Rhydon Best Moveset
Held ItemEviolite on 105 HP, 130 Attack, and 120 Defense creates a physically unkillable wall since Rhyperior exists as the evolution. AbilityLightning Rod grants Electric immunity. NatureAdamant pushes Ground and Rock TermStab into massive damage. The moveset tanks physical hits and hits back harder. 4x Water and Grass weaknesses from the special side collapse it.
130 Attack and 120 Defense made Rhydon one of the most physically imposing Pokemon in Gen I (Red & Blue). Earthquake hit everything that didn't fly.
Best Moves
Best Build
Utility Moveset
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide
- Body Slam
- Substitute
Recommended Teammates
Maintained dominance in Gen II (Gold & Silver). Curse plus Earthquake from 130 Attack was nearly impossible to wall on the physical side.
Utility Moveset
- Rock Slide
- Earthquake
- Roar
- Curse
Recommended Teammates
Choice Band from 130 Attack hit absurdly hard in Gen III (Ruby & Sapphire). Megahorn gave it surprise coverage against Psychic and Grass switch-ins.
Physical Sweeper Moveset
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide
- Megahorn
- Substitute
Recommended Teammates
Rhydon sat at D-Tier in Gen IV. This was a decline from A-Tier in the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Rockhead with Choice Scarf, favoring a Adamant nature.
Physical Revenge Killer Moveset
- Earthquake
- Double Edge
- Stone Edge
- Poison Jab
Recommended Teammates
Eviolite made Rhydon bulkier than Rhyperior in Gen V (Black & White). 120 Defense plus Eviolite was physically impenetrable, but the 4x Water and Grass weaknesses still killed it.
Physical Tank Moveset
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Stealth Rock
- Megahorn
Recommended Teammates
Same Eviolite niche in Gen VI (X & Y) but diminishing returns. Rhyperior with Solid Rock generally did the job better by reducing super-effective damage.
Wall Moveset
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Toxic
Recommended Teammates
Two gens of treading water in Gen VII (Sun & Moon). Eviolite kept Rhydon usable but it was always Rhyperior's understudy.
Physical Tank Moveset
- Earthquake
- Stealth Rock
- Stone Edge
- Rock Slide
Recommended Teammates
Lost relevance in Gen VIII (Sword & Shield). The Eviolite niche wasn't enough to justify using Rhydon over its evolution anymore.
Physical Setup Sweeper Moveset
- Aqua Tail
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Swords Dance
Recommended Teammates
Slight uptick in Gen IX (Scarlet & Violet) but still fundamentally outclassed by Rhyperior for any serious competitive team.
Physical Tank Moveset
- Earthquake
- Swords Dance
- Stone Edge
- Stealth Rock
Recommended Teammates
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
A | ||
Recommended Build AbilityToxicdebris ItemFocus Sash NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Rhydon View Glimmora builds →Power Gem13-15% | ||
B | ||
Recommended Build AbilityDrought ItemHeatrock NatureBold Moves
Damage vs Rhydon View Torkoal builds →Rapid Spin2-2% | ||
B | ||
Recommended Build AbilityStatic ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureBold Moves
Damage vs Rhydon View Zapdos builds →Hurricane14-17% Heat Wave12-15% | ||
B | ||
Recommended Build AbilityRegenerator ItemLeftovers NatureCalm Moves View Toxapex builds →
| ||
Recommended Build AbilityRegenerator ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureSassy Moves View Slowking-Galar builds →
| ||
Evolution
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
How to Get Rhydon
The chain to Rhydon requires a trade evolution through a trade. Catch Rhyhorn at moderate 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 SV
To get Rhydon, start by catching Rhyhorn through walking encounters at Lv. 50-80. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Catch RhyhornSavanna BiomeLv.50-80OverworldSavanna BiomeLv.59Overworld
Step 2Rhydon ✓Polar BiomeLv.50-80OverworldSavanna BiomeLv.50-80Overworldor evolve from Rhyhorn (Step 1)
Step 3Evolve into RhyperiorBREEDINGAvailableLeave a compatible parent at the Pokemon Day Care to receive a Rhyperior egg.
A trade step sits in Rhydon's 3-stage chain from Rhyhorn. The step cards below map each stage with catch locations and evolution methods. Rhyhorn shows up at decent rates, so the starting catch is the easy part.
Where To Catch Rhydon in PLA
The path to Rhydon starts with Rhyhorn at Lv. 16-58 via walking encounters. 3 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch RhyhornBolderoll SlopeLv.23-26GrassRate 15%Diamond HeathLv.23-26GrassRate 15%Shrouded RuinsLv.25-28FloorRate 15%Celestica TrailLv.38-41GrassRate 15%Sacred PlazaLv.38-41FloorRate 15%
Step 2Rhydon ✓Space-Time Distortion - Cobalt CoastlandsLv.40-55CaveRate 15%Celestica TrailLv.43-46GrassRate 15%Sacred PlazaLv.53-56FloorRate 15%or evolve from Rhyhorn (Step 1)
Step 3Catch or Evolve into RhyperiorSacred PlazaLv.16-58FloorRate 15%Space-Time Distortion - Cobalt CoastlandsLv.40-55CaveRate 5%or evolve from Rhydon (Step 2)
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
A trade step sits in Rhydon's 3-stage chain from Rhyhorn. The step cards below map each stage with catch locations and evolution methods. Rhyhorn shows up at solid rates, so the starting catch is the easy part.
