What separates Lapras from the pack is Water Absorb — it heals when hit by Water moves. Combine that with Water/Ice typing and it relies on priority moves or Scarf to keep up. A longtime staple going back to Gen 1.
The stat line revolves around HP. Percentage recovery gets extra mileage here. Sp. Def backs it up, though Speed doesn't pull its weight. Worth 2 HP EVs on a slow 1.25M XP grind to max out.
It loves crossing the sea with people and Pokémon on its back. It understands human speech.
Lapras Weakness
VulnerableLapras's Water/Ice typing leaves it vulnerable to Electric, Grass, Fighting, and Rock moves. Water Absorb grants an additional Water immunity, reshaping the matchup chart. Lapras's overall bulk (130/80/95) lets it take a hit or two from most weaknesses before going down.
No evolution chain to worry about here. Lapras is a standalone Pokemon with plenty of partners for breeding through two egg groups. Eggs come out takes forever to hatch.
How to Evolve
Breed Lapras easily with 81 breeding partners from the Monster and Water1 egg groups.
the remaining moves is what separates a good sweep from a wasted boost. After Dragon Dance, Lapras threatens a wide range with flexible EVs EVs and Heavy-Duty Boots backing every hit.
Best Build
Best Lapras Moveset
- Liquidation
- Dragon Dance
- Icicle Spear
- Freeze Dry
Recommended Teammates
The level-up pool is slim, so TMs matter here. Lapras's coverage across 8 types all comes from technical machines, built on top of Hydro Pump and Blizzard for same-type damage. Ice Beam and Hydro Pump are the payoff moves.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
You'll want to breed for Ancient Power and Curse on Lapras. These egg moves aren't just nice to have. Combined with STAB from Hydro Pump and Blizzard, they expand what Lapras can actually threaten in practice.
You'll want to breed for Ancient Power and Curse on Lapras. These egg moves aren't just nice to have. Combined with STAB from Hydro Pump and Blizzard, they expand what Lapras can actually threaten in practice.
The level-up pool tells the story here. Lapras learns Ice Beam and Surf naturally, plus enough variety that TMs feel like bonuses. Coverage across 8 types extends the reach beyond that.
Lapras doesn't appear in Scarlet & Violet. Transfer it from Red, Yellow, or Sword to add it to your collection. Check the source games below for encounter details.
A few locations for Lapras with moderate rates across late-game water routes. The sort toggle below swaps between best odds and earliest access, so you can approach it based on where you are in the game.
Best Locations
Lapras tops out at low spawn rates across 6 locations in late-game water routes. Two different catch methods are in play here. The encounters below are sorted by rate so you can see exactly what you're working with.
Best Locations
You can catch Lapras through 6 surfing and fishing encounters from Lv. 39-65, but availability differs between Sword and Shield. Some spots are exclusive to one version.
Lapras starts showing up in late-game water routes at moderate rates across 8 encounter spots. The list below is sorted so you can pick what fits your current progress without scrolling through everything.
Best Locations
8 spots to find Lapras at Lv. 34-44 via surfing, gift, and more. Not all of them exist in both Let's Go Pikachu and Let's Go Eevee versions, so filter by your copy below.
Lapras looks average on paper at 535 BST. But Water Absorb is why it sees play — build around that and it pulls its weight. B-Tier on our tier list.
Lapras doesn't evolve and has no evolutionary line. It's a Water/Ice-type Pokemon with strong stats at 535 BST — no evolution needed.
Lapras gets Water Absorb, Shell Armor, and Hydration. But Water Absorb is the one that matters — it's the centerpiece of every viable set. Build around that.
Lapras is a physical attacker with base 85 Attack. Tanky enough to absorb a few hits, too. But the speed tells the real story — at base 60 Speed, it won't be moving first often.
Lapras appears in 20 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
Available since Red & Blue, Lapras appears in 20 games spanning 9 generations. Beyond its original form, it gained a Gigantamax form in Generation 8.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen IIGS
Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen IIIFRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen IIIE
Emerald - Gen IVPt
Platinum - Gen IVHGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen IVDP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen VBW
Black & White - Gen VB2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen VIXY
X & Y - Gen VIORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen VIIUSUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen VIISM
Sun & Moon - Gen VIILGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen VIIISwShGigantamax
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A