Gastrodon's spread is anchored by HP, with balanced defenses backing it up. Speed is the clear weak point. Worth 2 HP EVs per KO, and the medium-fast 1M XP curve keeps leveling painless.
Its whole body is sticky with mucus. In the past, this form of Gastrodon was by far the more numerous one.
It appears on beaches where the waters are shallow. Once it catches prey, it will slowly melt them with its mucus before slurping them up.
Gastrodon's Water/Ground typing leaves it vulnerable to Grass. Grass hits land at 4x, so they're the biggest threat. It shrugs off Electric-type attacks completely. It resists 4 types, giving it decent defensive coverage. Storm Drain grants an additional Water immunity, reshaping the matchup chart. With 111 HP and balanced defenses, Gastrodon can afford to eat a neutral hit or two.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 4x (Critical) | Grass |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Fire, Poison, Rock, Steel |
| 0x (Immune) | Electric |
 | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityCorrosion ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Gastrodon View Salazzle builds →Flamethrower18-21% Sludge Bomb18-21% | ||
 | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityTransistor ItemChoice Specs NatureModest Moves View Regieleki builds →
| ||
 | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityImmunity ItemEviolite NatureImpish Moves
Damage vs Gastrodon View Gligar builds →Knock Off8-10% Earthquake19-22% U Turn9-10% | ||
 | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityAnalytic ItemChoice Specs NatureModest Moves
Damage vs Gastrodon View Magnezone builds →Flash Cannon30-35% | ||
 Pincurchin Electric | C | |
Recommended Build AbilityElectric Surge ItemTerrain Extender NatureBrave Moves
Damage vs Gastrodon View Pincurchin builds →Sucker Punch15-18% Liquidation19-22% | ||
Gastrodon is the evolved form of Shellos. Breeding produces Shellos eggs, and they're average hatch time. Evolving from Shellos gave Gastrodon the biggest boost in HP (+35), bringing the total to 475 stats. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
Breed with Gastrodon to get Shellos eggs easily using 63 partners from the Indeterminate and Water1 egg groups.
Spikes is the priority every time Gastrodon comes in. Relaxed nature and max HP and Defense EVs keep it alive long enough to get layers down, while Rocky Helmet provides chip damage on every physical hit received. Stormdrain rounds it out. Recover keeps it healthy between hits.
Best Build
Gastrodon best EVs are HP and Defense
Wall Moveset
- Recover
- Earth Power
- Ice Beam
- Spikes
Recommended Teammates
Doubles Special Tank Moveset
- Earth Power
- Muddy Water
- Ice Beam
- Protect
Recommended Teammates
Doubles Wall Moveset
- Earth Power
- Recover
- Ice Beam
- Muddy Water
Legends: Arceus uses different battle mechanics.
Competitive build content is not applicable for this game. Select a main series game for builds.
Doubles Bulky Support Moveset
- Earth Power
- Muddy Water
- Icy Wind
- Ice Beam
Recommended Teammates
Wall Moveset
- Recover
- Scald
- Earth Power
- Toxic
Recommended Teammates
Doubles Bulky Support Moveset
- Earth Power
- Muddy Water
- Icy Wind
- Ice Beam
Recommended Teammates
Wall Moveset
- Recover
- Scald
- Earth Power
- Toxic
Recommended Teammates
Moves
Without TMs, Gastrodon's movepool is bare bones. With them, you get Rock and Normal coverage and more on top of Hydro Pump and Earthquake for STAB. The natural kit handles basics, but TMs are doing the real work.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Gastrodon's movepool balances level-up moves with TM options. Consistent STAB comes from Hydro Pump and Earth Power, and Normal and Rock coverage and more keeps opponents from switching in for free. No major gaps here.
The natural movepool does the job, but Acid Armor and Amnesia from the egg pool give Gastrodon something extra.
The natural movepool does the job, but Acid Armor and Clear Smog from the egg pool give Gastrodon something extra. Pair those with Hydro Pump and Earthquake for STAB and coverage across 7 types for reach, and the kit fills out nicely.
