Stats & Training
Speed leads and Sp. Def gets almost nothing. That's Barraskewda's stat line in a nutshell. 2 stats sit in respectable range, but the spread is brutal. Moderately hard to find and yields 2 Speed EVs.
This Pokémon has a jaw that’s as sharp as a spear and as strong as steel. Apparently Barraskewda’s flesh is surprisingly tasty, too.
It spins its tail fins to propel itself, surging forward at speeds of over 100 knots before ramming prey and spearing into them.
Barraskewda Weakness
Barraskewda's Water typing leaves it vulnerable to Electric and Grass. 4 resistances help offset the weaknesses. At base 136 Speed, Barraskewda outspeeds most threats and doesn't need to tank what it can outrun.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Electric, Grass |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Fire, Water, Ice, Steel |
Gloom GrassPoison | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Barraskewda View Gloom builds →Solar Beam 2x152-180%KO Giga Drain 2x97-115%KO Mega Drain 2x55-65% Absorb 2x28-35% | ||
Roselia GrassPoison | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Barraskewda View Roselia builds →Solar Beam 2x173-205%KO Magical Leaf 2x88-105%KO Mega Drain 2x63-75% Absorb 2x33-40% | ||
Lombre WaterGrass | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Barraskewda View Lombre builds →Solar Beam 2x122-145%KO Mega Drain 2x47-55% Absorb 2x25-30% | ||
Nuzleaf GrassDark | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Barraskewda View Nuzleaf builds →Solar Beam 2x122-145%KO Razor Leaf 2x58-70% Mega Drain 2x47-55% Absorb 2x25-30% | ||
Pumpkaboo GhostGrass | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Barraskewda View Pumpkaboo builds →Solar Beam 2x97-115%KO Razor Leaf 2x55-65% Bullet Seed 2x28-35% | ||
Gloom GrassPoison | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Barraskewda View Gloom builds →Solar Beam 2x146-171%KO Giga Drain 2x94-111%KO Mega Drain 2x50-60% Absorb 2x29-34% | ||
Roselia GrassPoison | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Barraskewda View Roselia builds →Solar Beam 2x167-197%KO Magical Leaf 2x87-103%KO Mega Drain 2x57-69% Absorb 2x31-39% | ||
Lombre WaterGrass | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Barraskewda View Lombre builds →Solar Beam 2x116-137%KO Mega Drain 2x43-51% Absorb 2x24-30% | ||
Nuzleaf GrassDark | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Barraskewda View Nuzleaf builds →Solar Beam 2x116-137%KO Razor Leaf 2x54-64% Mega Drain 2x43-51% Absorb 2x24-30% | ||
Pumpkaboo GhostGrass | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Barraskewda View Pumpkaboo builds →Solar Beam 2x94-111%KO Razor Leaf 2x50-60% Bullet Seed 2x24-30% | ||
Gloom GrassPoison | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Barraskewda View Gloom builds →Solar Beam 2x144-169%KO Giga Drain 2x91-108%KO Mega Drain 2x51-62% Absorb 2x28-35% | ||
Roselia GrassPoison | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Barraskewda View Roselia builds →Solar Beam 2x163-192%KO Magical Leaf 2x85-100%KO Mega Drain 2x58-69% Absorb 2x32-38% | ||
Lombre WaterGrass | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Barraskewda View Lombre builds →Solar Beam 2x110-131%KO Mega Drain 2x38-46% Absorb 2x22-27% | ||
Nuzleaf GrassDark | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Barraskewda View Nuzleaf builds →Solar Beam 2x110-131%KO Razor Leaf 2x51-62% Mega Drain 2x38-46% Absorb 2x22-27% | ||
Pumpkaboo GhostGrass | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Barraskewda View Pumpkaboo builds →Solar Beam 2x91-108%KO Razor Leaf 2x51-62% Bullet Seed 2x26-31% | ||
Maractus Grass | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Barraskewda View Maractus builds →Solar Beam 2x173-205%KO Petal Blizzard 2x101-119%KO Giga Drain 2x111-131%KO Mega Drain 2x60-71% | ||
Eldegoss Grass | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Barraskewda View Eldegoss builds →Solar Beam 2x139-163%KO Leaf Tornado 2x78-92% Magical Leaf 2x70-83% Razor Leaf 2x43-50% | ||
Gloom GrassPoison | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Barraskewda View Gloom builds →Solar Beam 2x146-172%KO Giga Drain 2x93-110%KO Mega Drain 2x50-59% Absorb 2x28-33% | ||
Roselia GrassPoison | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Barraskewda View Roselia builds →Solar Beam 2x166-196%KO Giga Drain 2x106-125%KO Magical Leaf 2x85-101%KO Mega Drain 2x57-68% | ||
