donphan
Generation II · #0232 — Armor Pokémon
Donphan, known as the Armor Pokémon, is a Ground-type Pokémon introduced in Generation II that represents the fully evolved form of Phanpy. With a National Pokédex number of #232, Donphan was officially revealed in the May 1997 issue of CoroCoro magazine alongside other notable Pokémon such as Slowking and Ampharos. Standing at 1.1 meters tall and weighing 120 kilograms, this impressive creature is characterized by its remarkable physical strength and durability. Donphan evolves from Phanpy when it reaches level 25, completing a straightforward two-stage evolutionary line rooted in the Ground-type egg group. The species gained additional recognition in modern Pokémon lore through the discovery of the Paradox Pokémon Great Tusk and Iron Treads in Generation IX, which are said to be ancient and future relatives of Donphan, or versions of it from parallel timelines, adding an intriguing temporal dimension to its place in the Pokémon universe.
Base Stats
Height
1.1m
Weight
120.0kg
Category
Armor Pokémon
Gender
Male 50% / Female 50%
Color
gray
Shape
quadruped
Habitat
rough-terrain
Abilities
Prevents being KOed from full HP, leaving 1 HP instead. Protects against the one-hit KO moves regardless of HP.
Increases evasion to 1.25× during a sandstorm. Protects against sandstorm damage.
Donphan Biology & Physical Characteristics
Donphan is a gray, proboscid Pokémon with a distinctly armored appearance that justifies its classification as the Armor Pokémon. Its most striking visual feature is a thick, black band of hide that runs down the length of its back and extends to the tip of its long trunk, which forms a tire-like appearance when the Pokémon curls into a ball. This remarkable hide has toughened to a rock-hard state over time, making it so resilient that ordinary attacks cannot leave even a scratch upon it—a property emphasized throughout its Pokédex entries across multiple generations. The creature possesses a pair of white tusks extending from the corners of its mouth, with females displaying notably smaller tusks than their male counterparts, creating a visible sexual dimorphism within the species. Its physiology includes thin, elongated ears held almost perpendicular to its body and four short, powerful legs, each encircled with a broken black band and terminating in three distinct toes that provide stability on various terrains.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Donphan Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Donphan exhibits a perfectly balanced gender ratio of 50% male and 50% female, ensuring equal representation of both sexes within the species. Females are distinguishable from males by their noticeably smaller tusks, providing a clear visual marker of sexual dimorphism that reflects the Pokédex entries noting that larger tusks indicate higher social rank within herds. The species belongs to the Field egg group, meaning it can breed with other Pokémon within this classification to produce Phanpy offspring. With a base happiness value of 70 and a hatch counter of 20 cycles—equivalent to approximately 4,884 to 5,140 steps—Donphan represents a moderate investment for trainers seeking to breed this species. The breeding mechanics suggest that Donphan maintains relatively stable social bonds with their trainers while still possessing the capability to produce healthy offspring when paired appropriately. The gender-specific tusk dimorphism adds biological authenticity to the breeding system, as the smaller-tusked females may represent younger individuals or those with less developed status markers, creating natural variation within Donphan populations.
Held Items
Sprites
Held Items
passho-berry
type-protection
Held: Consumed when struck by a super-effective Water-type attack to halve the damage.
Cost: 80
passho-berry
type-protection
Held: Consumed when struck by a super-effective Water-type attack to halve the damage.
Cost: 80
passho-berry
type-protection
Held: Consumed when struck by a super-effective Water-type attack to halve the damage.
Cost: 80
passho-berry
type-protection
Held: Consumed when struck by a super-effective Water-type attack to halve the damage.
Cost: 80
passho-berry
type-protection
Held: Consumed when struck by a super-effective Water-type attack to halve the damage.
Cost: 80
passho-berry
type-protection
Held: Consumed when struck by a super-effective Water-type attack to halve the damage.
Cost: 80
passho-berry
type-protection
Held: Consumed when struck by a super-effective Water-type attack to halve the damage.