Where To Catch Rhydon in SwSh
The path to Rhydon starts with Rhyhorn at Lv. 10-52 via walking encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch RhyhornPotbottom DesertLv.10-15OverworldShieldRate 32%OvercastPotbottom DesertLv.10-15OverworldShieldRate 32%SandstormPotbottom DesertLv.10-15OverworldShieldRate 32%ThunderstormPotbottom DesertLv.10-15OverworldShieldRate 32%Normal WeatherPotbottom DesertLv.10-15OverworldShieldRate 32%RainingPotbottom DesertLv.10-15OverworldShieldRate 32%Intense SunPotbottom DesertLv.10-15OverworldShieldRate 32%SnowstormPotbottom DesertLv.10-15OverworldShieldRate 32%Heavy FogPotbottom DesertLv.10-15OverworldShieldRate 32%SnowingGiant's MirrorLv.28-30OverworldRate 50%SandstormMotostoke RiverbankLv.26-28OverworldSwordRate 40%Intense SunStony WildernessLv.26-28GrassSwordRate 40%SandstormMotostoke RiverbankLv.26-28GrassRate 35%Intense SunMotostoke RiverbankLv.26-28GrassRate 35%SandstormPotbottom DesertLv.19-24OverworldSwordRate 32%SandstormPotbottom DesertLv.19-24OverworldSwordRate 32%ThunderstormPotbottom DesertLv.19-24OverworldSwordRate 32%Normal WeatherPotbottom DesertLv.19-24OverworldSwordRate 32%RainingPotbottom DesertLv.19-24OverworldSwordRate 32%Intense SunPotbottom DesertLv.19-24OverworldSwordRate 32%SnowstormPotbottom DesertLv.19-24OverworldSwordRate 32%Heavy FogPotbottom DesertLv.19-24OverworldSwordRate 32%SnowingPotbottom DesertLv.19-24OverworldSwordRate 32%OvercastBridge FieldLv.26-28GrassRate 30%SandstormMotostoke RiverbankLv.26-28OverworldSwordRate 25%SandstormMotostoke RiverbankLv.28-30OverworldShieldRate 25%SandstormStony WildernessLv.26-28GrassShieldRate 20%SandstormMotostoke RiverbankLv.28-30OverworldShieldRate 5%Intense SunGiant's Cap - GroundLv.31-34OverworldRate 60%ThunderstormGiant's Cap - GroundLv.31-34OverworldRate 60%RainingGiant's Cap - GroundLv.31-34OverworldRate 60%SnowstormGiant's Cap - GroundLv.31-34OverworldRate 60%SnowingGiant's Cap - GroundLv.31-34OverworldSwordRate 30%OvercastGiant's Cap - GroundLv.31-34OverworldSwordRate 30%SandstormGiant's Cap - GroundLv.31-34OverworldSwordRate 30%Normal WeatherGiant's Cap - GroundLv.31-34OverworldSwordRate 30%Intense SunGiant's Cap - GroundLv.31-34OverworldSwordRate 30%Heavy FogRoute 8Lv.38-40GrassRate 20%All WeatherGiant's Cap - GroundLv.31-34OverworldShieldRate 10%OvercastGiant's Cap - GroundLv.31-34OverworldShieldRate 10%SandstormGiant's Cap - GroundLv.31-34OverworldShieldRate 10%Normal WeatherGiant's Cap - GroundLv.31-34OverworldShieldRate 10%Intense SunGiant's Cap - GroundLv.31-34OverworldShieldRate 10%Heavy Fog
Step 2Rhydon ✓Dusty BowlLv.40-45GrassRate 58%Intense SunRoute 10 - Near StationLv.43-46GrassSwordRate 25%All WeatherRoute 10 - Near StationLv.44-49GrassShieldRate 25%All WeatherLake of OutrageLv.50-52GrassShieldRate 35%Intense SunLake of OutrageLv.50-52GrassSwordRate 33%Intense Sunor evolve from Rhyhorn (Step 1)
Step 3Evolve into RhyperiorBREEDINGAvailableLeave a compatible parent at the Pokemon Day Care to receive a Rhyperior egg.
Base Stats
Attack leads and Speed gets almost nothing. That's Rhydon's stat line in a nutshell. 3 stats sit in respectable range, but the spread is brutal. Moderately hard to find and yields 2 Attack EVs.
It begins walking on its hind legs after evolution. It can punch holes through boulders with its horn.
Rhydon 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.
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