Physical
Attacker
20Speed · Very Slow

Is Boldore Good in Black & White Playthrough?

Roggenrola evolves at level 25. Rock with AbilitySturdy. Trade to evolve into Gigalith. If you can't trade, Boldore with Eviolite is surprisingly bulky in Gen 5. Handles Elesa and Skyla through Rock.

StrongGoodEvenToughBadEETEEEBGGEETEBECilanGym 1ChiliGym 2CressGym 3RoggenrolaCatchableLenoraGym 4BurghGym 5BoldoreEvolveElesaGym 6ClayGym 7SkylaGym 8GigalithEvolveBrycenGym 9DraydenGym 10ShauntalE4GrimsleyE4CaitlinE4MarshalE4AlderChamp*
Cilan
Gym 1
Even

Roggenrola trades roughly evenly with Cilan's team.

Even
Lillipup
Lv 12
Normal
Vital Spirit
BiteWork UpOdor SleuthHelping Hand
Even
Pansage
Lv 14
Grass
Gluttony
Vine WhipWork UpLickFury Swipes
Chili
Gym 2
Even

Roggenrola trades roughly evenly with Chili's team.

Even
Lillipup
Lv 12
Normal
Vital Spirit
BiteWork UpOdor SleuthHelping Hand
Even
Pansear
Lv 14
Fire
Gluttony
IncinerateWork UpLickFury Swipes
Cress
Gym 3
Tough

Cress's team hits Roggenrola's weaknesses hard.

Even
Lillipup
Lv 12
Normal
Vital Spirit
BiteWork UpOdor SleuthHelping Hand
Risky
Panpour
Lv 14
Water
Gluttony
Water GunWork UpLickFury Swipes
Lenora
Gym 4
Even

Roggenrola trades roughly evenly with Lenora's team.

Even
Herdier
Lv 18
Normal
Intimidate
Take DownBiteRetaliateLeer
Risky
Watchog
Lv 20
Normal
Illuminate
LeerCrunchRetaliateHypnosis
Burgh
Gym 5
Even

Roggenrola trades roughly evenly with Burgh's team.

Even
Whirlipede
Lv 21
BugPoison
Poison Point
Poison TailStruggle BugPursuitScreech
Even
Dwebble
Lv 21
BugRock
Sturdy
Smack DownStruggle BugFeint AttackSand Attack
Even
Leavanny
Lv 23
BugGrass
Swarm
Razor LeafStruggle BugString ShotProtect
Elesa
Gym 6
Even

Boldore trades roughly evenly with Elesa's team.

Even
Emolga
Lv 25
ElectricFlying
Static
PursuitQuick AttackVolt SwitchAerial Ace
Even
Emolga
Lv 25
ElectricFlying
Static
PursuitQuick AttackVolt SwitchAerial Ace
Risky
Zebstrika
Lv 27
Electric
Lightningrod
Quick AttackSparkVolt SwitchFlame Charge
Clay
Gym 7
Bad

Clay's Pokemon outpace and outclass Boldore here.

Risky
Krokorok
Lv 29
GroundDark
Intimidate
CrunchSwaggerBulldozeTorment
Avoid
Palpitoad
Lv 29
WaterGround
Swift Swim
Muddy WaterAqua RingBulldozeBubblebeam
Risky
Excadrill
Lv 31
GroundSteel
Sand Rush
SlashRock SlideBulldozeHone Claws
Skyla
Gym 8
Good

Boldore has the type edge here and should clean up Skyla's team.

You Win
Swoobat
Lv 33
PsychicFlying
Unaware
Heart StampAmnesiaAcrobaticsAssurance
You Win
Unfezant
Lv 33
NormalFlying
Big Pecks
Quick AttackAir SlashLeerRazor Wind
You Win
Swanna
Lv 35
WaterFlying
Keen Eye
Aqua RingAerial AceAir SlashBubblebeam
Brycen
Gym 9
Good

Gigalith has the type edge here and should clean up Brycen's team.

