Mixed
Balanced
50Speed · Slow

Is Swinub Good in FireRed & LeafGreen Playthrough?

Ice/Ground with AbilityOblivious blocking attraction. Piloswine at 33 gets solid bulk. Available in the Sevii Islands after the National Dex. Ice/Ground coverage handles Lance and would have been perfect during the story. Postgame timing wastes the potential.

StrongGoodEvenToughBadGTGEEEEGTEEEEBrockGym 1MistyGym 2SurgeGym 3ErikaGym 4KogaGym 5SabrinaGym 6BlaineGym 7GiovanniGym 8SwinubCatchablePiloswineEvolveLoreleiE4BrunoE4AgathaE4LanceE4TerryChamp*
Brock
Gym 1
Good

Swinub has the type edge here and should clean up Brock's team.

You Win
Geodude
Lv 12
RockGround
Rock Head
TackleDefense Curl
You Win
Onix
Lv 14
RockGround
Rock Head
TackleBindRock Tomb
Misty
Gym 2
Tough

Misty's team hits Swinub's weaknesses hard.

Risky
Staryu
Lv 18
Water
Illuminate
TackleHardenRecoverWater Pulse
Risky
Starmie
Lv 21
WaterPsychic
Illuminate
SwiftRecoverRapid SpinWater Pulse
Lt. Surge
Gym 3
Good

Swinub has the type edge here and should clean up Lt. Surge's team.

You Win
Voltorb
Lv 21
Electric
Soundproof
Sonic BoomTackleScreechShock Wave
You Win
Pikachu
Lv 18
Electric
Static
Quick AttackThunder WaveDouble TeamShock Wave
Even
Raichu
Lv 24
Electric
Static
Quick AttackThunder WaveDouble TeamShock Wave
Erika
Gym 4
Even

Swinub trades roughly evenly with Erika's team.

Risky
Victreebel
Lv 29
GrassPoison
Chlorophyll
Stun SporeAcidPoison PowderGiga Drain
Even
Tangela
Lv 24
Grass
Chlorophyll
Poison PowderConstrictIngrainGiga Drain
Even
Vileplume
Lv 29
GrassPoison
Chlorophyll
Sleep PowderAcidStun SporeGiga Drain
Koga
Gym 5
Even

Swinub trades roughly evenly with Koga's team.

Risky
Koffing
Lv 37
Poison
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Self DestructSludgeSmokescreenToxic
You Win
Muk
Lv 39
Poison
Stench
MinimizeSludgeAcid ArmorToxic
Risky
Koffing
Lv 37
Poison
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Self DestructSludgeSmokescreenToxic
Risky
Weezing
Lv 43
Poison
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
TackleSludgeSmokescreenToxic
Sabrina
Gym 6
Even

Swinub trades roughly evenly with Sabrina's team.

Even
Kadabra
Lv 38
Psychic
Synchronize
PsybeamReflectFuture SightCalm Mind
Even
Mr Mime
Lv 37
PsychicFairy
Soundproof
BarrierPsybeamBaton PassCalm Mind
Even
Venomoth
Lv 38
BugPoison
Shield Dust
PsybeamGustLeech LifeSupersonic
Risky
Alakazam
Lv 43
Psychic
Synchronize
PsychicRecoverFuture SightCalm Mind
Blaine
Gym 7
Even

Swinub trades roughly evenly with Blaine's team.

Even
Growlithe
Lv 42
Fire
Intimidate
BiteRoarTake DownFire Blast
Even
Ponyta
Lv 40
Fire
Run Away
StompBounceFire SpinFire Blast
Even
Rapidash
Lv 42
Fire
Run Away
StompBounceFire SpinFire Blast
Risky
Arcanine
Lv 47
Fire
Intimidate
BiteRoarTake DownFire Blast
Giovanni
Gym 8
Good

Swinub has the type edge here and should clean up Giovanni's team.

