NationalDex
kingler
#099

Kingler

Pincer Pokémon

Water

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

Base Stats

HP 55
Attack 130
Defense 115
Sp. Atk 50
Sp. Def 50
Speed 75
Total 475

Type Effectiveness

Abilities

Evolution Chain

kingler Kingler Lv. 28

Moves

Locations

Details

Category Pincer Pokémon
Height 1.3 m
Weight 60.0 kg
Base Exp 166
Growth Rate Medium
Capture Rate 60
Base Happiness 70
Gender 50% ♂ / 50% ♀
Habitat Waters Edge
Egg Groups Water3

Sprites

kingler Front Front
kingler Back Back
kingler Front Shiny Front Shiny
kingler Back Shiny Back Shiny
kingler Official Art Official Art
kingler Official Art (Shiny) Official Art (Shiny)

Competitive

Substitute + Swords Dance
Item
Salac Berry / Lum Berry
Nature
Jolly
EVs
HP 4
Atk 252
Spe 252
Choice Band
Item
Choice Band
Nature
Adamant
EVs
HP 4
Atk 252
Spe 252

Strategy Overview

While Kingler's extraordinary Attack stat might make you think it is one of the most fearsome Pokemon in NU, it certainly isn't. This is because it has many flaws that don't allow it to perform well in the current NU metagame. First of all, its bulk is awful, especially on the special side, and this makes it very hard for Kingler to switch in or set up. Furthermore, its Speed is not high enough, so many offensive Pokemon can easily check Kingler, making use of its bad bulk to outspeed and OHKO it. To make matters worse, while Sheer Force is a great ability, it is a waste on Kingler, as it doesn't learn Waterfall. Kingler also faces competion from Samurott, who has much better bulk and isn't as predictable as Kingler, and Carracosta, who has a much easier time setting up; these two have priority in Aqua Jet as well. Not all is bad news for Kingler, though, as its high Attack stat makes it hard to switch into, and its Speed, while not very good, is enough to outspeed many walls and some threats like Seismitoad or Ludicolo, letting Kingler severely damage them via a Choice Band or Swords Dance-boosted attacks.

Competitive data from Smogon University via data.pkmn.cc