Color Change shifts Kecleon's type to match the last move that hit it at C-Tier in Platinum. Sucker Punch from the tutors adds priority, but the type shifting is unreliable.
Ability 1Color ChangeAbility 1Changes type to match when hit by a damaging move.
440HP60Attack90Defense70Speed40Sp.Def120Sp.Atk60
Weak to
Physical
Support
40Speed · Very Slow

Is Kecleon Good in Platinum Playthrough?

Great Marsh after the National Dex. Normal-type with AbilityColor Change switching type to match the last hit received. Interesting mechanic but unreliable in practice. Postgame timing and weak stats.

StrongGoodEvenToughBadEGEEGEGGGGGESGGERoarkGym 1GardeniaGym 2FantinaGym 3MayleneGym 4Crasher WakeGym 5ByronGym 6CandiceGym 7VolknerGym 8KecleonCatchableAaronE4BerthaE4FlintE4LucianE4JupiterBossMarsBossSaturnBossCynthiaChamp*
Roark
Gym 1
Even

Kecleon trades roughly evenly with Roark's team.

Even
Geodude
Lv 12
RockGround
Rock Head
Stealth RockRock Throw
Even
Onix
Lv 12
RockGround
Rock Head
Stealth RockRock ThrowScreech
You Win
Cranidos
Lv 14
Rock
Mold Breaker
HeadbuttPursuitLeer
Gardenia
Gym 2
Good

Kecleon has the type edge here and should clean up Gardenia's team.

You Win
Turtwig
Lv 20
Grass
Overgrow
Grass KnotRazor LeafSunny DayReflect
You Win
Cherrim
Lv 20
Grass
Flower Gift
Grass KnotLeech SeedMagical LeafSafeguard
Even
Roserade
Lv 22
GrassPoison
Natural Cure
Grass KnotMagical LeafPoison StingStun Spore
Fantina
Gym 3
Even

Kecleon trades roughly evenly with Fantina's team.

Even
Duskull
Lv 24
Ghost
Levitate
Will O WispPursuitShadow SneakFuture Sight
Even
Haunter
Lv 24
GhostPoison
Levitate
Shadow ClawSucker PunchHypnosisConfuse Ray
Even
Mismagius
Lv 26
Ghost
Levitate
Shadow BallPsybeamMagical LeafConfuse Ray
Maylene
Gym 4
Even

Kecleon trades roughly evenly with Maylene's team.

You Win
Meditite
Lv 28
FightingPsychic
Pure Power
Drain PunchConfusionRock TombFake Out
You Win
Machoke
Lv 29
Fighting
Guts
Karate ChopRock TombStrengthFocus Energy
Risky
Lucario
Lv 32
FightingSteel
Steadfast
Drain PunchForce PalmMetal ClawBone Rush
Crasher Wake
Gym 5
Good

Kecleon has the type edge here and should clean up Crasher Wake's team.

You Win
Gyarados
Lv 33
WaterFlying
Intimidate
WaterfallBrineBiteTwister
Easy KO
Quagsire
Lv 34
WaterGround
Damp
Mud ShotRock TombWater PulseYawn
Even
Floatzel
Lv 37
Water
Swift Swim
BrineIce FangCrunchAqua Jet
Byron
Gym 6
Even

Kecleon trades roughly evenly with Byron's team.

Even
Magneton
Lv 37
ElectricSteel
Magnet Pull
Flash CannonThunderboltTri AttackMetal Sound
Even
Steelix
Lv 38
SteelGround
Rock Head
Flash CannonIce FangEarthquakeSandstorm
Even
Bastiodon
Lv 41
RockSteel
Sturdy
Metal BurstStone EdgeIron DefenseTaunt
Candice
Gym 7
Good

Kecleon has the type edge here and should clean up Candice's team.

Easy KO
Sneasel
Lv 40
DarkIce
Inner Focus
SlashAerial AceFeint AttackIce Shard
You Win
Piloswine
Lv 40
IceGround
Oblivious
AvalancheStone EdgeEarthquakeHail
You Win
Abomasnow
Lv 42
GrassIce
Snow Warning
AvalancheWood HammerWater PulseFocus Blast
Even
Froslass
Lv 44
IceGhost
Snow Cloak
BlizzardDouble TeamShadow BallPsychic
Volkner
Gym 8
Good

Kecleon has the type edge here and should clean up Volkner's team.

