Is Slowpoke Good in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl Playthrough?
Shining Pearl Underground catch. Slowbro is a bulky Water/Psychic that handles Maylene and contributes against Bertha. Extremely slow, so it takes hits before acting. Patience required.
Slowpoke has the type edge here and should clean up Roark's team.
Slowpoke trades roughly evenly with Gardenia's team.
Slowpoke trades roughly evenly with Maylene's team.
Slowking has the type edge here and should clean up Maylene's team.
Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Maylene:
Crasher Wake's team hits Slowpoke's weaknesses hard.
Slowking trades roughly evenly with Crasher Wake's team.
Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Crasher Wake:
Slowpoke trades roughly evenly with Fantina's team.
Slowking has the type edge here and should clean up Fantina's team.
Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Fantina:
Slowbro has the type edge here and should clean up Byron's team.
Slowking has the type edge here and should clean up Byron's team.
Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Byron:
Slowbro trades roughly evenly with Candice's team.
Slowking has the type edge here and should clean up Candice's team.
Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Candice:
Slowbro trades roughly evenly with Volkner's team.
Slowking trades roughly evenly with Volkner's team.
Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Volkner:
Slowbro has the type edge here and should clean up Aaron's team.
Slowking has the type edge here and should clean up Aaron's team.
Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Aaron:
Slowbro has the type edge here and should clean up Bertha's team.
Slowking has the type edge here and should clean up Bertha's team.
Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Bertha:
Slowbro has the type edge here and should clean up Flint's team.
Slowking has the type edge here and should clean up Flint's team.
Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Flint:
Slowbro trades roughly evenly with Lucian's team.
Slowking trades roughly evenly with Lucian's team.
Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Lucian:
Slowbro trades roughly evenly with Cynthia's team.
Slowking trades roughly evenly with Cynthia's team.
Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Cynthia:
Catch Slowpoke on Route 205 (Poké Radar, Lv 11-12, common).
Your Slowpoke should hit Level 37 before you reach Byron, at typical leveling pace.
Most players are ready to trade before reaching Byron.
How to Get Slowpoke in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl
Slowpoke starts showing up in early-game routes at decent spawn rates across 9 encounter spots. The list below is sorted so you can pick what fits your current progress without scrolling through everything.
Where To Catch Slowpoke in BDSP
Slowpoke is your first catch on the way to Slowpoke. You'll find walking and special encounters from Lv. 11-63 across 9 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Slowpoke ✓Route 205 - NorthLv.11-12Using PokeRadarShining PearlRate 22%Dazzling CaveLv.58-63CaveShining PearlPost-gameFountainspring CaveLv.58-63CaveShining PearlPost-gameGrassland CaveLv.58-63CaveShining PearlPost-gameRiverbank CaveLv.58-63CaveShining PearlPost-gameSpacious CaveLv.58-63CaveShining PearlPost-gameStargleam CavernLv.58-63CaveShining PearlPost-gameStill-Water CavernLv.58-63CaveShining PearlPost-gameSunlit CavernLv.58-63CaveShining PearlPost-gameAvailable in-game· 2 pathsPick one
Slowpoke Weakness
Slowpoke's Water/Psychic typing leaves it vulnerable to Electric, Grass, Bug, Ghost, and Dark. With 6 resistances, the defensive profile is strong. Slowpoke's physical bulk (base 65 Def) helps cushion physical weakness hits, but special attackers are the bigger threat.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Electric, Grass, Bug, Ghost, Dark |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Fire, Water, Ice, Fighting, Psychic, Steel |
What is Slowpoke Weak Against
VulnerableBest Pokemon Against Slowpoke
 Kricketune Bug | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Slowpoke View Kricketune builds →X-Scissor 2x72-85% Absorb 2x15-19% | ||
 Budew GrassPoison | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Slowpoke View Budew builds →Energy Ball 2x75-91% Shadow Ball 2x43-53% | ||
 Shinx Electric | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Slowpoke View Shinx builds →Volt Switch 2x53-62% Bite 2x32-38% | ||
 Surskit BugWater | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Slowpoke View Surskit builds →Shadow Ball 2x43-53% Giga Drain 2x43-53% Thief 2x21-26% | ||
 Beautifly Bug | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Slowpoke View Beautifly builds →Bug Buzz 2x127-150%KO Energy Ball 2x84-100%KO Shadow Ball 2x75-89% Thief 2x32-39% | ||
Kricketune Bug | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Slowpoke View Kricketune builds →X-Scissor 2x77-91% Absorb 2x14-18% | ||
 Luxio Electric | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Slowpoke View Luxio builds →Thunderbolt 2x91-107%KO Bite 2x39-46% | ||
 Pachirisu Electric | C | |
 Electrike Electric | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Slowpoke View Electrike builds →Thunderbolt 2x95-113%KO Snarl 2x41-50% | ||
