Is Rhydon Good in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl Playthrough?
Rhydon crushes Volkner and Flint with Earthquake. Four common weaknesses (Water, Grass, Ground, Fighting) limit E4 use, but the raw power is undeniable. Trade with Protector for Rhyperior if you can.
Rhyhorn resists most of Roark's coverage and hits back hard.
Rhyhorn has the type edge here and should clean up Gardenia's team.
Rhyhorn trades roughly evenly with Maylene's team.
Rhyhorn trades roughly evenly with Crasher Wake's team.
Rhyhorn trades roughly evenly with Fantina's team.
Rhyhorn trades roughly evenly with Byron's team.
Rhyhorn has the type edge here and should clean up Candice's team.
Rhyhorn has the type edge here and should clean up Volkner's team.
Rhyperior has the type edge here and should clean up Aaron's team.
Rhyperior trades roughly evenly with Bertha's team.
Rhyperior has the type edge here and should clean up Flint's team.
Rhyperior trades roughly evenly with Lucian's team.
Rhyperior trades roughly evenly with Cynthia's team.
Catch Rhydon on Route 227 (walking, Lv 55, common).
Most players are ready to trade before reaching Aaron.
How to Get Rhydon in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl
The chain to Rhydon requires a trade evolution through a trade. Catch Rhyhorn at solid rates and level through the stages, but line up the trade first. The rest of the chain runs on levels alone.
Where To Catch Rhydon in BDSP
To get Rhydon, start by catching Rhyhorn through walking encounters at Lv. 16-63. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Catch RhyhornSunlit CavernLv.16-63CaveRate 70%Unique encounterTyphlo CavernLv.16-63CaveBrilliant DiamondRate 50%Unique encounterTyphlo CavernLv.16-63CaveShining PearlRate 40%Unique encounterRoute 227Lv.22-24GrassRate 5%Stark Mountain - OutsideLv.22-24CaveRate 5%Big Bluff CavernLv.58-63CavePost-gameRocky CaveLv.58-63CavePost-gameSandsear CaveLv.58-63GrassPost-gameSpacious CaveLv.58-63CavePost-game
Step 2Rhydon ✓Route 228Lv.52-53GrassRate 20%Morning/dayRoute 227Lv.55GrassRate 20%Stark Mountain - OutsideLv.55CaveRate 20%Route 228Lv.53GrassRate 10%NightBig Bluff CavernLv.58-63CavePost-gameRocky CaveLv.58-63CavePost-gameSandsear CaveLv.58-63GrassPost-gameSpacious CaveLv.58-63CavePost-gameor evolve from Rhyhorn (Step 1)
Step 3Evolve into Rhyperior
Rhydon Weakness
Rhydon is weak to Water, Grass, Ice, Fighting, Ground, and Steel. Watch out for Water and Grass attacks, those deal 4x damage. On the flip side, it's immune to Electric-type moves entirely. 5 resistances help offset the weaknesses. Lightning Rod grants an additional Electric immunity, reshaping the matchup chart. Rhydon's physical bulk (base 120 Def) helps cushion physical weakness hits, but special attackers are the bigger threat.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 4x (Critical) | Water, Grass |
| 2x (Weak) | Ice, Fighting, Ground, Steel |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Normal, Fire, Flying, Rock |
| 0.25x (Resist) | Poison |
| 0x (Immune) | Electric |
What is Rhydon Weak Against
FragileBest Pokemon Against Rhydon
 Machop Fighting | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Rhydon View Machop builds →Focus Punch 2x75-89% Earthquake 2x35-42% | ||
 Psyduck Water | D | |
Obtain MethodCelestic Town Surfing Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Rhydon View Psyduck builds →Surf 4x160-189%KO Focus Punch 2x39-46% Iron Tail 2x26-32% | ||
 Cubone Ground | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Rhydon View Cubone builds →Earthquake 2x39-47% Focus Punch 2x39-46% Iron Tail 2x26-32% | ||
 Phanpy Ground | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Rhydon View Phanpy builds →Earthquake 2x44-53% Iron Tail 2x30-35% Rock Smash 2x14-18% | ||
 Budew GrassPoison | D | |
 Bibarel NormalWater | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Rhydon View Bibarel builds →Waterfall 4x92-108%KO Focus Punch 2x56-66% Iron Tail 2x38-46% | ||
