Grubbin sits at the start of its evolution line — not yet at full power, but that changes fast. Most trainers push through to Vikavolt as fast as possible. Introduced in Gen 7. Only weak to Fire, Flying, and Rock.
An unusually even spread gives Grubbin flexibility. Attack barely edges ahead. But Defense isn't far off. Easy to catch and follows a medium-fast 1M XP curve. Yields 1 Attack EV.
Its natural enemies, like Rookidee, may flee rather than risk getting caught in its large mandibles that can snap thick tree branches.
It uses its big jaws to dig nests into the forest floor, and it loves to feed on sweet tree sap.
Grubbin Weakness
AvgGrubbin is weak to Fire, Flying, and Rock-type moves. Standard number of weaknesses for the Bug typing.
Three stages ahead. Grubbin grows into Charjabug, then pushes on to Vikavolt. Check the evolution methods below. For breeding, quick to hatch with a decent partner pool via one egg group. Evolving adds up to 200 stat points total.
How to Evolve
Breed Grubbin easily with 50 breeding partners from the Bug egg group. Pass egg moves like Discharge, Harden to offspring.
The moveset leans on Electric and Dark coverage to catch would-be counters. Chartiberry means extra utility for Grubbin, and a spread EV build EVs make sure nothing walls it cleanly. Swarm fills in the gaps.
Best Build
Best Grubbin Moveset
- Electroweb
- Lunge
- Crunch
- Thunder Wave
Recommended Teammates
TMs carry this one. Grubbin learns X-Scissor and Lunge naturally for STAB, but the offensive range comes almost entirely from technical machines. Ground and Normal and beyond give it real matchup play.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Grubbin is meant to evolve into Charjabug. At 300 BST, the stats aren't there for competitive play yet. Pre-evolution Pokemon rarely hold up against fully evolved threats.
Grubbin's biggest threats include Arcanine (Fire), Talonflame (Flying), and Golem (Rock), all carrying super-effective STAB moves.
Grubbin evolves into Charjabug at level 20. Grubbin is the base form in a 3-stage evolutionary line.
Swarm is the go-to ability for Grubbin. It strengthens bug moves to inflict 1.5× damage at 1/3 max HP or less. It's Grubbin's only ability.
Base 46 Speed is low. Priority moves or Trick Room are the way to go. On offense, Grubbin is a mixed attacker — base 62 Attack and 55 Sp. Atk. Defensively? Fragile — can't afford to take many hits.
Grubbin can be found in Scarlet & Violet, Sword & Shield, Sun & Moon, and Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon.
Grubbin joined the series in Sun & Moon and has been available in 4 titles so far. With 3 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 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 VIISMDebut
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