Pokemondex
#0090shellder
#0092gastly

cloyster

Generation I · #0091 — Bivalve Pokémon

Cloyster, the Bivalve Pokémon, is a Water/Ice-type species that stands as one of Generation I's most formidable defensive specialists. With National Pokédex number 091, this dual-typed mollusk represents the evolved form of Shellder when exposed to a Water Stone. Cloyster boasts a remarkable base Defense stat of 180, making it one of the highest defensive values in the entire Pokédex and a cornerstone of defensive team compositions across competitive play. Despite its relatively modest base stats total of 525, the distribution heavily favors survivability, with a base Attack of 95 providing adequate offensive pressure. Its three possible abilities—Shell Armor, Skill Link, and the hidden ability Overcoat—each provide distinct strategic advantages, allowing trainers to customize their Cloyster for various battle scenarios. From its mysterious sealed interior to its diamond-hard exterior, Cloyster embodies the concept of an impenetrable fortress wrapped in spikes of crystalline perfection.

Base Stats

HP50
Attack95
Defense180
Sp. Atk85
Sp. Def45
Speed70
Total525
Height

1.5m

Weight

132.5kg

Category

Bivalve Pokémon

Gender

Male 50% / Female 50%

Color

purple

Shape

ball

Habitat

sea

Abilities
Shell Armor

Protects against critical hits.

Skill Link

Extends two-to-five-hit moves and triple kick to their full length every time.

OvercoatHidden

Protects against damage from weather.

Cloyster Biology & Physical Characteristics

Cloyster presents a striking visual design centered around its distinctive bivalve shell structure. The Pokémon features a black mollusk body encased within a light-gray inner shell, surrounded by a more prominent jagged blue-violet outer shell casing studded with multiple conical horns and a single prominent barb-like spike protruding above its head. Its pearl-like face displays two white eyes and a distinct mouth, serving as the only visible organic feature aside from the spike protrusions. The shell itself possesses extraordinary hardness, surpassing even diamonds in durability, with spikes that are even harder than the shell itself—a remarkable adaptation that allows Cloyster to withstand everything from bomb blasts to direct missile strikes without sustaining damage. Interestingly, the internal anatomy of Cloyster has never been observed or documented, as the creature maintains its shell sealed with such force that it becomes physically impossible to open from any external pressure. The spikes covering its shell grow larger and sharper in response to harsh tidal currents, suggesting that Cloyster's physiology adapts dynamically to environmental pressures. This remarkable biological engineering makes Cloyster not merely a defensive creature, but an evolutionary masterpiece of protection.

Pokedex Numbers

national#91
kanto#91
original johto#170
updated johto#172
kalos coastal#37
original alola#116
original melemele#116
updated alola#139
updated melemele#139
letsgo kanto#91
galar#151
isle of armor#132
paldea#330

Training

EV Yield2 Defense
Catch Rate60
Base Happiness70
Base Exp.184
Growth Rateslow

Breeding

Egg Groupswater3
GenderMale 50% / Female 50%
Egg Cycles20 (5355 steps)

Cloyster Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups

Cloyster maintains a perfectly balanced gender ratio of 50% male to 50% female, with no physiological distinctions between genders in terms of appearance or base statistics. Both male and female specimens possess identical stat distributions and capability sets, ensuring equal viability in breeding programs regardless of parent gender. Cloyster belongs to the Water 3 egg group, making it compatible with various other aquatic and semi-aquatic Pokémon species for breeding purposes. This egg group classification connects Cloyster to other sophisticated Water-type Pokémon, expanding breeding possibilities for move inheritance and stat optimization through careful genetic selection. The species exhibits a relatively moderate base friendship value of 70, making Cloyster neither particularly difficult nor exceptionally easy to bond with during early training stages. The egg cycle count of 20 cycles (representing approximately 4,884 to 5,140 steps) places Cloyster in the moderate range for hatch times, neither among the fastest nor slowest breeding timelines. Breeding Cloyster strategically allows trainers to transfer move pools through parental inheritance, potentially combining Cloyster's naturally learned moves with techniques inherited from Water 3 group compatibility partners. The slow growth rate characteristic of the Shellder evolutionary line means that bred Cloyster specimens require considerable experience investment to reach competitive levels, but this investment yields a powerfully defensive final product.

