Stats & Training
Kingler's all-in on Attack at the expense of Sp. Atk. The physical lean is obvious from the bars. Yields 2 Attack EVs and follows a medium-fast 1M XP curve.
The flow of Gigantamax energy has spurred this Pokémon’s left pincer to grow to an enormous size. That claw can pulverize anything.
The bubbles it spews out are strongly alkaline. Any opponents hit by them will have their bodies quickly melted away.
Kingler Weakness
Kingler's Water typing leaves it vulnerable to Electric and Grass. It resists 4 types, giving it decent defensive coverage. Kingler's physical bulk (base 115 Def) helps cushion physical weakness hits, but special attackers are the bigger threat.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Electric, Grass |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Fire, Water, Ice, Steel |
Gloom GrassPoison | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Kingler View Gloom builds →Solar Beam 2x157-186%KO Giga Drain 2x100-119%KO Mega Drain 2x57-67% Absorb 2x29-36% | ||
Roselia GrassPoison | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Kingler View Roselia builds →Solar Beam 2x179-212%KO Magical Leaf 2x91-109%KO Mega Drain 2x66-78% Absorb 2x34-41% | ||
Lombre WaterGrass | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Kingler View Lombre builds →Solar Beam 2x126-150%KO Mega Drain 2x48-57% Absorb 2x26-31% | ||
Nuzleaf GrassDark | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Kingler View Nuzleaf builds →Solar Beam 2x126-150%KO Razor Leaf 2x38-47% Mega Drain 2x48-57% Absorb 2x26-31% | ||
Pumpkaboo GhostGrass | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Kingler View Pumpkaboo builds →Solar Beam 2x100-119%KO Razor Leaf 2x38-47% Bullet Seed 2x21-26% | ||
Gloom GrassPoison | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Kingler View Gloom builds →Solar Beam 2x152-179%KO Giga Drain 2x99-116%KO Mega Drain 2x52-63% Absorb 2x30-36% | ||
Roselia GrassPoison | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Kingler View Roselia builds →Solar Beam 2x175-206%KO Magical Leaf 2x91-107%KO Mega Drain 2x60-72% Absorb 2x33-40% | ||
Lombre WaterGrass | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Kingler View Lombre builds →Solar Beam 2x121-143%KO Mega Drain 2x45-54% Absorb 2x25-31% | ||
Nuzleaf GrassDark | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Kingler View Nuzleaf builds →Solar Beam 2x121-143%KO Razor Leaf 2x37-45% Mega Drain 2x45-54% Absorb 2x25-31% | ||
Pumpkaboo GhostGrass | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Kingler View Pumpkaboo builds →Solar Beam 2x99-116%KO Razor Leaf 2x33-40% Bullet Seed 2x18-22% | ||
Gloom GrassPoison | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Kingler View Gloom builds →Solar Beam 2x149-176%KO Giga Drain 2x95-112%KO Mega Drain 2x53-64% Absorb 2x29-36% | ||
Roselia GrassPoison | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Kingler View Roselia builds →Solar Beam 2x169-200%KO Magical Leaf 2x88-104%KO Mega Drain 2x60-72% Absorb 2x33-40% | ||
Lombre WaterGrass | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Kingler View Lombre builds →Solar Beam 2x115-136%KO Mega Drain 2x40-48% Absorb 2x23-28% | ||
Nuzleaf GrassDark | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Kingler View Nuzleaf builds →Solar Beam 2x115-136%KO Razor Leaf 2x33-40% Mega Drain 2x40-48% Absorb 2x23-28% | ||
Pumpkaboo GhostGrass | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Kingler View Pumpkaboo builds →Solar Beam 2x95-112%KO Razor Leaf 2x33-40% Bullet Seed 2x16-20% | ||
Maractus Grass | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Kingler View Maractus builds →Solar Beam 2x182-216%KO Petal Blizzard 2x64-75% Giga Drain 2x117-138%KO Mega Drain 2x64-75% | ||
Eldegoss Grass | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Kingler View Eldegoss builds →Solar Beam 2x146-172%KO Leaf Tornado 2x82-97% Magical Leaf 2x74-88% Razor Leaf 2x29-34% | ||
Gloom GrassPoison | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Kingler View Gloom builds →Solar Beam 2x153-181%KO Giga Drain 2x98-116%KO Mega Drain 2x53-63% Absorb 2x29-34% | ||
Roselia GrassPoison | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Kingler View Roselia builds →Solar Beam 2x175-206%KO Giga Drain 2x111-131%KO Magical Leaf 2x90-106%KO Mega Drain 2x60-72% | ||
