Dottler isn't fully evolved, so it's not built for competitive play. You'll want to evolve it into Orbeetle to unlock its full potential. At 335 BST, it's a stepping stone rather than a team anchor.

What is Dottler weak to?

Watch for Infernape (Fire), Braviary (Flying), and Genesect (Bug) when using Dottler. They all hit it super-effectively with STAB. Rock, Ghost, and Dark-type attackers are also a problem. With 6 weakness types, most competitive teams carry at least one counter. At base 30 Speed, Dottler won't outrun any of these threats so switching to a resist is usually the safer play.

How do you evolve Dottler?

Blipbug evolves into Dottler at level 10. Dottler evolves into Orbeetle at level 30. Dottler is a middle-stage evolution in the Blipbug line.

What is the best ability for Dottler?

Swarm strengthens bug moves to inflict 1.5× damage at 1/3 max HP or less — that's the one you want on Dottler. Telepathy is the hidden ability. Niche, but it has its uses. Compound Eyes works too if your team needs something different.

What role does Dottler play in battle?

Dottler fills the balanced role. It's leaning toward the special side (base 50 Sp. Atk). Base 30 Speed is low. Priority moves or Trick Room are the way to go. And it's enough bulk to take a hit or two.

What games is Dottler in?

Dottler can be found in Sword & Shield.

Dottler Location, Evolution & Stats

Utility

Balanced

335Low

30Very Slow

DTier

Mid-stage Pokemon like Dottler rarely see competitive play outside of special formats. It's a waypoint on the road to Orbeetle, which is where the real potential kicks in. Can go either physical or special depending on the set. One of the newer additions from Gen 8.

Dottler's spread isn't flashy. Sp. Def leads, Speed trails, 2 stats clear the bar. Common in the wild and worth 2 Sp. Def EVs, on a medium-fast 1M XP curve.

Base Stats

335Avg

HP50

Attack35

Defense80

Sp. Atk50

Sp. Def90

Speed30

Total335

Low <60

Avg 60-89

High 90-149

Top 150+

EV Yield

HPAtkDefSpASpD+2Spe

Details

Catch120Moderate•Medium Fast1M XP•0.4m / 1'04"•19.5kg / 43 lbs•117Base XP

Pokedex Entries

It barely moves, but it’s still alive. Hiding in its shell without food or water seems to have awakened its psychic powers.

Sword

As it grows inside its shell, it uses its psychic abilities to monitor the outside world and prepare for evolution.

Shield

Dottler Weakness

Fragile

Fire, Flying, Bug, Rock, Ghost, and Dark-type moves hit Dottler for super-effective damage. It resists 4 types, giving it decent defensive coverage.

4xCriticali

None

2xWeaki

Fire Flying Bug Rock Ghost Dark

½xResisti

Grass Ground Psychic

¼xResisti

Fighting

0xImmunei

None

STAB (5)i

Grass Psychic Dark Fighting Poison

6Weak

4Resist

0Immune

Scorei-7

Stealth Rock25% on switch

SpikesGrounded — up to 25%

Toxic SpikesVulnerable

Abilities

SwarmStrengthens bug moves to inflict 1.5× damage at 1/3 max HP or less.

Compound EyesIncreases moves' accuracy to 1.3×.

TelepathyHAProtects against friendly Pokémon's damaging moves.

Dottler is the middle stage between Blipbug and Orbeetle. It's a three-stage line with one more evolution to go. For breeding, quick to hatch with plenty of partners via one egg group. So far, Defense got the biggest boost (+60 from Blipbug). The final form adds another 170 stats on top.

How to Evolve

3 Forms

#824Blipbug

Level 10

#825Dottler

Level 30

#826Orbeetle

Stat Comparison 3 Stages

Blipbug

Bug

Dottler

BugPsychic

Orbeetle

BugPsychic

50+25

60+10

ATK

35+15

45+10

DEF

80+60

110+30

SP.ATK

50+25

80+30

SP.DEF

90+45

120+30

SPE

30-15

90+60

BST

180D-Tier

335D-Tier+155

505C-Tier+170

ROLE

Balanced

TYPE

Utility

Special

Breeding

Very Easy

Breed with Dottler to get Blipbug eggs easily using 91 partners from the Bug egg group.

