Is Swinub Good in Sword & Shield Playthrough?
Swinub spawns on Route 10 and the Wild Area in snowy weather. Ice/Ground leads to Mamoswine, one of the best offensive Ice-types in the franchise. The journey from Swinub is longer than most (Piloswine needs Ancient Power to evolve), but Mamoswine is worth every level.
Swinub trades roughly evenly with Milo's team.
Nessa's team hits Swinub's weaknesses hard.
Kabu's team hits Swinub's weaknesses hard.
Bea's team hits Piloswine's weaknesses hard.
Piloswine trades roughly evenly with Opal's team.
Piloswine has the type edge here and should clean up Gordie's team.
Mamoswine trades roughly evenly with Piers's team.
Mamoswine has the type edge here and should clean up Raihan's team.
Mamoswine has the type edge here and should clean up Bede's team.
Mamoswine trades roughly evenly with Leon's team.
Catch Swinub on Rolling Fields (walking, Lv 7-10). Snowstorm.
Your Swinub should hit Level 33 before you reach Bea, at typical leveling pace.
Usually ready to evolve before you reach Piers, at typical party pace.
How to Get Swinub in Sword & Shield
Swinub's scattered across 27 spots in early-game routes with high spawn rates. Check the list below for the closest location to wherever you are in the game. This one's quick.
Where To Catch Swinub in SwSh
Swinub is your first catch on the way to Swinub. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 7-65 across 45 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Swinub ✓Rolling FieldsLv.7-9GrassSwordRate 40%SnowstormRolling FieldsLv.7-10GrassShieldRate 40%SnowstormRolling FieldsLv.7-9GrassSwordRate 35%SnowingRolling FieldsLv.7-10GrassShieldRate 35%SnowingHammerlocke HillsLv.28-30GrassRate 40%SnowingGiant's MirrorLv.26-28GrassRate 30%SnowingGiant's MirrorLv.26-28GrassRate 30%SnowstormGiant's SeatLv.30-35GrassRate 15%SnowingGiant's SeatLv.30-35GrassRate 15%SnowstormDusty BowlLv.42-47OverworldShieldRate 35%SnowstormSlippery SlopeLv.60-65GrassRate 25%SnowstormSlippery SlopeLv.60-65GrassRate 25%SnowingSlippery SlopeLv.60-65GrassRate 20%OvercastSlippery SlopeLv.60-65GrassRate 20%Normal WeatherSlippery SlopeLv.60-65GrassRate 16%Heavy FogSlippery SlopeLv.60-65GrassRate 16%Intense Sun
Step 2Catch or Evolve into PiloswineDusty BowlLv.40-45GrassRate 40%SnowingSlippery SlopeLv.60-65OverworldRate 29%SnowingSlippery SlopeLv.60-65OverworldRate 29%SnowstormLake of OutrageLv.50-52GrassRate 25%SnowingSlippery SlopeLv.60-65OverworldRate 24%Normal WeatherSlippery SlopeLv.60-65OverworldRate 24%Intense SunSlippery SlopeLv.60-65OverworldRate 22%Heavy FogSlippery SlopeLv.60-65OverworldRate 22%OvercastRoaring-Sea CavesLv.60-65OverworldRate 20%All Weatheror evolve from Swinub (Step 1)
Step 3Evolve into MamoswineBREEDINGAvailableLeave a compatible parent at the Pokemon Day Care to receive a Mamoswine egg.
