bunnelby #659
Type Matchups
Weak to (2x damage):
Immune to (0x damage):
bunnelby
Generation VI · #0659 — Digging Pokémon
Bunnelby is a Normal-type Pokémon introduced in Generation VI, holding the National Pokédex number #659. This small, rabbit-like creature serves as the unevolved form in a two-stage evolutionary line, with Diggersby as its evolved counterpart at level 20. Despite its diminutive stature of just 0.4 meters and weight of 5.0 kilograms, Bunnelby possesses remarkable digging capabilities that belie its modest appearance. The species represents an interesting design philosophy within Generation VI, emphasizing the connection between physical form and specialized function—in this case, the transformation of ears into powerful excavation tools. With a base stat total of only 237, Bunnelby is clearly positioned as an early-game Pokémon, though its hidden ability Huge Power hints at significant potential upon evolution.
Base Stats
Height
0.4m
Weight
5.0kg
Category
Digging Pokémon
Gender
Male 50% / Female 50%
Color
brown
Shape
upright
Abilities
Picks up other Pokémon's used and Flung held items. May also pick up an item after battle.
Restores HP upon eating a Berry, in addition to the Berry's effect.
Doubles Attack in battle.
Bunnelby Biology & Physical Characteristics
Bunnelby is a small, quadrupedal mammal with a distinctly lagomorphic appearance, featuring gray fur as its primary coloration with brown accents throughout its body. Its most distinctive feature is its pair of large ears that resemble shovels, with dark brown tips and finger-like sections numbering three on each ear. The Pokémon's face includes prominent black eyes, a small pink nose, and notable round cheeks with delicate whiskers, complemented by large upper incisors characteristic of rodent-like creatures. A stiff brown ruff of fur encircles its neck, while its hind legs display small brown spots and brown-tipped toes, and a fluffy gray tail completes its physiology. The most remarkable aspect of Bunnelby's biology lies in the extraordinary strength of its ears—through constant digging activity, these appendages develop sufficient hardness to sever thick tree roots effortlessly and excavate burrows reaching depths of 33 feet in a single night. This remarkable adaptation demonstrates how Bunnelby's body is perfectly specialized for its ecological niche as a burrowing creature.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Bunnelby Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Bunnelby exhibits a perfectly balanced gender ratio of 50% male to 50% female, allowing for straightforward breeding without gender-based complications. The species belongs to the Field egg group, a breeding category that includes numerous mammalian and rodent-like Pokémon, creating compatibility with various other species for breeding purposes. With a base happiness of 70 (noting that this value was adjusted to 50 in later generations), Bunnelby begins its relationship with trainers from a moderately positive starting point, beneficial for evolution through friendship-based mechanics in certain contexts. The relatively short egg hatch counter of 15 cycles means that breeding Bunnelby requires approximately 3,599 to 3,855 steps for eggs to hatch, making it an accessible species for players seeking to obtain multiple individuals or optimize breeding chains. The species's medium-fast growth rate indicates moderate progression speed compared to other Pokémon, affecting the overall time investment required to raise Bunnelby to competitive levels. These breeding characteristics position Bunnelby as a practical choice for both casual players and competitive breeders seeking to establish populations of this species or utilize it in breeding chains to produce Field group offspring.
Sprites
TMs & HMs
tm01
ultra sun ultra moon
tm01
sun moon
tm03
yellow
tm03
red blue
tm03
blue japan
tm04
gold silver
tm03
red green japan
tm04
crystal
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
+630 more TMs/HMs
bunnelby's Evolution Chain
Bunnelby Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Bunnelby undergoes a straightforward two-stage evolution line, advancing to Diggersby upon reaching level 20. This evolution marks a significant transformation both statistically and typologically, as Bunnelby's pure Normal typing gains a Ground-type component, becoming Normal/Ground. The evolution is mechanically simple, requiring only leveling without special conditions, items, or location requirements. Upon evolution to Diggersby, Bunnelby's base stats receive substantial boosts across nearly all categories, with particular emphasis on Attack and Special Defense. The evolved form's acquisition of the Ground type grants access to powerful excavation-themed moves like Earthquake and provides new type coverage that the unevolved form lacks. Additionally, the hidden ability Huge Power, which doubles the Pokémon's Attack stat during battle, becomes far more valuable on Diggersby's superior attack stat of 80, compared to Bunnelby's modest 36. This evolution exemplifies Generation VI's design philosophy of creating functional progression paths for newly introduced Pokémon, with Bunnelby serving as an accessible early-game option that transforms into a competent mid-stage Pokémon.
