Flash Fire plus 105 Speed makes Rapidash a quick C-Tier Fire attacker in Platinum. Flare Blitz and Megahorn cover Fire and Bug, and Hypnosis catches opponents off guard.
Ability 1Run AwayAbility 1Ensures success fleeing from wild battles.Ability 2Flash FireAbility 2Protects against fire moves. Once one has been blocked, the Pokémon's own Fire moves inflict 1.5× damage until it leaves battle.
500HP65Attack100Defense70Speed105Sp.Def80Sp.Atk80
Ponyta
Rapidash
Weak to
Physical
Sweeper
105Speed · Fast

Is Rapidash Good in Platinum Playthrough?

Ponyta evolves at level 40. Rapidash is fast with decent Attack. Handles Candice's Ice gym and Aaron's Bug E4 well. The Fire type Sinnoh desperately needs for most of the journey.

StrongGoodEvenToughBadTGEGTGSEGETGGSSERoarkGym 1GardeniaGym 2PonytaCatchableFantinaGym 3MayleneGym 4Crasher WakeGym 5ByronGym 6RapidashEvolveCandiceGym 7VolknerGym 8AaronE4BerthaE4FlintE4LucianE4JupiterBossMarsBossSaturnBossCynthiaChamp*
Roark
Gym 1
Tough

Roark's team hits Ponyta's weaknesses hard.

Risky
Geodude
Lv 12
RockGround
Rock Head
Stealth RockRock Throw
Risky
Onix
Lv 12
RockGround
Rock Head
Stealth RockRock ThrowScreech
Risky
Cranidos
Lv 14
Rock
Mold Breaker
HeadbuttPursuitLeer
Gardenia
Gym 2
Good

Ponyta has the type edge here and should clean up Gardenia's team.

Easy KO
Turtwig
Lv 20
Grass
Overgrow
Grass KnotRazor LeafSunny DayReflect
You Win
Cherrim
Lv 20
Grass
Flower Gift
Grass KnotLeech SeedMagical LeafSafeguard
You Win
Roserade
Lv 22
GrassPoison
Natural Cure
Grass KnotMagical LeafPoison StingStun Spore
Fantina
Gym 3
Even

Ponyta trades roughly evenly with Fantina's team.

Even
Duskull
Lv 24
Ghost
Levitate
Will O WispPursuitShadow SneakFuture Sight
Even
Haunter
Lv 24
GhostPoison
Levitate
Shadow ClawSucker PunchHypnosisConfuse Ray
Even
Mismagius
Lv 26
Ghost
Levitate
Shadow BallPsybeamMagical LeafConfuse Ray
Maylene
Gym 4
Good

Ponyta has the type edge here and should clean up Maylene's team.

You Win
Meditite
Lv 28
FightingPsychic
Pure Power
Drain PunchConfusionRock TombFake Out
Even
Machoke
Lv 29
Fighting
Guts
Karate ChopRock TombStrengthFocus Energy
You Win
Lucario
Lv 32
FightingSteel
Steadfast
Drain PunchForce PalmMetal ClawBone Rush
Crasher Wake
Gym 5
Tough

Crasher Wake's team hits Ponyta's weaknesses hard.

Risky
Gyarados
Lv 33
WaterFlying
Intimidate
WaterfallBrineBiteTwister
You Win
Quagsire
Lv 34
WaterGround
Damp
Mud ShotRock TombWater PulseYawn
Risky
Floatzel
Lv 37
Water
Swift Swim
BrineIce FangCrunchAqua Jet
Byron
Gym 6
Good

Ponyta has the type edge here and should clean up Byron's team.

You Win
Magneton
Lv 37
ElectricSteel
Magnet Pull
Flash CannonThunderboltTri AttackMetal Sound
You Win
Steelix
Lv 38
SteelGround
Rock Head
Flash CannonIce FangEarthquakeSandstorm
Even
Bastiodon
Lv 41
RockSteel
Sturdy
Metal BurstStone EdgeIron DefenseTaunt
Candice
Gym 7
Strong

Rapidash resists most of Candice's coverage and hits back hard.

Easy KO
Sneasel
Lv 40
DarkIce
Inner Focus
SlashAerial AceFeint AttackIce Shard
You Win
Piloswine
Lv 40
IceGround
Oblivious
AvalancheStone EdgeEarthquakeHail
Easy KO
Abomasnow
Lv 42
GrassIce
Snow Warning
AvalancheWood HammerWater PulseFocus Blast
You Win
Froslass
Lv 44
IceGhost
Snow Cloak
BlizzardDouble TeamShadow BallPsychic
Volkner
Gym 8
Even

Rapidash trades roughly evenly with Volkner's team.

