Aerodactyl's 150 Speed makes it Platinum's best S-Tier Stealth Rock lead. Taunt shuts down opposing setup, and Earthquake plus Stone Edge provide strong physical coverage.
Ability 1Rock HeadAbility 1Protects against recoil damage.Ability 2PressureAbility 2Increases the PP cost of moves targetting the Pokémon by one.
515HP80Attack105Defense65Speed130Sp.Def75Sp.Atk60
Weak to
Physical
Sweeper
130Speed · Extreme

Is Aerodactyl Good in Platinum Playthrough?

Revive an Old Amber at the Oreburgh Mining Museum for Aerodactyl at level 20. Rock/Flying with AbilityRock Head for recoil-free attacks. Fast and hard-hitting. Handles Aaron's Bug team in the Elite Four rematch and Candice's Ice team at the Battleground. Timing depends on when you dig up the fossil.

StrongGoodEvenToughBadESGGGEGESESGSGGGRoarkGym 1GardeniaGym 2FantinaGym 3MayleneGym 4Crasher WakeGym 5ByronGym 6CandiceGym 7VolknerGym 8AerodactylFossilAaronE4BerthaE4FlintE4LucianE4JupiterBossMarsBossSaturnBossCynthiaChamp*
Roark
Gym 1
Even

Aerodactyl trades roughly evenly with Roark's team.

Even
Geodude
Lv 12
RockGround
Rock Head
Stealth RockRock Throw
Even
Onix
Lv 12
RockGround
Rock Head
Stealth RockRock ThrowScreech
You Win
Cranidos
Lv 14
Rock
Mold Breaker
HeadbuttPursuitLeer
Gardenia
Gym 2
Strong

Aerodactyl resists most of Gardenia's coverage and hits back hard.

Easy KO
Turtwig
Lv 20
Grass
Overgrow
Grass KnotRazor LeafSunny DayReflect
Easy KO
Cherrim
Lv 20
Grass
Flower Gift
Grass KnotLeech SeedMagical LeafSafeguard
You Win
Roserade
Lv 22
GrassPoison
Natural Cure
Grass KnotMagical LeafPoison StingStun Spore
Fantina
Gym 3
Good

Aerodactyl has the type edge here and should clean up Fantina's team.

You Win
Duskull
Lv 24
Ghost
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Will O WispPursuitShadow SneakFuture Sight
You Win
Haunter
Lv 24
GhostPoison
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Shadow ClawSucker PunchHypnosisConfuse Ray
You Win
Mismagius
Lv 26
Ghost
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Shadow BallPsybeamMagical LeafConfuse Ray
Maylene
Gym 4
Good

Aerodactyl has the type edge here and should clean up Maylene's team.

You Win
Meditite
Lv 28
FightingPsychic
Pure Power
Drain PunchConfusionRock TombFake Out
You Win
Machoke
Lv 29
Fighting
Guts
Karate ChopRock TombStrengthFocus Energy
Even
Lucario
Lv 32
FightingSteel
Steadfast
Drain PunchForce PalmMetal ClawBone Rush
Crasher Wake
Gym 5
Good

Aerodactyl has the type edge here and should clean up Crasher Wake's team.

Easy KO
Gyarados
Lv 33
WaterFlying
Intimidate
WaterfallBrineBiteTwister
Even
Quagsire
Lv 34
WaterGround
Damp
Mud ShotRock TombWater PulseYawn
Even
Floatzel
Lv 37
Water
Swift Swim
BrineIce FangCrunchAqua Jet
Byron
Gym 6
Even

Aerodactyl trades roughly evenly with Byron's team.

Even
Magneton
Lv 37
ElectricSteel
Magnet Pull
Flash CannonThunderboltTri AttackMetal Sound
Risky
Steelix
Lv 38
SteelGround
Rock Head
Flash CannonIce FangEarthquakeSandstorm
Even
Bastiodon
Lv 41
RockSteel
Sturdy
Metal BurstStone EdgeIron DefenseTaunt
Candice
Gym 7
Good

Aerodactyl has the type edge here and should clean up Candice's team.

Easy KO
Sneasel
Lv 40
DarkIce
Inner Focus
SlashAerial AceFeint AttackIce Shard
You Win
Piloswine
Lv 40
IceGround
Oblivious
AvalancheStone EdgeEarthquakeHail
Easy KO
Abomasnow
Lv 42
GrassIce
Snow Warning
AvalancheWood HammerWater PulseFocus Blast
You Win
Froslass
Lv 44
IceGhost
Snow Cloak
BlizzardDouble TeamShadow BallPsychic
Volkner
Gym 8
Even

Aerodactyl trades roughly evenly with Volkner's team.

