Rhyhorn Best Moveset
Ground/Rock at 85 Attack and 95 Defense with 25 Speed. AbilityLightning Rod redirects Electric moves and boosts Sp. Atk, which doesn't help a physical attacker. The moveset goes last and hits physically. Evolve to Rhydon where Held ItemEviolite creates one of the bulkiest physical walls available.
Rhyhorn saw minimal competitive use in Gen I (Red, Blue & Yellow). This marked Rhyhorn's competitive debut. A key development: had a combined Special stat of 30.
Utility Moveset
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide
- Fire Blast
- Body Slam
Recommended Teammates
Ground/Rock pre-evolution in Gen II (Gold & Silver). 85 Attack and Rock Head. Rhydon existed above. The pre-evolution had no reason to see play.
Utility Moveset
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide
- Curse
- Toxic
Recommended Teammates
Two gens before Eviolite in Gen III (Ruby & Sapphire). Lightning Rod absorbed Electric moves. Rhydon and later Rhyperior were always the answers.
Bulky Support Moveset
- Megahorn
- Double Edge
- Sandstorm
- Hidden Power Fire
Recommended Teammates
Rhyhorn sat at D-Tier in Gen IV. This was Rhyhorn's competitive peak. Its most popular set ran Rockhead with Focus Sash, favoring a Adamant nature.
Best Moves
Best Build
Rhyhorn best EVs are HP and Attack
Physical Tank Moveset
- Stone Edge
- Earthquake
- Stealth Rock
- Roar
Recommended Teammates
Rhyhorn saw minimal competitive use in Gen V (Black & White / B2W2). This was a decline from D-Tier in the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Lightningrod with Groundgem, favoring a Timid nature.
Utility Moveset
- Fire Blast
- Double Edge
- Rock Blast
- Superpower
Recommended Teammates
Rhyhorn saw minimal competitive use in Gen VI (X & Y / ORAS). Rhyhorn maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Lightningrod with Nothing, favoring a Hardy nature.
Special Tank Moveset
- Rototiller
- Earth Power
- Dragon Pulse
- Rock Slide
Recommended Teammates
Rhyhorn saw minimal competitive use in Gen VII (Sun & Moon / USUM). Rhyhorn maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Rockhead with Eviolite, favoring a Adamant nature.
Bulky Support Moveset
- Megahorn
- Aqua Tail
- Stone Edge
- Earthquake
Recommended Teammates
Rhyhorn saw minimal competitive use in Gen VIII (Sword & Shield / BDSP). Rhyhorn maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Reckless with Leftovers, favoring a Careful nature.
Hazard Setter Moveset
- Earthquake
- Crunch
- Curse
- Stealth Rock
Recommended Teammates
Rhyhorn saw minimal competitive use in Gen IX (Scarlet & Violet / Legends Z-A). Rhyhorn maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Rockhead with Eviolite, favoring a Adamant nature.
Physical Setup Sweeper Moveset
- Earthquake
- Rock Polish
- Double Edge
- Swords Dance
Recommended Teammates
Rhyhorn Weakness
Rhyhorn's Ground/Rock typing leaves it vulnerable to Water, Grass, Ice, Fighting, Ground, and Steel. Water and Grass hits land at 4x, so they're the biggest threat. It shrugs off Electric-type attacks completely. It resists 5 types, giving it decent defensive coverage. Lightning Rod grants an additional Electric immunity, reshaping the matchup chart. Rhyhorn's physical bulk (base 95 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 Rhyhorn Weak Against
FragileBest Pokemon Against Rhyhorn
Rillaboom can KO Rhyhorn with Wood Hammer (283-333%). Starmie threatens a KO with Hydro Pump (317-374%).
 Rillaboom Grass | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityGrassy Surge ItemChoice Band NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Rhyhorn View Rillaboom builds →Knock Off25-30% U Turn27-33% Wood Hammer 4x283-333%KO | ||
 Starmie WaterPsychic | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityAnalytic ItemFocus Sash NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Rhyhorn View Starmie builds →Ice Beam 2x86-102%KO Hydro Pump 4x317-374%KO Rapid Spin3-4% Psychic65-76% | ||
 Baxcalibur DragonIce | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityThermalexchange ItemLoaded Dice NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Rhyhorn View Baxcalibur builds →Icicle Spear 2x23-27% | ||
 Urshifu FightingDark | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityUnseenfist ItemChoice Band NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Rhyhorn View Urshifu builds →Close Combat 2x132-156%KO Close Combat 2x132-156%KO | ||
 Garchomp DragonGround | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityRough Skin ItemRocky Helmet NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Rhyhorn View Garchomp builds →Earthquake 2x74-87% | ||
Evolution
Rhyhorn is the start of a three-stage chain. It evolves into Rhydon first, then eventually reaches Rhyperior. For breeding, average hatch time with a massive partner pool via two egg groups. The evolved forms gain up to 190 total stats over Rhyhorn. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
How to Get Rhyhorn
A trade step sits in Rhyhorn's 3-stage chain from Rhyhorn. The step cards below map each stage with catch locations and evolution methods. Rhyhorn shows up in the wild, so the starting catch is the easy part.
Where To Catch Rhyhorn in SV
The path to Rhyhorn starts with Rhyhorn at Lv. 50-80 via walking encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Rhyhorn ✓Savanna BiomeLv.50-80OverworldSavanna BiomeLv.59Overworld
Step 2Catch or Evolve into RhydonPolar 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.
The chain to Rhyhorn requires a trade evolution through a trade. Catch Rhyhorn in the wild and level through the stages, but line up the trade first. The rest of the chain runs on levels alone.
Where To Catch Rhyhorn in PLA
To get Rhyhorn, start by catching Rhyhorn through walking encounters at Lv. 16-58. The chain covers 3 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Rhyhorn ✓Bolderoll 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 2Catch or Evolve into RhydonSpace-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 Rhyhorn requires a trade evolution through a trade. Catch Rhyhorn in the wild and level through the stages, but line up the trade first. The rest of the chain runs on levels alone.
Where To Catch Rhyhorn in BDSP
To get Rhyhorn, start by catching Rhyhorn through walking encounters at Lv. 16-63. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Rhyhorn ✓Sunlit 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 2Catch or Evolve into RhydonRoute 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
Rhyhorn's 3-stage chain starts with Rhyhorn, which appears in the wild in the locations below. Level through 3 stages while you find a trade partner. Everything except the trade step is solo.
Where To Catch Rhyhorn in SwSh
Rhyhorn is your first catch on the way to Rhyhorn. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 10-52 across 58 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Rhyhorn ✓Potbottom 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 2Catch or Evolve into RhydonDusty 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
Rhyhorn's spread isn't flashy. Defense leads, Speed trails, 3 stats clear the bar. Common in the wild and worth 1 Defense EV, on a slow 1.25M XP grind.
Strong, but not too bright, this Pokémon can shatter even a skyscraper with its charging tackles.
Rhyhorn Guide
Rhyhorn does the job early-game if you need a Ground/Rock type on your team. Evolve it into Rhydon before the later gyms and it holds up fine through the story.
Game Availability
Rhyhorn has been part of the series since Red & Blue, appearing in 21 titles across all 10 generations. As a Gen 1 original, it's one of the most consistently available Pokemon in the franchise.
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