Arrokuda doesn't have much going for it on its own — the stats just aren't there. The payoff is Barraskewda, and getting there is worth the grind. One of the newer additions from Gen 8. Only weak to Electric and Grass.
Arrokuda's spread isn't flashy. Speed leads, Sp. Def trails, 0 stats clear the bar. Easy to catch and worth 1 Speed EV, on a slow 1.25M XP grind.
Arrokuda can swim quickly only in a straight line. The ones that become sluggish from overeating are the first to be targeted by flocks of Wattrel.
It takes down prey by charging into them with its hard, pointed jaw. But Arrokuda’s eyesight is poor, so this tactic has a low success rate.
Arrokuda Weakness
GoodType-wise, Arrokuda takes extra damage from Electric and Grass. It resists 4 types, giving it decent defensive coverage. Only 2 weaknesses makes it relatively easy to build around defensively.
Arrokuda evolves into Barraskewda. It's a two-stage chain with the method shown below. A decent partner pool for breeding via one egg group. Eggs are average hatch time. Evolving adds up to 210 stat points total.
How to Evolve
Breed Arrokuda easily with 34 breeding partners from the Water2 egg group.
You commit to a move every time Arrokuda comes in. Choice Band gives raw power at the cost of move flexibility, and Swiftswim adds to that. Flexible EVs EVs make sure the locked move actually hurts. The remaining moves covers the rest.
Best Build
Best Arrokuda Moveset
- Close Combat
- Liquidation
- Aqua Jet
- Flip Turn
Recommended Teammates
TMs define Arrokuda's movepool. The natural moves cover basics with Hydro Pump and Surf, but the real versatility comes from technical machines giving it coverage across 8 types. That's where the options open up.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Breeding's the move. Acupressure and Night Slash give Arrokuda options it can't learn any other way, and coverage across 9 types already covers a decent range on top of Liquidation and Dive. The egg moves push it further.
Arrokuda is available from early-game routes onward at high spawn rates. 72 encounter spots give you plenty of options. Grab one early and it'll be ready to evolve or train by mid-game.
Best Locations
Arrokuda's encounter pool splits between Scarlet and Violet. You've got 72 walking spots at Lv. 2-30 total, but your version determines which ones actually show up.
Easy grab on Arrokuda with high spawn rates across 34 locations in early-game water routes. Two different catch methods are in play here. The sorted list below shows the full spread so you can pick the most convenient spot.
Best Locations
Which version you're playing matters for Arrokuda. 34 surfing and fishing spots at Lv. 4-45 spread across Sword and Shield, and some routes only appear in one cartridge. Check the version badges below.
Arrokuda isn't fully evolved, so it's not built for competitive play. You'll want to evolve it into Barraskewda to unlock its full potential. At 280 BST, it's a stepping stone rather than a team anchor.
Arrokuda evolves into Barraskewda at level 26. Arrokuda is the base form of this evolutionary line.
Run Swift Swim on Arrokuda. It's the ability that defines how you build around it and the main reason it holds a competitive niche. Arrokuda also gets Propeller Tail, but they don't compare.
Arrokuda fills the balanced role. It's a physical attacker with base 63 Attack. At base 66 Speed, it won't be moving first often. And it's fragile — can't afford to take many hits.
Arrokuda can be found in Scarlet & Violet and Sword & Shield.
Introduced in Sword & Shield, Arrokuda has appeared in 2 games across 2 generations. Later debuts mean fewer total appearances, but it's been a consistent presence since its introduction.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRB
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 VIIISwShDebut
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A