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Wooper
Wooper
from Wikipedia

Wooper
Pokémon character
A small blue creature with pink gills jutting out the sides of its head. It lacks arms, and has a short, stubby tail. It has an expression of shock on its face.
Wooper artwork by Ken Sugimori
First gamePokémon Gold and Silver (1999)
Designed byKen Sugimori (finalized)[1]
In-universe information
SpeciesPokémon
TypeWater and Ground
Poison and Ground (Paldean)

Wooper (/ˈwpər/ ), known in Japan as Upah (Japanese: ウパー, Hepburn: Upā) is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon media franchise. First introduced in Pokémon Gold and Silver, it was conceived by Game Freak's development team, with the design finalized by Ken Sugimori. Since Wooper's debut, it has appeared in multiple sequels and games related to the series including Pokémon Go, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, and has also appeared in various pieces of merchandise.

Classified as a Water and Ground-type Pokémon, Wooper is a creature resembling an axolotl, featuring blue skin, external gills, and a flat tail. It eventually evolves into the Pokémon Quagsire. A beta version of Wooper was discovered in a leak of Pokémon Gold and Silver, showing a design that is chubbier and walks on four legs. In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, a new variant was added called Paldean Wooper. It has black/brown skin and bones protruding from its head, and its typing is Poison and Ground. Instead of Quagsire, this variant's final form is Clodsire.

Wooper has received a generally positive reception for both of its forms, and the original form is considered a funny and an iconic design. The Paldean Wooper form also received praise for its design, and the beta design of Wooper was also well-received upon leaking, with some preferring it to the final design.

Concept and creation

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Wooper is a species of fictional creatures called Pokémon created for the Pokémon media franchise. Developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo, the Japanese franchise began in 1996, with the video games Pokémon Red and Green for the Game Boy, which were later released in North America as Pokémon Red and Blue in 1998.[2] In these games and their sequels, the player assumes the role of a Trainer whose goal is to capture and use the creatures' special abilities to combat other Pokémon. Some Pokémon can transform into stronger species through a process called evolution via various means, such as exposure to specific items.[3] Each Pokémon has one or two elemental types, which define its advantages and disadvantages when battling other Pokémon.[4] A major goal in each game is to complete the Pokédex, a comprehensive Pokémon encyclopedia, by capturing, evolving, and trading with other Trainers to obtain individuals from all Pokémon species.[3]

Wooper was first introduced in Pokémon Gold and Silver. When developing the games, around 300 individual Pokémon designs were drafted by various members of the development team, with each deciding their names and features, revising the drafts as needed. During this process the team actively tried to avoid vague design concepts, as they felt this had caused difficulty in creating completed Pokémon during Red and Blue development. As the team selected which Pokémon would be included, they were drawn and finalized by lead artist Ken Sugimori.[1] To maintain balance, many of the newer species did not appear in the early stages of the game. Additionally, many of the Pokémon were designed with merchandise in mind, taking into account the related Pokémon toy line and anime series. As a result, designs often had to be kept simplistic, something that caused strain for Sugimori and affected his approach to the next subsequent Pokémon franchise titles, Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire.[5]

Wooper is a blue Water and Ground-type Pokémon that resembles an axolotl with two legs and no arms. It also has a flat tail, external gills, three curved lines on its stomach, and gills protruding from its head.[6] In the beta release of Gold and Silver, it has a chubbier design and walks on all fours.[7] Its name comes from the term "wooper looper," a term coined in Japanese for pet axolotls.[6] A feature introduced in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl saw certain Pokémon, including Wooper, given gender differences. Female Wooper have shorter gills.[8] Another design was later introduced, dubbed Paldean Wooper. Unlike regular Wooper, it has a Poison and Ground typing, brown skin, the pattern on its stomach resembles a rib cage, and its gills make its head resemble a skull and crossbones.[9] The original Wooper evolves into Quagsire, while Paldean Wooper evolves into Clodsire.[10]

