forretress
Generation II · #0205 — Bagworm Pokémon
Forretress, known in Japan as Foretos, is a Bug/Steel-type Pokémon that represents one of Generation II's most distinctive defensive specialists. As the evolution of Pineco, Forretress maintains National Pokédex number 205 and embodies the concept of an impenetrable fortress wrapped in biological armor. Despite its intimidating appearance, Forretress possesses a base stat total of 465, making it a moderately powered Pokémon that compensates for its low speed with exceptional defensive capabilities. Its Defense stat of 140 stands out as its most notable strength, allowing it to withstand significant physical attacks while its Special Defense of 60 remains comparatively modest. The mystery of what truly exists beneath Forretress's layered steel shell has captivated Pokémon researchers since its introduction, with Pokédex entries consistently noting that the creature's interior remains completely obscured from view.
Base Stats
Height
1.2m
Weight
125.8kg
Category
Bagworm Pokémon
Gender
Male 50% / Female 50%
Color
purple
Shape
ball
Habitat
forest
Abilities
Prevents being KOed from full HP, leaving 1 HP instead. Protects against the one-hit KO moves regardless of HP.
Protects against damage from weather.
Forretress Biology & Physical Characteristics
Forretress is a large, spherical insectoid Pokémon standing 1.2 meters tall and weighing 125.8 kilograms, presenting a bulbous silhouette dominated by defensive plating. The Pokémon's body is divided into upper and lower halves, each capped by bumpy steel plates that provide structural reinforcement against physical impacts. Beneath this outer armor lies a smooth, reddish inner shell punctuated by four cylindrical spikes that taper to sharp points, creating a formidable barrier around its vulnerable interior. The inner shell features a straight opening along its front from which two large, round eyes with prominent pupils peer outward, serving as Forretress's primary sensory organs. The exact nature of what lies beyond these eyes—the true biological form of Forretress—remains unknown, as the creature opens its shell to capture prey at such extraordinary speed that observers cannot glimpse its interior mechanics. As demonstrated in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Forretress possesses latent levitation capabilities despite its sedentary appearance.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Forretress Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Forretress maintains a perfectly balanced gender ratio of 50% male to 50% female, allowing for straightforward breeding combinations without specialized mechanics. The Pokémon belongs to the Bug Egg Group, restricting its breeding compatibility to other members of this diverse group that includes numerous insectoid and bug-type Pokémon. Breeding Forretress requires approximately 20 egg cycles to produce an offspring, translating to roughly 4,884 to 5,140 steps before the egg hatches, representing a moderate hatching time that falls in the middle range of Pokémon breeding duration. The resulting offspring emerges as a newly hatched Pineco, requiring subsequent leveling and experience accumulation before reaching the level 31 threshold necessary for evolution into Forretress. Forretress itself boasts a base happiness value of 70, indicating a reasonably friendly disposition toward trainers despite its intimidating appearance, though this metric was adjusted to 50 in later generations after Pokémon Sword and Shield.
Sprites
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
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
+769 more TMs/HMs
forretress's Evolution Chain
Forretress Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Forretress evolves from Pineco through a straightforward leveling mechanism triggered at level 31, representing one of the more accessible evolution thresholds in Pokémon Generation II. The evolutionary process transforms the spherical Bug-type Pineco into the formidable Bug/Steel-type Forretress, granting the evolved form superior physical bulk and the Steel typing that fundamentally alters its defensive profile. This transition from Bug-type to dual Bug/Steel typing provides Forretress with multiple resistances, reducing damage from Rock, Bug, Grass, Ice, Dragon, Fairy, Flying, and Normal-type moves, while granting an immunity to Poison-type damage. The evolution physically manifests as the development of the intricate steel plating system and the emergence of the internal spike structures visible through the shell's transparent portions. Forretress does not possess a Mega Evolution form, remaining in its standard form throughout all competitive and casual gameplay contexts.
Where to Find
Location data not available for this Pokémon in the database.
Forretress Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Forretress exhibits highly specialized behavior adapted to an arboreal lifestyle, remaining immovably rooted to tree trunks in tropical and temperate forests where it spends most of its existence stationary and unmoving. When threatened by enemies, Forretress employs a defensive strategy of scattering pieces of its hardened outer shell, an action described in its Pokédex entries as occurring through conditioned reflex rather than conscious decision-making. The creature's predatory habits involve opening its shell to capture passing prey with remarkable speed, an evolutionary adaptation that allows it to feed while maintaining the security of its protective armor. This combination of sessile existence and rapid feeding behavior suggests that Forretress evolved to be an ambush predator, waiting patiently on tree trunks until prey ventures within striking distance. Its ability to shed shell fragments as a defensive mechanism indicates that Forretress can repair and replace its outer armor, allowing it to maintain protection even after sustaining damage.
