Stantler is technically a pre-evolution of Wyrdeer, but it holds its own in formats where Eviolite is allowed. Intimidate lowers the opponent's Attack on switch-in, adding extra value. Known as the Big Horn Pokemon. A competitive option since Gen 2.
Stantler's built around mixed offense. Attack leads the charge, Defense pays for it. Tough to catch, worth 1 Attack EV. Follows a slow 1.25M XP grind.
Its strangely shaped antlers have the power to bewitch those who see them. Medicine made by grinding up the black orbs from fallen antlers is an effective treatment for insomnia.
Stantler Weakness
GoodType-wise, Stantler takes extra damage from Fighting. Ghost moves do nothing thanks to a full immunity. Sap Sipper grants an additional Grass immunity, reshaping the matchup chart. Stantler leans offensive (base 95 Atk) rather than trying to tank its weaknesses.
Evolving Stantler into Wyrdeer takes an evolution item. It's not a simple level-up, so check the chain details below. Evolving adds up to 60 stat points total.
How to Evolve
Breed Stantler easily with 69 breeding partners from the Ground egg group.
The Sash lets Stantler ignore defensive shortcomings for one turn. Use that turn to deal early damage, and Intimidate squeezes extra value from the position. Max Defense and Speed EVs push damage output.
Best Build
Legends: Arceus uses different battle mechanics.
Competitive build content is not applicable for this game. Select a main series game for builds.
Stantler's movepool balances level-up moves with TM options. Consistent STAB comes from Giga Impact and Double-Edge, and coverage across 7 types keeps opponents from switching in for free. No major gaps here.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Stantler appears at decent spawn rates across 3 spots in mid-game routes. Sort by Best below if you want the highest rate, or Earliest if you want the quickest access point in your playthrough.
Best Locations
Walking encounters at walking across 3 spots for Stantler. Sorted by progression so you can see what's reachable at your current point in the game.
Stantler isn't fully evolved, so it's not built for competitive play. You'll want to evolve it into Wyrdeer to unlock its full potential. At 465 BST, it's a stepping stone rather than a team anchor.
Stantler's biggest threats include Machamp (Fighting), all carrying super-effective STAB moves. Only 1 weakness means fewer dedicated counters to worry about.
Stantler evolves into Wyrdeer using a Psyshield Bash 20 Times In Agile Style. Stantler is the base form of this evolutionary line.
Run Intimidate on Stantler. It's the ability that defines how you build around it and the main reason it holds a competitive niche. Stantler also gets Frisk and Sap Sipper, but they don't compare.
Stantler fills the balanced role. It's a special attacker with base 85 Sp. Atk. Base 85 Speed is workable — faster than some, slower than many. And it's enough bulk to take a hit or two.
Stantler appears in 17 games, including Gold & Silver, Crystal, and Ruby & Sapphire.
Stantler has been available in 17 games since Gold & Silver, though obtaining it requires an item-based evolution. This extra step makes it less common than Pokemon found through standard wild encounters.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRB
Red & Blue - Gen IIGSDebut
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