Dugtrio
A team of DIGLETT triplets. It triggers huge earthquakes by burrowing 60 miles underground.
Base Stats
Best Moveset
Move Breakdown
Earthquake serves as Dugtrio's main Ground-type STAB attack. The same-type bonus increases its effective power by 50%, and with Dugtrio's Attack of 100, it can threaten significant damage against anything weak to Ground.
Dig is Dugtrio's primary STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) move, dealing Ground-type damage with a 50% power boost. As a physical move, it synergizes with Dugtrio's Attack stat of 100, making it the most reliable damage dealer in the set.
Mud Shot adds Normal coverage to Dugtrio's arsenal. This move catches opponents off guard who switch in expecting only Ground damage, providing neutral coverage.
Bulldoze is the STAB anchor of this set. The Ground-type damage combined with the 50% same-type bonus makes it Dugtrio's most consistent damage output, particularly when targeting opponents with Ground weaknesses.
Strengths
- ▸The Ground type combination means Earthquake and Dig benefit from STAB, letting Dugtrio threaten super-effective damage against key matchups
- ▸Dugtrio takes reduced damage from Poison, Rock moves, giving it valuable switch-in opportunities
- ▸Complete immunity to Electric attacks means Dugtrio can switch in for free against these moves
- ▸An impressive 120 speed stat lets Dugtrio outspeed most opponents
Weaknesses
- ▸Dugtrio struggles against Grass, Ice, Water type attackers, who can exploit these weaknesses for significant damage
- ▸An below-average hp (35) means Dugtrio is vulnerable when facing attacks targeting this stat
- ▸The 425 BST means Dugtrio needs significant team support to overcome its raw stat deficiency
Pro Tips
Build Dugtrio as a physical attacker with Attack VP investment and a beneficial nature like Adamant. Consider Life Orb or Choice Scarf to boost Dugtrio's damage or speed further. Predict Grass moves and double-switch to preserve Dugtrio for later. Pair Dugtrio with stronger teammates that can cover its weaknesses and clean up after it weakens opponents.
Competitive Role
Dugtrio's competitive identity is that of a fast offensive sweeper. Stat-wise, Dugtrio brings 425 total points with speed as its standout stat at 120. Its Ground typing creates vulnerabilities to Grass, Ice, Water types, requiring careful team support to cover these gaps. Conversely, resistances to Poison, Rock provide switch-in opportunities. Success with Dugtrio depends on leveraging its strengths while minimizing exposure to its weaknesses.
Detailed Strategy Analysis
Statistically, Dugtrio features 425 total base stats with speed (120) as its defining attribute and hp (35) as its weakest point. The recommended moveset combines STAB options (Earthquake, Dig) with coverage moves (Mud Shot), giving Dugtrio answers to a wide range of opponents. Type weaknesses to Grass, Ice, Water mean Dugtrio must be played carefully against these matchups. Resistances to Poison, Rock provide safe switch-in opportunities. Immunity to Electric gives Dugtrio a unique defensive advantage. At Tier C, Dugtrio is best used in specific niche strategies or lower-tier formats. For optimal performance, build Dugtrio with physical Attack investment, pairing it with a nature that boosts Attack or Speed.
Key Matchup Notes
Against Grass-type opponents: Dugtrio is at a severe disadvantage. Never leave Dugtrio in against Grass types—switch immediately to a teammate that resists Grass. If forced to fight, use Earthquake and hope for a KO before taking a hit. Against Poison-type opponents: Dugtrio has the advantage here. Its Ground typing reduces incoming Poison damage, allowing Dugtrio to tank hits and retaliate with Earthquake. Use these matchups to gain momentum. Against Electric-type moves: Dugtrio is completely immune, making it a perfect switch-in. Predict Electric attacks and bring Dugtrio in for free, then capitalize on the tempo swing. Speed matchups: With 120 Speed, Dugtrio outspeeds most of the unboosted metagame. It will move first against anything slower than base 120, giving it initiative in most matchups. Watch out for Choice Scarf users and priority moves. Against Water-type opponents: Dugtrio has the offensive advantage. Its STAB Ground moves deal super-effective damage to Water types, making these favorable matchups. Lead with Dugtrio when you expect Water types on the opponent's team.
