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.
This Pokémon appears in a legend alongside Terrakion and Virizion, fighting against humans in defense of the Unova region’s Pokémon.
From the moment it’s born, this Pokémon radiates the air of a leader. Its presence will calm even vicious foes.
Cobalion Weakness
ExcellentType-wise, Cobalion takes extra damage from Fire, Fighting, and Ground. Poison moves do nothing thanks to a full immunity. It resists 8 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.
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. Close Combat and the remaining moves handle most of what's left standing.
Best Build
Best Cobalion Moveset
- Close Combat
- Swords Dance
- Iron Head
- Stealth Rock
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 doesn't appear in Sword & Shield. Transfer it from Black, Black 2, or Ultra Sun to add it to your collection. Check the source games below for encounter details.
Cobalion is not available as a wild encounter in this game.
Also found in:
Cobalion is a Legendary Pokemon rated A-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