Stats & Training
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.
Cloyster is capable of swimming in the sea. It does so by swallowing water, then jetting it out toward the rear. This Pokémon shoots spikes from its shell using the same system.
Cloyster is capable of swimming in the sea. It does so by swallowing water, then jetting it out toward the rear. This Pokémon shoots spikes from its shell using the same system.
Cloyster Weakness
Cloyster's Water/Ice typing leaves it vulnerable to Electric, Grass, Fighting, and Rock. Cloyster's physical bulk (base 180 Def) helps cushion physical weakness hits, but special attackers are the bigger threat.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Electric, Grass, Fighting, Rock |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Water |
| 0.25x (Resist) | Ice |
In Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire, Zapdos can KO Cloyster with Thunderbolt (182-214%).
 | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityStatic ItemSitrus Berry NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Cloyster View Zapdos builds →Heat Wave63-75% Thunderbolt 2x182-214%KO | ||
 | B | |
Recommended Build AbilitySand Stream ItemLeftovers NatureImpish Moves
Damage vs Cloyster View Hippowdon builds →Earthquake30-35% Rock Slide 2x30-36% | ||
 | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityPoisonheal ItemToxic Orb NatureCareful Moves
Damage vs Cloyster View Gliscor builds →Earthquake26-30% Knock Off12-14% | ||
 | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityLevitate ItemColbur Berry NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Cloyster View Latias builds →Draco Meteor117-138%KO | ||
 | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityNatural Cure ItemEviolite NatureBold Moves View Chansey builds →
| ||
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire Evolution
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. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
Breed with Cloyster to get Shellder eggs easily using 29 partners from the Water3 egg group. Notable egg moves include Aqua Ring, Avalanche, Barrier and 9 more.
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire Cloyster Best Moveset
One guaranteed turn is all Cloyster needs. Focus Sash buys it, max Attack and Speed EVs make it count, and Skilllink adds something extra. The goal: deal early damage and deal damage with Icicle Spear. The remaining moves gives it play beyond just the lead turn.
Best Build
Cloyster best EVs are Attack and Speed
Physical Sweeper Moveset
- Icicle Spear
- Shell Smash
- Rapid Spin
- Rock Blast
Recommended Teammates
Doubles Utility Moveset
- Icicle Spear
- Razor Shell
- Rock Blast
- Shell Smash
Recommended Teammates
Moves
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 Hydro Pump and Blizzard, they expand what Cloyster can actually threaten in practice.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Reminder Moves
Transfer Moves
How to Get Cloyster in Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire
Cloyster can't be caught in Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire. Transfer Shellder from Red, Yellow, or Gold and evolve through the 2-stage line to get it. The step cards below map the full chain.
Cloyster Guide
For Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire, we rate Cloyster B-Tier: a solid option in Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire for the right team. At 525 BST, the stats are spread pretty evenly. Icicle Spear with Focus Sash is the standard set.
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 with base 95 Attack and 85 Sp. Atk. Defensively? Enough bulk to take a hit or two.
In Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire, run Icicle Spear, Shellsmash, Rapid Spin, and Rock Blast on Cloyster. Icicle Spear is the most common pick at 25% usage. This set covers the balanced role with a mix of damage and utility.
Game Availability
One of the original 151, Cloyster has appeared in 20 games — most mainline games. From Red & Blue through the latest titles, it's rarely been left out of a regional Pokedex.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 1RBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen 2GS
Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3FRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 4DP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen 5BW
Black & White - Gen 5B2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY
X & Y - Gen 6ORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7USUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7SM
Sun & Moon - Gen 7LGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 8BDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 9SV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW
Winds & Waves