gulpin #316
Type Matchups
Weak to (2x damage):
Resistant to (½x damage):
gulpin
Generation III · #0316 — Stomach Pokémon
Gulpin, the Stomach Pokémon, is a Poison-type introduced in Generation III that embodies the concept of an organism defined entirely by its digestive system. As National Pokédex entry #316, this small but peculiar creature weighs only 10.3 kg and stands at a mere 0.4 meters tall, making it one of the more diminutive Pokémon. Despite its unassuming size and modest base stat total of 302, Gulpin possesses remarkable biological capabilities that far exceed its physical appearance. The species is characterized by its three distinct abilities—Liquid Ooze, Sticky Hold, and the hidden ability Gluttony—each providing unique tactical advantages in Pokémon battles. With a capture rate of 225 and base happiness of 70, Gulpin is relatively accessible to trainers and possesses a friendly disposition, making it an appealing choice for both casual players and competitive battlers seeking specialized strategies.
Base Stats
Height
0.4m
Weight
10.3kg
Category
Stomach Pokémon
Gender
Male 50% / Female 50%
Color
green
Shape
arms
Habitat
grassland
Abilities
Damages opponents using leeching moves for as much as they would heal.
Prevents a held item from being removed by other Pokémon.
Makes the Pokémon eat any held Berry triggered by low HP below 1/2 its max HP.
Gulpin Biology & Physical Characteristics
Gulpin's anatomy is almost entirely dominated by its stomach, a biological arrangement that defines every aspect of its existence. The creature's heart and brain are remarkably diminutive compared to its massive gastric system, which comprises the vast majority of its round, green body. This unusual physiology grants Gulpin an extraordinary digestive capacity—it can swallow objects as large as itself in a single gulp, and its stomach contains special enzymes potent enough to dissolve virtually anything, including scrap iron. The Pokédex entries from multiple generations consistently emphasize this remarkable gastric prowess: Ruby and Sapphire entries note that the stomach contains special fluid and enzymes that digest anything, while the Emerald entry specifically mentions its ability to digest scrap iron. Gulpin's body is predominantly green with a distinctive black diamond marking on its back and a yellow feather-like adornment on its head. The creature's face features characteristically puckered lips and usually-closed slanted eyes, along with two stubby appendages shaped like its lips. A notable biological indicator of Gulpin's digestive state is its mouth position: when closed, the Pokémon is actively digesting food, while an open mouth indicates an empty stomach ready for the next meal.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Gulpin Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Gulpin exhibits a perfectly balanced gender ratio of 50% male and 50% female, with sexual dimorphism visible in the length of the yellow feather-like crest atop its head, where males display noticeably longer feathers than their female counterparts. The species belongs to the Amorphous egg group, a classification that includes many gelatinous, protoplasmic, and undefined-form Pokémon that lack clear biological gender characteristics despite their reproductive capacity. Gulpin can only breed with other Pokémon in the Amorphous egg group or with Ditto, reflecting the unusual biological nature of these creatures. The species maintains a relatively short egg cycle of 20 cycles, equating to approximately 4,884 to 5,140 steps before hatching, making Gulpin moderately accessible for breeding programs. The base friendship value of 70 indicates that newly hatched Gulpin will have reasonable initial affection toward their trainer, facilitating faster bond development in post-Generation VII games where friendship mechanics influence evolution and battle performance.
Held Items
Sprites
Held Items
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
oran-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed at 1/2 max HP to recover 10 HP.
Cost: 80
oran-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed at 1/2 max HP to recover 10 HP.
Cost: 80
oran-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed at 1/2 max HP to recover 10 HP.
Cost: 80
oran-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed at 1/2 max HP to recover 10 HP.
Cost: 80
oran-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed at 1/2 max HP to recover 10 HP.
Cost: 80
oran-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed at 1/2 max HP to recover 10 HP.
Cost: 80
oran-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed at 1/2 max HP to recover 10 HP.
Cost: 80
oran-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed at 1/2 max HP to recover 10 HP.
Cost: 80
sitrus-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed at 1/2 max HP to recover 1/4 max HP.
