clauncher #692
Type Matchups
Weak to (2x damage):
Resistant to (½x damage):
clauncher
Generation VI · #0692 — Water Gun Pokémon
Clauncher is a Water-type Pokémon introduced in Generation VI, earning the designation of the Water Gun Pokémon due to its remarkable ability to launch compressed water projectiles from its oversized claws. As Pokédex entry #692 in the National Dex, this small crustacean measures just 0.5 meters in height and weighs a mere 8.3 kilograms, making it one of the more diminutive water-type creatures. Despite its modest stature, Clauncher possesses a unique combat capability centered around its signature claw weapon, which can be enhanced dramatically through its signature ability, Mega Launcher. This ability amplifies the power of aura and pulse-based moves to 1.5 times their normal effectiveness, establishing Clauncher as a specialized attacker that relies on precision rather than raw power. With base stats totaling 330, Clauncher features a balanced defensive profile with 62 Defense and 63 Special Defense, allowing it to survive moderate attacks while its modest offenses of 53 Attack and 58 Special Attack are compensated for by move selection and ability synergy.
Base Stats
Height
0.5m
Weight
8.3kg
Category
Water Gun Pokémon
Gender
Male 50% / Female 50%
Color
blue
Shape
armor
Abilities
Strengthens aura and pulse moves to 1.5× their power.
Clauncher Biology & Physical Characteristics
Clauncher is a fascinating crustacean Pokémon that superficially resembles a bright blue shrimp with specialized hunting equipment. Its body is segmented and colored predominantly in vibrant blue with light gray legs arranged in three distinct pairs; the two posterior leg pairs feature simple blue spikes, while the anterior pair transforms into a formidable set of claws. The most distinctive feature is its asymmetrical claw development, where the left claw tapers to a single sharp point while the right claw forms a massive, traditional pincer with a tiny yellow lower claw and striking yellow circular markings with two stripes adorning its dorsal surface. Both claws bear a characteristic black stripe across their tops, while Clauncher's head displays yellow antennae, yellow eyes, and three pointed mandibles. Its body is further characterized by three black dorsal stripes that segment its torso, with a contrasting light gray underside and two rectangular black fins comprising its tail. The physiology of Clauncher's claws directly influences its locomotive abilities, as the disproportionately large right claw creates a persistent balance problem that prevents normal swimming. To compensate, Clauncher has evolved to propel itself through controlled detonations of internal gas accumulating within its right claw, expelling water with ballistic precision through this biological pump mechanism.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Clauncher Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Clauncher exhibits a perfectly balanced gender ratio of 50% male and 50% female, with no visual sexual dimorphism between individuals despite the biological realism of some crustacean species showing pronounced claw differences. Both males and females possess the characteristic asymmetrical claw configuration, though interestingly, the left-claw-pointed, right-claw-pincered arrangement appears consistent across all documented specimens, unlike real pistol shrimp where claw dominance varies by sex. As a Water-type Pokémon, Clauncher belongs to the Water 1 and Water 3 egg groups, making it compatible with a broad range of breeding partners including other water types and various aquatic Pokémon families. The species exhibits a relatively slow growth rate despite its small size, and breeding pairs will produce eggs that take 15 cycles to hatch—approximately 3,599 to 3,855 steps of travel. Base happiness for Clauncher stands at 70 in Generations VI and VII, indicating a relatively agreeable disposition toward trainers despite its predatory nature, though this value was adjusted in later generations. The catch rate of 225 out of 255 reflects Clauncher's relative ease of capture in the wild, making it accessible to trainers without requiring specialized techniques or extended engagement. These breeding parameters make Clauncher particularly useful for competitive breeders seeking to develop competitive specimens with favorable natures and individual values.
Sprites
TMs & HMs
tm01
black white
tm01
black 2 white 2
tm01
omega ruby alpha sapphire
tm01
x y
tm03
yellow
tm03
ruby sapphire
tm03
red blue
tm03
platinum
tm03
firered leafgreen
tm03
heartgold soulsilver
tm03
diamond pearl
tm03
emerald
tm03
xd
tm03
colosseum
tm03
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm03
blue japan
tm03
red green japan
tm05
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm06
yellow
tm06
gold silver
+583 more TMs/HMs
clauncher's Evolution Chain
Clauncher Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Clauncher's evolution into Clawitzer represents a dramatic transformation that occurs at level 37, fundamentally reshaping the Pokémon into a more powerful and aggressive hunter. Unlike many evolutionary lines where the basic form remains relatively unchanged, Clauncher to Clawitzer shows significant refinement of the core concept—the water-gun Pokémon becomes the megaton cannon Pokémon as its specialized claw weapon system undergoes a complete mechanical upgrade. While Clauncher serves as an adequate base form with balanced defensive capabilities and moderate offensive potential, the transition to Clawitzer unlocks substantially higher Attack and Special Attack statistics, along with increased overall bulk. The evolution process enhances both Clauncher's physical structure and its capability to execute increasingly sophisticated pulse and aura-based attacks. This evolution line does not possess a Mega Evolution form in the traditional sense, though both Clauncher and Clawitzer benefit enormously from the Mega Launcher ability that emphasizes pulse moves—a mechanic introduced alongside Generation VI and perfectly suited to these crustacean Pokémon. Trainers who invest in evolving Clauncher gain access to a significantly improved water-type attacker with substantially better stats and move pool options, making the evolution a worthwhile investment for those committed to the line's water-gun aesthetic.
