Paras Best Moveset
Bug/Grass at 25 Speed with 4x weakness to Fire and Flying. MoveSpore is the one tool worth mentioning from the moveset. Everything else is non-functional. Evolve to Parasect where the stats improve but the typing stays punishing.
Paras saw minimal competitive use in Gen I (Red, Blue & Yellow). This was Paras's competitive peak. A key development: had a combined Special stat of 55.
Best Moves
Best Build
Utility Moveset
- Leech Life
- Skull Bash
- Solar Beam
- Double Edge
Recommended Teammates
Paras saw minimal competitive use in Gen II (Gold, Silver & Crystal). Paras maintained its position from the previous generation.
Utility Moveset
- Spore
- Solar Beam
- Growth
- Sludge Bomb
Paras saw minimal competitive use in Gen III (Ruby, Sapphire & Emerald). Paras maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Effect Spore with Sitrus Berry, favoring a Adamant nature.
Physical Tank Moveset
- Aromatherapy
- Sludge Bomb
- Hidden Power Bug
- Stun Spore
Recommended Teammates
Paras saw minimal competitive use in Gen IV (Diamond, Pearl & Platinum). Paras maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Effect Spore with Leftovers, favoring a Sassy nature.
Bulky Support Moveset
- Aromatherapy
- Knock Off
- Counter
- X Scissor
Recommended Teammates
Paras saw minimal competitive use in Gen V (Black & White / B2W2). Paras maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Dryskin with Eviolite, favoring a Adamant nature.
Bulky Support Moveset
- Bullet Seed
- Pursuit
- Knock Off
- Seed Bomb
Recommended Teammates
Paras saw minimal competitive use in Gen VI (X & Y / ORAS). Paras maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Dryskin with Berryjuice, favoring a Impish nature.
Physical Attacker Moveset
- Spore
- Knock Off
- X Scissor
- Seed Bomb
Recommended Teammates
Paras saw minimal competitive use in Gen VII (Sun & Moon / USUM). Paras maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Dryskin with Eviolite, favoring a Relaxed nature.
Wall Moveset
- Giga Drain
- Leech Life
- Leech Seed
- Knock Off
Recommended Teammates
Paras Weakness
Type-wise, Paras takes extra damage from Fire, Flying, Ice, Poison, Bug, and Rock. Watch out for Fire and Flying attacks, those deal 4x damage. 5 resistances help offset the weaknesses. Dry Skin grants an additional Water immunity, reshaping the matchup chart.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 4x (Critical) | Fire, Flying |
| 2x (Weak) | Ice, Poison, Bug, Rock |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Water, Electric, Fighting |
| 0.25x (Resist) | Grass, Ground |
What is Paras Weak Against
FragileBest Pokemon Against Paras
Kyurem can KO Paras with Draco Meteor (163-192%). Arcanine threatens a KO with Flare Blitz (536-631%). Staraptor's Double-Edge also KOs at 142-168%.
 Kyurem DragonIce | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityPressure ItemLoaded Dice NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Paras View Kyurem builds →Icicle Spear 2x48-57% Draco Meteor163-192%KO | ||
 Arcanine Fire | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityIntimidate ItemLeftovers NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Paras View Arcanine builds →Extreme Speed59-70% Flare Blitz 4x536-631%KO | ||
 Staraptor Normal | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityReckless ItemChoice Scarf NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Paras View Staraptor builds →Close Combat47-56% U Turn 2x111-131%KO Double Edge142-168%KO | ||
 Volcarona BugFire | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityFlame Body ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureModest Moves View Volcarona builds →
| ||
 Nidoking PoisonGround | C | |
Recommended Build AbilitySheerforce ItemLife Orb NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Paras View Nidoking builds →Ice Beam 2x147-173%KO Flamethrower 4x295-347%KO | ||
Evolution
One evolution ahead. Paras grows into Parasect through a straightforward two-stage chain. Plenty of partners for breeding via two egg groups. Eggs are average hatch time. Evolving adds up to 120 stat points total. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
How to Get Paras
Paras starts showing up in early-game routes at decent spawn rates across 8 encounter spots. The list below is sorted so you can pick what fits your current progress without scrolling through everything.
Where To Catch Paras in PLA
Paras is your first catch on the way to Paras. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 6-44 across 16 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Paras ✓Nature’s PantryLv.9-12GrassRate 15%Cottonsedge PrairieLv.17-36GrassRate 15%Golden LowlandsLv.17-20GrassRate 15%Cloudpool RidgeLv.20-23GrassRate 15%Diamond HeathLv.20-23GrassRate 15%Heavenward LookoutLv.20-23GrassRate 15%Wayward WoodLv.20-23GrassRate 15%Windbreak StandLv.41-44GrassRate 15%
Step 2Catch or Evolve into ParasectNature’s PantryLv.6-17GrassRate 15%Cottonsedge PrairieLv.17-36GrassRate 15%Diamond HeathLv.24-27GrassRate 15%Golden LowlandsLv.24-27GrassRate 15%Cloudpool RidgeLv.25-28GrassRate 15%Heavenward LookoutLv.35-38GrassRate 15%Wayward WoodLv.35-38GrassRate 15%Windbreak StandLv.41-44GrassRate 15%or evolve from Paras (Step 1)
8 encounter spots for Paras at moderate rates starting from endgame routes. Best and Earliest sort options below help narrow down your approach based on odds vs. Accessibility.
Where To Catch Paras in BDSP
To get Paras, start by catching Paras through walking encounters at Lv. 58-63. The chain covers 1 catchable stage before reaching the final form.
Step 1Paras ✓Bogsunk CavernLv.58-63GrassPost-gameGrassland CaveLv.58-63CavePost-gameSunlit CavernLv.58-63CavePost-gameSwampy CaveLv.58-63GrassPost-game
Step 2Evolve into Parasect
Paras appears at decent spawn rates across 4 spots in early-game routes. Sort by Best below if you want the highest rate, or Earliest if you want the quickest access point in your playthrough.
Where To Catch Paras in LGPE
Paras is your first catch on the way to Paras. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 5-10 across 4 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Paras ✓Mt. Moon - 1FLv.5-10CaveRate 15%Mt. Moon - B1FLv.5-10CaveRate 15%
Step 2Evolve into Parasect
Paras appears at decent spawn rates across 10 spots in early-game routes. Sort by Best below if you want the highest rate, or Earliest if you want the quickest access point in your playthrough.
Where To Catch Paras in USUM
Paras is your first catch on the way to Paras. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 14-29 across 12 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Paras ✓Brooklet Hill - NorthLv.14-17GrassRate 20%DayBrooklet Hill - SouthLv.14-17GrassRate 20%DayLush Jungle - NorthLv.19-22GrassRate 10%DayLush Jungle - SouthLv.19-22GrassRate 10%DayLush Jungle - WestLv.19-22GrassRate 10%Day
Base Stats
Attack and Defense carry most of Paras's stat budget. Speed's the obvious dump stat. Common in the wild and yields 1 Attack EV. Follows a medium-fast 1M XP curve.
Mushrooms named tochukaso grow on its back. They grow along with the host Paras.
Paras Guide
You can run Paras through the first few routes without issues. 285 BST won't carry you far though. Get it to Parasect as fast as you can.
Game Availability
One of the original 151, Paras has appeared in 19 games — most mainline games. From Red & Blue through the latest titles, it's rarely been left out of a regional Pokedex.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1RBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 2GS
Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS
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 8SwSh
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