Linoone Best Moveset
Rose from C-tier to B because MoveBelly Drum maximizes Attack in one turn and AbilityGluttony triggers pinch berries at 50% HP instead of 25%. 100 Speed behind Normal TermStab at max Attack after MoveBelly Drum gives the moveset a legitimate setup path the original Gen 4 Linoone couldn't execute as reliably.
Belly Drum plus Extreme Speed was a lethal combo in Gen III (Ruby & Sapphire). Max Attack into priority cleaned entire teams. Simple and devastating when it worked.
Best Moves
Best Build
Linoone best EVs are Attack and Speed
Physical Attacker Moveset
- Extreme Speed
- Belly Drum
- Shadow Ball
- Hidden Power Ground
Recommended Teammates
Teams learned to play around Belly Drum in Gen IV (Diamond & Pearl). One turn of setup was predictable, and Ghost-types blocked Extreme Speed completely.
Physical Attacker Moveset
- Belly Drum
- Shadow Claw
- Extreme Speed
- Substitute
Recommended Teammates
Same Ghost-type problem in Gen V (Black & White). Linoone needed no Ghost and no priority on the opponent's side. Too many conditions for one payoff.
Physical Sweeper Moveset
- Belly Drum
- Extreme Speed
- Shadow Claw
- Seed Bomb
Recommended Teammates
Three gens of the same wall in Gen VI (X & Y). Belly Drum Extreme Speed was still lethal when it landed, but it landed less and less often.
Physical Sweeper Moveset
- Belly Drum
- Extreme Speed
- Shadow Claw
- Facade
Recommended Teammates
Gluttony plus Belly Drum became the refined strategy in Gen VII (Sun & Moon). Eat a pinch berry at 50% HP, Belly Drum to max Attack, then Extreme Speed. Safer and faster setup.
Physical Attacker Moveset
- Extreme Speed
- Belly Drum
- Stomping Tantrum
- Simple Beam
Recommended Teammates
Same Gluttony formula in Gen VIII (Sword & Shield). Galarian Linoone evolved into Obstagoon, but regular Linoone kept its own Extreme Speed niche.
Physical Sweeper Moveset
- Belly Drum
- Extreme Speed
- Play Rough
- Stomping Tantrum
Recommended Teammates
Linoone Weakness
Linoone is weak to Fighting. On the flip side, it's immune to Ghost-type moves entirely. Only 1 weakness makes it relatively easy to build around defensively.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Fighting |
| 0x (Immune) | Ghost |
What is Linoone Weak Against
GoodBest Pokemon Against Linoone
Machamp threatens a KO with Close Combat (216-255%).
A | ||
Recommended Build AbilityRegenerator ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureRelaxed Moves
Damage vs Linoone View Alomomola builds →Flip Turn17-20% Scald14-17% | ||
 Machamp Fighting | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityNoguard ItemFlame Orb NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Linoone View Machamp builds →Bullet Punch24-29% Close Combat 2x216-255%KO Stone Edge60-71% | ||
Evolution
Linoone is the middle stage between Zigzagoon and Obstagoon. It's a three-stage line with one more evolution to go. For breeding, quick to hatch with a massive partner pool via one egg group. HP has grown the most so far (+40), but there's still another 100 stats to gain in the final evolution. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
Breed with Linoone to get Zigzagoon eggs easily using 278 partners from the Ground egg group.
How to Get Linoone
Linoone doesn't appear wild. Catch Zigzagoon instead, it shows up at solid rates. Evolve it at level 35 to get Linoone. The 3-stage chain is mapped in the step cards below.
How to Obtain Linoone in BDSP
Zigzagoon is your first catch on the way to Linoone. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 3-63 across 8 total spots in the chain.
