Special
Balanced
30Speed · Very Slow

Is Lotad Good in Ruby & Sapphire Playthrough?

Sapphire only, Route 102. Water/Grass typing is unique in early RS. Ludicolo needs a Water Stone after evolving through Lombre at 14. AbilitySwift Swim doubles Speed in rain. In Sapphire with Kyogre, Ludicolo is a star. In Ruby, less so without rain support.

StrongGoodEvenToughBadGGEGEESGGGGGGLotadCatchRoxanneGym 1LombreEvolveBrawlyGym 2WattsonGym 3LudicoloEvolveFlanneryGym 4NormanGym 5WinonaGym 6Tate & LizaGym 7WallaceGym 8SidneyE4PhoebeE4GlaciaE4DrakeE4StevenChamp*
Roxanne
Gym 1
Good

Lotad has the type edge here and should clean up Roxanne's team.

Easy KO
Geodude
Lv 14
RockGround
Rock Head
TackleDefense CurlRock ThrowRock Tomb
Even
Nosepass
Lv 15
Rock
Sturdy
TackleHardenRock ThrowRock Tomb
Brawly
Gym 2
Good

Lombre has the type edge here and should clean up Brawly's team.

You Win
Machop
Lv 17
Fighting
Guts
LeerKarate ChopSeismic TossBulk Up
You Win
Makuhita
Lv 18
Fighting
Thick Fat
Arm ThrustKnock OffSand AttackBulk Up
Wattson
Gym 3
Even

Lombre trades roughly evenly with Wattson's team.

Even
Magnemite
Lv 22
ElectricSteel
Magnet Pull
SupersonicSonic BoomThunder ShockThunder Wave
Even
Voltorb
Lv 20
Electric
Soundproof
RolloutSelf DestructSparkSonic Boom
Risky
Magneton
Lv 23
ElectricSteel
Magnet Pull
SupersonicSonic BoomShock WaveThunder Wave
Flannery
Gym 4
Good

Ludicolo has the type edge here and should clean up Flannery's team.

You Win
Slugma
Lv 26
Fire
Magma Armor
OverheatSmogLight ScreenSunny Day
You Win
Slugma
Lv 26
Fire
Magma Armor
FlamethrowerRock SlideLight ScreenSunny Day
You Win
Torkoal
Lv 28
Fire
White Smoke
OverheatBody SlamFlailAttract
Norman
Gym 5
Even

Ludicolo trades roughly evenly with Norman's team.

Even
Slaking
Lv 28
Normal
Truant
EncoreFacadeYawnFeint Attack
Even
Vigoroth
Lv 30
Normal
Vital Spirit
SlashFeint AttackFacadeEncore
Risky
Slaking
Lv 31
Normal
Truant
Focus PunchSlack OffFacadeFeint Attack
Winona
Gym 6
Even

Ludicolo trades roughly evenly with Winona's team.

Even
Swellow
Lv 31
NormalFlying
Guts
Quick AttackAerial AceDouble TeamEndeavor
Even
Pelipper
Lv 30
WaterFlying
Keen Eye
Water GunSupersonicProtectAerial Ace
Even
Skarmory
Lv 32
SteelFlying
Keen Eye
Sand AttackFury AttackSteel WingAerial Ace
Even
Altaria
Lv 33
DragonFlying
Natural Cure
EarthquakeDragon BreathDragon DanceAerial Ace
Tate & Liza
Gym 7
Strong

Ludicolo resists most of Tate & Liza's coverage and hits back hard.

Easy KO
Solrock
Lv 42
RockPsychic
Levitate
Sunny DaySolar BeamPsychicFlamethrower
You Win
Lunatone
Lv 42
RockPsychic
Levitate
Light ScreenPsychicHypnosisCalm Mind
Wallace
Gym 8
Good

Ludicolo has the type edge here and should clean up Wallace's team.

You Win
Luvdisc
Lv 40
Water
Swift Swim
Water PulseAttractSweet KissFlail
Easy KO
Whiscash
Lv 42
WaterGround
Oblivious
Rain DanceWater PulseAmnesiaEarthquake
Easy KO
Sealeo
Lv 40
IceWater
Thick Fat
EncoreBody SlamAurora BeamWater Pulse
You Win
Seaking
Lv 42
Water
Swift Swim
Water PulseRain DanceFury AttackHorn Drill
You Win
Milotic
Lv 43
Water
Marvel Scale
Water PulseTwisterRecoverIce Beam
Sidney
Elite Four
Good

Ludicolo has the type edge here and should clean up Sidney's team.