You Win
Vanillish
Lv 37
Ice
Ice Body
Mirror ShotAcid ArmorFrost BreathAstonish
You Win
Cryogonal
Lv 37
Ice
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
ReflectAurora BeamFrost BreathRapid Spin
Even
Beartic
Lv 39
Ice
Snow Cloak
SlashBrineIcicle CrashSwagger
Drayden
Gym 10
Even

Gigalith trades roughly evenly with Drayden's team.

Even
Fraxure
Lv 41
Dragon
Rivalry
Dragon DanceDragon RageDragon TailAssurance
Risky
Druddigon
Lv 41
Dragon
Rough Skin
Chip AwayRevengeDragon TailNight Slash
Even
Haxorus
Lv 43
Dragon
Mold Breaker
Dragon DanceSlashDragon TailAssurance
Shauntal
Elite Four
Even

Gigalith trades roughly evenly with Shauntal's team.

Even
Cofagrigus
Lv 48
Ghost
Mummy
Will O WispGrass KnotPsychicShadow Ball
Even
Jellicent
Lv 48
WaterGhost
Cursed Body
Energy BallBrineSurfShadow Ball
Avoid
Golurk
Lv 48
GroundGhost
Iron Fist
CurseEarthquakeBrick BreakShadow Punch
You Win
Chandelure
Lv 50
GhostFire
Flame Body
PaybackFire BlastPsychicShadow Ball
Grimsley
Elite Four
Tough

Grimsley's team hits Gigalith's weaknesses hard.

Avoid
Scrafty
Lv 48
DarkFighting
Moxie
CrunchBrick BreakPoison JabSand Attack
Even
Liepard
Lv 48
Dark
Limber
Night SlashFake OutAerial AceAttract
Avoid
Krookodile
Lv 48
GroundDark
Intimidate
CrunchDragon ClawEarthquakeFoul Play
Risky
Bisharp
Lv 50
DarkSteel
Defiant
Night SlashX ScissorMetal ClawAerial Ace
Caitlin
Elite Four
Even

Gigalith trades roughly evenly with Caitlin's team.

Even
Reuniclus
Lv 48
Psychic
Magic Guard
PsychicEnergy BallFocus BlastThunder
Even
Musharna
Lv 48
Psychic
Synchronize
PsychicShadow BallCharge BeamReflect
You Win
Sigilyph
Lv 48
PsychicFlying
Wonder Skin
PsychicShadow BallIce BeamAir Slash
Even
Gothitelle
Lv 50
Psychic
Frisk
PsychicShadow BallThunderboltCalm Mind
Marshal
Elite Four
Bad

Marshal's Pokemon outpace and outclass Gigalith here.

Avoid
Throh
Lv 48
Fighting
Guts
Storm ThrowBulldozeStone EdgePayback
Risky
Sawk
Lv 48
Fighting
Sturdy
Karate ChopGrass KnotStone EdgeRetaliate
Avoid
Conkeldurr
Lv 48
Fighting
Sheer Force
Hammer ArmGrass KnotStone EdgeRetaliate
Avoid
Mienshao
Lv 50
Fighting
Inner Focus
Jump KickU TurnRock SlideRetaliate
Alder
Champion
Even

Gigalith trades roughly evenly with Alder's team.

You Win
Accelgor
Lv 75
Bug
Hydration
Focus BlastBug BuzzMe FirstEnergy Ball
Even
Bouffalant
Lv 75
Normal
Sap Sipper
Head ChargeMegahornEarthquakeStone Edge
Even
Druddigon
Lv 75
Dragon
Rough Skin
OutrageSuperpowerNight SlashPayback
You Win
Vanilluxe
Lv 75
Ice
Ice Body
BlizzardFlash CannonLight ScreenAcid Armor
Even
Escavalier
Lv 75
BugSteel
Swarm
X ScissorIron HeadAerial AceGiga Impact
Easy KO
Volcarona
Lv 77
BugFire
Flame Body
OverheatQuiver DanceBug BuzzHyper Beam
Catch Roggenrola
Available after Badge 3
Type
Rock
Tier
F

Catch Roggenrola on Wellspring Cave (walking, Lv 10-13, common).

