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.
It is born deep underground. It can’t emerge until it has entirely consumed the soil around it.
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.
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 no compatible partners via one egg group. Evolving adds up to 300 stat points total.
How to Evolve
Breed Larvitar from the Monster egg group.
One boost from Dragon Dance and Larvitar gets dangerous fast. The Adamant nature targets a spread EV build, and Guts backs the whole approach. Earthquake and Normal coverage handle most of what's left standing.
Best Build
Best Larvitar Moveset
- Earthquake
- Dragon Dance
- Facade
- Stone Edge
TMs define Larvitar's movepool. The natural moves cover basics with Earthquake and Stone Edge, but the real versatility comes from technical machines giving it Normal and Dark coverage and more. That's where the options open up.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Larvitar can't be caught in Legends: Z-A. Bring it over from Gold, Crystal, or Scarlet instead. The encounter info below covers the source games.
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.
Guts is the go-to ability for Larvitar. It increases Attack to 1.5× with a major status ailment. Its hidden ability Sand Veil can work in specific setups.
Larvitar fills the balanced role. It's a physical attacker with 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