Mixed
Balanced
45Speed · Slow

Dunsparce Best Moveset

Normal at 100 HP with 70/70/65/65 balanced stats and AbilitySerene Grace doubling secondary effect chances. The moveset leverages Serene Grace for 60% flinch with Headbutt and 20% paralysis with Body Slam. 45 Speed means going second usually, but paralysis from Serene Grace fixes that over time. Evolves into Dudunsparce for 125 HP.

SABCDEFECCEEEEEGold, Silver & CrystalIIGS/CRuby, Sapphire & EmeraldIIIRS/EPEAKDiamond, Pearl & PlatinumIVDP/PtBlack & White / B2W2VBW/B2W2THE FALLX & Y / ORASVIXY/ORASSun & Moon / USUMVIISM/USUMSword & Shield / BDSPVIIISS/BDSPScarlet & Violet / Legends Z-AIXSV/LZACURRENT
Gen II — Gold, Silver & CrystalE

Serene Grace doubled secondary effect chances in Gen II (Gold & Silver). Headbutt flinched 60% of the time, but 45 Speed meant Dunsparce moved after everything it tried to flinch.

SRCMOVETYPECATPWRPOPROLE
Lv 38
Take Down
Normal90POPULARSTAB
HM4
Strength
Normal80POPULARSTAB
TM2
Headbutt
Normal70POPULARSTAB
TM10
Hidden Power
Normal60POPULARSTAB
Experimental
Utility
Ability
Unknown
Item
Berserk Gene
Best Nature for Dunsparce
HardyNEUTRAL

Utility Moveset

  • Take DownSTAB
  • StrengthSTAB
  • HeadbuttSTAB
  • Hidden PowerSTAB
Gen III — Ruby, Sapphire & EmeraldC

Borderline tier in Gen III (Ruby & Sapphire). Serene Grace plus Body Slam paralysis and Headbutt flinch created a paraflinch set. Annoying, but not competitive.

Received Serene Grace and Run Away

Best Moves

SRCMOVETYPECATPWRPOPROLE
Egg
Headbutt
Normal70COMMONSTAB
Tutor
Body Slam
Normal85COMMONSTAB
Egg
Rock Slide
Rock75COMMONCoverage
Egg
Ancient Power
Rock60COMMONCoverage
Lv 14
Glare
NormalRARESTAB
Tutor
Thunder Wave
ElectricRAREUtility
TM30
Shadow Ball
Ghost80RARECoverage

Best Build

Experimental
Physical Tank
Ability
Serene Grace
Item
LeftoversSUSTAIN
Best Nature for Dunsparce

Dunsparce best EVs are HP and Attack

EVs

Physical Tank Moveset

  • HeadbuttSTAB
  • Body SlamSTAB
  • Rock Slide
  • Ancient Power

Recommended Teammates

Gen IV — Diamond, Pearl & PlatinumC

Peaked in Gen IV (Diamond & Pearl). Roost plus Serene Grace gave Dunsparce a stalling game. 100 HP helped, but 70/70/65 defenses crumbled under real pressure.

Physical/Special split overhauled move damage
SRCMOVETYPECATPWRPOPROLE
Egg
Headbutt
Normal70COMMONSTAB
TM80
Rock Slide
Rock75COMMONCoverage
Lv 33
Roost
FlyingCOMMONRecovery
TM73
Thunder Wave
ElectricRAREUtility
Lv 41
Ancient Power
Rock60RARECoverage
Xfer
Agility
PsychicRARESetup
Xfer
Body Slam
Normal85RARESTAB
Experimental
Support
Ability
Serene Grace
Item
LeftoversSUSTAIN
Best Nature for Dunsparce
Impish+DEF
EVs

Support Moveset

  • HeadbuttSTAB
  • Rock Slide
  • RoostRecovery
  • Thunder Wave
Gen V — Black & White / B2W2E

Fell back in Gen V (Black & White). Paraflinch was a coin-flip strategy that better players worked around. Dunsparce won on luck, not merit.