You Win
Jolteon
Lv 46
Electric
Volt AbsorbImmune to Electric attacks
Thunder WaveCharge BeamIron TailQuick Attack
You Win
Raichu
Lv 46
Electric
Static
Charge BeamFocus BlastSignal BeamQuick Attack
You Win
Luxray
Lv 48
Electric
Rivalry
Ice FangThunder FangCrunchFire Fang
Even
Electivire
Lv 50
Electric
Motor DriveImmune to Electric attacks
Thunder PunchFire PunchQuick AttackGiga Impact
Aaron
Elite Four
Good

Kecleon has the type edge here and should clean up Aaron's team.

Easy KO
Yanmega
Lv 49
BugFlying
Speed Boost
Air SlashBug BuzzU TurnDouble Team
Even
Scizor
Lv 49
BugSteel
Swarm
Iron HeadX ScissorNight SlashQuick Attack
Easy KO
Vespiquen
Lv 50
BugFlying
Pressure
Attack OrderDefend OrderHeal OrderPower Gem
You Win
Heracross
Lv 51
BugFighting
Swarm
MegahornClose CombatNight SlashStone Edge
Even
Drapion
Lv 53
PoisonDark
Battle Armor
X ScissorCross PoisonIce FangAerial Ace
Bertha
Elite Four
Good

Kecleon has the type edge here and should clean up Bertha's team.

Easy KO
Whiscash
Lv 50
WaterGround
Oblivious
Earth PowerAqua TailZen HeadbuttSandstorm
You Win
Gliscor
Lv 53
GroundFlying
Hyper Cutter
EarthquakeIce FangFire FangThunder Fang
You Win
Hippowdon
Lv 52
Ground
Sand Stream
EarthquakeStone EdgeCrunchYawn
Even
Golem
Lv 52
RockGround
Rock Head
EarthquakeFire PunchThunder PunchSandstorm
Even
Rhyperior
Lv 55
GroundRock
Lightning Rod
EarthquakeRock WreckerMegahornAvalanche
Flint
Elite Four
Good

Kecleon has the type edge here and should clean up Flint's team.

Easy KO
Houndoom
Lv 52
DarkFire
Early Bird
FlamethrowerSludge BombDark PulseSunny Day
Even
Flareon
Lv 55
Fire
Flash FireImmune to Fire attacks
OverheatGiga ImpactQuick AttackWill O Wisp
You Win
Rapidash
Lv 53
Fire
Run Away
Flare BlitzSolar BeamBounceSunny Day
Even
Infernape
Lv 55
FireFighting
Blaze
Flare BlitzThunder PunchMach PunchEarthquake
Even
Magmortar
Lv 57
Fire
Flame Body
FlamethrowerThunderboltSolar BeamHyper Beam
Lucian
Elite Four
Even

Kecleon trades roughly evenly with Lucian's team.

You Win
Mr Mime
Lv 53
Psychic
Soundproof
PsychicThunderboltReflectLight Screen
You Win
Espeon
Lv 55
Psychic
Synchronize
PsychicShadow BallQuick AttackSignal Beam
Even
Bronzong
Lv 54
SteelPsychic
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
PsychicGyro BallEarthquakeCalm Mind
Even
Alakazam
Lv 56
Psychic
Synchronize
PsychicEnergy BallFocus BlastRecover
Even
Gallade
Lv 59
PsychicFighting
Steadfast
Drain PunchPsycho CutLeaf BladeStone Edge
Jupiter
Commander
Strong

Kecleon resists most of Jupiter's coverage and hits back hard.

Easy KO
Zubat
Lv 21
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Giga DrainWing AttackBite
You Win
Skuntank
Lv 23
PoisonDark
Stench
Night SlashPoison GasScreechSmokescreen
Mars
Commander
Good

Kecleon has the type edge here and should clean up Mars's team.

You Win
Golbat
Lv 38
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Air CutterBiteToxicSupersonic
You Win
Bronzor
Lv 38
SteelPsychic
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Gyro BallExtrasensoryIron DefenseConfuse Ray
You Win
Purugly
Lv 40
Normal
Thick Fat
SlashFeint AttackHypnosisFake Out
Saturn
Commander
Good

Kecleon has the type edge here and should clean up Saturn's team.

