NationalDex
cacnea
#331

Cacnea

Cactus Pokémon

Grass

By storing water in its body, this desert dweller can survive for 30 days without water.

Base Stats

HP 50
Attack 85
Defense 40
Sp. Atk 85
Sp. Def 40
Speed 35
Total 335

Type Effectiveness

Abilities

Held Items

Evolution Chain

cacturne Cacturne Lv. 32

Moves

Locations

Details

Category Cactus Pokémon
Height 0.4 m
Weight 51.3 kg
Base Exp 67
Growth Rate Medium Slow
Capture Rate 190
Base Happiness 35
Gender 50% ♂ / 50% ♀
Habitat Rough Terrain
Egg Groups Plant ,Humanshape

Sprites

cacnea Front Front
cacnea Back Back
cacnea Front Shiny Front Shiny
cacnea Back Shiny Back Shiny
cacnea Official Art Official Art
cacnea Official Art (Shiny) Official Art (Shiny)

Competitive

lc Usage: 1.5%
Swords Dance
Item
Oran Berry / Focus Sash
Nature
Adamant
EVs
HP 36
Atk 236
Spe 236
Mixed Attacker
Moves
Seed Bomb / Energy Ball
Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Fire
Item
Life Orb
Nature
Naive
EVs
HP 36
Atk 156
SpA 76
Spe 236
Choice Scarf
Moves
Needle Arm / Seed Bomb
Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Fire
Item
Choice Scarf
Nature
Hasty
EVs
HP 36
Atk 156
SpA 76
Spe 236

Strategy Overview

Cacnea is a truly amazing Pokemon with sandstorm set up, thanks to its ability, Sand Veil. It's the only Pokemon in Little Cup that is immune to the effects of sandstorm that isn't a Rock-, Ground-, or Steel-type and isn't named Cleffa. Not only that, but Cacnea can become one of the most threatening Swords Dance sweepers in LC, as it boasts the strongest priority move in the game (tying with Extreme Speed), Sucker Punch, and has a solid movepool to back it up. Unfortunately, that's where the praise is cut short. Cacnea is really hindered by its low Speed and frail defenses. What really hurts it is not sharing a Dark-type to have a STAB Sucker Punch, unlike its evolution, Cacturne. Aside from this, its ability is only useful if it is used on the same team as Hippopotas, meaning you're forced to use up a team slot to take advantage of it.

Through it all, Cacnea still comes out as a worthwhile Pokemon, and is a potent threat, with a good helping of prediction and a side of luck. Consider using it if you need a good Grass-type with priority and already have sleep support on a teammate, or if you are using Hippopotas. If you don't already have sleep support on a teammate, Cacnea's role is somewhat challenged by Bellsprout, who has slightly less power, but has access to the ever useful Sleep Powder. They do have separate abilities and typing that set them apart, however. All in all, Cacnea is a solid Grass-type Pokemon who can pull off a few interesting roles.

Most Used Moves

Seed Bomb
33.6%
Spikes
30.6%

Most Used Items

Competitive data from Smogon University via data.pkmn.cc