What separates Lapras from the pack is Water Absorb — it heals when hit by Water moves. Combine that with Water/Ice typing and it relies on priority moves or Scarf to keep up. A longtime staple going back to Gen 1.
The stat line revolves around HP. Percentage recovery gets extra mileage here. Sp. Def backs it up, though Speed doesn't pull its weight. Worth 2 HP EVs on a slow 1.25M XP grind to max out.
Over 5,000 people can ride on its shell at once. And it’s a very comfortable ride, without the slightest shaking or swaying.
It surrounds itself with a huge ring of gathered ice particles. It uses the ring to smash any icebergs that might impede its graceful swimming.
Lapras Weakness
VulnerableLapras's Water/Ice typing leaves it vulnerable to Electric, Grass, Fighting, and Rock moves. Water Absorb grants an additional Water immunity, reshaping the matchup chart. Lapras's overall bulk (130/80/95) lets it take a hit or two from most weaknesses before going down.
No evolution chain to worry about here. Lapras is a standalone Pokemon with plenty of partners for breeding through two egg groups. Eggs come out takes forever to hatch.
How to Evolve
Breed Lapras easily with 58 breeding partners from the Monster and Water1 egg groups. Pass egg moves like Ancient Power, Curse, Fissure and 4 more to offspring.
This build takes hits and hits back. Leftovers provides passive recovery each turn, Hydration supports the gameplan, and max HP and Sp. Atk EVs mean Lapras doesn't crumble to chip damage. Plus the remaining moves backing it up.
Best Build
Best Lapras Moveset
- Surf
- Freeze Dry
- Protect
- Future Sight
Recommended Teammates
You'll want to breed for Ancient Power and Curse on Lapras. These egg moves aren't just nice to have. Combined with STAB from Hydro Pump and Blizzard, they expand what Lapras can actually threaten in practice.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Lapras tops out at low spawn rates across 6 locations in late-game water routes. Two different catch methods are in play here. The encounters below are sorted by rate so you can see exactly what you're working with.
Best Locations
You can catch Lapras through 6 surfing and fishing encounters from Lv. 39-65, but availability differs between Sword and Shield. Some spots are exclusive to one version.
Lapras looks average on paper at 535 BST. But Water Absorb is why it sees play — build around that and it pulls its weight. C-Tier on our tier list.
Lapras doesn't evolve and has no evolutionary line. It's a Water/Ice-type Pokemon with strong stats at 535 BST — no evolution needed.
Lapras gets Water Absorb, Shell Armor, and Hydration. But Water Absorb is the one that matters — it's the centerpiece of every viable set. Build around that.
Lapras is a mixed attacker — base 85 Attack and 85 Sp. Atk. Tanky enough to absorb a few hits, too. But the speed tells the real story — at base 60 Speed, it won't be moving first often.
Lapras appears in 20 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
Available since Red & Blue, Lapras appears in 20 games spanning 9 generations. Beyond its original form, it gained a Gigantamax form in Generation 8.
- 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