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.
- Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
- Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)
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 from the Water3 egg group. Notable egg moves include Agility, Amnesia, Ancient Power and 8 more.
the remaining moves gives Kingler answers even while choice-locked. Choice Scarf provides speed patching through item lock, and max Attack and Speed EVs with Sheerforce mean every prediction that lands hits hard.
Best Build
Best Kingler Moveset
- Crabhammer
- Rock Slide
- X Scissor
- Swords Dance
Recommended Teammates
You'll want to breed for Agility and Amnesia 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.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Transfer Moves
Kingler starts showing up in endgame fishing spots at decent 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 Kingler in Black 2 & White 2
Krabby is your first catch on the way to Kingler. You'll find fishing encounters from Lv. 40-70 across 12 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch KrabbyEASYVirbank CityBlack 2Super RodLv.40-60CommonLateCityAnyShaking spotEASYVirbank CityBlack 2Super RodLv.40-60CommonLateCityAnyEASYVirbank CityWhite 2Super RodLv.40-60CommonLateCityAnyShaking spotEASYVirbank CityWhite 2Super RodLv.40-60CommonLateCityAnyEASYVirbank Complex - OutsideWhite 2Super RodLv.40-60CommonLatePower-plantAnyShaking spotEASYVirbank Complex - OutsideWhite 2Super RodLv.40-60CommonLatePower-plantAnyEASYVirbank Complex - OutsideBlack 2Super RodLv.40-60CommonLatePower-plantAnyShaking spotEASYVirbank Complex - OutsideBlack 2Super RodLv.40-60CommonLatePower-plantAny
Step 2Kingler ✓MODERATEVirbank CityBlack 2Super RodLv.50-70UncommonPostCityAnyShaking spotMODERATEVirbank CityWhite 2Super RodLv.50-70UncommonPostCityAnyShaking spotMODERATEVirbank Complex - OutsideBlack 2Super RodLv.50-70UncommonPostPower-plantAnyShaking spotMODERATEVirbank Complex - OutsideWhite 2Super RodLv.50-70UncommonPostPower-plantAnyShaking spotor 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