arbok
Generation I · #0024 — Cobra Pokémon
Arbok, known as the Cobra Pokémon, is a Poison-type creature that stands as the evolved form of Ekans, achievable at level 22. As Pokédex entry #24 in the National Pokédex, Arbok has been a staple of the Poison-type roster since Generation I, introducing trainers to one of the most visually striking serpentine Pokémon ever designed. Despite its intimidating appearance and fearsome reputation, Arbok maintains a relatively approachable catch rate of 90, making it accessible to trainers throughout their journey. With a base stat total of 448, Arbok presents a balanced offensive profile that emphasizes physical attacks over special abilities, featuring an Attack stat of 95 that outpaces most of its early-game counterparts. Its ability to learn a diverse movepool and adapt to various battle strategies has made it a memorable choice for both casual players and competitive trainers alike.
Base Stats
Height
3.5m
Weight
65.0kg
Category
Cobra Pokémon
Gender
Male 50% / Female 50%
Color
purple
Shape
squiggle
Habitat
grassland
Abilities
Lowers opponents' Attack one stage upon entering battle.
Has a 33% chance of curing any major status ailment after each turn.
Prevents opposing Pokémon from eating held Berries.
Arbok Biology & Physical Characteristics
Arbok is a large, serpentine Pokémon that bears a striking resemblance to a king cobra, with a body length of 3.5 meters and a weight of 65 kilograms. The most distinctive feature of Arbok is the elaborate hood located just below its head, which displays a complex face-like pattern consisting of eyespots, streaks, and stripes rendered in red, yellow, and black. According to research documented in Pokédex entries, this belly pattern exhibits remarkable variation across different geographical regions, with over 20 distinct confirmed variations existing in nature—though early studies identified at least six distinct patterns. Arbok possesses a narrow, defined face with sharp teeth and keen eyes that allow it to carefully observe its surroundings. The Pokémon's body composition grants it exceptional constricting power; it can coil around opponents with such force that it can flatten steel oil drums, making it one of the physically strongest serpentine creatures in the Pokémon world. Notably, Arbok possesses a remarkable regenerative ability—if any part of its body except the head is severed, the entire body can regrow within a few weeks, providing it with an unusual survival advantage in the wild.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Arbok Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Arbok exhibits a perfectly balanced gender ratio of 50% male to 50% female, ensuring equal opportunities for trainers seeking either gender composition in their breeding projects. The species is classified within the Field and Dragon egg groups, a somewhat unusual combination that reflects its serpentine nature and its place within the evolutionary hierarchy of dragon-related creatures in the Pokémon universe. This dual egg group membership provides breeding flexibility, allowing Arbok to be crossed with a diverse range of compatible Pokémon species to produce offspring with varied movepool combinations. Arbok hatches from eggs after 20 cycles, which translates to approximately 4,884 to 5,140 steps of travel in-game, placing it within the moderate breeding timeframe that makes it accessible but not trivially quick to breed in large quantities. The species maintains a base happiness value of 70, indicating that Arbok is reasonably friendly toward its trainer but not inherently affectionate, reflecting its predatory and somewhat aggressive nature even in captivity. Trainers seeking to breed Arbok effectively should consider using compatible partner Pokémon from either the Field or Dragon egg groups, allowing them to create diverse offspring with enhanced movesets unavailable through leveling alone. The moderate breeding parameters make Arbok a practical choice for players interested in developing customized breeding projects without requiring the substantial time investment that more demanding species necessitate.
