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My name is Adam Watkins. I am an English Literature and Media major who absolutely loves video games. Some of my favorites are Super Mario Bros. 3,... Read more
Reviewed by Benjamin Barr
Rock-type Pokémon, with their rugged and durable nature, have always been a staple in the Pokémon universe. In Pokémon GO, some rock types stand out for their impressive stats and powerful moves. Let’s delve into the best rock type Pokémon based on their in-game statistics, rarity, and battle performance.
Rock Type Pokémon Overview
Within the main game series Rock-types are often considered to be one of the weaker types of Pokémon, this is due to their relatively low speed stats. Luckily, Pokémon GO reduces this problem within its own gameplay design.
Most rock types tend to have a relatively high defense or HP stat and this can keep them in the fight longer than most, assuming you aren’t facing off against one of their type weaknesses in Water, Grass, Ground, Fighting, or Steel. Rock-types make up for this large list of weaknesses by having resistance to Normal, Fire, Poison, and Flying. As long as you play around these strengths and weaknesses you’ll see a rather large amount of value from these rock-type Pokémon.
20. Alolan Golem
The Alolan variant of Golem exhibits a unique, rock-covered form with a magnetic beard and eyebrows. It boasts an attack of 211, a defense of 198, and an HP of 160. Alolan Graveler evolves into Alolan Golem with 100 candies. As a Rock and Electric type, Alolan Golem is efficient against Bug, Fire, Flying, and Water Pokémon, but may struggle against Water, Ground, Grass, and Fighting moves. Alolan Golem has Fast Moves like Rock Throw and Volt Switch. For its Charge Moves, it wields Wild Charge, Stone Edge, and Rock Blast.
19. Probopass
Probopass has an attack of 135, a defense of 275, and an HP of 155. Nosepass evolves into Probopass when leveled up in a magnetic field area or, in the case of Pokémon GO, with 50 candies near a PokéStop with a Magnetic Lure Module. This Rock and Steel dual-type excels against Ice, Rock, and Fairy types but is highly susceptible to Water, Fighting, Ground, and Steel moves. Probopass employs Fast Moves like Rock Throw, Spark, and Magnet Bomb. Its Charge Moves consist of Thunderbolt, Rock Slide, and Earth Power.
18. Tyrantrum
This T-Rex-inspired Pokémon showcases its regal appearance with a crown of rocks. It possesses an attack of 227, a defense of 191, and an HP of 193. Tyrunt evolves into Tyrantrum with 50 candies during the day. As a Rock and Dragon dual-type, Tyrantrum is particularly potent against Bug, Fire, Electric, and Poison Pokémon but is vulnerable to Steel, Fighting, Ground, Ice, Dragon, and Fairy moves.
The Dragon-type might make you think this big guy is really good but honestly, it brings more problems than it’s worth. Fairy-types are pretty much a staple on every PvP team so Tyrantum is likely to fight against its weakness more often than not. It Fast Moves are Charm, Dragon Tail, and Rock Throw. While its Charge Moves are Crunch, Earthquake, Meteor Beam, Outrage, and Stone Edge.
17. Barbaracle
Barbaracle, which looks like a cluster of barnacles turned fighter, boasts an attack of 194, a defense of 205, and an HP of 176. Binacle evolves into Barbaracle with 50 candies. As a Rock and Water type, it’s efficient against Fire, Flying, and Ground Pokémon but susceptible to Electric, Grass, Fighting, and Ground moves. Its Fast moves are Fury, Cutter, Mud-Slap, and Water Gun. Its charge moves are Cross Chop, Grass Knot, Razor Shell, Skull Bash, and Stone Edge.
16. Carracosta
Taking its cues from ancient turtles, Carracosta showcases an attack of 192, a defense of 197, and an HP of 179. Tirtouga evolves into Carracosta with 50 candies. As a Rock and Water type, it’s potent against Fire, Flying, and Ground Pokémon but has vulnerabilities to Electric, Grass, Fighting, and Ground attacks. Carracosta uses Fast Moves such as Rock Throw and Water Gun. Its Charge Moves are Body Slam, Ancient Power, and Surf. These Charge moves generally lack coverage but it has high stats so that makes up form it.
