Shellder Best Moveset
Water at 100 Defense and 65 Attack with 40 Speed. AbilitySkill Link guarantees multi-hit moves hit 5 times, but at pre-evolution Attack the damage barely registers. The moveset exists to evolve. Cloyster with Skill Link and MoveShell Smash is the entire point.
Shellder was a niche pick at best in Gen I (Red, Blue & Yellow), rarely seen in standard play. This marked Shellder's competitive debut. A key development: had a combined Special stat of 45.
Utility Moveset
- Clamp
- Surf
- Explosion
- Blizzard
Recommended Teammates
Shellder was a niche pick at best in Gen II (Gold, Silver & Crystal), rarely seen in standard play. Shellder maintained its position from the previous generation.
Utility Moveset
- Surf
- Icy Wind
- Explosion
- Clamp
Recommended Teammates
Shellder was a niche pick at best in Gen III (Ruby, Sapphire & Emerald), rarely seen in standard play. Shellder maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Shellarmor with Sitrus Berry, favoring a Bold nature.
Bulky Support Moveset
- Explosion
- Surf
- Rapid Spin
- Icy Wind
Recommended Teammates
Shellder saw minimal competitive use in Gen IV (Diamond, Pearl & Platinum). This was Shellder's competitive peak. Its most popular set ran Skilllink with Choice Scarf, favoring a Naive nature.
Best Moves
Best Build
Shellder best EVs are Attack and Speed
Physical Revenge Killer Moveset
- Rock Blast
- Explosion
- Icicle Spear
- Rapid Spin
Recommended Teammates
Shellder was a niche pick at best in Gen V (Black & White / B2W2), rarely seen in standard play. This was a decline from E-Tier in the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Skilllink with Eviolite, favoring a Naughty nature.
Physical Sweeper Moveset
- Shell Smash
- Rapid Spin
- Rock Blast
- Icicle Spear
Recommended Teammates
Shellder was a niche pick at best in Gen VI (X & Y / ORAS), rarely seen in standard play. Shellder maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Skilllink with White Herb, favoring a Hardy nature.
Physical Tank Moveset
- Hydro Pump
- Icicle Spear
- Shell Smash
- Rock Blast
Recommended Teammates
Shellder was a niche pick at best in Gen VII (Sun & Moon / USUM), rarely seen in standard play. Shellder maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Skilllink with Focus Sash, favoring a Adamant nature.
Physical Sweeper Moveset
- Icicle Spear
- Rock Blast
- Shell Smash
- Explosion
Recommended Teammates
Shellder was a niche pick at best in Gen VIII (Sword & Shield / BDSP), rarely seen in standard play. Shellder maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Skilllink with Kingsrock, favoring a Hardy nature.
Special Sweeper Moveset
- Icicle Spear
- Explosion
- Double Edge
- Facade
Recommended Teammates
Shellder was a niche pick at best in Gen IX (Scarlet & Violet / Legends Z-A), rarely seen in standard play. Shellder maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Overcoat with Eviolite, favoring a Bold nature.
Hazard Setter Moveset
- Toxic Spikes
- Spikes
- Aqua Ring
- Life Dew
Recommended Teammates
Shellder Weakness
Type-wise, Shellder takes extra damage from Electric and Grass. It resists 4 types, giving it decent defensive coverage. Shellder's physical bulk (base 100 Def) helps cushion physical weakness hits, but special attackers are the bigger threat.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Electric, Grass |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Fire, Water, Ice, Steel |
What is Shellder Weak Against
GoodBest Pokemon Against Shellder
Glimmet's Sludge Bomb hits Shellder for 46-54%.
C | ||
Recommended Build AbilityToxicdebris ItemEviolite NatureBold Moves
Damage vs Shellder View Glimmet builds →Sludge Bomb46-54% | ||
C | ||
Recommended Build AbilityStamina ItemEviolite NatureCareful Moves
Damage vs Shellder View Mudbray builds →Earthquake13-16% | ||
C | ||
Recommended Build AbilityRegenerator ItemEviolite NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Shellder View Mienfoo builds →Knock Off11-13% U Turn12-14% High Jump Kick21-25% | ||
D | ||
Recommended Build AbilityOvercoat ItemEviolite NatureBold Moves View Vullaby builds →
| ||
Recommended Build AbilitySlushrush ItemEviolite NatureHardy Moves View Sandshrew-Alola builds →
| ||
Evolution
Evolving Shellder into Cloyster takes an evolution item. It's not a simple level-up, so check the chain details below. Evolving adds up to 220 stat points total. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
Breed Shellder easily with 37 breeding partners from the Water3 egg group.
How to Get Shellder
Shellder's scattered across 54 spots in early-game routes with high spawn rates. Check the list below for the closest location to wherever you are in the game. This one's quick.