Gained Rattled as hidden abilityHidden Abilities became available
SRCMOVETYPECATPWRPOPROLE
Egg
Headbutt
Normal70COMMONSTAB
Lv 37
Coil
PoisonCOMMONSetup
Lv 28
Glare
NormalCOMMONSTAB
Lv 25
Roost
FlyingCOMMONRecovery
Xfer
Body Slam
Normal85RARESTAB
TM26
Earthquake
Ground100RARECoverage
TM44
Rest
PsychicRARERecovery
Egg
Bite
Dark60RARECoverage
Experimental
Wall
Ability
Serene Grace
Item
LeftoversSUSTAIN
Best Nature for Dunsparce
EVs

Wall Moveset

  • HeadbuttSTAB
  • CoilSetup
  • GlareUtility
  • RoostRecovery
Gen VI — X & Y / ORASE

Dropped in Gen VI (X & Y). 45 Speed couldn't flinch faster targets, and 415 BST was outclassed everywhere. The paraflinch gimmick aged poorly.

Fairy type added to the gameMega Evolution became available
SRCMOVETYPECATPWRPOPROLE
Egg
Headbutt
Normal70COMMONSTAB
Lv 37
Coil
PoisonCOMMONSetup
Lv 25
Roost
FlyingCOMMONRecovery
Tutor
Water Pulse
Water60COMMONCoverage
TM80
Rock Slide
Rock75RARECoverage
Egg
Agility
PsychicRARESetup
Egg
Bite
Dark60RARECoverage
Experimental
Bulky Support
Ability
Serene Grace
Item
Scope Lens
Best Nature for Dunsparce
Lax+DEF
EVs

Bulky Support Moveset

  • HeadbuttSTAB
  • CoilSetup
  • RoostRecovery
  • Water Pulse
Gen VII — Sun & Moon / USUME

Coil boosted Attack, Defense, and accuracy in Gen VII (Sun & Moon), but the base stats underneath were still Dunsparce's. Boosting low numbers gets you medium numbers.

Z-Moves became available
SRCMOVETYPECATPWRPOPROLE
Lv 31
Coil
PoisonCOMMONSetup
Egg
Headbutt
Normal70COMMONSTAB
Lv 26
Roost
FlyingRARERecovery
TM17
Protect
NormalRARESTAB
TM84
Poison Jab
Poison80RARECoverage
Lv 21
Body Slam
Normal85RARESTAB
Lv 36
Glare
NormalRARESTAB
Tutor
Zen Headbutt
Psychic80RARECoverage
Experimental
Physical Tank
Ability
Serene Grace
Item
LeftoversSUSTAIN
Best Nature for Dunsparce
HardyNEUTRAL
EVs

Physical Tank Moveset

  • CoilSetup
  • HeadbuttSTAB
  • RoostRecovery
  • ProtectFAST +4
Gen VIII — Sword & Shield / BDSPE

Seven gens waiting in Gen VIII (Sword & Shield). Dudunsparce arrived in the next generation, but base Dunsparce stayed behind in this one.

Gigantamax became availableDynamax became available
SRCMOVETYPECATPWRPOPROLE
Lv 12
Glare
NormalCOMMONSTAB
Lv 48
Coil
PoisonCOMMONSetup
Egg
Headbutt
Normal70RARESTAB
Lv 40
Roost
FlyingRARERecovery
Lv 20
Ancient Power
Rock60RARECoverage
TM25
Protect
NormalRARESTAB
TM22
Rock Slide
Rock75RARECoverage
Experimental
Wall
Ability
Serene Grace
Item
LeftoversSUSTAIN
Best Nature for Dunsparce
EVs

Wall Moveset

  • GlareUtility
  • CoilSetup
  • HeadbuttSTAB
  • RoostRecovery

Recommended Teammates

Gen IX — Scarlet & Violet / Legends Z-AE

Dunsparce saw minimal competitive use in Gen IX (Scarlet & Violet / Legends Z-A). Dunsparce maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Serenegrace with Eviolite, favoring a Hardy nature.

Terastallization became available
SRCMOVETYPECATPWRPOPROLE
Lv 36
Roost
FlyingCOMMONRecovery
TM66
Body Slam
Normal85COMMONSTAB
Lv 44
Coil
PoisonCOMMONSetup
Egg
Headbutt
Normal70RARESTAB
Lv 20
Ancient Power
Rock60RARECoverage
Experimental
Bulky Support
Ability
Serene Grace
Item
EvioliteBULK
Best Nature for Dunsparce
HardyNEUTRAL
EVs

Bulky Support Moveset

  • RoostRecovery
  • Body SlamSTAB
  • CoilSetup
  • HeadbuttSTAB

Dunsparce Weakness

Type-wise, Dunsparce takes extra damage from Fighting. Ghost moves do nothing thanks to a full immunity. With 100 HP and balanced defenses, Dunsparce can afford to eat a neutral hit or two.