Machop Fighting | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Rhydon View Machop builds →Focus Punch 2x79-93% Earthquake 2x36-43% | ||
Psyduck Water | D | |
Obtain MethodCelestic Town Surfing Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Rhydon View Psyduck builds →Surf 4x167-197%KO Focus Punch 2x41-49% Iron Tail 2x28-33% | ||
 Buizel Water | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Rhydon View Buizel builds →Surf 4x149-177%KO Focus Punch 2x46-56% Iron Tail 2x33-39% | ||
Cubone Ground | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Rhydon View Cubone builds →Earthquake 2x41-49% Focus Punch 2x38-46% Iron Tail 2x28-33% | ||
 Floatzel Water | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Rhydon View Floatzel builds →Waterfall 4x100-118%KO Focus Punch 2x59-70% Iron Tail 2x40-48% Ice Beam 2x62-73% | ||
 Marowak Ground | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Rhydon View Marowak builds →Earthquake 2x50-59% Focus Punch 2x48-57% Iron Tail 2x33-39% Ice Beam 2x44-52% | ||
 Machoke Fighting | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Rhydon View Machoke builds →Focus Punch 2x86-102%KO Earthquake 2x39-46% | ||
Bibarel NormalWater | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Rhydon View Bibarel builds →Waterfall 4x81-96% Focus Punch 2x50-59% Iron Tail 2x35-41% Bulldoze 2x21-25% | ||
 Gastrodon WaterGround | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Rhydon View Gastrodon builds →Surf 4x200-236%KO Earthquake 2x50-59% Ice Beam 2x66-79% Rock Smash 2x15-18% | ||
Floatzel Water | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Rhydon View Floatzel builds →Waterfall 4x100-118%KO Focus Punch 2x59-70% Dig 2x33-39% Iron Tail 2x40-48% | ||
Marowak Ground | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Rhydon View Marowak builds →Earthquake 2x50-59% Focus Punch 2x48-57% Iron Tail 2x33-39% Ice Beam 2x44-52% | ||
Machoke Fighting | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Rhydon View Machoke builds →Focus Punch 2x86-102%KO Earthquake 2x39-46% | ||
Bibarel NormalWater | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Rhydon View Bibarel builds →Waterfall 4x81-96% Focus Punch 2x50-59% Dig 2x27-32% Iron Tail 2x35-41% | ||
Gastrodon WaterGround | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Rhydon View Gastrodon builds →Surf 4x200-236%KO Earthquake 2x50-59% Ice Beam 2x66-79% Rock Smash 2x15-18% | ||
 Golduck Water | C | |
Obtain MethodCelestic Town Surfing Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Rhydon View Golduck builds →Surf 4x201-236%KO Focus Punch 2x47-56% Ice Beam 2x67-79% Dig 2x26-30% | ||
 Bronzong SteelPsychic | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Rhydon View Bronzong builds →Solar Beam 4x155-182%KO Flash Cannon 2x77-91% Earthquake 2x34-41% Rock Smash 2x15-18% | ||
Floatzel Water | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Rhydon View Floatzel builds →Waterfall 4x92-109%KO Focus Punch 2x56-67% Dig 2x30-36% Iron Tail 2x39-45% | ||
Marowak Ground | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Rhydon View Marowak builds →Earthquake 2x46-55% Focus Punch 2x46-55% Iron Tail 2x30-36% Ice Beam 2x42-50% | ||
Machoke Fighting | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Rhydon View Machoke builds →Focus Punch 2x83-98% Earthquake 2x37-44% | ||
 Roselia GrassPoison | C | |
Bronzong SteelPsychic | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Rhydon View Bronzong builds →Solar Beam 4x151-177%KO Flash Cannon 2x75-89% Earthquake 2x33-39% Rock Smash 2x14-17% | ||
Golduck Water | C | |
Obtain MethodCelestic Town Surfing Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Rhydon View Golduck builds →Surf 4x197-232%KO Focus Punch 2x46-55% Ice Beam 2x65-77% Dig 2x26-31% | ||
Floatzel Water | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Rhydon View Floatzel builds →Waterfall 4x93-110%KO Focus Punch 2x56-66% Dig 2x31-37% Iron Tail 2x38-45% | ||