Lombre WaterGrass | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Barraskewda View Lombre builds →Solar Beam 2x113-134%KO Giga Drain 2x72-86% Mega Drain 2x40-48% Absorb 2x22-27% | ||
Maractus Grass | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Barraskewda View Maractus builds →Solar Beam 2x180-212%KO Petal Blizzard 2x101-119%KO Giga Drain 2x112-133%KO Mega Drain 2x62-74% | ||
Eldegoss Grass | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Barraskewda View Eldegoss builds →Solar Beam 2x144-170%KO Leaf Tornado 2x79-93% Magical Leaf 2x75-88% Razor Leaf 2x42-51% | ||
Shiinotic GrassFairy | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Barraskewda View Shiinotic builds →Solar Beam 2x158-187%KO Giga Drain 2x101-119%KO Mega Drain 2x55-65% Absorb 2x28-34% | ||
Gloom GrassPoison | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Barraskewda View Gloom builds →Solar Beam 2x151-178%KO Giga Drain 2x96-113%KO Mega Drain 2x53-62% Absorb 2x28-34% | ||
Roselia GrassPoison | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Barraskewda View Roselia builds →Solar Beam 2x171-201%KO Giga Drain 2x108-127%KO Magical Leaf 2x86-102%KO Mega Drain 2x59-71% | ||
Maractus Grass | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Barraskewda View Maractus builds →Solar Beam 2x173-204%KO Petal Blizzard 2x97-114%KO Giga Drain 2x109-129%KO Mega Drain 2x59-70% | ||
Eldegoss Grass | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Barraskewda View Eldegoss builds →Solar Beam 2x138-163%KO Leaf Tornado 2x77-91% Magical Leaf 2x70-83% Razor Leaf 2x41-49% | ||
Shiinotic GrassFairy | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Barraskewda View Shiinotic builds →Solar Beam 2x149-176%KO Giga Drain 2x94-111%KO Mega Drain 2x53-62% Absorb 2x28-34% | ||
Gloom GrassPoison | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Barraskewda View Gloom builds →Solar Beam 2x145-171%KO Giga Drain 2x92-109%KO Mega Drain 2x50-59% Absorb 2x26-31% | ||
Roselia GrassPoison | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Barraskewda View Roselia builds →Solar Beam 2x165-194%KO Giga Drain 2x103-122%KO Magical Leaf 2x83-98% Mega Drain 2x57-67% | ||
Dhelmise GhostGrass | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Barraskewda View Dhelmise builds →Solar Beam 2x150-176%KO Giga Drain 2x94-112%KO Mega Drain 2x52-62% Absorb 2x27-32% | ||
Maractus Grass | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Barraskewda View Maractus builds →Solar Beam 2x174-206%KO Petal Blizzard 2x98-117%KO Giga Drain 2x112-131%KO Mega Drain 2x60-72% | ||
Eldegoss Grass | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Barraskewda View Eldegoss builds →Solar Beam 2x140-166%KO Leaf Tornado 2x78-92% Magical Leaf 2x71-84% Razor Leaf 2x42-50% | ||
Shiinotic GrassFairy | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Barraskewda View Shiinotic builds →Solar Beam 2x154-181%KO Giga Drain 2x97-114%KO Mega Drain 2x52-62% Absorb 2x27-32% | ||
Roselia GrassPoison | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Barraskewda View Roselia builds →Solar Beam 2x166-196%KO Giga Drain 2x105-124%KO Magical Leaf 2x84-99% Mega Drain 2x56-67% | ||
Ferrothorn GrassSteel | A | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Barraskewda View Ferrothorn builds →Power Whip 2x144-169%KO Solar Beam 2x107-126%KO | ||
Dhelmise GhostGrass | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Barraskewda View Dhelmise builds →Solar Beam 2x151-179%KO Giga Drain 2x95-112%KO Mega Drain 2x52-62% Absorb 2x27-32% | ||
Abomasnow GrassIce | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Barraskewda View Abomasnow builds →Wood Hammer 2x140-165%KO Solar Beam 2x161-190%KO Magical Leaf 2x82-96% Razor Leaf 2x66-78% | ||
Maractus Grass | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Barraskewda View Maractus builds →Solar Beam 2x181-213%KO Petal Blizzard 2x101-119%KO Giga Drain 2x112-133%KO Mega Drain 2x62-73% | ||
Eldegoss Grass | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Barraskewda View Eldegoss builds →Leaf Storm 2x156-183%KO Solar Beam 2x144-169%KO Leaf Tornado 2x79-94% Magical Leaf 2x73-87% | ||
In Sword & Shield, Tyranitar threatens a KO with Stone Edge (158-186%). Blacephalon's Shadow Ball also KOs at 96-113%.