View Roggenrola locations

Evolve Roggenrola to Boldore
Level 25
Type
Rock
Tier
E

Your Roggenrola should hit Level 25 before you reach Elesa, at typical leveling pace.

View Boldore locations

Evolve Boldore to Gigalith
Trade Trade
Type
Rock
Tier
C

Most players are ready to trade before reaching Brycen.

How to Get Boldore in Black & White

A trade step sits in Boldore's 3-stage chain from Roggenrola. The step cards below map each stage with catch locations and evolution methods. Roggenrola shows up at solid rates, so the starting catch is the easy part.

Where To Catch Boldore in BW

The path to Boldore starts with Roggenrola at Lv. 10-59 via walking encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.

  1. Roggenrola
    Step 1Catch Roggenrola
    Wellspring Cave - 1F
    Lv.10-13Cave
    Rate 50%
    Any
    Wellspring Cave - B1F
    Lv.10-13Cave
    Rate 50%
    Any
  2. Boldore
    Step 2Boldore
    Mistralton Cave - 1F
    Lv.28-31Cave
    Rate 50%
    Any
    Mistralton Cave - 2F
    Lv.28-31Cave
    Rate 50%
    Any
    Mistralton Cave - 3F
    Lv.28-31Cave
    Rate 50%
    Any
    Twist Mountain - 1F
    Lv.28-31Cave
    Rate 49%
    Spring/summer/autumn
    Twist Mountain - 2F
    Lv.28-31Cave
    Rate 49%
    Spring/summer/autumn
    Twist Mountain - 3F
    Lv.28-31Cave
    Rate 49%
    Spring/summer/autumn
    Twist Mountain - 1F
    Lv.29-30Cave
    Rate 30%
    Winter
    Twist Mountain - 2F
    Lv.29-30Cave
    Rate 30%
    Winter
    Twist Mountain - 3F
    Lv.29-30Cave
    Rate 30%
    Winter
    Chargestone Cave - 1F
    Lv.24Cave
    Rate 10%
    Any
    Chargestone Cave - B1F
    Lv.24Cave
    Rate 10%
    Any
    Chargestone Cave - B2F
    Lv.24Cave
    Rate 10%
    Any
    Victory Road - 2F
    Lv.37-39Cave
    Rate 30%
    Any
    Victory Road - 4F
    Lv.37-39Cave
    Rate 30%
    Any
    Victory Road - 1F
    Lv.39Cave
    Rate 30%
    Any
    Victory Road - 3F
    Lv.39Cave
    Rate 30%
    Any
    Victory Road - 5F
    Lv.39-41Cave
    Rate 30%
    Any
    Victory Road - 6F
    Lv.39-41Cave
    Rate 30%
    Any
    Victory Road - 7F
    Lv.39-41Cave
    Rate 30%
    Any
    Challenger's Cave - 1F
    Lv.48Cave
    Rate 20%
    Any
    Challenger's Cave - B1F
    Lv.48Cave
    Rate 20%
    Any
    Challenger's Cave - B2F
    Lv.48Cave
    Rate 20%
    Any
    Giant Chasm - Cave
    Lv.49Cave
    Rate 5%
    Any
    Giant Chasm - Inner Cave
    Lv.59Cave
    Rate 5%
    Any
    or evolve from Roggenrola (Step 1)
  3. Gigalith
    Step 3Evolve into Gigalith
    BREEDING
    Available
    Leave a compatible parent at the Pokemon Day Care to receive a Gigalith egg.

