Sketch copies any move permanently, making Smeargle the most flexible S-Tier lead in Platinum. Spore, Stealth Rock, and Explosion set up hazards and guarantee sleep on turn one.
Ability 1Own TempoAbility 1Prevents confusion.Ability 2TechnicianAbility 2Strengthens moves of 60 base power or less to 1.5× their power.
250HP55Attack20Defense35Speed75Sp.Def45Sp.Atk20
Weak to
Physical
Hazard Setter
75Speed · Below Avg

Is Smeargle Good in Platinum Playthrough?

Routes 208 and 212 via PokeRadar, postgame. AbilityOwn Tempo prevents confusion. Smeargle's Sketch lets it copy any move in the game, but the stats are too weak to use most of them effectively. A breeding utility, not a fighter.

StrongGoodEvenToughBadBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBRoarkGym 1GardeniaGym 2SmeargleCatchableFantinaGym 3MayleneGym 4Crasher WakeGym 5ByronGym 6CandiceGym 7VolknerGym 8AaronE4BerthaE4FlintE4LucianE4JupiterBossMarsBossSaturnBossCynthiaChamp*
Roark
Gym 1
Bad

Roark's Pokemon outpace and outclass Smeargle here.

Avoid
Geodude
Lv 12
RockGround
Rock Head
Stealth RockRock Throw
Avoid
Onix
Lv 12
RockGround
Rock Head
Stealth RockRock ThrowScreech
Avoid
Cranidos
Lv 14
Rock
Mold Breaker
HeadbuttPursuitLeer
Gardenia
Gym 2
Bad

Gardenia's Pokemon outpace and outclass Smeargle here.

Avoid
Turtwig
Lv 20
Grass
Overgrow
Grass KnotRazor LeafSunny DayReflect
Avoid
Cherrim
Lv 20
Grass
Flower Gift
Grass KnotLeech SeedMagical LeafSafeguard
Avoid
Roserade
Lv 22
GrassPoison
Natural Cure
Grass KnotMagical LeafPoison StingStun Spore
Fantina
Gym 3
Bad

Fantina's Pokemon outpace and outclass Smeargle here.

Avoid
Duskull
Lv 24
Ghost
Levitate
Will O WispPursuitShadow SneakFuture Sight
Avoid
Haunter
Lv 24
GhostPoison
Levitate
Shadow ClawSucker PunchHypnosisConfuse Ray
Avoid
Mismagius
Lv 26
Ghost
Levitate
Shadow BallPsybeamMagical LeafConfuse Ray
Maylene
Gym 4
Bad

Maylene's Pokemon outpace and outclass Smeargle here.

Avoid
Meditite
Lv 28
FightingPsychic
Pure Power
Drain PunchConfusionRock TombFake Out
Avoid
Machoke
Lv 29
Fighting
Guts
Karate ChopRock TombStrengthFocus Energy
Avoid
Lucario
Lv 32
FightingSteel
Steadfast
Drain PunchForce PalmMetal ClawBone Rush
Crasher Wake
Gym 5
Bad

Crasher Wake's Pokemon outpace and outclass Smeargle here.

Avoid
Gyarados
Lv 33
WaterFlying
Intimidate
WaterfallBrineBiteTwister
Avoid
Quagsire
Lv 34
WaterGround
Damp
Mud ShotRock TombWater PulseYawn
Avoid
Floatzel
Lv 37
Water
Swift Swim
BrineIce FangCrunchAqua Jet
Byron
Gym 6
Bad

Byron's Pokemon outpace and outclass Smeargle here.

Avoid
Magneton
Lv 37
ElectricSteel
Magnet Pull
Flash CannonThunderboltTri AttackMetal Sound
Avoid
Steelix
Lv 38
SteelGround
Rock Head
Flash CannonIce FangEarthquakeSandstorm
Avoid
Bastiodon
Lv 41
RockSteel
Sturdy
Metal BurstStone EdgeIron DefenseTaunt
Candice
Gym 7
Bad

Candice's Pokemon outpace and outclass Smeargle here.

Avoid
Sneasel
Lv 40
DarkIce
Inner Focus
SlashAerial AceFeint AttackIce Shard
Avoid
Piloswine
Lv 40
IceGround
Oblivious
AvalancheStone EdgeEarthquakeHail
Avoid
Abomasnow
Lv 42
GrassIce
Snow Warning
AvalancheWood HammerWater PulseFocus Blast
Avoid
Froslass
Lv 44
IceGhost
Snow Cloak
BlizzardDouble TeamShadow BallPsychic
Volkner
Gym 8
Bad

Volkner's Pokemon outpace and outclass Smeargle here.