Cost: 80
passho-berry
type-protection
Held: Consumed when struck by a super-effective Water-type attack to halve the damage.
Cost: 80
passho-berry
type-protection
Held: Consumed when struck by a super-effective Water-type attack to halve the damage.
Cost: 80
TMs & HMs
tm01
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm02
crystal
tm02
gold silver
tm03
crystal
tm03
gold silver
tm03
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm04
gold silver
tm04
crystal
tm05
ruby sapphire
tm05
emerald
tm05
gold silver
tm05
crystal
tm05
diamond pearl
tm05
black white
tm05
platinum
tm05
heartgold soulsilver
tm05
firered leafgreen
tm05
black 2 white 2
tm05
omega ruby alpha sapphire
tm05
x y
+668 more TMs/HMs
Gender Differences
This Pokémon has visible differences between male and female forms.
Donphan Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Donphan is the final evolutionary stage of the Phanpy line, reached when Phanpy attains level 25. The evolution from Phanpy to Donphan represents a significant increase in physical development, with the young Pokémon's relatively modest frame transforming into a heavily muscled, armored creature of considerable size and weight. This evolution brings substantial improvements to Donphan's already impressive Attack and Defense statistics, which both reach a base value of 120—among the highest defensive stats available in the Ground-type category. The evolutionary process results in a more pronounced and hardened hide, reflecting the continued development of Donphan's naturally tough exterior. Unlike some Pokémon species, Donphan does not possess a Mega Evolution form, nor does it receive additional evolutions in subsequent generations. However, the discovery of Paradox Pokémon Great Tusk and Iron Treads provides an intriguing alternative narrative for Donphan's evolutionary legacy, suggesting that across parallel timelines or different temporal periods, Donphan may have followed alternative evolutionary paths entirely.
Where to Find
mt silver
johto
+21 more
kanto victory road 1
kanto
+6 more
kanto route 28
kanto
+2 more
johto route 45
johto
Donphan Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Donphan typically maintains a calm demeanor, but when provoked or angered, it can enter a devastating rampage that becomes nearly unstoppable once initiated. The creature's signature attack involves curling its body into a ball and rolling at high speeds toward its opponent, with such force that it can easily knock down a house or destroy structures in its path. Once Donphan begins this rolling motion, it struggles to stop easily, making it a formidable force in both natural and inhabited environments. The species plays an important ecological role, as its massive strength allows it to clear rock and mud slides that block mountain trails, effectively serving as a natural force in maintaining passage through mountainous regions. In its normal habitat, Donphan exhibits herding behavior, with Pokédex entries noting that the longer and bigger an individual's tusks are, the higher its rank within the herd hierarchy. These tusks take considerable time to grow, making tusk size a marker of age, status, and dominance within Donphan communities. Male Donphan have been observed engaging in rolling competitions as a form of courtship display, demonstrating their strength and control to potential mates.
Pokedex Entries
It has sharp, hard tusks and a rugged hide. Its TACKLE is strong enough to knock down a house.
The longer and bigger its tusks, the higher its rank in its herd. The tusks take long to grow.
Because this POKéMON's skin is so tough, a normal attack won't even leave a scratch on it.
DONPHAN’s favorite attack is curling its body into a ball, then charging at its foe while rolling at high speed. Once it starts rolling, this POKéMON can’t stop very easily.
If DONPHAN were to tackle with its hard body, even a house could be destroyed. Using its massive strength, the POKéMON helps clear rock and mud slides that block mountain trails.
A DONPHAN is so strong it can easily haul a dump truck. Its hide has toughened to a rock-hard state. An ordinary sort of attack won’t even leave a scratch.
The longer and bigger its tusks, the higher its rank in its herd. The tusks take a long time to grow.
It has sharp, hard tusks and a rugged hide. Its TACKLE is strong enough to knock down a house.
It attacks by curling up, then rolling into its foe. It can blow apart a house in one hit.
It has sharp, hard tusks and a rugged hide. Its tackle is strong enough to knock down a house.