 Masquerain Bug | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Slowpoke View Masquerain builds →Bug Buzz 2x126-149%KO Solar Beam 2x110-130%KO Shadow Ball 2x74-87% Thief 2x27-33% | ||
 Luxray Electric | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Slowpoke View Luxray builds →Thunderbolt 2x120-143%KO Bite 2x48-56% | ||
 Manectric Electric | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Slowpoke View Manectric builds →Thunderbolt 2x131-154%KO Snarl 2x54-64% | ||
Kricketune Bug | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Slowpoke View Kricketune builds →X-Scissor 2x71-84% Absorb 2x13-16% | ||
Beautifly Bug | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Slowpoke View Beautifly builds →Bug Buzz 2x126-149%KO Solar Beam 2x110-130%KO Shadow Ball 2x74-87% Thief 2x31-37% | ||
Masquerain Bug | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Slowpoke View Masquerain builds →Bug Buzz 2x126-149%KO Solar Beam 2x110-130%KO Shadow Ball 2x74-87% Thief 2x27-33% | ||
 Absol Dark | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Slowpoke View Absol builds →Night Slash 2x88-105%KO X-Scissor 2x66-78% Shadow Claw 2x59-70% Thunderbolt 2x67-80% | ||
Luxray Electric | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Slowpoke View Luxray builds →Thunderbolt 2x120-143%KO Bite 2x48-56% | ||
Manectric Electric | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Slowpoke View Manectric builds →Thunderbolt 2x131-154%KO Snarl 2x54-64% | ||
Kricketune Bug | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Slowpoke View Kricketune builds →X-Scissor 2x71-84% Absorb 2x13-16% | ||
Masquerain Bug | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Slowpoke View Masquerain builds →Bug Buzz 2x124-146%KO Solar Beam 2x109-129%KO Shadow Ball 2x74-88% Thief 2x28-33% | ||
Absol Dark | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Slowpoke View Absol builds →Night Slash 2x86-102%KO X-Scissor 2x65-78% Shadow Claw 2x57-68% Thunderbolt 2x65-78% | ||
Luxray Electric | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Slowpoke View Luxray builds →Thunderbolt 2x117-139%KO Bite 2x46-55% | ||
Manectric Electric | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Slowpoke View Manectric builds →Thunderbolt 2x128-151%KO Snarl 2x53-63% | ||
Kricketune Bug | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Slowpoke View Kricketune builds →X-Scissor 2x69-82% Absorb 2x14-17% | ||
 Magnezone ElectricSteel | B | |
 Roselia GrassPoison | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Slowpoke View Roselia builds →Solar Beam 2x160-188%KO Shadow Ball 2x71-84% | ||
Masquerain Bug | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Slowpoke View Masquerain builds →Bug Buzz 2x121-142%KO Solar Beam 2x106-125%KO Shadow Ball 2x71-84% Thief 2x27-32% | ||
Absol Dark | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Slowpoke View Absol builds →Night Slash 2x83-98% X-Scissor 2x63-75% Shadow Claw 2x56-66% Thunderbolt 2x63-75% | ||
 Skuntank PoisonDark | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Slowpoke View Skuntank builds →Sucker Punch 2x64-76% Shadow Claw 2x43-50% | ||
 Roserade GrassPoison | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Slowpoke View Roserade builds →Petal Dance 2x193-227%KO Shadow Ball 2x86-101%KO | ||
 Abomasnow GrassIce | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Slowpoke View Abomasnow builds →Solar Beam 2x149-176%KO Shadow Ball 2x66-79% | ||
Magnezone ElectricSteel | B | |
Masquerain Bug | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Slowpoke View Masquerain builds →Bug Buzz 2x120-141%KO Solar Beam 2x106-126%KO Shadow Ball 2x71-84% Thief 2x26-31% | ||
Skuntank PoisonDark | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Slowpoke View Skuntank builds →Sucker Punch 2x64-75% Shadow Claw 2x42-50% | ||
Roserade GrassPoison | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Slowpoke View Roserade builds →Petal Dance 2x193-227%KO Shadow Ball 2x86-101%KO | ||
Abomasnow GrassIce | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Slowpoke View Abomasnow builds →Solar Beam 2x149-176%KO Shadow Ball 2x66-79% | ||
Magnezone ElectricSteel | B | |
Masquerain Bug | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Slowpoke View Masquerain builds →Bug Buzz 2x120-141%KO Solar Beam 2x106-126%KO Shadow Ball 2x71-84% Thief 2x26-31% | ||
Skuntank PoisonDark | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Slowpoke View Skuntank builds →Sucker Punch 2x64-75% Shadow Claw 2x42-50% | ||
 Cacturne GrassDark | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Slowpoke View Cacturne builds →Solar Beam 2x182-215%KO Dark Pulse 2x122-144%KO Pin Missile 2x19-22% | ||
Roserade GrassPoison | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Slowpoke View Roserade builds →Petal Dance 2x195-230%KO Shadow Ball 2x87-103%KO | ||
Abomasnow GrassIce | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Slowpoke View Abomasnow builds →Wood Hammer 2x107-126%KO Shadow Ball 2x67-79% | ||
 Vileplume GrassPoison | C | |
Available Move Moves
Damage vs Slowpoke View Vileplume builds →Petal Dance 2x175-207%KO | ||
Magnezone ElectricSteel | B | |
In Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, Rillaboom's U-turn hits Slowpoke for 45-53%. Weavile deals 38-45% with Knock Off.