Egg Groups

Bug

Gender

♂50.0%♀50.0%

Hatch Time

15 cycles·3,855 steps

Quick~4 min with Flame Body

Breed With (best first)

Lead with Dottler, set Sticky Web, and keep pressure on. Telepathy and Eviolite buy the time it needs, with flexible EVs EVs letting it take hits while controlling the hazard game.

Best Build

Hazard Setter

Ability

Telepathy

Item

EvioliteBULK

Nature

Hardy

EVs

Def

SpD

Best Dottler Moveset

Trick RoomSTAB
Ally SwitchSTAB
Sticky WebSTAB
Helping Hand

Recommended Teammates

RabscaGood

AraquanidGood

Heracross-MegaGood

Showing Sword & Shield moves. Moves vary by game.View all games

Without TMs, Dottler's movepool is bare bones. With them, you get Fighting and Grass coverage and more on top of Future Sight and Bug Buzz for STAB. The natural kit handles basics, but TMs are doing the real work.

Level-Up Moves

Lv 1

Confusion

5010025Psychic

Lv 1

Light Screen

——30Psychic

Lv 1

Reflect

——20Psychic

Lv 1

Struggle Bug

5010020Bug

TM Moves

Src

TR83

Ally Switch+2

——15Psychic

TM31

Attract

—10015Normal

TR99

Body Press

8010010Fighting

TR61

Bug Buzz

9010010Bug

TR49

Calm Mind

——20Psychic

TR26

Endure+4

——10Normal

TR65

Energy Ball

9010010Grass

TM39

Facade

7010020Normal

TR34

Future Sight

12010010Psychic

TM61

Guard Swap

——10Psychic

TM41

Helping Hand+5

——20Normal

TM44

Imprison

——10Psychic

TR46

Iron Defense

——15Steel

TR18

Leech Life

8010010Bug

TM17

Light Screen

——30Psychic

TM72

Magic Room

——10Psychic

TM57

Payback

5010010Dark

TM60

Power Swap

——10Psychic

TM25

Protect+4

——10Normal

TR11

Psychic

9010010Psychic

TM91

Psychic Terrain

——10Psychic

TR25

Psyshock

8010010Psychic

TM18

Reflect

——20Psychic

TM21

Rest

——10Psychic

TM76

Round

6010015Normal

TM19

Safeguard

——25Normal

TR33

Shadow Ball

8010015Ghost

TR40

Skill Swap

——10Psychic

TR27

Sleep Talk

——10Normal

TM24

Snore

5010015Normal

TM11

Solar Beam

12010010Grass

TR82

Stored Power

2010010Psychic

TR20

Substitute

——10Normal

TR38

Trick

—10010Psychic

TM70

Trick Room-7

——5Psychic

TM71

Wonder Room

——10Psychic

TR69

Zen Headbutt

809015Psychic

Egg Moves

Dottler doesn't have any Egg moves

Tutor Moves

Src

Tutor

Expanding Force

8010010Psychic

Showing Sword & Shield locations. Locations vary by game.View all games

Dottler is available from mid-game routes onward at high spawn rates. 46 encounter spots give you plenty of options. Grab one early and it'll be ready to evolve or train by mid-game.

Where To Catch Dottler in Sword & Shield

Blipbug is your first catch on the way to Dottler. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 2-48 across 160 total spots in the chain.