Pokedex Entries
Its entire body is shielded by a steel-hard shell. What lurks inside the armor is a total mystery.
It remains immova bly rooted to its tree. It scatters pieces of its hard shell to drive its enemies away.
Usually found hanging on to a fat tree trunk. It shoots out bits of its shell when it sees action.
FORRETRESS conceals itself inside its hardened steel shell. The shell is opened when the POKéMON is catching prey, but it does so at such a quick pace that the shell’s inside cannot be seen.
It keeps itself inside its steel shell. The shell is opened when it is catching prey, but it is so quick that the shell’s inside cannot be seen.
It remains immovably rooted to its tree. It scatters pieces of its hard shell to drive its enemies away.
Its entire body is shielded by a steel- hard shell. What lurks inside the armor is a total mystery.
It is encased in a steel shell. Its peering eyes are all that can be seen of its mysterious innards.
Its entire body is shielded by a steel-hard shell. What lurks inside this shell is a total mystery.
It remains immovably rooted to its tree. It scatters pieces of its hard shell to drive its enemies away.
It is encased in a steel shell. Its peering eyes are all that can be seen of its mysterious innards.
It is encased in a steel shell. Its peering eyes are all that can be seen of its mysterious innards.
It is encased in a steel shell. Its peering eyes are all that can be seen of its mysterious innards.
It remains immovably rooted to its tree. It scatters pieces of its hard shell to drive its enemies away.
Forretress conceals itself inside its hardened steel shell. The shell is opened when the Pokémon is catching prey, but it does so at such a quick pace that the shell’s inside cannot be seen.
When something approaches it, it fires off fragments of its steel shell in attack. This is not a conscious action but a conditioned reflex.
In the moment that it gulps down its prey, the inside of its shell is exposed, but to this day, no one has ever seen that sight.
Forretress Name Origin & Design Inspiration
Forretress derives its name from a clever linguistic blend combining 'fortress' with 'forest,' reflecting both its defensive architectural aesthetic and its arboreal habitat among trees. The Japanese name Foretos similarly emphasizes the fortress concept while incorporating elements of the evolutionary line's insectoid nature. The Pokémon's design draws heavy inspiration from armored insects, particularly bagworms that construct protective cases from environmental materials, though Forretress's armor appears to be grown organically from its own biological systems. The spherical body shape with protruding spikes creates visual parallels to medieval spiked barriers or porcupines, emphasizing its defensive purpose. The contrast between the smooth, reddish inner shell and the bumpy, steely outer plating suggests a layered defense system, with the outer shell serving as a sacrificial layer that can be shed and regenerated while the inner shell protects the vital organs. The design successfully communicates both security and ecological integration, presenting a Pokémon perfectly adapted to a specific environmental niche.
Learnable Moves
Forretress can learn 97 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ally switch | psychic | Status | — | — | 15 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| autotomize | steel | Status | — | — | 15 |
| bide | normal | Physical | — | — | 10 |
| block | normal | Status | — | — | 5 |
| body press | fighting | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| bug bite | bug | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| bug buzz | bug | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| bulldoze | ground | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| captivate | normal | 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 |
| drill run | ground | Physical | 80 | 95 | 10 |
| earth power | ground | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| earthquake | ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| explosion | normal | Physical | 250 | 100 | 5 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| flash cannon | steel | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| giga drain | grass | Special | 75 | 100 | 10 |
| giga impact | normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| gravity | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| gyro ball | steel | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| hard press | steel | Physical | 0 | 100 | 10 |
| headbutt | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| heavy slam | steel | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| helping hand | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| hyper beam | normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| ice spinner | ice | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| iron defense | steel | Status | — | — | 15 |
| iron head | steel | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| laser focus | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| light screen | psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| lunge | bug | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| magnet rise | electric | Status | — | — | 10 |
| metal sound | steel | Status | — | 85 | 40 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mirror shot | steel | Special | 65 | 85 | 10 |
| natural gift | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| pain split | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| payback | dark | Physical | 50 | 100 | 10 |
| poison jab | poison | Physical | 80 | 100 | 20 |
| pounce | bug | Physical | 50 | 100 | 20 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| rapid spin | normal | Physical | 50 | 100 | 40 |