Appearances

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First featured as one of one hundred new Pokémon added to Gold and Silver, Wooper has appeared in many subsequent releases in the Pokémon series.[11][8][12][13] It is a Water and Ground-type Pokémon, and this form evolves into Quagsire, which retains this type combination.[11][12] In the base release of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Wooper does not appear outside of an in-game trade,[14] and a regional Paldean variant appears instead. This form retains the Ground typing, but is Poison type instead of Water. Instead of evolving into Quagsire, this Pokémon evolves into Clodsire.[12] Regular Wooper became readily available in a downloadable content expansion for Scarlet and Violet.[15] Both forms of Wooper appear in Pokémon Go[16][17] and the Pokémon Trading Card Game.[18][19] A Pokémon mini themed after Wooper was also released.[20]

Wooper has appeared in various spin-off video games. It appears in multiple entries in the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series, including Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky[21] and Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity, the latter which features it as one of a handful of Pokémon available that were not from the fifth generation of Pokémon species.[22] It appears in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Adventure Team for WiiWare as a starter Pokémon in the Storm Adventure Squad version.[23] A short animation was released by Studio Colorido that focuses on a Wooper-obsessed girl who wanted to see Woopers in the wild.[24] Multiple Wooper appear in the Pokémon Concierge animated series.[25]

Both forms of Wooper have received multiple pieces of merchandise, including stuffed animals,[26] figurines,[27][28][29] apparel,[30] and jewelry.[31] A large yawning Clodsire plush was also released, with buyers able to choose one that comes with two, five, or thirty Paldean Wooper.[32]

Reception

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Paldean Wooper, nicknamed "Pooper" by fans, received positive reception

Wooper has received generally positive reception, noted as a historically beloved Pokémon and the subject of frequent memes by IGN writer Rebekah Valentine.[33] Inside Gamer writer Benjamin Ben considered Wooper among the best designs added to Pokémon Gold and Silver, praising its ability to make people happy with its simple smile. He also felt that its axolotl inspiration helped contribute to that.[34] Following the leak of unused Pokémon in Pokémon Gold and Silver, Wooper's beta design became a particularly popular one, identified by Polygon writer Patricia Hernandez as the most popular who stated that some fans prefer the beta Wooper to the final design. Hernandez praised it for its cuteness and short stature, being unsurprised by its popularity and noting the large amount of fan art.[7] HobbyConsolas writer Javier Escribano noted that, due to its chubbier design compared to Wooper, it has become a meme.[35]

Upon being revealed in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Paldean Wooper became a popular Pokémon among fans, being given the nickname of "Pooper". Polygon writer Cass Marshall thought that Wooper was "always cute" due to its "silly expression."[36] Game Rant writer Benjamin Jones suggested that its reveal was among the best at the time, noting how it being a Ground/Poison-type Pokémon was a notable change, arguing that the type combination was a powerful one, especially in combination with its ability, Water Absorb.[37] GamesRadar+ writer Hope Bellingham also noted its Poison/Ground typing as a notable one, noting how it's the first time since Pokémon Red and Blue to have the type. They described it as a cute Pokémon, though noted that its type combination and abilities Poison Point and Water Absorb showed potential.[9] Vice writer Renata Price noted that Wooper was a favorite Pokémon of theirs, appreciating that it got a new form that they made it a "dirty, grimy boy."[38] Famitsu writer Count Tsukune appreciated the reveal, saying it was the cutest of the Pokémon revealed at the time, both in its game model and art. They stated that they decided to buy Scarlet and Violet after seeing Paldean Wooper.[39] Despite the positive reception for Paldean Wooper, Fanbyte writer Imran Khan was critical of it, arguing that it was an example of a less inspired regional variant. He felt that Paldean Wooper was a less interesting idea for a Ground/Poison-type Pokémon than they could have done.[40]

Critics have discussed the influences behind both Wooper and its Paldean form. Author Jean-Bruno Renard, while discussing fictional representations of axolotls, discussed Wooper, noting its various design and conceptual inspirations, citing its external gills and flat tail.[6] While multiple authors noted that Wooper is based on an axolotl,[34][6][41] GamesRadar+ writer Hope Bellingham argued that the Paldean form is based on the iberian ribbed newt. They argued that multiple design choices correlate between the two, including their brown skin, rib-like pattern, and their use of poison as a defense mechanism.[9]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Wooper is a dual-type Water/Ground Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon franchise, first introduced in Generation II with Pokémon Gold and Silver. It has an axolotl-like appearance with blue skin, external gills, and a flat tail, and evolves into Quagsire. When on land, it coats its body with a slimy, poisonous film and a transparent mucous membrane that causes numbness upon contact. A regional variant called Paldean Wooper, introduced in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, is a Poison/Ground-type Pokémon that has adapted to terrestrial life in bogs after ancient territorial struggles. It features hardened gills, black/brown skin, heavier bodies, slower movement, and protruding head bones, and evolves into Clodsire instead of Quagsire. Wooper and its variant appear across various media, including the main series games, Pokémon GO, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, and merchandise such as plush toys. It has featured in special events like mass outbreaks and Community Days, reflecting its enduring appeal as a minor but recognizable species.

