Ivysaur
When the bulb on its back grows large, it appears to lose the ability to stand on its hind legs.
Base Stats
Best Moveset
Move Breakdown
Razor Leaf is Ivysaur's primary STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) move, dealing Grass-type damage with a 50% power boost. As a special move, it synergizes with Ivysaur's Special Attack stat of 80, making it the most reliable damage dealer in the set.
Sludge Bomb is the STAB anchor of this set. The Poison-type damage combined with the 50% same-type bonus makes it Ivysaur's most consistent damage output, particularly when targeting opponents with Poison weaknesses.
Leech Seed serves as Ivysaur's main Grass-type STAB attack. The same-type bonus increases its effective power by 50%, and with Ivysaur's Special Attack of 80, it can threaten significant damage against anything weak to Grass.
As Ivysaur's trusted Grass STAB option, Sleep Powder benefits from the 1.5x damage multiplier. This move should be your go-to attack in most situations, especially against opponents vulnerable to Grass types.
Strengths
- ▸Ivysaur's Grass/Poison typing gives its STAB moves like Razor Leaf and Sludge Bomb a 50% damage bonus, hitting notably hard against matching weaknesses
- ▸Ivysaur's Grass/Poison typing naturally reduces incoming Electric, Fairy, Fighting damage, extending its survivability on the field
- ▸The combination of typing and stats gives Ivysaur a unique niche in team composition
Weaknesses
- ▸The Grass/Poison typing leaves Ivysaur exposed to Fire, Flying, Ice moves, which opponents will target
- ▸Ivysaur's low speed of 60 means it needs Trick Room or priority support to function offensively
- ▸The 405 BST means Ivysaur needs significant team support to overcome its raw stat deficiency
Pro Tips
Build Ivysaur with Special Attack VP investment and a Modest nature for optimal damage. A Choice item can patch Ivysaur's stats, but locks it into one move. Predict Fire moves and double-switch to preserve Ivysaur for later. Ivysaur works best as a support or niche pick rather than a primary win condition.
Competitive Role
As a Tier C Pokemon, Ivysaur serves as a balanced utility Pokemon in team compositions. Stat-wise, Ivysaur brings 405 total points with spAtk as its standout stat at 80. Its Grass/Poison typing creates vulnerabilities to Fire, Flying, Ice types, requiring careful team support to cover these gaps. Conversely, resistances to Electric, Fairy, Fighting provide switch-in opportunities. Overall, Ivysaur is a niche choice that rewards players who understand its strengths and limitations.
Detailed Strategy Analysis
Ivysaur brings a 405 base stat total to the battlefield, with its stat distribution favoring a spAtk-focused build. The moveset focuses on STAB damage with Razor Leaf, Sludge Bomb, trading coverage for raw same-type power. Type weaknesses to Fire, Flying, Ice mean Ivysaur must be played carefully against these matchups. Resistances to Electric, Fairy, Fighting provide safe switch-in opportunities. At Tier C, Ivysaur is best used in specific niche strategies or lower-tier formats. Special Attack should be the primary investment for Ivysaur, with a Modest or Timid nature to maximize its special damage potential.
Key Matchup Notes
Against Fire-type opponents: Ivysaur is at a severe disadvantage. Never leave Ivysaur in against Fire types—switch immediately to a teammate that resists Fire. If forced to fight, use Razor Leaf and hope for a KO before taking a hit. Against Electric-type opponents: Ivysaur has the advantage here. Its Grass typing reduces incoming Electric damage, allowing Ivysaur to tank hits and retaliate with Razor Leaf. Use these matchups to gain momentum. Speed matchups: Ivysaur's 60 Speed means it will move second against most offensive Pokemon. Plan around this by using priority moves, switching predictions, or pairing with Trick Room support to reverse the speed order. Against Fire-type opponents: Ivysaur has the offensive advantage. Its STAB Grass moves deal super-effective damage to Fire types, making these favorable matchups. Lead with Ivysaur when you expect Fire types on the opponent's team.
Battle Strategy Guide
Ivysaur excels when brought into battle at the right moment.
As a supportive role player, it needs proper setup to shine.
In the early game, use Ivysaur to apply pressure with Razor Leaf and Sludge Bomb, forcing the opponent to react.
Be wary of Fire types on the opponent's team—they will try to exploit Ivysaur's typing weakness.
The goal is to chip away at the opponent's team while preserving Ivysaur for crucial late-game moments.
As the battle progresses, Ivysaur should be used strategically rather than recklessly.
The Grass/Poison typing means Ivysaur has specific matchups it wins and loses—identify these early and play accordingly.
Against Fire types, switch out immediately.
Against opponents weak to Grass, stay in and attack.
Razor Leaf should be your primary attack, with Sludge Bomb for coverage when needed.
By the endgame, Ivysaur should be used as a support piece rather than a primary finisher.
With 405 total stats, it's best deployed to weaken the last opponent Pokemon for a teammate to finish.
Use Razor Leaf to chip damage, then switch to your win condition.
The tier C rating indicates Ivysaur needs team support to succeed.
Team Synergy
- ▸Pair Ivysaur with a Fire-type partner to absorb Fire attacks that Ivysaur is weak to
- ▸Consider adding a Steel type for defensive synergy, as Steel covers many of Ivysaur's potential weaknesses
- ▸Pair Ivysaur with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses and benefit from its resistances
How to Counter
- ▸Opponents with Fire coverage moves should target Ivysaur immediately for a guaranteed KO
- ▸Faster attackers can freely hit Ivysaur before it gets a chance to act
- ▸Strong physical attackers can exploit Ivysaur's low Defense (63) for quick KOs with neutral physical moves
- ▸Toxic poison wears Ivysaur down over time, especially if it lacks recovery moves
Team Composition Ideas
Balance Core: Pair Ivysaur with a Fire-type Pokemon that can switch into Fire attacks. This defensive core covers Ivysaur's primary weakness while Ivysaur handles the matchups its partner struggles with.
Support Core: Use Ivysaur alongside a heavy hitter that benefits from Ivysaur's defensive typing. Switch Ivysaur in to absorb hits with its Electric, Fairy resistances, then pivot to your attacker for damage.
VoltTurn Core: Ivysaur works well in a Volt Switch/U-turn core, allowing safe pivoting. Pair with other pivot users to maintain momentum and control the battle tempo, bringing Ivysaur in only when it has a favorable matchup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Is Ivysaur good in Pokemon Champions?
A:Ivysaur is rated Tier C in Pokemon Champions, making it a lower-tier option. With 405 total stats, it faces stiff competition from stronger alternatives. However, Ivysaur can still work in casual play or specific niche strategies with the right team support.
Q:What's the best item for Ivysaur?
A:Ivysaur benefits from Focus Sash (to survive a hit), Expert Belt (for coverage damage), or Life Orb (for a general power boost). Since Ivysaur has balanced stats, the item should fill whatever gap your team needs—damage, survivability, or utility.
Q:What nature should I use for Ivysaur?
A:Modest (+Special Attack, -Attack) is recommended for Ivysaur, boosting its stronger special stat. Timid (+Speed, -Attack) is an alternative if speed is critical. With Special Attack at 80 vs Attack at 62, special builds are clearly superior for Ivysaur.
Q:How do I counter Ivysaur?
A:Ivysaur's biggest counters are Fire-type Pokemon, who exploit its typing weakness for super-effective damage. Other threats include faster Pokemon that can KO Ivysaur before it acts, especially given its 60 Speed. To beat Ivysaur, use Fire STAB moves or priority attacks to bypass its speed.