Even
Jolteon
Lv 46
Electric
Volt Absorb
Thunder WaveCharge BeamIron TailQuick Attack
Even
Raichu
Lv 46
Electric
Static
Charge BeamFocus BlastSignal BeamQuick Attack
Even
Luxray
Lv 48
Electric
Rivalry
Ice FangThunder FangCrunchFire Fang
Risky
Electivire
Lv 50
Electric
Motor Drive
Thunder PunchFire PunchQuick AttackGiga Impact
Aaron
Elite Four
Good

Rapidash has the type edge here and should clean up Aaron's team.

Easy KO
Yanmega
Lv 49
BugFlying
Speed Boost
Air SlashBug BuzzU TurnDouble Team
Easy KO
Scizor
Lv 49
BugSteel
Swarm
Iron HeadX ScissorNight SlashQuick Attack
You Win
Vespiquen
Lv 50
BugFlying
Pressure
Attack OrderDefend OrderHeal OrderPower Gem
Easy KO
Heracross
Lv 51
BugFighting
Swarm
MegahornClose CombatNight SlashStone Edge
Even
Drapion
Lv 53
PoisonDark
Battle Armor
X ScissorCross PoisonIce FangAerial Ace
Bertha
Elite Four
Even

Rapidash trades roughly evenly with Bertha's team.

You Win
Whiscash
Lv 50
WaterGround
Oblivious
Earth PowerAqua TailZen HeadbuttSandstorm
Even
Gliscor
Lv 53
GroundFlying
Hyper Cutter
EarthquakeIce FangFire FangThunder Fang
You Win
Hippowdon
Lv 52
Ground
Sand Stream
EarthquakeStone EdgeCrunchYawn
Even
Golem
Lv 52
RockGround
Rock Head
EarthquakeFire PunchThunder PunchSandstorm
Even
Rhyperior
Lv 55
GroundRock
Lightning Rod
EarthquakeRock WreckerMegahornAvalanche
Flint
Elite Four
Tough

Flint's team hits Rapidash's weaknesses hard.

Even
Houndoom
Lv 52
DarkFire
Early Bird
FlamethrowerSludge BombDark PulseSunny Day
Risky
Flareon
Lv 55
Fire
Flash FireImmune to Fire attacks
OverheatGiga ImpactQuick AttackWill O Wisp
Even
Rapidash
Lv 53
Fire
Run Away
Flare BlitzSolar BeamBounceSunny Day
Risky
Infernape
Lv 55
FireFighting
Blaze
Flare BlitzThunder PunchMach PunchEarthquake
Risky
Magmortar
Lv 57
Fire
Flame Body
FlamethrowerThunderboltSolar BeamHyper Beam
Lucian
Elite Four
Good

Rapidash has the type edge here and should clean up Lucian's team.

You Win
Mr Mime
Lv 53
Psychic
Soundproof
PsychicThunderboltReflectLight Screen
You Win
Espeon
Lv 55
Psychic
Synchronize
PsychicShadow BallQuick AttackSignal Beam
You Win
Bronzong
Lv 54
SteelPsychic
Levitate
PsychicGyro BallEarthquakeCalm Mind
You Win
Alakazam
Lv 56
Psychic
Synchronize
PsychicEnergy BallFocus BlastRecover
Even
Gallade
Lv 59
PsychicFighting
Steadfast
Drain PunchPsycho CutLeaf BladeStone Edge
Jupiter
Commander
Good

Rapidash has the type edge here and should clean up Jupiter's team.

Easy KO
Zubat
Lv 21
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Giga DrainWing AttackBite
You Win
Skuntank
Lv 23
PoisonDark
Stench
Night SlashPoison GasScreechSmokescreen
Mars
Commander
Strong

Rapidash resists most of Mars's coverage and hits back hard.

You Win
Golbat
Lv 38
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Air CutterBiteToxicSupersonic
Easy KO
Bronzor
Lv 38
SteelPsychic
Levitate
Gyro BallExtrasensoryIron DefenseConfuse Ray
You Win
Purugly
Lv 40
Normal
Thick Fat
SlashFeint AttackHypnosisFake Out
Saturn
Commander
Strong

Rapidash resists most of Saturn's coverage and hits back hard.

