Pineco doesn't have much going for it on its own — the stats just aren't there. The payoff is Forretress, and getting there is worth the grind. Known as the Bagworm Pokemon. Been around since Gen 2.
Pineco's spread isn't flashy. Defense leads, Speed trails, 1 stats clear the bar. Common in the wild and worth 1 Defense EV, on a medium-fast 1M XP curve.
It looks just like a pinecone. Its shell protects it from bird Pokémon that peck it by mistake.
Pineco Weakness
AvgPineco is weak to Fire, Flying, and Rock-type moves. Pineco's physical bulk (base 90 Def) helps cushion physical weakness hits, but special attackers are the bigger threat.
Pineco evolves into Forretress. It's a two-stage chain with the method shown below. No compatible partners for breeding via one egg group. Eggs are average hatch time. Evolving adds up to 175 stat points total.
How to Evolve
Breed Pineco easily from the Bug egg group. Pass egg moves like Counter, Double-Edge, Flail and 6 more to offspring.
Pineco's job is getting Toxic Spikes up and staying on the field. Berryjuice provides extra utility, Sturdy helps it stick around, and a spread EV build EVs prioritize longevity.
Best Build
Best Pineco Moveset
- Toxic Spikes
- Toxic
- Pain Split
- Rapid Spin
Recommended Teammates
Egg moves make a real difference. Pineco gets Counter and Double-Edge exclusively through breeding, filling gaps that TMs and level-up can't touch. Coverage across 7 types rounds out the picture alongside Bug Buzz and Bug Bite.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Pineco starts showing up in endgame routes at moderate rates across 8 encounter spots. The list below is sorted so you can pick what fits your current progress without scrolling through everything.
Best Locations
Before you go hunting for Pineco, check which of the 8 spots belong to your version. Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl each have different walking encounters at Lv. 58-63.
Pineco isn't fully evolved, so it's not built for competitive play. You'll want to evolve it into Forretress to unlock its full potential. At 290 BST, it's a stepping stone rather than a team anchor.
Pineco's biggest threats include Charizard (Fire), Aerodactyl (Flying), and Tyranitar (Rock), all carrying super-effective STAB moves. At base 15 Speed, Pineco won't outrun any of these threats so switching to a resist is usually the safer play.
Pineco evolves into Forretress at level 31. Pineco is the base form of this evolutionary line.
Sturdy is the go-to ability for Pineco. It prevents being KOed from full HP, leaving 1 HP instead. Its hidden ability Overcoat can work in specific setups.
Pineco fills the balanced role. It's a physical attacker with base 65 Attack. Base 15 Speed is low. Priority moves or Trick Room are the way to go.
Pineco appears in 16 games, including Gold & Silver, Crystal, and Ruby & Sapphire.
Pineco first appeared in Gold & Silver and has been available in 16 games across 8 generations. Obtainable through catching or hatching as a base form in most titles where it appears.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRB
Red & Blue - Gen IIGSDebut
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 VIISM
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