You Win
Rhyhorn
Lv 45
GroundRock
Lightning Rod
Take DownRock BlastScary FaceEarthquake
Even
Dugtrio
Lv 42
Ground
Sand Veil
SlashSand TombMud SlapEarthquake
Even
Nidoqueen
Lv 44
PoisonGround
Poison Point
Body SlamDouble KickPoison StingEarthquake
Even
Nidoking
Lv 45
PoisonGround
Poison Point
ThrashDouble KickPoison StingEarthquake
You Win
Rhyhorn
Lv 50
GroundRock
Lightning Rod
Take DownRock BlastScary FaceEarthquake
Lorelei
Elite Four
Tough

Lorelei's team hits Piloswine's weaknesses hard.

Even
Dewgong
Lv 52
WaterIce
Thick Fat
Ice BeamSurfHailSafeguard
Risky
Cloyster
Lv 51
WaterIce
Shell Armor
SpikesProtectHailDive
Even
Slowbro
Lv 52
WaterPsychic
Oblivious
Ice BeamSurfAmnesiaYawn
Risky
Jynx
Lv 54
IcePsychic
Oblivious
Ice PunchDouble SlapLovely KissAttract
Risky
Lapras
Lv 54
WaterIce
Water Absorb
Confuse RayIce BeamSurfBody Slam
Bruno
Elite Four
Even

Piloswine trades roughly evenly with Bruno's team.

You Win
Onix
Lv 51
RockGround
Rock Head
EarthquakeRock TombIron TailRoar
Even
Hitmonchan
Lv 53
Fighting
Keen Eye
Sky UppercutMach PunchRock TombCounter
Even
Hitmonlee
Lv 53
Fighting
Limber
Mega KickForesightBrick BreakFacade
You Win
Onix
Lv 54
RockGround
Rock Head
Double EdgeEarthquakeIron TailSand Tomb
Risky
Machamp
Lv 56
Fighting
Guts
Cross ChopBulk UpScary FaceRock Tomb
Agatha
Elite Four
Even

Piloswine trades roughly evenly with Agatha's team.

Even
Gengar
Lv 54
GhostPoison
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Shadow PunchConfuse RayToxicDouble Team
Even
Golbat
Lv 54
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Confuse RayPoison FangAir CutterBite
Even
Haunter
Lv 53
GhostPoison
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
HypnosisDream EaterCurseMean Look
You Win
Arbok
Lv 56
Poison
Intimidate
Sludge BombScreechIron TailBite
Risky
Gengar
Lv 58
GhostPoison
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Shadow BallSludge BombHypnosisNightmare
Lance
Elite Four
Even

Piloswine trades roughly evenly with Lance's team.

Even
Gyarados
Lv 56
WaterFlying
Intimidate
Hyper BeamDragon RageTwisterBite
You Win
Dragonair
Lv 54
Dragon
Shed Skin
Hyper BeamSafeguardDragon RageOutrage
You Win
Dragonair
Lv 54
Dragon
Shed Skin
Hyper BeamSafeguardThunder WaveOutrage
Even
Aerodactyl
Lv 58
RockFlying
Rock Head
Hyper BeamAncient PowerWing AttackScary Face
Even
Dragonite
Lv 60
DragonFlying
Inner Focus
Hyper BeamSafeguardOutrageWing Attack
Terry
Champion
Even

Piloswine trades roughly evenly with Terry's team.

Risky
Heracross
Lv 72
BugFighting
Swarm
MegahornEarthquakeCounterRock Tomb
Even
Alakazam
Lv 73
Psychic
Synchronize
PsychicShadow BallCalm MindReflect
You Win
Tyranitar
Lv 72
RockDark
Sand Stream
CrunchEarthquakeThunderboltAerial Ace
Even
Arcanine
Lv 73
Fire
Intimidate
Extreme SpeedOverheatAerial AceIron Tail
Even
Exeggutor
Lv 73
GrassPsychic
Chlorophyll
Giga DrainPsychicSleep PowderLight Screen
Risky
Blastoise
Lv 75
Water
Torrent
Hydro PumpIce BeamEarthquakeRain Dance
Catchable
Post-game only
Type
IceGround
Tier
F

Catch Swinub on Icefall Cave (walking, Lv 23-31, common).