You Win
Golbat
Lv 42
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Air CutterBitePoison FangConfuse Ray
Easy KO
Bronzor
Lv 42
SteelPsychic
Levitate
Gyro BallExtrasensoryShadow BallConfuse Ray
You Win
Toxicroak
Lv 44
PoisonFighting
Anticipation
Poison JabBrick BreakX ScissorFeint Attack
Cynthia
Champion
Even

Rapidash trades roughly evenly with Cynthia's team.

You Win
Spiritomb
Lv 58
GhostDark
Pressure
Dark PulsePsychicSilver WindShadow Ball
Easy KO
Roserade
Lv 58
GrassPoison
Natural Cure
Energy BallSludge BombToxicExtrasensory
Even
Togekiss
Lv 60
NormalFlying
Hustle
Air SlashAura SphereWater PulseShock Wave
You Win
Lucario
Lv 60
FightingSteel
Steadfast
Aura SphereExtreme SpeedShadow BallStone Edge
Risky
Milotic
Lv 58
Water
Marvel Scale
SurfIce BeamMirror CoatDragon Pulse
Avoid
Garchomp
Lv 62
DragonGround
Sand Veil
Dragon RushEarthquakeFlamethrowerGiga Impact

Catch Ponyta

Available after Badge 2
Type
Fire
Tier
E

Catch Ponyta on Route 206 (walking, Lv 16, common).

View Ponyta locations

Evolve Ponyta to Rapidash

Level 40
Type
Fire
Tier
C

Ponyta evolves into Rapidash at Level 40. Your Ponyta should hit Level 40 before you reach Candice, at typical leveling pace.

Recommended Moves

  • STARTING (Lv 40)
    • LV 40FireFire BlastPower 180Accuracy 85%PP 5
  • After Fantina
    • LV 56FireFlare BlitzPower 180Accuracy 100%PP 15
  • Post-Game
    • TM50FireOverheatPower 210Accuracy 90%PP 5Stark Mountain
    • TUTORFireHeat WavePower 150Accuracy 90%PP 10Survival Area
    • TM42NormalFacadePower 70Accuracy 100%PP 20Survival Area

How to Get Rapidash in Platinum

Ponyta becomes Rapidash at level 40, with no wild Rapidash anywhere. So everything depends on that one early area where Ponyta grazes, which is the sole place the line can start.

Wild Rapidash may be holding when caught:

Shuca Berry (5% chance) Held: Consumed when struck by a super-effective Ground-type attack to halve the damage.

Catch Ponyta at any of these 3 spots to eventually evolve into Rapidash.

Encountered via tall grass encounters

  1. 1
    Catch Ponyta
  2. 2
    Evolve Rapidashat Lv.40
Badge 2
Badge 3

How to Obtain Rapidash in Pt

Ponyta is your first catch on the way to Rapidash. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 5-21 across 7 total spots in the chain.

  1. Rapidash
    Step 2Rapidash ✓
    BREEDING
    Available
    Leave a compatible parent at the Pokemon Day Care to receive a Ponyta egg.

How to Get Shiny Rapidash in Platinum

Rapidash comes only by leveling, so chain a Ponyta on Route 206 or Route 210 to 40 for a shiny and raise it up. Compare Shiny Rapidash odds across every game

Normal vs Shiny
Normal Rapidash in PlatinumNormal
Shiny Rapidash in Platinum Shiny
Color ShiftYellowtoBlue
Shiny TierA Tier Shiny

Shiny Rapidash Evolution

2 Forms
Showing shiny artworkView Full Evolution Chart

Platinum Shiny Rapidash Calculator

3 Methods
Fastest Path

The best route is PokeRadar Chain at full boosts, about 1 in 200 on each try. Tune it below.

Step 1 · Encounter Method3 in Platinum

PokeRadar Chain: Chain shaking-grass patches without breaking the combo. The rate peaks at a chain of 40.

Masuda Method: Breed with a parent from a different-language game. Works on any breedable line.

Full Odds: Walk through grass, surf, or fish. Every encounter is its own independent shiny roll.

Step 2 · Boost Your Oddstap to add
00

How many you have done, or plan to do.

120,000
Shiny Odds Per Try1 / 200PokeRadar Chain
Chance By Now50.2%at 139 encountersAbout 5 in 10 hunters have one by now
What To Expect
ChanceEncountersTime
10%lucky few22----
25%one in four58----
50%coin flip139----
90%very likely460----
How is this calculated?