Even
Jolteon
Lv 46
Electric
Volt AbsorbImmune to Electric attacks
Thunder WaveCharge BeamIron TailQuick Attack
You Win
Raichu
Lv 46
Electric
Static
Charge BeamFocus BlastSignal BeamQuick Attack
Even
Luxray
Lv 48
Electric
Rivalry
Ice FangThunder FangCrunchFire Fang
Even
Electivire
Lv 50
Electric
Motor DriveImmune to Electric attacks
Thunder PunchFire PunchQuick AttackGiga Impact
Aaron
Elite Four
Strong

Aerodactyl resists most of Aaron's coverage and hits back hard.

Easy KO
Yanmega
Lv 49
BugFlying
Speed Boost
Air SlashBug BuzzU TurnDouble Team
You Win
Scizor
Lv 49
BugSteel
Swarm
Iron HeadX ScissorNight SlashQuick Attack
Easy KO
Vespiquen
Lv 50
BugFlying
Pressure
Attack OrderDefend OrderHeal OrderPower Gem
Easy KO
Heracross
Lv 51
BugFighting
Swarm
MegahornClose CombatNight SlashStone Edge
Even
Drapion
Lv 53
PoisonDark
Battle Armor
X ScissorCross PoisonIce FangAerial Ace
Bertha
Elite Four
Even

Aerodactyl trades roughly evenly with Bertha's team.

Even
Whiscash
Lv 50
WaterGround
Oblivious
Earth PowerAqua TailZen HeadbuttSandstorm
Even
Gliscor
Lv 53
GroundFlying
Hyper Cutter
EarthquakeIce FangFire FangThunder Fang
Risky
Hippowdon
Lv 52
Ground
Sand Stream
EarthquakeStone EdgeCrunchYawn
Risky
Golem
Lv 52
RockGround
Rock Head
EarthquakeFire PunchThunder PunchSandstorm
Risky
Rhyperior
Lv 55
GroundRock
Lightning Rod
EarthquakeRock WreckerMegahornAvalanche
Flint
Elite Four
Strong

Aerodactyl resists most of Flint's coverage and hits back hard.

Easy KO
Houndoom
Lv 52
DarkFire
Early Bird
FlamethrowerSludge BombDark PulseSunny Day
Easy KO
Flareon
Lv 55
Fire
Flash FireImmune to Fire attacks
OverheatGiga ImpactQuick AttackWill O Wisp
Easy KO
Rapidash
Lv 53
Fire
Run Away
Flare BlitzSolar BeamBounceSunny Day
You Win
Infernape
Lv 55
FireFighting
Blaze
Flare BlitzThunder PunchMach PunchEarthquake
You Win
Magmortar
Lv 57
Fire
Flame Body
FlamethrowerThunderboltSolar BeamHyper Beam
Lucian
Elite Four
Good

Aerodactyl has the type edge here and should clean up Lucian's team.

You Win
Mr Mime
Lv 53
Psychic
Soundproof
PsychicThunderboltReflectLight Screen
You Win
Espeon
Lv 55
Psychic
Synchronize
PsychicShadow BallQuick AttackSignal Beam
Even
Bronzong
Lv 54
SteelPsychic
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
PsychicGyro BallEarthquakeCalm Mind
You Win
Alakazam
Lv 56
Psychic
Synchronize
PsychicEnergy BallFocus BlastRecover
You Win
Gallade
Lv 59
PsychicFighting
Steadfast
Drain PunchPsycho CutLeaf BladeStone Edge
Jupiter
Commander
Strong

Aerodactyl resists most of Jupiter's coverage and hits back hard.

Easy KO
Zubat
Lv 21
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Giga DrainWing AttackBite
Easy KO
Skuntank
Lv 23
PoisonDark
Stench
Night SlashPoison GasScreechSmokescreen
Mars
Commander
Good

Aerodactyl has the type edge here and should clean up Mars's team.

Easy KO
Golbat
Lv 38
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Air CutterBiteToxicSupersonic
Even
Bronzor
Lv 38
SteelPsychic
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Gyro BallExtrasensoryIron DefenseConfuse Ray
You Win
Purugly
Lv 40
Normal
Thick Fat
SlashFeint AttackHypnosisFake Out
Saturn
Commander
Good

Aerodactyl has the type edge here and should clean up Saturn's team.

