High risk, high reward with Barraskewda. The offense is outstanding but the bulk won't survive much — 50 base Sp. Def is the weak link. Only weak to Electric and Grass. Outspeeds nearly everything without investment. Known as the Skewer Pokemon.
Speed leads and Sp. Def gets almost nothing. That's Barraskewda's stat line in a nutshell. 2 stats sit in respectable range, but the spread is brutal. Moderately hard to find and yields 2 Speed EVs.
This Pokémon has a jaw that’s as sharp as a spear and as strong as steel. Apparently Barraskewda’s flesh is surprisingly tasty, too.
It spins its tail fins to propel itself, surging forward at speeds of over 100 knots before ramming prey and spearing into them.
Barraskewda Weakness
GoodBarraskewda's Water typing leaves it vulnerable to Electric and Grass moves. 4 resistances help offset the weaknesses. At base 136 Speed, Barraskewda outspeeds most threats and doesn't need to tank what it can outrun.
Evolved from Arrokuda. Barraskewda is the final form in this two-stage line. A decent partner pool for breeding via one egg group. Eggs are average hatch time. Speed grew the most through evolution (+70 over Arrokuda), and Barraskewda peaks at 490 total stats.
How to Evolve
Breed with Barraskewda to get Arrokuda eggs easily using 20 partners from the Water2 egg group. Notable egg moves include Acupressure, Night Slash, Slash and 1 more.
Prediction matters here. Choice Band means Barraskewda can't change moves after clicking, but the payoff is raw power at the cost of move flexibility. Max Attack and Speed EVs with Swiftswim back that up. Dark coverage prevents free switches.
Best Build
Best Barraskewda Moveset
- Close Combat
- Liquidation
- Flip Turn
- Crunch
Recommended Teammates
The natural movepool does the job, but Acupressure and Night Slash from the egg pool give Barraskewda something extra. Pair those with Hydro Pump and Surf for STAB and coverage across 9 types for reach, and the kit fills out nicely.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
high spawn rates for Barraskewda across 26 locations in mid-game water routes. Nothing complicated. Check the sorted list below, compare the top few options, and head to whichever is closest.
Where To Catch Barraskewda in Sword & Shield
The path to Barraskewda starts with Arrokuda at Lv. 4-52 via surfing and fishing encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch ArrokudaMODERATEForest of FocusSwordSuper RodLv.13-1820%EarlyForestMODERATEForest of FocusShieldSuper RodLv.13-1820%EarlyForestEXTREMERoute 2SwordSuper RodLv.4-65%EarlyRouteEXTREMERoute 2ShieldSuper RodLv.4-65%EarlyRouteEASYHulburySwordSuper RodLv.20-2450%MidEASYHulburyShieldSuper RodLv.20-2450%MidEASYMotostoke RiverbankSwordSuper RodLv.26-2850%MidEASYMotostoke RiverbankShieldSuper RodLv.26-2850%MidEFFORTLESSRoute 2SwordSurfing on waterLv.38-4070%LateRouteAll WeatherEFFORTLESSRoute 2ShieldSurfing on waterLv.38-4070%LateRouteAll WeatherEFFORTLESSMotostoke RiverbankSwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4365%LateThunderstormEFFORTLESSMotostoke RiverbankShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4365%LateThunderstormEFFORTLESSMotostoke RiverbankShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4360%LateSandstormEFFORTLESSMotostoke RiverbankSwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4360%LateSandstormEASYChallenge Beach - RiverShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4545%LateWaterAll WeatherEASYChallenge Beach - RiverSwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4545%LateWaterAll WeatherEASYForest of FocusShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4545%LateForestAll WeatherEASYForest of FocusSwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4545%LateForestAll WeatherEASYMotostoke RiverbankShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4345%LateHeavy FogEASYMotostoke RiverbankShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4345%LateOvercastEASYMotostoke RiverbankSwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4345%LateHeavy FogEASYMotostoke RiverbankSwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4345%LateOvercastEASYTraining LowlandsSwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4545%LateAll WeatherEASYTraining LowlandsShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4545%LateAll