grookey #810
Type Matchups
Weak to (2x damage):
Resistant to (½x damage):
grookey
Generation VIII · #0810 — Chimp Pokémon
Grookey, known as the Chimp Pokémon, is a Grass-type Pokémon introduced in Generation VIII and serves as one of the three first partner Pokémon available to trainers beginning their journey in the Galar region. Alongside Scorbunny and Sobble, Grookey was among the first Generation VIII Pokémon revealed to the public on February 27, 2019, generating significant excitement for the upcoming Pokémon Sword and Shield games. With a National Pokédex number of #0810, this diminutive monkey-like creature stands just 0.3 meters tall and weighs only 5.0 kilograms, making it one of the smallest starter Pokémon. Despite its modest stature and base stat total of 310, Grookey possesses unique characteristics that distinguish it within the starter Pokémon lineup, particularly through its connection to rhythm, percussion, and the revitalization of plant life.
Base Stats
Height
0.3m
Weight
5.0kg
Category
Chimp Pokémon
Gender
Male 87.5% / Female 12.5%
Color
green
Shape
upright
Abilities
Strengthens grass moves to inflict 1.5× damage at 1/3 max HP or less.
When this Pokémon enters battle, it changes the terrain to Grassy Terrain.
Grookey Biology & Physical Characteristics
Grookey is a small, primate-like Pokémon characterized by its predominantly green body, complemented by brown coloration on its tail and wedge-shaped ears. Its most distinctive features include an orange snout and orange extremities on its hands and feet, with each hand containing five fingers and each foot bearing three toes. A striking lime green mask pattern frames its large white eyes with black irises and extends upward toward its forehead in a small bump. The most remarkable aspect of Grookey's biology is the pair of leaf-shaped hair tufts atop its head that hold a specially-crafted stick—originally a branch from the forests where troops of Grookey inhabit. This stick becomes infused with special power through exposure to the energy within Grookey's body, causing it to grow harder and more flexible over time. The stick serves multiple purposes in Grookey's physiology and behavior, functioning both as a weapon during combat and as a percussion instrument for creating revitalizing vibrations. Grookey's green fur possesses the remarkable ability to generate energy from sunlight, a trait that connects to its fundamental nature as a Grass-type Pokémon and allows it to sustain itself through photosynthesis-like processes.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Grookey Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Grookey exhibits a notable gender distribution skewed heavily toward males, with approximately 87.5 percent of the species being male and only 12.5 percent female, making female Grookey relatively uncommon in the wild. This significant gender imbalance is not uncommon among Pokémon species, though it may present challenges for trainers attempting to breed Grookey for specific traits or movesets. Grookey belongs to two egg groups: the Field egg group and the Grass egg group, allowing for diverse breeding possibilities with compatible Pokémon species. The species hatches from eggs after approximately 20 cycles, equivalent to roughly 4,884 to 5,140 steps of travel, placing it within the moderate breeding timeline. With a base happiness of 50, Grookey begins with neutral friendliness toward trainers, requiring genuine care and positive interactions to develop strong bonds. Trainers breeding Grookey should be aware that the species learns several valuable moves through breeding that are not available through leveling up naturally, including Fake Out, Growth, Hammer Arm, Leech Seed, and Strength, potentially creating opportunities for competitive breeding programs. The combination of Field and Grass egg groups opens up numerous breeding partner options, allowing trainers to pass down beneficial genetics and hidden abilities across generations.
Sprites
TMs & HMs
tm00
sword shield
tm01
yellow
tm01
red blue
tm01
ultra sun ultra moon
tm01
sun moon
tm01
blue japan
tm01
red green japan
tm01
sword shield
tm02
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm03
yellow
tm03
red blue
tm03
blue japan
tm03
red green japan
tm05
red blue
tm05
yellow
tm05
red green japan
tm05
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm05
blue japan
tm07
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm08
red blue
+385 more TMs/HMs
grookey's Evolution Chain
Grookey Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Grookey belongs to a three-stage evolutionary line that progresses through increasingly powerful and confident forms. The species evolves into Thwackey starting at level 16, at which point it retains its Grass typing while developing a more aggressive and rhythmic personality. This evolution represents the transition from curious youngster to more assured performer. The final evolution occurs when Thwackey reaches level 35, transforming into Rillaboom, a large primate Pokémon that becomes a powerful Grass-type capable of conducting symphonies with its drums and wielding its stick as a formidable weapon. Each evolutionary stage reflects Grookey's journey from a small, mischievous creature learning to harness the power of rhythm into a fully-realized musical force of nature. The evolutionary line maintains the connection to percussion and plant revitalization throughout all three stages, with each form becoming progressively more skilled at orchestrating the healing vibrations that define the species' core identity. Notably, Rillaboom gains the Grassy Surge hidden ability through evolution, which changes the terrain to Grassy Terrain upon entering battle—a capability that Grookey itself can possess as a hidden ability, suggesting the latent potential within even the smallest member of this line.
