Free switch-ins on Ghost moves make Persian useful in any team that needs that coverage. Only 1 weaknesses keeps it safe in most matchups. Known as the Classy Cat Pokemon. Can go either physical or special depending on the set.
Everything pushes toward mixed damage here. Persian's Speed does the work, Defense pays the price. But you're still getting 2 Speed EVs per KO. Moderately hard to find, on a medium-fast 1M XP curve.
Many adore it for its sophisticated air. However, it will lash out and scratch for little reason.
Its lithe muscles allow it to walk without making a sound. It attacks in an instant.
Persian Weakness
GoodFighting-type moves hit Persian for super-effective damage. The upside? Ghost-type moves can't touch it at all. At base 115 Speed, Persian outspeeds most threats and doesn't need to tank what it can outrun.
- Dark and Steel types added — Fairy does not exist yet
- Moves are Physical or Special based on type, not per move
- Special stat split into Sp.Atk and Sp.Def
Persian is what Meowth becomes. Breed it for Meowth eggs (average hatch time). Plenty of partners for breeding via one egg group. Eggs are average hatch time. The evolution from Meowth pushed Persian to 440 total stats. HP saw the largest single gain at +25.
How to Evolve
Breed with Persian to get Meowth eggs easily using 66 partners from the Ground egg group. Notable egg moves include Amnesia, Charm, Hypnosis and 1 more.
Start with flexible EVs EVs. A nature nature gives Persian the right balanced lean, Leftovers adds passive recovery each turn, and an ability works in the background. Return is the main damage option.
Best Build
Best Persian Moveset
- Hypnosis
- Return
- Charm
- Hidden Power Fighting
Recommended Teammates
Without breeding, Persian misses out on Amnesia and Charm. That's 4 egg moves adding depth that the base kit lacks. STAB comes from Hyper Beam and Slash, with coverage across 7 types rounding things out.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Persian tops out at moderate rates across 1 locations in mid-game routes. The encounters below are sorted by rate so you can see exactly what you're working with.
Where To Catch Persian in Gold & Silver
To get Persian, start by catching Meowth through walking encounters at Lv. 14-19. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Catch MeowthEFFORTLESSRoute 5GrassLv.14CommonEarlyRouteNightEFFORTLESSRoute 6GrassLv.14CommonEarlyRouteNightEASYRoute 5GrassLv.14UncommonEarlyRouteMorning/dayEASYRoute 6GrassLv.14UncommonEarlyRouteMorning/dayEFFORTLESSRoute 38GrassLv.16CommonMidRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 39GrassLv.16CommonMidRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 7GrassLv.17CommonMidRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 8GrassLv.17CommonMidRouteEASYRoute 38GrassLv.16UncommonMidRouteNightSwarm active
Step 2Persian ✓CHALLENGINGRoute 7GrassLv.19RareMidRouteor evolve from Meowth (Step 1)
Persian looks average on paper at 440 BST. But Technician is why it sees play — build around that and it pulls its weight. C-Tier pivot on our tier list.
Watch for Hitmonlee (Fighting) when using Persian. They all hit it super-effectively with STAB. Only 1 weakness means fewer dedicated counters to worry about. Persian's base 115 Speed lets it outpace many threats and strike first, which matters more than trying to tank hits.
Persian is a physical attacker with base 70 Attack. But the speed tells the real story — base 115 Speed lets it outrun most of the field. Fits the pivot role.
Persian appears in 21 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
Available since Red & Blue, Persian appears in 21 games spanning 9 generations. Beyond its original form, it gained an Alolan form in Generation 7.
- 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