Held Items

Pearl
ruby50%
Pearl
sapphire50%
Pearl
emerald50%
Pearl
firered50%
Pearl
leafgreen50%
Pearl
diamond50%
Pearl
pearl50%
Pearl
platinum50%
Pearl
heartgold50%
Pearl
soulsilver50%
Pearl
black50%
Pearl
white50%
Pearl
black 250%
Pearl
white 250%
Pearl
x50%
Pearl
y50%
Pearl
omega ruby50%
Pearl
alpha sapphire50%
Pearl
sun50%
Pearl
moon50%
Pearl
ultra sun50%
Pearl
ultra moon50%
Big Pearl
ruby5%
Big Pearl
sapphire5%
Big Pearl
emerald5%
Big Pearl
firered5%
Big Pearl
leafgreen5%
Big Pearl
diamond5%
Big Pearl
pearl5%
Big Pearl
platinum5%
Big Pearl
heartgold5%
Big Pearl
soulsilver5%
Big Pearl
black5%
Big Pearl
white5%
Big Pearl
black 25%
Big Pearl
white 25%
Big Pearl
x5%
Big Pearl
y5%
Big Pearl
omega ruby5%
Big Pearl
alpha sapphire5%
Big Pearl
sun5%
Big Pearl
moon5%
Big Pearl
ultra sun5%
Big Pearl
ultra moon5%
Pearl
ruby50%
Pearl
sapphire50%
Pearl
emerald50%
Pearl
firered50%
Pearl
leafgreen50%
Pearl
diamond50%
Pearl
pearl50%
Pearl
platinum50%
Pearl
heartgold50%
Pearl
soulsilver50%
Pearl
black50%
Pearl
white50%
Pearl
black 250%
Pearl
white 250%
Pearl
x50%
Pearl
y50%
Pearl
omega ruby50%
Pearl
alpha sapphire50%
Pearl
sun50%
Pearl
moon50%
Pearl
ultra sun50%
Pearl
ultra moon50%
Big Pearl
ruby5%
Big Pearl
sapphire5%
Big Pearl
emerald5%
Big Pearl
firered5%
Big Pearl
leafgreen5%
Big Pearl
diamond5%
Big Pearl
pearl5%
Big Pearl
platinum5%
Big Pearl
heartgold5%
Big Pearl
soulsilver5%
Big Pearl
black5%
Big Pearl
white5%
Big Pearl
black 25%
Big Pearl
white 25%
Big Pearl
x5%
Big Pearl
y5%
Big Pearl
omega ruby5%
Big Pearl
alpha sapphire5%
Big Pearl
sun5%
Big Pearl
moon5%
Big Pearl
ultra sun5%
Big Pearl
ultra moon5%

Sprites

cloyster Front
Front
cloyster Back
Back
cloyster Shiny Front
Shiny Front
cloyster Shiny Back
Shiny Back
cloyster Home
Home
cloyster Home Shiny
Home Shiny
cloyster Showdown
Showdown
cloyster Showdown Shiny
Showdown Shiny

Held Items

pearl

loot

Sell for 700 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 1400 Pokédollars.

Cost: 2000

pearl

loot

Sell for 700 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 1400 Pokédollars.

Cost: 2000

pearl

loot

Sell for 700 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 1400 Pokédollars.

Cost: 2000

pearl

loot

Sell for 700 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 1400 Pokédollars.

Cost: 2000

pearl

loot

Sell for 700 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 1400 Pokédollars.

Cost: 2000

pearl

loot

Sell for 700 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 1400 Pokédollars.

Cost: 2000

pearl

loot

Sell for 700 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 1400 Pokédollars.

Cost: 2000

pearl

loot

Sell for 700 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 1400 Pokédollars.

Cost: 2000

pearl

loot

Sell for 700 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 1400 Pokédollars.

Cost: 2000

pearl

loot

Sell for 700 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 1400 Pokédollars.

Cost: 2000

pearl

loot

Sell for 700 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 1400 Pokédollars.

Cost: 2000

pearl

loot

Sell for 700 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 1400 Pokédollars.

Cost: 2000

pearl

loot

Sell for 700 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 1400 Pokédollars.