You Win
Golbat
Lv 42
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Air CutterBitePoison FangConfuse Ray
You Win
Bronzor
Lv 42
SteelPsychic
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Gyro BallExtrasensoryShadow BallConfuse Ray
You Win
Toxicroak
Lv 44
PoisonFighting
Anticipation
Poison JabBrick BreakX ScissorFeint Attack
Cynthia
Champion
Even

Kecleon trades roughly evenly with Cynthia's team.

Risky
Spiritomb
Lv 58
GhostDark
Pressure
Dark PulsePsychicSilver WindShadow Ball
Even
Roserade
Lv 58
GrassPoison
Natural Cure
Energy BallSludge BombToxicExtrasensory
Even
Togekiss
Lv 60
NormalFlying
Hustle
Air SlashAura SphereWater PulseShock Wave
Even
Lucario
Lv 60
FightingSteel
Steadfast
Aura SphereExtreme SpeedShadow BallStone Edge
Even
Milotic
Lv 58
Water
Marvel Scale
SurfIce BeamMirror CoatDragon Pulse
You Win
Garchomp
Lv 62
DragonGround
Sand Veil
Dragon RushEarthquakeFlamethrowerGiga Impact

Catchable

Post-game only
Type
Normal
Tier
C

Catch Kecleon in the Great Marsh (walking, Lv 27-30, uncommon). Post-National Dex.

View Kecleon locations

Platinum Kecleon Locations

Kecleon hides in the Great Marsh and only after the National Dex unlocks. It sits in the rotating marsh roster at an uncommon rate, so the color-changer takes both the post-game gate and a bit of luck to find.

Wild Kecleon may be holding when caught:

Persim Berry (5% chance) Held: Consumed when confused to cure confusion.

1 location to catch Kecleon

Encountered via tall grass encounters

Badge 5

Best Locations to Catch Kecleon in Platinum

How to Get Shiny Kecleon in Platinum

Kecleon only blends into the Great Marsh, out of the Radar's reach, so breed one with a foreign Ditto for a shiny. Compare Shiny Kecleon odds across every game

Normal vs Shiny
Normal Kecleon in PlatinumNormal
Shiny Kecleon in Platinum Shiny
Color ShiftGreen
Shiny TierA Tier Shiny

Shiny Kecleon Evolution

Does Not Evolve
Kecleon does not evolve
Single-stage PokemonView Full Evolution Chart

Platinum Shiny Kecleon Calculator

2 Methods
Fastest Path

The best route is Masuda Method, about 1 in 1,639 on each try.

Step 1 · Encounter Method2 in Platinum

Masuda Method: Breed with a parent from a different-language game. Works on any breedable line.

Full Odds: Walk through grass, surf, or fish. Every encounter is its own independent shiny roll.

How many you have done, or plan to do.

120,000
Shiny Odds Per Try1 / 1,639Masuda Method
Chance By Now50.0%at 1,136 eggs hatchedAbout 5 in 10 hunters have one by now
What To Expect
ChanceEncountersTime
10%lucky few173----
25%one in four472----
50%coin flip1,136----
90%very likely3,773----
How is this calculated?

Every encounter has the same shiny chance, the Shiny Odds Per Try shown above. Each one is a separate roll that does not care how many you have already done, so the more you hunt, the higher your overall chance of at least one shiny. The formula below turns your odds and your number of tries into that combined chance.

chance after N tries = 1 − (1 − p)^N,  where  p = 1 / odds per try

Example at 1 in 8,192 (classic full odds): about 864 encounters for a 10 percent chance, 5,678 for 50 percent, and 18,862 for 90 percent.

The table above flips that around: it shows how many encounters it takes to reach a 10, 25, 50, and 90 percent chance at your current odds. Turning on boosts like the Shiny Charm, sandwiches, or chains improves your odds, so the encounter numbers drop.

These are estimates, not promises. Most games have no pity counter, meaning no guaranteed shiny no matter how many you hunt, so even Very Likely is not guaranteed: some hunters find one early, others go well past that point.

Where these shiny odds come from: Read our full methodology

For time estimates and charm math, open the Platinum shiny odds calculator with Kecleon already selected.

Kecleon Weakness

Kecleon is weak to Fighting. On the flip side, it's immune to Ghost-type moves entirely. Kecleon's special bulk (base 120 Sp.Def) helps absorb special-type weaknesses, though physical moves exploit the lower Defense.