moderate rates across 10 locations for Gastrodon in mid-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 Gastrodon in Scarlet & Violet
The path to Gastrodon starts with Shellos at Lv. 16-55 via walking encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch ShellosEast Province (Area One) - BeachScarletOverworld Lv.16-34 Route36%MidEast SeaEast Province (Area One) - BeachVioletOverworld Lv.16-34 Route36%MidEast SeaNorth Province (Area One) - BeachVioletOverworld Lv.16-34 Route36%MidEast SeaNorth Province (Area One) - BeachScarletOverworld Lv.16-34 Route36%MidEast SeaSouth Province (Area Five) - BeachVioletOverworld Lv.16-34 Route36%MidEast SeaSouth Province (Area Five) - BeachScarletOverworld Lv.16-34 Route36%MidEast SeaWest Province (Area Two) - BeachVioletOverworld Lv.16-34 Route36%MidWest SeaWest Province (Area Two) - BeachScarletOverworld Lv.16-34 Route36%MidWest SeaCasseroya Lake - BeachScarletOverworld Lv.30-55 Water8%MidWest SeaCasseroya Lake - BeachVioletOverworld Lv.30-55 Water8%MidWest Sea
Step 2Gastrodon ✓Casseroya Lake - BeachScarletOverworld Lv.30-55 Water8%MidWest SeaCasseroya Lake - BeachVioletOverworld Lv.30-55 Water8%MidWest SeaEast Province (Area One) - BeachScarletOverworld Lv.30-49 Route8%MidEast SeaEast Province (Area One) - BeachVioletOverworld Lv.30-49 Route8%MidEast SeaNorth Province (Area One) - BeachVioletOverworld Lv.30-49 Route8%MidEast SeaNorth Province (Area One) - BeachScarletOverworld Lv.30-49 Route8%MidEast SeaSouth Province (Area Five) - BeachVioletOverworld Lv.30-49 Route8%MidEast SeaSouth Province (Area Five) - BeachScarletOverworld Lv.30-49 Route8%MidEast SeaWest Province (Area Two) - BeachVioletOverworld Lv.30-55 Route8%MidWest SeaWest Province (Area Two) - BeachScarletOverworld Lv.30-55 Route8%MidWest Seaor evolve from Shellos (Step 1)
Gastrodon starts showing up in mid-game routes at decent spawn rates across 3 encounter spots. The list below is sorted so you can pick what fits your current progress without scrolling through everything.
Where To Catch Gastrodon in Legends: Arceus
Shellos is your first catch on the way to Gastrodon. You'll find walking encounters from walking across 7 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch ShellosRamanas IslandGrass WaterUncommonSandgem FlatsGrass DesertUncommonSeagrass HavenGrassUncommonTranquility CoveGrassUncommon
Step 2Gastrodon ✓Ramanas IslandGrass WaterUncommonSandgem FlatsGrass DesertUncommonSeagrass HavenGrassUncommonor evolve from Shellos (Step 1)
Gastrodon's scattered across 18 spots in mid-game routes with high spawn rates. Check the list below for the closest location to wherever you are in the game. This one's quick.
Where To Catch Gastrodon in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl
Shellos is your first catch on the way to Gastrodon. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 7-53 across 38 total spots in the chain.
- Step 1Catch ShellosRoute 205 - SouthBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.8-10 Route45%EarlyRoute 205 - SouthShining PearlGrass Lv.8-10 Route45%EarlyValley WindworksBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.7-9 Power-plant30%EarlyValley WindworksShining PearlGrass Lv.7-9 Power-plant30%EarlyRoute 205 - NorthBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.11 Route10%EarlyRoute 205 - NorthShining PearlGrass Lv.11 Route10%EarlyRoute 213Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.20-22 Route50%MidNightRoute 213Shining PearlGrass Lv.20-22 Route50%MidNightRoute 213Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.20-22 Route40%MidMorning/dayRoute 213Shining PearlGrass Lv.20-22 Route40%MidMorning/dayFuego IronworksBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.28 Power-plant20%MidFuego IronworksShining PearlGrass Lv.28 Power-plant20%MidRoute 218Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.28 Route20%MidRoute 218Shining PearlGrass Lv.28 Route20%MidFountainspring CaveBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.16-20 CaveMidFountainspring CaveShining PearlGrass Lv.16-20 CaveMidRoute 221Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.28 Route10%MidRoute 221Shining PearlGrass Lv.28 Route10%MidRoute 224Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.23 Route1%MidRoute 224Shining PearlGrass Lv.23 Route1%Mid
- Step 2Gastrodon ✓Route 221Shining PearlGrass Lv.28-30 Route30%MidRoute 218Shining PearlGrass Lv.28-30 Route20%MidRoute 218Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.28-30 Route20%MidFuego IronworksBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.29-30 Power-plant15%MidFuego IronworksShining PearlGrass Lv.29-30 Power-plant15%MidFountainspring CaveBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.16-20 CaveMidFountainspring CaveShining PearlGrass Lv.16-20 CaveMidRoute 221Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.29-30 Route10%MidRoute 222Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.40-42 Route40%LateNightRoute 222Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.40-42 Route30%LateMorning/dayRoute 222Shining PearlGrass Lv.40-42 Route20%LateNightRoute 222Shining PearlGrass Lv.41-42 Route10%LateMorning/dayRoute 224Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.52-53 Route30%PostNightRoute 224Shining PearlGrass Lv.52-53 Route30%PostNightRoute 224Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.53 Route20%PostMorning/dayRoute 224Shining PearlGrass Lv.53 Route20%PostMorning/dayRoute 230Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.51 Route5%PostRoute 230Shining PearlGrass Lv.51 Route5%Postor evolve from Shellos (Step 1)
Gastrodon starts showing up in late-game routes at high spawn rates across 4 encounter spots. The list below is sorted so you can pick what fits your current progress without scrolling through everything.