The longer and bigger its tusks, the higher its rank in its herd. The tusks take long to grow.
It attacks by curling up, then rolling into its foe. It can blow apart a house in one hit.
It attacks by curling up then rolling into its foe. It can blow apart a house in one hit.
It has sharp, hard tusks and a rugged hide. Its Tackle is strong enough to knock down a house.
The longer and bigger its tusks, the higher its rank in its herd. The tusks take long to grow.
Donphan’s favorite attack is curling its body into a ball, then charging at its foe while rolling at high speed. Once it starts rolling, this Pokémon can’t stop very easily.
If Donphan were to tackle with its hard body, even a house could be destroyed. Using its massive strength, the Pokémon helps clear rock and mud slides that block mountain trails.
Donphan Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name Donphan derives from the Japanese name Donfan (ドンファン), which appears to combine onomatopoeia with elephant characteristics. The 'don' sound evokes the heavy impact and thunderous movement associated with the creature's powerful rolling attacks and stomping gait, while 'phan' clearly references its elephant-like physiology and proboscid features. The English designation 'Armor Pokémon' reflects the creature's most visually distinctive characteristic—its rock-hard, impenetrable hide that serves as both natural armor and the creature's defining trait. The black band running down Donphan's back is inspired by automotive tire treads, emphasizing the design's clever integration of the tire-like appearance created when the Pokémon curls into a ball. This design choice cleverly bridges the natural world of an elephant-inspired creature with the mechanical imagery of a tire, capturing the essence of Donphan's signature rolling tackle attack. The tusks, while maintaining biological realism for an elephant-derived Pokémon, serve as status symbols within the species' social hierarchy, adding layers of meaning to what might otherwise be simple anatomical features.
Learnable Moves
Donphan can learn 94 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ancient power | rock | Special | 60 | 100 | 5 |
| assurance | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 10 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| block | normal | Status | — | — | 5 |
| body press | fighting | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| bounce | flying | Physical | 85 | 85 | 5 |
| brutal swing | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| bulldoze | ground | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| captivate | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| charm | fairy | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| counter | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| curse | ghost | Status | — | — | 10 |
| defense curl | normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| dig | ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| earth power | ground | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| earthquake | ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| echoed voice | normal | Special | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| encore | normal | Status | — | 100 | 5 |
| endeavor | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| fire fang | fire | Physical | 65 | 95 | 15 |
| flail | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| fury attack | normal | Physical | 15 | 85 | 20 |
| giga impact | normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| growl | normal | Status | — | 100 | 40 |
| gunk shot | poison | Physical | 120 | 80 | 5 |
| gyro ball | steel | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| headbutt | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| heavy slam | steel | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| helping hand | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| high horsepower | ground | Physical | 95 | 95 | 10 |
| horn attack | normal | Physical | 65 | 100 | 25 |
| hyper beam | normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| hyper voice | normal | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| ice fang | ice | Physical | 65 | 95 | 15 |
| ice spinner | ice | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| iron defense | steel | Status | — | — | 15 |
| iron head | steel | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| iron tail | steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 |
| knock off | dark | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| last resort | normal | Physical | 140 | 100 | 5 |
| magnitude | ground | Physical | — | 100 | 30 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mud shot | ground | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| mud slap | ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| natural gift | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| odor sleuth | normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| play rough | fairy | Physical | 90 | 90 | 10 |
| poison jab | poison | Physical | 80 | 100 | 20 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| rapid spin | normal | Physical | 50 | 100 | 40 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| roar | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| rock polish | rock | Status | — | — | 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 |
| sand tomb | ground | Physical | 35 | 85 | 15 |
| sandstorm | rock | Status | — | — | 10 |
