Free switch-ins on Poison moves make Orthworm useful in any team that needs that coverage. Only 3 weaknesses keeps it safe in most matchups. Known as the Earthworm Pokemon. Flexible enough to run physical or special sets.
The stat bars tell the story: Defense carries everything and Sp. Def's dead weight. But this Earthworm Pokemon still yields 2 Defense EVs per fight on a slow 1.25M XP grind.
When attacked, this Pokémon will wield the tendrils on its body like fists and pelt the opponent with a storm of punches.
This Pokémon lives in arid deserts. It maintains its metal body by consuming iron from the soil.
Orthworm Weakness
ExcellentOrthworm is weak to Fire, Fighting, and Ground-type moves. On the flip side, it's immune to Poison-type moves entirely. It resists 10 types, so it can switch into a lot of moves safely. Orthworm's physical bulk (base 145 Def) helps cushion physical weakness hits, but special attackers are the bigger threat.
Breeding is the whole story for Orthworm. A massive partner pool through one egg group, eggs are slow to hatch, and you won't need to evolve anything. It's got 3 egg moves worth looking into.
How to Evolve
Breed Orthworm with 195 breeding partners from the Ground egg group. Pass egg moves like Coil, Curse, Metal Burst to offspring.
Orthworm's job is getting Stealth Rock up and staying on the field. Leftovers provides passive recovery each turn, Eartheater helps it stick around, and max HP and Sp. Def EVs prioritize longevity.
Best Build
Best Orthworm Moveset
- Body Press
- Stealth Rock
- Heavy Slam
- Coil
Recommended Teammates
Breeding opens up real options for Orthworm. Coil and Curse come exclusively from egg moves, and they're worth the effort. The rest of the kit covers basics through Steel Beam and Iron Tail and Normal and Ground coverage and more.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
low spawn rates is the best you'll get on Orthworm in mid-game routes. Use the sort toggle below. Best shows where the odds peak, Earliest shows where you can access it soonest in your playthrough.
Best Locations
Which version you're playing matters for Orthworm. 6 walking spots at Lv. 22-65 spread across Violet and Scarlet, and some routes only appear in one cartridge. Check the version badges below.
Orthworm brings 480 BST to the table. B-Tier on our list — a solid choice for the right team. That 145 base Defense does the heavy lifting.
Orthworm doesn't evolve and has no evolutionary line. It's a Steel-type Pokemon with a 480 base stat total.
Earth Eater is the go-to ability for Orthworm. It restores HP when hit by a Ground-type move. Its hidden ability Sand Veil can work in specific setups.
Orthworm is a physical attacker with base 85 Attack. Enough bulk to take a hit or two, too. But the speed tells the real story — at base 65 Speed, it won't be moving first often.
Orthworm can be found in Scarlet & Violet.
Since Scarlet & Violet, Orthworm has been obtainable in 1 games. A Generation 9 debut means a shorter history, but Orthworm has appeared steadily across every generation since.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRB
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 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 IXSVDebut
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A