in FireRed and LeafGreen as a primary grass-type option, and in later generations including Gold, Silver, and Crystal, allowing players multiple routes to obtain the species. In Sword and Shield's Pokédex structure, Ivysaur appears with Pokédex number 69 in The Isle of Armor DLC and number 165 in The Indigo Disk DLC, demonstrating its continued relevance in current-generation titles. The species is also featured in Let's Go Pikachu and Let's Go Eevee, where it maintains its original Generation I availability alongside enhanced visual presentation befitting the Nintendo Switch's capabilities. Ivysaur can also be found in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, where it appears as a legacy species from the Kanto region within the expanded Kalos Pokédex. For players seeking Ivysaur without breeding, the most reliable method remains catching a Bulbasaur early in grass-heavy routes and leveling it to level 16, though the creature also appears in various side games and special distribution events that have periodically offered starter Pokémon to players seeking specific team compositions.