Basculin is technically a pre-evolution of Basculegion, but it holds its own in formats where Eviolite is allowed. Adaptability boosts same-type moves from 1.5x to 2x damage, adding extra value. Flexible enough to run physical or special sets.
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.
Though it differs from other Basculin in several respects, including demeanor—this one is gentle—I have categorized it as a regional form given the vast array of shared qualities.
Basculin Weakness
GoodType-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.
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.
How to Evolve
Breed Basculin with 10 breeding partners from the Water2 egg group.
Best Build
Legends: Arceus uses different battle mechanics.
Competitive build content is not applicable for this game. Select a main series game for builds.
Not a lot to pick from. Basculin gets Wave Crash and Aqua Tail for same-type damage, and Normal and Dark coverage and more rounds things out. You're building around what's available rather than choosing from a deep bench.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
decent spawn rates for Basculin across 5 locations in mid-game routes. Nothing complicated. Check the sorted list below, compare the top few options, and head to whichever is closest.
Best Locations
5 walking spots from walking for Basculin. Sorted by game progression with rates on each row, so you can compare without scrolling through everything.
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.
Basculin evolves into Basculegion through a special method. Basculin is the base form of this evolutionary line.
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.
Base 98 Speed is workable — faster than some, slower than many. On offense, Basculin is a mixed attacker — base 92 Attack and 80 Sp. Atk.
Basculin appears in 9 games, including Black & White, Black 2 & White 2, and X & Y.
Basculin joined the series in Black & White and has been available in 9 titles so far. With 5 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 VBWDebut
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