Battle Armor blocks crits and Poison/Dark gives Drapion only Ground weakness at A-Tier in Platinum. Knock Off from the tutors strips items, and Swords Dance threatens sweeps.
Ability 1Battle ArmorAbility 1Protects against critical hits.Ability 2SniperAbility 2Strengthens critical hits to inflict 3× damage rather than 2×.
500HP70Attack90Defense110Speed95Sp.Def75Sp.Atk60
Skorupi
Drapion
Weak to
Physical
Balanced
95Speed · Above Avg

Is Drapion Good in Platinum Playthrough?

Skorupi evolves at level 40 into Poison/Dark. Only one weakness to Ground. AbilityBattle Armor blocks crits. Handles Fantina, Lucian, and most neutral matchups through sheer coverage. Aaron's ace, and yours too if you start Skorupi at the Great Marsh.

StrongGoodEvenToughBadGGTEEEGGGEGGGGGERoarkGym 1GardeniaGym 2FantinaGym 3MayleneGym 4SkorupiCatchableCrasher WakeGym 5ByronGym 6DrapionEvolveCandiceGym 7VolknerGym 8AaronE4BerthaE4FlintE4LucianE4JupiterBossMarsBossSaturnBossCynthiaChamp*
Roark
Gym 1
Good

Skorupi has the type edge here and should clean up Roark's team.

You Win
Geodude
Lv 12
RockGround
Rock Head
Stealth RockRock Throw
You Win
Onix
Lv 12
RockGround
Rock Head
Stealth RockRock ThrowScreech
You Win
Cranidos
Lv 14
Rock
Mold Breaker
HeadbuttPursuitLeer
Gardenia
Gym 2
Good

Skorupi has the type edge here and should clean up Gardenia's team.

Easy KO
Turtwig
Lv 20
Grass
Overgrow
Grass KnotRazor LeafSunny DayReflect
You Win
Cherrim
Lv 20
Grass
Flower Gift
Grass KnotLeech SeedMagical LeafSafeguard
Even
Roserade
Lv 22
GrassPoison
Natural Cure
Grass KnotMagical LeafPoison StingStun Spore
Fantina
Gym 3
Tough

Fantina's team hits Skorupi's weaknesses hard.

Even
Duskull
Lv 24
Ghost
Levitate
Will O WispPursuitShadow SneakFuture Sight
Risky
Haunter
Lv 24
GhostPoison
Levitate
Shadow ClawSucker PunchHypnosisConfuse Ray
Avoid
Mismagius
Lv 26
Ghost
Levitate
Shadow BallPsybeamMagical LeafConfuse Ray
Maylene
Gym 4
Even

Skorupi trades roughly evenly with Maylene's team.

You Win
Meditite
Lv 28
FightingPsychic
Pure Power
Drain PunchConfusionRock TombFake Out
Even
Machoke
Lv 29
Fighting
Guts
Karate ChopRock TombStrengthFocus Energy
Risky
Lucario
Lv 32
FightingSteel
Steadfast
Drain PunchForce PalmMetal ClawBone Rush
Crasher Wake
Gym 5
Even

Skorupi trades roughly evenly with Crasher Wake's team.

Risky
Gyarados
Lv 33
WaterFlying
Intimidate
WaterfallBrineBiteTwister
Even
Quagsire
Lv 34
WaterGround
Damp
Mud ShotRock TombWater PulseYawn
Risky
Floatzel
Lv 37
Water
Swift Swim
BrineIce FangCrunchAqua Jet
Byron
Gym 6
Even

Skorupi trades roughly evenly with Byron's team.

Even
Magneton
Lv 37
ElectricSteel
Magnet Pull
Flash CannonThunderboltTri AttackMetal Sound
Even
Steelix
Lv 38
SteelGround
Rock Head
Flash CannonIce FangEarthquakeSandstorm
Even
Bastiodon
Lv 41
RockSteel
Sturdy
Metal BurstStone EdgeIron DefenseTaunt
Candice
Gym 7
Good

Drapion has the type edge here and should clean up Candice's team.

You Win
Sneasel
Lv 40
DarkIce
Inner Focus
SlashAerial AceFeint AttackIce Shard
Even
Piloswine
Lv 40
IceGround
Oblivious
AvalancheStone EdgeEarthquakeHail
Easy KO
Abomasnow
Lv 42
GrassIce
Snow Warning
AvalancheWood HammerWater PulseFocus Blast
Even
Froslass
Lv 44
IceGhost
Snow Cloak
BlizzardDouble TeamShadow BallPsychic
Volkner
Gym 8
Good

Drapion has the type edge here and should clean up Volkner's team.

