The Origins and Lore of Applin in the Pokémon TCG Explained

In TCG ·

Applin card art from Evolving Skies (SWSh7)

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Origins and Lore of Applin: A Quiet Pokémon Bound to Fruit and Fossilized Folklore

In the sprawling tapestry of the Pokémon world, Applin stands out as a tiny icon of clever survival and botanical whimsy. This Grass-type Basic Pokémon hails from the Evolving Skies era, carrying a flavor of folklore that fans adore: it literally burrows into an apple at birth, using the fruit as both nourishment and a gateway to its future evolutions. The card art by Miki Tanaka captures that delicate, almost mischievous connection between creature and fruit—the kind of detail that makes collecting feel like a treasure hunt through a garden of stories. With a modest 40 HP and a single, simple attack, Applin reminds players that even the smallest Pokémon can play a pivotal role when paired with the right strategy and timing. ⚡🔥

From a lore perspective, Applin’s origin story is a playful nod to nature’s pantry and the way evolution in the Pokémon world is influenced by environment and choice. As soon as Applin is born, it burrows into an apple, feeding on it and letting the flavor of the fruit determine its destiny. This concept—fruit as fate—opens doors to two distinct evolutionary paths: Flapple and Appletun. In the main games, feeding a Tart Apple can coax Flapple to emerge, while a Sweet Apple steers Applin toward Appletun. The TCG mirrors this sense of dual possibility through its own flavor text and the broader family mechanics, inviting players to think about growth, nurturing, and the subtle choices that shape a deck’s trajectory. lore matters in gameplay as much as in aesthetics. 🎴

“As soon as it's born, it burrows into an apple. Not only does the apple serve as its food source, but the flavor of the fruit determines its evolution.”

The card data you’ll find on the Applin swsh7-17 print embodies that conceptual crossroads. A Basic Pokémon with Grass typing and 40 HP, Applin sits on the bench as a dependable but modest opening option. Its lone attack, Rollout, costs a single Colorless energy and deals 10 damage—enough to chip away at unprepared opponents while you set up its more powerful family members. Its weakness is Fire, a classic foil to its leafy nature, with a ×2 multiplier that forces you to consider your sequencing and timing in the early turns. The retreat cost of 1 adds a little flexibility for positioning, without overcommitting resources. In terms of legality, this card is Expanded-legal but not Standard, a nod to the evolving collectible ecosystem where certain cards find new life in long-tail formats. 💎

Art, Flavor, and the Craft of Collecting

Miki Tanaka’s illustration brings Applin to life with a soft, scrappy charm that mirrors the creature’s woodland cunning. The apple-fruit bond is rendered with care, emphasizing colors and textures that invite a closer look—perfect for card flippers and those who adore sleeve art that tells a story beyond numbers. In the broader collector’s world, Applin’s Common rarity in the Evolving Skies subset makes it a staple of many grass-based decks and a delightful addition for players who enjoy the “nature-forward” aesthetics of this era. The set itself is beloved for its blend of cute creatures and strategic depth, and Applin fits neatly into that narrative, offering a touch of nostalgia for longtime fans and a gentle introduction for new players. 🎨

Strategic Takeaways: How Applin Fits on the Battlefield

  • Early-game utility: With only 40 HP, Applin asks you to play it fast but smart. It can pace your start while you prepare the terrain for its evolutions. The Rollout attack, though modest in raw power, can pressure opponents who underestimate basic attackers.
  • Deck-building considerations: Grass decks love consistent energy requirements; Applin’s Colorless attack cost helps with flexible energy attachment. Its value grows when you’re aiming to thin your deck with low-variance draws and pivoting toward the Flapple or Appletun evolution line when you draw the right Apple flavor in the later turns.
  • Evolution pathway as a narrative hook: The flavor of the fruit dictating evolution invites players to craft a deck that reflects that choice—one card away from a “sweet” or “tart” destiny. It’s a storytelling mechanic that translates beautifully to gameplay pacing and match pressure.
  • Meta considerations: In Expanded formats, Applin can support a broader strategy that uses its stable bench presence while players navigate around more aggressive Fire-type archetypes. The common rarity keeps it accessible for budget builds as well. 🔥
  • Market whispers: As of mid-to-late 2025, modern market data shows normal versions trading around modest ranges (low prices near a few cents, mid prices around ten cents, with occasional spikes toward a few dollars for notable condition or holo variants). Reverse-holo versions tend to sit slightly higher in price due to visual appeal. It’s a charming example of how a small card can hold both aesthetic and sentimental value in a growing collection. 💎

For those curious about the economics behind this card, price feeds show normal copies hovering around the $0.01–$0.10 range, while reverse-holo versions can reach a bit higher, around $0.20 or more in some markets. These figures highlight Applin’s enduring appeal as a lovable, approachable piece in a broader strategy, rather than a high-powered finisher you must chase in every match. The accessibility of this card makes it a fantastic target for new collectors building a Grass-centric roster or fans seeking nostalgia from the Evolving Skies era. 📈

The Evolutionary Promise: Why Applin Remains a Favorite

Beyond the numbers, Applin embodies a core Pokémon philosophy: growth begins with what lies closest to home. A tiny creature that literally nests in an apple, Applin invites players to look at their decks with a similar lens—to start small, protect what you value, and plan for a transformative turn that can flip the game’s momentum. The dual-evolution concept—Flapple or Appletun—adds a layer of strategic ambiguity that can keep opponents guessing and reward players who read the field correctly. In the end, Applin teaches a timeless lesson about patience, adaptation, and the beauty of nature’s little mysteries. 🍏 🍃

Pack Infusion: Integrating Applin into Your Collection and Play

For fans of the artwork, lore, and clever design, Applin offers a satisfying trifecta: a cute ambassador of the apple lore, a functional stepping-stone in a deck, and a quick entry point into the Expanded scene. Whether you’re chasing a complete Evolving Skies set or simply collecting cards with memorable flavor text, Applin serves as a gentle reminder that even a basic Pokémon can carry a world of storytelling power. And as you spin through your binder with a smile, you’ll sense the playful energy that accompanies every journey from seed to bloom—both in the orchard and on the tabletop. 🎴

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