Dunsparce Weakness and Resistance Chart
DamageTypes
2x (Weak)Fighting
0x (Immune)Ghost

What is Dunsparce Weak Against

Good
1Weak
0Resist
1Immune
Score+1
4xCritical
None
2xWeak
½xResist
None
¼xResist
None
0xImmune

What is Dunsparce Strong Against

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

Best Pokemon Against Dunsparce

Conkeldurr's Drain Punch hits Dunsparce for 60-70%.

Evolution

To get Dudunsparce from Dunsparce, you need knowing a specific move. The evolution method matters here. Evolving adds up to 105 stat points total. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.

How to Evolve

2 Forms
Stat Comparison 2 Stages
Dunsparce
Normal
HP
100
125+25
ATK
70
100+30
DEF
70
80+10
SP.ATK
65
85+20
SP.DEF
65
75+10
SPE
45
55+10
BST
415C-Tier
520C-Tier+105
ROLE
Balanced
Tank
TYPE
Physical
Mixed

Breeding

Very Easy

Breed Dunsparce easily with 278 breeding partners from the Ground egg group.

Egg Groups
Gender
50.0%50.0%
Hatch Time
20 cycles·5,140 steps
Quick~5 min with Flame Body
Breed With (best first)
raichupikachunidokinggolduckampharosrhydondewgongarbokquagsirenidorinofarfetchdflaaffy

How to Get Dunsparce

All 17 games

moderate rates across 104 locations for Dunsparce in early-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 Dunsparce in SV

The path to Dunsparce starts with Dunsparce at Lv. 8-60 via walking encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.

  1. Dunsparce
    Step 1Dunsparce
    The Great Crater of Paldea
    Lv.15-60Overworld
    Rate 12%
    Chilling Waterhead
    Lv.8-60Overworld
    Crystal Pool
    Lv.8-60Overworld
    Oni Mountain
    Lv.8-60Overworld
    Timeless Woods
    Lv.8-60Overworld
    Casseroya Lake - Forest
    Lv.15-40Overworld
    Rate 3%
    Casseroya Lake - Lake
    Lv.15-40Overworld
    Rate 3%
    East Province (Area One) - Cave
    Lv.15-40Overworld
    Rate 3%
    East Province (Area One) - Forest
    Lv.15-40Overworld
    Rate 3%
    East Province (Area Three) - Cave
    Lv.15-40Overworld
    Rate 3%
    East Province (Area Three) - Lake
    Lv.15-40Overworld
    Rate 3%
    East Province (Area Two) - Forest
    Lv.15-40Overworld
    Rate 3%
    Glaseado Mountain
    Lv.15-40Overworld
    Rate 3%
    North Province (Area One) - Cave
    Lv.15-40Overworld
    Rate 3%
    North Province (Area One) - Forest
    Lv.15-40Overworld
    Rate 3%
    North Province (Area One) - Lake
    Lv.15-40Overworld
    Rate 3%
    North Province (Area Three) - Cave
    Lv.15-40Overworld
    Rate 3%
    North Province (Area Two) - Cave
    Lv.15-40Overworld
    Rate 3%
    North Province (Area Two) - Forest
    Lv.15-40Overworld
    Rate 3%
    North Province (Area Two) - Lake
    Lv.15-40Overworld
    Rate 3%
    South Province (Area Five) - Lake
    Lv.15-40Overworld
    Rate 3%
    South Province (Area Four) - Forest
    Lv.15-40Overworld
    Rate 3%
    South Province (Area Four) - Lake
    Lv.15-40Overworld
    Rate 3%
    South Province (Area One) - Cave
    Lv.15-40Overworld
    Rate 3%
    South Province (Area One) - Forest
    Lv.15-40Overworld
    Rate 3%
    South Province (Area One) - Lake
    Lv.15-40Overworld
    Rate 3%
    South Province (Area Six) - Cave
    Lv.15-40Overworld
    Rate 3%
    South Province (Area Six) - Lake
    Lv.15-40Overworld
    Rate 3%
    South Province (Area Two) - Forest
    Lv.15-40Overworld
    Rate 3%
    Tagtree Thicket - Forest
    Lv.15-40Overworld
    Rate 3%
    Tagtree Thicket - Lake
    Lv.15-40Overworld
    Rate 3%
    West Province (Area One) - Cave
    Lv.15-40Overworld
    Rate 3%
    West Province (Area Three) - Cave
    Lv.15-40Overworld
    Rate 3%
    West Province (Area Three) - Forest
    Lv.15-40Overworld
    Rate 3%
    West Province (Area Three) - Lake
    Lv.15-40Overworld
    Rate 3%
    West Province (Area Two) - Cave
    Lv.15-40Overworld
    Rate 3%
    Asado Desert - Grass
    Lv.15-40Overworld
    Rate 2%
    East Province (Area One) - Grass
    Lv.15-40Overworld
    Rate 2%
    East Province (Area Three) - Grass
    Lv.15-40Overworld
    Rate 2%
    East Province (Area Two) - Grass
    Lv.15-40Overworld
    Rate 2%
    North Province (Area Three) - Grass
    Lv.15-40Overworld
    Rate 2%
    South Province (Area Five) - Grass
    Lv.15-40Overworld
    Rate 2%
    South Province (Area Four) - Grass
    Lv.15-40Overworld
    Rate 2%
    South Province (Area One) - Grass
    Lv.15-40Overworld
    Rate 2%
    South Province (Area Three) - Grass
    Lv.15-40Overworld
    Rate 2%
    South Province (Area Two) - Grass
    Lv.15-40Overworld
    Rate 2%
    The Pokémon League - Grass
    Lv.15-40Overworld
    Rate 2%
    West Province (Area One) - Grass
    Lv.15-40Overworld
    Rate 2%
    West Province (Area Three) - Grass
    Lv.15-40Overworld
    Rate 2%
    West Province (Area Two) - Grass
    Lv.15-40Overworld
    Rate 2%
  2. Dudunsparce
    Step 2Catch or Evolve into Dudunsparce
    The Great Crater of Paldea
    Lv.15-60Overworld
    Rate 2%
    Chilling Waterhead
    Lv.32-60Overworld
    Oni Mountain
    Lv.32-60Overworld
    Timeless Woods
    Lv.32-60Overworld
    or evolve from Dunsparce (Step 1)

