Basculin Best Moveset
Water at 92 Attack and 98 Speed with AbilityAdaptability doubling TermStab from 1.5x to 2x. AbilityReckless boosts recoil moves instead. The moveset runs fast physical Water TermStab at boosted power through either ability. 70/65/55 bulk is thin. Tera Water under Adaptability makes Aqua Jet priority hit like a truck.
Reckless boosted recoil moves and Adaptability doubled STAB in Gen V (Black & White). Two great abilities. 92 Attack and 98 Speed were solid but not enough to stand out among Water-types.
Best Moves
Best Build
Basculin best EVs are Attack and Speed
Physical Sweeper Moveset
- Aqua Jet
- Waterfall
- Bite
- Headbutt
Recommended Teammates
Dropped in Gen VI (X & Y). Better Water-type physical attackers existed at every power level. Basculin hit hard and fast but brought nothing unique to a team.
Physical Sweeper Moveset
- Aqua Tail
- Aqua Jet
- Superpower
- Crunch
Recommended Teammates
Fell further in Gen VII (Sun & Moon). Adaptability Waterfall was strong, but the metagame demanded more than one STAB move and average bulk.
Physical Sweeper Moveset
- Aqua Jet
- Liquidation
- Superpower
- Crunch
Recommended Teammates
Borderline in Gen VIII (Sword & Shield). Banned from the lowest tier but couldn't compete above it. The awkward middle ground.
Physical Sweeper Moveset
- Aqua Jet
- Flip Turn
- Bounce
- Ice Fang
Recommended Teammates
Same result in Gen IX (Scarlet & Violet). Five gens of good abilities on a body that wasn't quite good enough to break through.
Physical Sweeper Moveset
- Wave Crash
- Aqua Jet
- Flip Turn
- Head Smash
Recommended Teammates
Basculin Weakness
Type-wise, Basculin takes extra damage from Electric and Grass. 4 resistances help offset the weaknesses. Basculin leans offensive (base 92 Atk) rather than trying to tank its weaknesses.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Electric, Grass |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Fire, Water, Ice, Steel |
What is Basculin Weak Against
GoodBest Pokemon Against Basculin
Charizard's Air Slash hits Basculin for 62-73%. Typhlosion's Focus Blast hits Basculin for 66-78%. Sandslash deals 50-59% with Earthquake.
B | ||
Recommended Build AbilitySolarpower ItemChoice Specs NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Basculin View Charizard builds →Flamethrower37-44% Air Slash62-73% Scorching Sands58-68% | ||
C | ||
Recommended Build AbilityFlashfire ItemChoice Scarf NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Basculin View Typhlosion builds →Eruption41-48% Scorching Sands38-46% Flamethrower25-29% Focus Blast66-78% | ||
C | ||
Recommended Build AbilitySandrush ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Basculin View Sandslash builds →Rapid Spin25-30% Earthquake50-59% Knock Off33-39% | ||
C | ||
Recommended Build AbilityLevitate ItemLeftovers NatureBold Moves
Damage vs Basculin View Mesprit builds →Ice Beam20-24% Psychic41-48% Thunderbolt 2x81-96% | ||
C | ||
Recommended Build AbilityTechnician ItemAssault Vest NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Basculin View Hitmontop builds →Rapid Spin25-29% Mach Punch20-23% Close Combat58-69% | ||
Evolution
Basculin doesn't evolve by leveling. You'll need a unique condition to push it forward to Basculegion. Evolving adds up to 70 stat points total. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
Breed Basculin with 34 breeding partners from the Water2 egg group.
How to Get Basculin
Basculin's scattered across 122 spots in early-game routes with high spawn rates. Check the list below for the closest location to wherever you are in the game. This one's quick.
Where To Catch Basculin in SV
The path to Basculin starts with Basculin at Lv. 7-60 via walking encounters. 1 catchable stage total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Basculin ✓Asado Desert - RiverLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%Asado Desert - RiverLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%Casseroya Lake - LakeLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%Casseroya Lake - LakeLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%Casseroya Lake - RiverLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%Casseroya Lake - RiverLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%East Province (Area One) - RiverLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%East Province (Area One) - RiverLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%East Province (Area Three) - LakeLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%East Province (Area Three) - LakeLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%East Province (Area Three) - RiverLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%East Province (Area Three) - RiverLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%East Province (Area Two) - RiverLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%East Province (Area Two) - RiverLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%Glaseado MountainLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%Glaseado MountainLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%North Province (Area One) - LakeLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%North Province (Area One) - LakeLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%North Province (Area One) - RiverLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%North Province (Area One) - RiverLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%North Province (Area Three) - RiverLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%North Province (Area Three) - RiverLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%North Province (Area Two) - LakeLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%North Province (Area Two) - LakeLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%South Paldean Sea - RiverLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%South Paldean Sea - RiverLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%South Province (Area Five) - LakeLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%South Province (Area Five) - LakeLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%South Province (Area Five) - RiverLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%South Province (Area Five) - RiverLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%South Province (Area Four) - LakeLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%South Province (Area Four) - LakeLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%South Province (Area Four) - RiverLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%South Province (Area Four) - RiverLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%South Province (Area One) - LakeLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%South Province (Area One) - LakeLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%South Province (Area One) - RiverLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%South Province (Area One) - RiverLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%South Province (Area Six) - LakeLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%South Province (Area Six) - LakeLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%South Province (Area Six) - RiverLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%South Province (Area Six) - RiverLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%South Province (Area Two) - RiverLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%South Province (Area Two) - RiverLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%Tagtree Thicket - LakeLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%Tagtree Thicket - LakeLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%Tagtree Thicket - RiverLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%Tagtree Thicket - RiverLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%West Province (Area One) - RiverLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%West Province (Area One) - RiverLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%West Province (Area Three) - LakeLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%West Province (Area Three) - LakeLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%West Province (Area Three) - RiverLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%West Province (Area Three) - RiverLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%West Province (Area Two) - RiverLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%West Province (Area Two) - RiverLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%Timeless WoodsLv.7-60Overworld
Step 2Evolve into BasculegionBREEDINGAvailableLeave a compatible parent at the Pokemon Day Care to receive a Basculegion egg.
