Intro
This guide was created to serve as a comprehensive and definitive guide for planning teams in Pokemon XD, for casual first time players to those aiming to challenge run the Orre Colosseum. Many helpful resources are included here, from a breakdown of every individual Pokemon available, to teambuilding strategy against the game's major bottlenecks, to an overview of building teams for the Orre Colosseum using only in game resources, and even a teambuilding compendium. There are also statistics on when Pokemon are obtained through the game and their offensive efficiency, which further inform comparison and considerations of Pokemon for a playthough.
Pokemon List
The following list breaks down the final evolution of each Pokemon in order of availability. Notable moves highlight the best or most unique tactics available to that Pokemon. Sample sets are also provided for an all Shadow Pokemon play through and are also provided for the Orre Colosseum if that Pokemon has high or very high potential in the colosseum. Note that some TMs and moves are effectively unavailable for an all Shadow Pokemon play through due to being only available upon clearing a round of the Orre Colosseum, as a prize for a very high area in Mt. Battle, or only being learned at a very high level. These include TMs for Aerial Ace (Mt. Battle Area 9), Toxic (Orre Colosseum Round 1), Return (Orre Colosseum Round 2), Skill Swap (Orre Colosseum Round 3), Sludge Bomb (Orre Colosseum Round 4), Rest (Orre Colosseum Round 5), Steel Wing (Orre Colosseum Round 6), Dragon Claw (Orre Colosseum Round 7), or any move learned beyond LV. 60. These moves will not be listed in a Pokemon's notable moves or their sets for an all Shadow Pokemon play through, but may be listed in their Orre Colosseum sets if the move in question is very important for that Pokemon.
Flareon
Obtained as: Eevee at LV. 10
Location: Starter Pokemon
Evolution Requirements: Fire Stone
Stats: 65 HP / 130 ATK / 60 DEF / 95 SPA / 110 SPD / 65 SPE
Ability: Flash Fire
Notable Moves:
- Helping Hand (Starting)
- Ember (LV. 16)
- Quick Attack (LV. 23)
- Bite (LV. 30)
- Flamethrower (LV. 52 or TM 35)
- Hidden Power (TM 10)
- Sunny Day (TM 11)
- Hyper Beam (TM 15)
- Protect (TM 17)
- Iron Tail (TM 23)
- Return (TM 27)
- Shadow Ball (TM 30)
- Fire Blast (TM 38)
- Overheat (TM 50)
- Substitute (Tutor)
- Body Slam (Tutor)
- Double-Edge (Tutor)
% of Game Remaining After Being Obtained: 100%
% of Game Remaining After Being Evolved: 99.36%
Offensive Efficiency: 0.7554
Potential in an All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough: High
Potential in the Orre Colosseum: Moderate
Set for All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough:
Held Item: Charcoal / Leftovers / Quick Claw
Move 1: Protect / Helping Hand
Move 2: Hidden Power / Body Slam
Move 3: Flamethrower
Move 4: Fire Blast
Flareon is a solid Fire-type and the first one that can be obtained. Like with the other eeveelutions it can reach its final evolution as early as Gateon Port, and is the only eeveelution to function as a good mixed attacker. Its overall best move Fire Blast can be obtained fairly early after defeating Cipher Cmdr. Exol. Flareon does not have access to specific coverage moves that would help it blast through Water, Rock, Dragon or opposing Fire-types, but does have a variety of powerful albeit marginally useful physical attacks such as Shadow Ball, Iron Tail, Body Slam, Double-Edge, and Hyper Beam to pair with its strong base Attack. Overall Flareon is beginner-friendly and fairly efficient, but otherwise is not a very exceptional Fire-type to run the game with.
Jolteon
Obtained as: Eevee at LV. 10
Location: Starter Pokemon
Evolution Requirements: Thunder Stone
Stats: 65 HP / 65 ATK / 60 DEF / 110 SPA / 95 SPD / 130 SPE
Ability: Volt Absorb
Notable Moves:
- Helping Hand (Starting)
- Thundershock (LV. 16)
- Bite (LV. 30 as Eevee or Move Relearner)
- Thunder Wave (LV. 42 or Tutor)
- Thunder (LV. 52 or TM 25)
- Hidden Power (TM10)
- Protect (TM17)
- Rain Dance (TM 18)
- Thunderbolt (TM 24)
- Shock Wave (TM 34)
- Substitute (Tutor)
Offensive Efficiency: 0.8511
% of Game Remaining After Being Obtained: 100%
% of Game Remaining After Being Evolved: 99.36%
Potential in an All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough: Very High
Potential in the Orre Colosseum: High
Set for All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough:
Held Item: Magnet
Move 1: Protect / Helping Hand / Thunder
Move 2: Thunder Wave
Move 3: Hidden Power / Bite
Move 4: Thunderbolt
Jolteon is the second fastest Pokemon in the game and one of the strongest Electric-types available. These factors combined with its early evolution make it the second most offensively efficient Pokemon to run the game with. Electric-types are handy in many of the game's major bottlenecks and access to Thunder Wave makes Jolteon one of the best Pokemon to support snagging. Perhaps Jolteon's only substantial faulting is a shallow movepool that is reliant on Hidden Power to circumvent Ground-types. Nevertheless, Jolteon is one of the best Pokemon to run the game and often the first consideration for a team's Electric-type.
Set for Orre Colosseum:
Held Item: Magnet
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Nature: Modest
Move 1: Protect
Move 2: Thunder Wave / Helping Hand
Move 3: Hidden Power / Bite
Move 4: Thunderbolt
With its very high Speed and solid Special Attack, Jolteon is a capable Electric-type offensive threat even in the Orre Colosseum that can also provide situation team support. Most of Jolteon's usefulness is its capability to outspeed and OHKO threats that can be difficult to hit otherwise such as Gyarados, Swellow, Dodrio, Feraligatr, Blastoise, and Starmie. Jolteon also has the typing and bulk to tank at least one attack that is not Earthquake or boosted by a Choice Band, giving it at least two opportunities to pick off opposing threats. Ideal types for Hidden Power are those that allow Jolteon to deal decent damage to its Electric-resists, such as Ice, Water, Fire, or Grass. If one of these Hidden Power types isn't obtained, Bite at least gives Jolteon a way to hit Ground-types. Volt Absorb is also situationally useful to give Jolteon a safe switch-in. Unfortunately, Jolteon's EVs cannot be completely protected from the first few battles of the game prior to snagging Ledyba or Poochyena.
Vaporeon
Obtained as: Eevee at LV. 10
Location: Starter Pokemon
Evolution Requirements: Water Stone
Stats: 130 HP / 65 ATK / 60 DEF / 110 SPA / 95 SPD / 65 SPE
Ability: Water Absorb
Notable Moves:
- Helping Hand (Starting)
- Water Gun (LV. 16)
- Bite (LV. 30)
- Aurora Beam (LV. 36)
- Haze (LV. 42)
- Acid Armor (LV. 47)
- Hydro Pump (LV. 52)
- Water Pulse (TM 03)
- Toxic (TM 06)
- Hidden Power (TM 10)
- Ice Beam (TM 13)
- Blizzard (TM 14)
- Protect (TM17)
- Rain Dance (TM 18)
- Icy Wind (Tutor)
- Substitute (Tutor)
Offensive Efficiency: 0.7449
% of Game Remaining After Being Obtained: 100%
% of Game Remaining After Being Evolved: 99.36%
Potential in an All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough: High
Potential in the Orre Colosseum: Moderate
Set for All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough:
Held Item: Mystic Water / Leftovers
Move 1: Protect / Helping Hand / Icy Wind
Move 2: Hidden Power / Bite
Move 3: Ice Beam
Move 4: Hydro Pump
Vaproeon is the best Water-type available early in the game and due to its defensive typing and substantial bulk, is fairly difficult for the AI to KO, making it an excellent beginner's choice for running the game. The combination of Ice Beam and Hydro Pump make Vaporeon an effective offensive tank, allowing its remaining two moves to round out its coverage and provide team support. Vaporeon can tend to feel a bit slow however, and into the late game can feel a bit like an exp sink, especially to get it to LV. 52 to learn Hydro Pump. Despite Water-types not being the most offensively useful in Pokemon XD, Vaporeon remains one of the better Pokemon available with several unique and useful quirks.
Espeon
Obtained as: Eevee at LV. 10
Location: Starter Pokemon
Evolution Requirements: Sun Shard + Friendship at Level Up
Stats: 65 HP / 65 ATK / 60 DEF / 130 SPA / 95 SPD / 110 SPE
Ability: Synchronize
Notable Moves:
- Helping Hand (Starting)
- Confusion (LV. 16)
- Bite (LV. 30 as Eevee or Move Relearner)
- Psybeam (LV. 36)
- Psychic (LV. 47 or TM29)
- Morning Sun (LV. 52)
- Calm Mind (TM 04)
- Hidden Power (TM 10)
- Sunny Day (TM 11)
- Protect (TM 17)
- Reflect (TM 33)
- Skill Swap (TM 48)
- Substitute (Tutor)
- Dream Eater (Tutor)
Offensive Efficiency: 0.8610
% of Game Remaining After Being Obtained: 100%
% of Game Remaining After Being Evolved: 99.36%
Potential in an All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough: Very High
Potential in the Orre Colosseum: High
Set for All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough:
Held Item: Twistedspoon
Move 1: Calm Mind / Protect / Helping Hand
Move 2: Morning Sun
Move 3: Hidden Power / Bite
Move 4: Psychic
Espeon is one of the most offensively efficient Pokemon in the game, sporting a powerful 130 base Special Attack complimented by a fast 110 base speed. Perhaps Espeon's only true weakness in a playthrough is its lack of offensive coverage, making it heavily reliant on clicking a Psychic STAB to deal damage leaving it stagnant against Psychic-type immunities and resists, although Espeon does however have some good support moves available such as Helping Hand and Calm Mind to alleviate this weakness. Espeon remains an especially notable team pick for being the first Psychic-type available and the strongest Psychic-type in the game, even though it is a fairly one-dimensional KO machine for a team.