Cost: 2000

pearl

loot

Sell for 700 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 1400 Pokédollars.

Cost: 2000

pearl

loot

Sell for 700 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 1400 Pokédollars.

Cost: 2000

pearl

loot

Sell for 700 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 1400 Pokédollars.

Cost: 2000

pearl

loot

Sell for 700 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 1400 Pokédollars.

Cost: 2000

pearl

loot

Sell for 700 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 1400 Pokédollars.

Cost: 2000

pearl

loot

Sell for 700 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 1400 Pokédollars.

Cost: 2000

pearl

loot

Sell for 700 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 1400 Pokédollars.

Cost: 2000

pearl

loot

Sell for 700 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 1400 Pokédollars.

Cost: 2000

pearl

loot

Sell for 700 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 1400 Pokédollars.

Cost: 2000

big-pearl

loot

Sell for 3750 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 7500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 8000

big-pearl

loot

Sell for 3750 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 7500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 8000

big-pearl

loot

Sell for 3750 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 7500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 8000

big-pearl

loot

Sell for 3750 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 7500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 8000

big-pearl

loot

Sell for 3750 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 7500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 8000

big-pearl

loot

Sell for 3750 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 7500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 8000

big-pearl

loot

Sell for 3750 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 7500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 8000

big-pearl

loot

Sell for 3750 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 7500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 8000

big-pearl

loot

Sell for 3750 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 7500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 8000

big-pearl

loot

Sell for 3750 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 7500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 8000

big-pearl

loot

Sell for 3750 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 7500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 8000

big-pearl

loot

Sell for 3750 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 7500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 8000

big-pearl

loot

Sell for 3750 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 7500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 8000

big-pearl

loot

Sell for 3750 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 7500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 8000

big-pearl

loot

Sell for 3750 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 7500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 8000

big-pearl

loot

Sell for 3750 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 7500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 8000

big-pearl

loot

Sell for 3750 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 7500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 8000

big-pearl

loot

Sell for 3750 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 7500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 8000

big-pearl

loot

Sell for 3750 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 7500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 8000

big-pearl

loot

Sell for 3750 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 7500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 8000

big-pearl

loot

Sell for 3750 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 7500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 8000

big-pearl

loot

Sell for 3750 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 7500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 8000

pearl

loot

Sell for 700 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 1400 Pokédollars.

Cost: 2000

pearl

loot

Sell for 700 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 1400 Pokédollars.

Cost: 2000

pearl

loot

Sell for 700 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 1400 Pokédollars.

Cost: 2000

pearl

loot

Sell for 700 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 1400 Pokédollars.

Cost: 2000

pearl

loot

Sell for 700 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 1400 Pokédollars.

Cost: 2000

pearl

loot

Sell for 700 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 1400 Pokédollars.

Cost: 2000

pearl

loot

Sell for 700 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 1400 Pokédollars.

Cost: 2000

pearl

loot

Sell for 700 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 1400 Pokédollars.

Cost: 2000

pearl

loot

Sell for 700 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 1400 Pokédollars.

Cost: 2000

pearl

loot

Sell for 700 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 1400 Pokédollars.

Cost: 2000

pearl

loot

Sell for 700 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 1400 Pokédollars.

Cost: 2000

pearl

loot

Sell for 700 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 1400 Pokédollars.

Cost: 2000

pearl

loot

Sell for 700 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 1400 Pokédollars.

Cost: 2000

pearl

loot

Sell for 700 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 1400 Pokédollars.

Cost: 2000

pearl

loot

Sell for 700 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 1400 Pokédollars.

Cost: 2000

pearl

loot

Sell for 700 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 1400 Pokédollars.

Cost: 2000

pearl

loot

Sell for 700 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 1400 Pokédollars.

Cost: 2000

pearl

loot

Sell for 700 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 1400 Pokédollars.

Cost: 2000

pearl

loot

Sell for 700 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 1400 Pokédollars.

Cost: 2000

pearl

loot

Sell for 700 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 1400 Pokédollars.

Cost: 2000

pearl

loot

Sell for 700 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 1400 Pokédollars.

Cost: 2000

pearl

loot

Sell for 700 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 1400 Pokédollars.