high spawn rates across 16 locations for Linoone 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 Linoone in SwSh
The path to Linoone starts with Zigzagoon at Lv. 5-65 via walking encounters. 3 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch ZigzagoonRoute 3Lv.10-14OverworldRate 38%All WeatherRoute 2Lv.5-7OverworldRate 2%All WeatherBridge FieldLv.27-29OverworldRate 35%SnowingBridge FieldLv.27-29OverworldRate 35%OvercastStony WildernessLv.28-30OverworldRate 35%Normal WeatherBridge FieldLv.27-29OverworldRate 34%Normal WeatherBridge FieldLv.27-29OverworldRate 33%RainingBridge FieldLv.27-29OverworldRate 30%ThunderstormStony WildernessLv.28-30OverworldRate 30%SnowingStony WildernessLv.28-30OverworldRate 30%SandstormStony WildernessLv.28-30OverworldRate 30%Intense SunBridge FieldLv.27-29OverworldRate 25%SandstormStony WildernessLv.28-30OverworldRate 15%OvercastBridge FieldLv.27-29OverworldRate 10%SnowstormBridge FieldLv.27-29OverworldRate 10%Heavy FogStony WildernessLv.28-30OverworldRate 10%SnowstormStony WildernessLv.28-30OverworldRate 10%Heavy FogStony WildernessLv.28-30OverworldRate 10%RainingGiant's Cap - 3Lv.29-32OverworldRate 10%SandstormGiant's Cap - 3Lv.29-32OverworldRate 10%Normal WeatherGiant's Cap - 3Lv.29-32OverworldRate 10%RainingBridge FieldLv.27-29OverworldRate 5%Intense SunGiant's Cap - 3Lv.28-32OverworldShieldRate 5%Heavy FogGiant's Cap - 3Lv.29-32OverworldRate 5%ThunderstormGiant's Cap - 3Lv.29-32OverworldRate 5%OvercastGiant's Cap - 3Lv.29-32OverworldRate 5%Intense SunGiant's Cap - 3Lv.29-32OverworldRate 5%SnowingGiant's Cap - 3Lv.29-32OverworldSwordRate 5%Heavy FogRoute 2 - High LevelLv.40-43OverworldRate 50%All Weather
Step 2Linoone ✓Giant's CapLv.28-30OverworldRate 40%OvercastGiant's CapLv.28-30OverworldRate 35%Normal WeatherGiant's CapLv.28-30OverworldRate 10%SnowingGiant's CapLv.28-30OverworldRate 10%SnowstormGiant's CapLv.28-30OverworldRate 5%Heavy FogGiant's CapLv.28-30OverworldRate 5%RainingBallimere LakeLv.60-65OverworldRate 15%OvercastGiant's BedLv.60-65OverworldRate 10%Overcastor evolve from Zigzagoon (Step 1)
Step 3Catch or Evolve into ObstagoonLake of OutrageLv.50-52GrassRate 25%Normal WeatherLake of OutrageLv.50-52GrassSwordRate 2%SnowingLake of OutrageLv.50-52GrassShieldRate 2%Sandstormor evolve from Linoone (Step 2)
Linoone isn't available in the wild in Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon. Start by transferring Zigzagoon from Ruby & Sapphire, Emerald, or Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire. The evolution path from Zigzagoon to Linoone is covered in the steps below.
How to Obtain Linoone in USUM
Step 1Obtain ZigzagoonLATER APPEARANCEfrom Ruby & SapphireNot TradeableAppears in Ruby & Sapphire via Walking · Route 103. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.LATER APPEARANCEfrom EmeraldNot TradeableAppears in Emerald via Walking · Route 119. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.LATER APPEARANCENot TradeableAppears in HeartGold & SoulSilver via Walking · Bell Tower · Radio: Hoenn Sound. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.LATER APPEARANCEfrom X & YNot TradeableAppears in X & Y via Walking · Route 2. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.LATER APPEARANCENot TradeableAppears in Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire via Walking · Route 102 · Horde battle. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.- Step 2Linoone ✓
Linoone isn't available in the wild in Sun & Moon. Start by transferring Zigzagoon from Ruby & Sapphire, Emerald, or Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire. The evolution path from Zigzagoon to Linoone is covered in the steps below.
How to Obtain Linoone in SM
- Step 1Obtain ZigzagoonBREEDINGAvailableLeave Linoone with a compatible partner at the Pokemon Day Care to receive a Zigzagoon egg.LATER APPEARANCEfrom Ruby & SapphireNot TradeableAppears in Ruby & Sapphire via Walking · Route 103. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.LATER APPEARANCEfrom EmeraldNot TradeableAppears in Emerald via Walking · Route 119. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.LATER APPEARANCENot TradeableAppears in HeartGold & SoulSilver via Walking · Bell Tower · Radio: Hoenn Sound. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.LATER APPEARANCEfrom X & YNot TradeableAppears in X & Y via Walking · Route 2. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.LATER APPEARANCENot TradeableAppears in Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire via Walking · Route 102 · Horde battle. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.
- Step 2Linoone ✓
Base Stats
Linoone's spread isn't flashy. Speed leads, Sp. Atk trails, 1 stats clear the bar. Moderately hard to find and worth 2 Speed EVs, on a medium-fast 1M XP curve.
It charges prey at speeds over 60 mph. However, because it can only run straight, it often fails.
Linoone Guide
Linoone isn't fully evolved, so it's not built for competitive play. You'll want to evolve it into Obstagoon to unlock its full potential. At 420 BST, it's a stepping stone rather than a team anchor.
Linoone's biggest threats include Machamp (Fighting), all carrying super-effective STAB moves. Only 1 weakness means fewer dedicated counters to worry about. Linoone's base 100 Speed lets it outpace many threats and strike first, which matters more than trying to tank hits.
Pickup is the go-to ability for Linoone. It picks up other Pokémon's used and Flung held items. Its hidden ability Quick Feet can work in specific setups. Gluttony is the other option. Pick based on what your team needs.
Linoone fills the pivot role. It's a physical attacker with base 70 Attack. Base 100 Speed lets it outrun most of the field. And it's enough bulk to take a hit or two.
Linoone does the job early-game if you need a Normal type on your team. Evolve it into Obstagoon before the later gyms and it holds up fine through the story.
Game Availability
Linoone first appeared in Ruby & Sapphire and spans 14 games across 8 generations. It later gained a Galarian form in Generation 8, adding new dimensions to its competitive identity.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1RB
Red & Blue - Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 2GS
Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RSDebut
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 3FRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 4DP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 5BW
Black & White - Gen 5B2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY
X & Y - Gen 6ORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7SM
Sun & Moon - Gen 7USUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7LGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwShGalarian
Sword & Shield - Gen 8BDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 9SV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW
Winds & Waves