Swinub Best Moveset
Ice/Ground at 50 Attack and 50 Speed. AbilityThick Fat halves Fire and Ice damage, but the stats behind it are pre-evolution level across the board. The moveset builds toward Mamoswine via Piloswine. Two evolutions from 130 Attack and Ice/Ground TermStab that covers Dragon, Flying, Electric, and Fire.
Swinub was a niche pick at best in Gen II (Gold, Silver & Crystal), rarely seen in standard play. This marked Swinub's competitive debut.
Utility Moveset
- Blizzard
- Earthquake
- Ice Beam
- Rest
Swinub was a niche pick at best in Gen III (Ruby, Sapphire & Emerald), rarely seen in standard play. Swinub maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran oblivious with Leftovers, favoring a Brave nature.
Wall Moveset
- Earthquake
- Ice Beam
- Toxic
- Roar
Swinub saw minimal competitive use in Gen IV (Diamond, Pearl & Platinum). This was Swinub's competitive peak. Its most popular set ran Oblivious with Focus Sash, favoring a Impish nature.
Best Moves
Best Build
Swinub best EVs are Defense and Attack
Hazard Setter Moveset
- Ice Shard
- Endeavor
- Stealth Rock
- Hail
Recommended Teammates
Swinub saw minimal competitive use in Gen V (Black & White / B2W2). Swinub maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Snowcloak with Life Orb, favoring a Jolly nature.
Utility Moveset
- Ice Shard
- Earthquake
- Stealth Rock
- Superpower
Recommended Teammates
Swinub saw minimal competitive use in Gen VI (X & Y / ORAS). Swinub maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Snowcloak with Focus Sash, favoring a Impish nature.
Utility Moveset
- Stealth Rock
- Endeavor
- Ice Shard
- Hail
Recommended Teammates
Swinub was a niche pick at best in Gen VII (Sun & Moon / USUM), rarely seen in standard play. This was a decline from E-Tier in the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Thickfat with Eviolite, favoring a Adamant nature.
Hazard Setter Moveset
- Earthquake
- Ice Shard
- Stealth Rock
- Icicle Crash
Swinub was a niche pick at best in Gen VIII (Sword & Shield / BDSP), rarely seen in standard play. Swinub maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Oblivious with Focus Sash, favoring a Hardy nature.
Utility Moveset
- Endeavor
- Ice Shard
- Avalanche
Recommended Teammates
Swinub was a niche pick at best in Gen IX (Scarlet & Violet / Legends Z-A), rarely seen in standard play. Swinub maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Oblivious with Focus Sash, favoring a Hardy nature.
Wall Moveset
- Rest
- Endeavor
- Fissure
- Sleep Talk
Recommended Teammates
Swinub Weakness
Swinub is weak to Fire, Water, Grass, Fighting, and Steel. On the flip side, it's immune to Electric-type moves entirely. Thick Fat reduces Fire/Ice damage, further improving the defensive spread.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Fire, Water, Grass, Fighting, Steel |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Poison |
| 0x (Immune) | Electric |
What is Swinub Weak Against
FragileBest Pokemon Against Swinub
Charizard can KO Swinub with Flamethrower (315-371%). Gyarados threatens a KO with Waterfall (121-143%). Machamp's Close Combat also KOs at 187-220%.
 Charizard Fire | B | |
Recommended Build AbilitySolarpower ItemChoice Specs NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Swinub View Charizard builds →Flamethrower 2x315-371%KO Air Slash131-154%KO Scorching Sands82-96% | ||
 Gyarados Water | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityIntimidate ItemLeftovers NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Swinub View Gyarados builds →Waterfall 2x121-143%KO Earthquake50-60% Ice Fang33-39% | ||
 Machamp Fighting | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityNoguard ItemFlame Orb NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Swinub View Machamp builds →Bullet Punch 2x42-49% Close Combat 2x187-220%KO Stone Edge52-61% | ||
 Metagross SteelPsychic | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityClearbody ItemAssault Vest NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Swinub View Metagross builds →Earthquake54-63% Bullet Punch 2x65-77% Psychic Fangs68-80% | ||
 Venusaur GrassPoison | C | |
Recommended Build AbilityChlorophyll ItemLife Orb NatureNaive Moves
Damage vs Swinub View Venusaur builds →Giga Drain 2x216-254%KO Sludge Bomb64-76% | ||
Evolution
Three stages ahead. Swinub grows into Piloswine, then pushes on to Mamoswine. Check the evolution methods below. For breeding, average hatch time with a massive partner pool via one egg group. Evolving adds up to 280 stat points total. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
Breed Swinub easily with 278 breeding partners from the Ground egg group.
How to Get Swinub
12 encounter spots for Swinub at moderate rates starting from early-game routes. Best and Earliest sort options below help narrow down your approach based on odds vs. Accessibility.
