Shelmet is technically a pre-evolution of Accelgor, but it holds its own in formats where Eviolite is allowed. Only weak to Fire, Flying, and Rock. Introduced in Gen 5. Known as the Snail Pokemon.
Defense and Sp. Def carry most of Shelmet's stat budget. Speed's the obvious dump stat. Easy to catch and yields 1 Defense EV. Follows a medium-fast 1M XP curve.
When attacked, it tightly shuts the lid of its shell. This reaction fails to protect it from Karrablast, however, because they can still get into the shell.
It has a strange physiology that responds to electricity. When together with Karrablast, Shelmet evolves for some reason.
Shelmet Weakness
AvgShelmet is weak to Fire, Flying, and Rock-type moves. Standard number of weaknesses for the Bug typing.
Shelmet doesn't evolve by leveling. You'll need a trade to push it forward to Accelgor. Evolving adds up to 190 stat points total.
How to Evolve
Breed Shelmet easily with 91 breeding partners from the Bug egg group.
Best Build
No build content available for this Pokemon in Gen 9.
Try selecting a different game/generation filter, or check back later.
Leveling does the heavy lifting. Shelmet picks up Bug Buzz and Energy Ball along the way, building toward a complete offensive set. TMs add Grass and Poison coverage and more, but the foundation's already strong by then.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Breeding opens up real options for Shelmet. Baton Pass and Double-Edge come exclusively from egg moves, and they're worth the effort. The rest of the kit covers basics through Bug Buzz and Leech Life and Grass and Poison coverage and more.
Breeding opens up real options for Shelmet. Baton Pass and Double-Edge come exclusively from egg moves, and they're worth the effort. The rest of the kit covers basics through Bug Buzz and Leech Life and Grass and Poison coverage and more.
Breeding opens up real options for Shelmet. Baton Pass and Double-Edge come exclusively from egg moves, and they're worth the effort. The rest of the kit covers basics through Bug Buzz and Leech Life and Poison and Normal coverage and more.
Easy grab on Shelmet with high spawn rates across 60 locations in early-game routes. The sorted list below shows the full spread so you can pick the most convenient spot.
Best Locations
Which version you're playing matters for Shelmet. 60 walking spots at Lv. 13-65 spread across Shield and Sword, and some routes only appear in one cartridge. Check the version badges below.
Shelmet can't be caught in Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon. Bring it over from Black, Black 2, or Sword instead. The encounter info below covers the source games.
Shelmet doesn't appear in Sun & Moon. Transfer it from Black, Black 2, or Sword to add it to your collection. Check the source games below for encounter details.
Shelmet doesn't appear in Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire. Transfer it from Black, Black 2, or Sword to add it to your collection. Check the source games below for encounter details.
Shelmet is not available as a wild encounter in this game.
Catch in the wild in:
Then trade to Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire.
Also found in:
Shelmet is meant to evolve into Accelgor. At 305 BST, the stats aren't there for competitive play yet. Pre-evolution Pokemon rarely hold up against fully evolved threats.
Shelmet evolves into Accelgor by trading. Shelmet is the base form of this evolutionary line.
Hydration is the go-to ability for Shelmet. It cures any major status ailment after each turn during rain. Its hidden ability Overcoat can work in specific setups. Shell Armor is the other option — pick based on what your team needs.
Base 25 Speed is low. Priority moves or Trick Room are the way to go. On offense, Shelmet is leaning toward the physical side (base 40 Attack). Defensively? Enough bulk to take a hit or two.
Shelmet appears in 7 games, including Black & White, Black 2 & White 2, and X & Y.
Shelmet joined the series in Black & White and has been available in 7 titles so far. With 5 generations of appearances, it's established itself despite the later start.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRB
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 VBWDebut
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 VIIISwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A