Clamperl sits at the start of its evolution line — not yet at full power, but that changes fast. Most trainers push through to Huntail as fast as possible. Been around since Gen 3. Only weak to Electric and Grass.
Clamperl's spread isn't flashy. Defense leads, Speed trails, 1 stats clear the bar. Easy to catch and worth 1 Defense EV, on a standard growth curve.
It makes a single pearl during its lifetime. The pearl is said to amplify psychic power.
Clamperl Weakness
GoodType-wise, Clamperl takes extra damage from Electric and Grass. It resists 4 types, giving it decent defensive coverage. Clamperl's physical bulk (base 85 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)
Clamperl's evolution chain splits 2 ways into Huntail and Gorebyss. The method you choose determines which form you get. Evolving adds up to 140 stat points total.
How to Evolve
Breed Clamperl easily with 78 breeding partners from the Water1 egg group. Pass egg moves like Aqua Ring, Barrier, Body Slam and 8 more to offspring.
the remaining moves keeps opponents guessing about Clamperl's real targets. Deepseatooth provides extra utility while max Sp. Atk and Speed EVs and Timid nature handle the stat profile. Rattled ties it together.
Best Build
Best Clamperl Moveset
- Ice Beam
- Surf
- Shell Smash
- Hidden Power Grass
Recommended Teammates
Breeding's the move. Aqua Ring and Barrier give Clamperl options it can't learn any other way, and Ice and Normal coverage already covers a decent range on top of Surf and Muddy Water. The egg moves push it further.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Transfer Moves
Clamperl starts showing up in late-game fishing spots at high spawn rates across 2 encounter spots. The list below is sorted so you can pick what fits your current progress without scrolling through everything.
Best Locations
Clamperl isn't fully evolved, so it's not built for competitive play. You'll want to evolve it into Huntail to unlock its full potential. At 345 BST, it's a stepping stone rather than a team anchor.
Shell Armor is the go-to ability for Clamperl. It protects against critical hits. Its hidden ability Rattled can work in specific setups.
Clamperl fills the balanced role. It's a special attacker with base 74 Sp. Atk. Base 32 Speed is low. Priority moves or Trick Room are the way to go.
Clamperl appears in 13 games, including Ruby & Sapphire, FireRed & LeafGreen, and Emerald.
Clamperl has been available in 13 games since Ruby & Sapphire, though obtaining it requires a trade evolution. This extra step makes it less common than Pokemon found through standard wild encounters.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRB
Red & Blue - Gen IIGS
Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRSDebut
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