Where to Find
kalos route 2
kalos
+1 more
kalos route 3
kalos
+1 more
kalos route 5
kalos
+5 more
kalos route 22
kalos
+1 more
Bunnelby Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Bunnelby exhibits nocturnal digging behavior, engaging in excavation activities throughout entire nights without rest, as documented in multiple Pokédex entries. These creatures use their shovel-like ears to dig complex burrow systems, establishing underground dens that serve as shelter and breeding grounds. The species demonstrates heightened sensitivity to environmental danger, particularly regarding aerial predators. According to Pokédex data from Pokémon Sword, Bunnelby will immediately abandon its current activities and dig protective holes upon detecting the distinctive sound of Corviknight's wings flapping—a natural predator that poses a significant threat. This defensive instinct reveals the evolutionary pressure that has shaped Bunnelby's entire existence around underground habitation. The species primarily inhabits grassy plains and forests with suitable soil for burrowing, with notable populations in the Kalos region, where they were first documented. Their preference for the Ground egg group further emphasizes their terrestrial nature and ecological role as soil-disturbing organisms within their environments.
Pokedex Entries
Generation VI
They use their large ears to dig burrows. They will dig the whole night through.
It has ears like shovels. Digging holes strengthens its ears so much that they can sever thick roots effortlessly.
They use their large ears to dig burrows. They will dig the whole night through.
It has ears like shovels. Digging holes strengthens its ears so much that they can sever thick roots effortlessly.
Generation VIII
It excels at digging holes. Using its ears, it can dig a nest 33 feet deep in one night.
It’s very sensitive to danger. The sound of Corviknight’s flapping will have Bunnelby digging a hole to hide underground in moments.
Bunnelby Name Origin & Design Inspiration
Bunnelby's design synthesizes elements of real-world rabbits with fantastical adaptations emphasizing its subterranean lifestyle. The name itself derives from a combination of "bunny" and "burrow," with the Japanese designation Horubee (ホルビー) following similar etymological logic. The shovel-like ears represent the most creative design element, transforming a typical rabbit feature into a specialized tool adapted for excavation—a concept that resonates with the Pokémon's Genus classification as the "Digging Pokémon." The brown coloration of its ear tips and body markings suggests earth and soil, reinforcing its ground-dwelling nature through visual design. The prominent upper incisors and round cheeks maintain visual continuity with lagomorph anatomy while enhancing its appealing, approachable appearance suitable for early-game creatures. The stiff brown ruff around its neck may serve both aesthetic and functional purposes, potentially protecting vulnerable areas during underground tunneling. This design demonstrates Generation VI's characteristic approach of creating logical, functional evolutionary lines grounded in real-world biology while introducing fantastical elements that enable gameplay mechanics and narrative coherence.