Avoid
Jolteon
Lv 46
Electric
Volt Absorb
Thunder WaveCharge BeamIron TailQuick Attack
Avoid
Raichu
Lv 46
Electric
Static
Charge BeamFocus BlastSignal BeamQuick Attack
Avoid
Luxray
Lv 48
Electric
Rivalry
Ice FangThunder FangCrunchFire Fang
Avoid
Electivire
Lv 50
Electric
Motor Drive
Thunder PunchFire PunchQuick AttackGiga Impact
Aaron
Elite Four
Bad

Aaron's Pokemon outpace and outclass Smeargle here.

Avoid
Yanmega
Lv 49
BugFlying
Speed Boost
Air SlashBug BuzzU TurnDouble Team
Avoid
Scizor
Lv 49
BugSteel
Swarm
Iron HeadX ScissorNight SlashQuick Attack
Avoid
Vespiquen
Lv 50
BugFlying
Pressure
Attack OrderDefend OrderHeal OrderPower Gem
Avoid
Heracross
Lv 51
BugFighting
Swarm
MegahornClose CombatNight SlashStone Edge
Avoid
Drapion
Lv 53
PoisonDark
Battle Armor
X ScissorCross PoisonIce FangAerial Ace
Bertha
Elite Four
Bad

Bertha's Pokemon outpace and outclass Smeargle here.

Avoid
Whiscash
Lv 50
WaterGround
Oblivious
Earth PowerAqua TailZen HeadbuttSandstorm
Avoid
Gliscor
Lv 53
GroundFlying
Hyper Cutter
EarthquakeIce FangFire FangThunder Fang
Avoid
Hippowdon
Lv 52
Ground
Sand Stream
EarthquakeStone EdgeCrunchYawn
Avoid
Golem
Lv 52
RockGround
Rock Head
EarthquakeFire PunchThunder PunchSandstorm
Avoid
Rhyperior
Lv 55
GroundRock
Lightning Rod
EarthquakeRock WreckerMegahornAvalanche
Flint
Elite Four
Bad

Flint's Pokemon outpace and outclass Smeargle here.

Avoid
Houndoom
Lv 52
DarkFire
Early Bird
FlamethrowerSludge BombDark PulseSunny Day
Avoid
Flareon
Lv 55
Fire
Flash Fire
OverheatGiga ImpactQuick AttackWill O Wisp
Avoid
Rapidash
Lv 53
Fire
Run Away
Flare BlitzSolar BeamBounceSunny Day
Avoid
Infernape
Lv 55
FireFighting
Blaze
Flare BlitzThunder PunchMach PunchEarthquake
Avoid
Magmortar
Lv 57
Fire
Flame Body
FlamethrowerThunderboltSolar BeamHyper Beam
Lucian
Elite Four
Bad

Lucian's Pokemon outpace and outclass Smeargle here.

Avoid
Mr Mime
Lv 53
Psychic
Soundproof
PsychicThunderboltReflectLight Screen
Avoid
Espeon
Lv 55
Psychic
Synchronize
PsychicShadow BallQuick AttackSignal Beam
Avoid
Bronzong
Lv 54
SteelPsychic
Levitate
PsychicGyro BallEarthquakeCalm Mind
Avoid
Alakazam
Lv 56
Psychic
Synchronize
PsychicEnergy BallFocus BlastRecover
Avoid
Gallade
Lv 59
PsychicFighting
Steadfast
Drain PunchPsycho CutLeaf BladeStone Edge
Jupiter
Commander
Bad

Jupiter's Pokemon outpace and outclass Smeargle here.

Avoid
Zubat
Lv 21
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Giga DrainWing AttackBite
Avoid
Skuntank
Lv 23
PoisonDark
Stench
Night SlashPoison GasScreechSmokescreen
Mars
Commander
Bad

Mars's Pokemon outpace and outclass Smeargle here.

Avoid
Golbat
Lv 38
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Air CutterBiteToxicSupersonic
Avoid
Bronzor
Lv 38
SteelPsychic
Levitate
Gyro BallExtrasensoryIron DefenseConfuse Ray
Avoid
Purugly
Lv 40
Normal
Thick Fat
SlashFeint AttackHypnosisFake Out
Saturn
Commander
Bad

Saturn's Pokemon outpace and outclass Smeargle here.