Lombre WaterGrass | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Kingler View Lombre builds →Solar Beam 2x119-141%KO Giga Drain 2x76-91% Mega Drain 2x42-50% Absorb 2x23-28% | ||
Maractus Grass | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Kingler View Maractus builds →Solar Beam 2x189-223%KO Petal Blizzard 2x65-77% Giga Drain 2x118-140%KO Mega Drain 2x65-77% | ||
Eldegoss Grass | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Kingler View Eldegoss builds →Solar Beam 2x151-178%KO Leaf Tornado 2x83-98% Magical Leaf 2x78-92% Razor Leaf 2x28-33% | ||
Shiinotic GrassFairy | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Kingler View Shiinotic builds →Solar Beam 2x166-196%KO Giga Drain 2x106-125%KO Mega Drain 2x57-68% Absorb 2x30-36% | ||
Gloom GrassPoison | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Kingler View Gloom builds →Solar Beam 2x158-187%KO Giga Drain 2x101-119%KO Mega Drain 2x55-65% Absorb 2x30-36% | ||
Roselia GrassPoison | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Kingler View Roselia builds →Solar Beam 2x179-211%KO Giga Drain 2x113-134%KO Magical Leaf 2x90-107%KO Mega Drain 2x62-74% | ||
Maractus Grass | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Kingler View Maractus builds →Solar Beam 2x181-214%KO Petal Blizzard 2x61-73% Giga Drain 2x114-135%KO Mega Drain 2x61-73% | ||
Eldegoss Grass | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Kingler View Eldegoss builds →Solar Beam 2x144-170%KO Leaf Tornado 2x80-95% Magical Leaf 2x73-86% Razor Leaf 2x27-32% | ||
Shiinotic GrassFairy | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Kingler View Shiinotic builds →Solar Beam 2x156-184%KO Giga Drain 2x98-116%KO Mega Drain 2x55-65% Absorb 2x30-35% | ||
Gloom GrassPoison | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Kingler View Gloom builds →Solar Beam 2x151-178%KO Giga Drain 2x96-114%KO Mega Drain 2x52-62% Absorb 2x27-32% | ||
Roselia GrassPoison | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Kingler View Roselia builds →Solar Beam 2x172-203%KO Giga Drain 2x107-127%KO Magical Leaf 2x86-103%KO Mega Drain 2x59-70% | ||
Dhelmise GhostGrass | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Kingler View Dhelmise builds →Solar Beam 2x156-184%KO Giga Drain 2x98-116%KO Mega Drain 2x54-65% Absorb 2x28-34% | ||
Maractus Grass | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Kingler View Maractus builds →Solar Beam 2x182-215%KO Petal Blizzard 2x63-75% Giga Drain 2x116-137%KO Mega Drain 2x63-75% | ||
Eldegoss Grass | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Kingler View Eldegoss builds →Solar Beam 2x147-173%KO Leaf Tornado 2x81-96% Magical Leaf 2x74-88% Razor Leaf 2x26-31% | ||
Shiinotic GrassFairy | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Kingler View Shiinotic builds →Solar Beam 2x160-189%KO Giga Drain 2x101-119%KO Mega Drain 2x54-65% Absorb 2x28-34% | ||
Roselia GrassPoison | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Kingler View Roselia builds →Solar Beam 2x173-204%KO Giga Drain 2x109-129%KO Magical Leaf 2x88-103%KO Mega Drain 2x59-70% | ||
Ferrothorn GrassSteel | A | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Kingler View Ferrothorn builds →Power Whip 2x90-106%KO Solar Beam 2x112-132%KO | ||
Dhelmise GhostGrass | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Kingler View Dhelmise builds →Solar Beam 2x158-187%KO Giga Drain 2x99-118%KO Mega Drain 2x54-65% Absorb 2x28-34% | ||
Abomasnow GrassIce | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Kingler View Abomasnow builds →Wood Hammer 2x87-103%KO Solar Beam 2x169-199%KO Magical Leaf 2x86-101%KO Razor Leaf 2x42-50% | ||
Maractus Grass | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Kingler View Maractus builds →Solar Beam 2x190-223%KO Petal Blizzard 2x63-74% Giga Drain 2x118-139%KO Mega Drain 2x65-77% | ||
Eldegoss Grass | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Kingler View Eldegoss builds →Leaf Storm 2x163-192%KO Solar Beam 2x150-178%KO Leaf Tornado 2x83-98% Magical Leaf 2x77-91% | ||
In Sword & Shield, Rillaboom can KO Kingler with Wood Hammer (121-142%). Regieleki's Thunderbolt also KOs at 171-201%.