Step 1Catch Blipbug
Route 2
ShieldGrassLv.4-640%EarlyRouteAll Weather
EFFORTLESS
Route 2
SwordGrassLv.4-640%EarlyRouteAll Weather
EFFORTLESS
Route 1
ShieldGrassLv.2-530%EarlyRouteAll Weather
EFFORTLESS
Route 1
SwordGrassLv.2-530%EarlyRouteAll Weather
EFFORTLESS
Challenge Beach
ShieldGrassLv.13-1830%EarlyWaterSnowstorm
EFFORTLESS
Challenge Beach
ShieldGrassLv.13-1830%EarlyWaterSandstorm
EFFORTLESS
Challenge Beach
SwordGrassLv.13-1830%EarlyWaterSnowstorm
EFFORTLESS
Challenge Beach
SwordGrassLv.13-1830%EarlyWaterSandstorm
EFFORTLESS
Challenge Beach
ShieldGrassLv.13-1830%EarlyWaterRaining
EFFORTLESS
Challenge Beach
SwordGrassLv.13-1830%EarlyWaterRaining
EFFORTLESS
Challenge Beach
ShieldGrassLv.13-1830%EarlyWaterHeavy Fog
EFFORTLESS
Challenge Beach
ShieldGrassLv.13-1830%EarlyWaterThunderstorm
EFFORTLESS
Challenge Beach
SwordGrassLv.13-1830%EarlyWaterHeavy Fog
EFFORTLESS
Challenge Beach
SwordGrassLv.13-1830%EarlyWaterThunderstorm
EFFORTLESS
Challenge Beach
ShieldGrassLv.13-1830%EarlyWaterOvercast
EFFORTLESS
Challenge Beach
ShieldGrassLv.13-1830%EarlyWaterIntense Sun
EFFORTLESS
Challenge Beach
SwordGrassLv.13-1830%EarlyWaterOvercast
EFFORTLESS
Challenge Beach
SwordGrassLv.13-1830%EarlyWaterIntense Sun
EFFORTLESS
Challenge Beach
ShieldGrassLv.13-1830%EarlyWaterNormal Weather
EFFORTLESS
Challenge Beach
ShieldGrassLv.13-1830%EarlyWaterSnowing
EFFORTLESS
Challenge Beach
SwordGrassLv.13-1830%EarlyWaterNormal Weather
EFFORTLESS
Challenge Beach
SwordGrassLv.13-1830%EarlyWaterSnowing
EFFORTLESS
Fields of Honor
ShieldGrassLv.13-1830%EarlyHeavy Fog
EFFORTLESS
Fields of Honor
ShieldGrassLv.13-1830%EarlyThunderstorm
EFFORTLESS
Fields of Honor
SwordGrassLv.13-1830%EarlyHeavy Fog
EFFORTLESS
Fields of Honor
SwordGrassLv.13-1830%EarlyThunderstorm
EFFORTLESS
Fields of Honor
ShieldGrassLv.13-1830%EarlyOvercast
EFFORTLESS
Fields of Honor
ShieldGrassLv.13-1830%EarlyIntense Sun
EFFORTLESS
Fields of Honor
SwordGrassLv.13-1830%EarlyOvercast
EFFORTLESS
Fields of Honor
SwordGrassLv.13-1830%EarlyIntense Sun
EFFORTLESS
Fields of Honor
ShieldGrassLv.13-1830%EarlyNormal Weather
EFFORTLESS
Fields of Honor
ShieldGrassLv.13-1830%EarlySnowing
EFFORTLESS
Fields of Honor
SwordGrassLv.13-1830%EarlyNormal Weather
EFFORTLESS
Fields of Honor
SwordGrassLv.13-1830%EarlySnowing
EFFORTLESS
Fields of Honor
ShieldGrassLv.13-1830%EarlySnowstorm
EFFORTLESS
Fields of Honor
ShieldGrassLv.13-1830%EarlySandstorm
EFFORTLESS
Fields of Honor
SwordGrassLv.13-1830%EarlySnowstorm
EFFORTLESS
Fields of Honor
SwordGrassLv.13-1830%EarlySandstorm
EFFORTLESS
Fields of Honor
ShieldGrassLv.13-1830%EarlyRaining
EFFORTLESS
Fields of Honor
SwordGrassLv.13-1830%EarlyRaining
EFFORTLESS
Slumbering Weald - Low Level
ShieldOverworldLv.2-320%EarlyForestAll Weather
EASY
Slumbering Weald - Low Level
SwordOverworldLv.2-320%EarlyForestAll Weather
EASY
Slumbering Weald
ShieldGrassLv.2-310%EarlyForestAll Weather
MODERATE
Slumbering Weald
SwordGrassLv.2-310%EarlyForestAll Weather
MODERATE
Giant's Cap - 2
SwordOverworldLv.28-3035%MidNormal Weather
EFFORTLESS
Giant's Cap - 2
ShieldOverworldLv.28-3035%MidNormal Weather
EFFORTLESS
Giant's Cap - 3
ShieldOverworldLv.29-3235%MidNormal Weather
EFFORTLESS
Giant's Cap - 3
SwordOverworldLv.29-3235%MidNormal Weather
EFFORTLESS
Training Lowlands
ShieldGrassLv.16-2130%MidNormal Weather
EFFORTLESS
Training Lowlands
ShieldGrassLv.16-2130%MidSnowing
EFFORTLESS
Training Lowlands
SwordGrassLv.16-2130%MidNormal Weather
EFFORTLESS