WeatherEASYMotostoke RiverbankShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4340%LateRainingEASYMotostoke RiverbankSwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4340%LateRainingEASYMotostoke RiverbankSwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4330%LateNormal WeatherEASYMotostoke RiverbankShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4330%LateNormal WeatherEASYMotostoke RiverbankShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4325%LateIntense SunEASYMotostoke RiverbankSwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4325%LateIntense SunMODERATEMotostoke RiverbankSwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4320%LateSnowstormMODERATEMotostoke RiverbankShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4320%LateSnowstormMODERATEMotostoke RiverbankShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4315%LateSnowingMODERATEMotostoke RiverbankSwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4315%LateSnowing- Step 2Barraskewda ✓CHALLENGINGMotostoke RiverbankShieldSuper RodLv.26-2810%MidCHALLENGINGMotostoke RiverbankSwordSuper RodLv.26-2810%MidEASYDusty BowlShieldSuper RodLv.40-4550%LateEASYDusty BowlSwordSuper RodLv.40-4550%LateEASYRoute 2SwordSurfing on waterLv.38-4028%LateRouteAll WeatherEASYRoute 2ShieldSurfing on waterLv.38-4028%LateRouteAll WeatherHARDLake of OutrageShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-435%LateWaterSnowstormHARDLake of OutrageSwordSurfing on waterLv.40-435%LateWaterThunderstormHARDLake of OutrageSwordSurfing on waterLv.40-435%LateWaterIntense SunHARDLake of OutrageSwordSurfing on waterLv.40-435%LateWaterSnowingHARDLake of OutrageShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-435%LateWaterThunderstormHARDLake of OutrageSwordSurfing on waterLv.40-435%LateWaterSandstormHARDLake of OutrageShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-435%LateWaterIntense SunHARDLake of OutrageSwordSurfing on waterLv.40-435%LateWaterRainingHARDLake of OutrageShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-435%LateWaterSnowingHARDLake of OutrageSwordSurfing on waterLv.40-435%LateWaterHeavy FogHARDLake of OutrageShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-435%LateWaterSandstormHARDLake of OutrageSwordSurfing on waterLv.40-435%LateWaterOvercastHARDLake of OutrageShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-435%LateWaterRainingHARDLake of OutrageSwordSurfing on waterLv.40-435%LateWaterNormal WeatherHARDLake of OutrageShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-435%LateWaterHeavy FogHARDLake of OutrageSwordSurfing on waterLv.40-435%LateWaterSnowstormHARDLake of OutrageShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-435%LateWaterOvercastHARDLake of OutrageShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-435%LateWaterNormal WeatherEASYLake of OutrageShieldSuper RodLv.50-5250%PostWaterEASYLake of OutrageSwordSuper RodLv.50-5250%PostWateror evolve from Arrokuda (Step 1)
Swift Swim changes the entire equation for Barraskewda. The 490 BST doesn't tell the full story. Ranked B-Tier as a sweeper.
Watch for Manectric (Electric) and Breloom (Grass) when using Barraskewda. They all hit it super-effectively with STAB. Only 2 weaknesses means fewer dedicated counters to worry about. Barraskewda's base 136 Speed lets it outpace many threats and strike first, which matters more than trying to tank hits.
Arrokuda evolves into Barraskewda at level 26. Barraskewda is the fully evolved form. At 490 BST, it's got solid stats to work with.
Swift Swim is what you want on Barraskewda. Every competitive set worth running is built with that ability in mind. The alternatives (Propeller Tail) work on paper but Swift Swim is what makes Barraskewda worth using. With base 136 Speed, Swift Swim gives Barraskewda an edge before opponents can react.
Base 136 Speed lets it outrun most of the field. On offense, Barraskewda is a physical attacker with base 123 Attack. Best used as a sweeper.
Barraskewda can be found in Scarlet & Violet and Sword & Shield.
Barraskewda joined the series in Sword & Shield and has been available in 2 titles so far. With 2 generations of appearances, it's established itself despite the later start.
- 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