Cost: 2000

big-pearl

loot

Sell for 3750 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 7500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 8000

big-pearl

loot

Sell for 3750 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 7500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 8000

big-pearl

loot

Sell for 3750 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 7500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 8000

big-pearl

loot

Sell for 3750 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 7500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 8000

big-pearl

loot

Sell for 3750 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 7500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 8000

big-pearl

loot

Sell for 3750 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 7500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 8000

big-pearl

loot

Sell for 3750 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 7500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 8000

big-pearl

loot

Sell for 3750 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 7500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 8000

big-pearl

loot

Sell for 3750 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 7500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 8000

big-pearl

loot

Sell for 3750 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 7500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 8000

big-pearl

loot

Sell for 3750 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 7500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 8000

big-pearl

loot

Sell for 3750 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 7500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 8000

big-pearl

loot

Sell for 3750 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 7500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 8000

big-pearl

loot

Sell for 3750 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 7500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 8000

big-pearl

loot

Sell for 3750 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 7500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 8000

big-pearl

loot

Sell for 3750 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 7500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 8000

big-pearl

loot

Sell for 3750 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 7500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 8000

big-pearl

loot

Sell for 3750 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 7500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 8000

big-pearl

loot

Sell for 3750 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 7500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 8000

big-pearl

loot

Sell for 3750 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 7500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 8000

big-pearl

loot

Sell for 3750 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 7500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 8000

big-pearl

loot

Sell for 3750 Pokédollars, or to Ore Collector for 7500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 8000

TMs & HMs

tm01

lets go pikachu lets go eevee

tm02

crystal

tm02

gold silver

tm03

crystal

tm03

gold silver

tm03

ruby sapphire

tm03

platinum

tm03

firered leafgreen

tm03

heartgold soulsilver

tm03

diamond pearl

tm03

emerald

tm03

xd

tm03

colosseum

tm03

lets go pikachu lets go eevee

tm04

lets go pikachu lets go eevee

tm05

lets go pikachu lets go eevee

tm06

yellow

tm06

gold silver

tm06

red blue

tm06

crystal

+637 more TMs/HMs

Cloyster Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms

Cloyster evolves from Shellder through exposure to a Water Stone, a relatively simple evolutionary mechanism compared to the complex conditions required for many other Pokémon. This evolution represents a dramatic transformation in both appearance and capability, with Shellder's modest form developing into Cloyster's heavily armored and spike-laden configuration. The evolution introduces the Ice typing to complement Shellder's Water typing, fundamentally altering the creature's type matchups and strategic applications. Upon evolution, Cloyster's Defense stat increases dramatically from Shellder's base 65 to an impressive 180, one of the highest single-stat values in the entire franchise. This transformation also grants access to new moves and abilities, with the possibility of obtaining the rare Skill Link ability, which extends multi-hit move mechanics like Icicle Spear to always strike the maximum number of times. The evolution takes place relatively quickly in terms of friendship and experience metrics, with Cloyster maintaining a slow growth rate characteristic of its evolutionary line. No Mega Evolution form has been introduced for Cloyster in subsequent generations, keeping it in its singular evolved form across all modern Pokémon titles.

Where to Find

undella bay

unova

blackLv. 45-70 (1% chance)
blackLv. 45-70 (4% chance)
whiteLv. 45-70 (4% chance)

+1 more

unova route 13

unova

blackLv. 45-70 (1% chance)
blackLv. 45-70 (4% chance)
whiteLv. 45-70 (4% chance)

+5 more

undella town

unova

blackLv. 45-70 (1% chance)
blackLv. 45-70 (4% chance)
whiteLv. 45-70 (1% chance)

+5 more

seaside cave

unova

black 2Lv. 50-70 (1% chance)
black 2Lv. 50-70 (4% chance)
white 2Lv. 50-70 (1% chance)

+1 more

humilau city

unova

black 2Lv. 50-70 (1% chance)
black 2Lv. 50-70 (4% chance)
white 2Lv. 50-70 (1% chance)

+1 more

kalos route 8

kalos

yLv. 35-35 (5% chance)

seafoam islands

kanto

lets go pikachuLv. 39-44 (100% chance)
lets go pikachuLv. 39-44 (100% chance)
lets go eeveeLv. 39-44 (100% chance)

