Shellder is technically a pre-evolution of Cloyster, but it holds its own in formats where Eviolite is allowed. 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, Sp. Def trails, 1 stats clear the bar. Common in the wild and worth 1 Defense EV, on a slow 1.25M XP grind.
The sand that accumulates inside its shell eventually becomes a pearl. But the pearl gets in the way, so it spits it out and discards it.
Even when its shell is closed, its tongue still hangs out. If you give its tongue a good yank, the shock will cause Shellder to open its shell.
Shellder Weakness
GoodType-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.
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.
How to Evolve
Breed Shellder easily from the Water3 egg group. Pass egg moves like Aqua Ring, Avalanche, Barrier and 9 more to offspring.
Best Build
No build content available for this Pokemon in Gen 7.
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The egg pool carries weight here. Aqua Ring and Avalanche aren't available any other way for Shellder, and they meaningfully change what it threatens. Stack those on top of Hydro Pump and Surf for solid options.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Transfer Moves
Shellder is available from early-game fishing spots onward at high spawn rates. 4 encounter spots give you plenty of options. Grab one early and it'll be ready to evolve or train by mid-game.
Best Locations
Catching Shellder here means fishing. All 4 encounters require Super Rod at Lv. 10-22, and there aren't any overworld spawns in this game.
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 305 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.
Shell Armor is the go-to ability for Shellder. It protects against critical hits. Its hidden ability Overcoat can work in specific setups. Skill Link is the other option — pick based on what your team needs.
Shellder fills the hazard setter role. It's leaning toward the physical side (base 65 Attack). Base 40 Speed is low. Priority moves or Trick Room are the way to go. And it's fragile — can't afford to take many hits.
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