Is Deerling Good in Black 2 & White 2 Playthrough?
Normal/Grass with AbilitySap Sipper blocking Grass moves for an Attack boost. Wild on Route 6. Sawsbuck at level 34 is decent but the six type weaknesses make later matchups risky.
Deerling resists most of Cheren's coverage and hits back hard.
Deerling has the type edge here and should clean up Roxie's team.
Deerling trades roughly evenly with Burgh's team.
Deerling trades roughly evenly with Elesa's team.
Deerling trades roughly evenly with Clay's team.
Sawsbuck trades roughly evenly with Skyla's team.
Sawsbuck trades roughly evenly with Drayden's team.
Sawsbuck resists most of Marlon's coverage and hits back hard.
Sawsbuck trades roughly evenly with Shauntal's team.
Sawsbuck has the type edge here and should clean up Grimsley's team.
Sawsbuck has the type edge here and should clean up Caitlin's team.
Sawsbuck trades roughly evenly with Marshal's team.
Sawsbuck trades roughly evenly with Iris's team.
Catch Deerling on Route 6 (walking, Lv 23-25, common).
Your Deerling should hit Level 34 before you reach Skyla, at typical leveling pace.
How to Get Deerling in Black 2 & White 2
high spawn rates across 4 locations for Deerling in mid-game routes. Scroll the sorted list below and pick whichever spot sits closest to your current route. The rate differences between locations are worth comparing.
Where To Catch Deerling in B2W2
The path to Deerling starts with Deerling at Lv. 23-58 via walking encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Deerling ✓Route 6Lv.23-25GrassRate 30%AnyRoute 7Lv.30GrassRate 30%Any
Step 2Catch or Evolve into SawsbuckDragonspiral Tower - EntranceLv.55-58FloorRate 30%Spring/summer/autumnDragonspiral Tower - EntranceLv.55-57FloorRate 30%WinterDragonspiral Tower - OutsideLv.55-57FloorRate 30%WinterDragonspiral Tower - OutsideLv.55-58FloorRate 30%Spring/summer/autumnor evolve from Deerling (Step 1)
Deerling Weakness
Fire, Ice, Fighting, Poison, Flying, and Bug moves hit Deerling for super-effective damage. The upside? Ghost-type moves can't touch it at all. It resists 4 types, giving it decent defensive coverage. Sap Sipper grants an additional Grass immunity, reshaping the matchup chart.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Fire, Ice, Fighting, Poison, Flying, Bug |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Water, Electric, Grass, Ground |
| 0x (Immune) | Ghost |
- Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
- Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)
What is Deerling Weak Against
VulnerableBest Pokemon Against Deerling
 Tepig Fire | C | |
Obtain MethodAspertia City Gift | ||
 Koffing Poison | C | |
 Growlithe Fire | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Deerling View Growlithe builds →Flame Wheel 2x69-82% Rock Smash 2x33-40% | ||
 Riolu Fighting | C | |
 Sewaddle BugGrass | D | |
Tepig Fire | C | |
Obtain MethodAspertia City Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Deerling View Tepig builds →Flame Charge 2x55-65% Rock Smash 2x31-36% | ||
 Glaceon Ice | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Deerling View Glaceon builds →Icy Wind 2x94-111%KO Rock Smash 2x29-34% | ||
 Muk Poison | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Deerling View Muk builds →Sludge 2x69-81% Rock Smash 2x40-49% | ||
 Pignite FireFighting | C | |
Obtain MethodEvolve Tepig (Aspertia City Gift) Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Deerling View Pignite builds →Flame Charge 2x69-81% Rock Smash 2x54-64% Smog 2x16-20% | ||
 Swadloon BugGrass | C | |
Growlithe Fire | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Deerling View Growlithe builds →Fire Fang 2x73-86% Rock Smash 2x31-37% | ||
 Braviary Normal | C | |
Obtain MethodRoute 4 Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Deerling View Braviary builds →Wing Attack 2x105-124%KO Rock Smash 2x47-56% | ||
 Mandibuzz Dark | C | |
Obtain MethodRoute 4 Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Deerling View Mandibuzz builds →Pluck 2x66-78% Rock Smash 2x29-35% | ||
 Darumaka Fire | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Deerling View Darumaka builds →Fire Punch 2x101-120%KO Rock Smash 2x38-45% | ||
Glaceon Ice | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Deerling View Glaceon builds →Icy Wind 2x101-120%KO Rock Smash 2x27-33% | ||
 Arcanine Fire | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Deerling View Arcanine builds →Fire Fang 2x105-124%KO Rock Smash 2x44-52% | ||
 Heracross BugFighting | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Deerling View Heracross builds →Close Combat 2x201-237%KO Aerial Ace 2x67-80% Venoshock 2x32-38% | ||