Kecleon Weakness and Resistance Chart
DamageTypes
2x (Weak)Fighting
0x (Immune)Ghost
Gen IV Type Chart
  • Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
  • Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)

What is Kecleon Weak Against

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

What is Kecleon Strong Against

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

Best Pokemon Against Kecleon

Breloom
Breloom
GrassFighting
A
Heracross
Heracross
BugFighting
B
Gallade
Gallade
PsychicFighting
B
Toxicroak
Toxicroak
PoisonFighting
C
Infernape
Infernape
FireFighting
A

Kecleon Evolutions

Kecleon is what you get. No evolutions, but it breeds through one egg group with a massive partner pool. Its eggs take an average time to hatch. It's got 6 egg moves worth looking into. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.

How to Evolve

No Evolution
Kecleon
#352Kecleon
Does not evolve

Breeding

Very Easy

Breed Kecleon easily with 131 breeding partners from the Field egg group. Pass egg moves like Disable, Dizzy Punch, Fake Out and 3 more to offspring.

Egg Groups
Field
Gender
♂50.0%♀50.0%
Hatch Time
20 cycles·5,140 steps
Quick~5 min with Flame Body
Egg Moves
6moves
Breed With (best first)
raichupikachunidokinggolduckampharosrhydondewgongarbokquagsirenidorinofarfetchdflaaffy

Pt Kecleon Best Moveset

90 Attack is the offensive stat, and the moveset runs physical Normal and coverage hits. AbilityColor Change shifts typing to match whatever move just hit, creating unpredictable defensive matchups. 120 Sp. Def absorbs special attacks, but 40 Speed limits everything.

Best Build

Experimental
Physical Tank
Ability
Color Change
Item
LeftoversSUSTAIN
Best Nature for Kecleon
Brave+ATK

Kecleon best EVs are Attack and Sp. Def

EVs

Physical Tank Moveset

  • ToxicUtility
  • Sucker Punch
  • RecoverRecovery
  • Fake OutSTAB

Moves List

The TM pool is where it gets interesting. Coverage across 14 types means almost nothing walls Kecleon cleanly, with Last Resort and Strength anchoring the STAB side. Matchup flexibility isn't a problem.

Level-Up Moves

Lv 1
Astonish
—3010015Ghost
Lv 1
Lick
—2010030Ghost
Lv 1
Scratch
—6010035Normal
Lv 1
Tail Whip
——10030Normal
Lv 1
Thief
D6010025Dark
Lv 4
Bind
—227520Normal
Lv 7
Feint Attack
—60—20Dark
Lv 10
Fury Swipes
—278015Normal
Lv 14
Feint+2
—7510010Normal
Lv 18
Psybeam
D6510020Psychic
Lv 22
Shadow Sneak+1
D4010030Ghost
Lv 27
Slash
—10510020Normal
Lv 32
Screech
——8540Normal
Lv 37
Substitute
C——10Normal
Lv 43
Sucker Punch+1
B801005Dark
Lv 49
Shadow Claw
C7010015Ghost
Lv 55
Ancient Power
D601005Rock

