Shellder is technically a pre-evolution of Cloyster, but it can still hold its own in battle. Only weak to Electric and Grass. Flexible enough to run physical or special sets. Been around since Gen 1.
Shellder's spread isn't flashy. Defense leads, HP trails, 1 stats clear the bar. Common in the wild and worth 1 Defense stat exp, on a slow 1.25M XP grind.
Its hard shell repels any kind of attack. It is vulnerable only when its shell is open.
Shellder Weakness
AvgType-wise, Shellder takes extra damage from Electric and Grass. Its Water typing keeps the defensive matchups simple. Shellder's physical bulk (base 100 Def) helps cushion physical weakness hits, but special attackers are the bigger threat.
- Only 15 types exist — Dark, Steel, and Fairy are absent
- Ghost has no effect on Psychic (a known bug, fixed in Gen II)
- Special stat governs both offense and defense — no Sp.Atk / Sp.Def split
Shellder starts a line toward Cloyster. Can't breed this Water type (325 stats), so keep the evolution path going. Evolving adds up to 200 stat points total.
How to Evolve
Best Build
Gen 1 build content has limited support (no abilities, held items, or natures).
Try selecting a different game/generation filter, or check back later.
TMs define Shellder's movepool. The natural moves cover basics with Surf and Bubble Beam, but the real versatility comes from technical machines giving it Normal and Ice coverage. That's where the options open up.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Shellder's scattered across 25 spots in early-game fishing spots with high spawn rates. Check the list below for the closest location to wherever you are in the game. This one's quick.
Best Locations
fishing and walking encounters for Shellder across 25 spots at Lv. 15-33. The catch is that Red and Blue don't share every location, so compare what's available in your version.
Shellder isn't fully evolved, so it's not built for competitive play. You'll want to evolve it into Cloyster to unlock its full potential. At 325 BST, it's a stepping stone rather than a team anchor.
Shellder evolves into Cloyster using a Water Stone. Shellder is the base form of this evolutionary line.
Shellder fills the balanced role. It's a special attacker with base 45 Special. Base 40 Speed is low. Priority moves or Trick Room are the way to go.
Shellder appears in 20 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
Shellder has been part of the series since Red & Blue, appearing in 20 titles across all 9 generations. As a Gen 1 original, it's one of the most consistently available Pokemon in the franchise.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen IIGS
Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen IIIFRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen IIIE
Emerald - Gen IVPt
Platinum - Gen IVHGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen IVDP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen VBW
Black & White - Gen VB2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen VIXY
X & Y - Gen VIORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen VIIUSUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen VIISM
Sun & Moon - Gen VIILGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen VIIISwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A