Stats & Training
Defense leads and Sp. Def gets almost nothing. That's Cloyster's stat line in a nutshell. 3 stats sit in respectable range, but the spread is brutal. Moderately hard to find and yields 2 Defense EVs.
Cloyster that live in seas with harsh tidal currents grow large, sharp spikes on their shells.
Its shell is extremely hard. It cannot be shattered, even with a bomb. The shell opens only when it is attacking.
Cloyster Weakness
Cloyster's Water/Ice typing leaves it vulnerable to Electric, Grass, Fighting, and Rock. Cloyster's physical bulk (base 180 Def) helps cushion physical weakness hits, but special attackers are the bigger threat.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Electric, Grass, Fighting, Rock |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Water |
| 0.25x (Resist) | Ice |
 Pikachu Electric | C | |
 Chespin Grass | D | |
Obtain MethodAquacorde Town Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Cloyster View Chespin builds →Vine Whip 2x36-43% Rollout 2x18-21% | ||
 Budew GrassPoison | D | |
 Pansage Grass | D | |
 Omanyte RockWater | D | |
Obtain MethodAmbrette Town Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Cloyster View Omanyte builds →Rock Tomb 2x21-27% Rock Smash 2x11-14% Rollout 2x13-16% | ||
 Kabuto RockWater | D | |
Obtain MethodAmbrette Town Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Cloyster View Kabuto builds →Rock Tomb 2x36-43% Rock Smash 2x18-21% Absorb 2x18-21% | ||
 Tirtouga WaterRock | D | |
Obtain MethodAmbrette Town Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Cloyster View Tirtouga builds →Ancient Power 2x68-80% Rock Tomb 2x36-43% Rock Smash 2x18-21% Rollout 2x21-27% | ||
 Roselia GrassPoison | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Cloyster View Roselia builds →Magical Leaf 2x104-123%KO Mega Drain 2x71-86% Absorb 2x39-48% | ||
 Tyrunt RockDragon | D | |
Obtain MethodAmbrette Town Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Cloyster View Tyrunt builds →Rock Tomb 2x36-43% Rock Smash 2x18-21% | ||
Omanyte RockWater | D | |
Obtain MethodAmbrette Town Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Cloyster View Omanyte builds →Rock Tomb 2x20-25% Rock Smash 2x10-12% Rollout 2x12-14% | ||
Kabuto RockWater | D | |
Obtain MethodAmbrette Town Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Cloyster View Kabuto builds →Rock Tomb 2x30-36% Rock Smash 2x13-17% Absorb 2x16-19% | ||
Tirtouga WaterRock | D | |
Obtain MethodAmbrette Town Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Cloyster View Tirtouga builds →Ancient Power 2x61-72% Rock Tomb 2x30-36% Smack Down 2x24-29% Rock Smash 2x13-17% | ||
Roselia GrassPoison | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Cloyster View Roselia builds →Giga Drain 2x123-145%KO Magical Leaf 2x98-116%KO Mega Drain 2x67-80% Absorb 2x36-43% | ||
Tyrunt RockDragon | D | |
Obtain MethodAmbrette Town Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Cloyster View Tyrunt builds →Ancient Power 2x54-65% Rock Tomb 2x34-40% Rock Smash 2x16-19% | ||
Omanyte RockWater | D | |
Obtain MethodAmbrette Town Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Cloyster View Omanyte builds →Rock Tomb 2x20-25% Rock Smash 2x10-12% Rollout 2x12-14% | ||
Kabuto RockWater | D | |
Obtain MethodAmbrette Town Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Cloyster View Kabuto builds →Rock Tomb 2x30-36% Rock Smash 2x13-17% Absorb 2x16-19% | ||
Tirtouga WaterRock | D | |
Obtain MethodAmbrette Town Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Cloyster View Tirtouga builds →Ancient Power 2x61-72% Rock Tomb 2x30-36% Smack Down 2x24-29% Rock Smash 2x13-17% | ||
Roselia GrassPoison | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Cloyster View Roselia builds →Giga Drain 2x123-145%KO Magical Leaf 2x98-116%KO Mega Drain 2x67-80% Absorb 2x36-43% | ||
Tyrunt RockDragon | D | |
Obtain MethodAmbrette Town Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Cloyster View Tyrunt builds →Ancient Power 2x54-65% Rock Tomb 2x34-40% Rock Smash 2x16-19% | ||
Omanyte RockWater | D | |