Where to Find
Location data not available for this Pokémon in the database.
Grookey Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Grookey exhibits a mischievous and energetic personality, characterized by boundless curiosity and a natural affinity for rhythm and percussion. The species has been observed living in organized troops within forest environments, suggesting a social and communal lifestyle. Grookey's most distinctive behavior involves using its special stick to create rhythmic beats against various surfaces and objects, a practice that produces sound waves with remarkable restorative properties. According to Pokédex entries, when Grookey strikes up a beat with its stick, the sound waves carry revitalizing energy to plants and flowers in the surrounding area, causing wilted flora to regain their color and vitality. As depicted in the Pokémon Journeys animated series episode Beyond Chivalry… Aiming to be a Leek Master!, Grookey's drumming can even restore weakened plant-like Pokémon such as Bellsprout back to health. The species becomes increasingly energized and pumped up as it continues to strike with amazing speed, suggesting that the physical act of drumming provides both psychological stimulation and perhaps even draws energy from the vibrations it creates. This unique behavior pattern distinguishes Grookey from most other Pokémon species and establishes it as a guardian of plant life within its ecosystem.
Pokedex Entries
Generation VIII
When it uses its special stick to strike up a beat, the sound waves produced carry revitalizing energy to the plants and flowers in the area.
It attacks with rapid beats of its stick. As it strikes with amazing speed, it gets more and more pumped.
Grookey Name Origin & Design Inspiration
Grookey's design draws clear inspiration from squirrel monkeys, small South American primates known for their agility, social behavior, and expressive personalities. The name 'Grookey' combines 'groove,' referencing the rhythmic movements and musical nature of the Pokémon, with 'monkey,' directly referencing its primate-inspired design. The Japanese name Sarunori (サルノリ) combines 'saru' (monkey) with 'nori' (rhythm or beat), further emphasizing the species' connection to percussion and musical patterns. The iconic stick that Grookey carries serves as both a practical weapon and a symbolic representation of the Pokémon's role as a conductor of natural healing, transforming what might be a simple branch into an instrument of revitalization. The leaf-shaped hair tufts that hold the stick represent Grookey's deep connection to plant life and photosynthesis, while the lime green mask around its eyes echoes both the appearance of certain monkey species and traditional musician or performer aesthetics. The color palette—primarily green with brown and orange accents—creates a natural, forest-dwelling appearance while the orange snout and extremities provide visual contrast and warmth, making the design both distinctive and immediately recognizable. The overall aesthetic successfully merges the concepts of a small primate, a musical performer, and a nature-aligned Pokémon into a cohesive and charming design.
