Rhyperior Best Moveset
140 Attack and 130 Defense at 115 HP on Ground/Rock with AbilitySolid Rock reducing super-effective damage by 25%. Held ItemAssault Vest with NatureAdamant patches the 55 Sp. Def. The moveset fires devastating physical TermStab from both types. 4x Water and Grass still threaten, but Solid Rock keeps Rhyperior alive through hits that would KO without it.
Rock/Ground with Solid Rock reducing super-effective damage by 25% in Gen IV (Diamond & Pearl). 140 Attack was massive, but 4x Water and Grass weaknesses defined every matchup.
Best Moves
Best Build
Rhyperior best EVs are HP and Attack
Physical Tank Moveset
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Fire Punch
- Megahorn
Recommended Teammates
Two gens below the top in Gen V (Black & White). Stealth Rock and Megahorn coverage kept Rhyperior relevant, but 40 Speed meant it took a hit before doing anything.
Physical Wallbreaker Moveset
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Megahorn
- Stealth Rock
Recommended Teammates
Started declining in Gen VI (X & Y). Bulkier Rock-types with better Speed or utility appeared. Rhyperior's power was undeniable but the 4x weaknesses were too easy to exploit.
Physical Tank Moveset
- Earthquake
- Stealth Rock
- Stone Edge
- Ice Punch
Recommended Teammates
Three gens of steady decline by Gen VII (Sun & Moon). Every generation introduced Water or Grass coverage that hit Rhyperior's massive weaknesses harder.
Hazard Setter Moveset
- Earthquake
- Stealth Rock
- Rock Blast
- Fire Punch
Recommended Teammates
Weakness Policy turned super-effective hits into an Attack boost in Gen VIII (Sword & Shield). Solid Rock kept Rhyperior alive through the hit. A gimmick that worked on Dynamax turns.
Bulky Support Moveset
- Earthquake
- Rock Polish
- Power Up Punch
- Avalanche
Recommended Teammates
Lightning Rod gave it a second ability option in Gen IX (Scarlet & Violet), absorbing Electric moves. But five gens of decline showed the 4x weaknesses were too much to overcome.
Physical Tank Moveset
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Stealth Rock
- Ice Punch
Recommended Teammates
Rhyperior Weakness
Rhyperior 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. The Ground/Rock typing picks up 5 resistances to work with. Lightning Rod grants an additional Electric immunity, reshaping the matchup chart. Rhyperior's physical bulk (base 130 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 Rhyperior Weak Against
FragileBest Pokemon Against Rhyperior
B | ||
Recommended Build AbilityUnaware ItemLeftovers NatureCareful Moves
Damage vs Rhyperior View Clodsire builds →Earthquake 2x21-25% | ||
B | ||
Recommended Build AbilityDrought ItemHeatrock NatureBold Moves
Damage vs Rhyperior View Torkoal builds →Rapid Spin3-3% | ||
B | ||
Recommended Build AbilityFlame Body ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureBold Moves
Damage vs Rhyperior View Moltres builds →Flamethrower10-12% U Turn9-10% | ||
B | ||
Recommended Build AbilityStatic ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureBold Moves
Damage vs Rhyperior View Zapdos builds →Hurricane12-14% Heat Wave10-12% | ||
Recommended Build AbilityRegenerator ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureSassy Moves View Slowking-Galar builds →
| ||
Evolution
Rhyperior evolved from Rhyhorn's chain using a trade. It's a non-standard trigger, so check the details below. Breed this form to get Rhyhorn eggs (average hatch time). The evolution from Rhyhorn pushed Rhyperior to 535 total stats. Attack saw the largest single gain at +55. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
How to Get Rhyperior
Rhyperior's 3-stage chain starts with Rhyhorn, which appears at moderate rates in the locations below. Level through 3 stages while you find a trade partner. Everything except the trade step is solo.
How to Obtain Rhyperior in SV
Rhyhorn is your first catch on the way to Rhyperior. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 50-80 across 8 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch RhyhornSavanna BiomeLv.50-80OverworldSavanna BiomeLv.59Overworld
Step 2Catch or Evolve RhydonPolar BiomeLv.50-80OverworldSavanna BiomeLv.50-80Overworldor evolve from Rhyhorn (Step 1)
Step 3Rhyperior ✓BREEDINGAvailableLeave a compatible parent at the Pokemon Day Care to receive a Rhyperior egg.
Rhyperior's 3-stage chain starts with Rhyhorn, which appears at decent rates in the locations below. Level through 3 stages while you find a trade partner. Everything except the trade step is solo.
Where To Catch Rhyperior in PLA
Rhyhorn is your first catch on the way to Rhyperior. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 16-58 across 10 total spots in the chain.
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 2Catch or Evolve 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 3Rhyperior ✓Sacred PlazaLv.16-58FloorRate 15%Space-Time Distortion - Cobalt CoastlandsLv.40-55CaveRate 5%or evolve from Rhydon (Step 2)
A trade step sits in Rhyperior'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.
How to Obtain Rhyperior in BDSP
The path to Rhyperior starts with Rhyhorn at Lv. 16-63 via walking encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
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 2Catch or Evolve 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 3Rhyperior ✓
The chain to Rhyperior 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.
How to Obtain Rhyperior in SwSh
To get Rhyperior, start by catching Rhyhorn through walking encounters at Lv. 10-52. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
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 2Catch or Evolve 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 3Rhyperior ✓BREEDINGAvailableLeave a compatible parent at the Pokemon Day Care to receive a Rhyperior egg.
Base Stats
The stat bars tell the story: Attack carries everything and Speed's dead weight. But this Drill Pokemon still yields 3 Attack EVs per fight on a slow 1.25M XP grind.
This Pokémon evolved through use of a curious item. Its rocklike hide is composed of a mysterious substance and can withstand a blow from a masterwork sword with nary a scratch.
Rhyperior Guide
Rhyperior looks average on paper at 535 BST. But Lightning Rod is why it sees play. Build around that and it pulls its weight. B-Tier wallbreaker on our tier list.
Rhyperior'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, Rhyperior won't outrun any of these threats so switching to a resist is usually the safer play.
Rhyperior is obtained by trade-evolving Rhydon. Catch or evolve a Rhydon first, then 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.
Rhyperior gets Lightning Rod, Solid Rock, and Reckless. But Lightning Rod is the one that matters. It's the centerpiece of every viable set. Build around that. On wall sets, Lightning Rod pairs with Rhyperior's base 130 Defense to absorb physical hits on the switch.
Rhyperior is a physical attacker with base 140 Attack. Tanky enough to absorb a few hits, too. Speed tells the real story. Base 40 Speed is low. Priority moves or Trick Room are the way to go. Fits the wallbreaker role.
Game Availability
Since Diamond & Pearl, Rhyperior has been in 13 games. Requiring a trade evolution to obtain means it's consistently available but requires more effort than simply catching it in the wild.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1RB
Red & Blue - Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 2GS
Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 3FRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 4DPDebut
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