Easy KO
Golbat
Lv 42
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Air CutterBitePoison FangConfuse Ray
Even
Bronzor
Lv 42
SteelPsychic
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Gyro BallExtrasensoryShadow BallConfuse Ray
Easy KO
Toxicroak
Lv 44
PoisonFighting
Anticipation
Poison JabBrick BreakX ScissorFeint Attack
Cynthia
Champion
Good

Aerodactyl has the type edge here and should clean up Cynthia's team.

You Win
Spiritomb
Lv 58
GhostDark
Pressure
Dark PulsePsychicSilver WindShadow Ball
Easy KO
Roserade
Lv 58
GrassPoison
Natural Cure
Energy BallSludge BombToxicExtrasensory
You Win
Togekiss
Lv 60
NormalFlying
Hustle
Air SlashAura SphereWater PulseShock Wave
Even
Lucario
Lv 60
FightingSteel
Steadfast
Aura SphereExtreme SpeedShadow BallStone Edge
You Win
Milotic
Lv 58
Water
Marvel Scale
SurfIce BeamMirror CoatDragon Pulse
Even
Garchomp
Lv 62
DragonGround
Sand Veil
Dragon RushEarthquakeFlamethrowerGiga Impact

Fossil

Post-game only
Type
RockFlying
Tier
S

Aerodactyl can be revived from a fossil obtained in Oreburgh City. Revive Old Amber. Revive from Old Amber at the Mining Museum in Oreburgh City. Obtained in The Underground after National Dex.

View Aerodactyl locations

How to Get Aerodactyl in Platinum

Aerodactyl hatches back to life from the Old Amber at the Oreburgh lab, at level 20. The Amber is its own Underground find, separate from the Helix and Dome, so getting it does not cost you a Kanto shellfish.

1 location to catch Aerodactyl

Badge 1

How to Get Shiny Aerodactyl in Platinum

Aerodactyl revives from the Old Amber at Oreburgh City, so breed the result with a foreign Ditto for a shiny. Compare Shiny Aerodactyl odds across every game

Normal vs Shiny
Normal Aerodactyl in PlatinumNormal
Shiny Aerodactyl in Platinum Shiny
Color ShiftPurpletoPink
Shiny TierA Tier Shiny

Shiny Aerodactyl Evolution

Does Not Evolve
Aerodactyl does not evolve
Single-stage PokemonView Full Evolution Chart

Platinum Shiny Aerodactyl Calculator

2 Methods
Fastest Path

The best route is Masuda Method, about 1 in 1,639 on each try.

Step 1 · Encounter Method2 in Platinum

Masuda Method: Breed with a parent from a different-language game. Works on any breedable line.

Soft Reset: Save in front of a static, gift, or legendary encounter, then reset until it sparkles.

How many you have done, or plan to do.

120,000
Shiny Odds Per Try1 / 1,639Masuda Method
Chance By Now50.0%at 1,136 eggs hatchedAbout 5 in 10 hunters have one by now
What To Expect
ChanceEncountersTime
10%lucky few173----
25%one in four472----
50%coin flip1,136----
90%very likely3,773----
How is this calculated?

Every encounter has the same shiny chance, the Shiny Odds Per Try shown above. Each one is a separate roll that does not care how many you have already done, so the more you hunt, the higher your overall chance of at least one shiny. The formula below turns your odds and your number of tries into that combined chance.

chance after N tries = 1 − (1 − p)^N,  where  p = 1 / odds per try

Example at 1 in 8,192 (classic full odds): about 864 encounters for a 10 percent chance, 5,678 for 50 percent, and 18,862 for 90 percent.

The table above flips that around: it shows how many encounters it takes to reach a 10, 25, 50, and 90 percent chance at your current odds. Turning on boosts like the Shiny Charm, sandwiches, or chains improves your odds, so the encounter numbers drop.

These are estimates, not promises. Most games have no pity counter, meaning no guaranteed shiny no matter how many you hunt, so even Very Likely is not guaranteed: some hunters find one early, others go well past that point.

Where these shiny odds come from: Read our full methodology

For time estimates and charm math, open the Platinum shiny odds calculator with Aerodactyl already selected.