Boldore Weakness

Water, Grass, Fighting, Ground, and Steel moves hit Boldore for super-effective damage. It resists 4 types, giving it decent defensive coverage. Boldore's physical bulk (base 105 Def) helps cushion physical weakness hits, but special attackers are the bigger threat.

Boldore Weakness and Resistance Chart
DamageTypes
2x (Weak)Water, Grass, Fighting, Ground, Steel
0.5x (Resist)Normal, Fire, Poison, Flying
Gen V Type Chart
  • Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
  • Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)

What is Boldore Weak Against

Fragile
5Weak
4Resist
0Immune
Score-6
4xCritical
None
¼xResist
None
0xImmune
None

What is Boldore Strong Against

4Strong
3Resisted
0Immune
Score+1
0xImmune
None

Best Pokemon Against Boldore

Boldore Evolutions

Boldore is partway through a three-stage line between Roggenrola and Gigalith. The chain involves a trade, so it's not a straightforward grind. So far, Attack got the biggest boost (+30 from Roggenrola). The final form adds another 125 stats on top. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.

How to Evolve

3 Forms
Stat Comparison 3 Stages
Boldore
Rock
HP
55
70+15
85+15
ATK
75
105+30
135+30
DEF
85
105+20
130+25
SP.ATK
25
50+25
60+10
SP.DEF
25
40+15
80+40
SPE
15
20+5
25+5
BST
280D-Tier
390C-Tier+110
515B-Tier+125
ROLE
Balanced
Attacker
Wallbreaker
TYPE
Physical
Physical
Physical

Breeding

Very Easy

Breed with Boldore to get Roggenrola eggs easily using 49 partners from the Mineral egg group. Notable egg moves include Autotomize, Curse, Gravity and 5 more.

Egg Groups
Gender
50.0%50.0%
Hatch Time
15 cycles·3,855 steps
Quick~4 min with Flame Body
Egg Moves
8moves
Breed With (best first)
glaliefroslasscrustleferrothorndwebblesnoruntferroseedcofagrigusyamaskporygon2claydolbronzong

BW Boldore Best Moveset

Middle stage at 105 Attack and 105 Defense with AbilitySturdy guaranteeing one hit survived. Held ItemEviolite pushes defenses higher. The moveset fires Rock TermStab from real physical power. 20 Speed goes last against everything. Gigalith one evolution away.

Best Build

Experimental
Physical Tank
Ability
Sturdy
Item
Custap BerryRECOVERY
Best Nature for Boldore

Boldore best EVs are HP and Attack

EVs

Physical Tank Moveset

  • Stealth RockSTAB
  • Rock BlastSTAB
  • EarthquakeCoverage
  • ExplosionCoverage

Moves List

Without breeding, Boldore misses out on Autotomize and Curse. That's 8 egg moves adding depth that the base kit lacks. STAB comes from Stone Edge and Power Gem, with Normal and Ground coverage and more rounding things out.

Level-Up Moves

Lv 1
Harden
30Normal
Lv 1
Headbutt
C7010015Normal
Lv 1
Sand Attack
D10015Ground
Lv 1
Tackle
D5010035Normal
Lv 4
Harden
30Normal
Lv 7
Sand Attack
D10015Ground
Lv 10
Headbutt
C7010015Normal
Lv 14
Rock Blast
B379010Rock
Lv 17
Mud-Slap
D2010010Ground
Lv 20
Iron Defense
D15Steel
Lv 23
Smack Down
7510015Rock
Lv 25
Power Gem
C10510020Rock
Lv 30
Rock Slide
C1129010Rock
Lv 36
Stealth Rock
B20Rock
Lv 42
Sandstorm
D10Rock
Lv 48
Stone Edge
A150805Rock
Lv 55
Explosion
B2501005Normal

