Rhydon
Protected by an armor-like hide, it is capable of living in molten lava of 3,600 degrees.
Base Stats
Best Moveset
Move Breakdown
Earthquake is the STAB anchor of this set. The Ground-type damage combined with the 50% same-type bonus makes it Rhydon's most consistent damage output, particularly when targeting opponents with Ground weaknesses.
Rock Slide is Rhydon's primary STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) move, dealing Rock-type damage with a 50% power boost. As a physical move, it synergizes with Rhydon's Attack stat of 130, making it the most reliable damage dealer in the set.
Dig is the STAB anchor of this set. The Ground-type damage combined with the 50% same-type bonus makes it Rhydon's most consistent damage output, particularly when targeting opponents with Ground weaknesses.
Mud Shot adds Normal coverage to Rhydon's arsenal. This move catches opponents off guard who switch in expecting only Ground damage, providing neutral coverage.
Strengths
- ▸Rhydon's Ground/Rock typing gives its STAB moves like Earthquake and Rock Slide a 50% damage bonus, hitting notably hard against matching weaknesses
- ▸Rhydon's Ground/Rock typing naturally reduces incoming Fire, Flying, Normal damage, extending its survivability on the field
- ▸The ability to completely avoid Electric damage gives Rhydon a unique defensive edge in battles
- ▸Rhydon's attack stat of 130 is a defining feature that shapes its competitive identity
Weaknesses
- ▸Rhydon's dual Ground/Rock typing creates a crippling 4x Grass weakness that opponents will exploit
- ▸With only 40 speed, Rhydon struggles to act first
- ▸Below-average Speed (40) means Rhydon will often move second, taking damage before it can act
Pro Tips
Build Rhydon as a physical attacker with Attack VP investment and a beneficial nature like Adamant. Assault Vest boosts Special Defense if Rhydon needs to tank special hits. Predict Fighting moves and double-switch to preserve Rhydon for later. Coordinate Rhydon with teammates that can set up hazards or provide speed control.
Competitive Role
As a Tier B Pokemon, Rhydon serves as a physical wall in team compositions. With a 485 base stat total led by its attack of 130, Rhydon has balanced stats that can serve multiple purposes. Its Ground/Rock 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, Rhydon is a viable option that rewards players who understand its strengths and limitations.
Detailed Strategy Analysis
Rhydon brings a 485 base stat total to the battlefield, with its stat distribution favoring a attack-focused build. The recommended moveset combines STAB options (Earthquake, Rock Slide) with coverage moves (Mud Shot), giving Rhydon answers to a wide range of opponents. Type weaknesses to Fighting, Grass, Ground mean Rhydon must be played carefully against these matchups. Resistances to Fire, Flying, Normal provide safe switch-in opportunities. Immunity to Electric gives Rhydon a unique defensive advantage. The Tier B rating indicates Rhydon is a viable mid-tier pick that needs the right team to shine. For optimal performance, build Rhydon with physical Attack investment, pairing it with a nature that boosts Attack or Speed.
Key Matchup Notes
Against Fighting-type opponents: Rhydon is at a severe disadvantage. Never leave Rhydon in against Fighting types—switch immediately to a teammate that resists Fighting. If forced to fight, use Earthquake and hope for a KO before taking a hit. Against Fire-type opponents: Rhydon has the advantage here. Its Ground typing reduces incoming Fire damage, allowing Rhydon to tank hits and retaliate with Earthquake. Use these matchups to gain momentum. Against Electric-type moves: Rhydon is completely immune, making it a perfect switch-in. Predict Electric attacks and bring Rhydon in for free, then capitalize on the tempo swing. Speed matchups: Rhydon's 40 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: Rhydon has the offensive advantage. Its STAB Ground moves deal super-effective damage to Water types, making these favorable matchups. Lead with Rhydon when you expect Water types on the opponent's team.
Battle Strategy Guide
When starting a battle with Rhydon, your first priority is establishing board position.
As a defensive pivot with 485 total base stats, Rhydon should be brought in when you can predict a favorable matchup.
If the opponent has Fighting coverage, save Rhydon for later in the match.
The opening moves should focus on dealing damage with Earthquake and Rock Slide while assessing the opponent's team composition.
During the mid-game, Rhydon's role shifts to maintaining pressure while conserving HP.
Switch Rhydon out when facing its weakness to Fighting, and bring it back in when the opponent fields something Rhydon can handle.
Use Dig as coverage to punish predicted switches.
The key to mid-game success with Rhydon is prediction—anticipate what the opponent will do and respond accordingly.
In the final stages of battle, Rhydon can contribute by softening up the opponent's last Pokemon.
Don't expect Rhydon to sweep—it should set up the KO for a stronger teammate.
Use resistances to Fire, Flying to tank a hit, then strike with Earthquake before switching out.
Evolution Chain
Team Synergy
- ▸A Poison-type teammate covers Rhydon's Fighting weakness, creating a solid defensive core
- ▸Add a Speed-boosting teammate (Tailwind, Trick Room) to give Rhydon the initiative in battle
- ▸Combine with a pivot (Volt Switch, U-turn) user to bring Rhydon in safely on favorable matchups
- ▸Add a Fairy type to your team—Rhydon's Ground/Rock typing complements Fairy's defensive profile nicely
How to Counter
- ▸Opponents with Fighting coverage moves should target Rhydon immediately for a guaranteed KO
- ▸Any Pokemon with base Speed above 50 will outspeed and KO Rhydon before it can respond
- ▸Special attackers target Rhydon's weak Special Defense (45) for guaranteed damage
- ▸Toxic poison wears Rhydon down over time, especially if it lacks recovery moves
Team Composition Ideas
Balance Core: Pair Rhydon with a Poison-type Pokemon that can switch into Fighting attacks. This defensive core covers Rhydon's primary weakness while Rhydon handles the matchups its partner struggles with.
Offensive Core: Combine Rhydon with a setup sweeper that benefits from Rhydon'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.
Weather Team: If building a weather team, Rhydon's Ground/Rock typing provides neutral coverage regardless of weather. Add a weather setter and Pokemon that benefit from the same conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Is Rhydon good in Pokemon Champions?
A:Rhydon is a mid-tier option in Pokemon Champions (Tier B). Its 485 base stat total and Ground/Rock typing give it a niche, but it requires careful team building to succeed. Consider Rhydon if you need its specific typing coverage or if you enjoy using unconventional picks.
Q:What's the best item for Rhydon?
A:For Rhydon, Leftovers is the top item choice, providing passive recovery that synergizes with its high HP of 105. Alternative options include Assault Vest (if Rhydon needs special bulk) or Sitrus Berry for emergency healing. The item choice should complement Rhydon's role as a tank.
Q:What nature should I use for Rhydon?
A:Adamant (+Attack, -Special Attack) is the best nature for Rhydon, maximizing its physical damage output. Alternatively, Jolly (+Speed, -Special Attack) works if you need Rhydon to outspeed specific threats. Since Rhydon's Attack (130) exceeds its Special Attack (45), always favor physical builds.
Q:How do I counter Rhydon?
A:Rhydon's biggest counters are Fighting-type Pokemon, who exploit its typing weakness for super-effective damage. Other threats include faster Pokemon that can KO Rhydon before it acts, especially given its 40 Speed. To beat Rhydon, use Fighting STAB moves or priority attacks to bypass its speed.