Set for Orre Colosseum:
Held Item: Twistedspoon / Leftovers
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Nature: Timid
Move 1: Protect / Substitute
Move 2: Calm Mind / Helping Hand
Move 3: Hidden Power / Bite
Move 4: Psychic
Espeon is a fair bit less notable in the Orre Colosseum where its lack of good offensive coverage is felt much harder, but it nevertheless remains one of the better offensive Pokemon available. Protect or Substitute is important to allow Espeon to survive the powerful and omnipresent Earthquake and Explosions, and are also needed to bait out Shadow Balls or other strong physical attacks, especially from fast attackers such as Tauros and Gengar. Substitute especially has great synergy with Calm Mind and Leftovers, which combined have good matchups against the passive status users oof Round 1, and against some of the other setup Pokemon in later rounds. Ideal Hidden Power types are offensive special types such as Ice, Electric, Water, and Grass that compliment Psychic fairly well against dual-type Darks. Overall a strong offensive Psychic-type is fairly effective in the Orre Colosseum, but Espeon really needs good matchups and offensive coordination with its partner to really shine.
Umbreon
Obtained as: Eevee at LV. 10
Location: Starter Pokemon
Evolution Requirements: Moon Shard + Friendship at Level Up
Stats: 95 HP / 65 ATK / 110 DEF / 60 SPA / 130 SPD / 65 SPE
Ability: Synchronize
Notable Moves:
- Helping Hand (Starting)
- Bite (LV. 30 as Eevee or Move Relearner)
- Confuse Ray (LV. 30)
- Faint Attack (LV. 36)
- Moonlight (LV. 52)
- Toxic (TM 06)
- Sunny Day (TM 11)
- Taunt (TM 12)
- Protect (TM 17)
- Rain Dance (TM 18)
- Substitute (Tutor)
- Body Slam (Tutor)
% of Game Remaining After Being Obtained: 100%
% of Game Remaining After Being Evolved: 99.36%
Offensive Efficiency: 0.6376
Potential in an All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough: Moderate
Potential in the Orre Colosseum: Moderate
Set for All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough:
Held Item: Leftovers
Move 1: Helping Hand
Move 2: Moonlight
Move 3: Body Slam
Move 4: Faint Attack / Bite
Umbreon is an overall effective Pokemon for just about any team in Pokemon XD, but is fairly inefficient to use due to its mediocre Speed, low offenses, and lack of strong attacks. Umbreon is however notable for being virtually impossible for the AI to KO, especially once it learns Moonlight. Throughout a playthrough Umbreon finds most of its utility in paralyzing Shadow Pokemon with Body Slam, chipping away at them with its relatively weak attacking moves, and sponging shadow attacks while attempting to snag. Umbreon is a great team choice for players who aren't in a rush to speed through the game and want to play things fairly safe.
Ursaring
Obtained as: Teddiursa at LV. 11
Location: Pokemon HQ Lab
Evolution Requirements: LV. 30
Stats: 90 HP / 130 ATK / 75 DEF / 75 SPA / 75 SPD / 55 SPE
Ability: Guts
Notable Moves:
- Return (Starting)
- Lick (Starting)
- Focus Punch (TM 01)
- Bulk Up (TM 08)
- Hidden Power (TM 10)
- Sunny Day (TM 11)
- Hyper Beam (TM 15)
- Protect (TM 17)
- Rain Dance (TM 18)
- Earthquake (TM 26)
- Brick Break (TM 31)
- Rock Tomb (TM 39)
- Aerial Ace (TM 40)
- Facade (TM 42)
- Substitute (Tutor)
- Body Slam (Tutor)
- Double Edge (Tutor)
% of Game Remaining After Being Obtained: 99.36%
% of Game Remaining After Being Evolved: 60.43%
Offensive Efficiency: 0.7534
Potential in an All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough: Very High
Potential in the Orre Colosseum: Moderate
Set for All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough:
Held Item: Silk Scarf / Leftovers
Move 1: Protect / Bulk Up
Move 2: Hidden Power / Lick / Hyper Beam
Move 3: Brick Break / Earthquake
Move 4: Return / Body Slam
Despite it’s low Speed, Ursaring is one of the most offensively efficient Pokemon in the entire game. It is the first Shadow Pokemon obtained, has very high Attack, and has a powerful STAB move in Return. Brick Break or Earthquake allow Ursaring to bypass Rock- and Steel-types too, making the uncommon Ghost-type the only opposing Pokemon it might ever struggle to KO. Lick is a great move for dealing weak damage to Shadow Pokemon with a good rate of paralysis, and Ursaring can also run moves such as Bulk Up or Hyper Beam to ensure even the strongest of Pokemon are KOed by its attacks. If you are looking for an efficient and easy to use physical attacker, Ursaring is the best one around.
Ledian
Obtained as: Ledyba at LV. 10
Location: Gateon Port
Evolution Requirements: LV. 18
Stats: 55 HP / 35 ATK / 50 DEF / 55 SPA / 110 SPD / 85 SPE
Ability: Swarm / Early Bird
Notable Moves:
- Aerial Ace (Starting)
- Psybeam (Starting)
- Light Screen (LV. 24)
- Reflect (LV. 24)
- Hidden Power (TM 10)
- Sunny Day (TM 11)
- Protect (TM 17)
- Giga Drain (TM 19)
- Solarbeam (TM 22)
- Substitute (Tutor)
% of Game Remaining After Being Obtained: 98.30%
% of Game Remaining After Being Evolved: 88.30%
Offensive Efficiency: 0.5687
Potential in an All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough: Low
Potential in the Orre Colosseum: Low
Set for All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough:
Held Item:
Move 1: Light Screen / Sunny Day
Move 2: Reflect / Sunny Day
Move 3: Psybeam / Giga Drain
Move 4: Aerial Ace
Ledian is a contender for being the worst Pokemon in all of Pokemon XD. Both of its STAB types are physical and are fired off a horrible base 35 Attack stat. It learns no usable Bug-type STAB at all, and it’s best Flying-type attack Aerial Ace only has 60 Base Power. Ledian also has a defensive typing with many weaknesses, and doesn’t actually have many support moves except for screens and Sunny Day, all of which require TMs. The only real reason to use Ledian is for the novelty, such as part of a challenge run.
Mightyena
Obtained as: Poochyena at LV. 10
Location: Gateon Port
Evolution Requirements: LV. 18
Stats: 70 HP / 90 ATK / 70 DEF / 60 SPA / 60 SPD / 70 SPE
Ability: Intimidate
Notable Moves:
- Heal Bell (Starting)
- Poison Fang (Starting)
- Bite (LV. 13)
- Crunch (LV. 47)
- Hidden Power (TM 10)
- Hyper Beam (TM 15)
- Protect (TM 17)
- Iron Tail (TM 23)
- Shadow Ball (TM 30)
- Substitute (Tutor)
- Body Slam (Tutor)
- Double-Edge (Tutor)
% of Game Remaining After Being Obtained: 98.30%
% of Game Remaining After Being Evolved: 95.00%
Offensive Efficiency: 0.5990
Potential in an All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough: Low
Potential in the Orre Colosseum: Low
Set for All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough:
Held Item: Blackglasses
Move 1: Protect / Heal Bell
Move 2: Iron Tail / Poison Fang
Move 3: Body Slam / Hyper Beam
Move 4: Crunch
Mightyena isn’t a much better choice than Ledian, being a physical attacker that is the Dark-type. Its few notable physical attacks such as Iron Tail and Body Slam require a TM and the move tutor respectively. Intimidate is a fantastic ability, but Mightyena is so mediocre overall there isn’t really a way for this Pokemon to capitalize on what should be a great asset. Heal Bell is also notable, but again Mightyena’s low bulk and Speed make it hard to be excited about such a rare support move. Houndoom is available just as early, also fills a team’s dog quota, and is better at running the game in every conceivable way. Only use this Pokemon for challenge runs.
Houndoom
Obtained as: Houndor at LV. 17
Location: Cipher Lab
Evolution Requirements: LV. 24
Stats: 75 HP / 90 ATK / 50 DEF / 110 SPA / 80 SPD / 95 SPE
Ability: Flash Fire
Notable Moves:
- Faint Attack (Starting)
- Ember (Starting)
- Bite (LV. 27)
- Flamethrower (LV. 51)
- Crunch (LV. 59)
- Hidden Power (TM 10)
- Sunny Day (TM 11)
- Protect (TM 17)
- Solarbeam (TM 22)
- Fire Blast (TM 28)
- Overheat (TM 50)
- Substitute (Tutor)
- Dream Eater (Tutor)
% of Game Remaining After Being Obtained: 95.00%
% of Game Remaining After Being Evolved: 79.68%
Offensive Efficiency: 0.7650
Potential in an All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough: Very High
Potential in the Orre Colosseum: High
Set for All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough:
Held Item: Charcoal
Move 1: Hidden Power / Protect
Move 2: Crunch / Bite
Move 3: Fire Blast / Solarbeam
Move 4: Flamethrower
Houndoom sports among the strongest Special Attack and Speed stats available so early in the game. Coupled with powerful STAB attacks it is one of the most offensively efficient Pokemon available, and should be the first consideration for any team’s Fire- or Dark-type Pokemon. Houndoom evolves early, and also can be taught Fire Blast via TM as early as Phenac City. With all these strengths Houndoom’s only notable weaknesses are that it relies on Sun support to have a strong coverage move in Solarbeam, and that Crunch is not obtained until LV. 59, which requires extensive grinding for an equally leveled team of six Pokemon. Aside from these minor points, Houndoom makes for one of the best Pokemon for completing the game, largely in part to fast and powerful Fire-type attacks that never stop being useful.
