Flying is a dangerous matchup for Chesnaught — quadruple damage means one hit can end things. On the flip side, it resists 6 types, so the defensive profile isn't all bad. It relies on priority moves or Scarf to keep up. Known as the Spiny Armor Pokemon.
Defense and Attack carry most of Chesnaught's stat budget. Speed's the obvious dump stat. Tough to catch and yields 3 Defense EVs. Follows a 1.06M XP medium-slow curve.
Its Tackle is forceful enough to flip a 50-ton tank. It shields its allies from danger with its own body.
When it takes a defensive posture with its fists guarding its face, it could withstand a bomb blast.
Chesnaught Weakness
FragileChesnaught is weak to Flying, Fire, Ice, Poison, Psychic, and Fairy-type moves. Watch out for Flying attacks, those deal 4x damage. With 6 resistances, the defensive profile is strong. Chesnaught's physical bulk (base 122 Def) helps cushion physical weakness hits, but special attackers are the bigger threat.
End of the line. Chesnaught caps a three-stage chain that started at Chespin. Breeding produces the base form, and eggs are average hatch time. Defense grew the most through evolution (+57 over Chespin), and Chesnaught peaks at 530 total stats.
How to Evolve
Breed with Chesnaught to get Chespin eggs from the Ground egg group. Notable egg moves include Belly Drum, Curse, Defense Curl and 4 more.
Chesnaught's job is getting Spikes up and staying on the field. Leftovers provides passive recovery each turn, Bulletproof helps it stick around, and max HP and Defense EVs prioritize longevity.
Best Build
Best Chesnaught Moveset
- Drain Punch
- Spiky Shield
- Spikes
- Leech Seed
Recommended Teammates
Hammer Arm and Take Down bring the raw damage. But Chesnaught also picks up coverage across 10 types from TMs, making it tough to find a safe switch. You're not locked into one angle here.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Chesnaught doesn't appear wild. Catch Chespin instead, it shows up but it's a rare spawn. Evolve it at level 36 to get Chesnaught. The 3-stage chain is mapped in the step cards below.
How to Obtain Chesnaught in X & Y
Chespin is your first catch on the way to Chesnaught. You'll find gift encounters from Lv. 5+ across 4 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch ChespinMODERATEAquacorde TownYGift from NPCLv.5LimitedEarlyCityStarter choiceMODERATEAquacorde TownXGift from NPCLv.5LimitedEarlyCityStarter choiceLEGENDARYVaniville TownYIn-game tradeLv.5LimitedEarlyCityTrade any (post-Elite Four, Fennekin starter)LEGENDARYVaniville TownXIn-game tradeLv.5LimitedEarlyCityTrade any (post-Elite Four, Fennekin starter)
Step 2Evolve into Quilladin
Step 3Chesnaught ✓
We rate Chesnaught C-Tier — a situational pick that fills a niche. At 530 BST, it fits the hazard setter role. Base 122 Defense stands out.
Chesnaught's biggest threats include Braviary (Flying), Blaziken (Fire), and Weavile (Ice), all carrying super-effective STAB moves. Braviary is the most dangerous since Flying moves deal 4x damage. Poison, Psychic, and Fairy-type attackers are also a problem. With 6 weakness types, most competitive teams carry at least one counter.
Overgrow is the go-to ability for Chesnaught. It strengthens grass moves to inflict 1.5× damage at 1/3 max HP or less. Its hidden ability Bulletproof can work in specific setups.
At base 64 Speed, it won't be moving first often. On offense, Chesnaught is a physical attacker with base 107 Attack. Defensively? Tanky enough to absorb a few hits. Best used as a hazard setter.
Chesnaught appears in 6 games, including X & Y, Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire, and Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon.
Since debuting in X & Y, Chesnaught has appeared in 6 titles over 4 generations. Along the way, it received a Mega form in Generation 6, keeping it relevant across different competitive metas.
- 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 VIXYDebut
X & Y - Gen VIORASMega
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