Rillaboom Grass | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityGrassy Surge ItemAssault Vest NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Kingler View Rillaboom builds →U Turn24-28% Wood Hammer 2x121-142%KO | ||
Zeraora Electric | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityVoltabsorb ItemAir Balloon NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Kingler View Zeraora builds →Drain Punch21-25% | ||
Regieleki Electric | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityTransistor ItemMagnet NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Kingler View Regieleki builds →Volt Switch 2x133-157%KO Electroweb 2x104-123%KO Thunderbolt 2x171-201%KO | ||
Sword & Shield Evolution
Kingler is the evolved form of Krabby. Breeding produces Krabby eggs, and they're average hatch time. Evolving from Krabby gave Kingler the biggest boost in HP (+25), bringing the total to 475 stats. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
Breed with Kingler to get Krabby eggs easily using 32 partners from the Water3 egg group. Notable egg moves include Ancient Power, Hammer Arm, Knock Off and 2 more.
Sword & Shield Kingler Best Moveset
One boost from Swords Dance and Kingler gets dangerous fast. The Adamant nature targets max Attack without Speed, and Sheerforce backs the whole approach. Liquidation and the remaining moves handle most of what's left standing.
Best Build
Kingler best EVs are Attack and Defense
Physical Tank Moveset
- Knock Off
- Liquidation
- Swords Dance
- High Horsepower
Recommended Teammates
Physical Setup Sweeper Moveset
- Liquidation
- High Horsepower
- Swords Dance
- Knock Off
Recommended Teammates
Moves
You'll want to breed for Ancient Power and Hammer Arm on Kingler. These egg moves aren't just nice to have. Combined with STAB from Hydro Pump and Crabhammer, they expand what Kingler can actually threaten in practice.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
How to Get Kingler in Sword & Shield
Kingler appears at decent spawn rates across 8 spots in late-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 Kingler in Sword & Shield
Krabby is your first catch on the way to Kingler. You'll find walking and fishing encounters from Lv. 7-42 across 52 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch KrabbyWest Lake AxewellSwordGrass Lv.7-11 Cave40%EarlyOvercastWest Lake AxewellShieldGrass Lv.7-11 Cave40%EarlyOvercastWest Lake AxewellSwordGrass Lv.7-11 Cave30%EarlyHeavy FogWest Lake AxewellShieldGrass Lv.7-11 Cave30%EarlyHeavy FogWest Lake AxewellSwordGrass Lv.7-11 Cave30%EarlyNormal WeatherWest Lake AxewellShieldGrass Lv.7-11 Cave30%EarlyNormal WeatherSouth Lake MilochSwordOverworld Lv.14-16 Water30%EarlyNormal WeatherSouth Lake MilochShieldOverworld Lv.14-15 Water30%EarlyNormal WeatherSouth Lake MilochSwordOverworld Lv.14-16 Water30%EarlyThunderstormSouth Lake MilochShieldOverworld Lv.14-16 Water30%EarlyThunderstormWest Lake AxewellSwordGrass Lv.7-11 Cave20%EarlyThunderstormWest Lake AxewellShieldGrass Lv.7-11 Cave20%EarlyThunderstormWest Lake AxewellSwordGrass Lv.7-11 Cave20%EarlyRainingWest Lake AxewellShieldGrass Lv.7-11 Cave20%EarlyRainingFields of HonorSwordOverworld Lv.10-1520%EarlyThunderstormFields of HonorShieldOverworld Lv.10-1520%EarlyThunderstormFields