Held Items
Sprites
Held Items
poison-barb
type-enhancement
Held: Poison-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
poison-barb
type-enhancement
Held: Poison-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
poison-barb
type-enhancement
Held: Poison-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
poison-barb
type-enhancement
Held: Poison-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
TMs & HMs
tm01
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm02
crystal
tm02
gold silver
tm03
crystal
tm03
gold silver
tm05
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm06
yellow
tm06
gold silver
tm06
red blue
tm06
crystal
tm06
emerald
tm06
firered leafgreen
tm06
diamond pearl
tm06
platinum
tm06
ruby sapphire
tm06
colosseum
tm06
black 2 white 2
tm06
xd
tm06
black white
tm06
heartgold soulsilver
+633 more TMs/HMs
Arbok Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Arbok evolves from Ekans through a straightforward leveling process beginning at level 22, representing a significant power increase across multiple statistical dimensions. The evolution from Ekans to Arbok marks a substantial improvement in physical capabilities, with the creature's Attack stat increasing and its overall base stat total jumping from the low-to-mid 300s to 448. This evolution reflects the natural maturation of the species, as Arbok gains the physical size, muscle density, and combat experience necessary to establish itself as a predatory force in its ecosystem. The transition is accompanied by an expanded movepool, allowing evolved Arbok to learn more powerful techniques that capitalize on its enhanced physical strength and the experience it has accumulated. While Arbok does not possess a Mega Evolution form, its standard evolved state provides trainers with a competent physical attacker capable of handling various threats throughout their journey. The timing of the evolution at level 22 ensures that most players will have access to Arbok relatively early in their progression, particularly in the original Kanto region games, though the exact availability varies by game generation and region.
Where to Find
cerulean cave
kanto
+1 more
kanto route 23
kanto
kanto route 3
kanto
+4 more
kanto route 4
kanto
+4 more
kanto route 26
kanto
+8 more
kanto route 27
kanto
+4 more
johto route 42
johto
kanto route 28
kanto
mt silver
johto
kanto victory road 2
kanto
great marsh
sinnoh
+33 more
johto safari zone
johto
+1 more
alola route 8
alola
Arbok Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Arbok demonstrates a highly aggressive and territorial temperament, particularly once it has selected a target for pursuit. Silver version's Pokédex entry emphasizes that this Pokémon possesses a vengeful nature and will chase down prey relentlessly, showing remarkable determination and endurance in the hunt regardless of distance. When confronted by potential threats, Arbok employs a sophisticated intimidation strategy by raising its head and displaying its distinctive belly pattern, which serves as a powerful warning to weaker opponents—many foes reportedly flee at the mere sight of this frightening visage. Additionally, Arbok can expel air from its mouth to produce eerie, unsettling sounds that further enhance its threatening presence. The Pokémon uses its pattern as a hypnotic tool as well, capable of transfixing prey with the face-like design before binding and poisoning them, making it an apex ambush predator. In terms of habitat preference, Arbok typically inhabits areas where its pre-evolution Ekans can be found, favoring regions with suitable shelter and adequate prey populations. It is capable of detecting vibrations through the ground and air, allowing it to locate quarry with impressive accuracy even in conditions of limited visibility.
Pokedex Entries
It is rumored that the ferocious warning markings on its belly differ from area to area.
The frightening patterns on its belly have been studied. Six variations have been confirmed.
Transfixing prey with the face-like pattern on its belly, it binds and poisons the frightened victim.
With a very venge ful nature, it won't give up the chase, no matter how far, once it targets its prey.
To intimidate foes, it spreads its chest wide and makes eerie sounds by expelling air from its mouth.
This POKéMON is terrifically strong in order to constrict things with its body. It can even flatten steel oil drums. Once ARBOK wraps its body around its foe, escaping its crunching embrace is impossible.
This POKéMON has a terrifically strong constricting power. It can even flatten steel oil drums. Once it wraps its body around its foe, escaping is impossible.
The pattern on its belly appears to be a frightening face. Weak foes will flee just at the sight of the pattern.
It is rumored that the ferocious warning markings on its belly differ from area to area.
The pattern on its belly is for intimidation. It constricts foes while they are frozen in fear.
Transfixing prey with the face-like pattern on its belly, it binds and poisons the frightened victim.
With a very vengeful nature, it won’t give up the chase, no matter how far, once it targets its prey.
The pattern on its belly is for intimidation. It constricts foes while they are frozen in fear.
The pattern on its belly is for intimidation. It constricts foes while they are frozen in fear.
The pattern on its belly appears to be a frightening face. Weak foes will flee just at the sight of the pattern.
To intimidate foes, it spreads its chest wide and makes eerie sounds by expelling air from its mouth.
This Pokémon is terrifically strong in order to constrict things with its body. It can even flatten steel oil drums. Once Arbok wraps its body around its foe, escaping its crunching embrace is impossible.