Where to Find
ambrette town
kalos
cyllage city
kalos
kalos route 8
kalos
Clauncher Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Clauncher inhabits coastal marine environments where it has adapted to a highly specialized predatory lifestyle centered on aerial prey. Using its water-jet propulsion system, this Pokémon can launch compressed water projectiles with remarkable accuracy, effectively sniping flying Pokémon from the sky with gunfire-like bursts. At close range, these pressurized water shots possess sufficient force to shatter rock, demonstrating the surprising power concentration in such a small frame. The most peculiar behavior documented in Clauncher involves the periodic loss of its claws during battles or through normal activity, forcing the Pokémon to retreat into hiding until regeneration occurs—a process that can take considerable time. This vulnerability has led to interesting ecological relationships, such as the observed behavior of Dreepy biting at Clauncher, though this appears to be a vestigial behavior from when Dreepy was alive rather than actual predation. Clauncher's poor sense of balance, caused by its oversized right claw, makes it notoriously bad at swimming in straight lines, often moving erratically through the water. This awkward locomotion pattern doesn't impede its hunting success, as the species remains a competent predator through tactical water attacks rather than athletic prowess.
Pokedex Entries
Generation VI
They knock down flying prey by firing compressed water from their massive claws like shooting a pistol.
Through controlled explosions of internal gas, it can expel water like a pistol shot. At close distances, it can shatter rock.
They knock down flying prey by firing compressed water from their massive claws like shooting a pistol.
Through controlled explosions of internal gas, it can expel water like a pistol shot. At close distances, it can shatter rock.
Generation VII
Its claws occasionally fall off, and it keeps a low profile until they grow back. The meat of its claws is so delicious!
It moves around by jetting water from its right pincer. It has a poor sense of balance, so it’s terrible at swimming straight.
Generation VIII
Clauncher’s claws can fall off during battle, but they’ll regenerate. The meat inside the claws is popular as a delicacy in Galar.
By detonating gas that accumulates in its right claw, this Pokémon launches water like a bullet. This is how Clauncher defeats its enemies.
Clauncher Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name Clauncher represents a clever portmanteau combining 'claw' and 'launcher,' directly referencing the Pokémon's primary characteristic and combat mechanism. The Japanese name, Udeppou, similarly combines 'ude' (arm/claw) and 'heppou' (cannon/gun), reflecting the core concept of a weaponized limb across both linguistic versions. The design draws inspiration from mantis shrimp and pistol shrimp, marine crustaceans famous for their incredible claw-based hunting mechanisms—both creatures can generate remarkable force through water pressure and muscular contractions, which Clauncher translates into its water-jet propulsion and projectile attacks. The asymmetrical claw design, where one claw dominates far more than the other, likely references the sexual dimorphism seen in real pistol shrimp, where males develop one extremely large claw. Visually, the bright blue coloration suggests tropical marine origins, while the yellow accents on the primary claw suggest the gleaming appearance of chitin or a bioluminescent marking. The segmented body design, emphasized by black stripes, reinforces the crustacean classification while the overall proportions—small body with one disproportionately large appendage—create an instantly recognizable silhouette that communicates its unique combat specialization at first glance. The rectangular tail fins complete the aquatic aesthetic while maintaining the weaponized appearance that permeates Clauncher's entire design language.
