Larvitar
It feeds on soil. After it has eaten a large mountain, it will fall asleep so it can grow.
Base Stats
Best Moveset
Move Breakdown
Rock Slide serves as Larvitar's main Rock-type STAB attack. The same-type bonus increases its effective power by 50%, and with Larvitar's Attack of 64, it can threaten significant damage against anything weak to Rock.
Earthquake serves as Larvitar's main Ground-type STAB attack. The same-type bonus increases its effective power by 50%, and with Larvitar's Attack of 64, it can threaten significant damage against anything weak to Ground.
Stone Edge serves as Larvitar's main Rock-type STAB attack. The same-type bonus increases its effective power by 50%, and with Larvitar's Attack of 64, it can threaten significant damage against anything weak to Rock.
Rock Throw is the STAB anchor of this set. The Rock-type damage combined with the 50% same-type bonus makes it Larvitar's most consistent damage output, particularly when targeting opponents with Rock weaknesses.
Strengths
- ▸Larvitar's dual Rock/Ground STAB coverage from Rock Slide and Earthquake means it can hit a wide range of opponents for super-effective damage
- ▸Larvitar takes reduced damage from Fire, Flying, Normal moves, giving it valuable switch-in opportunities
- ▸Complete immunity to Electric attacks means Larvitar can switch in for free against these moves
Weaknesses
- ▸A devastating 4x weakness to Grass means Larvitar can be knocked out instantly by well-timed Grass attacks
- ▸With only 41 speed, Larvitar struggles to act first
- ▸The 41 Speed stat leaves Larvitar outsped by most offensive threats, limiting its offensive potential
- ▸A base stat total of 300 puts Larvitar at a statistical disadvantage against most competitive Pokemon
Pro Tips
Focus VP training on Attack to capitalize on Larvitar's higher physical Attack stat. A Choice item can patch Larvitar's stats, but locks it into one move. Predict Fighting moves and double-switch to preserve Larvitar for later. Pair Larvitar with stronger teammates that can cover its weaknesses and clean up after it weakens opponents.
Competitive Role
As a Tier C Pokemon, Larvitar serves as a balanced utility Pokemon in team compositions. The 300 BST distribution, highlighted by 64 attack, defines how Larvitar should be built and deployed. Its Rock/Ground typing creates vulnerabilities to Fighting, Grass, Ground types, requiring careful team support to cover these gaps. Conversely, resistances to Fire, Flying, Normal provide switch-in opportunities. When used correctly, Larvitar can surprise opponents in specific matchups.
Detailed Strategy Analysis
Statistically, Larvitar features 300 total base stats with attack (64) as its defining attribute and speed (41) as its weakest point. The moveset focuses on STAB damage with Rock Slide, Earthquake, trading coverage for raw same-type power. Type weaknesses to Fighting, Grass, Ground mean Larvitar must be played carefully against these matchups. Resistances to Fire, Flying, Normal provide safe switch-in opportunities. Immunity to Electric gives Larvitar a unique defensive advantage. At Tier C, Larvitar is best used in specific niche strategies or lower-tier formats. For optimal performance, build Larvitar with physical Attack investment, pairing it with a nature that boosts Attack or Speed.
Key Matchup Notes
Against Fighting-type opponents: Larvitar is at a severe disadvantage. Never leave Larvitar in against Fighting types—switch immediately to a teammate that resists Fighting. If forced to fight, use Rock Slide and hope for a KO before taking a hit. Against Fire-type opponents: Larvitar has the advantage here. Its Rock typing reduces incoming Fire damage, allowing Larvitar to tank hits and retaliate with Rock Slide. Use these matchups to gain momentum. Against Electric-type moves: Larvitar is completely immune, making it a perfect switch-in. Predict Electric attacks and bring Larvitar in for free, then capitalize on the tempo swing. Speed matchups: Larvitar's 41 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 Water-type opponents: Larvitar has the offensive advantage. Its STAB Rock moves deal super-effective damage to Water types, making these favorable matchups. Lead with Larvitar when you expect Water types on the opponent's team.
Battle Strategy Guide
In the opening turns, Use Larvitar when you anticipate the opponent leading with something Larvitar can threaten with its Rock/Ground STAB moves.
With a attack stat of 64, Larvitar functions best as a supportive role player.
The key is to identify matchups where Larvitar can either deal damage safely or force the opponent to switch, giving you tempo advantage.
Avoid leading with it against Fighting types, as they can punish Larvitar heavily.
As the battle progresses, Larvitar should be used strategically rather than recklessly.
The Rock/Ground typing means Larvitar has specific matchups it wins and loses—identify these early and play accordingly.
Against Fighting types, switch out immediately.
Against opponents weak to Rock, stay in and attack.
Rock Slide should be your primary attack, with Earthquake for coverage when needed.
In the final stages of battle, Larvitar can contribute by softening up the opponent's last Pokemon.
Don't expect Larvitar to sweep—it should set up the KO for a stronger teammate.
Use resistances to Fire, Flying to tank a hit, then strike with Rock Slide before switching out.
Evolution Chain
Team Synergy
- ▸Add Poison typing to your team to switch in when Larvitar faces Fighting-type threats
- ▸Add a Fairy type to your team—Larvitar's Rock/Ground typing complements Fairy's defensive profile nicely
- ▸Pair Larvitar with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses and benefit from its resistances
How to Counter
- ▸Send in a Fighting-type Pokemon with STAB Fighting moves to exploit Larvitar's type weakness for super-effective damage
- ▸Any Pokemon with base Speed above 51 will outspeed and KO Larvitar before it can respond
- ▸Strong physical attackers can exploit Larvitar's low Defense (50) for quick KOs with neutral physical moves
- ▸Special attackers target Larvitar's weak Special Defense (50) for guaranteed damage
Team Composition Ideas
Balance Core: Pair Larvitar with a Poison-type Pokemon that can switch into Fighting attacks. This defensive core covers Larvitar's primary weakness while Larvitar handles the matchups its partner struggles with.
Support Core: Use Larvitar alongside a heavy hitter that benefits from Larvitar's defensive typing. Switch Larvitar in to absorb hits with its Fire, Flying resistances, then pivot to your attacker for damage.
Trick Room Team: Larvitar's Speed of 41 makes it an excellent Trick Room abuser. Pair with a Trick Room setter and other slow attackers to dominate the speed tier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Is Larvitar good in Pokemon Champions?
A:Larvitar is rated Tier C in Pokemon Champions, making it a lower-tier option. With 300 total stats, it faces stiff competition from stronger alternatives. However, Larvitar can still work in casual play or specific niche strategies with the right team support.
Q:What's the best item for Larvitar?
A:Larvitar benefits from Focus Sash (to survive a hit), Expert Belt (for coverage damage), or Life Orb (for a general power boost). Since Larvitar has balanced stats, the item should fill whatever gap your team needs—damage, survivability, or utility.
Q:What nature should I use for Larvitar?
A:Adamant (+Attack, -Special Attack) is the best nature for Larvitar, maximizing its physical damage output. Alternatively, Jolly (+Speed, -Special Attack) works if you need Larvitar to outspeed specific threats. Since Larvitar's Attack (64) exceeds its Special Attack (45), always favor physical builds.
Q:How do I counter Larvitar?
A:Larvitar's biggest counters are Fighting-type Pokemon, who exploit its typing weakness for super-effective damage. Other threats include faster Pokemon that can KO Larvitar before it acts, especially given its 41 Speed. To beat Larvitar, use Fighting STAB moves or priority attacks to bypass its speed.