Every encounter has the same shiny chance, the Shiny Odds Per Try shown above. Each one is a separate roll that does not care how many you have already done, so the more you hunt, the higher your overall chance of at least one shiny. The formula below turns your odds and your number of tries into that combined chance.

chance after N tries = 1 − (1 − p)^N,  where  p = 1 / odds per try

Example at 1 in 8,192 (classic full odds): about 864 encounters for a 10 percent chance, 5,678 for 50 percent, and 18,862 for 90 percent.

The table above flips that around: it shows how many encounters it takes to reach a 10, 25, 50, and 90 percent chance at your current odds. Turning on boosts like the Shiny Charm, sandwiches, or chains improves your odds, so the encounter numbers drop.

These are estimates, not promises. Most games have no pity counter, meaning no guaranteed shiny no matter how many you hunt, so even Very Likely is not guaranteed: some hunters find one early, others go well past that point.

Where these shiny odds come from: Read our full methodology

Planning a longer hunt? Set up Rapidash in the Platinum Shiny Odds Calculator to compare every method side by side.

Rapidash Weakness

Type-wise, Rapidash takes extra damage from Water, Ground, and Rock. It resists 5 types, giving it decent defensive coverage. Flash Fire grants an additional Fire immunity, reshaping the matchup chart. Rapidash leans offensive (base 100 Atk) rather than trying to tank its weaknesses.

Rapidash Weakness and Resistance Chart
DamageTypes
2x (Weak)Water, Ground, Rock
0.5x (Resist)Fire, Grass, Ice, Bug, Steel
Gen IV Type Chart
  • Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
  • Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)

What is Rapidash Weak Against

Avg
3Weak
5Resist
1Immune
Score-1
4xCritical
None
¼xResist
None
0xImmune

What is Rapidash Strong Against

4Strong
4Resisted
0Immune
Score0
0xImmune
None

Best Pokemon Against Rapidash

Marowak
Marowak
Ground
C
B
Gliscor
Gliscor
GroundFlying
B
Sandslash
Sandslash
Ground
B
Hippowdon
Hippowdon
Ground
B

Rapidash Evolutions

Rapidash is the evolved form of Ponyta. Breeding produces Ponyta eggs, and they take an average time to hatch. Evolving from Ponyta gave Rapidash the biggest boost in HP (+15), bringing the total to 500 stats. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.

How to Evolve

2 Forms
Stat Comparison 2 Stages
Ponyta
Fire
Rapidash
Fire
HP
50
65+15
ATK
85
100+15
DEF
55
70+15
SP.ATK
65
80+15
SP.DEF
65
80+15
SPE
90
105+15
BST
410E-Tier
500C-Tier+90
ROLE
Balanced
Sweeper
TYPE
Physical
Physical

Breeding

Very Easy

Breed with Rapidash to get Ponyta eggs easily using 131 partners from the Field egg group. Notable egg moves include Charm, Double Kick, Double-Edge and 4 more.

Egg Groups
Field
Gender
♂50.0%♀50.0%
Hatch Time
20 cycles·5,140 steps
Quick~5 min with Flame Body
Egg Moves
7moves
Breed With (best first)
raichupikachunidokinggolduckampharosrhydondewgongarbokquagsirenidorinofarfetchdflaaffy

Pt Rapidash Best Moveset

Fire attacks from 100 Attack or 80 Sp. Atk at 105 Speed hit before most targets can respond. The moveset is limited by pure Fire typing and thin coverage options, but the raw speed makes Rapidash a reliable revenge attacker when something needs to go down fast.

Best Build

Experimental
Physical Attacker
Ability
Flash Fire
Item
Life OrbPOWER
Best Nature for Rapidash
Jolly+SPE

Rapidash best EVs are Attack and Speed

EVs

Physical Attacker Moveset

  • Flare BlitzSTAB
  • MegahornCoverage
  • Morning Sun
  • Sunny DaySTAB

Moves List

Breeding's the move. Charm and Double Kick give Rapidash options it can't learn any other way, and coverage across 7 types already covers a decent range on top of Overheat and Flare Blitz. The egg moves push it further.