Learnable Moves
Clauncher can learn 66 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| aqua jet | water | Physical | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| aqua tail | water | Physical | 90 | 90 | 10 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| aura sphere | fighting | Special | 80 | — | 20 |
| blizzard | ice | Special | 110 | 70 | 5 |
| bounce | flying | Physical | 85 | 85 | 5 |
| bubble | water | Special | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| bubble beam | water | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| chilling water | water | Special | 50 | 100 | 20 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| crabhammer | water | Physical | 100 | 90 | 10 |
| cut | normal | Physical | 50 | 95 | 30 |
| dark pulse | dark | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| dive | water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| dragon pulse | dragon | Special | 85 | 100 | 10 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| entrainment | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| flail | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| flash cannon | steel | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| flip turn | water | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| helping hand | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| hone claws | dark | Status | — | — | 15 |
| hydro pump | water | Special | 110 | 80 | 5 |
| ice beam | ice | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| icy wind | ice | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| iron tail | steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 |
| liquidation | water | Physical | 85 | 100 | 10 |
| mud shot | ground | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| mud slap | ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| muddy water | water | Special | 90 | 85 | 10 |
| pounce | bug | Physical | 50 | 100 | 20 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| rock slide | rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| scald | water | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sludge bomb | poison | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| sludge wave | poison | Special | 95 | 100 | 10 |
| smack down | rock | Physical | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| splash | normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| surf | water | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| swords dance | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| tera blast | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| terrain pulse | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 10 |
| thief | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| u turn | bug | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| venoshock | poison | Special | 65 | 100 | 10 |
| vise grip | normal | Physical | 55 | 100 | 30 |
| water gun | water | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| water pulse | water | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| water sport | water | Status | — | — | 15 |
| waterfall | water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| weather ball | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 10 |
Clauncher Competitive Battle Guide
In competitive Pokémon battles, Clauncher operates as a niche Water-type special attacker that capitalizes on its Mega Launcher ability to amplify pulse-based moves to 1.5 times their normal power. With a base Special Attack of only 58, Clauncher relies heavily on ability synergy and move selection rather than raw statistical dominance, particularly favoring moves such as Aura Sphere, Flash Cannon, and Charge Beam that benefit from the Mega Launcher boost. The 44 base Speed stat positions Clauncher as a slow attacker, necessitating either speed control from teammates or a defensive strategy that allows it to strike after opponents have committed their moves. Defensively, Clauncher's dual bulk statistics of 62 Defense and 63 Special Defense provide moderate survivability, with its 50 base HP limiting overall durability despite the defensive investments. Water typing grants useful resistances to Fire, Ice, and Water moves while providing limited offensive coverage, necessitating extensive move tutoring to cover common threats. Clauncher's viability is further constrained by its limited move pool compared to evolved form Clawitzer, making most competitive players prefer to evolve Clauncher immediately upon availability rather than use it as a standalone threat. The primary competitive niche for Clauncher exists in lower-tier formats or as a potential late-game threat in unprepared teams, where its unique ability combination and water-gun aesthetic can surprise opponents unfamiliar with its pulse-move enhancements.
Commonly Asked Questions About Clauncher
What type is Clauncher?
Clauncher is a water type Pokemon.
What does Clauncher evolve into?
Clauncher evolves into clawitzer.
What are Clauncher's weaknesses?
Clauncher is weak to grass and electric type moves.
Where can I find Clauncher?
Clauncher can be found in ambrette town (kalos), cyllage city (kalos) and kalos route 8 (kalos).
Clauncher Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Clauncher has achieved notable cultural significance within the Pokémon franchise, particularly due to its memorable design and the culinary fascination surrounding its claws across multiple Galar-adjacent regions. The Pokédex entries from Sword and Shield establish that Clauncher's claw meat is a popular delicacy in Galar, with the texture and flavor profile being distinctive enough to not appeal universally—a rare narrative element that acknowledges subjective taste preferences within the Pokémon world. This culinary angle has inspired considerable fan interest in the species, with numerous fan-created content exploring the ethics and implications of harvesting Clauncher claw meat as a food source, particularly given the Pokémon's ability to regenerate lost claws. The species gained prominent recognition through the main anime series, particularly through Misty's capture and use of a Clauncher, further cementing its presence in Pokémon popular culture. The design has resonated with players seeking unconventional water types beyond the typical fish-shaped representatives, appealing to those who appreciate arthropod-inspired Pokémon with biological specialization. Clauncher also represents Generation VI's commitment to introducing diverse ecological niches and behavioral characteristics, setting a standard for subsequent generations to develop Pokémon with substantive world-building elements beyond combat mechanics. The species appears consistently across recent game iterations including Scarlet/Violet and The Isle of Armor, indicating sustained developer confidence in its design longevity.
Where to Find Clauncher in Every Pokémon Game
Clauncher's availability has evolved significantly across successive Pokémon generations, with the species introduced in Generation VI's X and Y versions appearing in the Coastal Kalos region as entry #0032 in the regional Pokédex. In subsequent generations, Clauncher has maintained presence in most core titles, including Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon where it occupies #0349 in the Alola Pokédex, though with region-specific encounter rates and availability windows. The species became notably accessible in Generation VIII through The Isle of Armor DLC for Sword and Shield, appearing as #0196 in the regional catalog with increased encounter frequency in water routes and fishing locations. More recently, Clauncher appears in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet as #0339 in the Paldean Pokédex, available in multiple water-based locations throughout the region, and will appear in Pokémon Legends: Z-A as #0163 in the Galar dex. The capture rate of 225 makes Clauncher relatively straightforward to obtain with standard Poké Balls, particularly when encountered at lower levels with reduced defensive investment. Breeding remains viable for obtaining Clauncher, with females compatible with Water 1 and Water 3 egg group males, enabling the production of fresh specimens without repeated wild encounters. Game-to-game availability has generally made Clauncher accessible to mainstream players without requiring post-game or version-exclusive hunts, positioning it as a readily available water-type option for those wishing to incorporate this distinctive Pokémon into their competitive or casual teams.