Aerodactyl Weakness

Type-wise, Aerodactyl takes extra damage from Water, Electric, Ice, Rock, and Steel. Ground moves do nothing thanks to a full immunity. 5 resistances help offset the weaknesses.

Aerodactyl Weakness and Resistance Chart
DamageTypes
2x (Weak)Water, Electric, Ice, Rock, Steel
0.5x (Resist)Normal, Fire, Poison, Flying, Bug
0x (Immune)Ground
Gen IV Type Chart
  • Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
  • Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)

What is Aerodactyl Weak Against

Avg
5Weak
5Resist
1Immune
Score-2
4xCritical
None
¼xResist
None
0xImmune

What is Aerodactyl Strong Against

6Strong
1Resisted
0Immune
Score+5
½xResisted
0xImmune
None

Best Pokemon Against Aerodactyl

Solrock
Solrock
RockPsychic
C
Geodude
Geodude
RockGround
C
Shinx
Shinx
Electric
C
Onix
Onix
RockGround
C
Lunatone
Lunatone
RockPsychic
C

Aerodactyl Evolutions

Aerodactyl is what you get. No evolutions, but it breeds through one egg group with a decent partner pool. Its eggs are slow to hatch. It's got 7 egg moves worth looking into. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.

How to Evolve

No Evolution
Aerodactyl
#142Aerodactyl
Does not evolve

Breeding

Challenging

Breed Aerodactyl (with patience) with 31 breeding partners from the Flying egg group. Pass egg moves like Assurance, Curse, Dragon Breath and 4 more to offspring.

Egg Groups
Flying
Gender
♂87.5%♀12.5%
Hatch Time
35 cycles·8,995 steps
Slow~9 min with Flame Body
Egg Moves
7moves
Breed With (best first)
togekisstogeticaltariapelipperfarfetchdswabluwingullcrobathonchkrowstaraptorpidgeotdodrio

Pt Aerodactyl Best Moveset

Rock/Flying at 130 Speed means almost nothing acts before the moveset does. 105 Attack powers physical Rock hits, and AbilityRock Head removes recoil from MoveDouble-Edge. MoveStealth Rock goes up first turn against nearly everything.

Best Build

Experimental
Physical Stallbreaker
Ability
Pressure
Item
Focus SashSURVIVAL
Best Nature for Aerodactyl
Jolly+SPE

Aerodactyl best EVs are Attack and Speed

EVs

Physical Stallbreaker Moveset

  • EarthquakeCoverage
  • Stealth RockSTAB
  • TauntUtility
  • Stone EdgeSTAB

Moves List

Stall teams hate this. Aerodactyl can spread damage across 11 types, with Dark and Fire punishing common defensive pivots. STAB from Stone Edge and Fly keeps the pressure honest on everything else.

Level-Up Moves

Lv 1
Bite
C6010025Dark
Lv 1
Fire Fang
C659515Fire
Lv 1
Ice Fang
C659515Ice
Lv 1
Scary Face
D—9010Normal
Lv 1
Supersonic
——5520Normal
Lv 1
Thunder Fang
C659515Electric
Lv 1
Wing Attack
C9010035Flying
Lv 9
Roar-6
C——20Normal
Lv 17
Agility
C——30Psychic
Lv 25
Ancient Power
D901005Rock
Lv 33
Crunch
C8010015Dark
Lv 41
Take Down
C908520Normal
Lv 49
Iron Head
C8010015Steel
Lv 57
Hyper Beam
C150905Normal
Lv 65
Rock Slide
A1129010Rock
Lv 73
Giga Impact
B150905Normal

