The stat budget goes to damage. Sp. Atk and Attack carry the offense, HP doesn't even come close. A Spatial Pokemon on a slow 1.25M XP grind, worth 3 Sp. Atk EVs per KO.
It soars across the sky in a form that greatly resembles the creator of all things. Perhaps this imitation of appearance is Palkia’s strategy for gaining Arceus’s powers.
Palkia is weak to Dragon and Fairy. Few weaknesses and 3 resistances make the typing clean. Palkia's overall bulk (90/100/120) lets it take a hit or two from most weaknesses before going down.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Dragon, Fairy |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Steel |
| 0.25x (Resist) | Fire, Water |
Kyogre's Thunder hits Palkia for 36-42%.
 | S | |
Recommended Build AbilityRegenerator ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureImpish Moves View Ho-Oh builds →
| ||
 | S | |
Recommended Build AbilityDrizzle ItemChoice Scarf NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Palkia View Kyogre builds →Ice Beam29-34% Thunder36-42% | ||
 | S | |
Recommended Build AbilityIntimidate ItemSafetygoggles NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Palkia View Incineroar builds →Knock Off25-29% Flare Blitz11-13% | ||
| S | |
Recommended Build AbilityDrizzle ItemChoice Scarf NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Palkia View Kyogre builds →Ice Beam29-34% Thunder36-42% | ||
 | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityPoisonheal ItemToxic Orb NatureCareful Moves
Damage vs Palkia View Gliscor builds →Earthquake32-38% Knock Off14-17% | ||
Palkia is a powerhouse with 680 total stats as a Water/Dragon legendary. Can't breed it, so you're locked to whatever you catch or receive. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
For a special attacker, Palkia wants max Sp. Atk and Speed EVs and Lustrousorb. The Timid nature tilts toward fast special duty, and Pressure contributes without taking a move slot.
Best Build
Palkia best EVs are Sp. Atk and Speed
Special Sweeper Moveset
- Spacial Rend
- Hydro Pump
- Surf
- Thunder
Recommended Teammates
Doubles Special Sweeper Moveset
- Earth Power
- Spacial Rend
- Surf
- Draco Meteor
Recommended Teammates
Doubles Bulky Support Moveset
- Spacial Rend
- Hydro Pump
- Protect
- Trick Room
Recommended Teammates
Doubles Special Tank Moveset
- Spacial Rend
- Hydro Pump
- Earth Power
- Ice Beam
Recommended Teammates
Legends: Arceus uses different battle mechanics.
Competitive build content is not applicable for this game. Select a main series game for builds.
No build content available for this Pokemon in Gen 8.
Try selecting a different game/generation filter, or check back later.
No build content available for this Pokemon in Gen 8.
Try selecting a different game/generation filter, or check back later.
Moves
Aqua Tail and Earth Power bring the raw damage. But Palkia also picks up coverage across 11 types from TMs, making it tough to find a safe switch. You're not locked into one angle here.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
A solid spread overall. Palkia gets Draco Meteor and Outrage for same-type damage alongside coverage across 9 types. It won't blow anyone away, but it doesn't leave you stuck either.
Spacial Rend and Aqua Tail bring the raw damage. But Palkia also picks up coverage across 10 types from TMs, making it tough to find a safe switch. You're not locked into one angle here.
Aqua Tail and Earth Power bring the raw damage. But Palkia also picks up coverage across 11 types from TMs, making it tough to find a safe switch. You're not locked into one angle here.
Palkia doesn't appear in Scarlet & Violet. Transfer it from Pearl, Platinum, or Legends: Arceus to add it to your collection. Check the source games below for encounter details.
Palkia is not available as a wild encounter in this game.
Also found in:
You'll find Palkia at Temple of Sinnoh as a set encounter. It's always there at that location, so come prepared for the battle. The location details below cover exact positioning.
Best Locations to Catch Palkia in Legends: Arceus
Palkia doesn't appear in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl. Transfer it from Pearl, Platinum, or Legends: Arceus to add it to your collection. Check the source games below for encounter details.
Palkia is not available as a wild encounter in this game.
Special encounter in:
Then trade to Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl.
Also found in:
Palkia doesn't appear in Sword & Shield. Transfer it from Pearl, Platinum, or Legends: Arceus to add it to your collection. Check the source games below for encounter details.
Palkia is not available as a wild encounter in this game.
Special encounter in:
Then trade to Sword & Shield.
Also found in:
Palkia is a Legendary Pokemon rated S-Tier. At 680 BST, it hits hard. It excels as a sweeper. Base 150 Sp. Atk stands out.
Pressure is the go-to ability for Palkia. It increases the PP cost of moves targetting the Pokémon by one. Its hidden ability Telepathy can work in specific setups.
Base 100 Speed lets it outrun most of the field. On offense, Palkia is a special attacker with base 150 Sp. Atk. Defensively? Tanky enough to absorb a few hits. Best used as a sweeper.
Best way to handle Palkia: Priority moves (Mach Punch, Aqua Jet, Ice Shard) bypass its speed. Bulky walls that resist its STAB also shut it down.
First obtainable in Diamond & Pearl, Palkia has been featured in 13 titles across 7 generations. Legendary status means a single encounter per playthrough in most games.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 1RB
Red & Blue - Gen 2GS
Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3FRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 4DPDebut
Diamond & Pearl - Gen 5BW
Black & White - Gen 5B2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY
X & Y - Gen 6ORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7USUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7SM
Sun & Moon - Gen 7LGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 8BDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 9SV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW
Winds & Waves