Heatran FireSteel | S | |
Recommended Build AbilityFlashfire ItemLeftovers NatureTimid Moves View Heatran builds →
| ||
A | ||
Recommended Build AbilitySand Stream ItemChoice Band NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Barraskewda View Tyranitar builds →Crunch127-149%KO Stone Edge158-186%KO Earthquake105-124%KO | ||
Blacephalon FireGhost | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityBeastboost ItemChoice Scarf NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Barraskewda View Blacephalon builds →Shadow Ball96-113%KO Flamethrower54-63% Overheat78-91% | ||
A | ||
Recommended Build AbilityElectric Surge ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Barraskewda View Tapu Koko builds →Dazzling Gleam69-81% Thunderbolt 2x156-184%KO Volt Switch 2x122-144%KO | ||
B | ||
Recommended Build AbilityNatural Cure ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureBold Moves View Blissey builds →
| ||
Sword & Shield Evolution
Evolved from Arrokuda. Barraskewda is the final form in this two-stage line. A decent partner pool for breeding via one egg group. Eggs are average hatch time. Speed grew the most through evolution (+70 over Arrokuda), and Barraskewda peaks at 490 total stats. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
Breed with Barraskewda to get Arrokuda eggs easily using 22 partners from the Water2 egg group. Notable egg moves include Acupressure, Night Slash, Slash and 1 more.
Sword & Shield Barraskewda Best Moveset
Prediction matters here. Choice Band means Barraskewda can't change moves after clicking, but the payoff is raw power at the cost of move flexibility. Max Attack and Speed EVs with Swiftswim back that up. Dark coverage prevents free switches.
Best Build
Barraskewda best EVs are Attack and Speed
Physical Sweeper Moveset
- Close Combat
- Liquidation
- Flip Turn
- Crunch
Recommended Teammates
Doubles Physical Sweeper Moveset
- Flip Turn
- Close Combat
- Liquidation
- Poison Jab
Recommended Teammates
Moves
The natural movepool does the job, but Acupressure and Night Slash from the egg pool give Barraskewda something extra. Pair those with Hydro Pump and Surf for STAB and coverage across 9 types for reach, and the kit fills out nicely.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
How to Get Barraskewda in Sword & Shield
high spawn rates for Barraskewda across 26 locations in mid-game water routes. Nothing complicated. Check the sorted list below, compare the top few options, and head to whichever is closest.
Where To Catch Barraskewda in Sword & Shield
The path to Barraskewda starts with Arrokuda at Lv. 4-52 via surfing and fishing encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch ArrokudaForest of FocusSwordSuper Rod Lv.13-18 Forest20%EarlyForest of FocusShieldSuper Rod Lv.13-18 Forest20%EarlyRoute 2SwordSuper Rod Lv.4-6 Route5%EarlyRoute 2ShieldSuper Rod Lv.4-6 Route5%EarlyHulburySwordSuper Rod Lv.20-2450%MidHulburyShieldSuper Rod Lv.20-2450%MidMotostoke RiverbankSwordSuper Rod Lv.26-2850%MidMotostoke RiverbankShieldSuper Rod Lv.26-2850%MidRoute 2SwordSurfing on water Lv.38-40 Route70%LateAll WeatherRoute 2ShieldSurfing on water Lv.38-40 Route70%LateAll WeatherMotostoke RiverbankSwordSurfing on water Lv.40-4365%LateThunderstormMotostoke RiverbankShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-4365%LateThunderstormMotostoke RiverbankShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-4360%LateSandstormMotostoke RiverbankSwordSurfing on water Lv.40-4360%LateSandstormChallenge Beach - RiverShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water45%LateAll WeatherChallenge Beach - RiverSwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water45%LateAll WeatherForest of FocusShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Forest45%LateAll WeatherForest of FocusSwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Forest45%LateAll WeatherMotostoke RiverbankShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-4345%LateHeavy FogMotostoke RiverbankShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-4345%LateOvercastMotostoke RiverbankSwordSurfing on water Lv.40-4345%LateHeavy FogMotostoke RiverbankSwordSurfing on water Lv.40-4345%LateOvercastTraining LowlandsSwordSurfing on water Lv.40-4545%LateAll WeatherTraining LowlandsShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-4545%LateAll WeatherMotostoke RiverbankShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-4340%LateRainingMotostoke RiverbankSwordSurfing on water Lv.40-4340%LateRainingMotostoke RiverbankSwordSurfing on water Lv.40-4330%LateNormal WeatherMotostoke RiverbankShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-4330%LateNormal WeatherMotostoke RiverbankShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-4325%LateIntense SunMotostoke RiverbankSwordSurfing on water Lv.40-4325%LateIntense SunMotostoke RiverbankSwordSurfing on water Lv.40-4320%LateSnowstormMotostoke RiverbankShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-4320%LateSnowstormMotostoke RiverbankShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-4315%LateSnowingMotostoke RiverbankSwordSurfing on water Lv.40-4315%LateSnowing
Step 2Barraskewda ✓Motostoke RiverbankShieldSuper Rod Lv.26-2810%MidMotostoke RiverbankSwordSuper Rod Lv.26-2810%MidDusty BowlShieldSuper Rod Lv.40-4550%LateDusty BowlSwordSuper Rod Lv.40-4550%LateRoute 2SwordSurfing on water Lv.38-40 Route28%LateAll WeatherRoute 2ShieldSurfing on water Lv.38-40 Route28%LateAll WeatherLake of OutrageShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-43 Water5%LateSnowstormLake of OutrageSwordSurfing on water Lv.40-43 Water5%LateThunderstormLake of OutrageSwordSurfing on water Lv.40-43 Water5%LateIntense SunLake of OutrageSwordSurfing on water Lv.40-43 Water5%LateSnowingLake of OutrageShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-43 Water5%LateThunderstormLake of OutrageSwordSurfing on water Lv.40-43 Water5%LateSandstormLake of OutrageShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-43 Water5%LateIntense SunLake of OutrageSwordSurfing on water Lv.40-43 Water5%LateRainingLake of OutrageShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-43 Water5%LateSnowingLake of OutrageSwordSurfing on water Lv.40-43 Water5%LateHeavy FogLake of OutrageShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-43 Water5%LateSandstormLake of OutrageSwordSurfing on water Lv.40-43 Water5%LateOvercastLake of OutrageShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-43 Water5%LateRainingLake of OutrageSwordSurfing on water Lv.40-43 Water5%LateNormal WeatherLake of OutrageShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-43 Water5%LateHeavy FogLake of OutrageSwordSurfing on water Lv.40-43 Water5%LateSnowstormLake of OutrageShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-43 Water5%LateOvercastLake of OutrageShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-43 Water5%LateNormal WeatherLake of OutrageShieldSuper Rod Lv.50-52 Water50%PostLake of OutrageSwordSuper Rod Lv.50-52 Water50%Postor evolve from Arrokuda (Step 1)
Barraskewda Guide
In Sword & Shield, Swift Swim changes the entire equation for Barraskewda. The 490 BST doesn't tell the full story. Ranked B-Tier as a sweeper. Close Combat with Choice Band is the standard set.
In Sword & Shield, watch for Manectric (Electric) and Breloom (Grass) when using Barraskewda. They all hit it super-effectively with STAB. Only 2 weaknesses means fewer dedicated counters to worry about. Barraskewda's base 136 Speed lets it outpace many threats and strike first, which matters more than trying to tank hits.
Swift Swim is what you want on Barraskewda. Every competitive set worth running is built with that ability in mind. The alternatives (Propeller Tail) work on paper but Swift Swim is what makes Barraskewda worth using. With base 136 Speed, Swift Swim gives Barraskewda an edge before opponents can react.
Base 136 Speed lets it outrun most of the field. On offense, Barraskewda is a physical attacker with base 123 Attack. Best used as a sweeper.
In Sword & Shield, run Close Combat, Liquidation, Flip Turn, and Crunch on Barraskewda. Close Combat is the most common pick at 23% usage. Liquidation provides reliable STAB damage.
Game Availability
Barraskewda joined the series in Sword & Shield and has been available in 2 titles so far. With 3 generations of appearances, it's established itself despite the later start.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 1RB

Red & Blue - Gen 2GS

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 8SwShDebut

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
