Free switch-ins on Psychic moves make Drapion useful in any team that needs that coverage. Only 1 weaknesses keeps it safe in most matchups. It sits at a decent but contested Speed tier. Known as the Ogre Scorp Pokemon.
Nothing fancy in Drapion's spread. It leans physical with Defense out front. And you'll get 2 Defense EVs per KO for it. Follows a slow 1.25M XP grind.
Its poison is potent, but it rarely sees use. This Pokémon prefers to use physical force instead, going on rampages with its car-crushing strength.
It’s so vicious that it’s called the Sand Demon. Yet when confronted by Hippowdon, Drapion keeps a low profile and will never pick a fight.
Drapion Weakness
ExcellentDrapion is weak to Ground-type moves. On the flip side, it's immune to Psychic-type moves entirely. The Poison/Dark typing picks up 4 resistances to work with. Drapion's physical bulk (base 110 Def) helps cushion physical weakness hits, but special attackers are the bigger threat.
Drapion is what Skorupi becomes. Breed it for Skorupi eggs (average hatch time). A decent partner pool for breeding via two egg groups. Eggs are average hatch time. The evolution from Skorupi pushed Drapion to 500 total stats. Attack saw the largest single gain at +40.
How to Evolve
Breed with Drapion to get Skorupi eggs easily using 47 partners from the Bug and Water3 egg groups. Notable egg moves include Confuse Ray, Sand Attack, Slash and 1 more.
For a hazard lead, Drapion wants max Attack and Speed EVs and Scopelens. The Jolly nature tilts toward fast physical duty, and Sniper contributes without taking a move slot.
Best Build
Best Drapion Moveset
- Knock Off
- Cross Poison
- Poison Jab
- Toxic Spikes
Recommended Teammates
Bug Buzz and Earthquake bring the raw damage. But Drapion also picks up coverage across 10 types from TMs, making it tough to find a safe switch. You're not locked into one angle here.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Drapion appears at decent spawn rates across 4 spots in late-game routes. Sort by Best below if you want the highest rate, or Earliest if you want the quickest access point in your playthrough.
Where To Catch Drapion in Sword & Shield
Skorupi is your first catch on the way to Drapion. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 10-58 across 64 total spots in the chain.
- Step 1Catch SkorupiEFFORTLESSSoothing WetlandsShieldOverworldLv.10-1556%EarlySwampSnowingEFFORTLESSSoothing WetlandsShieldOverworldLv.10-1556%EarlySwampSandstormEFFORTLESSSoothing WetlandsSwordOverworldLv.10-1556%EarlySwampSnowingEFFORTLESSSoothing WetlandsShieldOverworldLv.10-1556%EarlySwampHeavy FogEFFORTLESSSoothing WetlandsSwordOverworldLv.10-1556%EarlySwampSandstormEFFORTLESSSoothing WetlandsSwordOverworldLv.10-1556%EarlySwampHeavy FogEFFORTLESSSoothing WetlandsShieldOverworldLv.10-1556%EarlySwampNormal WeatherEFFORTLESSSoothing WetlandsShieldOverworldLv.10-1556%EarlySwampSnowstormEFFORTLESSSoothing WetlandsSwordOverworldLv.10-1556%EarlySwampNormal WeatherEFFORTLESSSoothing WetlandsSwordOverworldLv.10-1556%EarlySwampSnowstormEFFORTLESSSoothing WetlandsSwordOverworldLv.10-1536%EarlySwampThunderstormEFFORTLESSSoothing WetlandsSwordOverworldLv.10-1536%EarlySwampIntense SunEFFORTLESSSoothing WetlandsShieldOverworldLv.10-1536%EarlySwampRainingEFFORTLESSSoothing WetlandsSwordOverworldLv.10-1536%EarlySwampRainingEFFORTLESSSoothing WetlandsShieldOverworldLv.10-1536%EarlySwampOvercastEFFORTLESSSoothing WetlandsSwordOverworldLv.10-1536%EarlySwampOvercastEFFORTLESSSoothing WetlandsShieldOverworldLv.10-1536%EarlySwampThunderstormEFFORTLESSSoothing WetlandsShieldOverworldLv.10-1536%EarlySwampIntense SunEFFORTLESSSoothing WetlandsSwordGrassLv.13-1830%EarlySwampSnowingEFFORTLESSSoothing WetlandsShieldGrassLv.13-1830%EarlySwampRainingEFFORTLESSSoothing WetlandsShieldGrassLv.13-1830%EarlySwampHeavy FogEFFORTLESSSoothing WetlandsSwordGrassLv.13-1830%EarlySwampSandstormEFFORTLESSSoothing