Set for Orre Colosseum:
Held Item: White Herb
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Nature: Timid
Move 1: Protect / Substitute
Move 2: Crunch
Move 3: Flamethrower
Move 4: Overheat
Houndoom isn’t quite as notable in the Orre Colosseum as it is for completing the game, but it does have the Speed and Special Attack to viably function as an Overheat user. Houndoom is in competition with Arcanine, Moltres, and Typhlosion for this role, with its most notable advantages being that it has STAB coverge in Crunch and is fairly easy to acquire and reset for. Protect or Substitute are fairly important to prevent Houndoom from being easily picked off by faster attackers or Earthquakes. Crunch hits the fairly common Psychic-types in the Colosseum for strong damage, and deals respectable chip to most Fire-type resistances. Flamethrower is used for reliable accuracy and for picking off targets without using one of its only two strong Overheats per battle.
Walrein
Obtained as: Spheal at LV. 17
Location: Cipher Lab
Evolution Requirements: LV. 44
Stats: 110 HP / 80 ATK / 90 DEF / 95 SPA / 90 SPD / 65 SPE
Ability: Thick Fat
Notable Moves:
- Aurora Beam (Staring)
- Water Gun (Starting)
- Body Slam (LV. 19)
- Hail (LV. 31)
- Blizzard (LV. 50)
- Sheer Cold (LV. 61)
- Water Pulse (TM 03)
- Hidden Power (TM 10)
- Ice Beam (TM 13)
- Hyper Beam (TM 15)
- Protect (TM 17)
- Rain Dance (TM 18)
- Iron Tail (TM 23)
- Earthquake (TM 26)
- Rock Tomb (TM 39)
- Icy Wind (Tutor)
- Double-Edge (Tutor)
% of Game Remaining After Being Obtained: 95.00%
% of Game Remaining After Being Evolved: 23.56%
Offensive Efficiency: 0.6385
Potential in an All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough: High
Potential in the Orre Colosseum: Low
Set for All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough:
Held Item: Leftovers / Shell Bell
Move 1: Hidden Power / Protect
Move 2: Water Pulse / Icy Wind
Move 3: Body Slam
Move 4: Ice Beam
With fairly solid offenses, high bulk, and STAB Ice-type attacks, Walrein finds itself being one of the most notable Water-types in the entire game. Although it evolves at a fairly high level, it is obtained early and easily, and can reach its final evolution fairly reasonably before the end of Cipher Key Lair. Walrein benefits from also learning a variety of physical coverage moves in addition to its STAB Water- and Ice-type attacks, the most notable being Body Slam at only LV. 19. Overall Walrein is a Water-type that a team grows into, whereas many of the others feel that their usefulness begins to ebb near the end of the game, or are only available until right before the final battle.
Claydol
Obtained as: Baltoy at LV. 17
Location: Shadow Pokemon Lab
Evolution Requirements: LV. 36
Stats: 60 HP / 70 ATK / 105 DEF / 70 SPA / 120 SPD / 75 SPE
Ability: Levitate
Notable Moves:
- Rock Tomb (Starting)
- Psybeam (Starting)
- Selfdestruct (LV. 19)
- Ancientpower (LV. 25)
- Hyper Beam (LV. 36 or TM 15)
- Explosion (LV. 55)
- Hidden Power (TM 10)
- Sunny Day (TM 11)
- Ice Beam (TM 13)
- Protect (TM 17)
- Rain Dance (TM 18)
- Solarbeam (TM 22)
- Earthquake (TM 26)
- Psychic (TM 29)
- Shadow Ball (TM 30)
- Dream Eater (Tutor)
- Double-Edge (Tutor)
% of Game Remaining After Being Obtained: 95.00%
% of Game Remaining After Being Evolved: 37.13%
Offensive Efficiency: 0.6145
Potential in an All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough: Moderate
Potential in the Orre Colosseum: Moderate
Set for All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough:
Held Item: Twistedspoon
Move 1: Ancientpower
Move 2: Ice Beam
Move 3: Psychic
Move 4: Earthquake / Hyper Beam
Despite its fairly low offensive efficiency, Claydol is nevertheless a solid and enjoyable Pokemon to add to a team. Levitate is a fantastic ability, and access to big moves such as STAB Earthquake, Explosion, STAB Psychic, and Ice Beam, and Ancientpower are exciting. Claydol also learns Sunny Day and Rain Dance, which makes it a unique Pokemon to pair with weather-oriented teams. Aside from its low Speed and mediocre offensive stats, Claydol is unfortunately also a bit of an investment to train up to LV. 36 for its evolution. Although its bulk is solid, many other Pokemon have the defensive typing and raw stats to prove far more difficult for the AI to KO, further limiting Claydol’s desirably.
Ampharos
Obtained as: Mareep at LV. 17
Location: Cipher Lab
Evolution Requirements: LV. 30
Stats: 90 HP / 75 ATK / 85 DEF / SPA 115 / 90 SPD / SPE 55
Ability: Static
Notable Moves:
- Heal Bell (Starting)
- Body Slam (Starting)
- Thunder Wave (Starting)
- Thundershock (Starting)
- Thunderpunch (LV. 30)
- Thunder (LV. 57. or TM 25)
- Focus Punch (TM 01)
- Hidden Power (TM 10)
- Protect (TM 17)
- Rain Dance (Tm 18)
- Thunderbolt (TM 24)
- Seismic Toss (Tutor)
% of Game Remaining After Being Obtained: 95.00%
% of Game Remaining After Being Evolved: 60.00%
Offensive Efficiency: 0.6830
Potential in an All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough: High
Potential in the Orre Colosseum: Low
Set for All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough:
Held Item: Magnet
Move 1: Hidden Power / Protect
Move 2: Thunder Wave
Move 3: Seismic Toss / Thunder
Move 4: Thunderbolt
Ampharos is one of the most effective and obvious choices for an Electric-type if deciding to use an eeveelution not named Jolteon. Although its Speed isn’t great, it has a very strong Special Attack and early access to Thunder Wave. As a bulky Electric-type, Ampharos is also virtually impossible for the AI to KO in a single attack without using Earthquake. Like Jolteon and many other Electric-types available, Ampharos does unfortunately lack coverage moves, having to rely on Hidden Power, Focus Punch, or teammates for tackling Ground- and opposing Electric-types. The result is that Ampharos can at least focus on running support moves such as Protect, Thunder Wave, and Seismic Toss, making it a great asset for snagging Shadow Pokemon.
Swalot
Obtained as: Gulpin at LV. 17
Location: Cipher Lab
Evolution Requirements: LV. 26
Stats: 100 HP / 73 ATK / 83 DEF / 73 SPA / 83 SPD / 55 SPE
Ability: Liquid Ooze / Sticky Hold
Notable Moves:
- Shock Wave (Starting)
- Sing (Starting)
- Sludge (Starting)
- Toxic (Starting)
- Yawn (Starting)
- Body Slam (LV. 26 or Tutor)
- Sludge Bomb (LV. 48)
- Water Pulse (TM 03)
- Hidden Power (TM 10)
- Ice Beam (TM 13)
- Hyper Beam (TM 15)
- Protect (TM 17)
- Giga Drain (TM 19)
- Solarbeam (TM 22)
- Shadow Ball (TM 30)
- Dream Eater (Tutor)
- Double-Edge (Tutor)
- Selfdestruct (Tutor)
% of Game Remaining After Being Obtained: 95.00%
% of Game Remaining After Being Evolved: 66.81%
Offensive Efficiency: 0.5641
Potential in an All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough:
Potential in the Orre Colosseum:
Set for All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough:
Held Item: Leftovers / Poison Barb
Move 1: Sing / Yawn
Move 2: Body Slam / Protect
Move 3: Shadow Ball / Ice Beam / Giga Drain
Move 4: Sludge Bomb
Swalot despite it’s unexciting Poison typing and low Speed is a surprisingly potent and effective Pokemon for completing the game. It learns two moves that induce Sleep, learns Body Slam without using the tutor, and has many interesting coverage options including Shock Wave, Water Pulse, Ice Beam, Giga Drain, and Shadow Ball. Swalot also evolves early, granting a Pokemon with very high comparable bulk that tosses around strong moves. It’s usefulness ebbs into the late game, but it still maintains enough bulk with status moves to be very useful for capturing Shadow Pokemon.
Shiftry
Obtained as: Seedot at LV. 17
Location: Cipher Lab
Evolution Requirements: Leaf Stone
Stats: 90 HP / 100 ATK / 60 DEF / 90 SPA / 60 SPD / 80 SPE
Ability: Chlorophyll / Early Bird
Notable Moves:
- Giga Drain (Starting)
- Nature Power (LV. 13)
- Synthesis (LV. 21 Seedot)
- Sunny Day (LV. 31 Seedot or TM 11)
- Explosion (LV. 43 Seedot)
- Fake Out (LV. 19 Nuzleaf)
- Faint Attack (LV. 31 Nuzleaf)
- Extrasensory (LV. 49 Nuzleaf)
- Hidden Power (TM 10)
- Hyper Beam (TM 15)
- Protect (TM 17)
- Solarbeam (TM 22)
- Shadow Ball (TM 30)
- Brick Break (TM 31)
- Rock Tomb (TM 39)
- Aerial Ace (TM 40)
- Substitute (Tutor)
- Body Slam (Tutor)
- Double-Edge (Tutor)
- Selfdestruct (Tutor)
% of Game Remaining After Being Obtained: 95.00%
% of Game Remaining After Being Evolved: 95.00%
Offensive Efficiency: 0.6744
Potential in an All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough: Moderate
Potential in the Orre Colosseum: Moderate
Set for All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough:
Held Item: Miracle Seed
Move 1: Fake Out / Sunny Day
Move 2: Body Slam / Brick Break
Move 3: Shadow Ball / Faint Attack
Move 4: Giga Drain / Solarbeam
Shiftry is the first available Grass-type in the game and even starts off with Giga Drain. It has solid mixed offenses and a decent Speed stat, allowing it to function fairly well as a fast mixed attacker for running the game. Naturally Shiftry works well for sun squads thanks to Chlorophyll and access to Sunny Day without a TM, along with a unique edge with Fake Out and fairly strong physical attacks such as Shadow Ball, Body Slam, and Brick Break. It’s greatest weakness is that it is in competition with Breloom, a much stronger physical attacker with Grass-type STAB, and which also happens to be snagged in the Shadow Pokemon Lab.