Cost: 80
sitrus-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed at 1/2 max HP to recover 1/4 max HP.
Cost: 80
sitrus-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed at 1/2 max HP to recover 1/4 max HP.
Cost: 80
sitrus-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed at 1/2 max HP to recover 1/4 max HP.
Cost: 80
sitrus-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed at 1/2 max HP to recover 1/4 max HP.
Cost: 80
sitrus-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed at 1/2 max HP to recover 1/4 max HP.
Cost: 80
TMs & HMs
tm01
gold silver
tm01
crystal
tm01
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm02
crystal
tm02
gold silver
tm03
yellow
tm03
crystal
tm03
gold silver
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
sword shield
tm03
blue japan
+649 more TMs/HMs
Gender Differences
This Pokémon has visible differences between male and female forms.
Gulpin Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Gulpin evolves into Swalot at level 26, a straightforward evolutionary line that represents a significant increase in power and physical presence. This evolution maintains the Poison-type classification while dramatically increasing all base statistics, particularly in HP, Attack, and Defense, transforming Gulpin from a defensive specialist with minimal offensive capability into a more well-rounded and threatening Pokémon. The evolution from Gulpin to Swalot represents not merely a growth in size but a fundamental shift in battle capability, with Swalot's superior stats providing substantially improved viability in competitive contexts. The evolutionary line itself is relatively uncommon among Hoennian Pokémon in that it belongs to the Amorphous egg group, a classification typically reserved for gelatinous or protoplasmic creatures that lack traditional biological structures, emphasizing the unique and somewhat alien nature of these digestive-based Pokémon.
Where to Find
hoenn route 110
hoenn
+3 more
kanto route 3
kanto
kalos route 5
kalos
+1 more
Gulpin Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Gulpin inhabits grasslands and savannas, environments where its feeding habits align with the availability of local flora and fauna. The species is known to move its mouth while sleeping, a quirky behavioral trait documented in the Sleep Style Dex that suggests continued digestive activity even during rest. As a Poison-type Pokémon, Gulpin's interaction with its environment involves the expulsion of vile, overpowering gases as a byproduct of its digestive processes, which likely serves as both a defensive mechanism and an environmental indicator of the creature's presence. The species demonstrates a reasonably friendly temperament with a base happiness value of 70, suggesting that despite its unusual biology and noxious emissions, Gulpin forms adequate bonds with trainers. Its behavior pattern is relatively passive compared to more aggressive Pokémon, fitting its role as an early-game creature with access to the fast-then-very-slow growth rate that allows rapid initial leveling followed by slower progression at higher levels.
Pokedex Entries
Generation III
Virtually all of GULPIN’s body is its stomach. As a result, it can swallow something its own size. This POKéMON’s stomach contains a special fluid that digests anything.
Most of GULPIN’s body is made up of its stomach - its heart and brain are very small in comparison. This POKéMON’s stomach contains special enzymes that dissolve anything.
This POKéMON’s stomach fluid can even digest scrap iron. In one gulp, it can swallow something that is as large as itself.
There is nothing its stomach can’t digest. While it is digesting, vile, overpowering gases are expelled.
Generation IV
Almost all its body is its stomach. Its harsh digestive juices quickly dissolve anything it swallows.
It has a small heart and brain. Its stomach comprises most of its body, with enzymes to dissolve anything.
Generation V
Almost all its body is its stomach. Its harsh digestive juices quickly dissolve anything it swallows.
Almost all its body is its stomach. Its harsh digestive juices quickly dissolve anything it swallows.
Generation VI
It has a small heart and brain. Its stomach comprises most of its body, with enzymes to dissolve anything.
There is nothing its stomach can’t digest. While it is digesting, vile, overpowering gases are expelled.
Virtually all of Gulpin’s body is its stomach. As a result, it can swallow something its own size. This Pokémon’s stomach contains a special fluid that digests anything.
Most of Gulpin’s body is made up of its stomach—its heart and brain are very small in comparison. This Pokémon’s stomach contains special enzymes that dissolve anything.
