Skrelp is technically a pre-evolution of Dragalge, but it holds its own in formats where Eviolite is allowed. Adaptability boosts same-type moves from 1.5x to 2x damage, adding extra value. Flexible enough to run physical or special sets.
Skrelp's spread isn't flashy. Attack leads, Speed trails, 0 stats clear the bar. Easy to catch and worth 1 Sp. Def EV, on a medium-fast 1M XP curve.
Skrelp evades its enemies by hiding amid drifting seaweed. It eats rotten seaweed to create its poison.
This Pokémon is a poor swimmer. If it’s caught in a fierce storm, it will sometimes get washed far away and become unable to return to its home.
Skrelp Weakness
GoodType-wise, Skrelp takes extra damage from Electric, Ground, and Psychic. 8 resistances give it solid defensive coverage on top of that.
Skrelp evolves into Dragalge. It's a two-stage chain with the method shown below. No compatible partners for breeding via two egg groups. Eggs are average hatch time. Evolving adds up to 174 stat points total.
How to Evolve
Breed Skrelp easily from the Dragon and Water1 egg groups.
Adaptability and Eviolite give Skrelp staying power beyond its evolution stage. Modest nature boosts Sp. Atk, a spread EV build EVs set the spread, and the pre-evolution bulk actually works here.
Best Build
Best Skrelp Moveset
- Flip Turn
- Sludge Bomb
- Surf
- Hydro Pump
Skrelp develops a solid moveset just through leveling. Sludge Bomb and Hydro Pump show up naturally, and the progression handles both STAB and utility without leaning on TMs for the core attacks.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Skrelp can't be caught in Legends: Z-A. Bring it over from Y, Omega Ruby, or Shield instead. The encounter info below covers the source games.
Skrelp isn't fully evolved, so it's not built for competitive play. You'll want to evolve it into Dragalge to unlock its full potential. At 320 BST, it's a stepping stone rather than a team anchor.
Skrelp evolves into Dragalge at level 48. Skrelp is the base form of this evolutionary line.
Run Adaptability on Skrelp. It's the ability that defines how you build around it and the main reason it holds a competitive niche. Skrelp also gets Poison Point and Poison Touch, but they don't compare.
Skrelp fills the balanced role. It's a special attacker with base 60 Sp. Atk. Base 30 Speed is low. Priority moves or Trick Room are the way to go.
Skrelp appears in 7 games, including X & Y, Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire, and Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon.
Introduced in X & Y, Skrelp has appeared in 7 games across 4 generations. Later debuts mean fewer total appearances, but it's been a consistent presence since its introduction.
- 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 VBW
Black & White - Gen VB2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen VIXYDebut
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