Kingler punches above its weight class thanks to Sheer Force. It drops secondary effects for a straight power boost, which is enough to make up for stats that don't impress on their own. Only weak to Electric and Grass. Known as the Pincer Pokemon.
Kingler's all-in on Attack at the expense of Sp. Atk. The physical lean is obvious from the bars. Yields 2 Attack EVs and follows a medium-fast 1M XP curve.
The larger pincer has 10,000-horsepower strength. However, it is so heavy, it is difficult to aim.
Kingler Weakness
GoodKingler's Water typing leaves it vulnerable to Electric and Grass moves. It resists 4 types, giving it decent defensive coverage. Kingler's physical bulk (base 115 Def) helps cushion physical weakness hits, but special attackers are the bigger threat.
Kingler is the evolved form of Krabby. Breeding produces Krabby eggs, and they're average hatch time. Evolving from Krabby gave Kingler the biggest boost in HP (+25), bringing the total to 475 stats.
How to Evolve
Breed with Kingler to get Krabby eggs easily using 37 partners from the Water3 egg group.
One boost from Agility and Kingler gets dangerous fast. The Adamant nature targets max Attack and Speed, and Sheerforce backs the whole approach. Liquidation and double STAB handle most of what's left standing.
Best Build
Best Kingler Moveset
- Liquidation
- Agility
- Crabhammer
- Knock Off
Kingler develops a solid moveset just through leveling. Hammer Arm and Crabhammer show up naturally, and the progression handles both STAB and utility without leaning on TMs for the core attacks.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
You'll want to breed for Ancient Power and Hammer Arm on Kingler. These egg moves aren't just nice to have. Combined with STAB from Hydro Pump and Crabhammer, they expand what Kingler can actually threaten in practice.
Kingler develops a solid moveset just through leveling. Crabhammer and Blizzard show up naturally, and the progression handles both STAB and utility without leaning on TMs for the core attacks.
You'll want to breed for Agility and Ally Switch on Kingler. These egg moves aren't just nice to have. Combined with STAB from Crabhammer and Surf, they expand what Kingler can actually threaten in practice.
No wild encounters for Kingler. The 2-stage line runs through Krabby, which you can catch at solid rates from the locations below. Evolve at level 28 once you've got the levels.
How to Obtain Kingler in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl
The path to Kingler starts with Krabby at Lv. 52-63 via walking encounters. 1 catchable stage total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch KrabbyEFFORTLESSRoute 226Brilliant DiamondGrassLv.5240%PostRouteSwarm activeEFFORTLESSRoute 226Shining PearlGrassLv.5240%PostRouteSwarm activeDazzling CaveBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-gameDazzling CaveShining PearlGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-gameSpacious CaveShining PearlGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-gameSpacious CaveBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-gameStargleam CavernShining PearlGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-gameStargleam CavernBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-game
Step 2Kingler ✓
Kingler appears at decent spawn rates across 8 spots in late-game routes. Sort by Best below if you want the highest rate, or Earliest if you want the quickest access point in your playthrough.
Where To Catch Kingler in Sword & Shield
Krabby is your first catch on the way to Kingler. You'll find walking and fishing encounters from Lv. 7-42 across 52 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch KrabbyEFFORTLESSWest Lake AxewellSwordGrassLv.7-1140%EarlyCaveOvercastEFFORTLESSWest Lake AxewellShieldGrassLv.7-1140%EarlyCaveOvercastEFFORTLESSWest Lake AxewellSwordGrassLv.7-1130%EarlyCaveHeavy FogEFFORTLESSWest Lake AxewellShieldGrassLv.7-1130%EarlyCaveHeavy FogEFFORTLESSWest Lake AxewellSwordGrassLv.7-1130%EarlyCaveNormal WeatherEFFORTLESSWest Lake AxewellShieldGrassLv.7-1130%EarlyCaveNormal WeatherEFFORTLESSSouth Lake MilochSwordOverworldLv.14-1630%EarlyWaterNormal WeatherEFFORTLESSSouth Lake MilochShieldOverworldLv.14-1530%EarlyWaterNormal WeatherEFFORTLESSSouth Lake MilochSwordOverworldLv.14-1630%EarlyWaterThunderstormEFFORTLESSSouth Lake MilochShieldOverworldLv.14-1630%EarlyWaterThunderstormEASYWest Lake AxewellSwordGrassLv.7-1120%EarlyCaveThunderstormEASYWest Lake AxewellShieldGrassLv.7-1120%EarlyCaveThunderstormEASYWest Lake AxewellSwordGrassLv.7-1120%EarlyCaveRainingEASYWest