Battle Strategy Guide
In the opening turns, Lead with Dugtrio when you anticipate the opponent leading with something Dugtrio can threaten with its Ground STAB moves.
With a speed stat of 120, Dugtrio functions best as a offensive sweeper.
The key is to identify matchups where Dugtrio can either deal damage safely or force the opponent to switch, giving you tempo advantage.
Avoid leading with it against Grass types, as they can punish Dugtrio heavily.
As the battle progresses, Dugtrio should be used strategically rather than recklessly.
The Ground typing means Dugtrio has specific matchups it wins and loses—identify these early and play accordingly.
Against Grass types, switch out immediately.
Against opponents weak to Ground, stay in and attack.
Earthquake should be your primary attack, with Dig for coverage when needed.
By the endgame, Dugtrio should be used as a support piece rather than a primary finisher.
With 425 total stats, it's best deployed to weaken the last opponent Pokemon for a teammate to finish.
Use Earthquake to chip damage, then switch to your win condition.
The tier C rating indicates Dugtrio needs team support to succeed.
Evolution Chain
Team Synergy
- ▸A Fire-type teammate covers Dugtrio's Grass weakness, creating a solid defensive core
- ▸Add a Speed-boosting teammate (Tailwind, Trick Room) to give Dugtrio the initiative in battle
- ▸Pair Dugtrio with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses and benefit from its resistances
How to Counter
- ▸Send in a Grass-type Pokemon with STAB Grass moves to exploit Dugtrio's type weakness for super-effective damage
- ▸Choice Scarf users can outspeed Dugtrio and hit it before it acts
- ▸Strong physical attackers can exploit Dugtrio's low Defense (50) for quick KOs with neutral physical moves
- ▸Dugtrio's low HP (35) means even neutral hits can KO it—apply constant offensive pressure
Team Composition Ideas
Balance Core: Pair Dugtrio with a Fire-type Pokemon that can switch into Grass attacks. This defensive core covers Dugtrio's primary weakness while Dugtrio handles the matchups its partner struggles with.
Offensive Core: Combine Dugtrio with a setup sweeper that benefits from Dugtrio's ability to weaken walls. Use Earthquake to chip down tanks, then bring in your sweeper to clean up. Add a priority user to handle faster threats.
Trick Room Team: Dugtrio's Speed of 120 makes it a candidate for Speed control support. Pair with a Trick Room setter and other slow attackers to dominate the speed tier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Is Dugtrio good in Pokemon Champions?
A:Dugtrio is rated Tier C in Pokemon Champions, making it a lower-tier option. With 425 total stats, it faces stiff competition from stronger alternatives. However, Dugtrio can still work in casual play or specific niche strategies with the right team support.
Q:What's the best item for Dugtrio?
A:The best items for Dugtrio are Life Orb (for extra damage with the cost of some HP), Choice Scarf (to outspeed even more threats), or Focus Sash (to guarantee survival against a super-effective hit). Given Dugtrio's high Speed of 120, Life Orb is often the optimal choice for maximizing damage output.
Q:What nature should I use for Dugtrio?
A:Adamant (+Attack, -Special Attack) is the best nature for Dugtrio, maximizing its physical damage output. Alternatively, Jolly (+Speed, -Special Attack) works if you need Dugtrio to outspeed specific threats. Since Dugtrio's Attack (100) exceeds its Special Attack (50), always favor physical builds.
Q:How do I counter Dugtrio?
A:Dugtrio's biggest counters are Grass-type Pokemon, who exploit its typing weakness for super-effective damage. Other threats include faster Pokemon that can KO Dugtrio before it acts, especially given its 120 Speed. To beat Dugtrio, use Grass STAB moves or priority attacks to bypass its speed.