decent spawn rates for Basculin across 5 locations in late-game routes. Nothing complicated. Check the sorted list below, compare the top few options, and head to whichever is closest.
Where To Catch Basculin in PLA
The path to Basculin starts with Basculin at Lv. 31-56 via walking encounters. 1 catchable stage total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Basculin ✓Tranquility CoveLv.31-34GrassRate 15%Heart's CragLv.40-48GrassRate 15%Islespy ShoreLv.40-47GrassRate 15%Fabled SpringLv.43-46GrassRate 15%Lake AcuityLv.53-56GrassRate 15%
Step 2Evolve into Basculegion
Basculin is available from early-game water routes onward at high spawn rates. 64 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 Basculin in SwSh
Basculin is your first catch on the way to Basculin. You'll find surfing and fishing encounters from Lv. 14-65 across 64 total spots in the chain.
- Step 1Basculin ✓North Lake MilochLv.14-16Super RodRate 2%Motostoke RiverbankLv.26-28Super RodRate 35%HulburyLv.20-24Super RodRate 10%Motostoke RiverbankLv.40-43Surfing on waterRate 70%Intense SunMotostoke RiverbankLv.40-43Surfing on waterRate 65%Normal WeatherMotostoke RiverbankLv.40-43Surfing on waterRate 55%RainingMotostoke RiverbankLv.40-43Surfing on waterRate 50%Heavy FogMotostoke RiverbankLv.40-43Surfing on waterRate 50%OvercastMotostoke RiverbankLv.40-43Surfing on waterRate 35%SandstormMotostoke RiverbankLv.40-43Surfing on waterRate 30%SnowingMotostoke RiverbankLv.40-43Surfing on waterRate 30%ThunderstormMotostoke RiverbankLv.40-43Surfing on waterRate 10%SnowstormBallimere LakeLv.60-65Surfing on waterRate 100%SnowstormBallimere LakeLv.60-65Surfing on waterRate 100%SandstormSnowslide SlopeLv.60-65Super RodRate 40%Frigid SeaLv.60-65Super RodRate 30%Ballimere LakeLv.60-65Surfing on waterRate 26%RainingBallimere LakeLv.60-65Surfing on waterRate 26%Intense SunBallimere LakeLv.60-65Surfing on waterRate 26%OvercastBallimere LakeLv.60-65Surfing on waterRate 26%Normal WeatherBallimere LakeLv.60-65Surfing on waterRate 26%ThunderstormRoaring-Sea CavesLv.60-65Surfing on waterRate 25%Intense SunRoaring-Sea CavesLv.60-65Surfing on waterRate 25%OvercastRoaring-Sea CavesLv.60-65Surfing on waterRate 25%Normal WeatherRoaring-Sea CavesLv.60-65Surfing on waterRate 25%RainingRoaring-Sea CavesLv.60-65Surfing on waterRate 25%ThunderstormRoaring-Sea CavesLv.60-65Surfing on waterRate 25%Heavy FogBallimere LakeLv.60-65Surfing on waterRate 20%SnowingGiant's BedLv.60-65Super RodRate 20%Giant's FootLv.60-65Super RodRate 20%Roaring-Sea CavesLv.60-65Surfing on waterRate 20%SnowingRoaring-Sea CavesLv.60-65Surfing on waterRate 20%Snowstorm
Step 2Evolve into Basculegion
Easy grab on Basculin with decent spawn rates across 16 locations in early-game fishing spots. The sorted list below shows the full spread so you can pick the most convenient spot.
Best Locations to Catch Basculin in Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon
Catching Basculin here means fishing. All 8 encounters require Super Rod at Lv. 10-51, and there aren't any overworld spawns in this game.
Base Stats
The stat budget goes to damage. Speed and Attack carry the offense, Sp. Def doesn't even come close. A Hostile Pokemon on a medium-fast 1M XP curve, worth 2 Speed EVs per KO.
The power of its jaws is immense—enough to leave teeth marks in iron sheets. Its personality is also extremely vicious.
Basculin Guide
Basculin is meant to evolve into Basculegion. At 460 BST, the stats aren't there for competitive play yet. Pre-evolution Pokemon rarely hold up against fully evolved threats.
Adaptability is what you want on Basculin. Every competitive set worth running is built with that ability in mind. The alternatives (Reckless, Mold Breaker) work on paper but Adaptability is what makes Basculin worth using.
Mold Breaker is the hidden ability. It bypasses targets' abilities if they could hinder or prevent a move. Worth hunting for if you want Basculin to compete at a higher level.
Base 98 Speed is workable. Faster than some, slower than many. On offense, Basculin is a physical attacker with base 92 Attack.
Game Availability
Basculin joined the series in Black & White and has been available in 9 titles so far. With 6 generations of appearances, it's established itself despite the later start.
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