You Win
Jolteon
Lv 46
Electric
Volt Absorb
Thunder WaveCharge BeamIron TailQuick Attack
You Win
Raichu
Lv 46
Electric
Static
Charge BeamFocus BlastSignal BeamQuick Attack
You Win
Luxray
Lv 48
Electric
Rivalry
Ice FangThunder FangCrunchFire Fang
Even
Electivire
Lv 50
Electric
Motor Drive
Thunder PunchFire PunchQuick AttackGiga Impact
Aaron
Elite Four
Good

Drapion has the type edge here and should clean up Aaron's team.

Easy KO
Yanmega
Lv 49
BugFlying
Speed Boost
Air SlashBug BuzzU TurnDouble Team
Risky
Scizor
Lv 49
BugSteel
Swarm
Iron HeadX ScissorNight SlashQuick Attack
Easy KO
Vespiquen
Lv 50
BugFlying
Pressure
Attack OrderDefend OrderHeal OrderPower Gem
You Win
Heracross
Lv 51
BugFighting
Swarm
MegahornClose CombatNight SlashStone Edge
Even
Drapion
Lv 53
PoisonDark
Battle Armor
X ScissorCross PoisonIce FangAerial Ace
Bertha
Elite Four
Even

Drapion trades roughly evenly with Bertha's team.

Even
Whiscash
Lv 50
WaterGround
Oblivious
Earth PowerAqua TailZen HeadbuttSandstorm
Risky
Gliscor
Lv 53
GroundFlying
Hyper Cutter
EarthquakeIce FangFire FangThunder Fang
Even
Hippowdon
Lv 52
Ground
Sand Stream
EarthquakeStone EdgeCrunchYawn
Even
Golem
Lv 52
RockGround
Rock Head
EarthquakeFire PunchThunder PunchSandstorm
Risky
Rhyperior
Lv 55
GroundRock
Lightning Rod
EarthquakeRock WreckerMegahornAvalanche
Flint
Elite Four
Good

Drapion has the type edge here and should clean up Flint's team.

You Win
Houndoom
Lv 52
DarkFire
Early Bird
FlamethrowerSludge BombDark PulseSunny Day
You Win
Flareon
Lv 55
Fire
Flash Fire
OverheatGiga ImpactQuick AttackWill O Wisp
You Win
Rapidash
Lv 53
Fire
Run Away
Flare BlitzSolar BeamBounceSunny Day
Even
Infernape
Lv 55
FireFighting
Blaze
Flare BlitzThunder PunchMach PunchEarthquake
Even
Magmortar
Lv 57
Fire
Flame Body
FlamethrowerThunderboltSolar BeamHyper Beam
Lucian
Elite Four
Good

Drapion has the type edge here and should clean up Lucian's team.

Easy KO
Mr Mime
Lv 53
Psychic
Soundproof
PsychicThunderboltReflectLight Screen
You Win
Espeon
Lv 55
Psychic
Synchronize
PsychicShadow BallQuick AttackSignal Beam
Even
Bronzong
Lv 54
SteelPsychic
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
PsychicGyro BallEarthquakeCalm Mind
You Win
Alakazam
Lv 56
Psychic
Synchronize
PsychicEnergy BallFocus BlastRecover
You Win
Gallade
Lv 59
PsychicFighting
Steadfast
Drain PunchPsycho CutLeaf BladeStone Edge
Jupiter
Commander
Good

Drapion has the type edge here and should clean up Jupiter's team.

Easy KO
Zubat
Lv 21
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Giga DrainWing AttackBite
You Win
Skuntank
Lv 23
PoisonDark
Stench
Night SlashPoison GasScreechSmokescreen
Mars
Commander
Good

Drapion has the type edge here and should clean up Mars's team.

You Win
Golbat
Lv 38
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Air CutterBiteToxicSupersonic
You Win
Bronzor
Lv 38
SteelPsychic
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Gyro BallExtrasensoryIron DefenseConfuse Ray
You Win
Purugly
Lv 40
Normal
Thick Fat
SlashFeint AttackHypnosisFake Out
Saturn
Commander
Good

Drapion has the type edge here and should clean up Saturn's team.

