Vigoroth is technically a pre-evolution of Slaking, but it holds its own in formats where Eviolite is allowed. Ghost moves can't touch it, and only a single type hits it super-effectively. Known as the Wild Monkey Pokemon.
Vigoroth's spread isn't flashy. Speed leads, Sp. Atk trails, 4 stats clear the bar. Common in the wild and worth 2 Speed EVs, on a slow 1.25M XP grind.
Its stress level rises if it cannot keep moving constantly. Too much stress makes it feel sick.
It is always hungry because it won’t stop rampaging. Even while it is eating, it can’t keep still.
Vigoroth Weakness
GoodVigoroth is weak to Fighting-type moves. On the flip side, it's immune to Ghost-type moves entirely. Vigoroth's physical bulk (base 80 Def) helps cushion physical weakness hits, but special attackers are the bigger threat.
Vigoroth is the middle stage between Slakoth and Slaking. It's a three-stage line with one more evolution to go. For breeding, quick to hatch with a massive partner pool via one egg group. Speed has grown the most so far (+60), but there's still another 230 stats to gain in the final evolution.
How to Evolve
One boost from Bulk Up and Vigoroth gets dangerous fast. The Jolly nature targets max Attack and Speed, and Vitalspirit backs the whole approach. Slack Off and the remaining moves handle most of what's left standing.
Best Build
Best Vigoroth Moveset
- Slack Off
- Body Slam
- Bulk Up
- Thunder Punch
Recommended Teammates
The TM pool is where it gets interesting. Coverage across 17 types means almost nothing walls Vigoroth cleanly, with Double-Edge and Uproar anchoring the STAB side. Matchup flexibility isn't a problem.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
The TM pool is where it gets interesting. Coverage across 12 types means almost nothing walls Vigoroth cleanly, with Uproar and Rock Climb anchoring the STAB side. Matchup flexibility isn't a problem.
The TM pool is where it gets interesting. Coverage across 14 types means almost nothing walls Vigoroth cleanly, with Double-Edge and Mega Kick anchoring the STAB side. Matchup flexibility isn't a problem.
The TM pool is where it gets interesting. Coverage across 12 types means almost nothing walls Vigoroth cleanly, with Double-Edge and Mega Kick anchoring the STAB side. Matchup flexibility isn't a problem.
Vigoroth appears at moderate rates across 6 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.
Where To Catch Vigoroth in Scarlet & Violet
Slakoth is your first catch on the way to Vigoroth. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 7-55 across 10 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch SlakothMODERATESouth Province (Area Five) - GrassScarletOverworldLv.7-225%EarlyRouteMODERATESouth Province (Area Five) - GrassVioletOverworldLv.7-225%EarlyRouteMODERATESouth Province (Area Three) - GrassScarletOverworldLv.7-225%EarlyRouteMODERATESouth Province (Area Three) - GrassVioletOverworldLv.7-225%EarlyRoute
Step 2Vigoroth ✓MODERATESouth Province (Area Five) - GrassVioletOverworldLv.22-556%MidRouteMODERATESouth Province (Area Five) - GrassScarletOverworldLv.22-556%MidRouteMODERATESouth Province (Area Five) - MountainVioletOverworldLv.22-556%MidRouteMODERATESouth Province (Area Five) - MountainScarletOverworldLv.22-556%MidRouteMODERATEWest Province (Area Three) - GrassVioletOverworldLv.22-556%MidRouteMODERATEWest Province (Area Three) - GrassScarletOverworldLv.22-556%MidRouteor evolve from Slakoth (Step 1)
Can't catch Vigoroth directly. Start with Slakoth at solid rates from the locations below, then evolve at level 18. The 2-stage line from Slakoth to Vigoroth is where the leveling time goes.
How to Obtain Vigoroth in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl
Step 1Catch SlakothEFFORTLESSEterna ForestShining PearlGrassLv.1040%EarlyForestSwarm activeEFFORTLESSEterna ForestBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.1040%EarlyForestSwarm active
Step 2Vigoroth ✓
No wild encounters for Vigoroth in Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon. Bring Slakoth over from Ruby, Emerald, or Scarlet, then level through the stages. Each step in the chain is laid out below.
A few locations for Vigoroth with moderate rates across mid-game 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.
Where To Catch Vigoroth in Sun & Moon
Step 1Obtain Slakoth
Step 2Vigoroth ✓Route 11SunGrassLv.27MidRouteIsland Scan (Friday)Route 11MoonGrassLv.27MidRouteIsland Scan (Friday)or evolve from Slakoth (Step 1)
Vigoroth isn't fully evolved, so it's not built for competitive play. You'll want to evolve it into Slaking to unlock its full potential. At 440 BST, it's a stepping stone rather than a team anchor.
Vigoroth's biggest threats include Machamp (Fighting), all carrying super-effective STAB moves. Only 1 weakness means fewer dedicated counters to worry about.
Vital Spirit is the go-to ability for Vigoroth. It prevents sleep. It's Vigoroth's only ability.
Vigoroth fills the balanced role. It's a physical attacker with base 80 Attack. Base 90 Speed is workable — faster than some, slower than many. And it's enough bulk to take a hit or two.
Vigoroth appears in 14 games, including Ruby & Sapphire, FireRed & LeafGreen, and Emerald.
Vigoroth first appeared in Ruby & Sapphire and has been available in 14 games across 7 generations. Obtainable through catching or hatching as a base form in most titles where it appears.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRB

Red & Blue - Gen IIGS

Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRSDebut

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