Ferrothorn was practically built for Trick Room teams. 131 base Defense provides real offensive pressure once it's 'fastest' on the field. Poison moves can't touch it, and only 2 types hit it super-effectively. Known as the Thorn Pod Pokemon.
Defense leads and Speed gets almost nothing. That's Ferrothorn's stat line in a nutshell. 3 stats sit in respectable range, but the spread is brutal. Moderately hard to find and yields 2 Defense EVs.
This Pokémon scrapes its spikes across rocks, and then uses the tips of its feelers to absorb the nutrients it finds within the stone.
Its spikes are harder than steel. This Pokémon crawls across rock walls by stabbing the spikes on its feelers into the stone.
Ferrothorn Weakness
ExcellentType-wise, Ferrothorn takes extra damage from Fire and Fighting. Watch out for Fire attacks, those deal 4x damage. Poison moves do nothing thanks to a full immunity. With 9 resistances, the defensive profile is strong. Ferrothorn's overall bulk (74/131/116) lets it take a hit or two from most weaknesses before going down.
Evolved from Ferroseed. Ferrothorn is the final form in this two-stage line. A decent partner pool for breeding via two egg groups. Eggs are average hatch time. Attack grew the most through evolution (+44 over Ferroseed), and Ferrothorn peaks at 489 total stats.
How to Evolve
Breed with Ferrothorn to get Ferroseed eggs easily using 50 partners from the Plant and Mineral egg groups. Notable egg moves include Acid Spray, Gravity, Knock Off and 2 more.
The build centers on Spikes and survivability. Leftovers means passive recovery each turn, and max HP and Defense EVs give Ferrothorn the bulk to set up repeatedly. Iron Barbs adds another layer of staying power.
Best Build
Best Ferrothorn Moveset
- Leech Seed
- Knock Off
- Spikes
- Gyro Ball
Recommended Teammates
Breeding's the move. Acid Spray and Gravity give Ferrothorn options it can't learn any other way, and coverage across 8 types already covers a decent range on top of Steel Roller and Power Whip. The egg moves push it further.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
2 encounter spots for Ferrothorn at moderate rates starting from late-game routes. Best and Earliest sort options below help narrow down your approach based on odds vs. Accessibility.
Where To Catch Ferrothorn in Sword & Shield
To get Ferrothorn, start by catching Ferroseed through walking encounters at Lv. 13-65. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Catch FerroseedHARDRoute 4ShieldGrassLv.13-151%EarlyRouteAll WeatherHARDRoute 4SwordGrassLv.13-151%EarlyRouteAll WeatherMODERATEMotostoke RiverbankShieldGrassLv.26-2810%MidSnowstormMODERATEMotostoke RiverbankSwordGrassLv.26-2810%MidSnowstormCHALLENGINGBridge FieldShieldGrassLv.26-285%MidNormal WeatherCHALLENGINGBridge FieldSwordGrassLv.26-285%MidIntense SunCHALLENGINGBridge FieldShieldGrassLv.26-285%MidSnowstormCHALLENGINGBridge FieldSwordGrassLv.26-285%MidSnowingCHALLENGINGBridge FieldSwordGrassLv.26-285%MidSandstormCHALLENGINGBridge FieldSwordGrassLv.26-285%MidRainingCHALLENGINGBridge FieldShieldGrassLv.26-285%MidThunderstormCHALLENGINGBridge FieldSwordGrassLv.26-285%MidHeavy FogCHALLENGINGBridge FieldShieldGrassLv.26-285%MidIntense SunCHALLENGINGBridge FieldSwordGrassLv.26-285%MidOvercastCHALLENGINGBridge FieldShieldGrassLv.26-285%MidSnowingCHALLENGINGBridge FieldSwordGrassLv.26-285%MidNormal WeatherCHALLENGINGBridge FieldShieldGrassLv.26-285%MidSandstormCHALLENGINGBridge FieldSwordGrassLv.26-285%MidSnowstormCHALLENGINGBridge FieldShieldGrassLv.26-285%MidRainingCHALLENGINGBridge FieldShieldGrassLv.26-285%MidHeavy FogCHALLENGINGBridge FieldShieldGrassLv.26-285%MidOvercastCHALLENGINGBridge FieldSwordGrassLv.26-285%MidThunderstormMODERATEStony WildernessSwordOverworldLv.28-305%MidSnowstormMODERATEStony WildernessShieldOverworldLv.28-305%MidSnowstormMODERATEStony Wilderness - 2SwordOverworldLv.28-305%MidSnowstormMODERATEStony Wilderness - 2ShieldOverworldLv.28-305%MidSnowstormMODERATEStony Wilderness - 3SwordOverworldLv.28-305%MidSnowstormMODERATEStony Wilderness - 3ShieldOverworldLv.28-305%MidSnowstormMODERATELakeside CaveShieldOverworldLv.60-6510%PostCaveAll WeatherMODERATELakeside CaveSwordOverworldLv.60-6510%PostCaveAll Weather- Step 2Ferrothorn ✓MODERATEDusty BowlShieldGrassLv.40-4510%LateSnowstormMODERATEDusty BowlSwordGrassLv.40-4510%LateSnowstormor evolve from Ferroseed (Step 1)
We rate Ferrothorn A-Tier — a strong competitive pick. At 489 BST, it fits the hazard setter role. Base 131 Defense stands out.
Ferrothorn's biggest threats include Infernape (Fire) and Lucario (Fighting), all carrying super-effective STAB moves. Infernape is the most dangerous since Fire moves deal 4x damage. Only 2 weaknesses means fewer dedicated counters to worry about. At base 20 Speed, Ferrothorn won't outrun any of these threats so switching to a resist is usually the safer play.
Ferroseed evolves into Ferrothorn at level 40. Ferrothorn is the fully evolved form. At 489 BST, it's got solid stats to work with.
Iron Barbs is the go-to ability for Ferrothorn. It damages attacking Pokémon for 1/8 their max HP on contact. Its hidden ability Anticipation can work in specific setups.
Base 20 Speed is low. Priority moves or Trick Room are the way to go. On offense, Ferrothorn is leaning toward the physical side (base 94 Attack). Defensively? Tanky enough to absorb a few hits. Best used as a hazard setter.
Ferrothorn appears in 7 games, including Black & White, Black 2 & White 2, and X & Y.
Ferrothorn joined the series in Black & White and has been available in 7 titles so far. With 5 generations of appearances, it's established itself despite the later start.
- 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 IVDP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen VBWDebut
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