Free switch-ins on Poison moves make Cobalion useful in any team that needs that coverage. Only 3 weaknesses keeps it safe in most matchups. Known as the Iron Will Pokemon. Flexible enough to run physical or special sets.
Nothing fancy in Cobalion's spread. It leans mixed with Defense out front. And you'll get 3 Defense EVs per KO for it. Follows a slow 1.25M XP grind.
It has a body and heart of steel. It worked with its allies to punish people when they hurt Pokémon.
Cobalion Weakness
ExcellentType-wise, Cobalion takes extra damage from Fire, Fighting, and Ground. Poison moves do nothing thanks to a full immunity. It resists 9 types, so it can switch into a lot of moves safely. Cobalion's physical bulk (base 129 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)
No breeding, no evolution. Cobalion is a Steel/Fighting legendary with 580 base stat total that you obtain once and build around.
How to Evolve
One boost from Swords Dance and Cobalion gets dangerous fast. The Jolly nature targets max Attack and Speed, and Justified backs the whole approach. Volt Switch and the remaining moves handle most of what's left standing.
Best Build
Best Cobalion Moveset
- Volt Switch
- Iron Head
- Swords Dance
- Hidden Power Ice
Recommended Teammates
Most of Cobalion's flexibility comes from TMs. Same-type output runs through Close Combat and Focus Blast, but Normal and Flying and the rest of the TM pool push it from predictable to genuinely threatening.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Cobalion is a fixed encounter, not a random spawn. Walk up to it, interact, and the battle starts immediately. Head to Route 13 when your team is ready for the fight.
Best Locations
You'll get Cobalion through 4 set encounters at Lv. 45-65. The list below covers each fixed location with its requirements.
Cobalion is a Legendary Pokemon rated B-Tier on our tier list. At 580 BST, it hits hard. It excels as a pivot. That 129 base Defense does the heavy lifting.
Cobalion's biggest threats include Infernape (Fire), Conkeldurr (Fighting), and Excadrill (Ground), all carrying super-effective STAB moves.
Cobalion doesn't evolve. As a Legendary Pokemon, it stands on its own without an evolutionary line. It's a Steel/Fighting type with 580 BST.
Justified is the go-to ability for Cobalion. It raises Attack one stage upon taking damage from a dark move. It's Cobalion's only ability.
Cobalion is leaning toward the physical side (base 90 Attack). Tanky enough to absorb a few hits, too. But the speed tells the real story — base 108 Speed lets it outrun most of the field. Fits the pivot role.
Cobalion appears in 9 games, including Black & White, Black 2 & White 2, and X & Y.
Since Black & White, Cobalion has appeared in 9 games. Legendary Pokemon like Cobalion are usually found through story events or special post-game areas rather than random encounters.
- 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 VBWDebut
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