Bastiodon's Rock/Steel typing gives it an immunity to Poison. Only 3 weaknesses on top of that — it has plenty of safe switch-in opportunities. Been around since Gen 4. Works well under Trick Room.
Bastiodon's all-in on Defense at the expense of Speed. The mixed lean is obvious from the bars. Yields 2 Defense EVs and follows a standard growth curve.
When attacked, they form a wall. Their rock-hard faces serve to protect them from the attacks.
Bastiodon Weakness
GoodBastiodon's Rock/Steel typing leaves it vulnerable to Fighting, Ground, and Water moves. Fighting and Ground hits land at 4x, so they're the biggest threat. It shrugs off Poison-type attacks completely. 9 resistances give it solid defensive coverage on top of that. Bastiodon's physical bulk (base 168 Def) helps cushion physical weakness hits, but special attackers are the bigger threat.
- Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
- Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)
Bastiodon is the evolved form of Shieldon. Breeding produces Shieldon eggs, and they're slow to hatch. Evolving from Shieldon gave Bastiodon the biggest boost in Defense (+50), bringing the total to 495 stats.
How to Evolve
Breed with Bastiodon to get Shieldon eggs using 63 partners from the Monster egg group. Notable egg moves include Body Slam, Counter, Curse and 7 more.
Stealth Rock is the priority every time Bastiodon comes in. Calm nature and Defense and Sp. Def investment EVs keep it alive long enough to get layers down, while Leftovers provides passive recovery each turn. Sturdy rounds it out.
Best Build
Best Bastiodon Moveset
- Stealth Rock
- Roar
- Metal Burst
- Protect
Recommended Teammates
You'll want to breed for Body Slam and Counter on Bastiodon. These egg moves aren't just nice to have. Combined with STAB from Iron Tail and Stone Edge, they expand what Bastiodon can actually threaten in practice.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Can't catch Bastiodon directly. Start with Shieldon but it's a rare spawn from the locations below, then evolve at level 30. The 2-stage line from Shieldon to Bastiodon is where the leveling time goes.
How to Obtain Bastiodon in HeartGold & SoulSilver
Step 1Catch ShieldonMODERATEPewter City - Museum of ScienceSoulSilverGift from NPCLv.20LimitedMidCityRevive Armor FossilMODERATEPewter City - Museum of ScienceHeartGoldGift from NPCLv.20LimitedMidCityRevive Armor Fossil
Step 2Bastiodon ✓
Bastiodon has a 495 base stat total and ranks as B-Tier — a solid choice for the right team. It works best as a support. Base 168 Defense is where it shines.
Watch for Lucario (Fighting), Garchomp (Ground), and Milotic (Water) when using Bastiodon. They all hit it super-effectively with STAB. Lucario is the most dangerous since Fighting moves deal 4x damage. At base 30 Speed, Bastiodon won't outrun any of these threats so switching to a resist is usually the safer play.
Shieldon evolves into Bastiodon at level 30. Bastiodon is the fully evolved form. At 495 BST, it's got solid stats to work with.
Sturdy prevents being KOed from full HP, leaving 1 HP instead — that's the one you want on Bastiodon. Soundproof is the hidden ability. Niche, but it has its uses.
Bastiodon fills the support role. It's leaning toward the physical side (base 52 Attack). Base 30 Speed is low. Priority moves or Trick Room are the way to go. And it's tanky enough to absorb a few hits.
Bastiodon appears in 12 games, including Platinum, HeartGold & SoulSilver, and Diamond & Pearl.
Bastiodon first appeared in Diamond & Pearl and has been available in 12 games across 6 generations. Obtainable through wild encounters in most titles where it appears.
- 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 IVDPDebut
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 VIIISwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A