banette #354
Type Matchups
Weak to (2x damage):
Resistant to (½x damage):
Immune to (0x damage):
banette
Generation III · #0354 — Marionette Pokémon
Banette, the Marionette Pokémon, is a Ghost-type Pokémon introduced in Generation III that stands at 1.1 meters tall and weighs 12.5 kilograms. With a base stat total of 455, Banette boasts a notably high Attack stat of 115, making it a formidable physical attacker among Ghost-type Pokémon, though its defensive capabilities are more modest with Defense and Special Defense stats of 65 and 63 respectively. The creature's origin story is uniquely poignant—it is said to be a discarded plush doll that gained sentience through the resentment and hatred of the child who abandoned it, creating a Pokémon driven by the desire to find and confront its former owner. Its three standard abilities—Insomnia, Frisk, and the hidden ability Cursed Body—reflect its supernatural nature and vindictive personality, with Cursed Body providing a 30% chance to disable any move that strikes it, embodying its curse-laying capabilities.
Base Stats
Height
1.1m
Weight
12.5kg
Category
Marionette Pokémon
Gender
Male 50% / Female 50%
Color
black
Shape
upright
Habitat
urban
Abilities
Prevents sleep.
Reveals an opponent's held item upon entering battle.
Has a 30% chance of Disabling any move that hits the Pokémon.
Banette Biology & Physical Characteristics
Banette presents a distinctive appearance as a dark gray, doll-like Pokémon with an unmistakably eerie aesthetic befitting its Ghost-type classification. Its most striking feature is the zipper that acts as its mouth—according to Pokédex entries, this zipper must remain sealed, as opening it would allow the creature's cursed energy to escape and dissipate entirely. The Pokémon sports three short spikes protruding from its head and a long, zigzagging ribbon trailing from the back, while its purplish-pink eyes with slit pupils give it a menacing expression. Its anatomy includes long, flat arms with three-fingered hands, short stubby legs, and a distinctive yellow brush-like tail. What makes Banette particularly fascinating from a biological standpoint is how it generates energy for laying strong curses by sticking pins into its own body, functioning essentially as a voodoo doll—a self-inflicted mechanism that channels its emotional anguish into supernatural power. The creature's body composition appears to be primarily composed of the original textile material of the plush toy it once was, now animated and possessed by concentrated malevolent energy.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Banette Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Banette exhibits a perfectly balanced gender ratio of 50% male to 50% female, reflecting no biological predisposition toward either sex within the species. The creature belongs to the Amorphous egg group, a classification typically reserved for ghost-type and other ethereal Pokémon whose non-traditional biology makes them difficult to categorize in conventional breeding frameworks. With a relatively low base happiness value of only 35, significantly below the standard baseline of 70, Banette begins with a disposition naturally tilted toward dissatisfaction and resentment—a stat that mechanically reflects its origin as an emotionally damaged creature. The Pokémon has a fast growth rate, meaning it reaches higher levels more quickly than Pokémon with medium or slow growth rates, allowing trainers to develop their Banette relatively efficiently. When breeding, Banette can produce Shuppet eggs, starting the evolutionary line anew, though the hatching process requires 25 egg cycles (approximately 6,169 to 6,425 steps) to complete. Interestingly, the low base happiness suggests that Banette's vindictive and sorrowful nature makes it a challenging companion initially, though dedicated trainers who invest time in raising its happiness through care and positive interactions can gradually soften its bitter disposition.