TM Moves

50 of 52 TMs are obtainable before the Elite Four

TM
TM40
Aerial AceRoute 213badge 3
D60—20Flying
TM45
AttractAmity Squarebadge 2
——10015Normal
TM14
BlizzardLake Acuitybadge 3
D120705Ice
TM31
Brick BreakOreburgh Gate (basement)badge 2
C7510015Fighting
TM78
CaptivateRoute 204badge 2
——10020Normal
TM57
Charge BeamPrize for defeating Volknernot until badge 8
D509010Electric
TM28
DigManiac Tunnelbadge 3
C8010010Ground
TM32
Double TeamWayward Cavebadge 2
———15Normal
TM60
Drain PunchPrize for defeating Maylenebadge 4
A751005Fighting
TM58
Endure+4Veilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
C——10Normal
TM42
FacadeSurvival Area
C10510020Normal
TM38
Fire BlastLake Veritybadge 3
D120855Fire
TM35
FlamethrowerVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
D9510015Fire
TM70D—10020Normal
TM56
FlingRoute 222not until badge 7
D—10010Dark
TM01
Focus Punch-3Oreburgh Gatebadge 6
B15010020Fighting
TM21
FrustrationVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
D—10020Normal
TM86D—10020Grass
TM10
Hidden PowerVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
D9010015Normal
TM13
Ice BeamRoute 216badge 3
D9510010Ice
TM23
Iron TailIron Islandbadge 5
C1007515Steel
TM83
Natural GiftVeilstone Department Storebadge 3
D—10015Normal
TM17C——10Normal
TM77
Psych UpRoute 211badge 5
———10Normal
TM67
RecycleEterna Citybadge 1
D——10Normal
TM44C——10Psychic
TM27A—10020Normal
TM80
Rock SlideMt. Coronetnot until badge 7
C759010Rock
HM06D4010015Fighting
TM39
Rock TombRavaged Pathbadge 1
D609510Rock
TM43
Secret PowerAmity Squarebadge 2
—10510020Normal
TM30
Shadow BallRoute 210badge 5
D8010015Ghost
TM65
Shadow ClawPrize for defeating Fantinabadge 3
C7010015Ghost
TM34
Shock WaveRoute 215badge 3
D60—20Electric
TM48
Skill SwapCanalave Citybadge 5
———10Psychic
TM82
Sleep TalkEterna Forestbadge 2
C——10Normal
TM49———10Dark
TM22C12010010Grass
TM76
Stealth RockPrize for defeating Roarkbadge 1
C——20Rock
HM04
StrengthIron Islandbadge 5
C12010015Normal
TM90
SubstituteVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 2
C——10Normal
TM87
SwaggerPokémon Mansionbadge 4
——9015Normal
TM46
ThiefEterna Citybadge 2
D6010025Dark
TM25
ThunderLake Valorbadge 3
D1207010Electric
TM73
Thunder WaveExchange Service Corner counter at the Battle Frontier, which you enter from the Fight Area
C—10020Electric
TM24
ThunderboltVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
D9510015Electric
TM06
ToxicRoute 212badge 4
S—8510Poison
TM92
Trick Room-7Route 213badge 3
A——5Psychic
TM03
Water PulseRavaged Pathbadge 5
D6010020Water

Egg Moves

Egg
Egg
Disable
D—8020Normal
Egg
Dizzy Punch
C10510010Normal
Egg
Fake Out+3
B6010010Normal
Egg
Magic Coat+4
D——15Psychic
Egg
Nasty Plot
C——20Dark
Egg
Trick
C—10010Psychic

Tutor Moves

Tut
Tutor
Ancient Power
D601005Rock
Tutor
Aqua Tail
C909010Water
Tutor
Fire Punch
C7510015Fire
Tutor
Fury Cutter
—109520Bug
Tutor
Ice Punch
C7510015Ice
Tutor
Icy Wind
D559515Ice
Tutor
Knock Off
D6510020Dark
Tutor
Last Resort
B1951005Normal
Tutor
Mud-Slap
D2010010Ground
Tutor
Rollout
—309020Rock
Tutor
Snore
D6010015Normal
Tutor
Sucker Punch+1
B801005Dark
Tutor
Swift
—90—20Normal
Tutor
Thunder Punch
C7510015Electric
Tutor
Trick
C—10010Psychic

Base Stats

Base Stats
Above
HP60
C
Attack90
B
Defense70
C
Sp. Atk60
C
Sp. Def120
A
Speed40
D
Total440
Details
Catch Rate
Easy200 / 255
Growth Rate
Medium Slow1.06M XP
Height1.0 m
Weight22.0 kg
Base XP154
Abilities
Color Change
Changes type to match when hit by a damaging move.
EV Yield
HPAtkDefSpASpD+1Spe
Special Defense training source
Pokedex Entry

It can freely change its body’s color. The zigzag pattern on its belly doesn’t change, however.

Pokemon Platinum

Kecleon Platinum Guide

  • Yes. Wild Kecleon in Platinum can hold Persim Berry (5%). Use Thief (TM46) or Covet to swipe the held item without affecting your catch chance. Quickest way to farm rare items like Persim Berry.

  • For Platinum, it depends on your team. Kecleon rates C-Tier. Not a powerhouse, but the Normal coverage might be exactly what you're missing.

  • Yes. Kecleon is not available during the main story. It can only be obtained after entering the Hall of Fame. Kecleon becomes available after the main story is complete in Platinum.

  • In Platinum, Kecleon plays as a support. It's slow, so Trick Room or priority moves are key. so pick your spots carefully.

  • In Platinum, Brave is the go-to nature for Kecleon. That's +Attack / -Speed. Pair it with 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 SpD EVs. Fits the support role.

Game Availability

Available in 14 titles since its debut in Ruby & Sapphire, Kecleon spans 7 generations of Pokemon games. It's accessible through wild encounters in a solid number of games.

Explore

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