Concept and design

Development history

Wooper was introduced as one of the 100 new species in Pokémon Gold and Silver, released in Japan in November 1999 as part of Generation II. The Pokémon was designed by Ken Sugimori, who illustrated early appearances such as the promotional card in CoroCoro Comic. In Japan, it is known as Upah (ウパー, Upā), while the English name "Wooper" derives from "wooper looper" (ウーパールーパー, ūpārūpā), a Japanese marketing term that sparked a short-lived pet axolotl fad in the 1990s. Early development prototypes of Wooper, revealed in a 2020 leak of the Spaceworld 1997 demo build for Gold and Silver, showed notable differences from the final version. The beta design featured a chubbier body and a four-legged stance, contrasting with the finalized bipedal, axolotl-inspired form. This prototype period aligned with broader Generation II development, where Ken Sugimori and the team created several hundred potential new Pokémon before finalizing the 100 additions to the roster.

Original Wooper design

The original Wooper is a small, amphibious Pokémon resembling the larval stage of an axolotl, with light blue skin, prominent external gills, and a flat tail. It stands bipedally on two stubby, rounded feet with no arms, giving it an upright, armless posture. The head is large in proportion to the body, featuring small, round black eyes and purple branching gills extending from either side; males have more branches on these gills than females. The tail is thick and flattened for effective swimming, while the belly displays three curved dark blue markings. This design emphasizes Wooper's aquatic and salamander-like traits, with the feathery gills and streamlined tail highlighting its adaptation to water environments. As a Water/Ground-type Pokémon, it evolves into Quagsire.

Paldean Wooper design

Paldean Wooper is a regional variant introduced in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, notable as the first regional form revealed prior to the games' launch in a Pokémon Presents presentation on August 3, 2022. Unlike its original counterpart, Paldean Wooper features a brown coloration across its body and possesses hardened gills adapted for terrestrial life after ancient Wooper lost territorial struggles underwater and transitioned to land. These gills branch from the head in bone-like shapes, forming a pattern resembling a skull-and-crossbones symbol to underscore its poisonous hazard. The design includes protruding bone structures on the head and an eight-pronged, rib-cage-like pattern on the belly, emphasizing its Poison/Ground typing and land-dwelling adaptation. Paldean Wooper covers its body in a poisonous mucous membrane, enabling it to shoot powerful poisonous liquid from its gills for defense while moving slowly due to its heavy build. This shift to a more rugged, toxin-focused appearance reflects ecological adaptation themes, with its features serving as visual warnings of its toxic capabilities. It evolves into Clodsire.

Biology

Physiology

Physiology The original form of Wooper is adapted to both aquatic and terrestrial environments. It lives in cold water but can venture onto land, where it coats its body with a slimy, poisonous film to protect its skin from drying out. A transparent mucous membrane covers its body, and touching it bare-handed causes a tingling numbness. The Paldean form of Wooper has evolved distinct adaptations for terrestrial life after losing a territorial struggle in its ancestral waters. Its gills have hardened, and it coats its body with a poisonous film to prevent dehydration and protect itself on land. Paldean Wooper are social and travel in groups of three or four, lining up to assist one another while moving through wetlands. Both forms share the same base stat total of 210, including HP 55 and Speed 15, reflecting their relatively modest physical capabilities. Wooper's external gills and retention of juvenile features parallel the neoteny seen in real-world axolotls, while its toxic secretions resemble the poisonous skin adaptations found in certain amphibians.