Obtain MethodAmbrette Town Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Cloyster View Omanyte builds →Rock Tomb 2x20-25% Rock Smash 2x10-12% Rollout 2x12-14% | ||
Kabuto RockWater | D | |
Obtain MethodAmbrette Town Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Cloyster View Kabuto builds →Rock Tomb 2x30-36% Rock Smash 2x13-17% Absorb 2x16-19% | ||
Tirtouga WaterRock | D | |
Obtain MethodAmbrette Town Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Cloyster View Tirtouga builds →Ancient Power 2x61-72% Rock Tomb 2x30-36% Smack Down 2x24-29% Rock Smash 2x13-17% | ||
Roselia GrassPoison | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Cloyster View Roselia builds →Giga Drain 2x123-145%KO Magical Leaf 2x98-116%KO Mega Drain 2x67-80% Absorb 2x36-43% | ||
Tyrunt RockDragon | D | |
Obtain MethodAmbrette Town Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Cloyster View Tyrunt builds →Ancient Power 2x54-65% Rock Tomb 2x34-40% Rock Smash 2x16-19% | ||
 Carnivine Grass | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Cloyster View Carnivine builds →Leaf Tornado 2x102-121%KO Vine Whip 2x29-34% | ||
Omanyte RockWater | D | |
Obtain MethodAmbrette Town Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Cloyster View Omanyte builds →Ancient Power 2x94-111%KO Rock Tomb 2x21-25% Rock Smash 2x10-12% Rollout 2x12-15% | ||
Kabuto RockWater | D | |
Obtain MethodAmbrette Town Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Cloyster View Kabuto builds →Rock Tomb 2x31-37% Mega Drain 2x29-35% Rock Smash 2x13-16% Absorb 2x15-19% | ||
Tirtouga WaterRock | D | |
Obtain MethodAmbrette Town Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Cloyster View Tirtouga builds →Ancient Power 2x65-77% Rock Tomb 2x31-37% Smack Down 2x26-31% Rock Smash 2x13-16% | ||
Roselia GrassPoison | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Cloyster View Roselia builds →Petal Dance 2x202-238%KO Giga Drain 2x126-148%KO Magical Leaf 2x102-121%KO Mega Drain 2x70-84% | ||
 Abomasnow GrassIce | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Cloyster View Abomasnow builds →Wood Hammer 2x65-76% Rock Tomb 2x23-27% Razor Leaf 2x32-38% Rock Smash 2x17-20% | ||
Carnivine Grass | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Cloyster View Carnivine builds →Leaf Tornado 2x102-121%KO Vine Whip 2x27-32% | ||
Omanyte RockWater | D | |
Obtain MethodAmbrette Town Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Cloyster View Omanyte builds →Ancient Power 2x94-112%KO Rock Tomb 2x20-24% Rock Smash 2x10-12% Rollout 2x12-15% | ||
Kabuto RockWater | D | |
Obtain MethodAmbrette Town Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Cloyster View Kabuto builds →Rock Tomb 2x29-35% Mega Drain 2x29-35% Rock Smash 2x15-18% Absorb 2x17-20% | ||
Tirtouga WaterRock | D | |
Obtain MethodAmbrette Town Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Cloyster View Tirtouga builds →Stone Edge 2x47-56% Ancient Power 2x65-76% Rock Tomb 2x29-35% Smack Down 2x25-29% | ||
Abomasnow GrassIce | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Cloyster View Abomasnow builds →Wood Hammer 2x63-74% Focus Blast 2x125-147%KO Rock Slide 2x27-32% Rock Tomb 2x22-26% | ||
 Trevenant GhostGrass | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Cloyster View Trevenant builds →Wood Hammer 2x73-86% Focus Blast 2x96-114%KO Rock Slide 2x31-37% Rock Smash 2x18-21% | ||
Omanyte RockWater | D | |
Obtain MethodAmbrette Town Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Cloyster View Omanyte builds →Rock Slide 2x22-26% Ancient Power 2x94-110%KO Rock Tomb 2x18-22% Rock Smash 2x9-11% | ||
Kabuto RockWater | D | |
Obtain MethodAmbrette Town Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Cloyster View Kabuto builds →Rock Slide 2x36-43% Ancient Power 2x65-77% Rock Tomb 2x30-36% Mega Drain 2x30-35% | ||
Tirtouga WaterRock | D | |
Obtain MethodAmbrette Town Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Cloyster View Tirtouga builds →Stone Edge 2x46-55% Rock Slide 2x36-43% Ancient Power 2x63-74% Rock Tomb 2x28-34% | ||
In X & Y, Zapdos can KO Cloyster with Thunderbolt (182-214%).
 | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityStatic ItemSitrus Berry NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Cloyster View Zapdos builds →Heat Wave63-75% Thunderbolt 2x182-214%KO | ||
 | B | |
Recommended Build AbilitySand Stream ItemLeftovers NatureImpish Moves
Damage vs Cloyster View Hippowdon builds →Earthquake30-35% Rock Slide 2x30-36% | ||
 | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityPoisonheal ItemToxic Orb NatureCareful Moves
Damage vs Cloyster View Gliscor builds →Earthquake26-30% Knock Off12-14% | ||
 | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityLevitate ItemColbur Berry NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Cloyster View Latias builds →Draco Meteor117-138%KO | ||
 | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityNatural Cure ItemEviolite NatureBold Moves View Chansey builds →
| ||
X & Y Evolution
Getting Cloyster requires an evolution item, not just grinding levels. The chain starts at Shellder. Breed this form to get Shellder eggs (average hatch time). Defense grew the most through evolution (+80 over Shellder), and Cloyster peaks at 525 total stats. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
Breed with Cloyster to get Shellder eggs easily using 29 partners from the Water3 egg group. Notable egg moves include Aqua Ring, Avalanche, Barrier and 9 more.
X & Y Cloyster Best Moveset
One guaranteed turn is all Cloyster needs. Focus Sash buys it, max Attack and Speed EVs make it count, and Skilllink adds something extra. The goal: deal early damage and deal damage with Icicle Spear. The remaining moves gives it play beyond just the lead turn.
Best Build
Cloyster best EVs are Attack and Speed
Physical Sweeper Moveset
- Icicle Spear
- Shell Smash
- Rapid Spin
- Rock Blast
Recommended Teammates
Doubles Utility Moveset
- Icicle Spear
- Razor Shell
- Rock Blast
- Shell Smash
Recommended Teammates
Moves
You'll want to breed for Aqua Ring and Avalanche on Cloyster. These egg moves aren't just nice to have. Combined with STAB from Hydro Pump and Blizzard, they expand what Cloyster can actually threaten in practice.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Reminder Moves
Transfer Moves
How to Get Cloyster in X & Y
Cloyster tops out at moderate rates across 1 locations in late-game fishing spots. The encounters below are sorted by rate so you can see exactly what you're working with.
Where To Catch Cloyster in X & Y
Step 1Catch ShellderRoute 8Good Rod Lv.25 RouteUncommonMid
Step 2Cloyster ✓Route 8Super Rod Lv.35 RouteRareLateor evolve from Shellder (Step 1)
Cloyster Guide
For X & Y, we rate Cloyster B-Tier: a solid option in X & Y for the right team. At 525 BST, the stats are spread pretty evenly. Icicle Spear with Focus Sash is the standard set.
Shell Armor protects against critical hits. That's the one you want on Cloyster. Overcoat is the hidden ability. Niche, but it has its uses. Skill Link works too if your team needs something different.
Base 70 Speed is workable. Faster than some, slower than many. On offense, Cloyster is a mixed attacker with base 95 Attack and 85 Sp. Atk. Defensively? Enough bulk to take a hit or two.
In X & Y, run Icicle Spear, Shellsmash, Rapid Spin, and Rock Blast on Cloyster. Icicle Spear is the most common pick at 25% usage. This set covers the balanced role with a mix of damage and utility.
Game Availability
One of the original 151, Cloyster has appeared in 20 games — most mainline games. From Red & Blue through the latest titles, it's rarely been left out of a regional Pokedex.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 1RBDebut
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 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