Avoid
Golbat
Lv 42
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Air CutterBitePoison FangConfuse Ray
Avoid
Bronzor
Lv 42
SteelPsychic
Levitate
Gyro BallExtrasensoryShadow BallConfuse Ray
Avoid
Toxicroak
Lv 44
PoisonFighting
Anticipation
Poison JabBrick BreakX ScissorFeint Attack
Cynthia
Champion
Bad

Cynthia's Pokemon outpace and outclass Smeargle here.

Avoid
Spiritomb
Lv 58
GhostDark
Pressure
Dark PulsePsychicSilver WindShadow Ball
Avoid
Roserade
Lv 58
GrassPoison
Natural Cure
Energy BallSludge BombToxicExtrasensory
Avoid
Togekiss
Lv 60
NormalFlying
Hustle
Air SlashAura SphereWater PulseShock Wave
Avoid
Lucario
Lv 60
FightingSteel
Steadfast
Aura SphereExtreme SpeedShadow BallStone Edge
Avoid
Milotic
Lv 58
Water
Marvel Scale
SurfIce BeamMirror CoatDragon Pulse
Avoid
Garchomp
Lv 62
DragonGround
Sand Veil
Dragon RushEarthquakeFlamethrowerGiga Impact

Catchable

Available after Badge 2
Type
Normal
Tier
S

Catch Smeargle on Route 208 (Poké Radar, Lv 18-20, common).

View Smeargle locations

Platinum Smeargle Locations

Smeargle turns up via the Poke Radar, common across two spots at levels 18 to 24. Work a chain to draw one out, and you will have a Pokemon whose only move is Sketch.

2 locations to catch Smeargle

Badge 3
Badge 4
Badge 5

How to Get Shiny Smeargle in Platinum

Smeargle only paints its way out of a Poké Radar chain on Route 208 and Route 212, so hold the chain to 40 for a 1 in 200 shiny. Compare Shiny Smeargle odds across every game

Normal vs Shiny
Normal Smeargle in PlatinumNormal
Shiny Smeargle in Platinum Shiny
Color ShiftWhitetoRed
Shiny TierC Tier Shiny

Shiny Smeargle Evolution

Does Not Evolve
Smeargle does not evolve
Single-stage PokemonView Full Evolution Chart

Platinum Shiny Smeargle Calculator

3 Methods
Fastest Path

The best route is PokeRadar Chain at full boosts, about 1 in 200 on each try. Tune it below.

Step 1 · Encounter Method3 in Platinum

PokeRadar Chain: Chain shaking-grass patches without breaking the combo. The rate peaks at a chain of 40.

Masuda Method: Breed with a parent from a different-language game. Works on any breedable line.

Full Odds: Walk through grass, surf, or fish. Every encounter is its own independent shiny roll.

Step 2 · Boost Your Oddstap to add
00

How many you have done, or plan to do.

120,000
Shiny Odds Per Try1 / 200PokeRadar Chain
Chance By Now50.2%at 139 encountersAbout 5 in 10 hunters have one by now
What To Expect
ChanceEncountersTime
10%lucky few22----
25%one in four58----
50%coin flip139----
90%very likely460----
How is this calculated?

Every encounter has the same shiny chance, the Shiny Odds Per Try shown above. Each one is a separate roll that does not care how many you have already done, so the more you hunt, the higher your overall chance of at least one shiny. The formula below turns your odds and your number of tries into that combined chance.

chance after N tries = 1 − (1 − p)^N,  where  p = 1 / odds per try

Example at 1 in 8,192 (classic full odds): about 864 encounters for a 10 percent chance, 5,678 for 50 percent, and 18,862 for 90 percent.

The table above flips that around: it shows how many encounters it takes to reach a 10, 25, 50, and 90 percent chance at your current odds. Turning on boosts like the Shiny Charm, sandwiches, or chains improves your odds, so the encounter numbers drop.

These are estimates, not promises. Most games have no pity counter, meaning no guaranteed shiny no matter how many you hunt, so even Very Likely is not guaranteed: some hunters find one early, others go well past that point.

Where these shiny odds come from: Read our full methodology

Want exact numbers for your session? Calculate your shiny odds in Platinum with Smeargle preloaded.

