Larvitar sits at the start of its evolution line — not yet at full power, but that changes fast. Most trainers push through to Tyranitar as fast as possible. Been around since Gen 2. Electric moves can't touch it, which offsets the 6 weaknesses somewhat.
Larvitar's stats barely vary. 0 sit in respectable range with no real gaps. It's a blank slate for EV investment. Worth 1 Attack EV, slow 1.25M XP grind to max.
Born deep underground, this POKéMON becomes a pupa after eating enough dirt to make a mountain.
Larvitar Weakness
FragileType-wise, Larvitar takes extra damage from Water, Grass, Ice, Fighting, Ground, and Steel. Watch out for Water and Grass attacks, those deal 4x damage. Electric moves do nothing thanks to a full immunity. It resists 5 types, giving it decent defensive coverage.
- Dark and Steel types added — Fairy does not exist yet
- Moves are Physical or Special based on type, not per move
- Special stat split into Sp.Atk and Sp.Def
Larvitar is the start of a three-stage chain. It evolves into Pupitar first, then eventually reaches Tyranitar. For breeding, takes forever to hatch with a decent partner pool via one egg group. Evolving adds up to 300 stat points total.
How to Evolve
Breed Larvitar with 36 breeding partners from the Monster egg group. Pass egg moves like Ancient Power, Focus Energy, Outrage and 2 more to offspring.
the remaining moves keeps opponents guessing about Larvitar's real targets. Leftovers provides passive recovery each turn while flexible EVs EVs and a nature nature handle the stat profile. An ability ties it together.
Best Build
Best Larvitar Moveset
- Protect
- Rain Dance
- Rock Slide
- Ancient Power
Recommended Teammates
Breeding's the move. Ancient Power and Focus Energy give Larvitar options it can't learn any other way, and Dark and Normal coverage already covers a decent range on top of Earthquake and Dig. The egg moves push it further.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Larvitar appears at decent spawn rates across 4 spots in early-game routes. Sort by Best below if you want the highest rate, or Earliest if you want the quickest access point in your playthrough.
Best Locations
Walking and gift encounters at Lv. 15-40 across 4 spots for Larvitar. Sorted by progression so you can see what's reachable at your current point in the game.
Larvitar isn't fully evolved, so it's not built for competitive play. You'll want to evolve it into Pupitar to unlock its full potential. At 300 BST, it's a stepping stone rather than a team anchor.
Larvitar's biggest threats include Gyarados (Water), Venusaur (Grass), and Lapras (Ice), all carrying super-effective STAB moves. Gyarados is the most dangerous since Water moves deal 4x damage. Fighting, Ground, and Steel-type attackers are also a problem. With 6 weakness types, most competitive teams carry at least one counter.
Larvitar evolves into Pupitar at level 30. Larvitar is the base form in a 3-stage evolutionary line.
Larvitar fills the balanced role. It's leaning toward the physical side (base 64 Attack). Base 41 Speed is low. Priority moves or Trick Room are the way to go. And it's fragile — can't afford to take many hits.
Larvitar appears in 18 games, including Gold & Silver, Crystal, and Ruby & Sapphire.
Larvitar first appeared in Gold & Silver and has been available in 18 games across 8 generations. Obtainable through catching or hatching as a base form in most titles where it appears.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRB
Red & Blue - Gen IIGSDebut
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 VIIISwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A