Lightning Rod redirects Electric moves and boosts its Sp. Atk, letting Marowak hit way above its stat class. Ground typing helps — Electric moves can't touch it, and only 3 types hit it super-effectively. A competitive option since Gen 1.
Marowak's spread favors physical bulk over offense. Defense leads the defensive side, Speed eats the cost. Yields 2 Defense EVs per defeat. Medium-fast 1M XP curve to level.
This Pokémon sets the bone it holds on fire and dances through the night as a way to mourn its fallen allies.
The cursed flames that light up the bone carried by this Pokémon are said to cause both mental and physical pain that will never fade.
Marowak Weakness
AvgWater, Grass, and Ice-type moves hit Marowak for super-effective damage. The upside? Electric-type moves can't touch it at all. Lightning Rod grants an additional Electric immunity, reshaping the matchup chart. Marowak's physical bulk (base 110 Def) helps cushion physical weakness hits, but special attackers are the bigger threat.
Marowak is the evolved form of Cubone. Breeding produces Cubone eggs, and they're average hatch time. Evolving from Cubone gave Marowak the biggest boost in Attack (+30), bringing the total to 425 stats.
How to Evolve
Breed with Marowak to get Cubone eggs easily using 58 partners from the Monster egg group. Notable egg moves include Ancient Power, Belly Drum, Curse and 5 more.
The recommended build leans into Marowak's strengths as a hazard lead. Thickclub provides extra utility, and max Attack and Speed EVs back that up. Battlearmor rounds out the package.
Best Build
Best Marowak Moveset
- Stone Edge
- Bonemerang
- Knock Off
- Stealth Rock
Recommended Teammates
Don't skip the egg moves. Marowak picks up Ancient Power and Belly Drum only through breeding, and both fill gaps the natural movepool can't. STAB runs through Earthquake and Earth Power while coverage across 9 types adds range.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Marowak doesn't appear wild. Catch Cubone instead, it shows up at solid rates. Evolve it at level 28 to get Marowak. The 2-stage line is mapped in the step cards below.
How to Obtain Marowak in Sword & Shield
Cubone is your first catch on the way to Marowak. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 16-21 across 18 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch CuboneEFFORTLESSWarm-Up TunnelShieldOverworldLv.16-2132%MidCaveNormal WeatherEFFORTLESSWarm-Up TunnelSwordOverworldLv.16-2132%MidCaveOvercastEFFORTLESSWarm-Up TunnelShieldOverworldLv.16-2132%MidCaveSnowstormEFFORTLESSWarm-Up TunnelSwordOverworldLv.16-2132%MidCaveNormal WeatherEFFORTLESSWarm-Up TunnelSwordOverworldLv.16-2132%MidCaveSnowstormEFFORTLESSWarm-Up TunnelShieldOverworldLv.16-2132%MidCaveThunderstormEFFORTLESSWarm-Up TunnelShieldOverworldLv.16-2132%MidCaveIntense SunEFFORTLESSWarm-Up TunnelSwordOverworldLv.16-2132%MidCaveThunderstormEFFORTLESSWarm-Up TunnelShieldOverworldLv.16-2132%MidCaveSnowingEFFORTLESSWarm-Up TunnelSwordOverworldLv.16-2132%MidCaveIntense SunEFFORTLESSWarm-Up TunnelShieldOverworldLv.16-2132%MidCaveSandstormEFFORTLESSWarm-Up TunnelSwordOverworldLv.16-2132%MidCaveSnowingEFFORTLESSWarm-Up TunnelShieldOverworldLv.16-2132%MidCaveRainingEFFORTLESSWarm-Up TunnelSwordOverworldLv.16-2132%MidCaveSandstormEFFORTLESSWarm-Up TunnelShieldOverworldLv.16-2132%MidCaveHeavy FogEFFORTLESSWarm-Up TunnelSwordOverworldLv.16-2132%MidCaveRainingEFFORTLESSWarm-Up TunnelShieldOverworldLv.16-2132%MidCaveOvercastEFFORTLESSWarm-Up TunnelSwordOverworldLv.16-2132%MidCaveHeavy Fog
Step 2Marowak ✓
Don't let Marowak's 425 base stat total fool you. Lightning Rod is what makes it tick — it punches way above its weight class. We rate it C-Tier.
Run Lightning Rod on Marowak. It's the ability that defines how you build around it and the main reason it holds a competitive niche. Marowak also gets Rock Head and Battle Armor, but they don't compare.
Marowak fills the balanced role. It's a physical attacker with base 80 Attack. Base 45 Speed is low. Priority moves or Trick Room are the way to go. And it's enough bulk to take a hit or two.
Marowak appears in 20 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
Marowak first appeared in Red & Blue and spans 20 games across 9 generations. It later gained an Alolan form in Generation 7, adding new dimensions to its competitive identity.
- 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 VIISMAlolan
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