TM Moves

TM
TM45
Attract
C10015Normal
TM78
Bulldoze
C6010020Ground
TM32
Double Team
15Normal
TM26
Earthquake
B10010010Ground
TM64
Explosion
B2501005Normal
TM42
Facade
C7010020Normal
TM91
Flash Cannon
D8010010Steel
TM21
Frustration
D10020Normal
TM10
Hidden Power
6010015Normal
TM17
Protect+4
C10Normal
TM44
Rest
C10Psychic
TM27
Return
D10020Normal
TM69
Rock Polish
D20Rock
TM80
Rock Slide
C1129010Rock
TM94
Rock Smash
D4010015Fighting
TM39
Rock Tomb
C909510Rock
TM48
Round
D6010015Normal
TM37
Sandstorm
D10Rock
TM23
Smack Down
7510015Rock
TM71
Stone Edge
A150805Rock
HM04
Strength
C8010015Normal
TM90
Substitute
C10Normal
TM87
Swagger
9015Normal
TM06
Toxic
C9010Poison

Egg Moves

Egg
Egg
Autotomize
D15Steel
Egg
Curse
C10Ghost
Egg
Gravity
5Psychic
Egg
Heavy Slam
D10010Steel
Egg
Lock-On
5Normal
Egg
Magnitude
D10030Ground
Egg
Rock Tomb
C909510Rock
Egg
Take Down
C908520Normal

Tutor Moves

Boldore can't learn any Tutor moves

Base Stats

Base Stats
Avg
HP70
C
Attack105
B
Defense105
B
Sp. Atk50
D
Sp. Def40
D
Speed20
F
Total390
Details
Catch Rate
Moderate120 / 255
Growth Rate
Medium Slow1.06M XP
Height0.9 m
Weight102.0 kg
Base XP137
Abilities
Sturdy
Prevents being KOed from full HP, leaving 1 HP instead. Protects against the one-hit KO moves regardless of HP.
Weak Armor
Raises Speed and lowers Defense by one stage each upon being hit by a physical move.
Sand ForceHidden Ability
Strengthens rock, ground, and steel moves to 1.3× their power during a sandstorm. Protects against sandstorm damage.
EV Yield
HPAtk+1Def+1SpASpDSpe
Attack training target
Pokedex Entry

When it overflows with power, the orange crystal on its body glows. It looks for underground water in caves.

Because its energy was too great to be contained, the energy leaked and formed orange crystals.

Boldore Black & White Guide

  • In Black & White, Boldore isn't fully evolved, so it's not built for competitive play. You'll want to evolve it into Gigalith to unlock its full potential. At 390 BST, it's a stepping stone rather than a team anchor.

  • In Black & White, watch for Starmie (Water), Breloom (Grass), and Blaziken (Fighting) when using Boldore. They all hit it super-effectively with STAB. Ground and Steel-type attackers are also a problem. With 5 weakness types, most competitive teams carry at least one counter. At base 20 Speed, Boldore won't outrun any of these threats so switching to a resist is usually the safer play.

  • No. Boldore only evolves into Gigalith through a real trade. There is no in-game alternative in Black & White. Trade needs a Game Boy Advance link cable and a second GBA running another Gen 3 game (FireRed, LeafGreen, Ruby, Sapphire, or Emerald). Trade Boldore to a friend, then have them trade it back. The 2026 Switch re-release supports the same trade through local wireless on the Pokemon Center 2F Wireless Club, with no cables required.

  • Sturdy prevents being KOed from full HP, leaving 1 HP instead. That's the one you want on Boldore. Sand Force is the hidden ability. Niche, but it has its uses. Weak Armor works too if your team needs something different.

  • In Black & White, Boldore fills the attacker role. It's a physical attacker with base 105 Attack. Base 20 Speed is low. Priority moves or Trick Room are the way to go. And it's enough bulk to take a hit or two.

Game Availability

Introduced in Black & White, Boldore has appeared in 7 games across 6 generations. Later debuts mean fewer total appearances, but it's been a consistent presence since its introduction.

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