WetlandsShieldGrassLv.13-1830%EarlySwampOvercastEFFORTLESSSoothing WetlandsSwordGrassLv.13-1830%EarlySwampRainingEFFORTLESSSoothing WetlandsShieldGrassLv.13-1830%EarlySwampNormal WeatherEFFORTLESSSoothing WetlandsSwordGrassLv.13-1830%EarlySwampHeavy FogEFFORTLESSSoothing WetlandsSwordGrassLv.13-1830%EarlySwampOvercastEFFORTLESSSoothing WetlandsShieldGrassLv.13-1830%EarlySwampSnowstormEFFORTLESSSoothing WetlandsSwordGrassLv.13-1830%EarlySwampNormal WeatherEFFORTLESSSoothing WetlandsSwordGrassLv.13-1830%EarlySwampSnowstormEFFORTLESSSoothing WetlandsShieldGrassLv.13-1830%EarlySwampThunderstormEFFORTLESSSoothing WetlandsShieldGrassLv.13-1830%EarlySwampIntense SunEFFORTLESSSoothing WetlandsSwordGrassLv.13-1830%EarlySwampThunderstormEFFORTLESSSoothing WetlandsShieldGrassLv.13-1830%EarlySwampSnowingEFFORTLESSSoothing WetlandsSwordGrassLv.13-1830%EarlySwampIntense SunEFFORTLESSSoothing WetlandsShieldGrassLv.13-1830%EarlySwampSandstormEFFORTLESSMotostoke RiverbankSwordOverworldLv.26-2840%MidRainingEFFORTLESSMotostoke RiverbankSwordOverworldLv.26-2840%MidNormal WeatherEFFORTLESSMotostoke RiverbankShieldOverworldLv.28-3040%MidNormal WeatherEFFORTLESSMotostoke RiverbankShieldOverworldLv.28-3040%MidRainingEFFORTLESSMotostoke RiverbankShieldGrassLv.26-2835%MidOvercastEFFORTLESSMotostoke RiverbankSwordGrassLv.26-2835%MidOvercastEFFORTLESSGiant's MirrorShieldGrassLv.26-2830%MidIntense SunEFFORTLESSGiant's MirrorShieldGrassLv.26-2830%MidRainingEFFORTLESSGiant's MirrorSwordGrassLv.26-2830%MidIntense SunEFFORTLESSGiant's MirrorSwordGrassLv.26-2830%MidRainingEFFORTLESSGiant's MirrorShieldGrassLv.27-2930%MidOvercastEFFORTLESSGiant's MirrorShieldGrassLv.27-2930%MidNormal WeatherEFFORTLESSGiant's MirrorSwordGrassLv.27-2930%MidOvercastEFFORTLESSGiant's MirrorSwordGrassLv.27-2930%MidNormal WeatherEFFORTLESSMotostoke RiverbankShieldOverworldLv.28-3030%MidIntense SunEASYMotostoke RiverbankSwordOverworldLv.26-2825%MidIntense SunEASYMotostoke RiverbankShieldOverworldLv.28-3025%MidThunderstormEASYGiant's MirrorShieldGrassLv.26-2820%MidThunderstormEASYGiant's MirrorSwordGrassLv.26-2820%MidThunderstormEASYMotostoke RiverbankSwordOverworldLv.26-2820%MidSandstormEASYMotostoke RiverbankShieldOverworldLv.28-3020%MidSandstormMODERATEMotostoke RiverbankSwordOverworldLv.26-2810%MidThunderstormMODERATERoute 6ShieldGrassLv.28-3010%MidRouteAll WeatherMODERATERoute 6SwordGrassLv.28-3010%MidRouteAll Weather
- Step 2Drapion ✓CHALLENGINGRoute 8ShieldGrassLv.38-405%LateRouteAll WeatherCHALLENGINGRoute 8SwordGrassLv.38-405%LateRouteAll WeatherEASYLake of OutrageShieldOverworldLv.55-5824%PostWaterOvercastEASYLake of OutrageSwordOverworldLv.55-5824%PostWaterOvercastor evolve from Skorupi (Step 1)
Drapion brings 500 BST to the table. C-Tier on our list — a situational pick that fills a niche. That 110 base Defense does the heavy lifting.
Drapion's biggest threats include Golem (Ground), all carrying super-effective STAB moves. Only 1 weakness means fewer dedicated counters to worry about.
Skorupi evolves into Drapion at level 40. Drapion is the fully evolved form. At 500 BST, it's got solid stats to work with.
Battle Armor is the go-to ability for Drapion. It protects against critical hits. Its hidden ability Keen Eye can work in specific setups. Sniper is the other option — pick based on what your team needs.
Drapion is a physical attacker with base 90 Attack. Enough bulk to take a hit or two, too. But the speed tells the real story — base 95 Speed is workable — faster than some, slower than many.
Drapion appears in 12 games, including Platinum, HeartGold & SoulSilver, and Diamond & Pearl.
Debuting in Diamond & Pearl, Drapion appears in 12 games across 6 generations. A reliable presence in a solid number of games, typically found through wild 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 IVDPDebut
Diamond & Pearl - Gen VBW
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