Marowak Ground | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Rhydon View Marowak builds →Earthquake 2x46-55% Focus Punch 2x45-54% Iron Tail 2x31-37% Ice Beam 2x40-48% | ||
 Roserade GrassPoison | B | |
Bronzong SteelPsychic | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Rhydon View Bronzong builds →Solar Beam 4x148-175%KO Flash Cannon 2x75-88% Earthquake 2x33-39% Rock Smash 2x14-17% | ||
 Abomasnow GrassIce | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Rhydon View Abomasnow builds →Solar Beam 4x253-298%KO Focus Punch 2x50-59% Ice Beam 2x95-112%KO Water Pulse 4x86-102%KO | ||
Golduck Water | C | |
Obtain MethodCelestic Town Surfing Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Rhydon View Golduck builds →Surf 4x196-231%KO Focus Punch 2x45-54% Ice Beam 2x65-77% Dig 2x24-29% | ||
Floatzel Water | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Rhydon View Floatzel builds →Waterfall 4x90-106%KO Focus Punch 2x56-65% Dig 2x29-35% Iron Tail 2x37-44% | ||
Roserade GrassPoison | B | |
Bronzong SteelPsychic | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Rhydon View Bronzong builds →Solar Beam 4x148-175%KO Flash Cannon 2x75-88% Earthquake 2x33-39% Rock Smash 2x14-17% | ||
Abomasnow GrassIce | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Rhydon View Abomasnow builds →Solar Beam 4x253-298%KO Focus Punch 2x50-59% Ice Beam 2x95-112%KO Water Pulse 4x86-102%KO | ||
Golduck Water | C | |
Obtain MethodCelestic Town Surfing Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Rhydon View Golduck builds →Surf 4x196-231%KO Focus Punch 2x45-54% Ice Beam 2x65-77% Dig 2x24-29% | ||
Floatzel Water | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Rhydon View Floatzel builds →Waterfall 4x90-106%KO Focus Punch 2x56-65% Dig 2x29-35% Iron Tail 2x37-44% | ||
Roserade GrassPoison | B | |
 Vileplume GrassPoison | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Rhydon View Vileplume builds →Petal Dance 4x299-352%KO Drain Punch 2x23-27% | ||
 Cacturne GrassDark | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Rhydon View Cacturne builds →Solar Beam 4x310-365%KO Focus Punch 2x60-71% | ||
 Victreebel GrassPoison | C | |
 Kingler Water | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Rhydon View Kingler builds →Crabhammer 4x134-158%KO Hammer Arm 2x45-53% Dig 2x36-43% Metal Claw 2x23-27% | ||
In Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, Swampert's Flip Turn hits Rhydon for 64-75%. Machamp's Close Combat hits Rhydon for 70-83%. Venusaur's Giga Drain also KOs at 209-246%.
 Swampert WaterGround | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityTorrent ItemLeftovers NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Rhydon View Swampert builds →Earthquake 2x52-62% Flip Turn 4x64-75% | ||
 Machamp Fighting | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityGuts ItemFlame Orb NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Rhydon View Machamp builds →Bullet Punch 2x16-19% Knock Off13-15% Close Combat 2x70-83% | ||
 Venusaur GrassPoison | C | |
Recommended Build AbilityChlorophyll ItemLife Orb NatureModest Moves
Damage vs Rhydon View Venusaur builds →Giga Drain 4x209-246%KO | ||
 Lapras WaterIce | C | |
Recommended Build AbilityWaterabsorb ItemLeftovers NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Rhydon View Lapras builds →Avalanche 2x27-32% Waterfall 4x71-84% | ||
Rhydon Evolutions
Sitting between Rhyhorn and Rhyperior, Rhydon is part of a chain that requires a trade. Not your typical level-up setup. Attack has grown the most so far (+45), but there's still another 50 stats to gain in the final evolution. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
Breed with Rhydon to get Rhyhorn eggs easily using 131 partners from the Ground and Monster egg groups. Notable egg moves include Counter, Crunch, Crush Claw and 9 more.