Ariados
Obtained as: Spinarak at LV. 14
Location: Cipher Lab
Evolution Requirements: LV. 22
Stats: 70 HP / 90 ATK / 70 DEF / 60 SPA / 70 SPD / 40 SPE
Ability: Swarm / Insomina
Notable Moves:
- Signal Beam (Starting)
- Night Shade (Starting)
- Agility (LV. 53)
- Hidden Power (TM 10)
- Hyper Beam (TM 15)
- Protect (TM 17)
- Body Slam (Tutor)
- Double-Edge (Tutor)
% of Game Remaining After Being Obtained: 92.13%
% of Game Remaining After Being Evolved: 87.98%
Offensive Efficiency: 0.6356
Potential in an All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough: Low
Potential in the Orre Colosseum: Low
Set for All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough:
Held Item: Silver Powder
Move 1: Protect / Agility
Move 2: Night Shade
Move 3: Body Slam / Hidden Power
Move 4: Signal Beam
Despite a fair Attack stat, early availability, and a few interesting moves to play around with, Aridos is not a notable Pokemon to utilize on a team. It’s low Speed and large number of weaknesses make justifying its use difficult, especially later into the game. Ariados does at least have some utility in doing well versus Shadow Pokemon thanks to Night Shade, but it’s only good option for status requires Body Slam from the move tutor. Overall Ariados should only be used for challenge runs, or for some other aesthetic or sentimental reason.
Camerupt
Obtained as: Numel at LV. 14
Location: Cipher Lab
Evolution Requirements: LV. 33
Stats: 70 HP / 100 ATK / 70 DEF / 105 SPA / 75 SPD / 40 SPE
Ability: Magma Armor
Notable Moves:
- Ember (Starting)
- Magnitude (LV. 19)
- Rock Slide (LV. 33)
- Earthquake (LV. 37 or TM 26)
- Eruption (LV. 45)
- Fissure (LV. 55)
- Hidden Power (TM 10)
- Sunny Day (TM 11)
- Hyper Beam (TM 15)
- Protect (TM 17)
- Flamethrower (TM 35)
- Fire Blast (TM 38)
- Tock Tomb (TM 39)
- Overheat (TM 50)
- Body Slam (Tutor)
- Double-Edge (Tutor)
- Selfdestruct (Tutor)
% of Game Remaining After Being Obtained: 91.81%
% of Game Remaining After Being Evolved: 52.77%
Offensive Efficiency: 0.6500
Potential in an All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough: High
Potential in the Orre Colosseum: Low
Set for All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough:
Held Item: Charcoal / Soft Sand / Quick Claw
Move 1: Protect / Body Slam
Move 2: Rock Slide / Body Slam
Move 3: Fire Blast / Flamethrower / Eruption
Move 4: Earthquake
With strong base 100 Attack, 105 Special Attack, and access to powerful moves such as Earthquake, Eruption, and Rock Slide, Camerupt is a slow but powerful addition to virtually any team. Ground and Fire are also among the most effective offensive types and allow Camerupt to deal major damage in nearly all matchups. Camerupt is also one of only a few Pokemon to learn Earthquake without requiring TM26, and is the first obtainable Pokemon to do so. Because of Camerupt’s low Speed and high vulnerability to Water-type moves, it is especially important to pair it with fast Electric- or Grass-types. Pokemon with Ground immunities, especially ones with high Speed or Electric- or Grass-type moves, also synergize well as they make it easier for Camerupt to utilize Eathquake.
Sharpedo
Obtained as: Carvanha at LV. 15
Location: Cipher Lab
Evolution Requirements: LV. 30
Stats: 70 HP / 120 ATK / 40 DEF / 95 SPA / 40 SPD / 95 SPE
Ability: Rough Skin
Notable Moves:
- Water Pulse (Starting)
- Bite (Starting)
- Crunch (LV. 22)
- Slash (LV. 33)
- Skull Bash (LV. 48)
- Hidden Power (TM 10)
- Ice Beam (TM 13)
- Blizzard (TM 14)
- Hyper Beam (TM 15)
- Protect (TM 17)
- Rain Dance (TM 18)
- Earthquake (TM 26)
- Rock Tomb (TM 39)
- Icy Wind (Tutor)
- Double-Edge (Tutor)
% of Game Remaining After Being Obtained: 89.57%
% of Game Remaining After Being Evolved: 60.00%
Offensive Efficiency: 0.6689
Potential in an All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough: Moderate
Potential in the Orre Colosseum: Moderate
Set for All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough:
Held Item: Blackglasses / Mystic Water
Move 1: Protect / Ice Beam
Move 2: Hidden Power / Earthquake
Move 3: Water Pulse
Move 4: Crunch
Sharpedo has appealing bases offenses of 120 Attack, 95 Special Attack, and 95 Speed, but unfortunately lacks the STABs and movepool to fully utilize them. Instead of primarily utilizing its higher Attack stat, Sharpedo is mostly restricted to clicking the already somewhat weak base power of Water Pulse and Crunch on its lower Special Attack stat. Sharpedo doesn’t have many appealing physical moves, and the few it does learn like Earthquake or Double-Edge require TMs or Tutors. Despite these shorcomings, Sharpedo remains a somewhat effective offensive Pokemon, albeit a very fragile one.
Breloom
Obtained as: Shroomish at LV. 15
Location: Cipher Lab
Evolution Requirements: LV. 23
Stats: 60 HP / 130 ATK / 80 DEF / 60 SPA / 60 SPD / 70 SPE
Ability: Effect Spore
Notable Moves:
- False Swipe (Starting)
- Mega Drain (Starting)
- Stun Spore (Starting)
- Leech Seed (Starting)
- Headbutt (LV. 22)
- Giga Drain (LV. 45 as Shroomish or TM 19)
- Spore (LV. 54 as Shroomish)
- Mach Punch (LV. 23)
- Sky Uppercut (LV. 36)
- Mind Reader (LV. 45)
- Dynamicpunch (LV. 54)
- Focus Punch (TM 01)
- Bulk Up (TM 08)
- Hidden Power (TM 10)
- Sunny Day (TM 11)
- Hyper Beam (TM 15)
- Protect (TM 17)
- Solarbeam (TM 22)
- Iron Tail (Tm 23)
- Brick Break (TM 31)
- Seismic Toss (Tutor)
- Substitute (Tutor)
- Body Slam (Tutor)
- Double-Edge (Tutor)
% of Game Remaining After Being Obtained: 88.94%
% of Game Remaining After Being Evolved: 87.98%
Offensive Efficiency: 0.6571
Potential in an All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough: Very High
Potential in the Orre Colosseum: Moderate
Set for All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough:
Held Item: Black Belt / Miracle Seed
Move 1: False Swipe / Seismic Toss / Focus Punch
Move 2: Stun Spore / Body Slam / Mach Punch
Move 3: Giga Drain / Solarbeam
Move 4: Sky Uppercut
Breloom is among one of the most powerful and effective Pokemon to utilize for a complete playthrough due to its very high base 130 Attack stat, combination of unique Grass-Fighting typing, workable 70 base Speed stat with an optional priority move, status movepool, and early availability. Because of all these strengths, Breloom is great Pokemon to utilize anywhere, matching up well against both Pokemon to be KOed, and Pokemon to be snagged, even against most of the game’s major bottlenecks. Perhaps Breloom’s only true weakness is that its defensive typing leaves it susceptible to many different types of attacks, but nevertheless Breloom has the tools to often circumvent these issues before even being struck. Unfortunately when it comes to the Orre Colosseum its comparatively low Speed and common weaknesses are felt much harder, making it a difficult Pokemon to utilize there.
Delcatty
Obtained as: Delcatty at LV. 18
Location: Cipher Lab
Evolution Requirements: None
Stats: 70 HP / 65 ATK / 65 DEF / 55 SPA / 55 SPD / 90 SPE
Ability: Cute Charm
Notable Moves:
- Secret Power (Starting)
- Attract (Starting)
- Shock Wave (Starting)
- Sing (Starting)
- Calm Mind (TM 03)
- Hidden Power (TM 10)
- Sunny Day (TM 11)
- Ice Beam (TM 13)
- Blizzard (TM 14)
- Hyper Beam (TM 15)
- Protect (TM 17)
- Rain Dance (TM 18)
- Solarbeam (TM 22)
- Iron Tail (TM 23)
- Thunderbolt (TM 24)
- Thunder (TM 25)
- Shadow Ball (TM 30)
- Thunder Wave (Tutor)
- Icy Wind (Tutor)
- Dream Eater (Tutor)
- Body Slam (Tutor)
- Double-Edge (Tutor)
% of Game Remaining After Being Obtained: 87.98%
% of Game Remaining After Being Evolved: 87.98%
Offensive Efficiency: 0.6748
Potential in an All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough: Low
Potential in the Orre Colosseum: Low
Set for All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough:
Held Item: Silk Scarf / Leftovers
Move 1: Protect / Sunny Day / Rain Dance
Move 2: Sing
Move 3: Thunder Wave / Solarbeam / Thunder
Move 4: Body Slam / Double-Edge / Hyper Beam
Delcatty is not a very notable Pokemon to utilize on a team. Its base stats are not conducive to an offensive or defensive role, and it’s Normal typing doesn’t inspire much for utilizing it’s wide offensive movepool. Delcatty can provide some forms of team support through the use of weather or status. Sing is highly effective for the snagging of Shadow Pokemon, but has irritatingly low accuracy. All of Delcatty’s best STAB moves require the move tutor or a TM, as do its other notable moves beyond Sing. As a result, Delcatty should not be considered for a play though, except for novelty or challenge run purposes.