Smeargle Weakness

Smeargle's Normal typing leaves it vulnerable to Fighting. It shrugs off Ghost-type attacks completely. Just 1 weak spot to worry about, which keeps teambuilding straightforward.

Smeargle Weakness and Resistance Chart
DamageTypes
2x (Weak)Fighting
0x (Immune)Ghost
Gen IV Type Chart
  • Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
  • Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)

What is Smeargle Weak Against

Good
1Weak
0Resist
1Immune
Score+1
4xCritical
None
2xWeak
½xResist
None
¼xResist
None
0xImmune

What is Smeargle Strong Against

0Strong
2Resisted
1Immune
Score-3
2xStrong
None
½xResisted
0xImmune

Best Pokemon Against Smeargle

Gallade
Gallade
PsychicFighting
B
Heracross
Heracross
BugFighting
B
Monferno
Monferno
FireFighting
C
Machop
Machop
Fighting
C
Meditite
Meditite
FightingPsychic
C

Smeargle Evolutions

Smeargle doesn't evolve, so breeding's where the action is. You'll find a massive partner pool across one egg group, and eggs take an average time to hatch. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.

How to Evolve

No Evolution
Smeargle
#235Smeargle
Does not evolve

Breeding

Very Easy

Breed Smeargle easily with 131 breeding partners from the Field egg group.

Egg Groups
Field
Gender
♂50.0%♀50.0%
Hatch Time
20 cycles·5,140 steps
Quick~5 min with Flame Body
Breed With (best first)
raichupikachunidokinggolduckampharosrhydondewgongarbokquagsirenidorinofarfetchdflaaffy

Pt Smeargle Best Moveset

Every move in the game through MoveSketch means the moveset can do literally anything. MoveSpore for 100% sleep, MoveStealth Rock for hazards, then use the free turn of sleep to set up. No offensive stats, pure disruption.

Best Build

Experimental
Support
Ability
Own Tempo
Item
Focus SashSURVIVAL
Best Nature for Smeargle
Jolly+SPE

Smeargle best EVs are Attack and Speed

EVs

Support Moveset

  • SporeUtility
  • Stealth Rock
  • ExplosionSTAB
  • SpikesHazard

Moves List

Not a lot to pick from. Smeargle gets Normal STAB for same-type damage, and limited coverage rounds things out. You're building around what's available rather than choosing from a deep bench.

Level-Up Moves

Lv 1
Sketch
———1Normal
Lv 11
Sketch
———1Normal
Lv 21
Sketch
———1Normal
Lv 31
Sketch
———1Normal
Lv 41
Sketch
———1Normal
Lv 51
Sketch
———1Normal
Lv 61
Sketch
———1Normal
Lv 71
Sketch
———1Normal
Lv 81
Sketch
———1Normal
Lv 91
Sketch
———1Normal

TM Moves

Smeargle can't learn any TM moves

Egg Moves

Smeargle doesn't have any Egg moves

Tutor Moves

Smeargle can't learn any Tutor moves

Base Stats

Base Stats
Below
HP55
D
Attack20
F
Defense35
F
Sp. Atk20
F
Sp. Def45
D
Speed75
C
Total250
Details
Catch Rate
Challenging45 / 255
Growth Rate
Fast800,000 XP
Height1.2 m
Weight58.0 kg
Base XP88
Abilities
Own Tempo
Prevents confusion.
Technician
Strengthens moves of 60 base power or less to 1.5× their power.
EV Yield
HPAtkDefSpASpDSpe+1
Speed training source
Pokedex Entry

It marks its territory by using its tail like a paintbrush. There are more than 5,000 different marks.

Pokemon Platinum

Smeargle Platinum Guide

  • For Platinum, go for it. Smeargle rates S-Tier, and its Normal typing handles most of what the story throws at you.

  • In Platinum, use Smeargle as a hazard setter. Physical side carries the damage. Speed is middling, Explosion is the primary attack.

  • For Platinum, run Jolly on Smeargle. +Speed is what matters, and the -Sp. Atk cut doesn't hurt this set. Fits the hazard setter role.

  • For Platinum, build your team around Gyarados, Dragonite, and Scizor. These have the highest co-usage rates with Smeargle in competitive formats. They cover each other's weaknesses.

Game Availability

Available in 16 titles since its debut in Gold & Silver, Smeargle spans 8 generations of Pokemon games. It's accessible through wild encounters in most mainline games.

Explore

Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Want to tell us more?
What was most useful?
What could be improved?
Thanks for your feedback