Training Lowlands
SwordGrassLv.16-2130%MidSnowing
EFFORTLESS
Training Lowlands
ShieldGrassLv.16-2130%MidSnowstorm
EFFORTLESS
Training Lowlands
ShieldGrassLv.16-2130%MidSandstorm
EFFORTLESS
Training Lowlands
SwordGrassLv.16-2130%MidSnowstorm
EFFORTLESS
Training Lowlands
SwordGrassLv.16-2130%MidSandstorm
EFFORTLESS
Training Lowlands
ShieldGrassLv.16-2130%MidRaining
EFFORTLESS
Training Lowlands
SwordGrassLv.16-2130%MidRaining
EFFORTLESS
Training Lowlands
ShieldGrassLv.16-2130%MidHeavy Fog
EFFORTLESS
Training Lowlands
ShieldGrassLv.16-2130%MidThunderstorm
EFFORTLESS
Training Lowlands
SwordGrassLv.16-2130%MidHeavy Fog
EFFORTLESS
Training Lowlands
SwordGrassLv.16-2130%MidThunderstorm
EFFORTLESS
Training Lowlands
ShieldGrassLv.16-2130%MidOvercast
EFFORTLESS
Training Lowlands
ShieldGrassLv.16-2130%MidIntense Sun
EFFORTLESS
Training Lowlands
SwordGrassLv.16-2130%MidOvercast
EFFORTLESS
Training Lowlands
SwordGrassLv.16-2130%MidIntense Sun
EFFORTLESS
Challenge Road
ShieldGrassLv.19-2430%MidRouteIntense Sun
EFFORTLESS
Challenge Road
SwordGrassLv.19-2430%MidRouteOvercast
EFFORTLESS
Challenge Road
SwordGrassLv.19-2430%MidRouteIntense Sun
EFFORTLESS
Challenge Road
ShieldGrassLv.19-2430%MidRouteNormal Weather
EFFORTLESS
Challenge Road
ShieldGrassLv.19-2430%MidRouteSnowing
EFFORTLESS
Challenge Road
SwordGrassLv.19-2430%MidRouteNormal Weather
EFFORTLESS
Challenge Road
SwordGrassLv.19-2430%MidRouteSnowing
EFFORTLESS
Challenge Road
ShieldGrassLv.19-2430%MidRouteSnowstorm
EFFORTLESS
Challenge Road
ShieldGrassLv.19-2430%MidRouteSandstorm
EFFORTLESS
Challenge Road
SwordGrassLv.19-2430%MidRouteSnowstorm
EFFORTLESS
Challenge Road
SwordGrassLv.19-2430%MidRouteSandstorm
EFFORTLESS
Challenge Road
ShieldGrassLv.19-2430%MidRouteRaining
EFFORTLESS
Challenge Road
SwordGrassLv.19-2430%MidRouteRaining
EFFORTLESS
Challenge Road
ShieldGrassLv.19-2430%MidRouteHeavy Fog
EFFORTLESS
Challenge Road
ShieldGrassLv.19-2430%MidRouteThunderstorm
EFFORTLESS
Challenge Road
SwordGrassLv.19-2430%MidRouteHeavy Fog
EFFORTLESS
Challenge Road
SwordGrassLv.19-2430%MidRouteThunderstorm
EFFORTLESS
Challenge Road
ShieldGrassLv.19-2430%MidRouteOvercast
EFFORTLESS
Loop Lagoon
ShieldGrassLv.19-2430%MidNormal Weather
EFFORTLESS
Loop Lagoon
ShieldGrassLv.19-2430%MidSnowing
EFFORTLESS
Loop Lagoon
SwordGrassLv.19-2430%MidNormal Weather
EFFORTLESS
Loop Lagoon
SwordGrassLv.19-2430%MidSnowing
EFFORTLESS
Loop Lagoon
ShieldGrassLv.19-2430%MidSnowstorm
EFFORTLESS
Loop Lagoon
ShieldGrassLv.19-2430%MidSandstorm
EFFORTLESS
Loop Lagoon
SwordGrassLv.19-2430%MidSnowstorm
EFFORTLESS
Loop Lagoon
SwordGrassLv.19-2430%MidSandstorm
EFFORTLESS
Loop Lagoon
ShieldGrassLv.19-2430%MidRaining
EFFORTLESS
Loop Lagoon
SwordGrassLv.19-2430%MidRaining
EFFORTLESS
Loop Lagoon
ShieldGrassLv.19-2430%MidHeavy Fog
EFFORTLESS
Loop Lagoon
ShieldGrassLv.19-2430%MidThunderstorm
EFFORTLESS
Loop Lagoon
SwordGrassLv.19-2430%MidHeavy Fog
EFFORTLESS
Loop Lagoon
SwordGrassLv.19-2430%MidThunderstorm
EFFORTLESS
Loop Lagoon
ShieldGrassLv.19-2430%MidOvercast
EFFORTLESS
Loop Lagoon
ShieldGrassLv.19-2430%MidIntense Sun
EFFORTLESS
Loop Lagoon
SwordGrassLv.19-2430%MidOvercast
EFFORTLESS
Loop Lagoon
SwordGrassLv.19-2430%MidIntense Sun
EFFORTLESS
Route 2 - High Level
SwordOverworldLv.40-4330%LateRouteAll Weather
EFFORTLESS
Route 2 - High Level
ShieldOverworldLv.40-4330%LateRouteAll Weather
EFFORTLESS
Honeycalm Island
ShieldGrassLv.43-4830%LateWaterAll Weather
EFFORTLESS
Honeycalm Island
