Shelmet is technically a pre-evolution of Accelgor, but it holds its own in formats where Eviolite is allowed. Only weak to Fire, Flying, and Rock. Introduced in Gen 5. Known as the Snail Pokemon.
Defense and Sp. Def carry most of Shelmet's stat budget. Speed's the obvious dump stat. Easy to catch and yields 1 Defense EV. Follows a medium-fast 1M XP curve.
When attacked, it defends itself by closing the lid of its shell. It can spit a sticky, poisonous liquid.
It evolves when bathed in an electric-like energy along with Karrablast. The reason is still unknown.
Shelmet Weakness
AvgShelmet is weak to Fire, Flying, and Rock-type moves. Standard number of weaknesses for the Bug typing.
- Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
- Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)
Shelmet doesn't evolve by leveling. You'll need a trade to push it forward to Accelgor. Evolving adds up to 190 stat points total.
How to Evolve
Breed Shelmet easily with 64 breeding partners from the Bug egg group. Pass egg moves like Baton Pass, Double-Edge, Encore and 7 more to offspring.
Best Build
No build content available for this Pokemon in Gen 5.
Try selecting a different game/generation filter, or check back later.
Breeding opens up real options for Shelmet. Baton Pass and Double-Edge come exclusively from egg moves, and they're worth the effort. The rest of the kit covers basics through Bug Buzz and Leech Life and Poison and Normal coverage and more.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Shelmet starts showing up in mid-game routes at high spawn rates across 6 encounter spots. The list below is sorted so you can pick what fits your current progress without scrolling through everything.
Best Locations
You can catch Shelmet through 6 walking encounters from Lv. 30-33, but availability differs between Black and White. Some spots are exclusive to one version.
Shelmet is meant to evolve into Accelgor. At 305 BST, the stats aren't there for competitive play yet. Pre-evolution Pokemon rarely hold up against fully evolved threats.
Shelmet evolves into Accelgor by trading. Shelmet is the base form of this evolutionary line.
Hydration is the go-to ability for Shelmet. It cures any major status ailment after each turn during rain. Its hidden ability Overcoat can work in specific setups. Shell Armor is the other option — pick based on what your team needs.
Base 25 Speed is low. Priority moves or Trick Room are the way to go. On offense, Shelmet is leaning toward the physical side (base 40 Attack). Defensively? Enough bulk to take a hit or two.
Shelmet appears in 7 games, including Black & White, Black 2 & White 2, and X & Y.
Shelmet joined the series in Black & White and has been available in 7 titles so far. With 5 generations of appearances, it's established itself despite the later start.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRB
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 VBWDebut
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