Behavior and habitat

Original Wooper typically inhabits cold bodies of water, where it half-buries itself in mud at the bottom to sleep. When external temperatures drop, it emerges onto land to forage for food, coating its body with a slimy, poisonous film to prevent its skin from drying out and for protection. This amphibious lifestyle reflects its tolerance for cold conditions and ability to transition between aquatic and terrestrial environments. Paldean Wooper adapted to land-based life after ancient territorial conflicts forced it from aquatic habitats. It developed a poisonous film for defense and now moves slowly across wetlands in groups of three or four, with individuals assisting one another during travel. This social behavior helps mitigate risks in its terrestrial environment, where it uses the toxic coating for protection. Both forms display amphibious tendencies, with the original form remaining primarily aquatic and cold-tolerant, while the Paldean variant emphasizes terrestrial adaptation and group cooperation.

In the video games

Main series appearances

Wooper debuted in the main series as a catchable Pokémon in Pokémon Gold and Silver (Generation II), where it can be found in locations such as Union Cave, the waters near Violet City, and Ruins of Alph. It continued to appear in subsequent generations, including the Generation II remakes HeartGold and SoulSilver, Generation IV games such as Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum (e.g., Great Marsh), and Generation VIII titles Pokémon Sword and Shield (e.g., West Lake Axewell, Dusty Bowl, Rolling Fields). In Generation IX, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet introduced the Paldean Wooper variant, which is readily available in the wild across southern Paldea, particularly in ponds, wetlands, and muddy areas of South Province Area 1 and nearby regions. The original Johto form of Wooper is obtainable in Scarlet and Violet through trading a Paldean Wooper with an NPC located in front of the fountain at Cascarrafa. The original form evolves into Quagsire starting at level 20.

Gameplay mechanics

In the Pokémon video games, Wooper and its regional variant, Paldean Wooper, are low-stat Pokémon with a base stat total of 210, consisting of 55 HP, 45 Attack, 45 Defense, 25 Special Attack, 25 Special Defense, and 15 Speed. The original Wooper is a Water/Ground-type Pokémon, granting it immunity to Electric-type moves due to its Ground typing and a 4× weakness to Grass-type moves, while resisting Fire, Poison, Rock, and Steel. Its standard abilities are Damp, which prevents the use of self-destructing moves, and Water Absorb, which restores HP when struck by Water-type attacks instead of taking damage, with Unaware as its hidden ability that ignores stat changes on foes. The Paldean Wooper variant is Poison/Ground-type, sharing the same low base stats and Electric immunity from its Ground typing. Its abilities include Poison Point, which has a chance to poison opponents on physical contact, Water Absorb, and Unaware as a hidden ability that ignores stat changes on foes. Original Wooper commonly uses moves such as Water Gun and Mud Shot for STAB, along with access to coverage like Earthquake in some learnsets. Paldean Wooper has access to Poison-type moves such as Poison Gas (status) and Toxic, alongside Ground-type moves like Mud Shot for STAB.

In other media

Anime and animation

Wooper has made several appearances across the Pokémon anime series and other animated productions, often in supporting or cameo roles that highlight its endearing personality. In the original series, Wooper featured prominently in the episode "No Big Woop!" from Pokémon: The Johto Journeys, where Ash, Misty, and Brock discover a preschool attended exclusively by a large group of playful Wooper. When the teacher is called away for a family emergency, the protagonists take over caregiving duties for the mischievous students. During Pokémon the Series: XY, a wild Wooper served as a long-time friend to Ash's Goodra (from its pre-evolution days as a Goomy), living together in the wetlands near Lumiose City. This Wooper appeared semi-regularly in episodes centered on Goodra's backstory and its eventual return to its home habitat. The Paldean variant debuted in Pokémon Horizons: The Series, notably in the episode "Arboliva's Forest," where Liko encounters an injured Paldean Wooper dehydrated by a forest fire. Liko attempts to assist it, though local wild Pokémon initially perceive her as a threat before guiding the Wooper to safety at a giant tree. A 2024 animated short produced by Studio Colorido spotlights Paldean Wooper and Clodsire, following a dedicated Wooper enthusiast girl who journeys into the wild to observe her favorite Pokémon, leading to unexpected encounters.

Manga

Wooper appears in several official Pokémon manga series, often in minor or supporting roles. In Pokémon Adventures, Wooper has made cameo appearances, including one in the chapter "The Legend" where a wild Wooper was seen near a lake. In the Scarlet & Violet arc, the character Violet Lang owns a Paldean Wooper that debuts during a battle against the Titan Iron Treads alongside her Nymble, later evolving into Clodsire and participating in further events throughout the story arc. In Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys, the protagonist Chris owns a Wooper as part of his team. A Wooper also appears in the chapter "The New Pokémon Is Hatched!!" in Pokémon: Yeah! I Got Pokémon!.