Swinub Weakness
Swinub is weak to Fire, Water, Grass, Fighting, and Steel. On the flip side, it's immune to Electric-type moves entirely. Thick Fat reduces Fire/Ice damage, further improving the defensive spread.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Fire, Water, Grass, Fighting, Steel |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Poison |
| 0x (Immune) | Electric |
What is Swinub Weak Against
FragileBest Pokemon Against Swinub
 Gyarados Water | B | |
Obtain MethodHoneycalm Island Surfing | ||
 Hitmonlee Fighting | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Swinub View Hitmonlee builds →Close Combat 2x249-294%KO Blaze Kick 2x118-140%KO | ||
 Sawk Fighting | C | |
 Arcanine Fire | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Swinub View Arcanine builds →Flare Blitz 2x230-271%KO Solar Beam 2x170-200%KO | ||
 Golisopod BugWater | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Swinub View Golisopod builds →Razor Shell 2x161-190%KO Rock Smash 2x58-69% | ||
Gyarados Water | B | |
Obtain MethodHoneycalm Island Surfing | ||
Hitmonlee Fighting | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Swinub View Hitmonlee builds →Close Combat 2x246-291%KO Blaze Kick 2x116-138%KO | ||
Sawk Fighting | C | |
Arcanine Fire | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Swinub View Arcanine builds →Flare Blitz 2x231-272%KO Solar Beam 2x171-202%KO | ||
Golisopod BugWater | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Swinub View Golisopod builds →Razor Shell 2x163-192%KO Rock Smash 2x59-70% | ||
Golisopod BugWater | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Swinub View Golisopod builds →Razor Shell 2x159-188%KO Brick Break 2x106-125%KO | ||
Gyarados Water | B | |
Obtain MethodHoneycalm Island Surfing | ||
 Darmanitan Fire | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Swinub View Darmanitan builds →Fire Punch 2x174-205%KO Hammer Arm 2x153-181%KO Solar Beam 2x71-84% | ||
 Passimian Fighting | C | |
 Pangoro FightingDark | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Swinub View Pangoro builds →Brick Break 2x157-185%KO Bullet Punch 2x57-67% | ||
Darmanitan Fire | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Swinub View Darmanitan builds →Flare Blitz 2x282-332%KO Hammer Arm 2x158-186%KO Solar Beam 2x71-85% | ||
Golisopod BugWater | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Swinub View Golisopod builds →Liquidation 2x184-216%KO Brick Break 2x107-126%KO | ||
Gyarados Water | B | |
Obtain MethodHoneycalm Island Surfing | ||
 Hitmonchan Fighting | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Swinub View Hitmonchan builds →Focus Punch 2x277-327%KO Fire Punch 2x93-110%KO Bullet Punch 2x50-59% | ||
Passimian Fighting | C | |
Darmanitan Fire | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Swinub View Darmanitan builds →Flare Blitz 2x287-338%KO Hammer Arm 2x160-188%KO Solar Beam 2x73-87% | ||
Golisopod BugWater | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Swinub View Golisopod builds →Liquidation 2x184-218%KO Brick Break 2x108-128%KO | ||
Gyarados Water | B | |
Obtain MethodHoneycalm Island Surfing | ||
 Chandelure GhostFire | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Swinub View Chandelure builds →Overheat 2x387-455%KO Solar Beam 2x238-280%KO | ||
Hitmonchan Fighting | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Swinub View Hitmonchan builds →Focus Punch 2x280-330%KO Fire Punch 2x94-112%KO Bullet Punch 2x51-60% | ||
Darmanitan Fire | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Swinub View Darmanitan builds →Flare Blitz 2x292-344%KO Superpower 2x195-229%KO Solar Beam 2x73-87% | ||
Chandelure GhostFire | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Swinub View Chandelure builds →Overheat 2x394-463%KO Solar Beam 2x242-285%KO | ||
Passimian Fighting | C | |
Available Move Moves
Damage vs Swinub View Passimian builds →Close Combat 2x256-302%KO | ||
Golisopod BugWater | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Swinub View Golisopod builds →Liquidation 2x189-223%KO Brick Break 2x111-131%KO | ||
 Gallade PsychicFighting | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Swinub View Gallade builds →Close Combat 2x265-312%KO Solar Blade 2x184-216%KO Fire Punch 2x111-131%KO | ||
Darmanitan Fire | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Swinub View Darmanitan builds →Flare Blitz 2x292-344%KO Superpower 2x195-229%KO Solar Beam 2x73-87% | ||
Chandelure GhostFire | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Swinub View Chandelure builds →Overheat 2x394-463%KO Solar Beam 2x242-285%KO | ||
Passimian Fighting | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Swinub View Passimian builds →Close Combat 2x256-302%KO Energy Ball 2x66-78% | ||
Golisopod BugWater | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Swinub View Golisopod builds →Liquidation 2x189-223%KO Close Combat 2x177-208%KO | ||
Pangoro FightingDark | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Swinub View Pangoro builds →Close Combat 2x264-311%KO Fire Punch 2x110-130%KO Bullet Punch 2x60-70% | ||
Darmanitan Fire | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Swinub View Darmanitan builds →Flare Blitz 2x292-344%KO Superpower 2x195-229%KO Solar Beam 2x73-87% | ||
Chandelure GhostFire | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Swinub View Chandelure builds →Overheat 2x394-463%KO Solar Beam 2x242-285%KO | ||
Passimian Fighting | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Swinub View Passimian builds →Close Combat 2x256-302%KO Energy Ball 2x66-78% | ||
Golisopod BugWater | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Swinub View Golisopod builds →Liquidation 2x189-223%KO Close Combat 2x177-208%KO | ||
Pangoro FightingDark | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Swinub View Pangoro builds →Close Combat 2x264-311%KO Fire Punch 2x110-130%KO Bullet Punch 2x60-70% | ||
In Sword & Shield, Charizard can KO Swinub with Flamethrower (266-312%). Gyarados threatens a KO with Waterfall (216-254%). Machamp's Close Combat also KOs at 364-428%.
