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.
This Pokémon apparently used to live in much harsher environments, and thus it once had stronger psychic powers than it does now.
It’s said that this Pokémon used to be stronger long ago when it had many enemies, and that it was even able to evolve under its own power.
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 from the Ground egg group. Pass egg moves like Bite, Disable, Double Kick and 8 more to offspring.
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 HP and Defense EVs push damage output.
Best Build
Best Stantler Moveset
- Skill Swap
- Trick Room
- Endure
- Energy Ball
Recommended Teammates
The egg pool carries weight here. Bite and Disable aren't available any other way for Stantler, and they meaningfully change what it threatens. Stack those on top of Giga Impact and Thrash for solid options.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Transfer Moves
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 physical attacker with base 95 Attack. 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