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.
Red- and blue-striped Basculin are very violent and always fighting. They are also remarkably tasty.
Red and blue Basculin usually do not get along, but sometimes members of one school mingle with the other’s school.
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 from the Water2 egg group. Pass egg moves like Agility, Brine, Bubble Beam and 6 more to offspring.
Basculin's locked into one move per switch-in with Choice Band, trading flexibility for raw power at the cost of move flexibility. Aquatail is the go-to spam option, with Fighting and Dark coverage keeping switch-ins honest.
Best Build
Best Basculin Moveset
- Aqua Tail
- Aqua Jet
- Superpower
- Crunch
Recommended Teammates
Breeding's the move. Agility and Brine give Basculin options it can't learn any other way, and Normal and Dark coverage and more already covers a decent range on top of Aqua Tail and Surf. The egg moves push it further.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
high spawn rates across 44 locations for Basculin in mid-game fishing spots. Scroll the sorted list below and pick whichever spot sits closest to your current route. The rate differences between locations are worth comparing.
Best Locations
Bring Good Rod and Super Rod for Basculin. There are 44 fishing encounters from Lv. 25-55 with no walking alternatives. Pick the spot with the best rate and settle in.
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 physical attacker with base 92 Attack.
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