Base Stats
Abilities
Type Matchups
View full type chart →Damage multipliers vs. ghost / flying typing. Ability-based immunities (e.g. Levitate) are not included.
Evolution Line
Battle & Lore Hub
Battle Strategy
Drifloon functions primarily as a setup sweeper or utility support in lower-tier formats, utilizing its massive HP and Unburden ability to outspeed the entire unboosted metagame after consuming an item. It often uses substitute-setup cycles or status-spreading techniques before attempting a sweep with boosted special attacks.
Best Used In
Drifloon is most effective in the Little Cup (LC) format, specifically as an Unburden sweeper or a status-spreading utility lead.
Strengths
- ›Immense base HP for a first-stage Pokémon
- ›Unburden ability doubles Speed upon item consumption
- ›Three immunities: Normal, Fighting, and Ground
- ›Access to reliable setup moves like Calm Mind
Weaknesses
- ›Deceptively frail due to very low base Defense and Special Defense
- ›Five common type weaknesses: Ghost, Dark, Electric, Ice, and Rock
- ›Relies heavily on its held item to be effective
- ›Low base offensive stats require setup to deal significant damage
Competitive Tips
- ›Run a Berry (like Oran or Sitrus) or a Weakness Policy to trigger Unburden reliably.
- ›Utilize Acrobatics to take advantage of the 110 base power once your item is consumed.
- ›Use Strength Sap to recover HP while simultaneously neutering physical attackers.
- ›In Little Cup, use Will-O-Wisp to fix its low physical bulk and punish switches.
- ›Combine Hex with status-inflicting teammates to double its STAB damage output.
Recommended Teammates
Mienfoo
Handles the Dark and Rock types that Drifloon fears while benefiting from Drifloon's Fighting immunity.
Pawniard
Provides a crucial resistance to Ghost and Dark moves and benefits from Drifloon's Ground immunity.
Ferroseed
Sets up entry hazards to help Drifloon secure KOs and resists Rock and Electric attacks.
Glimmet
Sets Toxic Spikes to enable Drifloon's Hex and provides chip damage for a late-game sweep.
Diglett
Traps and removes Electric and Rock types that threaten Drifloon's survival.
Game History
Introduced in Generation IV, Drifloon became famous for its unique overworld encounter at the Valley Windworks every Friday. While rarely a top-tier threat in higher smogon tiers, it has remained a staple archetype in the Little Cup (LC) format across multiple generations due to its versatile support movepool.
Trivia
- ◆Its Pokedex entries frequently mention it attempting to abduct children, though it is often pulled around instead.
- ◆It is based on a balloon and is known as the 'Signpost for Wandering Spirits'.
- ◆In the anime, Fantina's Drifloon evolved into Drifblim during a battle against Ash's Pikachu.
- ◆Despite being a balloon, it can learn the move 'Explosion', reflecting its Japanese name 'Fuwante' which hints at instability.
- ◆It has an unusually high base HP of 90, which is higher than many fully evolved Pokémon like Alakazam or Gengar.
- ◆It is the only Pokémon with the Ghost/Flying type combination other than its evolution, Drifblim.
Moves · 96 total
Level-Up
16 movesTM / HM
68 movesEgg Moves
6 movesMove Tutor
6 movesWhere to find· 20 games
Diamond
1 spot- •Valley Windworks
Pearl
1 spot- •Valley Windworks
Platinum
1 spot- •Valley Windworks
HeartGold
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
SoulSilver
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Black
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
White
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Black 2
1 spot- •Unova Route 13 Hidden Grotto Stairs
White 2
1 spot- •Unova Route 13 Hidden Grotto Stairs
X
1 spotY
1 spotOmega Ruby
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Alpha Sapphire
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Sun
1 spotMoon
1 spotUltra Sun
3 spots- •Alola Route 1 Trainers School
- •Hauoli Cemetery
- •Trainers School
Ultra Moon
3 spots- •Alola Route 1 Trainers School
- •Hauoli Cemetery
- •Trainers School
Sword
4 spots- •Galar Route 5
- •North Lake Miloch
- •South Lake Miloch Main
- •Watchtower Ruins
Shield
4 spots- •Galar Route 5
- •North Lake Miloch
- •South Lake Miloch Main
- •Watchtower Ruins
Legends: Arceus
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.