Base Stats

The stat line revolves around HP. Percentage recovery gets extra mileage here. Attack backs it up, though Speed doesn't pull its weight. Worth 1 HP EV on a medium-fast 1M XP curve to max out.

Base Stats
Above
HP100
B
Attack70
C
Defense70
C
Sp. Atk65
C
Sp. Def65
C
Speed45
D
Total415
Details
Catch Rate
Easy190 / 255
Growth Rate
Medium Fast1M XP
Height1.5 m
Weight14.0 kg
Base XP145
Abilities
Serene Grace
Doubles the chance of moves' extra effects occurring.
Run Away
Ensures success fleeing from wild battles.
RattledHidden Ability
Raises Speed one stage upon being hit by a dark, ghost, or bug move.
EV Yield
HP+1AtkDefSpASpDSpe
HP training source
Pokedex Entry

It creates mazes in dark locations. When spotted, it flees into the ground by digging with its tail.

Pokemon Legends: Z-A

Dunsparce Guide

  • At 415 BST, Dunsparce is firmly in pre-evolution territory. Evolve it into Dudunsparce before bringing it to any serious fight.

  • Dunsparce's biggest threats include Machamp (Fighting), all carrying super-effective STAB moves. Only 1 weakness means fewer dedicated counters to worry about.

  • Serene Grace is the go-to ability for Dunsparce. It doubles the chance of moves' extra effects occurring. Its hidden ability Rattled can work in specific setups. Run Away is the other option. Pick based on what your team needs.

  • Dunsparce is a mixed attacker with base 70 Attack and 65 Sp. Atk. Enough bulk to take a hit or two, too. Speed tells the real story. Base 45 Speed is low. Priority moves or Trick Room are the way to go.

  • For a casual playthrough, Dunsparce works as a placeholder. Normal coverage is useful early. The real payoff is Dudunsparce. That's where the stats start mattering.

Game Availability

Debuting in Gold & Silver, Dunsparce appears in 17 games across 9 generations. A reliable presence in most mainline games, typically found through catching or hatching as a base form.

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