Lake AxewellShieldGrassLv.7-1120%EarlyCaveRainingEASYFields of HonorSwordOverworldLv.10-1520%EarlyThunderstormEASYFields of HonorShieldOverworldLv.10-1520%EarlyThunderstormEASYFields of HonorSwordOverworldLv.10-1520%EarlyRainingEASYFields of HonorShieldOverworldLv.10-1520%EarlyRainingEASYFields of HonorShieldGrassLv.13-1815%EarlyThunderstormEASYFields of HonorSwordGrassLv.13-1815%EarlyRainingEASYFields of HonorShieldGrassLv.13-1815%EarlyRainingEASYFields of HonorSwordGrassLv.13-1815%EarlyThunderstormMODERATEWest Lake AxewellSwordOverworldLv.8-1410%EarlyCaveRainingMODERATEWest Lake AxewellShieldOverworldLv.8-1410%EarlyCaveRainingMODERATEWest Lake AxewellSwordOverworldLv.8-1410%EarlyCaveNormal WeatherMODERATEWest Lake AxewellShieldOverworldLv.8-1410%EarlyCaveNormal WeatherMODERATESouth Lake MilochSwordOverworldLv.14-1610%EarlyWaterRainingMODERATESouth Lake MilochShieldOverworldLv.14-1610%EarlyWaterRainingMODERATESouth Lake MilochSwordOverworldLv.14-1610%EarlyWaterOvercastMODERATESouth Lake MilochShieldOverworldLv.14-1610%EarlyWaterOvercastMODERATESouth Lake MilochSwordOverworldLv.14-1610%EarlyWaterSnowingMODERATESouth Lake MilochShieldOverworldLv.14-1610%EarlyWaterSnowingMODERATEWest Lake AxewellSwordOverworldLv.8-145%EarlyCaveSnowstormMODERATEWest Lake AxewellShieldOverworldLv.8-145%EarlyCaveSnowstormEASYGiant's CapSwordSuper RodLv.26-2835%MidEASYGiant's CapShieldSuper RodLv.26-2835%MidEASYLoop LagoonSwordOverworldLv.16-2120%MidThunderstormEASYLoop LagoonShieldOverworldLv.16-2120%MidThunderstormEASYLoop LagoonSwordOverworldLv.16-2120%MidRainingEASYLoop LagoonShieldOverworldLv.16-2120%MidRainingEASYLoop LagoonSwordGrassLv.19-2415%MidThunderstormEASYLoop LagoonShieldGrassLv.19-2415%MidThunderstormEASYLoop LagoonSwordGrassLv.19-2415%MidRainingEASYLoop LagoonShieldGrassLv.19-2415%MidRaining
Step 2Kingler ✓EASYAxew's EyeShieldOverworldLv.36-4025%LateNormal WeatherEASYAxew's EyeSwordOverworldLv.36-4025%LateNormal WeatherEASYRoute 9SwordGrassLv.38-4225%LateRouteAll WeatherEASYRoute 9ShieldGrassLv.38-4225%LateRouteAll WeatherMODERATEAxew's EyeSwordOverworldLv.36-4010%LateThunderstormMODERATEAxew's EyeShieldOverworldLv.36-4010%LateThunderstormMODERATEAxew's EyeShieldOverworldLv.36-405%LateOvercastMODERATEAxew's EyeSwordOverworldLv.36-405%LateOvercastor evolve from Krabby (Step 1)
You'll want late-game access before hunting Kingler. Moderate rates across 4 encounter spots means the location matters. Sort by Best below and target the top-rated area first.
Where To Catch Kingler in Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee
The path to Kingler starts with Krabby at Lv. 18-38 via walking encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch KrabbyMODERATERoute 10Let's Go EeveeGrassLv.18-2310%MidRouteMODERATERoute 10Let's Go PikachuGrassLv.18-2310%MidRouteEASYRoute 12Let's Go EeveeGrassLv.31-3615%LateRouteEASYRoute 12Let's Go PikachuGrassLv.31-3615%LateRouteEASYRoute 13Let's Go PikachuGrassLv.33-3815%LateRouteEASYRoute 13Let's Go EeveeGrassLv.33-3815%LateRoute
Step 2Kingler ✓CHALLENGINGRoute 12Let's Go EeveeGrassLv.31-365%LateRouteCHALLENGINGRoute 12Let's Go PikachuGrassLv.31-365%LateRouteCHALLENGINGRoute 13Let's Go EeveeGrassLv.33-385%LateRouteCHALLENGINGRoute 13Let's Go PikachuGrassLv.33-385%LateRouteor evolve from Krabby (Step 1)
Don't let Kingler's 475 base stat total fool you. Sheer Force is what makes it tick — it punches way above its weight class. We rate it C-Tier as a wallbreaker.
Krabby evolves into Kingler at level 28. Kingler is the fully evolved form. It sits at 475 BST in its evolved form.
Run Sheer Force on Kingler. It's the ability that defines how you build around it and the main reason it holds a competitive niche. Kingler also gets Hyper Cutter and Shell Armor, but they don't compare. On wall sets, Sheer Force pairs with Kingler's base 115 Defense to absorb physical hits on the switch.
Kingler fills the wallbreaker role. It's a physical attacker with base 130 Attack. Base 75 Speed is workable — faster than some, slower than many. And it's enough bulk to take a hit or two.
Kingler appears in 19 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
Kingler first appeared in Red & Blue and spans 19 games across 9 generations. It later gained a Gigantamax form in Generation 8, adding new dimensions to its competitive identity.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRBDebut
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 VIISM
Sun & Moon - Gen VIILGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen VIIISwShGigantamax
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A