Physical
Wallbreaker
75Speed · Below Avg

Is Kingler Good in Black & White Playthrough?

Krabby evolves at level 28. Water with AbilityHyper Cutter. The physical/special split gave 130 Attack real Water moves. Wild postgame. Hits hard but fragile.

StrongGoodEvenToughBadEGGEGEGEETEEEEECilanGym 1ChiliGym 2CressGym 3LenoraGym 4BurghGym 5KrabbyCatchKinglerCatchableElesaGym 6ClayGym 7SkylaGym 8BrycenGym 9DraydenGym 10ShauntalE4GrimsleyE4CaitlinE4MarshalE4AlderChamp*
Cilan
Gym 1
Even

Krabby trades roughly evenly with Cilan's team.

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

Krabby has the type edge here and should clean up Chili's team.

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

Krabby has the type edge here and should clean up Cress's team.

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

Krabby trades roughly evenly with Lenora's team.

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

Krabby has the type edge here and should clean up Burgh's team.

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

Kingler 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
Even
Zebstrika
Lv 27
Electric
Lightningrod
Quick AttackSparkVolt SwitchFlame Charge
Clay
Gym 7
Good

Kingler has the type edge here and should clean up Clay's team.

Easy KO
Krokorok
Lv 29
GroundDark
Intimidate
CrunchSwaggerBulldozeTorment
You Win
Palpitoad
Lv 29
WaterGround
Swift Swim
Muddy WaterAqua RingBulldozeBubblebeam
You Win
Excadrill
Lv 31
GroundSteel
Sand Rush
SlashRock SlideBulldozeHone Claws
Skyla
Gym 8
Even

Kingler trades roughly evenly with Skyla's team.

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

Kingler trades roughly evenly with Brycen's team.

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

Drayden's typing presses Kingler's defenses.

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

Kingler trades roughly evenly with Shauntal's team.

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

Kingler trades roughly evenly with Grimsley's team.

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

Kingler trades roughly evenly with Caitlin's team.

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

Kingler trades roughly evenly with Marshal's team.

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

Kingler trades roughly evenly with Alder's team.

Risky
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
Even
Vanilluxe
Lv 75
Ice
Ice Body
BlizzardFlash CannonLight ScreenAcid Armor
Even
Escavalier
Lv 75
BugSteel
Swarm
X ScissorIron HeadAerial AceGiga Impact
Even
Volcarona
Lv 77
BugFire
Flame Body
OverheatQuiver DanceBug BuzzHyper Beam
Catchable
Available after Badge 5
Type
Water
Tier
E

Catch Kingler on Route 4 (Super Rod fishing, Lv 35-70, rare). Shaking/Bubbling spots.

View Kingler locations

Catch Krabby
Available after Badge 5
Type
Water
Tier
E

Catch Krabby on Route 4 (Super Rod fishing, Lv 35-55, common).

View Krabby locations

How to Get Kingler in Black & White

moderate rates is the best you'll get on Kingler in late-game fishing spots. Use the sort toggle below. Best shows where the odds peak, Earliest shows where you can access it soonest in your playthrough.

Where To Catch Kingler in BW

Krabby is your first catch on the way to Kingler. You'll find fishing encounters from Lv. 35-70 across 12 total spots in the chain.

  1. Krabby
    Step 1Catch Krabby
    Route 13
    Lv.35-55Super Rod
    Rate 65%
    Any
    Route 4
    Lv.35-55Super Rod
    Rate 65%
    Any
    Driftveil City
    Lv.35-55Super Rod
    Rate 55%
    Any
  2. Kingler
    Step 2Kingler
    Driftveil City
    Lv.35-70Super Rod
    Rate 5%
    AnyShaking spot
    Route 13
    Lv.35-70Super Rod
    Rate 5%
    AnyShaking spot
    Route 4
    Lv.35-70Super Rod
    Rate 5%
    AnyShaking spot
    or evolve from Krabby (Step 1)

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.

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

What is Kingler Weak Against

Good
2Weak
4Resist
0Immune
Score0
4xCritical
None
¼xResist
None
0xImmune
None

What is Kingler Strong Against

3Strong
3Resisted
0Immune
Score0
½xResisted
0xImmune
None

Best Pokemon Against Kingler

Kingler Evolutions

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

2 Forms
Stat Comparison 2 Stages
Krabby
Water
Kingler
Water
HP
30
55+25
ATK
105
130+25
DEF
90
115+25
SP.ATK
25
50+25
SP.DEF
25
50+25
SPE
50
75+25
BST
325C-Tier
475B-Tier+150
ROLE
Attacker
Wallbreaker
TYPE
Physical
Physical

Breeding

Very Easy

Breed with Kingler to get Krabby eggs easily using 25 partners from the Water3 egg group. Notable egg moves include Agility, Amnesia, Ancient Power and 8 more.

