Linoone is technically a pre-evolution of Galarian Obstagoon, but it holds its own in formats where Eviolite is allowed. Ghost moves can't touch it, and only a single type hits it super-effectively. Known as the Rushing Pokemon.
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 is exceedingly fast if it only has to run in a straight line. When it spots pond-dwelling prey underwater, it quickly leaps in and catches it with its sharp claws.
Linoone Weakness
GoodLinoone is weak to Fighting-type moves. On the flip side, it's immune to Ghost-type moves entirely. Only 1 weakness makes it relatively easy to build around defensively.
- Dark and Steel types added — Fairy does not exist yet
- Moves are Physical or Special based on type, not per move
Linoone is the evolved form of Zigzagoon. Breeding produces Zigzagoon eggs, and they're quick to hatch. Evolving from Zigzagoon gave Linoone the biggest boost in HP (+40), bringing the total to 420 stats.
How to Evolve
Breed with Linoone to get Zigzagoon eggs easily using 102 partners from the Ground egg group. Notable egg moves include Charm, Pursuit, Substitute and 2 more.
Pickup helps Linoone stick around while dealing real damage. Leftovers for passive recovery each turn, flexible EVs EVs for the right balance, and Extreme Speed as the main threat. Not the fastest, but it doesn't need to be.
Best Build
Best Linoone Moveset
- Extreme Speed
- Belly Drum
- Shadow Ball
- Hidden Power Ground
Recommended Teammates
The TM pool is where it gets interesting. Coverage across 10 types means almost nothing walls Linoone cleanly, with Hyper Beam and Double-Edge anchoring the STAB side. Matchup flexibility isn't a problem.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Reminder Moves
2 encounter spots for Linoone at high spawn rates starting from mid-game routes. Best and Earliest sort options below help narrow down your approach based on odds vs. Accessibility.
Where To Catch Linoone in Emerald
To get Linoone, start by catching Zigzagoon through walking encounters at Lv. 2-27. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Catch ZigzagoonEFFORTLESSRoute 103GrassLv.2-4CommonEarlyRouteEASYRoute 101GrassLv.2-3UncommonEarlyRouteEASYRoute 102GrassLv.3-4UncommonEarlyRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 118GrassLv.24-26CommonMidRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 119GrassLv.25-27CommonMidRoute
Step 2Linoone ✓EFFORTLESSRoute 119GrassLv.25-27CommonMidRouteEASYRoute 118GrassLv.26UncommonMidRouteor evolve from Zigzagoon (Step 1)
Linoone isn't fully evolved, so it's not built for competitive play. You'll want to evolve it into Galarian Linoone 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.
Zigzagoon evolves into Linoone at level 20. Linoone evolves into Galarian Obstagoon at level 35. Linoone is a middle-stage evolution in the Zigzagoon line.
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 appears in 14 games, including Ruby & Sapphire, FireRed & LeafGreen, and Emerald.
Linoone first appeared in Ruby & Sapphire and spans 14 games across 7 generations. It later gained a Galarian form in Generation 8, adding new dimensions to its competitive identity.
- 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 VIIISwShGalarian
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A