Where To Catch Gastrodon in Sword & Shield
Shellos is your first catch on the way to Gastrodon. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 20-44 across 30 total spots in the chain.
- Step 1Catch ShellosMotostoke RiverbankShieldGrass Lv.26-2835%MidThunderstormMotostoke RiverbankSwordGrass Lv.26-2835%MidThunderstormGiant's CapSwordGrass Lv.26-2830%MidRainingGiant's CapShieldGrass Lv.26-2830%MidRainingGiant's MirrorShieldGrass Lv.26-2830%MidRainingGiant's MirrorSwordGrass Lv.26-2830%MidRainingStony WildernessShieldGrass Lv.26-2830%MidRainingStony WildernessSwordGrass Lv.26-2830%MidRainingGalar Mine No. 2ShieldOverworld Lv.20-24 Cave25%MidAll WeatherGalar Mine No. 2SwordOverworld Lv.20-24 Cave25%MidAll WeatherBridge FieldShieldGrass Lv.26-2825%MidRainingBridge FieldSwordGrass Lv.26-2825%MidRainingBridge FieldShieldGrass Lv.26-2820%MidThunderstormBridge FieldSwordGrass Lv.26-2820%MidThunderstormGiant's CapSwordGrass Lv.26-2820%MidThunderstormGiant's CapShieldGrass Lv.26-2820%MidThunderstormGalar Mine No. 2ShieldGrass Lv.20-24 Cave10%MidThunderstormGalar Mine No. 2ShieldGrass Lv.20-24 Cave10%MidIntense SunGalar Mine No. 2SwordGrass Lv.20-24 Cave10%MidAll WeatherGalar Mine No. 2ShieldGrass Lv.20-24 Cave10%MidSnowingGalar Mine No. 2ShieldGrass Lv.20-24 Cave10%MidSandstormGalar Mine No. 2ShieldGrass Lv.20-24 Cave10%MidRainingGalar Mine No. 2ShieldGrass Lv.20-24 Cave10%MidHeavy FogGalar Mine No. 2ShieldGrass Lv.20-24 Cave10%MidOvercastGalar Mine No. 2ShieldGrass Lv.20-24 Cave10%MidNormal WeatherGalar Mine No. 2ShieldGrass Lv.20-24 Cave10%MidSnowstorm
- Step 2Gastrodon ✓Route 9 - in Circhester BayShieldGrass Lv.39-43 Route30%LateAll WeatherRoute 9 - in Circhester BaySwordGrass Lv.39-43 Route30%LateAll WeatherRoute 9ShieldOverworld Lv.41-44 Route15%LateAll WeatherRoute 9SwordOverworld Lv.41-44 Route15%LateAll Weatheror evolve from Shellos (Step 1)
Don't let Gastrodon's 475 base stat total fool you. Storm Drain is what makes it tick. It punches way above its weight class. We rate it B-Tier as a trick room.
Watch for Roserade (Grass) when using Gastrodon. They all hit it super-effectively with STAB. Roserade is the most dangerous since Grass moves deal 4x damage. Only 1 weakness means fewer dedicated counters to worry about. At base 39 Speed, Gastrodon won't outrun any of these threats so switching to a resist is usually the safer play.
Run Storm Drain on Gastrodon. It's the ability that defines how you build around it and the main reason it holds a competitive niche. Gastrodon also gets Sticky Hold and Sand Force, but they don't compare.
Gastrodon fills the trick room role. It's leaning toward the special side (base 92 Sp. Atk). Base 39 Speed is low. Priority moves or Trick Room are the way to go. And it's enough bulk to take a hit or two.
Run Recover, Earthpower, Ice Beam, and Spikes on Gastrodon. Recover is the most common pick at 21% usage. This set covers the trick room role with a mix of damage and utility.
Gastrodon first appeared in Diamond & Pearl and has been available in 13 games across 7 generations. Obtainable through wild encounters in most titles where it appears.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 1RB
Red & Blue - Gen 2GS
Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3FRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 4DPDebut
Diamond & Pearl - Gen 5BW
Black & White - Gen 5B2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY
X & Y - Gen 6ORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7USUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7SM
Sun & Moon - Gen 7LGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 8BDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 9SV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW
Winds & Waves