View Swinub locations

Recommended Moves
  • After Lt. Surge
    • TM28GroundDig120100%10
    • LV 28NormalTake Down9085%20
  • After Erika
    • TM13IceIce Beam135100%10
    • HM04NormalStrength80100%15
    • TM43NormalSecret Power70100%20
    • LV 46IceBlizzard16570%5
  • After Giovanni
    • TM26GroundEarthquake150100%10
  • Post-Game
    • TM42NormalFacade70100%20
Evolve Swinub to Piloswine
Level 33
Type
IceGround
Tier
C

Your Swinub should hit Level 33 before you reach Lorelei, at typical leveling pace.

View Piloswine locations

Recommended Moves
  • STARTING (Lv 33)
    • LV 33NormalTake Down9085%20
  • After Lt. Surge
    • TM28GroundDig120100%10
  • After Erika
    • TM13IceIce Beam135100%10
    • TM15NormalHyper Beam15090%5
    • HM04NormalStrength80100%15
    • TM06PoisonToxic90%10
  • After Giovanni
    • TM26GroundEarthquake150100%10
    • LV 56IceBlizzard16570%5
  • Post-Game
    • TM42NormalFacade70100%20

How to Get Swinub in FireRed & LeafGreen

Swinub spawns at two walking spots in both versions, common rarity. A narrow footprint on the map but the common tag makes these quick catches when you reach them.

Wild Swinub may be holding when caught:

Aspear Berry (50% chance) When held by a Pokemon, it will be used in battle for defrosting.

1 location to catch Swinub

Encountered via tall grass encounters

Badge 8
Post-Game

Where To Catch Swinub in FRLG

To get Swinub, start by catching Swinub through walking encounters at Lv. 23-31. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.

  1. Piloswine
    Step 2Catch or Evolve into Piloswine
    or evolve from Swinub (Step 1)

Swinub Weakness

Swinub is weak to Fire, Water, Grass, Fighting, and Steel. On the flip side, it's immune to Electric-type moves entirely. Thick Fat reduces Fire/Ice damage, further improving the defensive spread.

Swinub Weakness and Resistance Chart
DamageTypes
2x (Weak)Fire, Water, Grass, Fighting, Steel
0.5x (Resist)Poison
0x (Immune)Electric
Gen III Type Chart
  • Dark and Steel types added — Fairy does not exist yet
  • Moves are Physical or Special based on type, not per move

What is Swinub Weak Against

Fragile
5Weak
1Resist
1Immune
Score-6
4xCritical
None
½xResist
¼xResist
None
0xImmune

What is Swinub Strong Against

9Strong
0Resisted
0Immune
Score+9
½xResisted
None
0xImmune
None

Best Pokemon Against Swinub

Swinub Evolutions

One evolution ahead. Swinub grows into Piloswine through a straightforward two-stage chain. A massive partner pool for breeding via one egg group. Eggs are average hatch time. Evolving adds up to 200 stat points total. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.

How to Evolve

2 Forms
Stat Comparison 2 Stages
Swinub
IceGround
Piloswine
IceGround
HP
50
100+50
ATK
50
100+50
DEF
40
80+40
SP.ATK
30
60+30
SP.DEF
30
60+30
SPE
50
50
BST
250D-Tier
450C-Tier+200
ROLE
Balanced
Attacker
TYPE
Physical
Physical

Breeding

Very Easy

Breed Swinub easily with 102 breeding partners from the Ground egg group. Pass egg moves like Ancient Power, Bite, Body Slam and 5 more to offspring.

Egg Groups
Gender
50.0%50.0%
Hatch Time
20 cycles·5,140 steps
Quick~5 min with Flame Body
Egg Moves
8moves
Breed With (best first)
raichupikachunidokinggolduckampharosrhydondewgongarbokquagsirenidorinofarfetchdflaaffy

FRLG Swinub Best Moveset

Ice/Ground pre-evolution with AbilityOblivious preventing attraction. Stats too low for competitive play. One evolution from Piloswine. The moveset offers nothing at this stage.