+1 more

Cloyster Behaviour and Natural Habitat

Cloyster inhabits coastal ocean environments and seafloors, where it typically remains submerged in marine waters. This species demonstrates remarkable aquatic mobility despite its heavily armored appearance, utilizing a sophisticated siphon-jet propulsion system to navigate through water. The creature swallows seawater and then forcefully ejects it toward the rear, propelling itself through the ocean with surprising efficiency. This same hydro-jet mechanism serves a dual purpose, as Cloyster employs it to launch its shell spikes at high velocity during combat encounters. According to Pokédex entries, Cloyster that inhabit seas with particularly harsh tidal currents develop exceptionally large and sharp spikes, indicating that environmental pressure directly influences spike development and morphology. In terms of combat behavior, Cloyster exhibits a defensive-first strategy, launching its horns and spikes in rapid succession to keep opponents at bay. The species typically only opens its shell when launching attacks, otherwise maintaining a permanently sealed posture that renders it virtually impervious to external threats. This behavior pattern suggests that Cloyster evolved specifically to minimize vulnerability windows during combat, maintaining aggressive capability even while maintaining maximum defensive posture.

Pokedex Entries

redblue

When attacked, it launches its horns in quick volleys. Its innards have never been seen.

yellow

For protection, it uses its harder- than-diamonds shell. It also shoots spikes from the shell.

gold

Once it slams its shell shut, it is impossible to open, even by those with superi­ or strength.

silver

CLOYSTER that live in seas with harsh tidal currents grow large, sharp spikes on their shells.

crystal

Even a missile can't break the spikes it uses to stab opponents. They're even hard­ er than its shell.

rubysapphire

CLOYSTER is capable of swimming in the sea. It does so by swallowing water, then jetting it out toward the rear. This POKéMON shoots spikes from its shell using the same system.

emerald

It swims in the sea by swallowing water, then jetting it out toward the rear. The CLOYSTER shoots spikes from its shell using the same system.

firered

Its shell is extremely hard. It cannot be shattered, even with a bomb. The shell opens only when it is attacking.

leafgreen

When attacked, it launches its horns in quick volleys. Its innards have never been seen.

diamondpearlplatinum

It fights by keeping its shell tightly shut for protection and by shooting spikes to repel foes.

heartgold

Once it slams its shell shut, it is impossible to open, even by those with superior strength.

soulsilver

CLOYSTER that live in seas with harsh tidal currents grow large, sharp spikes on their shells.

blackwhite

It fights by keeping its shell tightly shut for protection and by shooting spikes to repel foes.

black 2white 2

It fights by keeping its shell tightly shut for protection and by shooting spikes to repel foes.

x

Cloyster that live in seas with harsh tidal currents grow large, sharp spikes on their shells.

y

Its shell is extremely hard. It cannot be shattered, even with a bomb. The shell opens only when it is attacking.

omega ruby

Cloyster is capable of swimming in the sea. It does so by swallowing water, then jetting it out toward the rear. This Pokémon shoots spikes from its shell using the same system.

alpha sapphire

Cloyster is capable of swimming in the sea. It does so by swallowing water, then jetting it out toward the rear. This Pokémon shoots spikes from its shell using the same system.

sun

Its hard shell cannot be shattered—not even by a bomb. The contents of the shell remain unknown.

ultra sun

If areas of Cloyster’s very hard shell get damaged, those areas swell, gradually growing into large sharp spikes.

moon

Excavation of the tombs of ancient hunting tribes has turned up many spears tipped with spikes that had fallen off this Pokémon’s shell.

ultra moon

Slowpoke tails are its favorite food. It has even been known to come up on land to look for Slowpoke from time to time.

lets go pikachulets go eevee

For protection, it uses its harder-than-diamond shell. It also shoots spikes from the shell.

sword

Its shell is extremely hard. It cannot be shattered, even with a bomb. The shell opens only when it is attacking.

shield

Once it slams its shell shut, it is impossible to open, even by those with superior strength.