SwordGrassLv.43-4830%LateWaterAll Weather
EFFORTLESS
Insular Sea
ShieldGrassLv.43-4830%LateWaterAll Weather
EFFORTLESS
Insular Sea
SwordGrassLv.43-4830%LateWaterAll Weather
EFFORTLESS
Stepping-Stone Sea
ShieldGrassLv.43-4830%LateWaterAll Weather
EFFORTLESS
Stepping-Stone Sea
SwordGrassLv.43-4830%LateWaterAll Weather
EFFORTLESS
Workout Sea
ShieldGrassLv.43-4830%LateWaterAll Weather
EFFORTLESS
Workout Sea
SwordGrassLv.43-4830%LateWaterAll Weather
EFFORTLESS
Route 2 - High Level
ShieldGrassLv.37-4010%LateRouteAll Weather
MODERATE
Route 2 - High Level
SwordGrassLv.37-4010%LateRouteAll Weather
MODERATE
Train until Level 10
Step 2Dottler ✓
Giant's Cap - 2
ShieldOverworldLv.28-3050%MidThunderstorm
EFFORTLESS
Giant's Cap - 2
SwordOverworldLv.28-3050%MidThunderstorm
EFFORTLESS
Giant's Cap - 2
ShieldOverworldLv.28-3050%MidOvercast
EFFORTLESS
Giant's Cap - 2
SwordOverworldLv.28-3050%MidOvercast
EFFORTLESS
Giant's Cap - 2
ShieldOverworldLv.28-3050%MidNormal Weather
EFFORTLESS
Giant's Cap - 2
SwordOverworldLv.28-3050%MidNormal Weather
EFFORTLESS
Giant's Cap - 2
ShieldOverworldLv.28-3050%MidRaining
EFFORTLESS
Giant's Cap - 2
SwordOverworldLv.28-3050%MidRaining
EFFORTLESS
Giant's Cap - 2
SwordOverworldLv.28-3035%MidHeavy Fog
EFFORTLESS
Giant's Cap - 2
ShieldOverworldLv.28-3035%MidIntense Sun
EFFORTLESS
Giant's Cap - 2
SwordOverworldLv.28-3035%MidIntense Sun
EFFORTLESS
Giant's Cap - 2
ShieldOverworldLv.28-3035%MidSnowing
EFFORTLESS
Giant's Cap - 2
SwordOverworldLv.28-3035%MidSnowing
EFFORTLESS
Giant's Cap - 2
ShieldOverworldLv.28-3035%MidSnowstorm
EFFORTLESS
Giant's Cap - 2
ShieldOverworldLv.28-3035%MidSandstorm
EFFORTLESS
Giant's Cap - 2
SwordOverworldLv.28-3035%MidSnowstorm
EFFORTLESS
Giant's Cap - 2
SwordOverworldLv.28-3035%MidSandstorm
EFFORTLESS
Giant's Cap - 2
ShieldOverworldLv.28-3035%MidHeavy Fog
EFFORTLESS
Giant's Cap
ShieldGrassLv.26-2830%MidHeavy Fog
EFFORTLESS
Giant's Cap
SwordGrassLv.26-2830%MidHeavy Fog
EFFORTLESS
Stony Wilderness
ShieldGrassLv.26-2830%MidHeavy Fog
EFFORTLESS
Stony Wilderness
SwordGrassLv.26-2830%MidHeavy Fog
EFFORTLESS
Giant's Cap
ShieldGrassLv.27-2930%MidOvercast
EFFORTLESS
Giant's Cap
SwordGrassLv.27-2930%MidOvercast
EFFORTLESS
Giant's Cap
ShieldGrassLv.27-2930%MidNormal Weather
EFFORTLESS
Giant's Cap
SwordGrassLv.27-2930%MidNormal Weather
EFFORTLESS
Route 5
ShieldGrassLv.16-1826%MidRouteAll Weather
EASY
Route 5
SwordGrassLv.16-1826%MidRouteAll Weather
EASY
Giant's Cap
ShieldGrassLv.26-2820%MidRaining
EASY
Giant's Cap
SwordGrassLv.26-2820%MidRaining
EASY
Giant's Mirror
ShieldGrassLv.26-2820%MidSandstorm
EASY
Giant's Mirror
SwordGrassLv.26-2820%MidSandstorm
EASY
Giant's Mirror
ShieldGrassLv.27-2920%MidNormal Weather
EASY
Giant's Mirror
SwordGrassLv.27-2920%MidNormal Weather
EASY
Giant's Cap
ShieldGrassLv.26-2810%MidSnowstorm
MODERATE
Giant's Cap
ShieldGrassLv.26-2810%MidSandstorm
MODERATE
Giant's Cap
SwordGrassLv.26-2810%MidSnowstorm
MODERATE
Giant's Cap
SwordGrassLv.26-2810%MidSandstorm
MODERATE
Giant's Cap
ShieldGrassLv.26-2810%MidThunderstorm
MODERATE
Giant's Cap
SwordGrassLv.26-2810%MidThunderstorm
MODERATE
Giant's Cap
ShieldGrassLv.26-2810%MidSnowing
MODERATE
Giant's Cap
SwordGrassLv.26-2810%MidSnowing
MODERATE
Giant's Mirror
ShieldGrassLv.26-2810%MidRaining
MODERATE
Giant's Mirror
SwordGrassLv.26-2810%MidRaining
MODERATE
Giant's Mirror
ShieldGrassLv.27-2910%MidOvercast
MODERATE
Giant's Mirror
SwordGrassLv.27-2910%MidOvercast
MODERATE
or evolve from Blipbug (Step 1)