This guide was created to serve as a comprehensive and definitive guide for planning teams in Pokemon XD, for casual first time players to those aiming to challenge run the Orre Colosseum. Many helpful resources are included here, from a breakdown of every individual Pokemon available, to teambuilding strategy against the game's major bottlenecks, to an overview of building teams for the Orre Colosseum using only in game resources, and even a teambuilding compendium. There are also statistics on when Pokemon are obtained through the game and their offensive efficiency, which further inform comparison and considerations of Pokemon for a playthough.
Pokemon List
The following list breaks down the final evolution of each Pokemon in order of availability. Notable moves highlight the best or most unique tactics available to that Pokemon. Sample sets are also provided for an all Shadow Pokemon play through and are also provided for the Orre Colosseum if that Pokemon has high or very high potential in the colosseum. Note that some TMs and moves are effectively unavailable for an all Shadow Pokemon play through due to being only available upon clearing a round of the Orre Colosseum, as a prize for a very high area in Mt. Battle, or only being learned at a very high level. These include TMs for Aerial Ace (Mt. Battle Area 9), Toxic (Orre Colosseum Round 1), Return (Orre Colosseum Round 2), Skill Swap (Orre Colosseum Round 3), Sludge Bomb (Orre Colosseum Round 4), Rest (Orre Colosseum Round 5), Steel Wing (Orre Colosseum Round 6), Dragon Claw (Orre Colosseum Round 7), or any move learned beyond LV. 60. These moves will not be listed in a Pokemon's notable moves or their sets for an all Shadow Pokemon play through, but may be listed in their Orre Colosseum sets if the move in question is very important for that Pokemon.
Obtained as: Eevee at LV. 10
Location: Starter Pokemon
Evolution Requirements: Fire Stone
Stats: 65 HP / 130 ATK / 60 DEF / 95 SPA / 110 SPD / 65 SPE
Ability: Flash Fire
Notable Moves:
- Helping Hand (Starting)
- Ember (LV. 16)
- Quick Attack (LV. 23)
- Bite (LV. 30)
- Flamethrower (LV. 52 or TM 35)
- Hidden Power (TM 10)
- Sunny Day (TM 11)
- Hyper Beam (TM 15)
- Protect (TM 17)
- Iron Tail (TM 23)
- Return (TM 27)
- Shadow Ball (TM 30)
- Fire Blast (TM 38)
- Overheat (TM 50)
- Substitute (Tutor)
- Body Slam (Tutor)
- Double-Edge (Tutor)
% of Game Remaining After Being Obtained: 100%
% of Game Remaining After Being Evolved: 99.36%
Offensive Efficiency: 0.7554
Potential in an All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough: High
Potential in the Orre Colosseum: Moderate
Set for All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough:
Held Item: Charcoal / Leftovers / Quick Claw
Move 1: Protect / Helping Hand
Move 2: Hidden Power / Body Slam
Move 3: Flamethrower
Move 4: Fire Blast
Flareon is a solid Fire-type and the first one that can be obtained. Like with the other eeveelutions it can reach its final evolution as early as Gateon Port, and is the only eeveelution to function as a good mixed attacker. Its overall best move Fire Blast can be obtained fairly early after defeating Cipher Cmdr. Exol. Flareon does not have access to specific coverage moves that would help it blast through Water, Rock, Dragon or opposing Fire-types, but does have a variety of powerful albeit marginally useful physical attacks such as Shadow Ball, Iron Tail, Body Slam, Double-Edge, and Hyper Beam to pair with its strong base Attack. Overall Flareon is beginner-friendly and fairly efficient, but otherwise is not a very exceptional Fire-type to run the game with.
Obtained as: Eevee at LV. 10
Location: Starter Pokemon
Evolution Requirements: Thunder Stone
Stats: 65 HP / 65 ATK / 60 DEF / 110 SPA / 95 SPD / 130 SPE
Ability: Volt Absorb
Notable Moves:
- Helping Hand (Starting)
- Thundershock (LV. 16)
- Bite (LV. 30 as Eevee or Move Relearner)
- Thunder Wave (LV. 42 or Tutor)
- Thunder (LV. 52 or TM 25)
- Hidden Power (TM10)
- Protect (TM17)
- Rain Dance (TM 18)
- Thunderbolt (TM 24)
- Shock Wave (TM 34)
- Substitute (Tutor)
Offensive Efficiency: 0.8511
% of Game Remaining After Being Obtained: 100%
% of Game Remaining After Being Evolved: 99.36%
Potential in an All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough: Very High
Potential in the Orre Colosseum: High
Set for All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough:
Held Item: Magnet
Move 1: Protect / Helping Hand / Thunder
Move 2: Thunder Wave
Move 3: Hidden Power / Bite
Move 4: Thunderbolt
Jolteon is the second fastest Pokemon in the game and one of the strongest Electric-types available. These factors combined with its early evolution make it the second most offensively efficient Pokemon to run the game with. Electric-types are handy in many of the game's major bottlenecks and access to Thunder Wave makes Jolteon one of the best Pokemon to support snagging. Perhaps Jolteon's only substantial faulting is a shallow movepool that is reliant on Hidden Power to circumvent Ground-types. Nevertheless, Jolteon is one of the best Pokemon to run the game and often the first consideration for a team's Electric-type.
Set for Orre Colosseum:
Held Item: Magnet
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Nature: Modest
Move 1: Protect
Move 2: Thunder Wave / Helping Hand
Move 3: Hidden Power / Bite
Move 4: Thunderbolt
With its very high Speed and solid Special Attack, Jolteon is a capable Electric-type offensive threat even in the Orre Colosseum that can also provide situation team support. Most of Jolteon's usefulness is its capability to outspeed and OHKO threats that can be difficult to hit otherwise such as Gyarados, Swellow, Dodrio, Feraligatr, Blastoise, and Starmie. Jolteon also has the typing and bulk to tank at least one attack that is not Earthquake or boosted by a Choice Band, giving it at least two opportunities to pick off opposing threats. Ideal types for Hidden Power are those that allow Jolteon to deal decent damage to its Electric-resists, such as Ice, Water, Fire, or Grass. If one of these Hidden Power types isn't obtained, Bite at least gives Jolteon a way to hit Ground-types. Volt Absorb is also situationally useful to give Jolteon a safe switch-in. Unfortunately, Jolteon's EVs cannot be completely protected from the first few battles of the game prior to snagging Ledyba or Poochyena.
Obtained as: Eevee at LV. 10
Location: Starter Pokemon
Evolution Requirements: Water Stone
Stats: 130 HP / 65 ATK / 60 DEF / 110 SPA / 95 SPD / 65 SPE
Ability: Water Absorb
Notable Moves:
- Helping Hand (Starting)
- Water Gun (LV. 16)
- Bite (LV. 30)
- Aurora Beam (LV. 36)
- Haze (LV. 42)
- Acid Armor (LV. 47)
- Hydro Pump (LV. 52)
- Water Pulse (TM 03)
- Toxic (TM 06)
- Hidden Power (TM 10)
- Ice Beam (TM 13)
- Blizzard (TM 14)
- Protect (TM17)
- Rain Dance (TM 18)
- Icy Wind (Tutor)
- Substitute (Tutor)
Offensive Efficiency: 0.7449
% of Game Remaining After Being Obtained: 100%
% of Game Remaining After Being Evolved: 99.36%
Potential in an All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough: High
Potential in the Orre Colosseum: Moderate
Set for All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough:
Held Item: Mystic Water / Leftovers
Move 1: Protect / Helping Hand / Icy Wind
Move 2: Hidden Power / Bite
Move 3: Ice Beam
Move 4: Hydro Pump
Vaproeon is the best Water-type available early in the game and due to its defensive typing and substantial bulk, is fairly difficult for the AI to KO, making it an excellent beginner's choice for running the game. The combination of Ice Beam and Hydro Pump make Vaporeon an effective offensive tank, allowing its remaining two moves to round out its coverage and provide team support. Vaporeon can tend to feel a bit slow however, and into the late game can feel a bit like an exp sink, especially to get it to LV. 52 to learn Hydro Pump. Despite Water-types not being the most offensively useful in Pokemon XD, Vaporeon remains one of the better Pokemon available with several unique and useful quirks.
Obtained as: Eevee at LV. 10
Location: Starter Pokemon
Evolution Requirements: Sun Shard + Friendship at Level Up
Stats: 65 HP / 65 ATK / 60 DEF / 130 SPA / 95 SPD / 110 SPE
Ability: Synchronize
Notable Moves:
- Helping Hand (Starting)
- Confusion (LV. 16)
- Bite (LV. 30 as Eevee or Move Relearner)
- Psybeam (LV. 36)
- Psychic (LV. 47 or TM29)
- Morning Sun (LV. 52)
- Calm Mind (TM 04)
- Hidden Power (TM 10)
- Sunny Day (TM 11)
- Protect (TM 17)
- Reflect (TM 33)
- Skill Swap (TM 48)
- Substitute (Tutor)
- Dream Eater (Tutor)
Offensive Efficiency: 0.8610
% of Game Remaining After Being Obtained: 100%
% of Game Remaining After Being Evolved: 99.36%
Potential in an All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough: Very High
Potential in the Orre Colosseum: High
Set for All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough:
Held Item: Twistedspoon
Move 1: Calm Mind / Protect / Helping Hand
Move 2: Morning Sun
Move 3: Hidden Power / Bite
Move 4: Psychic
Espeon is one of the most offensively efficient Pokemon in the game, sporting a powerful 130 base Special Attack complimented by a fast 110 base speed. Perhaps Espeon's only true weakness in a playthrough is its lack of offensive coverage, making it heavily reliant on clicking a Psychic STAB to deal damage leaving it stagnant against Psychic-type immunities and resists, although Espeon does however have some good support moves available such as Helping Hand and Calm Mind to alleviate this weakness. Espeon remains an especially notable team pick for being the first Psychic-type available and the strongest Psychic-type in the game, even though it is a fairly one-dimensional KO machine for a team.