This Pokémon is terrifically strong in order to constrict things with its body. It can even flatten steel oil drums. Once Arbok wraps its body around its foe, escaping its crunching embrace is impossible.
The latest research has determined that there are over 20 possible arrangements of the patterns on its stomach.
After stunning its opponents with the pattern on its stomach, it quickly wraps them up in its body and waits for them to stop moving.
The frightening patterns on its belly have been studied. Six variations have been confirmed.
Arbok Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name Arbok is derived from the English word 'cobra,' with the 'A' potentially referencing its pre-evolution Ekans while maintaining the serpentine theme. The Japanese name アーボック (Arbok) follows the same nomenclatural pattern, emphasizing the cobra identity that defines the species. The Pokémon's visual design draws extensive inspiration from the real-world king cobra, particularly in the characteristic hood structure that forms the creature's most iconic feature. Game Freak's designers enhanced this naturalistic foundation by adding the anthropomorphic face pattern on the belly—a design choice that serves both aesthetic and narrative purposes, as this pattern functions as both a genuine warning coloration and a powerful intimidation tool within the Pokémon world. The pattern itself appears to have been influenced by the pseudo-eye markings that real snakes display to deter predators, though Arbok's version is far more elaborate and arguably more menacing. The color palette of purples, blacks, reds, and yellows was carefully selected to convey both the Poison-type classification and a natural serpentine aesthetic that would be recognizable to players across different cultural backgrounds. The design successfully balances anatomical plausibility with fantastical elements, creating a creature that feels both grounded in nature and distinctly otherworldly.
Learnable Moves
Arbok can learn 86 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| acid | poison | Special | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| acid spray | poison | Special | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| aqua tail | water | Physical | 90 | 90 | 10 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| belch | poison | Special | 120 | 90 | 10 |
| bide | normal | Physical | — | — | 10 |
| bind | normal | Physical | 15 | 85 | 20 |
| bite | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| bulldoze | ground | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| coil | poison | Status | — | — | 20 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| crunch | dark | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| curse | ghost | Status | — | — | 10 |
| dark pulse | dark | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| dig | ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| dragon tail | dragon | Physical | 60 | 90 | 10 |
| earthquake | ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| fire fang | fire | Physical | 65 | 95 | 15 |
| fissure | ground | Physical | — | 30 | 5 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| gastro acid | poison | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| giga drain | grass | Special | 75 | 100 | 10 |
| giga impact | normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| glare | normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| haze | ice | Status | — | — | 30 |
| headbutt | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| hyper beam | normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| ice fang | ice | Physical | 65 | 95 | 15 |
| iron tail | steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 |
| knock off | dark | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| leech life | bug | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| leer | normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| mega drain | grass | Special | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mud shot | ground | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| mud slap | ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| natural gift | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| pain split | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| payback | dark | Physical | 50 | 100 | 10 |
| poison fang | poison | Physical | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| poison jab | poison | Physical | 80 | 100 | 20 |
| poison sting | poison | Physical | 15 | 100 | 35 |
| poison tail | poison | Physical | 50 | 100 | 25 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| rage | normal | Physical | 20 | 100 | 20 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| rock slide | rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 |
| rock tomb | rock | Physical | 60 | 95 | 15 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| scary face | normal | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| screech | normal | Status | — | 85 | 40 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| seed bomb | grass | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| skull bash | normal | Physical | 130 | 100 | 10 |
| slam | normal | Physical | 80 | 75 | 20 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sludge bomb | poison | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| sludge wave | poison | Special | 95 | 100 | 10 |
| snarl | dark | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| snatch | dark | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| spit up | normal | Special | — | 100 | 10 |
