Pupitar
Its shell is as hard as sheet rock, and it is also very strong. Its THRASHING can topple a mountain.
Base Stats
Best Moveset
Move Breakdown
Rock Slide is the STAB anchor of this set. The Rock-type damage combined with the 50% same-type bonus makes it Pupitar's most consistent damage output, particularly when targeting opponents with Rock weaknesses.
As Pupitar's trusted Ground STAB option, Earthquake benefits from the 1.5x damage multiplier. This move should be your go-to attack in most situations, especially against opponents vulnerable to Ground types.
Stone Edge is the STAB anchor of this set. The Rock-type damage combined with the 50% same-type bonus makes it Pupitar's most consistent damage output, particularly when targeting opponents with Rock weaknesses.
Rock Throw is the STAB anchor of this set. The Rock-type damage combined with the 50% same-type bonus makes it Pupitar's most consistent damage output, particularly when targeting opponents with Rock weaknesses.
Strengths
- ▸With Rock/Ground as its typing, Pupitar uses Rock Slide and Earthquake as reliable damage dealers that benefit from the 50% same-type attack bonus
- ▸Pupitar's Rock/Ground typing naturally reduces incoming Fire, Flying, Normal damage, extending its survivability on the field
- ▸Complete immunity to Electric attacks means Pupitar can switch in for free against these moves
Weaknesses
- ▸The 4x vulnerability to Grass is Pupitar's most critical flaw—any Grass-type move poses an immediate KO threat
- ▸The low speed of 51 is a significant liability that opponents can exploit
- ▸Slow speed (51) forces Pupitar to rely on bulk or priority moves to compete
- ▸The 410 BST means Pupitar needs significant team support to overcome its raw stat deficiency
Pro Tips
Focus VP training on Attack to capitalize on Pupitar's higher physical Attack stat. Consider Expert Belt if Pupitar runs diverse coverage moves for super-effective hits. Keep Pupitar away from Fighting-type attackers—switch to a resist when you see them coming. Pair Pupitar with stronger teammates that can cover its weaknesses and clean up after it weakens opponents.
Competitive Role
Pupitar fills the balanced utility Pokemon role within the competitive landscape. Stat-wise, Pupitar brings 410 total points with attack as its standout stat at 84. 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. Overall, Pupitar is a niche choice that rewards players who understand its strengths and limitations.
Detailed Strategy Analysis
Pupitar brings a 410 base stat total to the battlefield, with its stat distribution favoring a attack-focused build. The moveset focuses on STAB damage with Rock Slide, Earthquake, trading coverage for raw same-type power. Type weaknesses to Fighting, Grass, Ground mean Pupitar must be played carefully against these matchups. Resistances to Fire, Flying, Normal provide safe switch-in opportunities. Immunity to Electric gives Pupitar a unique defensive advantage. At Tier C, Pupitar is best used in specific niche strategies or lower-tier formats. For optimal performance, build Pupitar with physical Attack investment, pairing it with a nature that boosts Attack or Speed.
Key Matchup Notes
Against Fighting-type opponents: Pupitar is at a severe disadvantage. Never leave Pupitar 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: Pupitar has the advantage here. Its Rock typing reduces incoming Fire damage, allowing Pupitar to tank hits and retaliate with Rock Slide. Use these matchups to gain momentum. Against Electric-type moves: Pupitar is completely immune, making it a perfect switch-in. Predict Electric attacks and bring Pupitar in for free, then capitalize on the tempo swing. Speed matchups: Pupitar's 51 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: Pupitar has the offensive advantage. Its STAB Rock moves deal super-effective damage to Water types, making these favorable matchups. Lead with Pupitar when you expect Water types on the opponent's team.
Battle Strategy Guide
Pupitar 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 Pupitar to apply pressure with Rock Slide and Earthquake, forcing the opponent to react.
Be wary of Fighting types on the opponent's team—they will try to exploit Pupitar's typing weakness.
The goal is to chip away at the opponent's team while preserving Pupitar for crucial late-game moments.
Mid-game is where Pupitar needs to make its biggest impact.
With moves like Earthquake and Stone Edge, Pupitar can adapt to different threats.
If the opponent brings out a Fighting type, immediately switch to a teammate that resists it.
Remember that Pupitar's attack of 84 is its greatest asset—play to that strength.
By the endgame, Pupitar should be used as a support piece rather than a primary finisher.
With 410 total stats, it's best deployed to weaken the last opponent Pokemon for a teammate to finish.
Use Rock Slide to chip damage, then switch to your win condition.
The tier C rating indicates Pupitar needs team support to succeed.
Evolution Chain
Team Synergy
- ▸Pair Pupitar with a Poison-type partner to absorb Fighting attacks that Pupitar is weak to
- ▸Add a Fairy type to your team—Pupitar's Rock/Ground typing complements Fairy's defensive profile nicely
- ▸Pair Pupitar with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses and benefit from its resistances
How to Counter
- ▸Opponents with Fighting coverage moves should target Pupitar immediately for a guaranteed KO
- ▸Faster attackers can freely hit Pupitar before it gets a chance to act
- ▸Toxic poison wears Pupitar down over time, especially if it lacks recovery moves
Team Composition Ideas
Balance Core: Pair Pupitar with a Poison-type Pokemon that can switch into Fighting attacks. This defensive core covers Pupitar's primary weakness while Pupitar handles the matchups its partner struggles with.
Support Core: Use Pupitar alongside a heavy hitter that benefits from Pupitar's defensive typing. Switch Pupitar in to absorb hits with its Fire, Flying resistances, then pivot to your attacker for damage.
Trick Room Team: Pupitar's Speed of 51 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 Pupitar good in Pokemon Champions?
A:Pupitar is rated Tier C in Pokemon Champions, making it a lower-tier option. With 410 total stats, it faces stiff competition from stronger alternatives. However, Pupitar can still work in casual play or specific niche strategies with the right team support.
Q:What's the best item for Pupitar?
A:Pupitar benefits from Focus Sash (to survive a hit), Expert Belt (for coverage damage), or Life Orb (for a general power boost). Since Pupitar has balanced stats, the item should fill whatever gap your team needs—damage, survivability, or utility.
Q:What nature should I use for Pupitar?
A:Adamant (+Attack, -Special Attack) is the best nature for Pupitar, maximizing its physical damage output. Alternatively, Jolly (+Speed, -Special Attack) works if you need Pupitar to outspeed specific threats. Since Pupitar's Attack (84) exceeds its Special Attack (65), always favor physical builds.
Q:How do I counter Pupitar?
A:Pupitar's biggest counters are Fighting-type Pokemon, who exploit its typing weakness for super-effective damage. Other threats include faster Pokemon that can KO Pupitar before it acts, especially given its 51 Speed. To beat Pupitar, use Fighting STAB moves or priority attacks to bypass its speed.