Level-Up Moves

Lv 1
Ember
—6010025Fire
Lv 1
Growl
D—10040Normal
Lv 1
Megahorn
B1208510Bug
Lv 1
Poison Jab
C8010020Poison
Lv 1
Quick Attack+1
D4010030Normal
Lv 1
Tail Whip
——10030Normal
Lv 6
Tail Whip
——10030Normal
Lv 10
Ember
—6010025Fire
Lv 15
Flame Wheel
—9010025Fire
Lv 19
Stomp
—6510020Normal
Lv 24
Fire Spin
—527015Fire
Lv 28
Take Down
C908520Normal
Lv 33
Agility
C——30Psychic
Lv 37
Fire Blast
C180855Fire
Lv 40
Fury Attack
D158520Normal
Lv 47
Bounce
C85855Flying
Lv 56
Flare Blitz
B18010015Fire

TM Moves

24 of 27 TMs are obtainable before the Elite Four

TM
TM45
AttractAmity Squarebadge 2
——10015Normal
TM78
CaptivateRoute 204badge 2
——10020Normal
TM32
Double TeamWayward Cavebadge 2
———15Normal
TM58
Endure+4Veilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
C——10Normal
TM42
FacadeSurvival Area
C7010020Normal
TM38
Fire BlastLake Veritybadge 3
C180855Fire
TM35
FlamethrowerVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
C14210015Fire
TM21
FrustrationVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
D—10020Normal
TM68
Giga ImpactVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
B150905Normal
TM10
Hidden PowerVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
D6010015Normal
TM15C150905Normal
TM23
Iron TailIron Islandbadge 5
C1007515Steel
TM83
Natural GiftVeilstone Department Storebadge 3
D—10015Normal
TM50B210905Fire
TM84
Poison JabRoute 212badge 5
C8010020Poison
TM17C——10Normal
TM44C——10Psychic
TM27D—10020Normal
TM43
Secret PowerAmity Squarebadge 2
—7010020Normal
TM82
Sleep TalkEterna Forestbadge 2
C——10Normal
TM22C12010010Grass
HM04
StrengthIron Islandbadge 5
C8010015Normal
TM90
SubstituteVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 2
C——10Normal
TM87
SwaggerPokémon Mansionbadge 4
——9015Normal
TM06
ToxicRoute 212badge 4
C—8510Poison
TM61
Will-O-WispExchange Service Corner counter at the Battle Frontier, which you enter from the Fight Area
C—7515Fire

Egg Moves

Egg
Egg
Charm
——10020Normal
Egg
Double Kick
—3010030Fighting
Egg
Double-Edge
B12010015Normal
Egg
Flame Wheel
—9010025Fire
Egg
Horn Drill
——305Normal
Egg
Hypnosis
D—7020Psychic
Egg
Thrash
—12010020Normal

Tutor Moves

Tut
Tutor
Bounce
C85855Flying
Tutor
Heat Wave
C1509010Fire
Tutor
Snore
D4010015Normal
Tutor
Swift
—60—20Normal

Reminder Moves

Rem
Rem
Tackle
D3510035Normal

Base Stats

Base Stats
High
HP65
C
Attack100
B
Defense70
C
Sp. Atk80
C
Sp. Def80
C
Speed105
B
Total500
Details
Catch Rate
Challenging60 / 255
Growth Rate
Medium Fast1M XP
Height1.7 m
Weight95.0 kg
Base XP175
Abilities
Run Away
Ensures success fleeing from wild battles.
Flash Fire
Protects against fire moves. Once one has been blocked, the Pokémon's own Fire moves inflict 1.5× damage until it leaves battle.
Flash Fire grants Fire immunity
EV Yield
HPAtkDefSpASpDSpe+2
Speed training target
Pokedex Entry

When at an all-out gallop, its blazing mane sparkles, enhancing its beautiful appearance.

Pokemon Platinum

Rapidash Platinum Guide

  • In Platinum, Rapidash plays as a sweeper. It outspeeds most threats, so it can pressure opponents before they move.

  • In Platinum, Rapidash pairs best with Roserade, Weavile, and Empoleon. Roserade has Decent synergy and covers what Rapidash can't handle on its own.

  • Yes. Galarian Rapidash is a regional variant with different typing and a reworked stat spread. Introduced in Gen 8. Plays completely differently from the original.

  • In Platinum, Jolly is the go-to nature for Rapidash. That's +Speed / -Sp. Atk. Pair it with 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe EVs. Fits the sweeper role.

Game Availability

Rapidash first appeared in Red & Blue and spans 20 games across 9 generations. It later gained a Galarian form in Generation 8, adding new dimensions to its competitive identity.

Explore

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