Base Stats
Abilities
Type Matchups
View full type chart →Damage multipliers vs. normal typing. Ability-based immunities (e.g. Levitate) are not included.
Forms · 2 variations
Evolution Line
Battle & Lore Hub
Battle Strategy
Persian functions best as a fast utility scout or a 'Technician' attacker that capitalizes on high speed to disrupt opponents. It relies on Fake Out for free chip damage and U-turn to maintain offensive momentum while avoiding hits it cannot survive.
Best Used In
Persian is best utilized in lower Smogon tiers such as PU or ZU, and was historically a dominant force in RBY OU.
Strengths
- ›High Base 115 Speed allows it to outpace most mid-tier threats
- ›Technician ability boosts the power of low-base moves like Fake Out and Bite
- ›Access to a wide support movepool including Taunt, Hypnosis, and Switcheroo
- ›Normal typing grants an immunity to Ghost-type moves
Weaknesses
- ›Extremely frail with poor 65/60/65 defensive stats
- ›Low Base 70 Attack makes it struggle against bulky resists
- ›Weak to common Fighting-type priority like Mach Punch
- ›Susceptible to Rocky Helmet and Rough Skin recoil
Competitive Tips
- ›Run Life Orb or Silk Scarf to maximize the damage of Technician-boosted Fake Out and Double-Hit.
- ›Use Switcheroo paired with a Choice Band to cripple defensive walls like Ferrothorn or Galarian Weezing.
- ›Utilize Taunt to shut down status spreaders and entry hazard setters that expect to outbulk you.
- ›Consider Nasty Plot sets with Technician-boosted Water Pulse or Shock Wave in lower tiers for unexpected special coverage.
- ›Equip Heavy-Duty Boots if using Persian as a dedicated U-turn pivot to avoid entry hazard wear.
Recommended Teammates
Primeape
Forms a classic 'U-turn and Volt Switch' style core and covers Persian's weakness to Rock and Steel types.
Mismagius
Provides an immunity to the Fighting-type moves that threaten Persian while benefiting from Persian's Taunt support.
Golem
Sets up Stealth Rock to help Persian's Fake Out and U-turn chip damage reach knockout thresholds.
Arbok
Can absorb Toxic Spikes and provide Intimidate support to help Persian survive a neutral physical hit.
Electivire
Applies offensive pressure to the bulky Water-types that Persian cannot break through.
Game History
Introduced in Generation I as the signature Pokémon of Giovanni, Persian was a top-tier threat in the RBY competitive scene due to its high critical hit rate being tied to Speed. Over subsequent generations, it transitioned into a niche utility role in lower Smogon tiers like NU and PU.
Trivia
- ◆In Generation I, Persian's Slash had a nearly 100% critical hit rate due to its base speed.
- ◆The jewel on its forehead is specifically inspired by the 'Maneki-neko' or beckoning cat folklore.
- ◆Despite its name, its design more closely resembles a cougar or Siamese cat than a Persian longhair.
- ◆Persian is the only Pokémon that can have the combination of the Technician ability and the move Pay Day.
- ◆In the anime, Meowth's rivalry with Giovanni's Persian is a recurring motivation for his character development.
- ◆Its Pokédex entries frequently mention its fickle and temperamental nature, often scratching its trainer for no reason.
Moves · 110 total
Level-Up
14 movesTM / HM
90 movesMove Tutor
6 movesWhere to find· 32 games
Red
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Blue
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Yellow
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Gold
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Silver
1 spot- •Kanto Route 7
Crystal
1 spot- •Kanto Route 7
Ruby
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Sapphire
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Emerald
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
FireRed
9 spots- •Bond Bridge
- •Canyon Entrance
- •Cape Brink
- •Five Isle Meadow
- •Kindle Road
- •Ruin Valley
- •Sevault Canyon
- •Treasure Beach
- •Water Path
LeafGreen
9 spots- •Bond Bridge
- •Canyon Entrance
- •Cape Brink
- •Five Isle Meadow
- •Kindle Road
- •Ruin Valley
- •Sevault Canyon
- •Treasure Beach
- •Water Path
Diamond
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Pearl
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Platinum
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
HeartGold
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
SoulSilver
2 spots- •Cerulean Cave 1f
- •Kanto Route 7
Black
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
White
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Black 2
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
White 2
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
X
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Y
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Omega Ruby
1 spot- •Mirage Spot Island Route 124
Alpha Sapphire
1 spot- •Mirage Spot Island Route 124
Sun
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Moon
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Ultra Sun
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Ultra Moon
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Let's Go, Pikachu!
1 spotLet's Go, Eevee!
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Sword
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Shield
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.