Egg Groups
Gender
50.0%50.0%
Hatch Time
20 cycles·5,140 steps
Quick~5 min with Flame Body
Egg Moves
11moves
Breed With (best first)
drapioncrawdauntcorsolaskorupicorphisharcheopsomastarkabutopscarracostaarchenomanytekabuto

BW Kingler Best Moveset

130 Attack with AbilitySheer Force boosting secondary-effect moves by 30%% and canceling Held ItemLife Orb recoil on those hits. The moveset fires devastating physical Water attacks at targets that can't take the hit. 75 Speed outruns some targets but goes second against most. 55 HP folds to any special attack.

Best Build

Experimental
Physical Setup Sweeper
Ability
Sheer Force
Item
Choice ScarfSPEED
Best Nature for Kingler
SeriousNEUTRAL

Kingler best EVs are Attack and Speed

EVs

Physical Setup Sweeper Moveset

  • CrabhammerSTAB
  • Rock Slide
  • X Scissor
  • Swords Dance

Moves List

You'll want to breed for Agility and Amnesia on Kingler. These egg moves aren't just nice to have. Combined with STAB from Crabhammer and Surf, they expand what Kingler can actually threaten in practice.

Level-Up Moves

Lv 1
Bubble
3010030Water
Lv 1
Leer
10030Normal
Lv 1
Mud Sport
15Ground
Lv 1
Vise Grip
5510030Normal
Lv 1
Wide Guard+3
10Rock
Lv 5
Vise Grip
5510030Normal
Lv 9
Leer
10030Normal
Lv 11
Harden
30Normal
Lv 15
Bubble Beam
D9710020Water
Lv 19
Mud Shot
D559515Ground
Lv 21
Metal Claw
509535Steel
Lv 25
Stomp
6510020Normal
Lv 32
Protect+4
C10Normal
Lv 37
Guillotine
305Normal
Lv 44
Slam
807520Normal
Lv 51
Brine
D9710010Water
Lv 56
Crabhammer
S1359010Water
Lv 63
Flail
D10015Normal

TM Moves

TM
TM45
Attract
C10015Normal
TM14
Blizzard
D120705Ice
TM31
Brick Break
A7510015Fighting
HM01
Cut
509530Normal
TM28
Dig
C8010010Ground
HM06
Dive
B12010010Water
TM32
Double Team
15Normal
TM42
Facade
C7010020Normal
TM54
False Swipe
4010040Normal
TM56
Fling
10010Dark
TM21
Frustration
D10020Normal
TM68
Giga Impact
B150905Normal
TM07
Hail
10Ice
TM10
Hidden Power
6010015Normal
TM01
Hone Claws
C15Dark
TM15
Hyper Beam
C150905Normal
TM13
Ice Beam
D9510010Ice
TM17
Protect+4
C10Normal
TM60
Quash
10015Dark
TM18
Rain Dance
C5Water
TM44
Rest
C10Psychic
TM27
Return
D10020Normal
TM80
Rock Slide
B759010Rock
TM94
Rock Smash
D4010015Fighting
TM39
Rock Tomb
C609510Rock
TM48
Round
D6010015Normal
TM55
Scald
C12010015Water
HM04
Strength
C8010015Normal
TM90
Substitute
B10Normal
HM03
Surf
C14210015Water
TM87
Swagger
9015Normal
TM75
Swords Dance
B30Normal
TM46
Thief
C6010010Dark
TM06
Toxic
C9010Poison
TM81
X-Scissor
B8010015Bug

Egg Moves

Egg
Egg
Agility
C30Psychic
Egg
Amnesia
D20Psychic
Egg
Ancient Power
D601005Rock
Egg
Bide+1
10Normal
Egg
Chip Away
7010020Normal
Egg
Endure+4
C10Normal
Egg
Flail
D10015Normal
Egg
Haze
C30Ice
Egg
Knock Off
C6510020Dark
Egg
Slam
807520Normal
Egg
Tickle
10020Normal

Tutor Moves

Kingler can't learn any Tutor moves

Base Stats

Base Stats
Above
HP55
D
Attack130
A
Defense115
B
Sp. Atk50
D
Sp. Def50
D
Speed75
C
Total475
Details
Catch Rate
Challenging60 / 255
Growth Rate
Medium Fast1M XP
Height1.3 m
Weight60.0 kg
Base XP166
Abilities
Hyper Cutter
Prevents Attack from being lowered by other Pokémon.
Shell Armor
Protects against critical hits.
Sheer ForceHidden Ability
Strengthens moves with extra effects to 1.3× their power, but prevents their extra effects.
EV Yield
HPAtk+2DefSpASpDSpe
Attack training target
Pokedex Entry

The larger pincer has 10,000-horsepower strength. However, it is so heavy, it is difficult to aim.

Pokemon Black / Pokemon White

Kingler Black & White Guide

  • In Black & White, 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. Crabhammer with Choice Scarf is the standard set.

  • In Black & White, watch for Raikou (Electric) and Venusaur (Grass) when using Kingler. They all hit it super-effectively with STAB. Only 2 weaknesses means fewer dedicated counters to worry about.

  • In Black & White, 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 Black & White, 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 Black & White, run Crabhammer, Rock Slide, Xscissor, and Swords Dance on Kingler. Crabhammer is the most common pick at 0% usage. Crabhammer 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.

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