You Win
Golbat
Lv 42
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Air CutterBitePoison FangConfuse Ray
You Win
Bronzor
Lv 42
SteelPsychic
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Gyro BallExtrasensoryShadow BallConfuse Ray
You Win
Toxicroak
Lv 44
PoisonFighting
Anticipation
Poison JabBrick BreakX ScissorFeint Attack
Cynthia
Champion
Even

Drapion trades roughly evenly with Cynthia's team.

Even
Spiritomb
Lv 58
GhostDark
Pressure
Dark PulsePsychicSilver WindShadow Ball
You Win
Roserade
Lv 58
GrassPoison
Natural Cure
Energy BallSludge BombToxicExtrasensory
You Win
Togekiss
Lv 60
NormalFlying
Hustle
Air SlashAura SphereWater PulseShock Wave
Even
Lucario
Lv 60
FightingSteel
Steadfast
Aura SphereExtreme SpeedShadow BallStone Edge
Even
Milotic
Lv 58
Water
Marvel Scale
SurfIce BeamMirror CoatDragon Pulse
Risky
Garchomp
Lv 62
DragonGround
Sand Veil
Dragon RushEarthquakeFlamethrowerGiga Impact

Catch Skorupi

Available after Badge 4
Type
PoisonBug
Tier
E

Catch Skorupi in the Great Marsh (walking, Lv 27-30, uncommon). Pre-National Dex.

View Skorupi locations

Evolve Skorupi to Drapion

Level 40
Type
PoisonDark
Tier
A

Skorupi evolves into Drapion at Level 40. Your Skorupi should hit Level 40 before you reach Candice, at typical leveling pace.

View Drapion locations

Recommended Moves

How to Get Drapion in Platinum

Drapion turns up in the Great Marsh too, but only once the National Dex is active, at an uncommon rate. You can also just evolve a Skorupi at level 40, which sidesteps the marsh hunt for the adult.

Wild Drapion may be holding when caught:

Poison Barb (5% chance) An item to be held by a Pokemon. It is a small, poisonous barb that ups the power of Poison-type moves.

1 location to catch Drapion

Encountered via tall grass encounters

Badge 5

Where To Catch Drapion in Pt

The path to Drapion starts with Skorupi at Lv. 27-30 via walking encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.

  1. Drapion
    Step 2Drapion ✓
    or evolve from Skorupi (Step 1)

Want the exact numbers? Work out your catch odds in Platinum for Drapion.

How to Get Shiny Drapion in Platinum

Drapion also prowls the Great Marsh, so the surer shiny comes from breeding a Skorupi line with a foreign Ditto. Compare Shiny Drapion odds across every game

Normal vs Shiny
Normal Drapion in PlatinumNormal
Shiny Drapion in Platinum Shiny
Color ShiftPurpletoRed
Shiny TierA Tier Shiny

Shiny Drapion Evolution

2 Forms
Showing shiny artworkView Full Evolution Chart

Platinum Shiny Drapion Calculator

2 Methods
Fastest Path

The best route is Masuda Method, about 1 in 1,639 on each try.

Step 1 · Encounter Method2 in Platinum

Masuda Method: Breed with a parent from a different-language game. Works on any breedable line.

Full Odds: Walk through grass, surf, or fish. Every encounter is its own independent shiny roll.

How many you have done, or plan to do.

120,000
Shiny Odds Per Try1 / 1,639Masuda Method
Chance By Now50.0%at 1,136 eggs hatchedAbout 5 in 10 hunters have one by now
What To Expect
ChanceEncountersTime
10%lucky few173----
25%one in four472----
50%coin flip1,136----
90%very likely3,773----
How is this calculated?

Every encounter has the same shiny chance, the Shiny Odds Per Try shown above. Each one is a separate roll that does not care how many you have already done, so the more you hunt, the higher your overall chance of at least one shiny. The formula below turns your odds and your number of tries into that combined chance.

chance after N tries = 1 − (1 − p)^N,  where  p = 1 / odds per try

Example at 1 in 8,192 (classic full odds): about 864 encounters for a 10 percent chance, 5,678 for 50 percent, and 18,862 for 90 percent.

The table above flips that around: it shows how many encounters it takes to reach a 10, 25, 50, and 90 percent chance at your current odds. Turning on boosts like the Shiny Charm, sandwiches, or chains improves your odds, so the encounter numbers drop.

