Rattata: The Classic Mouse Pokémon – Complete Biography, Stats, Evolution, and Lore

Rattata, the Mouse Pokémon, is one of the most recognizable creatures in the Pokémon universe. As an early-game staple and a symbol of perseverance, Rattata has captured the hearts of trainers since the series’ inception. In this comprehensive biography, we’ll dive deep into Rattata’s stats, evolution, lore, and its presence in the Pokémon Trading Card Game, making it your ultimate guide to everything about Rattata.

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Rattata at a Glance

• Pokédex Number: #019
• Type: Normal
• Category: Mouse Pokémon
• Height: 1’00” (0.3 m)
• Weight: 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg)
• Evolution Chain: Rattata → Raticate (at level 20)

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Rattata Stats

As a Normal-type Pokémon, Rattata is known for its remarkable speed and scrappiness. Here are its base stats from the mainline games:

• HP: 30
• Attack: 56
• Defense: 35
• Special Attack: 25
• Special Defense: 35
• Speed: 72

Rattata’s high Speed stat makes it an early-game favorite, allowing it to outspeed many opponents and land quick attacks. Its offensive capabilities, especially with moves like Quick Attack and Hyper Fang, let Rattata punch above its weight in battle.

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Rattata Evolution

Rattata evolution is straightforward yet significant. At level 20, Rattata evolves into Raticate, a larger and more formidable rodent Pokémon. This evolution brings a big boost in both Attack and Speed, making Raticate a respectable choice for trainers seeking a strong Normal-type battler. In the Alola region, Rattata also has an Alolan Form, which is a Dark/Normal type and evolves into Alolan Raticate when leveled up at night starting at level 20.

• Rattata (#019) → Raticate (#020) at Level 20

Understanding Rattata’s evolution is key for trainers who want to maximize its battling potential or simply complete their Pokédex.

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Rattata Lore and Origins

Rattata’s lore is rooted in its tenacity and adaptability. According to the Pokédex, Rattata is highly cautious and always on the lookout for danger. It can gnaw through almost anything with its sharp fangs, helping it find food and defend itself. Rattata is known to live anywhere, from fields and forests to urban environments, making it one of the most widespread Pokémon.

In the original Pokémon Red and Blue games, Rattata is often the first wild Pokémon encountered by trainers, symbolizing the start of many journeys. Its design is inspired by common rodents, particularly rats and mice, reflecting the traits of being quick, resourceful, and difficult to eradicate.

Notable Pokédex Entries:

• Pokémon Red/Blue: “Bites anything when it attacks. Small and very quick, it is a common sight in many places.”
• Pokémon Sun: “Its incisors continue growing until its death. If its incisors get too long, this Pokémon becomes unable to eat, and it starves to death.”

This persistent and hardy nature is central to Rattata lore, making it a symbol of survival in the Pokémon world.

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Rattata in the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG)

Rattata has been featured in the Pokémon Trading Card Game since the game’s early days. Its cards often emphasize quick strikes and annoyance tactics, mirroring its in-game battle style. Notable Rattata cards include the Base Set Rattata (famous for its "Bite" attack), Team Rocket variants, and more recent Sun & Moon Alolan Rattata cards.

Rattata’s trading card appearances make it a collector’s favorite, especially for fans of the original 151 Pokémon. The cards often showcase Rattata’s characteristic pose: alert, ready to pounce, and always on the move.

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Rattata in Pop Culture

Beyond the games and cards, Rattata has appeared in the Pokémon anime, manga, and merchandise. Ash Ketchum and other main characters have encountered Rattata during their travels, usually in forests or near cities, reinforcing its reputation as a Pokémon that’s everywhere.

Rattata’s popularity has also spawned memes and community challenges, such as the famous “Joey’s Top Percentage Rattata” from Pokémon Gold and Silver, where Youngster Joey brags about his particularly strong Rattata.

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Why Rattata Matters

Whether you’re looking at Rattata stats, exploring its evolution, or collecting its Rattata trading card, this Mouse Pokémon remains a beloved part of the Pokémon franchise. Its resilience, adaptability, and iconic status make it more than just an early-game encounter—it’s a symbol of every trainer’s humble beginnings and the adventure that lies ahead.

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In summary:
Rattata (#019) is a Normal-type Pokémon with impressive speed and adaptability. Its straightforward evolution into Raticate, compelling lore, and numerous appearances in the Pokémon Trading Card Game make it a must-know Pokémon for fans and collectors alike. From the early days of Pokémon to the present, Rattata’s legacy continues to thrive, reminding trainers everywhere that big adventures can start with the smallest of Pokémon.