Arbok punches above its weight class thanks to Intimidate. It lowers the opponent's Attack on switch-in, which is enough to make up for stats that don't impress on their own. Only weak to Ground and Psychic. Known as the Cobra Pokemon.
Arbok's spread isn't flashy. Attack leads, HP trails, 2 stats clear the bar. Moderately hard to find and worth 2 Attack EVs, on a medium-fast 1M XP curve.
Transfixing prey with the face-like pattern on its belly, it binds and poisons the frightened victim.
With a very vengeful nature, it won’t give up the chase, no matter how far, once it targets its prey.
Arbok Weakness
AvgArbok is weak to Ground and Psychic-type moves. It resists 4 types, giving it decent defensive coverage. Arbok leans offensive (base 95 Atk) rather than trying to tank its weaknesses.
- Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
- Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)
Arbok is the evolved form of Ekans. Breeding produces Ekans eggs, and they're average hatch time. Evolving from Ekans gave Arbok the biggest boost in Attack (+35), bringing the total to 448 stats.
Breed with Arbok to get Ekans eggs easily using 30 partners from the Dragon and Ground egg groups. Notable egg moves include Beat Up, Disable, Poison Fang and 6 more.
Ground coverage gives Arbok answers even while choice-locked. Choice Scarf provides speed patching through item lock, and max Attack and Speed EVs with Intimidate mean every prediction that lands hits hard.
Best Build
Best Arbok Moveset
- Earthquake
- Switcheroo
- Gunk Shot
- Aqua Tail
Recommended Teammates
The TM pool is where it gets interesting. Coverage across 10 types means almost nothing walls Arbok cleanly, with Gunk Shot and Sludge Bomb anchoring the STAB side. Matchup flexibility isn't a problem.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Transfer Moves
Arbok is available from early-game routes onward at high spawn rates. 4 encounter spots give you plenty of options. Grab one early and it'll be ready to evolve or train by mid-game.
Where To Catch Arbok in HeartGold & SoulSilver
To get Arbok, start by catching Ekans through walking and gift encounters at Lv. 4-30. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Catch EkansEFFORTLESSRoute 32SoulSilverGrassLv.4CommonEarlyRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 33SoulSilverGrassLv.7CommonEarlyRouteMorning/dayEASYRoute 3SoulSilverGrassLv.8UncommonEarlyRouteEASYRoute 4SoulSilverGrassLv.8UncommonEarlyRouteMODERATEGoldenrod City - Game CornerHeartGoldGift from NPCLv.15LimitedEarlyCityPurchase: 700 coins
Step 2Arbok ✓CHALLENGINGRoute 3GrassLv.10RareEarlyRouteCHALLENGINGRoute 4GrassLv.10RareEarlyRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 27GrassLv.28CommonMidRouteCHALLENGINGRoute 26GrassLv.30RareMidRouteor evolve from Ekans (Step 1)
Don't let Arbok's 448 base stat total fool you. Intimidate is what makes it tick — it punches way above its weight class. We rate it C-Tier.
Ekans evolves into Arbok at level 22. Arbok is the fully evolved form. It sits at 448 BST in its evolved form.
Run Intimidate on Arbok. It's the ability that defines how you build around it and the main reason it holds a competitive niche. Arbok also gets Shed Skin and Unnerve, but they don't compare.
Arbok fills the balanced role. It's leaning toward the physical side (base 95 Attack). Base 80 Speed is workable — faster than some, slower than many. And it's enough bulk to take a hit or two.
Arbok appears in 20 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
Arbok has been part of the series since Red & Blue, appearing in 20 titles across all 9 generations. As a Gen 1 original, it's one of the most consistently available Pokemon in the franchise.
- 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 VIIISwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A