Dottler isn't fully evolved, so it's not built for competitive play. You'll want to evolve it into Orbeetle to unlock its full potential. At 335 BST, it's a stepping stone rather than a team anchor.
Watch for Infernape (Fire), Braviary (Flying), and Genesect (Bug) when using Dottler. They all hit it super-effectively with STAB. Rock, Ghost, and Dark-type attackers are also a problem. With 6 weakness types, most competitive teams carry at least one counter. At base 30 Speed, Dottler won't outrun any of these threats so switching to a resist is usually the safer play.
Blipbug evolves into Dottler at level 10. Dottler evolves into Orbeetle at level 30. Dottler is a middle-stage evolution in the Blipbug line.
Swarm strengthens bug moves to inflict 1.5× damage at 1/3 max HP or less — that's the one you want on Dottler. Telepathy is the hidden ability. Niche, but it has its uses. Compound Eyes works too if your team needs something different.
Dottler fills the balanced role. It's leaning toward the special side (base 50 Sp. Atk). Base 30 Speed is low. Priority moves or Trick Room are the way to go. And it's enough bulk to take a hit or two.
Dottler can be found in Sword & Shield.

Introduced in Sword & Shield, Dottler has appeared in 1 games across 2 generations. Later debuts mean fewer total appearances, but it's been a consistent presence since its introduction.