Set for Orre Colosseum:
Held Item: Twistedspoon / Leftovers
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Nature: Timid
Move 1: Protect / Substitute
Move 2: Calm Mind / Helping Hand
Move 3: Hidden Power / Bite
Move 4: Psychic
Espeon is a fair bit less notable in the Orre Colosseum where its lack of good offensive coverage is felt much harder, but it nevertheless remains one of the better offensive Pokemon available. Protect or Substitute is important to allow Espeon to survive the powerful and omnipresent Earthquake and Explosions, and are also needed to bait out Shadow Balls or other strong physical attacks, especially from fast attackers such as Tauros and Gengar. Substitute especially has great synergy with Calm Mind and Leftovers, which combined have good matchups against the passive status users oof Round 1, and against some of the other setup Pokemon in later rounds. Ideal Hidden Power types are offensive special types such as Ice, Electric, Water, and Grass that compliment Psychic fairly well against dual-type Darks. Overall a strong offensive Psychic-type is fairly effective in the Orre Colosseum, but Espeon really needs good matchups and offensive coordination with its partner to really shine.
Obtained as: Eevee at LV. 10
Location: Starter Pokemon
Evolution Requirements: Moon Shard + Friendship at Level Up
Stats: 95 HP / 65 ATK / 110 DEF / 60 SPA / 130 SPD / 65 SPE
Ability: Synchronize
Notable Moves:
- Helping Hand (Starting)
- Bite (LV. 30 as Eevee or Move Relearner)
- Confuse Ray (LV. 30)
- Faint Attack (LV. 36)
- Moonlight (LV. 52)
- Toxic (TM 06)
- Sunny Day (TM 11)
- Taunt (TM 12)
- Protect (TM 17)
- Rain Dance (TM 18)
- Substitute (Tutor)
- Body Slam (Tutor)
% of Game Remaining After Being Obtained: 100%
% of Game Remaining After Being Evolved: 99.36%
Offensive Efficiency: 0.6376
Potential in an All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough: Moderate
Potential in the Orre Colosseum: Moderate
Set for All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough:
Held Item: Leftovers
Move 1: Helping Hand
Move 2: Moonlight
Move 3: Body Slam
Move 4: Faint Attack / Bite
Umbreon is an overall effective Pokemon for just about any team in Pokemon XD, but is fairly inefficient to use due to its mediocre Speed, low offenses, and lack of strong attacks. Umbreon is however notable for being virtually impossible for the AI to KO, especially once it learns Moonlight. Throughout a playthrough Umbreon finds most of its utility in paralyzing Shadow Pokemon with Body Slam, chipping away at them with its relatively weak attacking moves, and sponging shadow attacks while attempting to snag. Umbreon is a great team choice for players who aren't in a rush to speed through the game and want to play things fairly safe.
Obtained as: Teddiursa at LV. 11
Location: Pokemon HQ Lab
Evolution Requirements: LV. 30
Stats: 90 HP / 130 ATK / 75 DEF / 75 SPA / 75 SPD / 55 SPE
Ability: Guts
Notable Moves:
- Return (Starting)
- Lick (Starting)
- Focus Punch (TM 01)
- Bulk Up (TM 08)
- Hidden Power (TM 10)
- Sunny Day (TM 11)
- Hyper Beam (TM 15)
- Protect (TM 17)
- Rain Dance (TM 18)
- Earthquake (TM 26)
- Brick Break (TM 31)
- Rock Tomb (TM 39)
- Aerial Ace (TM 40)
- Facade (TM 42)
- Substitute (Tutor)
- Body Slam (Tutor)
- Double Edge (Tutor)
% of Game Remaining After Being Obtained: 99.36%
% of Game Remaining After Being Evolved: 60.43%
Offensive Efficiency: 0.7534
Potential in an All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough: Very High
Potential in the Orre Colosseum: Moderate
Set for All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough:
Held Item: Silk Scarf / Leftovers
Move 1: Protect / Bulk Up
Move 2: Hidden Power / Lick / Hyper Beam
Move 3: Brick Break / Earthquake
Move 4: Return / Body Slam
Despite it’s low Speed, Ursaring is one of the most offensively efficient Pokemon in the entire game. It is the first Shadow Pokemon obtained, has very high Attack, and has a powerful STAB move in Return. Brick Break or Earthquake allow Ursaring to bypass Rock- and Steel-types too, making the uncommon Ghost-type the only opposing Pokemon it might ever struggle to KO. Lick is a great move for dealing weak damage to Shadow Pokemon with a good rate of paralysis, and Ursaring can also run moves such as Bulk Up or Hyper Beam to ensure even the strongest of Pokemon are KOed by its attacks. If you are looking for an efficient and easy to use physical attacker, Ursaring is the best one around.
Obtained as: Ledyba at LV. 10
Location: Gateon Port
Evolution Requirements: LV. 18
Stats: 55 HP / 35 ATK / 50 DEF / 55 SPA / 110 SPD / 85 SPE
Ability: Swarm / Early Bird
Notable Moves:
- Aerial Ace (Starting)
- Psybeam (Starting)
- Light Screen (LV. 24)
- Reflect (LV. 24)
- Hidden Power (TM 10)
- Sunny Day (TM 11)
- Protect (TM 17)
- Giga Drain (TM 19)
- Solarbeam (TM 22)
- Substitute (Tutor)
% of Game Remaining After Being Obtained: 98.30%
% of Game Remaining After Being Evolved: 88.30%
Offensive Efficiency: 0.5687
Potential in an All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough: Low
Potential in the Orre Colosseum: Low
Set for All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough:
Held Item:
Move 1: Light Screen / Sunny Day
Move 2: Reflect / Sunny Day
Move 3: Psybeam / Giga Drain
Move 4: Aerial Ace
Ledian is a contender for being the worst Pokemon in all of Pokemon XD. Both of its STAB types are physical and are fired off a horrible base 35 Attack stat. It learns no usable Bug-type STAB at all, and it’s best Flying-type attack Aerial Ace only has 60 Base Power. Ledian also has a defensive typing with many weaknesses, and doesn’t actually have many support moves except for screens and Sunny Day, all of which require TMs. The only real reason to use Ledian is for the novelty, such as part of a challenge run.
Obtained as: Poochyena at LV. 10
Location: Gateon Port
Evolution Requirements: LV. 18
Stats: 70 HP / 90 ATK / 70 DEF / 60 SPA / 60 SPD / 70 SPE
Ability: Intimidate
Notable Moves:
- Heal Bell (Starting)
- Poison Fang (Starting)
- Bite (LV. 13)
- Crunch (LV. 47)
- Hidden Power (TM 10)
- Hyper Beam (TM 15)
- Protect (TM 17)
- Iron Tail (TM 23)
- Shadow Ball (TM 30)
- Substitute (Tutor)
- Body Slam (Tutor)
- Double-Edge (Tutor)
% of Game Remaining After Being Obtained: 98.30%
% of Game Remaining After Being Evolved: 95.00%
Offensive Efficiency: 0.5990
Potential in an All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough: Low
Potential in the Orre Colosseum: Low
Set for All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough:
Held Item: Blackglasses
Move 1: Protect / Heal Bell
Move 2: Iron Tail / Poison Fang
Move 3: Body Slam / Hyper Beam
Move 4: Crunch
Mightyena isn’t a much better choice than Ledian, being a physical attacker that is the Dark-type. Its few notable physical attacks such as Iron Tail and Body Slam require a TM and the move tutor respectively. Intimidate is a fantastic ability, but Mightyena is so mediocre overall there isn’t really a way for this Pokemon to capitalize on what should be a great asset. Heal Bell is also notable, but again Mightyena’s low bulk and Speed make it hard to be excited about such a rare support move. Houndoom is available just as early, also fills a team’s dog quota, and is better at running the game in every conceivable way. Only use this Pokemon for challenge runs.
Obtained as: Houndor at LV. 17
Location: Cipher Lab
Evolution Requirements: LV. 24
Stats: 75 HP / 90 ATK / 50 DEF / 110 SPA / 80 SPD / 95 SPE
Ability: Flash Fire
Notable Moves:
- Faint Attack (Starting)
- Ember (Starting)
- Bite (LV. 27)
- Flamethrower (LV. 51)
- Crunch (LV. 59)
- Hidden Power (TM 10)
- Sunny Day (TM 11)
- Protect (TM 17)
- Solarbeam (TM 22)
- Fire Blast (TM 28)
- Overheat (TM 50)
- Substitute (Tutor)
- Dream Eater (Tutor)
% of Game Remaining After Being Obtained: 95.00%
% of Game Remaining After Being Evolved: 79.68%
Offensive Efficiency: 0.7650
Potential in an All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough: Very High
Potential in the Orre Colosseum: High
Set for All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough:
Held Item: Charcoal
Move 1: Hidden Power / Protect
Move 2: Crunch / Bite
Move 3: Fire Blast / Solarbeam
Move 4: Flamethrower
Houndoom sports among the strongest Special Attack and Speed stats available so early in the game. Coupled with powerful STAB attacks it is one of the most offensively efficient Pokemon available, and should be the first consideration for any team’s Fire- or Dark-type Pokemon. Houndoom evolves early, and also can be taught Fire Blast via TM as early as Phenac City. With all these strengths Houndoom’s only notable weaknesses are that it relies on Sun support to have a strong coverage move in Solarbeam, and that Crunch is not obtained until LV. 59, which requires extensive grinding for an equally leveled team of six Pokemon. Aside from these minor points, Houndoom makes for one of the best Pokemon for completing the game, largely in part to fast and powerful Fire-type attacks that never stop being useful.
