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. Dragon moves can't touch it, and only 3 types hit it super-effectively.
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.
It resembles a maiden in appearance, but it wields strange powers to project visions of paradise. I suspect the crimson ornaments on its head are the key to its abilities.
Kirlia Weakness
GoodPoison, Ghost, and Steel-type moves hit Kirlia for super-effective damage. The upside? Dragon-type moves can't touch it at all. Not too many gaps in the chart, 3 weaknesses to account for.
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
Best Build
Legends: Arceus uses different battle mechanics.
Competitive build content is not applicable for this game. Select a main series game for builds.
The offense anchors on Psychic and Dazzling Gleam, with Electric and Fire coverage and more adding reach. It's a workable movepool for Kirlia that handles most situations. Psychic and Ice Beam give it enough punch where it matters.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
decent spawn rates across 3 locations for Kirlia in mid-game routes. Scroll the sorted list below and pick whichever spot sits closest to your current route. The rate differences between locations are worth comparing.
Where To Catch Kirlia in Legends: Arceus
The path to Kirlia starts with Ralts at walking via walking encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch RaltsEASYGapejaw BogGrassUncommonSwampEASYHeart's CragGrassUncommonEASYShrouded RuinsGrassUncommonRuinsEASYSnowpoint TempleGrassUncommonIce
Step 2Kirlia ✓EASYHeart's CragGrassUncommonEASYShrouded RuinsGrassUncommonRuinsEASYSnowpoint TempleGrassUncommonIceor evolve from Ralts (Step 1)
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