Held Items
Sprites
Held Items
spell-tag
type-enhancement
Held: Ghost-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
spell-tag
type-enhancement
Held: Ghost-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
spell-tag
type-enhancement
Held: Ghost-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
spell-tag
type-enhancement
Held: Ghost-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
spell-tag
type-enhancement
Held: Ghost-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
spell-tag
type-enhancement
Held: Ghost-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
spell-tag
type-enhancement
Held: Ghost-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
spell-tag
type-enhancement
Held: Ghost-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
spell-tag
type-enhancement
Held: Ghost-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
spell-tag
type-enhancement
Held: Ghost-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
spell-tag
type-enhancement
Held: Ghost-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
spell-tag
type-enhancement
Held: Ghost-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
spell-tag
type-enhancement
Held: Ghost-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
spell-tag
type-enhancement
Held: Ghost-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
spell-tag
type-enhancement
Held: Ghost-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
spell-tag
type-enhancement
Held: Ghost-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
spell-tag
type-enhancement
Held: Ghost-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
spell-tag
type-enhancement
Held: Ghost-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
spell-tag
type-enhancement
Held: Ghost-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
spell-tag
type-enhancement
Held: Ghost-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
spell-tag
type-enhancement
Held: Ghost-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
spell-tag
type-enhancement
Held: Ghost-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
TMs & HMs
tm01
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm02
crystal
tm02
gold silver
tm02
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm03
yellow
tm03
crystal
tm03
gold silver
tm03
red blue
tm03
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm03
blue japan
tm03
red green japan
tm04
emerald
tm04
firered leafgreen
tm04
ruby sapphire
tm04
diamond pearl
tm04
xd
tm04
heartgold soulsilver
tm04
black white
tm04
colosseum
tm04
platinum
+755 more TMs/HMs
Banette Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Banette evolves from Shuppet at level 37, representing a significant increase in power and the crystallization of the child's abandoned emotions into a more fully-realized supernatural entity. The evolution process marks the transition from a nascent ghost to a mature haunting force, with Banette's Attack stat rising significantly compared to its pre-evolved form. Beyond standard evolution, Banette possesses the ability to Mega Evolve into Mega Banette using the Banettite, a transformation that dramatically enhances its capabilities and physical appearance. Mega Banette's base stat total increases to 555, with its Attack stat surging to an impressive 165, making it one of the most physically powerful Ghost-type Pokémon available. The Mega Evolution also boosts its Special Attack to 93 and grants it the ability Prankster, allowing it to use non-attacking moves with priority—a significant tactical advantage in competitive battles. Visually, Mega Banette gains additional zippers along its body: one running diagonally across its face, one on each of its hands, and another along its torso, symbolizing an intensification of the energy contained within and the increased potency of its curse-casting abilities.
Where to Find
sky pillar
hoenn
+9 more
sinnoh route 227
sinnoh
stark mountain
sinnoh
sinnoh route 225
sinnoh
+3 more
sinnoh sea route 226
sinnoh
+3 more
strange house
unova
+9 more
unova victory road 2
unova
+25 more
poke pelago
alola
+1 more
Banette Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Banette inhabits the darker recesses of human civilization, primarily residing in garbage dumps, dark alleys, and other discarded locations where unwanted objects accumulate. It is fundamentally driven by a singular, obsessive purpose: to search for the child who threw it away and exact revenge for being abandoned. This relentless quest defines Banette's behavior and habitat selection, as it wanders through areas where it might encounter its former owner, haunting places connected to human rejection and disposal. Despite its vengeful nature and the resentment that animates its existence, Pokédex entries reveal a surprising capacity for change—it is said that if treated with sufficient care and kindness, a Banette's grudge can be satisfied, and it may revert to being a simple stuffed toy once more. This suggests that beneath its curse-laden exterior lies the potential for redemption through affection. Interestingly, Banette exhibits unusual sleep behavior, apparently laughing happily while sleeping, which researchers believe indicates it is remembering moments when it was loved and cared for, hinting at the emotional complexity of this malice-born creature.
Pokedex Entries
Generation III
BANETTE generates energy for laying strong curses by sticking pins into its own body. This POKéMON was originally a pitiful plush doll that was thrown away.
A cursed energy permeated the stuffing of a discarded and forgotten plush doll, giving it new life as BANETTE. The POKéMON’s energy would escape if it were to ever open its mouth.
An abandoned plush doll became this POKéMON. They are said to live in garbage dumps and wander about in search of the children that threw them away.
Strong feelings of hatred turned a puppet into a POKéMON. If it opens its mouth, its cursed energy escapes.
Generation IV
A doll that became a Pokémon over its grudge from being junked. It seeks the child that disowned it.
This Pokémon developed from an abandoned doll that amassed a grudge. It is seen in dark alleys.
Generation V
A doll that became a Pokémon over its grudge from being junked. It seeks the child that disowned it.
A doll that became a Pokémon over its grudge of being thrown away. It seeks the child who disowned it.