You Win
Mightyena
Lv 46
Dark
Intimidate
RoarTake DownSand AttackCrunch
Even
Shiftry
Lv 48
GrassDark
Chlorophyll
Fake OutDouble TeamSwaggerExtrasensory
You Win
Cacturne
Lv 46
GrassDark
Sand Veil
Leech SeedFeint AttackNeedle ArmCotton Spore
You Win
Sharpedo
Lv 48
WaterDark
Rough Skin
CrunchSwaggerSurfSlash
Even
Absol
Lv 49
Dark
Pressure
Aerial AceSnatchSwords DanceSlash
Phoebe
Elite Four
Good

Ludicolo has the type edge here and should clean up Phoebe's team.

You Win
Dusclops
Lv 48
Ghost
Pressure
Shadow PunchConfuse RayCurseFuture Sight
You Win
Banette
Lv 49
Ghost
Insomnia
Shadow BallSpiteWill O WispFeint Attack
You Win
Sableye
Lv 50
DarkGhost
Keen Eye
Shadow BallPsychicAttractFeint Attack
You Win
Banette
Lv 49
Ghost
Insomnia
Shadow BallPsychicToxicSkill Swap
You Win
Dusclops
Lv 51
Ghost
Pressure
Shadow BallIce BeamConfuse RayEarthquake
Glacia
Elite Four
Good

Ludicolo has the type edge here and should clean up Glacia's team.

You Win
Glalie
Lv 50
Ice
Inner Focus
Light ScreenCrunchHailIce Beam
Easy KO
Sealeo
Lv 50
IceWater
Thick Fat
SurfBody SlamHailIce Ball
Easy KO
Sealeo
Lv 52
IceWater
Thick Fat
AttractDiveHailBlizzard
You Win
Glalie
Lv 52
Ice
Inner Focus
Shadow BallCrunchHailIce Beam
You Win
Walrein
Lv 53
IceWater
Thick Fat
SurfBody SlamBlizzardSheer Cold
Drake
Elite Four
Good

Ludicolo has the type edge here and should clean up Drake's team.

You Win
Shelgon
Lv 52
Dragon
Rock Head
Rock TombDragon ClawProtectCrunch
Even
Altaria
Lv 54
DragonFlying
Natural Cure
Take DownDragon BreathDragon DanceRefresh
You Win
Flygon
Lv 53
GroundDragon
Levitate
DigDragon BreathFlySandstorm
Easy KO
Flygon
Lv 53
GroundDragon
Levitate
FlamethrowerCrunchDragon BreathSand Attack
Risky
Salamence
Lv 55
DragonFlying
Intimidate
FlamethrowerDragon ClawFlyCrunch
Steven
Champion
Good

Ludicolo has the type edge here and should clean up Steven's team.

Even
Skarmory
Lv 57
SteelFlying
Keen Eye
ToxicAerial AceSpikesSteel Wing
Easy KO
Claydol
Lv 55
GroundPsychic
Levitate
ReflectLight ScreenAncient PowerEarthquake
You Win
Aggron
Lv 56
SteelRock
Sturdy
ThunderEarthquakeSolar BeamDragon Claw
You Win
Cradily
Lv 56
RockGrass
Suction Cups
Giga DrainAncient PowerSludge BombConfuse Ray
You Win
Armaldo
Lv 56
RockBug
Battle Armor
Water PulseAncient PowerAerial AceSlash
Risky
Metagross
Lv 58
SteelPsychic
Clear Body
EarthquakePsychicMeteor MashHyper Beam
Catchable
Available before Badge 1
Type
WaterGrass
Tier
F

Catch Lotad on Route 102 (walking, Lv 3-4, uncommon).