of HonorSwordOverworld Lv.10-1520%EarlyRainingFields of HonorShieldOverworld Lv.10-1520%EarlyRainingFields of HonorShieldGrass Lv.13-1815%EarlyThunderstormFields of HonorSwordGrass Lv.13-1815%EarlyRainingFields of HonorShieldGrass Lv.13-1815%EarlyRainingFields of HonorSwordGrass Lv.13-1815%EarlyThunderstormWest Lake AxewellSwordOverworld Lv.8-14 Cave10%EarlyRainingWest Lake AxewellShieldOverworld Lv.8-14 Cave10%EarlyRainingWest Lake AxewellSwordOverworld Lv.8-14 Cave10%EarlyNormal WeatherWest Lake AxewellShieldOverworld Lv.8-14 Cave10%EarlyNormal WeatherSouth Lake MilochSwordOverworld Lv.14-16 Water10%EarlyRainingSouth Lake MilochShieldOverworld Lv.14-16 Water10%EarlyRainingSouth Lake MilochSwordOverworld Lv.14-16 Water10%EarlyOvercastSouth Lake MilochShieldOverworld Lv.14-16 Water10%EarlyOvercastSouth Lake MilochSwordOverworld Lv.14-16 Water10%EarlySnowingSouth Lake MilochShieldOverworld Lv.14-16 Water10%EarlySnowingWest Lake AxewellSwordOverworld Lv.8-14 Cave5%EarlySnowstormWest Lake AxewellShieldOverworld Lv.8-14 Cave5%EarlySnowstormGiant's CapSwordSuper Rod Lv.26-2835%MidGiant's CapShieldSuper Rod Lv.26-2835%MidLoop LagoonSwordOverworld Lv.16-2120%MidThunderstormLoop LagoonShieldOverworld Lv.16-2120%MidThunderstormLoop LagoonSwordOverworld Lv.16-2120%MidRainingLoop LagoonShieldOverworld Lv.16-2120%MidRainingLoop LagoonSwordGrass Lv.19-2415%MidThunderstormLoop LagoonShieldGrass Lv.19-2415%MidThunderstormLoop LagoonSwordGrass Lv.19-2415%MidRainingLoop LagoonShieldGrass Lv.19-2415%MidRaining
Step 2Kingler ✓Axew's EyeShieldOverworld Lv.36-4025%LateNormal WeatherAxew's EyeSwordOverworld Lv.36-4025%LateNormal WeatherRoute 9SwordGrass Lv.38-42 Route25%LateAll WeatherRoute 9ShieldGrass Lv.38-42 Route25%LateAll WeatherAxew's EyeSwordOverworld Lv.36-4010%LateThunderstormAxew's EyeShieldOverworld Lv.36-4010%LateThunderstormAxew's EyeShieldOverworld Lv.36-405%LateOvercastAxew's EyeSwordOverworld Lv.36-405%LateOvercastor evolve from Krabby (Step 1)
Kingler Guide
In Sword & Shield, Don't let Kingler's 475 base stat total fool you. Sheer Force is what makes it tick. It punches way above its weight class. We rate it C-Tier as a wallbreaker. Knock Off with Life Orb is the standard set.
In Sword & Shield, Run Sheer Force on Kingler. It's the ability that defines how you build around it and the main reason it holds a competitive niche. Kingler also gets Hyper Cutter and Shell Armor, but they don't compare. On wall sets, Sheer Force pairs with Kingler's base 115 Defense to absorb physical hits on the switch.
In Sword & Shield, Kingler fills the wallbreaker role. It's a physical attacker with base 130 Attack. Base 75 Speed is workable. Faster than some, slower than many. And it's enough bulk to take a hit or two.
In Sword & Shield, run Knock Off, Liquidation, Swords Dance, and Highhorsepower on Kingler. Knock Off is the most common pick at 24% usage. Liquidation provides reliable STAB damage.
Game Availability
Kingler first appeared in Red & Blue and spans 20 games across 10 generations. It later gained a Gigantamax form in Generation 8, adding new dimensions to its competitive identity.
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 8SwShGigantamax

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