Cloyster Name Origin & Design Inspiration

Cloyster's name derives from a straightforward combination of 'clam' and 'oyster,' both bivalve mollusk creatures known for their protective shells and pearl production. The Japanese designation 'Parshen' similarly references shell-based terminology, creating a linguistically consistent design philosophy across language versions. The creature's visual design draws obvious inspiration from real-world oysters and clams, particularly in its dual-shell structure and pearl-like facial features positioned within the inner shell chamber. The dramatic transformation from Shellder to Cloyster parallels the concept of a mollusk developing more pronounced shell characteristics and defensive adaptations as it matures, similar to how certain bivalves develop increasingly robust shells throughout their lifespan. The spike-laden blue-violet outer shell distinctly separates Cloyster visually from its pre-evolution form, emphasizing the dramatic growth and hardening of protective structures. The crystalline quality attributed to both the shell and spikes reflects real-world phenomena where certain mollusk shells develop mineral crystalline structures for enhanced durability. The overall aesthetic presents Cloyster as nature's perfect defensive organism—a creature so thoroughly encased in protective barriers that vulnerability becomes virtually nonexistent, a theme that resonates throughout its Pokédex entries and biological descriptions.

Learnable Moves

Cloyster can learn 88 moves:

Move
Type
Cat.
Power
Acc.
PP
attractnormal
Status
10015
aurora beamice
Special
6510020
avalancheice
Physical
6010010
barrierpsychic
Status
20
bidenormal
Physical
10
blizzardice
Special
110705
body slamnormal
Physical
8510015
brinewater
Special
6510010
bubble beamwater
Special
6510020
captivatenormal
Status
10020
chilling waterwater
Special
5010020
clampwater
Physical
358515
confidenormal
Status
20
curseghost
Status
10
divewater
Physical
8010010
double teamnormal
Status
15
double edgenormal
Physical
12010015
drill runground
Physical
809510
endurenormal
Status
10
explosionnormal
Physical
2501005
facadenormal
Physical
7010020
frost breathice
Special
609010
frustrationnormal
Physical
10020
giga impactnormal
Physical
150905
hailice
Status
10
headbuttnormal
Physical
7010015
helping handnormal
Status
20
hidden powernormal
Special
6010015
hydro pumpwater
Special
110805
hyper beamnormal
Special
150905
ice beamice
Special
9010010
ice shardice
Physical
4010030
ice spinnerice
Physical
8010015
icicle crashice
Physical
859010
icicle spearice
Physical
2510030
icy windice
Special
559515
iron defensesteel
Status
15
leernormal
Status
10030
light screenpsychic
Status
30
liquidationwater
Physical
8510010
mimicnormal
Status
10
mud shotground
Special
559515
natural giftnormal
Physical
10015
paybackdark
Physical
5010010
pin missilebug
Physical
259520
poison jabpoison
Physical
8010020
protectnormal
Status
10
ragenormal
Physical
2010020
rain dancewater
Status
5
razor shellwater
Physical
759510
reflectpsychic
Status
20
restpsychic
Status
5
returnnormal
Physical
10020
rock blastrock
Physical
259010
roundnormal
Special
6010015
scary facenormal
Status
10010
screechnormal
Status
8540
secret powernormal
Physical
7010020
self destructnormal
Physical
2001005
shell smashnormal
Status
15
signal beambug
Special
7510015
sleep talknormal
Status
10
smart strikesteel
Physical
7010
snorenormal
Special
5010015
snowscapeice
Status
010
spike cannonnormal
Physical
2010015
spikesground
Status
20
steel rollersteel
Physical
1301005
substitutenormal
Status
10
supersonicnormal
Status
5520
surfwater
Special
9010015
swaggernormal
Status
8515
swiftnormal
Special
6020
tacklenormal
Physical
4010035
take downnormal
Physical
908520
teleportpsychic
Status
20
tera blastnormal
Special
8010010
tormentdark
Status
10015
toxicpoison
Status
9010
toxic spikespoison
Status
20
tri attacknormal
Special
8010010
twineedlebug
Physical
2510020
water gunwater
Special
4010025
water pulsewater
Special
6010020
waterfallwater
Physical
8010015
weather ballnormal
Special
5010010
whirlpoolwater
Special
358515
withdrawwater
Status
40

