Unown's stats barely vary. None sit in respectable range with no real gaps. It's a blank slate for EV investment. Worth 0 HP EVs, standard 1M XP growth to max.
It is hard to believe these strangely shaped Pokémon are truly living creatures. I’ve pointed out that the species’ many forms resemble writing from other lands; no one will take me seriously.
Bug, Ghost, and Dark moves hit Unown for super-effective damage. Levitate grants an additional Ground immunity, reshaping the matchup chart.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Bug, Ghost, Dark |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Fighting, Psychic |
Chi-Yu can KO Unown with Dark Pulse (166-196%). Scizor threatens a KO with U-turn (215-253%). Gengar's Shadow Ball also KOs at 162-190%.
 Chi-Yu DarkFire | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityBeadsofruin ItemChoice Scarf NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Unown View Chi-Yu builds →Heat Wave99-116%KO Dark Pulse 2x166-196%KO Snarl 2x115-136%KO Overheat135-159%KO | ||
 Scizor BugSteel | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityTechnician ItemChoice Band NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Unown View Scizor builds →Bullet Punch61-72% U Turn 2x215-253%KO Knock Off 2x133-157%KO Close Combat61-72% | ||
 Gengar GhostPoison | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityCursedbody ItemChoice Scarf NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Unown View Gengar builds →Shadow Ball 2x162-190%KO Focus Blast40-48% | ||
 Sinistcha GrassGhost | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityHospitality ItemLeftovers NatureBold Moves
Damage vs Unown View Sinistcha builds →Shadow Ball 2x127-149%KO | ||
 Galvantula BugElectric | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityCompoundeyes ItemFocus Sash NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Unown View Galvantula builds →Thunder91-107%KO | ||
For whatever reason, Unown sits in the Undiscovered egg group. A Psychic type at 336 stats with no chain and no eggs. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
You commit to a move every time Unown comes in. Choice Specs gives boosted special damage with move lock, and Levitate adds to that. Max HP and Sp. Atk EVs make sure the locked move actually hurts. The remaining moves covers the rest.
Best Build
Legends: Arceus uses different battle mechanics.
Competitive build content is not applicable for this game. Select a main series game for builds.
Special Revenge Killer Moveset
- Unknown
- Hidden Power Poison
Recommended Teammates
No build content available for this Pokemon in Gen 7.
Try selecting a different game/generation filter, or check back later.
No build content available for this Pokemon in Gen 7.
Try selecting a different game/generation filter, or check back later.
Moves
Unown's options are limited here. You've got Psychic STAB for STAB damage, but there isn't much beyond Psychic hitting power. TMs help fill gaps, though the kit stays tight.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Unown's options are limited here. You've got Psychic STAB for STAB damage, but there isn't much beyond Psychic hitting power. TMs help fill gaps, though the kit stays tight.
Unown's options are limited here. You've got Psychic STAB for STAB damage, but there isn't much beyond Psychic hitting power. TMs help fill gaps, though the kit stays tight.
Unown's options are limited here. You've got Psychic STAB for STAB damage, but there isn't much beyond Psychic hitting power. TMs help fill gaps, though the kit stays tight.
No wild encounters for Unown in Legends: Arceus. It's available in Gold, Crystal, or Brilliant Diamond and can be transferred over. The details below show where to find it.
high spawn rates in early-game routes across 16 locations. Unown's one of the easier catches on the list. Knock it out fast and save your time for harder targets.
Best Locations to Catch Unown in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl
You can catch Unown through 16 walking encounters from Lv. 14-25, but availability differs between Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. Some spots are exclusive to one version.
No wild encounters for Unown in Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon. It's available in Gold, Crystal, or Brilliant Diamond and can be transferred over. The details below show where to find it.
Unown has niche appeal at best. 336 base stats means you're fighting uphill by mid-game. There are better Psychic Pokemon available.
Don't let Unown's 336 base stat total fool you. Levitate is what makes it tick. It punches way above its weight class. We rate it D-Tier.
Run Levitate on Unown. It's the ability that defines how you build around it and the main reason it holds a competitive niche.
Psychic typing gives Unown 2 resistances. Attack at base 72 is the top stat. Pure Psychic type with same-type attack bonus on Psychic moves.
Unown first appeared in Gold & Silver and has been available in 16 games across 9 generations. Obtainable through wild encounters in most titles where it appears.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 1RB
Red & Blue - Gen 2GSDebut
Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3FRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 4DP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen 5BW
Black & White - Gen 5B2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY
X & Y - Gen 6ORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7USUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7SM
Sun & Moon - Gen 7LGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 8BDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 9SV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW
Winds & Waves