These are estimates, not promises. Most games have no pity counter, meaning no guaranteed shiny no matter how many you hunt, so even Very Likely is not guaranteed: some hunters find one early, others go well past that point.

Where these shiny odds come from: Read our full methodology

Curious how fast a hunt could go? Work out your Platinum shiny odds for Drapion.

Drapion Weakness

Drapion is weak to Ground. 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 Weakness and Resistance Chart
DamageTypes
2x (Weak)Ground
0.5x (Resist)Grass, Poison, Ghost, Dark
0x (Immune)Psychic
Gen IV Type Chart
  • Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
  • Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)

What is Drapion Weak Against

Excellent
1Weak
4Resist
1Immune
Score+5
4xCritical
None
2xWeak
¼xResist
None
0xImmune

What is Drapion Strong Against

3Strong
1Resisted
0Immune
Score+2
½xResisted
0xImmune
None

Best Pokemon Against Drapion

Marowak
Marowak
Ground
C
Hippowdon
Hippowdon
Ground
B
Torterra
Torterra
GrassGround
C
Gliscor
Gliscor
GroundFlying
B
Sandslash
Sandslash
Ground
B

Drapion Evolutions

Drapion is what Skorupi becomes. Breed it for Skorupi eggs (average hatch time). A decent partner pool for breeding via two egg groups. Eggs take an average time to hatch. The evolution from Skorupi pushed Drapion to 500 total stats. Attack saw the largest single gain at +40. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.

How to Evolve

2 Forms
Stat Comparison 2 Stages
Skorupi
PoisonBug
Drapion
PoisonDark
HP
40
70+30
ATK
50
90+40
DEF
90
110+20
SP.ATK
30
60+30
SP.DEF
55
75+20
SPE
65
95+30
BST
330E-Tier
500A-Tier+170
ROLE
Balanced
Balanced
TYPE
Physical
Physical

Breeding

Very Easy

Breed with Drapion to get Skorupi eggs easily using 48 partners from the Bug and Water 3 egg groups. Notable egg moves include Agility, Confuse Ray, Feint Attack and 6 more.

Egg Groups
BugWater 3
Gender
♂50.0%♀50.0%
Hatch Time
20 cycles·5,140 steps
Quick~5 min with Flame Body
Egg Moves
9moves
Breed With (best first)
flygoncrawdauntmasquerainvolbeatillumiseparasectcorsolavibravaskorupicorphishparastrapinch

Pt Drapion Best Moveset

Poison/Dark means only Ground hits super-effectively, and 110 Defense blocks physical damage from most types. The moveset runs 90 Attack at 95 Speed for physical Dark and Poison hits, and AbilitySniper boosts critical hit damage.

Best Build

Experimental
Physical Sweeper
Ability
Battle Armor
Item
LeftoversSUSTAIN
Best Nature for Drapion
Jolly+SPE

Drapion best EVs are Attack and Speed

EVs

Physical Sweeper Moveset

  • CrunchSTAB
  • Toxic SpikesSTAB
  • EarthquakeCoverage
  • Cross PoisonSTAB

Moves List

Earthquake and Giga Impact bring the raw damage. But Drapion also picks up coverage across 12 types from TMs, making it tough to find a safe switch. You're not locked into one angle here.

Level-Up Moves

Lv 1
Bite
C9010025Dark
Lv 1
Fire Fang
D659515Fire
Lv 1
Ice Fang
D659515Ice
Lv 1
Knock Off
A9710020Dark
Lv 1
Leer
——10030Normal
Lv 1
Poison Sting
D2210035Poison
Lv 1
Thunder Fang
D659515Electric
Lv 6
Knock Off
A9710020Dark
Lv 12
Pin Missile
—149520Bug
Lv 17
Acupressure
———30Normal
Lv 23
Scary Face
D—9010Normal
Lv 28
Toxic Spikes
B——20Poison
Lv 34
Bug Bite
D6010020Bug
Lv 39
Poison Fang
C7510015Poison
Lv 49
Crunch
B12010015Dark
Lv 58
Cross Poison
A10510020Poison

