Image via pokemontcg.io
Root Fossil
Sandstorm 92/100 • common
- Set
- Sandstorm
- Number
- 92/100
- Rarity
- Common
- Released
- 2003
- Market price
- $0.36
- Artist
- Ryo Ueda
What it does
At any time between turns, remove 1 damage counter from Root Fossil.
Play Root Fossil as if it were a Basic Pokémon. While in play, Root Fossil counts as a Colorless Pokémon (instead of a Trainer card). Root Fossil has no attacks of its own, can't retreat, and can't be affected by any Special Conditions. If Root Fossil is Knocked Out, it doesn't count as a Knocked Out Pokémon. (Discard it anyway.) At any time during your turn before your attack, you may discard Root Fossil from play.
Where you can play it
- StandardNot legal
- ExpandedNot legal
- UnlimitedLegal
Card text © Pokémon / Nintendo / Creatures / GAME FREAK, via pokemontcg.io. Not produced by or endorsed by The Pokémon Company. As of the last catalogue refresh.
Where to find one
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Where it came from
The Root Fossil card was introduced as part of the Pokémon Trading Card Game's EX Sandstorm expansion, released in 2003. This set marked a significant shift in the game's mechanics, as it was the second installment in the EX series, which focused on the advanced gameplay features introduced in the third generation of Pokémon video games. The Root Fossil functions as a trainer card that players must play to the bench as a basic Pokémon, simulating the archaeological process of reviving ancient species like Lileep.
The illustration for this card was created by artist Ryo Ueda, known for a distinctive, clean aesthetic that often utilized bold lines and flat color fields during the early EX era. Ueda's design for the Root Fossil was intended to evoke the appearance of an unearthed artifact, fitting the 'sandstorm' motif of the set. Upon its release, the card was received as a functional utility piece for players building deck strategies around the fossil-revival mechanic, becoming a staple element of the era's competitive environment.
Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI
Who's collecting this
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About Root Fossil
Root Fossil is a card in the Pokémon Cards catalog on collecto.rs. Sandstorm 92/100 • common. Catalog data is sourced from pokemontcg.io. No collectors on collecto.rs publicly track this card yet — adding yours would make you the first.
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