15. Relicanth
Inspired by ancient fish called coelacanths, Relicanth has an attack of 162, a defense of 203, and an HP of 225. As a Rock and Water dual-type, it’s effective against Fire, Flying, and Ground Pokémon but is weak against Electric, Grass, Fighting, and Ground moves. Relicanth possesses Fast Moves like Water Gun and Zen Headbutt. Its Charge Moves include Ancient Power, Aqua Tail, and Hydro Pump.
14. Gigalith
Resembling a crystalline entity, Gigalith boasts an attack of 226, a defense of 201, and an HP of 198. Boldore evolves into Gigalith with 200 candies or a trade. A pure Rock type, Gigalith excels against Bug, Fire, and Flying Pokémon but faces threats from Water, Grass, Fighting, Ground, and Steel types. Gigalith performs Fast Moves like Smack Down and Tackle. Its Charge Moves feature Solar Beam, Stone Edge, and Rock Slide.
13. Crustle
With its appearance as a rock-encased crab, Crustle has an attack of 188, a defense of 200, and an HP of 172. Dwebble evolves into Crustle with 50 candies. As a Rock and Bug dual-type, it performs well against Psychic, Dark, Fire, and Ice Pokémon but is susceptible to Water, Rock, and Steel moves. Crustle can utilize Fast Moves such as Smack Down and Fury Cutter. Its Charge Moves are X-Scissor, Rock Slide, and Rock Tomb.
12. Armaldo
Drawing its look from ancient arthropods, Armaldo boasts an attack of 222, a defense of 183, and an HP of 181. Anorith evolves into Armaldo with 50 candies. Being a Rock and Bug dual-type, it’s effective against Psychic, Dark, Fire, Flying, and Ice types but weak against Water, Rock, and Steel moves. Armaldo wields Fast Moves like Fury Cutter and Struggle Bug. Its Charge Moves include Rock Tomb, Cross Poison, and Rock Blast.
11. Lycanroc (Midday)
Lycanroc, inspired by a wolf, has two prominent forms: Midday and Midnight. Each form has distinct stats and appearances. Midday form has a spread of 231 for attack, 140 for for defense, and 181 in HP. Both forms are pure Rock types, giving them advantages against Bug, Fire, and Flying Pokémon, but they’re vulnerable to Water, Grass, Fighting, Ground, and Steel moves. Its two fast moves are Rock Throw and Sucker Punch. Its Charge Moves are Crunch, Drill Run, Stone Edge, and Trail Blaze. Both its fast and charge moves give it a decent amount of type coverage.
10. Archeops
Drawing inspiration from ancient birds, Archeops displays a colorful plumage and formidable talons. It has an attack of 292, a defense of 139, and an HP of 181. Archen evolves into Archeops with 50 candies. As a Rock and Flying dual-type, it excels against Bug, Fire, Flying, and Ground Pokémon but must be cautious against Water, Electric, Ice, Rock, and Steel moves. Archeops has the capability to use Fast Moves like Wing Attack and Quick Attack. Its Charge Moves are Ancient Power, Dragon Claw, and Hyper Beam.
9. Aggron
Aggron, a steel-armored beast with a fierce appearance, has an attack of 198, a defense of 257, and an HP of 172. Lairon evolves into Aggron with 100 candies. Being a Steel and Rock dual-type, Aggron is effective against Rock, Ice, and Fairy types. However, it’s highly vulnerable to Fighting and Ground, and also susceptible to Water moves. Aggron boasts Fast Moves like Iron Tail, Smack Down, and Dragon Tail. Its Charge Moves include Thunder, Heavy Slam, and Stone Edge.
8. Omastar
With its spiral shell and tentacles, Omastar is reminiscent of prehistoric cephalopods. It boasts an attack of 207, a defense of 201, and an HP of 172. Omanyte evolves into Omastar with 50 candies. As a Rock and Water dual-type, it performs well against Fire, Flying, and Ground Pokémon but faces threats from Electric, Grass, Fighting, and Ground moves. Omastar can perform Fast Moves like Water Gun, Rock Throw, and Mud Shot. For Charge Moves, it wields Rock Blast, Hydro Pump, and Ancient Power.