View Lotad locations

Recommended Moves
  • After Brawly
    • TM43NormalSecret Power70100%20
  • After Wattson
    • TM13IceIce Beam90100%10
  • After Norman
    • HM03WaterSurf135100%15
    • TM42NormalFacade70100%20
  • After Winona
    • TM22GrassSolar Beam180100%10
    • TM19GrassGiga Drain113100%10
    • TM14IceBlizzard11070%5
  • After Wallace
    • TM03WaterWater Pulse90100%20
Evolve Lotad to Lombre
Level 14
Type
WaterGrass
Tier
E

Your Lotad should hit Level 14 before you reach Brawly, at typical leveling pace.

View Lombre locations

Recommended Moves
  • After Wattson
    • TM13IceIce Beam90100%10
  • After Norman
    • HM03WaterSurf135100%15
  • After Winona
    • TM22GrassSolar Beam180100%10
    • TM19GrassGiga Drain113100%10
  • After Tate & Liza
    • HM08WaterDive120100%10
    • HM07WaterWaterfall120100%15
    • LV 43NormalUproar90100%10
    • LV 49WaterHydro Pump16580%5
Evolve Lombre to Ludicolo
Use Water Stone
Type
WaterGrass
Tier
A

You can pick up the Water Stone in Abandoned Ship.

Recommended Moves
  • After Wattson
    • TM13IceIce Beam90100%10
  • After Norman
    • HM03WaterSurf135100%15
    • TM01FightingFocus Punch150100%20
  • After Winona
    • TM22GrassSolar Beam180100%10
    • TM19GrassGiga Drain113100%10
    • TM15NormalHyper Beam15090%5
  • After Tate & Liza
    • HM08WaterDive120100%10
    • HM07WaterWaterfall120100%15

How to Get Lotad in Ruby & Sapphire

Easy grab on Lotad with high spawn rates across 2 locations in early-game routes. The sorted list below shows the full spread so you can pick the most convenient spot.

Sapphire Exclusive — Trade with Ruby for Seedot

Where To Catch Lotad in RS

The path to Lotad starts with Lotad at Lv. 3-18 via walking encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.

  1. Lotad
    Step 1Lotad
    Route 114
    Lv.15-16Grass
    SapphireRate 30%
    Route 102
    Lv.3-4Grass
    SapphireRate 20%
  2. Lombre
    Step 2Catch or Evolve into Lombre
    Route 114
    Lv.16-18Grass
    SapphireRate 10%
    or evolve from Lotad (Step 1)
  3. Ludicolo
    Step 3Evolve into Ludicolo
    BREEDING
    Available
    Leave a compatible parent at the Pokemon Day Care to receive a Ludicolo egg.

Lotad Weakness

Type-wise, Lotad takes extra damage from Poison, Flying, and Bug. 3 weaknesses is about average, nothing too hard to play around.

Lotad Weakness and Resistance Chart
DamageTypes
2x (Weak)Poison, Flying, Bug
0.5x (Resist)Ground, Steel
0.25x (Resist)Water
Gen III Type Chart
  • Dark and Steel types added — Fairy does not exist yet
  • Moves are Physical or Special based on type, not per move

What is Lotad Weak Against

Avg
3Weak
3Resist
0Immune
Score-2
4xCritical
None
½xResist
¼xResist
0xImmune
None

What is Lotad Strong Against

4Strong
2Resisted
0Immune
Score+2
½xResisted
0xImmune
None

Best Pokemon Against Lotad

Lotad Evolutions

Lotad is the start of a three-stage chain. It evolves into Lombre first, then eventually reaches Ludicolo. For breeding, quick to hatch with a decent partner pool via two egg groups. Evolving adds up to 260 stat points total. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.

How to Evolve

3 Forms
Lotad
#270Lotad
14
Level 14
Lombre
#271Lombre
Water Stone
Water Stone
Ludicolo
#272Ludicolo
Stat Comparison 3 Stages
Lotad
WaterGrass
Lombre
WaterGrass
Ludicolo
WaterGrass
HP
40
60+20
80+20
ATK
30
50+20
70+20
DEF
30
50+20
70+20
SP.ATK
40
60+20
90+30
SP.DEF
50
70+20
100+30
SPE
30
50+20
70+20
BST
220D-Tier
340D-Tier+120
480C-Tier+140
ROLE
Balanced
Balanced
Balanced
TYPE
Utility
Utility
Special

Breeding

Very Easy

Breed Lotad easily with 35 breeding partners from the Plant and Water1 egg groups. Pass egg moves like Flail, Leech Seed, Razor Leaf and 3 more to offspring.

