On paper, Persian looks underwhelming. In practice, Technician boosts weaker moves to surprising damage levels — and that's the whole story. Normal typing means Ghost moves can't touch it, and only a single type hits it super-effectively. Known as the Classy Cat Pokemon.
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.
- Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
- Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)
Persian is what Meowth becomes. Breed it for Meowth eggs (average hatch time). A massive partner pool 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 131 partners from the Ground egg group. Notable egg moves include Amnesia, Assist, Charm and 8 more.
The build revolves around U-turn for safe pivoting. Technician and Shucaberry support Persian's hit-and-run approach, with max Attack and Speed EVs making sure each pivot actually threatens. Dark coverage adds versatility.
Best Build
Best Persian Moveset
- U Turn
- Bite
- Fake Out
- Aerial Ace
Recommended Teammates
Need something that threatens multiple types? Persian's movepool delivers. Coverage across 13 types plus STAB from Giga Impact and Hyper Beam gives it answers for most defensive cores you'll run into.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Reminder Moves
Transfer Moves
Persian starts showing up in mid-game routes at decent spawn rates across 3 encounter spots. The list below is sorted so you can pick what fits your current progress without scrolling through everything.
Where To Catch Persian in HeartGold & SoulSilver
Meowth is your first catch on the way to Persian. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 13-39 across 11 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch MeowthEFFORTLESSRoute 5GrassLv.13CommonEarlyRouteNightEFFORTLESSRoute 6GrassLv.13-14CommonEarlyRouteNightEASYRoute 5GrassLv.14UncommonEarlyRouteMorning/dayEASYRoute 6GrassLv.14UncommonEarlyRouteMorning/dayEFFORTLESSRoute 38GrassLv.16CommonMidRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 39GrassLv.16CommonMidRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 7GrassLv.17CommonMidRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 8GrassLv.17CommonMidRoute
Step 2Persian ✓CHALLENGINGRoute 7GrassLv.19RareMidRouteEASYCerulean Cave - 1FGrassLv.38-39UncommonLateCaveMorning/dayCHALLENGINGCerulean Cave - 1FGrassLv.39RareLateCaveNightor 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 gets Technician, Limber, and Unnerve. But Technician is the one that matters — it's the centerpiece of every viable set. Build around that.
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