TM Moves

44 of 45 TMs are obtainable before the Elite Four

TM
TM40
Aerial AceRoute 213badge 3
D60—20Flying
TM45
AttractAmity Squarebadge 2
——10015Normal
TM31
Brick BreakOreburgh Gate (basement)badge 2
C7510015Fighting
TM78
CaptivateRoute 204badge 2
——10020Normal
TM79
Dark PulseVictory Roadnot until badge 8
C12010015Dark
TM28
DigManiac Tunnelbadge 3
C8010010Ground
TM32
Double TeamWayward Cavebadge 2
———15Normal
TM26B10010010Ground
TM58
Endure+4Veilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
C——10Normal
TM42
FacadeSurvival Area
C7010020Normal
TM54
False SwipeVeilstone Department Storebadge 3
—4010040Normal
TM70D—10020Normal
TM56
FlingRoute 222not until badge 7
D—10010Dark
TM21
FrustrationVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
D—10020Normal
TM68
Giga ImpactVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
B150905Normal
TM10
Hidden PowerVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
D6010015Normal
TM15C150905Normal
TM23
Iron TailIron Islandbadge 5
C1007515Steel
TM83
Natural GiftVeilstone Department Storebadge 3
D—10015Normal
TM66
PaybackRoute 215badge 3
C7510010Dark
TM84
Poison JabRoute 212badge 5
A12010020Poison
TM17C——10Normal
TM44C——10Psychic
TM27D—10020Normal
TM05
Roar-6Route 213not until badge 7
C——20Normal
HM08—908520Normal
TM80
Rock SlideMt. Coronetnot until badge 7
C759010Rock
HM06D4010015Fighting
TM39
Rock TombRavaged Pathbadge 1
D609510Rock
TM43
Secret PowerAmity Squarebadge 2
—7010020Normal
TM30
Shadow BallRoute 210badge 5
D8010015Ghost
TM82
Sleep TalkEterna Forestbadge 2
C——10Normal
TM36C13510010Poison
HM04
StrengthIron Islandbadge 5
C8010015Normal
TM90
SubstituteVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 2
C——10Normal
TM87
SwaggerPokémon Mansionbadge 4
——9015Normal
TM75
Swords DanceVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
A——30Normal
TM12
TauntRoute 211badge 1
C—10020Dark
TM46
ThiefEterna Citybadge 2
C9010025Dark
TM41
TormentVictory Roadnot until badge 8
D—10015Dark
TM06
ToxicRoute 212badge 4
C—8510Poison
TM81
X-ScissorRoute 221badge 5
C8010015Bug

Egg Moves

Egg
Egg
Agility
C——30Psychic
Egg
Confuse Ray
C—10010Ghost
Egg
Feint Attack
—90—20Dark
Egg
Night Slash
A10510015Dark
Egg
Pursuit
D6010020Dark
Egg
Sand Attack
D—10015Ground
Egg
Screech
——8540Normal
Egg
Slash
—7010020Normal
Egg
Whirlwind-6
D——20Normal

Tutor Moves

Tut
Tutor
Aqua Tail
C909010Water
Tutor
Fury Cutter
—109520Bug
Tutor
Knock Off
A9710020Dark
Tutor
Mud-Slap
D2010010Ground
Tutor
Snore
D4010015Normal

Base Stats

Base Stats
High
HP70
C
Attack90
B
Defense110
B
Sp. Atk60
C
Sp. Def75
C
Speed95
B
Total500
Details
Catch Rate
Challenging45 / 255
Growth Rate
Slow1.25M XP
Height1.3 m
Weight61.5 kg
Base XP175
Abilities
Battle Armor
Protects against critical hits.
Sniper
Strengthens critical hits to inflict 3× damage rather than 2×.
EV Yield
HPAtkDef+2SpASpDSpe
Defense training target
Pokedex Entry

Possessing a sturdy build, it takes pride in its strength, taking down foes without using toxins.

Pokemon Platinum

Drapion Platinum Guide

  • Yes. Wild Drapion in Platinum can hold Poison Barb (5%). Use Thief (TM46) or Covet to swipe the held item without affecting your catch chance. Quickest way to farm rare items like Poison Barb.

  • In Platinum, Drapion plays as a balanced. Speed is middling, so pick your spots carefully. Crunch is the primary attack.

  • In Platinum, Drapion pairs best with Starmie, Bronzong, and Jirachi. Starmie has Good synergy and covers what Drapion can't handle on its own.

  • In Platinum, Jolly is the go-to nature for Drapion. That's +Speed / -Sp. Atk. Pair it with 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe EVs. Fits the balanced role.

Game Availability

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.

Explore

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