 Charizard Fire | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityBlaze ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Swinub View Charizard builds →Flamethrower 2x266-312%KO Air Slash111-131%KO Dragon Pulse83-98% | ||
Gyarados Water | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityIntimidate ItemWacanberry NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Swinub View Gyarados builds →Waterfall 2x216-254%KO Earthquake89-105%KO Crunch72-85% | ||
 Machamp Fighting | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityGuts ItemFlame Orb NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Swinub View Machamp builds →Bullet Punch 2x82-96% Knock Off66-78% Close Combat 2x364-428%KO | ||
 Metagross SteelPsychic | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityClearbody ItemAssault Vest NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Swinub View Metagross builds →Earthquake104-122%KO | ||
 Venusaur GrassPoison | C | |
Recommended Build AbilityChlorophyll ItemLife Orb NatureModest Moves
Damage vs Swinub View Venusaur builds →Giga Drain 2x298-351%KO | ||
Swinub Evolutions
Three stages ahead. Swinub grows into Piloswine, then pushes on to Mamoswine. Check the evolution methods below. For breeding, average hatch time with a massive partner pool via one egg group. Evolving adds up to 280 stat points total. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
SwSh Swinub Best Moveset
Two evolutions from Mamoswine and the moveset shows it. 50 across most stats except 30 in both specials means nothing competitive happens here. AbilityThick Fat from the hidden slot halves Fire and Ice damage, a useful trait that only pays off after evolving twice.
Best Build
Utility Moveset
- Endeavor
- Ice Shard
- Avalanche
Recommended Teammates
Moves List
Egg moves make a real difference. Swinub gets Ancient Power and Bite exclusively through breeding, filling gaps that TMs and level-up can't touch. Normal and Rock coverage and more rounds out the picture alongside Blizzard and Earthquake.
How to Read the Moves Table
Tabs
- Level-Up
- Learned by leveling up.
- TM
- Taught by a Technical Machine.
- Egg
- Inherited via breeding.
- Tutor
- NPC tutor (cost: items, BP, money).
- Reminder
- An NPC reteaches any move this Pokemon could have learned by leveling up.
- Transfer
- Carried over from an older game using Pokemon HOME.
- Event
- Given out through Mystery Gift events.
Visual Signals
CAT (Category)
How the move deals damage and which stats it uses.
A small dot on the icon's corner marks the move as contact. That triggers abilities like Static, Flame Body, Rough Skin, or Iron Barbs, plus items like Rocky Helmet and Sticky Barb.
Tier (S to D)
Each move's competitive rank in RankedBoost's system. TM, Egg, and Tutor sort by tier by default (best first). On Level-Up, click the Tier header to do the same.
PWR (Power)
Base damage. Numbers shown in a type color include STAB (base × 1.5). Hover any colored number to see the math.
— means no power (status moves) or variable power.
Sorting & Filter
Click any column header to sort. Level-Up opens with Lv 1 at the top. TM, Egg, and Tutor open with the highest-tier moves at the top.
Search filters by move name or type. The Filter button limits the list to STAB, Physical, Special, or Status moves.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Base Stats
It rubs its snout on the ground to find and dig up food. It sometimes discovers hot springs.
If it smells something enticing, it dashes off headlong to find the source of the aroma.
Swinub Sword & Shield Guide
For Sword & Shield, you can run Swinub through the first few routes without issues. 250 BST won't carry you far though. Get it to Piloswine as fast as you can.
Game Availability
Available in 18 titles since its debut in Gold & Silver, Swinub spans 9 generations of Pokemon games. It's accessible through catching or hatching as a base form in most mainline games.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1RB
Red & Blue - Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 2GSDebut
Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 3FRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 4DP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 5BW
Black & White - Gen 5B2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY
X & Y - Gen 6ORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7SM
Sun & Moon - Gen 7USUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7LGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen 8BDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 9SV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW
Winds & Waves