| spite | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| stockpile | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| strength | normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sucker punch | dark | Physical | 70 | 100 | 5 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| swallow | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| switcheroo | dark | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| thief | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| thunder fang | electric | Physical | 65 | 95 | 15 |
| torment | dark | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| toxic spikes | poison | Status | — | — | 20 |
| wrap | normal | Physical | 15 | 90 | 20 |
Arbok Competitive Battle Guide
In competitive battling, Arbok functions as a physical attacker with respectable power output, leveraging its 95 Attack stat to deal significant damage with moves like Earthquake, Poison Jab, and Coil. The physical movepool advantage becomes particularly pronounced with access to priority moves and coverage options that allow Arbok to threaten a diverse array of common competitive threats, though its middling Speed stat of 80 means it will often move after faster threats without dedicated investment. Arbok's three ability options provide meaningful strategic choices: Intimidate immediately reduces the Attack stat of an opposing Pokémon upon entry, providing defensive value against physical threats; Shed Skin offers passive recovery from status conditions with a 33% activation chance per turn, enabling potential longevity in longer battles; and the hidden ability Unnerve prevents opponents from consuming held Berries, disrupting common item-based strategies. The Defense stat of 69 and Special Defense stat of 79 provide modest bulk that is respectable for an offensive-oriented Pokémon but insufficient to reliably survive neutral special attacks without significant investment. In modern competitive formats, Arbok faces significant competition from more specialized Poison-types with higher base stats or superior type coverage, limiting its usage to specific metagames or team architectures where its particular strengths address identified weaknesses. Nevertheless, trainers with specific strategic visions can construct effective Arbok sets, particularly in lower tiers or formats where its stat distribution is more competitive relative to available opposition.
Commonly Asked Questions About Arbok
What type is Arbok?
Arbok is a poison type Pokemon.
What does Arbok evolve from?
Arbok evolved from ekans.
What are Arbok's weaknesses?
Arbok is weak to ground and psychic type moves.
Where can I find Arbok?
Arbok can be found in cerulean cave (kanto), kanto route 23 (kanto) and kanto route 3 (kanto) and 10 other locations.
Arbok Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Arbok achieved significant cultural prominence through its association with Jessie of Team Rocket in the Pokémon animated series, where her Arbok became one of her signature Pokémon and received numerous memorable appearances throughout the show's early seasons. This prominent role in the anime introduced millions of viewers to the species and established Arbok as an iconic representation of Poison-type Pokémon in popular culture, despite not being one of the most statistically powerful creatures in its category. The species has appeared consistently across Pokémon media spanning multiple decades, from trading card game illustrations to strategic role-playing game appearances, maintaining relevance across generational shifts in the franchise. Arbok's intimidating design and serpentine nature have made it a favorite subject for fan art and creative interpretations, with its variable belly pattern serving as inspiration for countless customization concepts and regional variant theories within the fan community. The creature's position as one of the original 151 Pokémon grants it historical significance within the franchise's foundational generation, making it recognizable even to casual players unfamiliar with recent Pokémon releases. Its representation in competitive communities, while not dominant, has maintained a steady contingent of dedicated players who appreciate its unique combination of physical offensive potential and tactical flexibility, ensuring that Arbok retains a place in the broader competitive ecosystem despite not dominating any particular metagame.
Where to Find Arbok in Every Pokémon Game
Arbok's availability varies significantly across Pokémon games depending on generation and version, though the species generally remains relatively accessible to trainers willing to invest modest effort in acquisition. In the original Red, Blue, and Yellow versions, players can catch Ekans in early-game routes and evolve it at level 22, providing straightforward access to Arbok by the early-to-middle portion of their journey through Kanto. In Gold, Silver, and Crystal versions set in the Johto region, Arbok appears later in the Pokédex but remains obtainable through evolution of Ekans found in various locations. FireRed and LeafGreen remakes preserve the availability patterns established in the originals, while HeartGold and SoulSilver similarly maintain the species' presence in trainers' route encounters. More recent generations have varied in their approach to Arbok inclusion, with some titles featuring the species prominently in wild encounters while others restrict it to specific routes or require breeding for acquisition. The Let's Go Pikachu and Let's Go Eevee games maintain Arbok's availability as a straightforward evolution of Ekans, while Legends: Arceus presents a regional variant of Arbok with altered characteristics reflecting that game's unique mechanics. The species' consistently high catch rate of 90 ensures that even when encountered in the wild, Arbok presents minimal challenges for capture, making ball choice largely a matter of convenience rather than necessity, and allowing trainers to add this iconic serpent to their team with minimal resource expenditure.