BDSP Rhydon Best Moveset
130 Attack and 120 Defense on Ground/Rock typing with hidden AbilityReckless boosting recoil moves by 20%. The moveset has devastating physical Ground and Rock TermStab but 40 Speed goes last and 4x Water and Grass weaknesses are everywhere. One evolution from Rhyperior where the defenses improve.
Best Build
Rhydon best EVs are Attack and Speed
Physical Setup Sweeper Moveset
- Aqua Tail
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Swords Dance
Moves List
The TM pool is where it gets interesting. Coverage across 12 types means almost nothing walls Rhydon cleanly, with Earthquake and Stone Edge anchoring the STAB side. Matchup flexibility isn't a problem.
How to Read the Moves Table
Tabs
- Level-Up
- Learned by leveling up.
- TM
- Taught by a Technical Machine.
- Egg
- Inherited via breeding.
- Tutor
- NPC tutor (cost: items, BP, money).
- Reminder
- An NPC reteaches any move this Pokemon could have learned by leveling up.
- Transfer
- Carried over from an older game using Pokemon HOME.
- Event
- Given out through Mystery Gift events.
Visual Signals
CAT (Category)
How the move deals damage and which stats it uses.
A small dot on the icon's corner marks the move as contact. That triggers abilities like Static, Flame Body, Rough Skin, or Iron Barbs, plus items like Rocky Helmet and Sticky Barb.
Tier (S to D)
Each move's competitive rank in RankedBoost's system. TM, Egg, and Tutor sort by tier by default (best first). On Level-Up, click the Tier header to do the same.
PWR (Power)
Base damage. Numbers shown in a type color include STAB (base × 1.5). Hover any colored number to see the math.
— means no power (status moves) or variable power.
Sorting & Filter
Click any column header to sort. Level-Up opens with Lv 1 at the top. TM, Egg, and Tutor open with the highest-tier moves at the top.
Search filters by move name or type. The Filter button limits the list to STAB, Physical, Special, or Status moves.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Base Stats
Its brain developed after it stood up on its hind legs. Its drill horn bores tunnels through solid rock.
Rhydon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl Guide
Rhydon is meant to evolve into Rhyperior. At 485 BST, the stats aren't there for competitive play yet. Pre-evolution Pokemon rarely hold up against fully evolved threats.
In Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, Rhydon's biggest threats include Gyarados (Water), Venusaur (Grass), and Lapras (Ice), all carrying super-effective STAB moves. Gyarados is the most dangerous since Water moves deal 4x damage. Fighting, Ground, and Steel-type attackers are also a problem. With 6 weakness types, most competitive teams carry at least one counter. At base 40 Speed, Rhydon won't outrun any of these threats so switching to a resist is usually the safer play.
Rhydon evolves into Rhyperior via trade. Trade needs a Game Boy Advance link cable and a second GBA running another Gen 3 game (FireRed, LeafGreen, Ruby, Sapphire, or Emerald). Trade Rhydon to a friend, then have them trade it back. The 2026 Switch re-release supports the same trade through local wireless on the Pokemon Center 2F Wireless Club, with no cables required. The Protector must be held during the trade. Bring one over from a sibling Gen 3 game if needed.
Lightning Rod is what you want on Rhydon. Every competitive set worth running is built with that ability in mind. The alternatives (Rock Head, Reckless) work on paper but Lightning Rod is what makes Rhydon worth using. On wall sets, Lightning Rod pairs with Rhydon's base 120 Defense to absorb physical hits on the switch.
Base 40 Speed is low. Priority moves or Trick Room are the way to go. On offense, Rhydon is a physical attacker with base 130 Attack. Defensively? Enough bulk to take a hit or two. Best used as a wallbreaker.
Game Availability
One of the original 151, Rhydon has appeared in 21 games — nearly every mainline game. From Red & Blue through the latest titles, it's rarely been left out of a regional Pokedex.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1RBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 2GS
Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 3FRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 4DP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 5BW
Black & White - Gen 5B2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY
X & Y - Gen 6ORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7SM
Sun & Moon - Gen 7USUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7LGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen 8BDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 9SV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW
Winds & Waves