Braviary Normal | C | |
Obtain MethodRoute 4 Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Deerling View Braviary builds →Fly 2x149-177%KO U-turn 2x78-93% Rock Smash 2x46-55% | ||
 Pinsir Bug | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Deerling View Pinsir builds →X-Scissor 2x134-158%KO Brick Break 2x83-99% | ||
 Scolipede BugPoison | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Deerling View Scolipede builds →Megahorn 2x166-196%KO Poison Tail 2x72-85% Rock Smash 2x39-46% | ||
Mandibuzz Dark | C | |
Obtain MethodRoute 4 Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Deerling View Mandibuzz builds →Fly 2x91-107%KO U-turn 2x47-57% Rock Smash 2x28-34% Incinerate 2x19-23% | ||
 Darmanitan Fire | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Deerling View Darmanitan builds →Flare Blitz 2x221-261%KO Hammer Arm 2x123-146%KO U-turn 2x87-103%KO | ||
Heracross BugFighting | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Deerling View Heracross builds →Close Combat 2x202-238%KO Aerial Ace 2x68-80% Venoshock 2x32-37% | ||
Braviary Normal | C | |
Obtain MethodRoute 4 Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Deerling View Braviary builds →Fly 2x150-177%KO U-turn 2x79-93% Rock Smash 2x46-54% | ||
Pinsir Bug | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Deerling View Pinsir builds →X-Scissor 2x136-160%KO Brick Break 2x84-99% | ||
 Emboar FireFighting | B | |
Obtain MethodEvolve Tepig (Aspertia City Gift) Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Deerling View Emboar builds →Hammer Arm 2x166-196%KO Flame Charge 2x85-101%KO Smog 2x21-24% | ||
Darmanitan Fire | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Deerling View Darmanitan builds →Flare Blitz 2x229-270%KO Superpower 2x152-180%KO U-turn 2x90-106%KO | ||
 Cobalion SteelFighting | B | |
Obtain MethodRoute 13 Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Deerling View Cobalion builds →Sacred Sword 2x119-141%KO Aerial Ace 2x53-63% | ||
Heracross BugFighting | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Deerling View Heracross builds →Close Combat 2x208-245%KO Megahorn 2x208-245%KO Aerial Ace 2x70-83% Venoshock 2x32-38% | ||
 Chandelure GhostFire | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Deerling View Chandelure builds →Fire Blast 2x237-279%KO Smog 2x27-32% | ||
Braviary Normal | C | |
Obtain MethodRoute 4 Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Deerling View Braviary builds →Fly 2x155-182%KO U-turn 2x81-95% Rock Smash 2x47-55% | ||
Darmanitan Fire | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Deerling View Darmanitan builds →Flare Blitz 2x227-267%KO Superpower 2x151-178%KO U-turn 2x88-104%KO | ||
Cobalion SteelFighting | B | |
Obtain MethodRoute 13 Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Deerling View Cobalion builds →Sacred Sword 2x118-139%KO X-Scissor 2x70-83% Aerial Ace 2x53-62% | ||
Heracross BugFighting | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Deerling View Heracross builds →Close Combat 2x207-243%KO Megahorn 2x207-243%KO Aerial Ace 2x70-83% Venoshock 2x32-38% | ||
Chandelure GhostFire | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Deerling View Chandelure builds →Fire Blast 2x233-274%KO Smog 2x27-32% | ||
 Mienshao Fighting | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Deerling View Mienshao builds →Jump Kick 2x172-202%KO Bounce 2x97-114%KO U-turn 2x81-96% | ||
Chandelure GhostFire | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Deerling View Chandelure builds →Overheat 2x276-325%KO Smog 2x27-32% | ||
Cobalion SteelFighting | B | |
Obtain MethodRoute 13 Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Deerling View Cobalion builds →Close Combat 2x158-186%KO Poison Jab 2x70-83% X-Scissor 2x70-83% Aerial Ace 2x53-63% | ||
 Volcarona BugFire | A | |
Obtain MethodRelic Castle Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Deerling View Volcarona builds →Overheat 2x260-306%KO Bug Buzz 2x168-198%KO Hurricane 2x148-175%KO Poison Jab 2x51-61% | ||
Darmanitan Fire | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Deerling View Darmanitan builds →Flare Blitz 2x230-271%KO Superpower 2x154-181%KO U-turn 2x90-106%KO | ||
 Heatran FireSteel | A | |
Obtain MethodReversal Mountain Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Deerling View Heatran builds →Overheat 2x251-295%KO Rock Smash 2x36-42% | ||
In Black 2 & White 2, Weavile can KO Deerling with Ice Shard (108-127%). Lucario threatens a KO with Close Combat (302-356%). Gengar's Focus Blast also KOs at 117-138%.