Learnable Moves
Grookey can learn 58 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| acrobatics | flying | Physical | 55 | 100 | 15 |
| assurance | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 10 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| branch poke | grass | Physical | 40 | 100 | 40 |
| bullet seed | grass | Physical | 25 | 100 | 30 |
| drain punch | fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 10 |
| endeavor | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| energy ball | grass | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| fake out | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 10 |
| false swipe | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 40 |
| fling | dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| focus energy | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| giga drain | grass | Special | 75 | 100 | 10 |
| grass knot | grass | Special | — | 100 | 20 |
| grass pledge | grass | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| grassy glide | grass | Physical | 55 | 100 | 20 |
| grassy terrain | grass | Status | — | — | 10 |
| growl | normal | Status | — | 100 | 40 |
| growth | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| hammer arm | fighting | Physical | 100 | 90 | 10 |
| knock off | dark | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| leaf storm | grass | Special | 130 | 90 | 5 |
| leech seed | grass | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| low kick | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| magical leaf | grass | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| mega kick | normal | Physical | 120 | 75 | 5 |
| mega punch | normal | Physical | 80 | 85 | 20 |
| nature power | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| razor leaf | grass | Physical | 55 | 95 | 25 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| scratch | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| screech | normal | Status | — | 85 | 40 |
| seed bomb | grass | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| slam | normal | Physical | 80 | 75 | 20 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| solar beam | grass | Special | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| solar blade | grass | Physical | 125 | 100 | 10 |
| strength | normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| swift | normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| swords dance | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| taunt | dark | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| tera blast | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| thief | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| trailblaze | grass | Physical | 50 | 100 | 20 |
| u turn | bug | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| uproar | normal | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| wood hammer | grass | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| work up | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| worry seed | grass | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
Grookey Competitive Battle Guide
In competitive play, Grookey's relatively modest base stat total of 310 limits its immediate viability at higher competitive tiers, with its base stats heavily weighted toward Attack (65) and Speed (65), while its Special Attack (40), Defense (50), and Special Defense (40) lag considerably behind. The species' primary strength lies in its ability to function as an early-game special attacker or physical attacker during the early stages of Pokémon games, particularly in Sword and Shield where it serves as an available starter. Grookey's two abilities—Overgrow and the hidden ability Grassy Surge—offer different competitive angles. Overgrow intensifies Grass-type moves to 1.5 times their normal damage when Grookey's health falls to one-third or below, providing a clutch mechanic for late-game scenarios, while Grassy Surge automatically activates Grassy Terrain upon entry, providing strategic benefits for Grass-type Pokémon and grounded Pokémon while removing entry hazards. The movepool accessible to Grookey includes Branch Poke, Razor Leaf, Wood Hammer, and various coverage moves like Knock Off and Uproar, though the limited offensive stats mean these moves rarely hit with overwhelming power. Most competitive players view Grookey as a stepping stone toward its more formidable evolutions, particularly Rillaboom, which gains significantly improved stats and access to the powerful Grassy Surge ability, making the final form far more relevant in serious competitive contexts.
Commonly Asked Questions About Grookey
What type is Grookey?
Grookey is a grass type Pokemon.
What does Grookey evolve into?
Grookey evolves into thwackey, then into rillaboom.
What are Grookey's weaknesses?
Grookey is weak to flying, poison, bug, fire and ice type moves.
Grookey Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Grookey achieved immediate cultural recognition as one of the three iconic starter Pokémon of Generation VIII, appearing prominently in marketing materials and promotional content leading up to the release of Pokémon Sword and Shield. The species gained particular prominence in the Pokémon Journeys animated series, where Goh's Grookey became a memorable character central to multiple episodes, showcasing the Pokémon's personality and unique abilities to a global audience. The character's evolution arc from curious youngster to accomplished performer resonated with viewers, establishing Grookey as a fan-favorite among the Generation VIII roster. The Pokémon's unique relationship with music, rhythm, and plant revitalization offers thematic depth that extends beyond typical starter Pokémon, positioning it as a symbol of natural healing and ecological harmony. Merchandise featuring Grookey, including plush toys, trading cards, and collectibles, became commercially successful, particularly among younger audiences attracted to its cute appearance and expressive design. The species' inclusion in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as part of Pokémon Sword and Shield's promotional content further cemented its cultural status within the broader gaming community. Additionally, Grookey's Gigantamax form introduced in later games provided fans with spectacular visual representations of the species at its most powerful, creating memorable moments in both competitive and casual play.
Where to Find Grookey in Every Pokémon Game
Grookey is exclusively available as a starter Pokémon at the beginning of Pokémon Sword and Shield, making it one of three possible first partners chosen by trainers entering the Galar region. Players selecting Grookey as their starter will receive one with its standard Overgrow ability, establishing a connection that carries throughout their entire playthrough. Outside of receiving Grookey as a starter, the species does not appear in the wild in Pokémon Sword and Shield, making it necessary to either select it at the start of the game or obtain one through trading with other trainers or through subsequent Pokémon games. Grookey has remained available in subsequent generations, including Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, where it can be found and trained by new generations of players. The species is not available in Pokémon Legends: Z-A based on currently available information, though this may change pending further releases. In competitive formats and online trading communities, Grookey remains relatively accessible due to its widespread distribution as a starter Pokémon, allowing trainers to obtain examples for breeding or team building purposes. The relatively common catch rate of 45 applies primarily to encountering Grookey in games where it appears outside controlled starter circumstances, though such occurrences remain limited to post-game or special distribution events.