Chinchou is technically a pre-evolution of Lanturn, but it holds its own in formats where Eviolite is allowed. Volt Absorb heals when hit by Electric moves, adding extra value. Flexible enough to run physical or special sets. Part of the Gen 2 roster.
Nothing fancy in Chinchou's spread. It leans mixed with HP out front. And you'll get 1 HP EV per KO for it. Follows a slow 1.25M XP grind.
Its two antennae were originally fins. It discharges electricity to stun its prey before attacking.
It lives in the depths beyond the reach of sunlight. It flashes lights on its antennae to communicate with others of its kind.
Chinchou Weakness
GoodType-wise, Chinchou takes extra damage from Grass and Ground. The Water/Electric typing picks up 5 resistances to work with. Volt Absorb grants an additional Electric immunity, reshaping the matchup chart.
Chinchou is the base form in a two-stage line leading to Lanturn. Check the evolution method below. No compatible partners for breeding via one egg group. Eggs are average hatch time. Evolving adds up to 130 stat points total.
How to Evolve
Breed Chinchou easily from the Water2 egg group. Pass egg moves like Agility, Amnesia, Brine and 8 more to offspring.
Don't let the NFE status fool you. Chinchou with Eviolite hits bulk numbers that compete with final forms. Max HP and Defense EVs and Calm nature maximize that, and Voltabsorb handles the rest.
Best Build
Best Chinchou Moveset
- Discharge
- Icy Wind
- Scald
- Toxic
Recommended Teammates
The egg pool carries weight here. Agility and Amnesia aren't available any other way for Chinchou, and they meaningfully change what it threatens. Stack those on top of Zap Cannon and Hydro Pump for solid options.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Transfer Moves
decent spawn rates across 4 locations for Chinchou in early-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 Super Rod for Chinchou. There are 4 fishing encounters from Lv. 10-25 with no walking alternatives. Pick the spot with the best rate and settle in.
At 330 BST, Chinchou is firmly in pre-evolution territory. Evolve it into Lanturn before bringing it to any serious fight.
Chinchou evolves into Lanturn at level 27. Chinchou is the base form of this evolutionary line.
Chinchou gets Volt Absorb, Illuminate, and Water Absorb. But Volt Absorb is the one that matters — it's the centerpiece of every viable set. Build around that.
Chinchou is a special attacker with base 56 Sp. Atk. Fragile — can't afford to take many hits, too. But the speed tells the real story — at base 67 Speed, it won't be moving first often.
Chinchou appears in 17 games, including Gold & Silver, Crystal, and Ruby & Sapphire.
Debuting in Gold & Silver, Chinchou appears in 17 games across 8 generations. A reliable presence in most mainline games, typically found through catching or hatching as a base form.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRB
Red & Blue - Gen IIGSDebut
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 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