Where To Catch Swinub in SV
To get Swinub, start by catching Swinub through walking encounters at Lv. 8-60. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Swinub ✓Chilling WaterheadLv.8-60OverworldDayKitakami HallLv.8-60OverworldDayMossfell ConfluenceLv.8-60OverworldDayOni MountainLv.8-60OverworldDayOnis MawLv.8-60OverworldDayRevelers RoadLv.8-60OverworldDay
Step 2Catch or Evolve into PiloswineChilling WaterheadLv.33-60Overworldor evolve from Swinub (Step 1)
Step 3Evolve into MamoswineBREEDINGAvailableLeave a compatible parent at the Pokemon Day Care to receive a Mamoswine egg.
Swinub 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.
Where To Catch Swinub in PLA
Swinub is your first catch on the way to Swinub. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 29-62 across 6 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Swinub ✓Avalanche SlopesLv.29-32GrassRate 15%Bonechill WastesLv.29-32GrassRate 15%Avalugg's LegacyLv.52-60GrassRate 15%
Step 2Catch or Evolve into PiloswineBonechill WastesLv.43-46GrassRate 15%Avalugg's LegacyLv.52-60GrassRate 15%Avalanche SlopesLv.59-62GrassRate 15%or evolve from Swinub (Step 1)
Step 3Evolve into Mamoswine
Swinub is available from mid-game routes onward at high spawn rates. 12 encounter spots give you plenty of options. Grab one early and it'll be ready to evolve or train by mid-game.
Where To Catch Swinub in BDSP
To get Swinub, start by catching Swinub through walking encounters at Lv. 16-63. The chain covers 1 catchable stage before reaching the final form.
Step 1Swinub ✓Bogsunk CavernLv.16-63GrassShining PearlRate 50%Unique encounterSwampy CaveLv.16-63GrassShining PearlRate 50%Unique encounterBogsunk CavernLv.16-63GrassBrilliant DiamondRate 40%Unique encounterSwampy CaveLv.16-63GrassBrilliant DiamondRate 40%Unique encounterRoute 217Lv.34GrassRate 40%Swarm activeGlacial CavernLv.58-63CavePost-gameIcy CaveLv.58-63CavePost-gameWhiteout CaveLv.58-63CavePost-game
Step 2Evolve into Piloswine
Step 3Evolve into Mamoswine
Swinub's scattered across 27 spots in early-game routes with high spawn rates. Check the list below for the closest location to wherever you are in the game. This one's quick.
Where To Catch Swinub in SwSh
Swinub is your first catch on the way to Swinub. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 7-65 across 45 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Swinub ✓Rolling FieldsLv.7-9GrassSwordRate 40%SnowstormRolling FieldsLv.7-10GrassShieldRate 40%SnowstormRolling FieldsLv.7-9GrassSwordRate 35%SnowingRolling FieldsLv.7-10GrassShieldRate 35%SnowingHammerlocke HillsLv.28-30GrassRate 40%SnowingGiant's MirrorLv.26-28GrassRate 30%SnowingGiant's MirrorLv.26-28GrassRate 30%SnowstormGiant's SeatLv.30-35GrassRate 15%SnowingGiant's SeatLv.30-35GrassRate 15%SnowstormDusty BowlLv.42-47OverworldShieldRate 35%SnowstormSlippery SlopeLv.60-65GrassRate 25%SnowstormSlippery SlopeLv.60-65GrassRate 25%SnowingSlippery SlopeLv.60-65GrassRate 20%OvercastSlippery SlopeLv.60-65GrassRate 20%Normal WeatherSlippery SlopeLv.60-65GrassRate 16%Heavy FogSlippery SlopeLv.60-65GrassRate 16%Intense Sun
Step 2Catch or Evolve into PiloswineDusty BowlLv.40-45GrassRate 40%SnowingSlippery SlopeLv.60-65OverworldRate 29%SnowingSlippery SlopeLv.60-65OverworldRate 29%SnowstormLake of OutrageLv.50-52GrassRate 25%SnowingSlippery SlopeLv.60-65OverworldRate 24%Normal WeatherSlippery SlopeLv.60-65OverworldRate 24%Intense SunSlippery SlopeLv.60-65OverworldRate 22%Heavy FogSlippery SlopeLv.60-65OverworldRate 22%OvercastRoaring-Sea CavesLv.60-65OverworldRate 20%All Weatheror evolve from Swinub (Step 1)
Step 3Evolve into MamoswineBREEDINGAvailableLeave a compatible parent at the Pokemon Day Care to receive a Mamoswine egg.
Base Stats
An unusually even spread gives Swinub flexibility. HP barely edges ahead. But Sp. Atk isn't far off. Easy to catch and follows a slow 1.25M XP grind. Yields 1 Attack EV.
It rubs its snout on the ground to find and dig up food. It sometimes discovers hot springs.
Swinub Guide
You can run Swinub through the first few routes without issues. 250 BST won't carry you far though. Get it to Piloswine as fast as you can.
Game Availability
Available in 18 titles since its debut in Gold & Silver, Swinub spans 9 generations of Pokemon games. It's accessible through catching or hatching as a base form in most mainline games.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1RB
Red & Blue - Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 2GSDebut
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 8SwSh
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