Learnable Moves
Bunnelby can learn 65 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| agility | psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| bounce | flying | Physical | 85 | 85 | 5 |
| brick break | fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| bulk up | fighting | Status | — | — | 20 |
| bulldoze | ground | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| cut | normal | Physical | 50 | 95 | 30 |
| defense curl | normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| dig | ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| double kick | fighting | Physical | 30 | 100 | 30 |
| double slap | normal | Physical | 15 | 85 | 10 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| earthquake | ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| endeavor | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| flail | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| fling | dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| grass knot | grass | Special | — | 100 | 20 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| iron head | steel | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| iron tail | steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 |
| laser focus | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| last resort | normal | Physical | 140 | 100 | 5 |
| leer | normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| mud shot | ground | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| mud slap | ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| nature power | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| odor sleuth | normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| payback | dark | Physical | 50 | 100 | 10 |
| power up punch | fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| quick attack | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| recycle | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| rock slide | rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 |
| rock smash | fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| rock tomb | rock | Physical | 60 | 95 | 15 |
| rollout | rock | Physical | 30 | 90 | 20 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| sandstorm | rock | Status | — | — | 10 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sludge bomb | poison | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| smack down | rock | Physical | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| spikes | ground | Status | — | — | 20 |
| stone edge | rock | Physical | 100 | 80 | 5 |
| strength | normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| super fang | normal | Physical | — | 90 | 10 |
| surf | water | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| swords dance | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| tackle | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| thief | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| torment | dark | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| u turn | bug | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| wild charge | electric | Physical | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| work up | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
Bunnelby Competitive Battle Guide
Bunnelby's competitive viability is severely limited by its base stat total of 237, making it unviable in any standard competitive format. With Attack and Defense both sitting at merely 36 and 38 respectively, and Special Attack at an even lower 32, Bunnelby lacks the offensive or defensive capabilities necessary to threaten opponents in constructed play. Its only notable stat is Speed at 57, which grants some advantage in out-speeding similarly slow threats, but this advantage becomes irrelevant without sufficient offensive power to capitalize on turn priority. The species' movepool is respectable for an early-game Pokémon, including moves like Tackle, Mud Shot, Quick Attack, and later Dig and Earthquake upon level-up, yet the low offensive stats prevent these moves from dealing meaningful damage. Bunnelby's abilities offer minimal competitive utility—Pickup and Cheek Pouch provide out-of-battle benefits or survival mechanics, while the hidden ability Huge Power becomes relevant only after evolution into Diggersby. The species' true competitive value lies in its evolution potential; trainers seeking to use this evolutionary line competitively should prioritize raising Bunnelby to level 20 where Diggersby's dramatically improved stats, particularly Attack and Special Defense, provide viable competitive options in lower-tier formats.
Commonly Asked Questions About Bunnelby
What type is Bunnelby?
Bunnelby is a normal type Pokemon.
What does Bunnelby evolve into?
Bunnelby evolves into diggersby.
What are Bunnelby's weaknesses?
Bunnelby is weak to fighting type moves.
Where can I find Bunnelby?
Bunnelby can be found in kalos route 2 (kalos), kalos route 3 (kalos) and kalos route 5 (kalos) and 1 other locations.
Bunnelby Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Bunnelby achieved notable recognition through its prominent appearance in the Pokémon animated series, particularly as Clemont's beloved companion Pokémon in the XY and XYZ series. This television exposure significantly elevated the species' visibility among casual audiences and introduced Bunnelby to viewers during the Kalos region arc. The character's Bunnelby displayed personality and charm that endeared the species to fans, contributing to its positive reception among the broader Pokémon community despite its modest competitive statistics. Bunnelby's design resonates with players' affection for small, cute creatures with hidden depths, a demographic preference that has influenced merchandise availability and fan art creation. The species represents Generation VI's introduction of relatable, mammalian creatures inspired by real-world animals, a design philosophy that contrasts with earlier generations' tendency toward more fantastical designs. Within gaming communities, Bunnelby occupies the familiar niche of an early-route Pokémon that players encounter shortly after beginning their journey, creating nostalgic associations for those who played through Pokémon X and Y. Though not commanding the cultural prominence of iconic creatures like Pikachu or Charizard, Bunnelby maintains respectable recognition within dedicated Pokémon communities and casual fan circles.
Where to Find Bunnelby in Every Pokémon Game
Bunnelby was first introduced in Generation VI and is primarily associated with the Kalos region, where it appears as Pokédex #010 in the Central Kalos area. In Pokémon X and Y, the species is available early in the game, allowing trainers to catch and raise Bunnelby from the initial stages of their journey. The species has been made available in subsequent generations through various games and methods—in Pokémon Sword and Shield, Bunnelby appears in the National Pokédex as #0048 and can be encountered through normal gameplay or the Pokédex completion mechanics. The Kalos region has received renewed attention with the announcement of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, where Bunnelby is confirmed to appear and will feature an updated movepool reflecting the new game's mechanics. The species maintains consistent availability through Pokémon HOME and transfer mechanics, allowing players from recent generations to import Bunnelby from earlier games. With a catch rate of 255, the maximum possible in Pokémon games, Bunnelby is exceptionally easy to capture, making it one of the most accessible species for new players. Its presence in multiple regional Pokédexes across several generations ensures that Bunnelby remains obtainable for players regardless of which generation they prefer, though it is most readily available in Kalos-region specific entries.