Set for Orre Colosseum:
Held Item: White Herb
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Nature: Timid
Move 1: Protect / Substitute
Move 2: Crunch
Move 3: Flamethrower
Move 4: Overheat
Houndoom isn’t quite as notable in the Orre Colosseum as it is for completing the game, but it does have the Speed and Special Attack to viably function as an Overheat user. Houndoom is in competition with Arcanine, Moltres, and Typhlosion for this role, with its most notable advantages being that it has STAB coverge in Crunch and is fairly easy to acquire and reset for. Protect or Substitute are fairly important to prevent Houndoom from being easily picked off by faster attackers or Earthquakes. Crunch hits the fairly common Psychic-types in the Colosseum for strong damage, and deals respectable chip to most Fire-type resistances. Flamethrower is used for reliable accuracy and for picking off targets without using one of its only two strong Overheats per battle.
Obtained as: Spheal at LV. 17
Location: Cipher Lab
Evolution Requirements: LV. 44
Stats: 110 HP / 80 ATK / 90 DEF / 95 SPA / 90 SPD / 65 SPE
Ability: Thick Fat
Notable Moves:
- Aurora Beam (Staring)
- Water Gun (Starting)
- Body Slam (LV. 19)
- Hail (LV. 31)
- Blizzard (LV. 50)
- Sheer Cold (LV. 61)
- Water Pulse (TM 03)
- Hidden Power (TM 10)
- Ice Beam (TM 13)
- Hyper Beam (TM 15)
- Protect (TM 17)
- Rain Dance (TM 18)
- Iron Tail (TM 23)
- Earthquake (TM 26)
- Rock Tomb (TM 39)
- Icy Wind (Tutor)
- Double-Edge (Tutor)
% of Game Remaining After Being Obtained: 95.00%
% of Game Remaining After Being Evolved: 23.56%
Offensive Efficiency: 0.6385
Potential in an All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough: High
Potential in the Orre Colosseum: Low
Set for All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough:
Held Item: Leftovers / Shell Bell
Move 1: Hidden Power / Protect
Move 2: Water Pulse / Icy Wind
Move 3: Body Slam
Move 4: Ice Beam
With fairly solid offenses, high bulk, and STAB Ice-type attacks, Walrein finds itself being one of the most notable Water-types in the entire game. Although it evolves at a fairly high level, it is obtained early and easily, and can reach its final evolution fairly reasonably before the end of Cipher Key Lair. Walrein benefits from also learning a variety of physical coverage moves in addition to its STAB Water- and Ice-type attacks, the most notable being Body Slam at only LV. 19. Overall Walrein is a Water-type that a team grows into, whereas many of the others feel that their usefulness begins to ebb near the end of the game, or are only available until right before the final battle.
Obtained as: Baltoy at LV. 17
Location: Shadow Pokemon Lab
Evolution Requirements: LV. 36
Stats: 60 HP / 70 ATK / 105 DEF / 70 SPA / 120 SPD / 75 SPE
Ability: Levitate
Notable Moves:
- Rock Tomb (Starting)
- Psybeam (Starting)
- Selfdestruct (LV. 19)
- Ancientpower (LV. 25)
- Hyper Beam (LV. 36 or TM 15)
- Explosion (LV. 55)
- Hidden Power (TM 10)
- Sunny Day (TM 11)
- Ice Beam (TM 13)
- Protect (TM 17)
- Rain Dance (TM 18)
- Solarbeam (TM 22)
- Earthquake (TM 26)
- Psychic (TM 29)
- Shadow Ball (TM 30)
- Dream Eater (Tutor)
- Double-Edge (Tutor)
% of Game Remaining After Being Obtained: 95.00%
% of Game Remaining After Being Evolved: 37.13%
Offensive Efficiency: 0.6145
Potential in an All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough: Moderate
Potential in the Orre Colosseum: Moderate
Set for All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough:
Held Item: Twistedspoon
Move 1: Ancientpower
Move 2: Ice Beam
Move 3: Psychic
Move 4: Earthquake / Hyper Beam
Despite its fairly low offensive efficiency, Claydol is nevertheless a solid and enjoyable Pokemon to add to a team. Levitate is a fantastic ability, and access to big moves such as STAB Earthquake, Explosion, STAB Psychic, and Ice Beam, and Ancientpower are exciting. Claydol also learns Sunny Day and Rain Dance, which makes it a unique Pokemon to pair with weather-oriented teams. Aside from its low Speed and mediocre offensive stats, Claydol is unfortunately also a bit of an investment to train up to LV. 36 for its evolution. Although its bulk is solid, many other Pokemon have the defensive typing and raw stats to prove far more difficult for the AI to KO, further limiting Claydol’s desirably.
Obtained as: Mareep at LV. 17
Location: Cipher Lab
Evolution Requirements: LV. 30
Stats: 90 HP / 75 ATK / 85 DEF / SPA 115 / 90 SPD / SPE 55
Ability: Static
Notable Moves:
- Heal Bell (Starting)
- Body Slam (Starting)
- Thunder Wave (Starting)
- Thundershock (Starting)
- Thunderpunch (LV. 30)
- Thunder (LV. 57. or TM 25)
- Focus Punch (TM 01)
- Hidden Power (TM 10)
- Protect (TM 17)
- Rain Dance (Tm 18)
- Thunderbolt (TM 24)
- Seismic Toss (Tutor)
% of Game Remaining After Being Obtained: 95.00%
% of Game Remaining After Being Evolved: 60.00%
Offensive Efficiency: 0.6830
Potential in an All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough: High
Potential in the Orre Colosseum: Low
Set for All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough:
Held Item: Magnet
Move 1: Hidden Power / Protect
Move 2: Thunder Wave
Move 3: Seismic Toss / Thunder
Move 4: Thunderbolt
Ampharos is one of the most effective and obvious choices for an Electric-type if deciding to use an eeveelution not named Jolteon. Although its Speed isn’t great, it has a very strong Special Attack and early access to Thunder Wave. As a bulky Electric-type, Ampharos is also virtually impossible for the AI to KO in a single attack without using Earthquake. Like Jolteon and many other Electric-types available, Ampharos does unfortunately lack coverage moves, having to rely on Hidden Power, Focus Punch, or teammates for tackling Ground- and opposing Electric-types. The result is that Ampharos can at least focus on running support moves such as Protect, Thunder Wave, and Seismic Toss, making it a great asset for snagging Shadow Pokemon.
Obtained as: Gulpin at LV. 17
Location: Cipher Lab
Evolution Requirements: LV. 26
Stats: 100 HP / 73 ATK / 83 DEF / 73 SPA / 83 SPD / 55 SPE
Ability: Liquid Ooze / Sticky Hold
Notable Moves:
- Shock Wave (Starting)
- Sing (Starting)
- Sludge (Starting)
- Toxic (Starting)
- Yawn (Starting)
- Body Slam (LV. 26 or Tutor)
- Sludge Bomb (LV. 48)
- Water Pulse (TM 03)
- Hidden Power (TM 10)
- Ice Beam (TM 13)
- Hyper Beam (TM 15)
- Protect (TM 17)
- Giga Drain (TM 19)
- Solarbeam (TM 22)
- Shadow Ball (TM 30)
- Dream Eater (Tutor)
- Double-Edge (Tutor)
- Selfdestruct (Tutor)
% of Game Remaining After Being Obtained: 95.00%
% of Game Remaining After Being Evolved: 66.81%
Offensive Efficiency: 0.5641
Potential in an All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough:
Potential in the Orre Colosseum:
Set for All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough:
Held Item: Leftovers / Poison Barb
Move 1: Sing / Yawn
Move 2: Body Slam / Protect
Move 3: Shadow Ball / Ice Beam / Giga Drain
Move 4: Sludge Bomb
Swalot despite it’s unexciting Poison typing and low Speed is a surprisingly potent and effective Pokemon for completing the game. It learns two moves that induce Sleep, learns Body Slam without using the tutor, and has many interesting coverage options including Shock Wave, Water Pulse, Ice Beam, Giga Drain, and Shadow Ball. Swalot also evolves early, granting a Pokemon with very high comparable bulk that tosses around strong moves. It’s usefulness ebbs into the late game, but it still maintains enough bulk with status moves to be very useful for capturing Shadow Pokemon.
Obtained as: Seedot at LV. 17
Location: Cipher Lab
Evolution Requirements: Leaf Stone
Stats: 90 HP / 100 ATK / 60 DEF / 90 SPA / 60 SPD / 80 SPE
Ability: Chlorophyll / Early Bird
Notable Moves:
- Giga Drain (Starting)
- Nature Power (LV. 13)
- Synthesis (LV. 21 Seedot)
- Sunny Day (LV. 31 Seedot or TM 11)
- Explosion (LV. 43 Seedot)
- Fake Out (LV. 19 Nuzleaf)
- Faint Attack (LV. 31 Nuzleaf)
- Extrasensory (LV. 49 Nuzleaf)
- Hidden Power (TM 10)
- Hyper Beam (TM 15)
- Protect (TM 17)
- Solarbeam (TM 22)
- Shadow Ball (TM 30)
- Brick Break (TM 31)
- Rock Tomb (TM 39)
- Aerial Ace (TM 40)
- Substitute (Tutor)
- Body Slam (Tutor)
- Double-Edge (Tutor)
- Selfdestruct (Tutor)
% of Game Remaining After Being Obtained: 95.00%
% of Game Remaining After Being Evolved: 95.00%
Offensive Efficiency: 0.6744
Potential in an All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough: Moderate
Potential in the Orre Colosseum: Moderate
Set for All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough:
Held Item: Miracle Seed
Move 1: Fake Out / Sunny Day
Move 2: Body Slam / Brick Break
Move 3: Shadow Ball / Faint Attack
Move 4: Giga Drain / Solarbeam
Shiftry is the first available Grass-type in the game and even starts off with Giga Drain. It has solid mixed offenses and a decent Speed stat, allowing it to function fairly well as a fast mixed attacker for running the game. Naturally Shiftry works well for sun squads thanks to Chlorophyll and access to Sunny Day without a TM, along with a unique edge with Fake Out and fairly strong physical attacks such as Shadow Ball, Body Slam, and Brick Break. It’s greatest weakness is that it is in competition with Breloom, a much stronger physical attacker with Grass-type STAB, and which also happens to be snagged in the Shadow Pokemon Lab.