Cloyster Competitive Battle Guide

Cloyster's competitive viability centers entirely on its exceptional 180 base Defense stat, making it an unparalleled physical wall in team compositions that prioritize damage mitigation. In competitive formats, players typically employ Cloyster with either Shell Armor or Skill Link abilities, each providing distinct strategic value depending on the metagame and teammate composition. Shell Armor eliminates the possibility of critical hits from opponents, allowing Cloyster to reliably predict damage calculations without worrying about catastrophic high-variance outcomes. Skill Link, conversely, transforms multi-hit moves like Icicle Spear and Rock Blast into guaranteed five-hit attacks, converting Cloyster from a purely defensive asset into a legitimate offensive threat. The hidden ability Overcoat provides weather immunity, protecting Cloyster from weather-induced damage effects like sandstorm and hail damage, valuable in weather-focused team architectures. Despite low base Speed (70) and Special Defense (45) stats, Cloyster's physical bulk makes it an excellent switch-in candidate against physical attackers, particularly those relying on critical hit mechanics or weather-based damage. Competitive movesets typically incorporate Icicle Spear for guaranteed damage output with Skill Link, Rapid Spin for hazard removal utility, and defensive coverage moves like Protect or Iron Defense for augmented stalling. The 95 base Attack stat provides adequate offensive pressure without requiring offensive investment, allowing trainers to allocate EVs toward maximizing Defense, HP, and occasionally Speed for competitive viability.

Commonly Asked Questions About Cloyster

What type is Cloyster?

Cloyster is a water and ice type Pokemon.

What does Cloyster evolve from?

Cloyster evolved from shellder.

What are Cloyster's weaknesses?

Cloyster is weak to fighting, rock, grass and electric type moves.

Where can I find Cloyster?

Cloyster can be found in undella bay (unova), unova route 13 (unova) and undella town (unova) and 4 other locations.

Cloyster Cultural Impact & Franchise History

Cloyster has maintained consistent presence throughout Pokémon media and competitive culture since its Generation I introduction, establishing itself as a iconic defensive specialist recognized across the franchise's diverse audiences. The character's appearances in the animated series include a notable partnership with Gym Leader and Pokémon Master contender Prima, whose Cloyster served as a formidable defensive anchor during her battles. The Pokémon's distinctive visual design—with its crystalline spikes and impenetrable shell—has made it a popular subject for fan artwork, merchandise, and competitive discussion forums across multiple decades. Trading card game representations of Cloyster have consistently featured its defensive characteristics and spike-launching mechanics as central mechanical themes, creating consistent characterization across multiple media formats. The species' role as an accessible yet powerful defensive Pokémon has endeared it to both casual players seeking durable team members and competitive specialists requiring specialized defensive coverage. Cloyster's design philosophy influenced numerous subsequent Water-type and defensive-focused Pokémon designs, establishing a template for mollusk-based protective creatures. The creature's mysterious sealed interior and diamond-hard exterior created significant lore curiosity, with players and fans speculating about Cloyster's internal anatomy and the mechanisms behind its extraordinary defensive capabilities throughout the franchise's history.

Where to Find Cloyster in Every Pokémon Game

Cloyster's availability varies significantly across different Pokémon game generations, though the creature remains accessible through its Shellder pre-evolution in most titles. In Generation I (Red, Blue, Yellow), Cloyster can be obtained by catching Shellder and using a Water Stone for immediate evolution, with Shellder appearing in coastal areas throughout Kanto. Subsequent generations maintain similar acquisition patterns, requiring players to locate Shellder in aquatic habitats and initiate evolution through Water Stone usage. In later generations including X/Y, Sun/Moon, and Sword/Shield, Cloyster appears in specialized coastal Pokédex sections with reduced encounter rates compared to Shellder, reflecting its status as a relatively rare evolved form. Let's Go Pikachu/Eevee reintroduced Cloyster with updated mechanics aligned with modern gameplay systems while maintaining traditional evolution methodology. Scarlet and Violet considerably expanded Cloyster's availability and integration into Paldean waters, making the species more accessible to contemporary players. The creature can also be obtained through breeding Shellder specimens, though the slow growth rate requires significant time investment before reaching competitive levels. Water Stone availability has expanded throughout franchise history, making Cloyster evolution increasingly accessible as new game generations introduce expanded item distribution systems. Trading between players remains a primary method for obtaining fully-trained Cloyster specimens in competitive contexts, particularly when specific ability distributions or move pools are required for specialized team compositions.