| scary face | normal | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| seed bomb | grass | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| slam | normal | Physical | 80 | 75 | 20 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| smack down | rock | Physical | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| smart strike | steel | Physical | 70 | — | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| stealth rock | rock | Status | — | — | 20 |
| stomping tantrum | ground | Physical | 75 | 100 | 10 |
| stone edge | rock | Physical | 100 | 80 | 5 |
| strength | normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| superpower | fighting | Physical | 120 | 100 | 5 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| tackle | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| tera blast | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| thief | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| throat chop | dark | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| thunder fang | electric | Physical | 65 | 95 | 15 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| trailblaze | grass | Physical | 50 | 100 | 20 |
Donphan Competitive Battle Guide
Donphan occupies an interesting niche in competitive Pokémon battling, boasting a respectable base stat total of 500 distributed in a way that emphasizes physical bulk and offensive power. With base Attack and Defense statistics both reaching 120, Donphan can function effectively as a physical wall and offensive threat simultaneously, though its base Speed of only 50 means it typically operates at a disadvantage in speed-dependent scenarios. The creature's ability to learn a diverse movepool through leveling, TM compatibility, and breeding provides flexibility for various competitive sets, allowing trainers to customize Donphan's role within their teams. Its signature Sturdy ability, which prevents Donphan from being knocked out from full HP in a single hit and protects against one-hit KO moves, provides crucial survivability against potential sweepers and specialized attack strategies. The hidden ability Sand Veil grants a 1.25× evasion boost during sandstorm conditions while simultaneously protecting Donphan from sandstorm damage, making it a viable choice in sandstorm-based team compositions that can leverage weather-dependent strategies. With Attack and Defense EVs yielding base experience of 175 and a capture rate of 60, Donphan represents an accessible addition to competitive teams that require a reliable physical presence without requiring extensive breeding or training optimization.
Commonly Asked Questions About Donphan
What type is Donphan?
Donphan is a ground type Pokemon.
What does Donphan evolve from?
Donphan evolved from phanpy.
What are Donphan's weaknesses?
Donphan is weak to water, grass and ice type moves.
Where can I find Donphan?
Donphan can be found in mt silver (johto), kanto victory road 1 (kanto) and kanto route 28 (kanto) and 1 other locations.
Donphan Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Donphan has maintained consistent presence throughout the Pokémon franchise since its introduction in Generation II, appearing in both the anime and manga series with memorable contributions to the overall narrative. Most notably, Ash Ketchum captured and trained a Donphan that became a significant member of his team, demonstrating the creature's capabilities and personality to audiences worldwide. The species has been featured in various Pokémon trading card game releases, with multiple card variations reflecting its status as a recognizable and beloved Pokémon among collectors. Donphan's design—combining the majesty of an elephant with the mechanical imagery of a rolling tire—has resonated with fans across multiple generations, making it a standout example of effective Pokémon design that balances biological inspiration with creative fantasy elements. The creature's impressive physical capabilities and the dramatic nature of its rolling tackle attack have made it a popular choice for trainers seeking a powerful Ground-type companion. In competitive communities and fan discussions, Donphan is frequently celebrated for its balance of defensive and offensive capabilities, contributing to its enduring reputation as a well-rounded and versatile Pokémon.
Where to Find Donphan in Every Pokémon Game
Donphan's availability has varied significantly across different Pokémon games and generations, reflecting the evolving structure of game design and regional Pokédex compositions. In the original Generation II games (Gold, Silver, and Crystal), Donphan appeared as a wild Pokémon available in the Johto region with local Pokédex number 0196. Subsequent remakes and new generations have repositioned Donphan within various regional Pokédexes, including appearances with local number 0166 in Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, number 0201 in HeartGold and SoulSilver, number 0173 in Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, and number 0123 in Scarlet and Violet. Trainers seeking Donphan typically need to locate and catch Phanpy in areas designated for Ground-type Pokémon, then train the young Pokémon to level 25 to trigger its evolution. The species' moderate capture rate of 60 makes it reasonably obtainable with standard Poké Balls when encountered at full health, though capturing it at lower health thresholds improves success probability. Donphan's consistent inclusion across multiple game generations and its status as a non-legendary, non-mythical Pokémon make it a reliable addition to teams across various Pokémon titles, ensuring accessibility for trainers regardless of which generation they play.