Stantler is technically a pre-evolution of Wyrdeer, but it holds its own in formats where Eviolite is allowed. Intimidate lowers the opponent's Attack on switch-in, adding extra value. Known as the Big Horn Pokemon. A competitive option since Gen 2.
Stantler's built around mixed offense. Attack leads the charge, Defense pays for it. Tough to catch, worth 1 Attack EV. Follows a slow 1.25M XP grind.
This Pokémon apparently used to live in much harsher environments, and thus it once had stronger psychic powers than it does now.
It’s said that this Pokémon used to be stronger long ago when it had many enemies, and that it was even able to evolve under its own power.
Stantler Weakness
GoodType-wise, Stantler takes extra damage from Fighting. Ghost moves do nothing thanks to a full immunity. Sap Sipper grants an additional Grass immunity, reshaping the matchup chart. Stantler leans offensive (base 95 Atk) rather than trying to tank its weaknesses.
Evolving Stantler into Wyrdeer takes an evolution item. It's not a simple level-up, so check the chain details below. Evolving adds up to 60 stat points total.
How to Evolve
Breed Stantler easily with 278 breeding partners from the Ground egg group.
utility options gives Stantler answers even while choice-locked. Choice Scarf provides speed patching through item lock, and max HP and Speed EVs with Intimidate mean every prediction that lands hits hard.
Best Build
Best Stantler Moveset
- Skill Swap
- Trick
- Body Slam
- Thunder Wave
Recommended Teammates
TMs define Stantler's movepool. The natural moves cover basics with Giga Impact and Hyper Beam, but the real versatility comes from technical machines giving it coverage across 7 types. That's where the options open up.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Stantler's movepool balances level-up moves with TM options. Consistent STAB comes from Giga Impact and Double-Edge, and coverage across 7 types keeps opponents from switching in for free. No major gaps here.
The egg pool carries weight here. Bite and Disable aren't available any other way for Stantler, and they meaningfully change what it threatens. Stack those on top of Giga Impact and Double-Edge for solid options.
Hard to wall, honestly. Stantler threatens 10 types beyond its own STAB, with Ghost and Psychic standing out. Pair that with Giga Impact and Last Resort and switchins need to think twice.
high spawn rates in early-game routes across 4 locations. Stantler's one of the easier catches on the list. Knock it out fast and save your time for harder targets.
Best Locations
You can catch Stantler through 4 walking encounters from Lv. 15-40, but availability differs between Scarlet and Violet. Some spots are exclusive to one version.
Stantler appears at decent spawn rates across 3 spots in mid-game routes. Sort by Best below if you want the highest rate, or Earliest if you want the quickest access point in your playthrough.
Best Locations
Walking encounters at walking across 3 spots for Stantler. Sorted by progression so you can see what's reachable at your current point in the game.
Stantler requires the PokeRadar to encounter, and that means specific conditions at 1 spots across the map. These become available in early-game encounter areas. Check the list below for exact locations and how to trigger each one.
Best Locations
Stantler isn't fully evolved, so it's not built for competitive play. You'll want to evolve it into Wyrdeer to unlock its full potential. At 465 BST, it's a stepping stone rather than a team anchor.
Stantler's biggest threats include Machamp (Fighting), all carrying super-effective STAB moves. Only 1 weakness means fewer dedicated counters to worry about.
Stantler evolves into Wyrdeer using a Psyshield Bash 20 Times In Agile Style. Stantler is the base form of this evolutionary line.
Run Intimidate on Stantler. It's the ability that defines how you build around it and the main reason it holds a competitive niche. Stantler also gets Frisk and Sap Sipper, but they don't compare.
Stantler fills the balanced role. It's a physical attacker with base 95 Attack. Base 85 Speed is workable — faster than some, slower than many. And it's enough bulk to take a hit or two.
Stantler appears in 17 games, including Gold & Silver, Crystal, and Ruby & Sapphire.
Stantler has been available in 17 games since Gold & Silver, though obtaining it requires an item-based evolution. This extra step makes it less common than Pokemon found through standard wild encounters.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRB
Red & Blue - Gen IIGSDebut
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 VIIISwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A