Where To Catch Shellder in SV
To get Shellder, start by catching Shellder through walking encounters at Lv. 15-65. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Shellder ✓Casseroya Lake - BeachLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%Casseroya Lake - OceanLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%East Paldean Sea - BeachLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%East Paldean Sea - OceanLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%East Province (Area One) - BeachLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%East Province (Area One) - OceanLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%East Province (Area Three) - OceanLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%East Province (Area Two) - BeachLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%East Province (Area Two) - OceanLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%Glaseado MountainLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%North Paldean Sea - OceanLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%North Province (Area One) - BeachLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%North Province (Area One) - OceanLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%North Province (Area Three) - BeachLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%North Province (Area Three) - OceanLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%South Paldean Sea - OceanLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%South Province (Area Five) - BeachLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%South Province (Area Five) - OceanLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%South Province (Area Four) - OceanLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%South Province (Area One) - BeachLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%South Province (Area One) - OceanLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%South Province (Area Six) - OceanLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%West Paldean Sea - OceanLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%West Province (Area One) - BeachLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%West Province (Area One) - OceanLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%West Province (Area Two) - BeachLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%West Province (Area Two) - OceanLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%
Step 2Catch or Evolve into CloysterCasseroya Lake - OceanLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%East Paldean Sea - OceanLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%East Province (Area One) - OceanLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%East Province (Area Three) - OceanLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%East Province (Area Two) - OceanLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%Glaseado MountainLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%North Paldean Sea - OceanLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%North Province (Area One) - OceanLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%North Province (Area Three) - OceanLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%South Paldean Sea - OceanLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%South Province (Area Five) - OceanLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%South Province (Area Four) - OceanLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%South Province (Area One) - OceanLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%South Province (Area Six) - OceanLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%West Paldean Sea - OceanLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%West Province (Area One) - OceanLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%West Province (Area Two) - OceanLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%or evolve from Shellder (Step 1)
moderate rates across 12 locations for Shellder in mid-game routes. Scroll the sorted list below and pick whichever spot sits closest to your current route. The rate differences between locations are worth comparing.
Where To Catch Shellder in BDSP
The path to Shellder starts with Shellder at Lv. 20-63 via walking and fishing encounters. 1 catchable stage total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Shellder ✓Fuego IronworksLv.20-40Super RodRate 5%Route 205 - SouthLv.20-40Super RodRate 5%Valley WindworksLv.20-40Super RodRate 5%Fountainspring CaveLv.58-63CavePost-gameRiverbank CaveLv.58-63CavePost-gameStill-Water CavernLv.58-63CavePost-game
Step 2Evolve into Cloyster
high spawn rates in early-game water routes across 28 locations. Shellder's one of the easier catches on the list. Two different catch methods are in play here. Knock it out fast and save your time for harder targets.
Where To Catch Shellder in SwSh
To get Shellder, start by catching Shellder through surfing and fishing encounters at Lv. 8-43. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Shellder ✓East Lake AxewellLv.8-12Super RodRate 20%Giant's SeatLv.30-35Super RodRate 60%Courageous CavernLv.16-21Super RodRate 40%Loop LagoonLv.19-24Super RodRate 40%East Lake AxewellLv.40-43Surfing on waterRate 45%RainingEast Lake AxewellLv.40-43Surfing on waterRate 30%SandstormWest Lake AxewellLv.38-40Surfing on waterRate 25%SnowingEast Lake AxewellLv.40-43Surfing on waterRate 20%SnowingEast Lake AxewellLv.40-43Surfing on waterRate 15%Normal WeatherEast Lake AxewellLv.40-43Surfing on waterRate 15%OvercastEast Lake AxewellLv.40-43Surfing on waterRate 10%Intense SunEast Lake AxewellLv.40-43Surfing on waterRate 10%ThunderstormEast Lake AxewellLv.40-43Surfing on waterRate 5%SnowstormEast Lake AxewellLv.40-43Surfing on waterRate 5%Heavy Fog
Step 2Catch or Evolve into CloysterCourageous CavernLv.16-21Super RodRate 10%Loop LagoonLv.19-24Super RodRate 10%Giant's SeatLv.30-35Super RodRate 5%or evolve from Shellder (Step 1)
Shellder starts showing up in late-game water routes at high spawn rates across 4 encounter spots. The list below is sorted so you can pick what fits your current progress without scrolling through everything.
Where To Catch Shellder in LGPE
Shellder is your first catch on the way to Shellder. You'll find surfing encounters from Lv. 39-44 across 8 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Shellder ✓Seafoam Islands - Area 2Lv.39-44Surfing on waterRate 30%Seafoam Islands - Area 3Lv.39-44Surfing on waterRate 30%
Step 2Catch or Evolve into CloysterSeafoam Islands - Area 2Lv.39-44Surfing on waterRate 1%Seafoam Islands - Area 3Lv.39-44Surfing on waterRate 1%or evolve from Shellder (Step 1)
Base Stats
Shellder's spread isn't flashy. Defense leads, Sp. Def trails, 1 stats clear the bar. Common in the wild and worth 1 Defense EV, on a slow 1.25M XP grind.
It is encased in a shell that is harder than diamond. Inside, however, it is surprisingly tender.
Shellder Guide
Shellder does the job early-game if you need a Water type on your team. Evolve it into Cloyster before the later gyms and it holds up fine through the story.
Game Availability
Shellder has been part of the series since Red & Blue, appearing in 20 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