| reflect | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| reversal | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| rock blast | rock | Physical | 25 | 90 | 10 |
| 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 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| seed bomb | grass | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| self destruct | normal | Physical | 200 | 100 | 5 |
| signal beam | bug | Special | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| smart strike | steel | Physical | 70 | — | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| solar beam | grass | Special | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| spikes | ground | Status | — | — | 20 |
| stealth rock | rock | Status | — | — | 20 |
| steel beam | steel | Special | 140 | 95 | 5 |
| stone edge | rock | Physical | 100 | 80 | 5 |
| strength | normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| string shot | bug | Status | — | 95 | 40 |
| struggle bug | bug | Special | 50 | 100 | 20 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| sweet scent | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| swift | normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| tackle | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| telekinesis | psychic | Status | — | — | 15 |
| tera blast | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| thunder wave | electric | Status | — | 90 | 20 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| toxic spikes | poison | Status | — | — | 20 |
| venoshock | poison | Special | 65 | 100 | 10 |
| volt switch | electric | Special | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| zap cannon | electric | Special | 120 | 50 | 5 |
Forretress Competitive Battle Guide
Forretress occupies a specialized defensive niche in competitive Pokémon formats, leveraging its exceptional 140 Defense stat and Steel typing to wall physical attackers effectively. Its dual-type classification grants it impressive resistances to ten different types while providing immunity to Poison, creating a defensive profile that allows strategic positioning against many common threats. The Sturdy ability functions as its standard capability, preventing Forretress from suffering single-hit knockout moves like Horn Drill or Ice Climber's destabilization attacks, while also ensuring that Forretress survives any attack that would otherwise reduce its HP from full to zero with exactly one HP remaining. The hidden Overcoat ability provides alternative functionality by protecting Forretress from weather-based damage from Hail, Sandstorm, Volcanic Ash, and similar environmental hazards. Forretress's moveset options emphasize utility and defensive coverage rather than offensive pressure, with moves like Stealth Rock, Spikes, Toxic Spikes, and Mirror Coat allowing it to provide team support through entry hazard setup and indirect damage. Its offensively modest Attack stat of 90 and Special Attack of 60 limit its offensive contribution, though moves like Iron Head, X-Scissor, and Earthquake provide reasonable coverage options when required.
Commonly Asked Questions About Forretress
What type is Forretress?
Forretress is a bug and steel type Pokemon.
What does Forretress evolve from?
Forretress evolved from pineco.
What are Forretress's weaknesses?
Forretress is weak to fire type moves.
Forretress Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Forretress achieved particular prominence through Brock's use of the Pokémon throughout extended portions of the Pokémon anime series, becoming associated with the Rock-type specialist trainer despite its Bug/Steel typing. Brock's Forretress consistently demonstrated the Pokémon's defensive capabilities and loyal companionship, participating in numerous gym battles and important trainer encounters that helped establish Forretress as a reliable competitive partner. The Pokémon's mysterious interior and impenetrable exterior have made it a subject of fascination among Pokémon fans, spawning numerous theories and discussions about what biological secrets might exist within its armor. Forretress has appeared in multiple Pokémon Trading Card Game expansions as both common and rare cards, with artwork highlighting its distinctive spherical design and protective plating. The creature's presence in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet as a levitating Pokémon has reinvigorated interest in the species, revealing new dimensions to its biological capabilities that challenge previous assumptions about its mobility.
Where to Find Forretress in Every Pokémon Game
Forretress demonstrates consistent availability across the majority of Pokémon game titles, appearing most prominently in Generation II games Gold, Silver, and Crystal as a post-game encounter and breeding option. In remakes HeartGold and SoulSilver, Forretress maintains similar availability to its original counterparts, allowing players to encounter Pineco and evolve it through the established level 31 threshold. The species becomes progressively available in nearly every subsequent generation, though specific encounter locations and methods vary by individual title. In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Forretress appears as a legitimate Pokédex entry numbered 259 in the regional register, with encounters occurring in various forested areas where it maintains its characteristic arboreal habitat. Trainers seeking to obtain Forretress typically begin with a wild Pineco encounter, which evolves automatically upon reaching level 31 regardless of battle experience or specific conditions. Alternatively, Pokémon from Egg breeding through the Bug Egg Group provides access to Forretress lineage members, offering flexibility in acquisition methods across different game generations and playstyles.