 Rillaboom Grass | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityGrassy Surge ItemChoice Band NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Slowpoke View Rillaboom builds →Knock Off 2x42-49% U Turn 2x45-53% | ||
 Volcarona BugFire | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityFlame Body ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureModest Moves
Damage vs Slowpoke View Volcarona builds →Psychic16-19% | ||
 Weavile DarkIce | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityPressure ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Slowpoke View Weavile builds →Knock Off 2x38-45% Ice Shard6-7% | ||
 Regieleki Electric | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityTransistor ItemChoice Specs NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Slowpoke View Regieleki builds →Volt Switch 2x83-98% Thunderbolt 2x107-126%KO Rapid Spin6-7% | ||
 Chandelure GhostFire | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityFlashfire ItemChoice Scarf NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Slowpoke View Chandelure builds →Shadow Ball 2x82-97% Energy Ball 2x62-73% Flamethrower23-27% Psychic15-18% | ||
Slowpoke Evolutions
From here, Slowpoke's line branches into Slowbro and Slowking. That's 2 possible evolutions, each with its own method. The evolved forms gain up to 175 total stats over Slowpoke. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
Breed Slowpoke easily with 63 breeding partners from the Monster and Water1 egg groups. Pass egg moves like Belch, Belly Drum, Block and 5 more to offspring.
BDSP Slowpoke Best Moveset
Hidden AbilityRegenerator healing a third of HP every switch gives this Water/Psychic pre-evo a tool that transforms the entire line. 90 HP across modest defenses can't use it competitively yet. The moveset waits for Slowbro where that regeneration plus real bulk reach S-tier.
Best Build
Slowpoke best EVs are HP and Defense
Wall Moveset
- Toxic
- Trick Room
- Slack Off
- Yawn
Moves List
The natural movepool does the job, but Belch and Belly Drum from the egg pool give Slowpoke something extra. Pair those with Future Sight and Dream Eater for STAB and coverage across 8 types for reach, and the kit fills out nicely.
How to Read the Moves Table
Tabs
- Level-Up
- Learned by leveling up.
- TM
- Taught by a Technical Machine.
- Egg
- Inherited via breeding.
- Tutor
- NPC tutor (cost: items, BP, money).
- Reminder
- An NPC reteaches any move this Pokemon could have learned by leveling up.
- Transfer
- Carried over from an older game using Pokemon HOME.
- Event
- Given out through Mystery Gift events.
Visual Signals
CAT (Category)
How the move deals damage and which stats it uses.
A small dot on the icon's corner marks the move as contact. That triggers abilities like Static, Flame Body, Rough Skin, or Iron Barbs, plus items like Rocky Helmet and Sticky Barb.
Tier (S to D)
Each move's competitive rank in RankedBoost's system. TM, Egg, and Tutor sort by tier by default (best first). On Level-Up, click the Tier header to do the same.
PWR (Power)
Base damage. Numbers shown in a type color include STAB (base × 1.5). Hover any colored number to see the math.
— means no power (status moves) or variable power.
Sorting & Filter
Click any column header to sort. Level-Up opens with Lv 1 at the top. TM, Egg, and Tutor open with the highest-tier moves at the top.
Search filters by move name or type. The Filter button limits the list to STAB, Physical, Special, or Status moves.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Base Stats
Although slow, it is skilled at fishing with its tail. It does not feel pain if its tail is bitten.
Slowpoke Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl Guide
No. Slowpoke only evolves into Slowking through a real trade. There is no in-game alternative in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl. Trade needs a Game Boy Advance link cable and a second GBA running another Gen 3 game (FireRed, LeafGreen, Ruby, Sapphire, or Emerald). Trade Slowpoke to a friend, then have them trade it back. The 2026 Switch re-release supports the same trade through local wireless on the Pokemon Center 2F Wireless Club, with no cables required. The Kings Rock must be held during the trade. Bring one over from a sibling Gen 3 game if needed.
For Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, you can run Slowpoke through the first few routes without issues. 315 BST won't carry you far though. Get it to Slowbro as fast as you can.
Slowpoke has an Galarian form that swaps the typing and reshuffles the stats. Introduced in Gen 8. Worth checking if the original version doesn't fit your team.
Game Availability
Since debuting in Red & Blue, Slowpoke has appeared in 21 titles over 10 generations. Along the way, it received a Galarian form in Generation 8, keeping it relevant across different competitive metas.
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 8SwShGalarian
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