Generation VI
A doll that became a Pokémon over its grudge from being junked. It seeks the child that disowned it.
Strong feelings of hatred turned a puppet into a Pokémon. If it opens its mouth, its cursed energy escapes.
Banette generates energy for laying strong curses by sticking pins into its own body. This Pokémon was originally a pitiful plush doll that was thrown away.
A cursed energy permeated the stuffing of a discarded and forgotten plush doll, giving it new life as Banette. The Pokémon’s energy would escape if it were to ever open its mouth.
Generation VII
It’s a stuffed toy that was thrown away and became possessed, ever searching for the one who threw it away so it can exact its revenge.
Resentment at being cast off made it spring into being. Some say that treating it well will satisfy it, and it will once more become a stuffed toy.
Banette Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name Banette derives from the French word 'banane' (banana) combined with the suffix '-ette' (a diminutive French ending), though this etymology appears to have evolved from its Japanese name Juppeta, which lacks direct linguistic connection to the English moniker. The Marionette designation perfectly captures the Pokémon's essence—like a marionette or puppet, Banette is an inanimate object given life through external forces (in this case, emotional energy and resentment rather than strings and a puppeteer's hands). The design cleverly incorporates voodoo doll imagery, a concept deeply embedded in folklore and popular culture surrounding curse magic and sympathetic magic, where injury inflicted upon a doll supposedly translates to harm befalling its intended target. The zipper mouth motif serves multiple narrative purposes: it visually represents the sealing of destructive energy, prevents the escape of the creature's life force, and creates an unsettling, uncanny valley aesthetic that makes the normally cute concept of a sentient plush toy genuinely disturbing. The zigzagging ribbon tail and three spikes give it a vaguely Crown-like or demonic appearance, reinforcing its supernatural malevolence despite its soft-toy origins.
Learnable Moves
Banette can learn 93 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ally switch | psychic | Status | — | — | 15 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| burning jealousy | fire | Special | 70 | 100 | 5 |
| calm mind | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| captivate | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| charge beam | electric | Special | 50 | 90 | 10 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| confuse ray | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| curse | ghost | Status | — | — | 10 |
| dark pulse | dark | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| dazzling gleam | fairy | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| dream eater | psychic | Special | 100 | 100 | 15 |
| embargo | dark | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| encore | normal | Status | — | 100 | 5 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| feint attack | dark | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| flash | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| fling | dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| foul play | dark | Physical | 95 | 100 | 15 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| giga impact | normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| grudge | ghost | Status | — | — | 5 |
| gunk shot | poison | Physical | 120 | 80 | 5 |
| headbutt | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| helping hand | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| hex | ghost | Special | 65 | 100 | 10 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| hyper beam | normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| icy wind | ice | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| imprison | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| infestation | bug | Special | 20 | 100 | 20 |
| knock off | dark | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| lash out | dark | Physical | 75 | 100 | 5 |
| magic coat | psychic | Status | — | — | 15 |
| magic room | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| metronome | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mud slap | ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| nasty plot | dark | Status | — | — | 20 |
| natural gift | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| night shade | ghost | Special | — | 100 | 15 |
| nightmare | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| ominous wind | ghost | Special | 60 | 100 | 5 |
| pain split | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| payback | dark | Physical | 50 | 100 | 10 |
| phantom force | ghost | Physical | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| poltergeist | ghost | Physical | 110 | 90 | 5 |
| pounce | bug | Physical | 50 | 100 | 20 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psybeam | psychic | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| psych up | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psychic | psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| role play | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| scary face | normal | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| screech | normal | Status | — | 85 | 40 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| shadow ball | ghost | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| shadow claw | ghost | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| shadow sneak | ghost | Physical | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| shock wave | electric | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| skill swap | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| skitter smack | bug | Physical | 70 | 90 | 10 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snatch | dark | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| spite | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sucker punch | dark | Physical | 70 | 100 | 5 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| swords dance | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| taunt | dark | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| telekinesis | psychic | Status | — | — | 15 |
