Mid-stage Pokemon like Kirlia rarely see competitive play outside of special formats. It's a waypoint on the road to Gardevoir, which is where the real potential kicks in. Part of the Gen 3 roster. Only weak to Bug, Ghost, and Dark.
Nothing fancy in Kirlia's spread. It leans special with Sp. Atk out front. And you'll get 2 Sp. Atk EVs per KO for it. Follows a slow 1.25M XP grind.
A KIRLIA has the psychic power to create a rip in the dimensions and see into the future. It is said to dance with pleasure on sunny mornings.
Kirlia Weakness
VulnerableBug, Ghost, and Dark-type moves hit Kirlia for super-effective damage. Not too many gaps in the chart, 3 weaknesses to account for.
- Dark and Steel types added — Fairy does not exist yet
- Moves are Physical or Special based on type, not per move
Kirlia can evolve into Gardevoir and Gallade. Kirlia sits before the split, so check the evolution methods below to pick your path. So far, Sp.Atk got the biggest boost (+20 from Ralts). The final form adds another 240 stats on top.
How to Evolve
Breed with Kirlia to get Ralts eggs easily using 22 partners from the Indeterminate and Humanshape egg groups. Notable egg moves include Destiny Bond, Disable, Mean Look and 2 more.
This is a pure walling set. Leftovers provides passive recovery each turn so Kirlia sticks around, and the Calm nature reinforces special wall. The moveset handles sustain while Trace does work passively.
Best Build
Best Kirlia Moveset
- Memento
- Taunt
- Fire Punch
- Torment
Recommended Teammates
Don't skip the egg moves. Kirlia picks up Destiny Bond and Disable only through breeding, and both fill gaps the natural movepool can't. STAB runs through Future Sight and Dream Eater while coverage across 7 types adds range.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Can't catch Kirlia directly. Start with Ralts at moderate rates from the locations below, then evolve at level 20. The 2-stage line from Ralts to Kirlia is where the leveling time goes.
How to Obtain Kirlia in Emerald
Step 1Catch RaltsCHALLENGINGRoute 102GrassLv.4RareEarlyRoute
Step 2Kirlia ✓
At 278 BST, Kirlia is firmly in pre-evolution territory. Evolve it into Gardevoir before bringing it to any serious fight.
Synchronize copies burns, paralysis, and poison received onto the Pokémon that inflicted them — that's the one you want on Kirlia. Telepathy is the hidden ability. Niche, but it has its uses. Trace works too if your team needs something different.
Kirlia is a special attacker with base 65 Sp. Atk. Fragile — can't afford to take many hits, too. But the speed tells the real story — base 50 Speed is low. Priority moves or Trick Room are the way to go.
Kirlia appears in 17 games, including Ruby & Sapphire, FireRed & LeafGreen, and Emerald.
Since Ruby & Sapphire, Kirlia has been in 17 games. Requiring an item-based evolution to obtain means it's consistently available but requires more effort than simply catching it in the wild.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRB

Red & Blue - Gen IIGS

Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRSDebut

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 VIIISwSh

Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP

Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV

Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A