Base Stats
Abilities
Type Matchups
View full type chart →Damage multipliers vs. water / rock typing. Ability-based immunities (e.g. Levitate) are not included.
Battle & Lore Hub
Battle Strategy
Relicanth is primarily utilized as a physical wallbreaker or a bulky Head Smash spammer leveraging its Rock Head ability to negate recoil. It functions best as a dedicated lead or a mid-game breaker that can take physical hits while threatening massive damage with STAB moves.
Best Used In
Relicanth excels in lower competitive tiers such as PU or ZU, and finds niche utility in dedicated Trick Room teams or as a specific lure in restricted Hoenn-themed formats.
Strengths
- ›High base 130 Defense
- ›Access to Rock Head ability with Head Smash
- ›Solid HP stat for a tanky attacker
- ›Useful resistance to Fire, Flying, and Normal moves
- ›Access to Yawn and Stealth Rock for utility
Weaknesses
- ›4x weakness to Grass types
- ›Very low Base 55 Special Defense
- ›Low Speed stat makes it easily revenge killed
- ›Vulnerable to common Ground and Fighting coverage
- ›Reliance on Head Smash accuracy
Competitive Tips
- ›Always run the Rock Head ability to use Head Smash without the 50% recoil damage.
- ›Utilize a Choice Band to maximize its wallbreaking potential, allowing it to 2HKO most neutral targets.
- ›Run Waterfall or Liquidation as a secondary STAB to hit Ground and Rock types effectively.
- ›Consider Zen Headbutt in the fourth slot to catch Fighting-type switch-ins like Machamp or Hariyama.
- ›In lower tiers, a defensive set with Stealth Rock and Yawn can provide valuable role compression.
Recommended Teammates
Torkoal
Provides Stealth Rock and Rapid Spin support; Relicanth can check Fire/Rock types that threaten sun teams.
Flying-types
Pokémon like Corviknight or Mandibuzz can pivot into the Fighting and Ground moves Relicanth fears.
Cleric Support
Healers like Sylveon or Chansey can use Wish or Heal Bell to keep Relicanth healthy and free of burns.
Game History
Introduced in Generation III as a rare encounter in the underwater routes of Hoenn, Relicanth gained notoriety for being a required party member to unlock the Regi trio's sealed chambers. Over the generations, it gained significant buffs including the move Head Smash in Gen IV and Liquidation in Gen VII.
Trivia
- ◆Relicanth is based on the Coelacanth, a primitive fish once thought to be extinct for 66 million years.
- ◆Its name is a portmanteau of 'relic' and 'coelacanth'.
- ◆According to its Pokédex entries, its body has not changed for 100 million years.
- ◆In Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, it must be the last member of the player's party to open the Sealed Chamber (with Wailord first).
- ◆Despite its rocky appearance, it is one of the few Pokémon that can learn the move Hydro Pump by level up.
- ◆In the anime, it was featured in the episode 'The Relicanth Really Can!' where it helped search for treasure.
Moves · 78 total
Level-Up
12 movesTM / HM
52 movesEgg Moves
10 movesMove Tutor
4 movesWhere to find· 24 games
Ruby
2 spots- •Hoenn Route 124 Underwater
- •Hoenn Route 126 Underwater
Sapphire
2 spots- •Hoenn Route 124 Underwater
- •Hoenn Route 126 Underwater
Emerald
2 spots- •Hoenn Route 124 Underwater
- •Hoenn Route 126 Underwater
FireRed
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
LeafGreen
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Diamond
1 spotPearl
1 spotPlatinum
1 spotHeartGold
1 spot- •Kanto Route 12
SoulSilver
1 spot- •Kanto Route 12
Black
1 spotWhite
1 spotBlack 2
1 spotWhite 2
1 spotX
2 spots- •Ambrette Town
- •Cyllage City
Y
2 spots- •Ambrette Town
- •Cyllage City
Omega Ruby
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Alpha Sapphire
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Sun
1 spot- •Poni Wilds
Moon
1 spot- •Poni Wilds
Ultra Sun
2 spots- •Ancient Poni Path
- •Poni Breaker Coast
Ultra Moon
2 spots- •Ancient Poni Path
- •Poni Breaker Coast
Sword
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Shield
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.