7. Kabutops
Evoking images of ancient aquatic predators, Kabutops flaunts sharp blades on its forelimbs. It has an attack of 220, a defense of 186, and an HP of 155. Kabuto evolves into Kabutops with 50 candies. This Rock and Water type is strong against Fire, Flying, Ground, and Poison Pokémon but is vulnerable to Grass, Electric, Fighting, and Ground moves. Kabutops uses Fast Moves such as Mud Shot and Rock Smash. Its Charge Moves consist of Ancient Power, Water Pulse, and Stone Edge.
6. Aerodactyl
This prehistoric, pterodactyl-inspired Pokémon soars with an attack of 221, a defense of 159, and an HP of 190. A pure Rock and Flying dual-type, Aerodactyl has advantages against Fire, Flying, Bug, and Ground Pokémon. However, it remains susceptible to Water, Electric, Ice, Rock, and Steel moves. Aerodactyl employs Fast Moves like Steel Wing, Rock Throw, and Bite. Its Charge Moves include Iron Head, Rock Slide, Hyper Beam, and Ancient Power.
5. Rampardos
Inspired by dinosaurs with thick skulls, Rampardos boasts an impressive headbutt. It has an attack of 295, a defense of 109, and an HP of 219. Cranidos evolves into Rampardos with 50 candies. A pure Rock type, Rampardos shines against Fire, Flying, and Bug Pokémon but has to watch out for Water, Grass, Fighting, Ground, and Steel moves. Rampardos utilizes Fast Moves such as Smack Down and Zen Headbutt. Its Charge Moves comprise Rock Slide, Outrage, and Flamethrower.
4. Golem
Golem, resembling a boulder with limbs, has been a favorite since the first generation of Pokémon games. It has an attack of 211, a defense of 198, and an HP of 160. Graveler evolves into Golem with 100 candies. As a Rock and Ground type, Golem is formidable against Electric, Poison, Fire, Flying, and Bug species but is vulnerable to Water, Grass, Ice, Fighting, Ground, and Steel attacks. Golem can harness Fast Moves like Rock Throw and Mud-Slap. When it comes to Charge Moves, it utilizes Stone Edge, Earthquake, and Rock Blast.
3. Terrakion
One of the legendary “Swords of Justice,” Terrakion combines the appearance of a sturdy ox with sharp rock formations. It boasts an attack of 260, a defense of 192, and an HP of 209. As a Rock and Fighting dual-type, Terrakion excels against Normal, Ice, Dark, Steel, Fire, Flying, and Bug Pokémon but faces threats from Psychic, Water, Grass, Fairy, Ground, Steel, and Fighting moves. Terrakion is capable of performing Fast Moves such as Smack Down and Zen Headbutt. Its Charge Moves consist of Earthquake, Rock Slide, and Close Combat.
2. Rhyperior
With a look inspired by rhinos but with added stone armor, Rhyperior has an attack of 241, a defense of 190, and an HP of 251. Rhydon evolves into Rhyperior using 100 candies and a Sinnoh Stone. This Rock and Ground type has strengths against Electric, Poison, Fire, Flying, and Bug Pokémon but is susceptible to Water, Grass, Ice, Fighting, Ground, and Steel moves. Rhyperior uses Fast Moves like Mud-Slap and Smack Down. Its repertoire of Charge Moves features Surf, Stone Edge, Earthquake, Rock Wrecker, and Superpower.
1. Tyranitar
Tyranitar, resembling a colossal, armored dinosaur, towers over many with its immense power. It possesses an attack of 251, a defense of 207, and an HP of 225. Pupitar, its pre-evolution, evolves into Tyranitar with 100 candies. As a Rock and Dark dual-type, Tyranitar is particularly effective against Ghost, Psychic, Fire, Flying, and Bug Pokémon. However, it’s vulnerable to Fighting, Ground, Steel, Water, Grass, Bug, and Fairy moves. Tyranitar can execute Fast Moves such as Bite, Smack Down, and Iron Tail. Its Charge Moves include Crunch, Stone Edge, and Fire Blast.
Join the High Ground
The depth and richness of Rock-type Pokémon in Pokémon GO continue to impress. From celestial wonders to fierce prehistoric predators, this type offers a versatile range of creatures to capture and battle. Combining them with other types, trainers can assemble a well-rounded team to tackle gyms and other trainers in PvP. What are your picks for best/favorite Rock-types? Are you looking for more Pokémon guides? Consider signing up for our newsletter today and join the high ground!
Happy Gaming!
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