TM Moves

41 of 43 TMs are obtainable before the Elite Four

TM
TM40
Aerial AceRoute 213badge 3
C90—20Flying
TM45
AttractAmity Squarebadge 2
——10015Normal
TM78
CaptivateRoute 204badge 2
——10020Normal
HM05
DefogSolaceon Ruinsbadge 3
D——15Flying
TM32
Double TeamWayward Cavebadge 2
———15Normal
TM59
Dragon PulseVictory Roadnot until badge 8
D9010010Dragon
TM26B10010010Ground
TM58
Endure+4Veilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
C——10Normal
TM42
FacadeSurvival Area
C7010020Normal
TM38
Fire BlastLake Veritybadge 3
D120855Fire
TM35
FlamethrowerVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
D9510015Fire
HM02B1359515Flying
TM21
FrustrationVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
D—10020Normal
TM68
Giga ImpactVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
B150905Normal
TM10
Hidden PowerVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
D6010015Normal
TM15C150905Normal
TM23
Iron TailIron Islandbadge 5
C1007515Steel
TM83
Natural GiftVeilstone Department Storebadge 3
D—10015Normal
TM66
PaybackRoute 215badge 3
D5010010Dark
TM17C——10Normal
TM44C——10Psychic
TM27D—10020Normal
TM05
Roar-6Route 213not until badge 7
C——20Normal
TM69
Rock PolishMt. Coronetbadge 6
C——20Rock
TM80
Rock SlideMt. Coronetnot until badge 7
A1129010Rock
HM06D4010015Fighting
TM39
Rock TombRavaged Pathbadge 1
C909510Rock
TM51
RoostRoute 210badge 3
C——10Flying
TM43
Secret PowerAmity Squarebadge 2
—7010020Normal
TM82
Sleep TalkEterna Forestbadge 2
C——10Normal
TM76
Stealth RockPrize for defeating Roarkbadge 1
B——20Rock
TM47
Steel WingRoute 209badge 3
C709025Steel
TM71
Stone EdgeVictory Roadnot until badge 8
B150805Rock
HM04
StrengthIron Islandbadge 5
C8010015Normal
TM90
SubstituteVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 2
C——10Normal
TM87
SwaggerPokémon Mansionbadge 4
——9015Normal
TM12
TauntRoute 211badge 1
B—10020Dark
TM46
ThiefEterna Citybadge 2
C6010025Dark
TM41
TormentVictory Roadnot until badge 8
D—10015Dark
TM06
ToxicRoute 212badge 4
C—8510Poison

Egg Moves

Egg
Egg
Assurance
—5010010Dark
Egg
Curse
C——10Ghost
Egg
Dragon Breath
—6010020Dragon
Egg
Foresight
D——40Normal
Egg
Pursuit
D4010020Dark
Egg
Steel Wing
C709025Steel
Egg
Whirlwind-6
D——20Normal

Tutor Moves

Tut
Tutor
Air Cutter
D829525Flying
Tutor
Ancient Power
D901005Rock
Tutor
Aqua Tail
C909010Water
Tutor
Earth Power
D9010010Ground
Tutor
Heat Wave
D1009010Fire
Tutor
Iron Head
C8010015Steel
Tutor
Ominous Wind
D601005Ghost
Tutor
Snore
D4010015Normal
Tutor
Swift
—60—20Normal
Tutor
Twister
—4010020Dragon

Base Stats

Base Stats
High
HP80
C
Attack105
B
Defense65
C
Sp. Atk60
C
Sp. Def75
C
Speed130
A
Total515
Details
Catch Rate
Challenging45 / 255
Growth Rate
Slow1.25M XP
Height1.8 m
Weight59.0 kg
Base XP180
Abilities
Rock Head
Protects against recoil damage.
Pressure
Increases the PP cost of moves targetting the Pokémon by one.
EV Yield
HPAtkDefSpASpDSpe+2
Speed training target
Pokedex Entry

A Pokémon that roamed the skies in the dinosaur era. Its teeth are like saw blades.

Pokemon Platinum

Aerodactyl Platinum Guide

  • Mega Evolution isn't available in Platinum, but Aerodactyl does have a Mega form in Gen 6-7 games (X/Y, ORAS, Sun/Moon). Mega Aerodactyl hits 615 BST.

  • Revive from Old Amber at the Mining Museum in Oreburgh City. Obtained in The Underground after National Dex.. Aerodactyl is revived at level 5. Give it Rare Candies or experience-share if you want it ready for the late-game. Note: this fossil is only available in Platinum. The other version of Platinum has a different fossil.

  • Yes. Aerodactyl is not available during the main story. It can only be obtained after entering the Hall of Fame. Aerodactyl becomes available after the main story is complete in Platinum.

  • In Platinum, Aerodactyl plays as a sweeper. It outspeeds most threats, so it can pressure opponents before they move.

  • In Platinum, Aerodactyl pairs best with Tyranitar, Gyarados, and Starmie. Tyranitar has Decent synergy and covers what Aerodactyl can't handle on its own.

Game Availability

Since debuting in Red & Blue, Aerodactyl has appeared in 20 titles over 9 generations. Along the way, it received a Mega form in Generation 6, keeping it relevant across different competitive metas.

Explore

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