 Weavile DarkIce | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityPressure ItemLife Orb NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Deerling View Weavile builds →Ice Shard 2x108-127%KO | ||
 Lucario FightingSteel | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityJustified ItemLife Orb NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Deerling View Lucario builds →Close Combat 2x302-356%KO Extreme Speed67-79% | ||
 Gengar GhostPoison | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityLevitate ItemBlack Sludge NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Deerling View Gengar builds →Focus Blast 2x117-138%KO | ||
 Salamence Dragon | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityMoxie ItemChoice Scarf NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Deerling View Salamence builds →Earthquake37-44% Outrage134-158%KO | ||
 Charizard Fire | C | |
Recommended Build AbilityBlaze ItemChoice Scarf NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Deerling View Charizard builds →Flamethrower 2x117-138%KO Air Slash 2x98-115%KO Fire Blast 2x143-168%KO Focus Blast 2x103-122%KO | ||
Deerling Evolutions
Deerling evolves into Sawsbuck. It's a two-stage chain with the method shown below. A massive partner pool for breeding via one egg group. Eggs are average hatch time. The evolved forms gain up to 140 total stats over Deerling. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
B2W2 Deerling Best Moveset
Normal/Grass at 60 Attack with AbilityChlorophyll doubling Speed in sun and AbilitySap Sipper absorbing Grass for an Attack boost. The moveset fires at pre-evolution levels. Sawsbuck one evolution away adds the power to use sun speed or Grass immunity.
Best Build
Deerling best EVs are Sp. Def and Speed
Utility Moveset
- Seed Bomb
- Wild Charge
- Jump Kick
- Leech Seed
Recommended Teammates
Moves List
Don't skip the egg moves. Deerling picks up Agility and Baton Pass only through breeding, and both fill gaps the natural movepool can't. STAB runs through Last Resort and Double-Edge while Fighting and Dark coverage and more adds range.
How to Read the Moves Table
Tabs
- Level-Up
- Learned by leveling up.
- TM
- Taught by a Technical Machine.
- Egg
- Inherited via breeding.
- Tutor
- NPC tutor (cost: items, BP, money).
- Reminder
- An NPC reteaches any move this Pokemon could have learned by leveling up.
- Transfer
- Carried over from an older game using Pokemon HOME.
- Event
- Given out through Mystery Gift events.
Visual Signals
CAT (Category)
How the move deals damage and which stats it uses.
A small dot on the icon's corner marks the move as contact. That triggers abilities like Static, Flame Body, Rough Skin, or Iron Barbs, plus items like Rocky Helmet and Sticky Barb.
Tier (S to D)
Each move's competitive rank in RankedBoost's system. TM, Egg, and Tutor sort by tier by default (best first). On Level-Up, click the Tier header to do the same.
PWR (Power)
Base damage. Numbers shown in a type color include STAB (base × 1.5). Hover any colored number to see the math.
— means no power (status moves) or variable power.
Sorting & Filter
Click any column header to sort. Level-Up opens with Lv 1 at the top. TM, Egg, and Tutor open with the highest-tier moves at the top.
Search filters by move name or type. The Filter button limits the list to STAB, Physical, Special, or Status moves.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Base Stats
Their coloring changes according to the seasons and can be slightly affected by the temperature and humidity as well.
Deerling Black 2 & White 2 Guide
In Black 2 & White 2, Deerling does the job early-game if you need a Normal/Grass type on your team. Evolve it into Sawsbuck before the later gyms and it holds up fine through the story.
Game Availability
Introduced in Black & White, Deerling has appeared in 7 games across 6 generations. Later debuts mean fewer total appearances, but it's been a consistent presence since its introduction.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1RB
Red & Blue - Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 2GS
Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 3FRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 4DP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 5BWDebut
Black & White - Gen 5B2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY
X & Y - Gen 6ORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7SM
Sun & Moon - Gen 7USUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7LGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen 8BDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 9SV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW
Winds & Waves