| tera blast | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| thief | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| throat chop | dark | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| thunder | electric | Special | 110 | 70 | 10 |
| thunder wave | electric | Status | — | 90 | 20 |
| thunderbolt | electric | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| torment | dark | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| trailblaze | grass | Physical | 50 | 100 | 20 |
| trick | psychic | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| trick room | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| will o wisp | fire | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
Banette Competitive Battle Guide
Banette occupies a unique niche in competitive Pokémon battling as a physical Ghost-type attacker with surprising versatility. Its exceptional Attack stat of 115 allows it to deal considerable physical damage, while moves like Shadow Claw, Knock Off, and Trick Room coverage provide diverse offensive and utility options that make it adaptable across various team compositions and metagames. The hidden ability Cursed Body deserves particular emphasis, as its 30% chance to disable any move that successfully hits Banette creates significant uncertainty for opponents and can disrupt their strategies by locking out critical moves at pivotal moments. In its Mega Evolved form, Banette becomes substantially more threatening, with its Attack skyrocketing to 165 and the addition of the Prankster ability allowing it to use priority moves—a game-changing tactical advantage that can enable faster setup moves or crucial support actions regardless of opponent speed. Prankster transforms Banette's utility significantly, enabling fast Trick Room usage to reverse speed hierarchies or allowing priority Destiny Bond attempts in certain formats. However, Banette's relatively fragile defensive profile, with a base 65 Defense and 63 Special Defense, means it requires careful team support and positioning, as it lacks the bulk to reliably switch into attacks multiple times. Its speed stat of 65 is moderately low, making speed control through Trick Room or priority moves essential to its success in competitive environments.
Commonly Asked Questions About Banette
What type is Banette?
Banette is a ghost type Pokemon.
What does Banette evolve from?
Banette evolved from shuppet.
What are Banette's weaknesses?
Banette is weak to ghost and dark type moves.
Where can I find Banette?
Banette can be found in sky pillar (hoenn), sinnoh route 227 (sinnoh) and stark mountain (sinnoh) and 5 other locations.
Banette Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Banette represents a particularly distinctive entry in the Pokémon franchise for its emotionally mature and darkly poignant narrative—a sentient object born from abandonment and resentment rather than natural biological processes. This concept resonates with human audiences on a psychological level, tapping into universal themes of rejection, loss, and the search for belonging or redemption that transcend typical monster-battle entertainment. The Pokémon has been featured prominently in the anime series, with memorable appearances that often highlight its tragic backstory and the potential for reconciliation between Pokémon and their abandoners, creating emotionally impactful episodes that contrast sharply with the lighter adventure narrative typical of Pokémon television. Banette's design has influenced how Ghost-type Pokémon are conceptualized in subsequent generations, establishing a template for creatures born from human emotion rather than biological evolution. The voodoo doll aesthetic has made Banette particularly popular in fan art and creative communities, inspiring countless interpretations exploring the philosophical and emotional dimensions of a creature literally made of regret. Its presence in Pokémon merchandise, trading cards, and spin-off games has cemented its status as a fan-favorite Ghost-type, appreciated by both casual players who connect with its tragic origin story and competitive players who respect its offensive capabilities.
Where to Find Banette in Every Pokémon Game
Banette's availability has varied considerably across different Pokémon game generations and regions, reflecting its introduction in Generation III and subsequent expansions of the National Pokédex. In the original Ruby and Sapphire versions, Banette could be found and caught in specific locations after evolving Shuppet, though the specific encounter rates varied by version and location. Subsequent games including Emerald, FireRed, LeafGreen, and the Generation IV remakes (Diamond and Pearl) included Banette in their rosters, typically encountered in ghost-themed locations such as Pokémon Towers, haunted mansions, or cemeteries. The creature has appeared in most mainline Pokémon titles since its introduction, including Black 2 and White 2, the X and Y Kalos region (specifically in Mountain Kalos), Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon (as part of the Alola regional Pokédex), and the more recent Scarlet and Violet games. Pokémon Legends: Arceus and Pokémon Legends: Z-A have also incorporated Banette into their Pokédex options. Beyond traditional games, Banette is available in Pokémon GO through various methods including raids, encounters, and special events, making it accessible to mobile players. The availability of the Banettite for Mega Evolution varies by game, typically being distributed through post-game content or special events rather than found naturally in the wild, adding to its desirability among completionist trainers.