Best Build

Experimental
Wall
Ability
Oblivious
Item
LeftoversSUSTAIN
Best Nature for Swinub
Brave+ATK

Swinub best EVs are HP and Defense

EVs

Wall Moveset

  • EarthquakeSTAB
  • Ice BeamSTAB
  • ToxicUtility
  • RoarUtility

Moves List

Egg moves make a real difference. Swinub gets Ancient Power and Bite exclusively through breeding, filling gaps that TMs and level-up can't touch. Normal and Fighting coverage and more rounds out the picture alongside Blizzard and Earthquake.

Level-Up Moves

Lv 1
Odor Sleuth
10040Normal
Lv 1
Tackle
D3510035Normal
Lv 10
Powder Snow
6010025Ice
Lv 19
Endure+4
C10Normal
Lv 28
Take Down
D908520Normal
Lv 37
Mist
30Ice
Lv 46
Blizzard
D180705Ice
Lv 55
Amnesia
D20Psychic

TM Moves

TM
TM45
Attract
10015Normal
TM14
Blizzard
D180705Ice
TM28
Dig
C9010010Ground
TM32
Double Team
15Normal
TM26
Earthquake
S15010010Ground
TM42
Facade
D7010020Normal
TM21
Frustration
D10020Normal
TM07
Hail
10Ice
TM10
Hidden Power
6010015Normal
TM13
Ice Beam
S14210010Ice
TM16
Light Screen
C30Psychic
TM17
Protect+4
C10Normal
TM18
Rain Dance
C5Water
TM33
Reflect
C20Psychic
TM44
Rest
C10Psychic
TM27
Return
D10020Normal
TM05
Roar-6
S20Normal
HM06
Rock Smash
D2010015Fighting
TM39
Rock Tomb
D609510Rock
TM37
Sandstorm
D10Rock
TM43
Secret Power
7010020Normal
HM04
Strength
8010015Normal
TM06
Toxic
S8510Poison

Egg Moves

Egg
Egg
Ancient Power
D601005Rock
Egg
Bite
D6010025Dark
Egg
Body Slam
D8510015Normal
Egg
Double-Edge
C12010015Normal
Egg
Icicle Spear
3710030Ice
Egg
Mud Shot
D829515Ground
Egg
Rock Slide
D759010Rock
Egg
Take Down
D908520Normal

Tutor Moves

Tut
Tutor
Body Slam
D8510015Normal
Tutor
Double-Edge
C12010015Normal
Tutor
Mimic
D10Normal
Tutor
Rock Slide
D759010Rock
Tutor
Substitute
C10Normal

Base Stats

Base Stats
Below
HP50
D
Attack50
D
Defense40
D
Sp. Atk30
F
Sp. Def30
F
Speed50
D
Total250
Details
Catch Rate
Easy225 / 255
Growth Rate
Slow1.25M XP
Height0.4 m
Weight6.5 kg
Base XP50
Abilities
Oblivious
Prevents infatuation and protects against captivate.
Snow Cloak
Increases evasion to 1.25× during hail. Protects against hail damage.
EV Yield
HPAtk+1DefSpASpDSpe
Attack training source
Pokedex Entry

If it smells something enticing, it dashes off headlong to find the source of the aroma.

It rubs its snout on the ground to find and dig up food. It sometimes discovers hot springs.

Swinub FireRed & LeafGreen Guide

  • Yes. Swinub is not available during the main story. It can only be obtained after entering the Hall of Fame. Swinub is found on the Sevii Islands. Sevii Islands 1-3 unlock after defeating Lt. Surge in Vermilion City; Sevii Islands 4-7 unlock after entering the Hall of Fame and showing 60+ species in your Pokedex (talk to Celio on One Island to get the Rainbow Pass).

Game Availability

Available in 18 titles since its debut in Gold & Silver, Swinub spans 9 generations of Pokemon games. It's accessible through catching or hatching as a base form in most mainline games.

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