Archen Best Moveset
112 Attack on a pre-evo is outstanding, and Rock/Flying TermStab coverage hits wide. But AbilityDefeatist halves both offenses below 50% HP, making the moveset self-destructive after taking a single big hit. E-tier because the ability turns any damage taken into a power collapse.
Archen saw minimal competitive use in Gen V (Black & White / B2W2). This marked Archen's competitive debut. Its most popular set ran Defeatist with Flyinggem, favoring a Jolly nature.
Physical Sweeper Moveset
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide
- Acrobatics
- U Turn
Recommended Teammates
Archen sat at D-Tier in Gen VI. This was Archen's competitive peak. Its most popular set ran Defeatist with Focus Sash, favoring a Adamant nature.
Best Moves
Best Build
Archen best EVs are Attack and Speed
Physical Stallbreaker Moveset
- Stealth Rock
- Endeavor
- Taunt
- Head Smash
Recommended Teammates
Archen saw minimal competitive use in Gen VII (Sun & Moon / USUM). This was a decline from D-Tier in the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Defeatist with Eviolite, favoring a Jolly nature.
Support Moveset
- Stealth Rock
- Defog
- Earthquake
- Head Smash
Recommended Teammates
Archen saw minimal competitive use in Gen VIII (Sword & Shield / BDSP). Archen maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Defeatist with Focus Sash, favoring a Hardy nature.
Physical Sweeper Moveset
- Endeavor
- Protect
- Dual Wingbeat
- Earthquake
Recommended Teammates
Archen Weakness
Type-wise, Archen takes extra damage from Water, Electric, Ice, Rock, and Steel. Ground moves do nothing thanks to a full immunity. The Rock/Flying typing picks up 5 resistances to work with.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Water, Electric, Ice, Rock, Steel |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Normal, Fire, Poison, Flying, Bug |
| 0x (Immune) | Ground |
What is Archen Weak Against
AvgBest Pokemon Against Archen
Kyurem can KO Archen with Draco Meteor (157-185%). Starmie threatens a KO with Hydro Pump (222-262%). Terrakion's Stone Edge also KOs at 244-287%.
 Kyurem DragonIce | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityPressure ItemLoaded Dice NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Archen View Kyurem builds →Icicle Spear 2x47-55% Draco Meteor157-185%KO | ||
 Starmie WaterPsychic | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityAnalytic ItemFocus Sash NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Archen View Starmie builds →Ice Beam 2x121-143%KO Hydro Pump 2x222-262%KO Rapid Spin10-11% Psychic91-107%KO | ||
 Terrakion RockFighting | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityJustified ItemLeftovers NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Archen View Terrakion builds →Close Combat145-171%KO Stone Edge 2x244-287%KO | ||
 Ferrothorn GrassSteel | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityIron Barbs ItemLeftovers NatureRelaxed Moves View Ferrothorn builds →
| ||
 Rotom ElectricGhost | C | |
Recommended Build AbilityLevitate ItemLife Orb NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Archen View Rotom builds →Volt Switch 2x178-210%KO Shadow Ball102-120%KO Thunderbolt 2x229-270%KO | ||
Evolution
Archen is the base form in a two-stage line leading to Archeops. Check the evolution method below. Plenty of partners for breeding via two egg groups. Eggs are slow to hatch. Evolving adds up to 166 stat points total. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
How to Get Archen
Archen appears at high spawn rates across 18 spots in endgame 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 Archen in SwSh
Archen is your first catch on the way to Archen. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 60-65 across 18 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Archen ✓Giant's FootLv.60-65OverworldRate 100%SandstormGiant's FootLv.60-65OverworldRate 10%RainingGiant's FootLv.60-65OverworldRate 10%SnowstormGiant's FootLv.60-65OverworldRate 10%Intense SunGiant's FootLv.60-65OverworldRate 10%Heavy FogGiant's FootLv.60-65OverworldRate 10%SnowingGiant's FootLv.60-65OverworldRate 10%OvercastGiant's FootLv.60-65OverworldRate 10%ThunderstormGiant's FootLv.60-65OverworldRate 10%Normal Weather
Step 2Evolve into ArcheopsBREEDINGAvailableLeave a compatible parent at the Pokemon Day Care to receive a Archeops egg.
Archen is handed to you at Route 8. No encounter rates or random spawns involved, so there's nothing to grind. Check the location details below for the exact conditions to trigger it.
How to Obtain Archen in USUM
Step 1Archen ✓Route 8 - Fossil Restoration CenterLv.15Gift from NPCRevive Plume Fossil
Step 2Evolve into Archeops
No searching required for Archen. You receive it at Route 8 from an NPC. No wild encounters exist in this game, so just head to the right spot when you're ready and it's yours.
How to Obtain Archen in SM
- Step 1Archen ✓Route 8 - Fossil Restoration CenterLv.15Gift from NPCMoonRevive Plume Fossil
- Step 2Evolve into ArcheopsBREEDINGAvailableLeave a compatible parent at the Pokemon Day Care to receive a Archeops egg.
Archen is handed to you at Rustboro City. No encounter rates or random spawns involved, so there's nothing to grind. Check the location details below for the exact conditions to trigger it.
How to Obtain Archen in ORAS
Step 1Archen ✓Rustboro City - Devon CorporationLv.20Gift from NPCOne-timeRevive Plume Fossil
Step 2Evolve into Archeops
Base Stats
Everything pushes toward physical damage here. Archen's Attack does the work, Defense pays the price. But you're still getting 1 Attack EV per KO. Tough to catch, on a medium-fast 1M XP curve.
Archen is said to be the ancestor of bird Pokémon. It lived in treetops, eating berries and bug Pokémon.
Archen Guide
At 401 BST, Archen is firmly in pre-evolution territory. Evolve it into Archeops before bringing it to any serious fight.
Defeatist is the go-to ability for Archen. It halves Attack and Special Attack at 50% max HP or less. It's Archen's only ability.
Archen is a physical attacker with base 112 Attack. Fragile, can't afford to take many hits, too. Speed tells the real story. Base 70 Speed is workable. Faster than some, slower than many. Fits the attacker role.
For a casual playthrough, Archen works as a placeholder. Rock/Flying coverage is useful early. The real payoff is Archeops. That's where the stats start mattering.
Game Availability
Since Black & White, Archen has been obtainable in 7 games. A Generation 5 debut means a shorter history, but Archen has appeared steadily across every generation since.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1RB
Red & Blue - Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 2GS
Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 3FRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 4DP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 5BWDebut
Black & White - Gen 5B2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY
X & Y - Gen 6ORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7SM
Sun & Moon - Gen 7USUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7LGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen 8BDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 9SV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW
Winds & Waves