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.
The round face of Alolan Persian is considered to be a symbol of prosperity in the Alola region, so these Pokémon are very well cared for.
This Pokémon is one tough opponent. Not only does it have formidable physical abilities, but it’s also not above fighting dirty.
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.
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 138 partners from the Ground egg group. Notable egg moves include Covet, Flail, Hypnosis and 3 more.
The build revolves around U-turn for safe pivoting. Technician and Focus Sash support Persian's hit-and-run approach, with max Attack and Speed EVs making sure each pivot actually threatens. Utility options adds versatility.
Best Build
Best Persian Moveset
- Fake Out
- Hypnosis
- U Turn
- Dark Pulse
Recommended Teammates
Need something that threatens multiple types? Persian's movepool delivers. Coverage across 11 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
Persian doesn't appear wild. Catch Meowth instead, it shows up at solid rates. Evolve it with high friendship to get Persian. The 2-stage line is mapped in the step cards below.
How to Obtain Persian in Sword & Shield
Meowth is your first catch on the way to Persian. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 13-16 across 4 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch MeowthEFFORTLESSRoute 4ShieldGrassLv.13-1535%EarlyRouteAll WeatherEFFORTLESSRoute 4SwordGrassLv.13-1535%EarlyRouteAll WeatherEASYRoute 4ShieldOverworldLv.14-1623%EarlyRouteAll WeatherEASYRoute 4SwordOverworldLv.14-1623%EarlyRouteAll Weather
Step 2Persian ✓
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 leaning toward the physical side (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