Egg Groups
Gender
50.0%50.0%
Hatch Time
15 cycles·3,855 steps
Quick~4 min with Flame Body
Egg Moves
6moves
Breed With (best first)
azumarillvenusaurmeganiumblastoisegolduckferaligatrkingdraswampertludicoloshiftryslowbroslowking

RS Lotad Best Moveset

Water/Grass pre-evolution heading toward Ludicolo. AbilitySwift Swim doubles Speed in rain and AbilityRain Dish heals in rain. Stats too low. The rain-based evolution is the real draw.

Best Build

Experimental
Special Attacker
Ability
Swift Swim
Item
Nothing
Best Nature for Lotad
HardyNEUTRAL

Lotad best EVs are Sp. Atk and Attack

EVs

Special Attacker Moveset

  • Water GunSTAB
  • AstonishCoverage
  • Hidden Power GrassSTAB

Recommended Teammates

Moves List

Breeding's the move. Flail and Leech Seed give Lotad options it can't learn any other way, and Ghost and Ice coverage and more already covers a decent range on top of Solar Beam and Surf. The egg moves push it further.

Level-Up Moves

Lv 1
Astonish
S3010015Ghost
Lv 3
Growl
D10040Normal
Lv 7
Absorb
D3010020Grass
Lv 13
Nature Power
20Normal
Lv 21
Mist
30Ice
Lv 31
Rain Dance
C5Water
Lv 43
Mega Drain
D6010010Grass

TM Moves

TM
TM45
Attract
10015Normal
TM14
Blizzard
D120705Ice
TM09
Bullet Seed
D1510030Grass
TM32
Double Team
15Normal
TM42
Facade
D7010020Normal
HM05
Flash
7020Normal
TM21
Frustration
D10020Normal
TM19
Giga Drain
D1121005Grass
TM07
Hail
10Ice
TM10
Hidden Power
6010015Normal
TM13
Ice Beam
D9510010Ice
TM17
Protect+4
C10Normal
TM18
Rain Dance
C5Water
TM44
Rest
C10Psychic
TM27
Return
D10020Normal
TM43
Secret Power
7010020Normal
TM22
Solar Beam
C18010010Grass
TM11
Sunny Day
C5Fire
HM03
Surf
D14210015Water
TM46
Thief
D6010025Dark
TM06
Toxic
C8510Poison
TM03
Water Pulse
D9010020Water

Egg Moves

Egg
Egg
Flail
D10015Normal
Egg
Leech Seed
C9010Grass
Egg
Razor Leaf
D829525Grass
Egg
Sweet Scent
10020Normal
Egg
Synthesis
D5Grass
Egg
Water Gun
S6010025Water

Tutor Moves

Lotad can't learn any Tutor moves

Base Stats

Base Stats
Below
HP40
D
Attack30
F
Defense30
F
Sp. Atk40
D
Sp. Def50
D
Speed30
F
Total220
Details
Catch Rate
Guaranteed255 / 255
Growth Rate
Medium Slow1.06M XP
Height0.5 m
Weight2.6 kg
Base XP44
Abilities
Swift Swim
Doubles Speed during rain.
Rain Dish
Heals for 1/16 max HP after each turn during rain.
EV Yield
HPAtkDefSpASpD+1Spe
Special Defense training source
Pokedex Entry

LOTAD live in ponds and lakes, where they float on the surface. It grows weak if its broad leaf dies. On rare occasions, this POKéMON travels on land in search of clean water.

LOTAD is said to have dwelled on land before. However, this POKéMON is thought to have returned to water because the leaf on its head grew large and heavy. It now lives by floating atop the water.

Lotad Ruby & Sapphire Guide

  • In Ruby & Sapphire, Lotad does the job early-game if you need a Water/Grass type on your team. Evolve it into Lombre before the later gyms and it holds up fine through the story.

Game Availability

Lotad first appeared in Ruby & Sapphire and has been available in 15 games across 8 generations. Obtainable through catching or hatching as a base form in most titles where it appears.

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