Nothing about Cloyster screams competitive powerhouse, and that's fine. Water/Ice means only weak to Electric, Grass, Fighting, and Rock. An original Gen 1 pick. Needs some investment to avoid getting outsped.
Defense leads and Sp. Def gets almost nothing. That's Cloyster's stat line in a nutshell. 3 stats sit in respectable range, but the spread is brutal. Moderately hard to find and yields 2 Defense EVs.
It fights by keeping its shell tightly shut for protection and by shooting spikes to repel foes.
Cloyster Weakness
VulnerableCloyster's Water/Ice typing leaves it vulnerable to Electric, Grass, Fighting, and Rock moves. Cloyster's physical bulk (base 180 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)
Getting Cloyster requires an evolution item, not just grinding levels. The chain starts at Shellder. Breed this form to get Shellder eggs (average hatch time). Defense grew the most through evolution (+80 over Shellder), and Cloyster peaks at 525 total stats.
How to Evolve
Breed with Cloyster to get Shellder eggs easily from the Water3 egg group. Notable egg moves include Aqua Ring, Avalanche, Barrier and 9 more.
Best Build
No build content available for this Pokemon in Gen 5.
Try selecting a different game/generation filter, or check back later.
You'll want to breed for Aqua Ring and Avalanche on Cloyster. These egg moves aren't just nice to have. Combined with STAB from Blizzard and Hydro Pump, they expand what Cloyster can actually threaten in practice.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Reminder Moves
Transfer Moves
moderate rates is the best you'll get on Cloyster in endgame fishing spots. Use the sort toggle below. Best shows where the odds peak, Earliest shows where you can access it soonest in your playthrough.
Where To Catch Cloyster in Black 2 & White 2
Shellder is your first catch on the way to Cloyster. You'll find fishing encounters from Lv. 40-70 across 24 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch ShellderEASYHumilau CityBlack 2Super RodLv.40-70CommonLateCityAnyShaking spotEASYHumilau CityBlack 2Super RodLv.40-60CommonLateCityAnyEASYHumilau CityWhite 2Super RodLv.40-70CommonLateCityAnyShaking spotEASYHumilau CityWhite 2Super RodLv.40-60CommonLateCityAnyEASYRoute 13White 2Super RodLv.40-70CommonLateRouteAnyShaking spotEASYRoute 13White 2Super RodLv.40-60CommonLateRouteAnyEASYRoute 13Black 2Super RodLv.40-70CommonLateRouteAnyShaking spotEASYRoute 13Black 2Super RodLv.40-60CommonLateRouteAnyEASYSeaside Cave - 1FBlack 2Super RodLv.40-70CommonLateCaveAnyShaking spotEASYSeaside Cave - 1FBlack 2Super RodLv.40-60CommonLateCaveAnyEASYSeaside Cave - 1FWhite 2Super RodLv.40-70CommonLateCaveAnyShaking spotEASYSeaside Cave - 1FWhite 2Super RodLv.40-60CommonLateCaveAnyEASYUndella TownBlack 2Super RodLv.40-70CommonLateCityAnyShaking spotEASYUndella TownBlack 2Super RodLv.40-60CommonLateCityAnyEASYUndella TownWhite 2Super RodLv.40-70CommonLateCityAnyShaking spotEASYUndella TownWhite 2Super RodLv.40-60CommonLateCityAny
Step 2Cloyster ✓EXTREMEHumilau CityBlack 2Super RodLv.50-70RarePostCityAnyShaking spotEXTREMEHumilau CityWhite 2Super RodLv.50-70RarePostCityAnyShaking spotEXTREMERoute 13Black 2Super RodLv.50-70RarePostRouteAnyShaking spotEXTREMERoute 13White 2Super RodLv.50-70RarePostRouteAnyShaking spotEXTREMESeaside Cave - 1FWhite 2Super RodLv.50-70RarePostCaveAnyShaking spotEXTREMESeaside Cave - 1FBlack 2Super RodLv.50-70RarePostCaveAnyShaking spotEXTREMEUndella TownWhite 2Super RodLv.50-70RarePostCityAnyShaking spotEXTREMEUndella TownBlack 2Super RodLv.50-70RarePostCityAnyShaking spotor evolve from Shellder (Step 1)
We rate Cloyster B-Tier — a solid choice for the right team. At 525 BST, the stats are spread pretty evenly. Base 180 Defense stands out.
Shellder evolves into Cloyster using a Water Stone. Cloyster is the fully evolved form. At 525 BST, it's got solid stats to work with.
Shell Armor protects against critical hits — that's the one you want on Cloyster. Overcoat is the hidden ability. Niche, but it has its uses. Skill Link works too if your team needs something different.
Base 70 Speed is workable — faster than some, slower than many. On offense, Cloyster is a mixed attacker — base 95 Attack and 85 Sp. Atk. Defensively? Enough bulk to take a hit or two.
Cloyster appears in 20 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
One of the original 151, Cloyster has appeared in 20 games — nearly every mainline game. From Red & Blue through the latest titles, it's rarely been left out of a regional Pokedex.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRBDebut
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 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