Rhyhorn
A POKéMON with a one-track mind. Once it charges, it won't stop running until it falls asleep.
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 Rhyhorn's most consistent damage output, particularly when targeting opponents with Ground weaknesses.
As Rhyhorn's trusted Rock STAB option, Rock Slide benefits from the 1.5x damage multiplier. This move should be your go-to attack in most situations, especially against opponents vulnerable to Rock types.
As Rhyhorn's trusted Ground STAB option, Dig 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.
The Normal-type Mud Shot serves as coverage for matchups Rhyhorn would otherwise struggle with. This move is particularly valuable for hitting types that resist Ground attacks.
Strengths
- ▸Having Ground/Rock typing allows Rhyhorn to run Earthquake and Rock Slide with a 1.5x damage multiplier, creating consistent offensive pressure
- ▸The Ground/Rock typing grants resistances to Fire, Flying, Normal, meaning Rhyhorn can absorb hits from these sources
- ▸Complete immunity to Electric attacks means Rhyhorn can switch in for free against these moves
Weaknesses
- ▸The 4x vulnerability to Grass is Rhyhorn's most critical flaw—any Grass-type move poses an immediate KO threat
- ▸With only 25 speed, Rhyhorn struggles to act first
- ▸Rhyhorn's low speed of 25 means it needs Trick Room or priority support to function offensively
- ▸With only 345 total stats, Rhyhorn is outclassed by higher-tier alternatives in most roles
Pro Tips
Build Rhyhorn as a physical attacker with Attack VP investment and a beneficial nature like Adamant. Sitrus Berry or Recovery items help Rhyhorn sustain through extended battles. Predict Fighting moves and double-switch to preserve Rhyhorn for later. Pair Rhyhorn with stronger teammates that can cover its weaknesses and clean up after it weakens opponents.
Competitive Role
Rhyhorn occupies the balanced utility Pokemon niche in the Pokemon Champions metagame. Stat-wise, Rhyhorn brings 345 total points with defense as its standout stat at 95. 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. When used correctly, Rhyhorn can surprise opponents in specific matchups.
Detailed Strategy Analysis
Rhyhorn brings a 345 base stat total to the battlefield, with its stat distribution favoring a defense-focused build. The recommended moveset combines STAB options (Earthquake, Rock Slide) with coverage moves (Mud Shot), giving Rhyhorn answers to a wide range of opponents. Type weaknesses to Fighting, Grass, Ground mean Rhyhorn must be played carefully against these matchups. Resistances to Fire, Flying, Normal provide safe switch-in opportunities. Immunity to Electric gives Rhyhorn a unique defensive advantage. At Tier C, Rhyhorn is best used in specific niche strategies or lower-tier formats. For optimal performance, build Rhyhorn with physical Attack investment, pairing it with a nature that boosts Attack or Speed.
Key Matchup Notes
Against Fighting-type opponents: Rhyhorn is at a severe disadvantage. Never leave Rhyhorn 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: Rhyhorn has the advantage here. Its Ground typing reduces incoming Fire damage, allowing Rhyhorn to tank hits and retaliate with Earthquake. Use these matchups to gain momentum. Against Electric-type moves: Rhyhorn is completely immune, making it a perfect switch-in. Predict Electric attacks and bring Rhyhorn in for free, then capitalize on the tempo swing. Speed matchups: Rhyhorn's 25 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: Rhyhorn has the offensive advantage. Its STAB Ground moves deal super-effective damage to Water types, making these favorable matchups. Lead with Rhyhorn when you expect Water types on the opponent's team.
Battle Strategy Guide
When starting a battle with Rhyhorn, your first priority is establishing board position.
As a supportive role player with 345 total base stats, Rhyhorn should be brought in when you can predict a favorable matchup.
If the opponent has Fighting coverage, save Rhyhorn 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, Rhyhorn's role shifts to maintaining pressure while conserving HP.
Switch Rhyhorn out when facing its weakness to Fighting, and bring it back in when the opponent fields something Rhyhorn can handle.
Use Dig as coverage to punish predicted switches.
The key to mid-game success with Rhyhorn is prediction—anticipate what the opponent will do and respond accordingly.
By the endgame, Rhyhorn should be used as a support piece rather than a primary finisher.
With 345 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 Rhyhorn needs team support to succeed.
Evolution Chain
Team Synergy
- ▸Add Poison typing to your team to switch in when Rhyhorn faces Fighting-type threats
- ▸Consider adding a Steel type for defensive synergy, as Steel covers many of Rhyhorn's potential weaknesses
- ▸Pair Rhyhorn with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses and benefit from its resistances
How to Counter
- ▸Any Fighting-type attacker can threaten an OHKO on Rhyhorn due to the typing disadvantage
- ▸Faster attackers can freely hit Rhyhorn before it gets a chance to act
- ▸Special attackers target Rhyhorn's weak Special Defense (30) for guaranteed damage
- ▸Paralysis halves Rhyhorn's Speed and may cause it to lose turns, neutralizing its offensive threat
Team Composition Ideas
Balance Core: Pair Rhyhorn with a Poison-type Pokemon that can switch into Fighting attacks. This defensive core covers Rhyhorn's primary weakness while Rhyhorn handles the matchups its partner struggles with.
Support Core: Use Rhyhorn alongside a heavy hitter that benefits from Rhyhorn's defensive typing. Switch Rhyhorn in to absorb hits with its Fire, Flying resistances, then pivot to your attacker for damage.
Trick Room Team: Rhyhorn's Speed of 25 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 Rhyhorn good in Pokemon Champions?
A:Rhyhorn is rated Tier C in Pokemon Champions, making it a lower-tier option. With 345 total stats, it faces stiff competition from stronger alternatives. However, Rhyhorn can still work in casual play or specific niche strategies with the right team support.
Q:What's the best item for Rhyhorn?
A:Rhyhorn benefits from Focus Sash (to survive a hit), Expert Belt (for coverage damage), or Life Orb (for a general power boost). Since Rhyhorn has balanced stats, the item should fill whatever gap your team needs—damage, survivability, or utility.
Q:What nature should I use for Rhyhorn?
A:Adamant (+Attack, -Special Attack) is the best nature for Rhyhorn, maximizing its physical damage output. Alternatively, Jolly (+Speed, -Special Attack) works if you need Rhyhorn to outspeed specific threats. Since Rhyhorn's Attack (85) exceeds its Special Attack (30), always favor physical builds.
Q:How do I counter Rhyhorn?
A:Rhyhorn's biggest counters are Fighting-type Pokemon, who exploit its typing weakness for super-effective damage. Other threats include faster Pokemon that can KO Rhyhorn before it acts, especially given its 25 Speed. To beat Rhyhorn, use Fighting STAB moves or priority attacks to bypass its speed.