Obtained as: Spinarak at LV. 14
Location: Cipher Lab
Evolution Requirements: LV. 22
Stats: 70 HP / 90 ATK / 70 DEF / 60 SPA / 70 SPD / 40 SPE
Ability: Swarm / Insomina
Notable Moves:
- Signal Beam (Starting)
- Night Shade (Starting)
- Agility (LV. 53)
- Hidden Power (TM 10)
- Hyper Beam (TM 15)
- Protect (TM 17)
- Body Slam (Tutor)
- Double-Edge (Tutor)
% of Game Remaining After Being Obtained: 92.13%
% of Game Remaining After Being Evolved: 87.98%
Offensive Efficiency: 0.6356
Potential in an All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough: Low
Potential in the Orre Colosseum: Low
Set for All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough:
Held Item: Silver Powder
Move 1: Protect / Agility
Move 2: Night Shade
Move 3: Body Slam / Hidden Power
Move 4: Signal Beam
Despite a fair Attack stat, early availability, and a few interesting moves to play around with, Aridos is not a notable Pokemon to utilize on a team. It’s low Speed and large number of weaknesses make justifying its use difficult, especially later into the game. Ariados does at least have some utility in doing well versus Shadow Pokemon thanks to Night Shade, but it’s only good option for status requires Body Slam from the move tutor. Overall Ariados should only be used for challenge runs, or for some other aesthetic or sentimental reason.
Obtained as: Numel at LV. 14
Location: Cipher Lab
Evolution Requirements: LV. 33
Stats: 70 HP / 100 ATK / 70 DEF / 105 SPA / 75 SPD / 40 SPE
Ability: Magma Armor
Notable Moves:
- Ember (Starting)
- Magnitude (LV. 19)
- Rock Slide (LV. 33)
- Earthquake (LV. 37 or TM 26)
- Eruption (LV. 45)
- Fissure (LV. 55)
- Hidden Power (TM 10)
- Sunny Day (TM 11)
- Hyper Beam (TM 15)
- Protect (TM 17)
- Flamethrower (TM 35)
- Fire Blast (TM 38)
- Tock Tomb (TM 39)
- Overheat (TM 50)
- Body Slam (Tutor)
- Double-Edge (Tutor)
- Selfdestruct (Tutor)
% of Game Remaining After Being Obtained: 91.81%
% of Game Remaining After Being Evolved: 52.77%
Offensive Efficiency: 0.6500
Potential in an All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough: High
Potential in the Orre Colosseum: Low
Set for All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough:
Held Item: Charcoal / Soft Sand / Quick Claw
Move 1: Protect / Body Slam
Move 2: Rock Slide / Body Slam
Move 3: Fire Blast / Flamethrower / Eruption
Move 4: Earthquake
With strong base 100 Attack, 105 Special Attack, and access to powerful moves such as Earthquake, Eruption, and Rock Slide, Camerupt is a slow but powerful addition to virtually any team. Ground and Fire are also among the most effective offensive types and allow Camerupt to deal major damage in nearly all matchups. Camerupt is also one of only a few Pokemon to learn Earthquake without requiring TM26, and is the first obtainable Pokemon to do so. Because of Camerupt’s low Speed and high vulnerability to Water-type moves, it is especially important to pair it with fast Electric- or Grass-types. Pokemon with Ground immunities, especially ones with high Speed or Electric- or Grass-type moves, also synergize well as they make it easier for Camerupt to utilize Eathquake.
Obtained as: Carvanha at LV. 15
Location: Cipher Lab
Evolution Requirements: LV. 30
Stats: 70 HP / 120 ATK / 40 DEF / 95 SPA / 40 SPD / 95 SPE
Ability: Rough Skin
Notable Moves:
- Water Pulse (Starting)
- Bite (Starting)
- Crunch (LV. 22)
- Slash (LV. 33)
- Skull Bash (LV. 48)
- Hidden Power (TM 10)
- Ice Beam (TM 13)
- Blizzard (TM 14)
- Hyper Beam (TM 15)
- Protect (TM 17)
- Rain Dance (TM 18)
- Earthquake (TM 26)
- Rock Tomb (TM 39)
- Icy Wind (Tutor)
- Double-Edge (Tutor)
% of Game Remaining After Being Obtained: 89.57%
% of Game Remaining After Being Evolved: 60.00%
Offensive Efficiency: 0.6689
Potential in an All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough: Moderate
Potential in the Orre Colosseum: Moderate
Set for All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough:
Held Item: Blackglasses / Mystic Water
Move 1: Protect / Ice Beam
Move 2: Hidden Power / Earthquake
Move 3: Water Pulse
Move 4: Crunch
Sharpedo has appealing bases offenses of 120 Attack, 95 Special Attack, and 95 Speed, but unfortunately lacks the STABs and movepool to fully utilize them. Instead of primarily utilizing its higher Attack stat, Sharpedo is mostly restricted to clicking the already somewhat weak base power of Water Pulse and Crunch on its lower Special Attack stat. Sharpedo doesn’t have many appealing physical moves, and the few it does learn like Earthquake or Double-Edge require TMs or Tutors. Despite these shorcomings, Sharpedo remains a somewhat effective offensive Pokemon, albeit a very fragile one.
Obtained as: Shroomish at LV. 15
Location: Cipher Lab
Evolution Requirements: LV. 23
Stats: 60 HP / 130 ATK / 80 DEF / 60 SPA / 60 SPD / 70 SPE
Ability: Effect Spore
Notable Moves:
- False Swipe (Starting)
- Mega Drain (Starting)
- Stun Spore (Starting)
- Leech Seed (Starting)
- Headbutt (LV. 22)
- Giga Drain (LV. 45 as Shroomish or TM 19)
- Spore (LV. 54 as Shroomish)
- Mach Punch (LV. 23)
- Sky Uppercut (LV. 36)
- Mind Reader (LV. 45)
- Dynamicpunch (LV. 54)
- Focus Punch (TM 01)
- Bulk Up (TM 08)
- Hidden Power (TM 10)
- Sunny Day (TM 11)
- Hyper Beam (TM 15)
- Protect (TM 17)
- Solarbeam (TM 22)
- Iron Tail (Tm 23)
- Brick Break (TM 31)
- Seismic Toss (Tutor)
- Substitute (Tutor)
- Body Slam (Tutor)
- Double-Edge (Tutor)
% of Game Remaining After Being Obtained: 88.94%
% of Game Remaining After Being Evolved: 87.98%
Offensive Efficiency: 0.6571
Potential in an All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough: Very High
Potential in the Orre Colosseum: Moderate
Set for All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough:
Held Item: Black Belt / Miracle Seed
Move 1: False Swipe / Seismic Toss / Focus Punch
Move 2: Stun Spore / Body Slam / Mach Punch
Move 3: Giga Drain / Solarbeam
Move 4: Sky Uppercut
Breloom is among one of the most powerful and effective Pokemon to utilize for a complete playthrough due to its very high base 130 Attack stat, combination of unique Grass-Fighting typing, workable 70 base Speed stat with an optional priority move, status movepool, and early availability. Because of all these strengths, Breloom is great Pokemon to utilize anywhere, matching up well against both Pokemon to be KOed, and Pokemon to be snagged, even against most of the game’s major bottlenecks. Perhaps Breloom’s only true weakness is that its defensive typing leaves it susceptible to many different types of attacks, but nevertheless Breloom has the tools to often circumvent these issues before even being struck. Unfortunately when it comes to the Orre Colosseum its comparatively low Speed and common weaknesses are felt much harder, making it a difficult Pokemon to utilize there.
Obtained as: Delcatty at LV. 18
Location: Cipher Lab
Evolution Requirements: None
Stats: 70 HP / 65 ATK / 65 DEF / 55 SPA / 55 SPD / 90 SPE
Ability: Cute Charm
Notable Moves:
- Secret Power (Starting)
- Attract (Starting)
- Shock Wave (Starting)
- Sing (Starting)
- Calm Mind (TM 03)
- Hidden Power (TM 10)
- Sunny Day (TM 11)
- Ice Beam (TM 13)
- Blizzard (TM 14)
- Hyper Beam (TM 15)
- Protect (TM 17)
- Rain Dance (TM 18)
- Solarbeam (TM 22)
- Iron Tail (TM 23)
- Thunderbolt (TM 24)
- Thunder (TM 25)
- Shadow Ball (TM 30)
- Thunder Wave (Tutor)
- Icy Wind (Tutor)
- Dream Eater (Tutor)
- Body Slam (Tutor)
- Double-Edge (Tutor)
% of Game Remaining After Being Obtained: 87.98%
% of Game Remaining After Being Evolved: 87.98%
Offensive Efficiency: 0.6748
Potential in an All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough: Low
Potential in the Orre Colosseum: Low
Set for All Shadow Pokemon Playthrough:
Held Item: Silk Scarf / Leftovers
Move 1: Protect / Sunny Day / Rain Dance
Move 2: Sing
Move 3: Thunder Wave / Solarbeam / Thunder
Move 4: Body Slam / Double-Edge / Hyper Beam
Delcatty is not a very notable Pokemon to utilize on a team. Its base stats are not conducive to an offensive or defensive role, and it’s Normal typing doesn’t inspire much for utilizing it’s wide offensive movepool. Delcatty can provide some forms of team support through the use of weather or status. Sing is highly effective for the snagging of Shadow Pokemon, but has irritatingly low accuracy. All of Delcatty’s best STAB moves require the move tutor or a TM, as do its other notable moves beyond Sing. As a result, Delcatty should not be considered for a play though, except for novelty or challenge run purposes.
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