Piloswine: The Comprehensive Pokémon Biography (Pokédex #221)

Piloswine, the Swine Pokémon, is a distinctive and powerful creature within the expansive world of Pokémon. Recognized by its shaggy fur, formidable tusks, and unique typing, Piloswine has cemented its place in the hearts of fans and competitive battlers alike. In this biography, we’ll delve into Piloswine stats, Piloswine evolution, lore, trading card history, and more, offering a complete guide to this unforgettable Pokémon.

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Piloswine at a Glance

• Pokédex Number: #221
• Type: Ice / Ground
• Species: Swine Pokémon
• Height: 1.1 m (3′07″)
• Weight: 55.8 kg (123.0 lbs)

Piloswine is well-known for its wild, boar-like appearance. Its dense, brown fur covers its eyes completely, aiding it in surviving harsh, snowy environments. The massive, curved tusks protruding from its mouth are made of solid ice, helping it forage and defend itself in the wild.

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Piloswine Evolution Chain

Understanding the Piloswine evolution line is key for trainers looking to maximize its potential:

1. Swinub (#220)

   • Type: Ice / Ground
   • Swinub is the adorable, piglet-like Pokémon that serves as the first stage of this evolutionary family.

2. Piloswine (#221)

   • Evolves from Swinub at level 33.
   • Retains the Ice / Ground typing and gains significant bulk and offensive presence.

3. Mamoswine (#473)

   • Evolves from Piloswine when it learns the move Ancient Power (typically via move relearner).
   • Mamoswine is the final form, gaining even greater strength and size.

The progression from Swinub to Piloswine and then to Mamoswine is a journey of increasing power and resilience, making this evolutionary chain a favorite among trainers who value both offense and defense.

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Piloswine Stats and Battle Performance

Piloswine stats are a mix of sturdy defenses and strong physical attack, making it a versatile choice in many battle scenarios:

• HP: 100
• Attack: 100
• Defense: 80
• Special Attack: 60
• Special Defense: 60
• Speed: 50

With its high HP and Attack, Piloswine can serve as a reliable tank or physical attacker. Its Ice / Ground typing grants it STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) on powerful moves like Earthquake and Ice Fang. However, trainers should be wary of its notable weaknesses, particularly to Water, Grass, Fighting, Steel, and especially Fire-type moves.

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Piloswine Lore and In-Game Appearances

The Piloswine lore is steeped in the Pokémon's adaptation to icy climates. According to various Pokédex entries, its thick coat protects it from freezing temperatures, while its tusks are used to root through deep snow in search of food.

Piloswine made its debut in Generation II (Pokémon Gold and Silver), quickly becoming a staple for players traversing the cold Johto region. Its mysterious, almost prehistoric appearance hints at ancient origins, a theme that culminates in its evolution to Mamoswine—a Pokémon thought to be extinct in some Pokémon worlds.

In the anime, Piloswine is featured in several episodes, often portrayed as a stubborn but reliable companion. Its raw strength and unique abilities make it a favorite for trainers like Pryce, the Mahogany Town Gym Leader.

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Piloswine in the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG)

The Piloswine trading card has appeared in multiple expansions of the Pokémon TCG, each iteration highlighting different aspects of its battle prowess. Its cards often feature abilities that reflect its icy and earthy nature, such as inflicting status effects like freeze or dealing heavy ground-based damage. Collectors and competitive players appreciate Piloswine cards for their unique synergy within Ice and Ground-themed decks.

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Competitive Uses and Strategy

Piloswine’s combination of bulk and power makes it a solid choice in lower-tier competitive play. Its access to moves like Stealth Rock, Ice Shard (a priority move), and Thick Fat (an ability that reduces damage from Fire and Ice-type attacks) provides it with utility and longevity on the battlefield. While it is outclassed by its evolution, Mamoswine, in many high-level formats, Piloswine remains a reliable and underrated pick in certain team compositions.

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Fun Facts and Trivia

• Piloswine’s name is a portmanteau of “pilose” (meaning hairy) and “swine.”
• Despite its fur covering its eyes, Piloswine navigates using its sense of smell.
• It is one of the few Pokémon to gain a new evolution (Mamoswine) in a later generation (Generation IV).

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Conclusion

Piloswine (#221) is a memorable Pokémon with a rich evolutionary history and a unique niche in both the mainline games and the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Its combination of Ice and Ground types, bulky stats, and compelling lore make it a fascinating subject for trainers, collectors, and Pokémon enthusiasts. Whether you’re interested in Piloswine stats for your next battle, exploring Piloswine evolution to fill your Pokédex, diving into Piloswine lore, or hunting for a rare Piloswine trading card, this Swine Pokémon is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Unlock the potential of Piloswine and let this ancient, icy powerhouse charge into your Pokémon adventure!