Forretress was practically built for Trick Room teams. 140 base Defense provides real offensive pressure once it's 'fastest' on the field. Introduced in Gen 2. Poison moves can't touch it, and only a single type hits it super-effectively.
Defense leads and Speed gets almost nothing. That's Forretress's stat line in a nutshell. 2 stats sit in respectable range, but the spread is brutal. Moderately hard to find and yields 2 Defense EVs.
FORRETRESS conceals itself inside its hardened steel shell. The shell is opened when the POKéMON is catching prey, but it does so at such a quick pace that the shell’s inside cannot be seen.
Forretress Weakness
FortressFire-type moves hit Forretress for super-effective damage. Fire hits land at 4x, so they're the biggest threat. The upside? Poison-type moves can't touch it at all. With 9 resistances, the defensive profile is strong. Forretress's physical bulk (base 140 Def) helps cushion physical weakness hits, but special attackers are the bigger threat.
- Dark and Steel types added — Fairy does not exist yet
- Moves are Physical or Special based on type, not per move
Evolved from Pineco. Forretress is the final form in this two-stage line. A decent partner pool for breeding via one egg group. Eggs are average hatch time. Defense grew the most through evolution (+50 over Pineco), and Forretress peaks at 465 total stats.
How to Evolve
Breed with Forretress to get Pineco eggs easily using 37 partners from the Bug egg group. Notable egg moves include Counter, Flail, Pin Missile and 3 more.
Lead with Forretress, set Spikes, and keep pressure on. Sturdy and Leftovers buy the time it needs, with max HP and Sp. Def EVs letting it take hits while controlling the hazard game.
Best Build
Best Forretress Moveset
- Spikes
- Rapid Spin
- Explosion
- Earthquake
Recommended Teammates
Without breeding, Forretress misses out on Counter and Flail. That's 6 egg moves adding depth that the base kit lacks. STAB comes from Pin Missile, with Normal and Ground coverage and more rounding things out.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Forretress can't be caught in Ruby & Sapphire. Transfer Pineco from Gold, Crystal, or Diamond and evolve through the 2-stage line to get it. The step cards below map the full chain.
How to Obtain Forretress in Ruby & Sapphire
Step 1Obtain PinecoCatch in the wild in:
Then trade to Ruby & Sapphire to continue the evolution chain.
Also found in:
- Step 2Forretress ✓
We rate Forretress B-Tier — a solid choice for the right team. At 465 BST, it fits the hazard setter role. Base 140 Defense stands out.
Watch for Arcanine (Fire) when using Forretress. They all hit it super-effectively with STAB. Arcanine is the most dangerous since Fire moves deal 4x damage. Only 1 weakness means fewer dedicated counters to worry about. At base 40 Speed, Forretress won't outrun any of these threats so switching to a resist is usually the safer play.
Pineco evolves into Forretress at level 31. Forretress is the fully evolved form. It sits at 465 BST in its evolved form.
Sturdy prevents being KOed from full HP, leaving 1 HP instead — that's the one you want on Forretress. Overcoat is the hidden ability. Niche, but it has its uses.
Base 40 Speed is low. Priority moves or Trick Room are the way to go. On offense, Forretress is a physical attacker with base 90 Attack. Defensively? Enough bulk to take a hit or two. Best used as a hazard setter.
Forretress appears in 16 games, including Gold & Silver, Crystal, and Ruby & Sapphire.
Available in 16 titles since its debut in Gold & Silver, Forretress spans 8 generations of Pokemon games. It's accessible through wild encounters in most mainline games.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRB
Red & Blue - Gen IIGSDebut
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 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