Trading Card Game

Wooper has been featured in numerous expansions of the Pokémon Trading Card Game, primarily as a Water-type Basic Pokémon, with cards depicting its standard blue axolotl-like form. Notable appearances include sets such as Plasma Freeze, Ancient Origins, Dragon Majesty, Unbroken Bonds, and Hidden Fates. With the introduction of regional forms in Generation IX, Paldean Wooper was added to the TCG as a Darkness-type Basic Pokémon in the Scarlet & Violet series. In the Paldea Evolved set, for example, Paldean Wooper (128/193) is a Common card with 60 HP, featuring the ability "Find a Home" that allows the player to search their deck for a Stadium card, reveal it, and put it into their hand. Then, shuffle the deck, along with an attack. Paldean Wooper has received additional printings in other Scarlet & Violet-era expansions and Japanese sets, such as Phantasmal Flames (102/094), often maintaining Common rarity and reflecting its Poison/Ground typing through Darkness-type representation in the TCG. Both standard Wooper and Paldean Wooper cards are typically Basic Pokémon with modest HP and simple abilities or attacks suited to early-game strategy, and they can evolve into Quagsire or Clodsire respectively in compatible decks. Multiple variants and reprints exist across English and Japanese releases, contributing to their ongoing collectibility.

Merchandise

Wooper, its regional Paldean variant, and their respective evolutions Quagsire and Clodsire have appeared in a range of official merchandise, primarily plush toys sold through the Pokémon Center. Plush items include the Wooper Sitting Cuties Plush, a 6-inch seated figure, and the larger Wooper Snuggly Plush measuring 18½ inches for cuddling. The Paldean Wooper receives dedicated representation in plush form, such as the Paldean Wooper Poké Plush, measuring about 9¾ inches wide with soft fabric and embroidered details. Clodsire plush toys encompass smaller options like the 9½-inch Comfy Friends Plush, noted for being washable and fluffy, alongside larger versions such as the 21¼-inch Poison Point Poké Plush featuring spines and a determined expression. A notable collectible is a giant Clodsire plush measuring 90 centimeters from nose to tail, designed to hold up to 32 small Paldean Wooper plushies in a super-size set that plays on Clodsire's design for interactive storage. Apparel includes ankle sock packs featuring Wooper alongside Quagsire and Shellos, as well as Paldean Wooper with Lechonk and Bellibolt.

Reception

Critical reception

Wooper's original design has been generally praised for its endearing simplicity and axolotl-inspired appearance, often highlighted as cute and iconic within the Pokémon franchise. The creature's blue skin, external gills, and flat tail contribute to a wholesome, approachable aesthetic that has endured since its introduction in Generation II. The Paldean variant, introduced in Generation IX, has received positive attention for its distinctive Poison/Ground typing and darker, bone-adorned design, which creatively adapts the original concept with crossbone-shaped gills and a more menacing yet still charming look. Media coverage has noted its widespread appeal and continued cuteness despite the shift in color palette and thematic elements. Upon leaking in 2020 from early Pokémon Gold and Silver demo files, the beta version of Wooper's design became a sensation, drawing enthusiastic commentary for its more detailed and expressive appearance compared to the finalized version.

Cultural impact

Wooper has sustained a dedicated following in the Pokémon community since its introduction in Generation II, cherished as a cute underdog despite its modest competitive capabilities, including notably low Special Defense among Ground-type Pokémon and subtle gender differences in its gill branches that fans have long discussed. The Pokémon's innocent demeanor and unexpected traits, such as its ability to learn Ice Punch, have made it a frequent subject of memes and humorous online content. The release of the Paldean variant in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet amplified Wooper's cultural presence, with fans immediately embracing the new Poison/Ground-type form and nicknaming it "Pooper"—a playful blend of "Paldean" and "Wooper"—while generating widespread fan art, memes, and affectionate support. This ongoing enthusiasm underscores Wooper's lasting legacy as a minor yet enduringly popular species, with its meme-worthy qualities and fan-driven trivia contributing to its place in Pokémon culture.

References

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