Gulpin Name Origin & Design Inspiration
Gulpin's name derives from the English word "gulp," directly referencing its primary characteristic of swallowing objects whole. The Japanese name Gokurin (ゴクリン) contains similar phonetic elements suggesting the act of gulping or consuming. The design philosophy behind Gulpin reflects a creature whose entire existence is centered around consumption and digestion—a living stomach with minimal additional anatomical structures. The round, bulbous form is distinctly amorphous, lacking the defined limbs or appendages of more traditionally-designed Pokémon, instead featuring only small stubby protrusions that serve minimal locomotor function. The yellow feather-like crown on its head serves as the primary visual distinction from a shapeless blob, while the black diamond marking on its back provides contrast and visual interest. Sexual dimorphism is reflected subtly in the length of the feather crown, with males displaying longer feathers than females. This design economy—a creature that is essentially a stomach with sensory organs—represents a memorable and distinctive aesthetic that stands out among Generation III's diverse roster.
Learnable Moves
Gulpin can learn 85 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| acid armor | poison | Status | — | — | 20 |
| acid spray | poison | Special | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| amnesia | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| belch | poison | Special | 120 | 90 | 10 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| bullet seed | grass | Physical | 25 | 100 | 30 |
| captivate | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| clear smog | poison | Special | 50 | — | 15 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| counter | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| curse | ghost | Status | — | — | 10 |
| defense curl | normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| destiny bond | ghost | Status | — | — | 5 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| dream eater | psychic | Special | 100 | 100 | 15 |
| dynamic punch | fighting | Physical | 100 | 50 | 5 |
| encore | normal | Status | — | 100 | 5 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| explosion | normal | Physical | 250 | 100 | 5 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| fire punch | fire | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| fling | dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| gastro acid | poison | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| giga drain | grass | Special | 75 | 100 | 10 |
| gunk shot | poison | Physical | 120 | 80 | 5 |
| headbutt | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| helping hand | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| ice beam | ice | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| ice punch | ice | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| infestation | bug | Special | 20 | 100 | 20 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mud shot | ground | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| mud slap | ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| natural gift | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| nightmare | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| pain split | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| poison gas | poison | Status | — | 90 | 40 |
| poison jab | poison | Physical | 80 | 100 | 20 |
| pound | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| power up punch | fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| rock smash | fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| rollout | rock | Physical | 30 | 90 | 20 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| seed bomb | grass | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| self destruct | normal | Physical | 200 | 100 | 5 |
| shadow ball | ghost | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| shock wave | electric | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sludge | poison | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| sludge bomb | poison | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| sludge wave | poison | Special | 95 | 100 | 10 |
| smog | poison | Special | 30 | 70 | 20 |
| snatch | dark | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| solar beam | grass | Special | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| spit up | normal | Special | — | 100 | 10 |
| stockpile | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| strength | normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| stuff cheeks | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| swallow | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| swords dance | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| tera blast | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| thief | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| thunder punch | electric | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| thunder wave | electric | Status | — | 90 | 20 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| toxic spikes | poison | Status | — | — | 20 |
| venom drench | poison | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| venoshock | poison | Special | 65 | 100 | 10 |
| water pulse | water | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| wring out | normal | Special | — | 100 | 5 |
| yawn | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
Gulpin Competitive Battle Guide
Gulpin's competitive viability is inherently limited by its base stat total of 302 and unfavorable individual stat distribution, with particularly weak Attack (43) and Speed (40) values that severely restrict its offensive and turn-order capabilities. The species' primary competitive utility derives from its ability selection, particularly Liquid Ooze, which punishes opponents using draining moves like Leech Seed, Drain Punch, or Giga Drain by dealing damage equal to the amount they would have healed. This ability, combined with its decent defensive stats in Defense and Special Defense (both 53), allows Gulpin to function as a wall against certain strategies, particularly in lower-tier competitive formats. The hidden ability Gluttony provides situational utility by triggering Berry consumption at 50% HP rather than 25%, enabling berry-based recovery strategies in specific team compositions. However, Gulpin's limited movepool, poor offensive stats, and slow Speed make it a poor choice for higher-tier competitive play, relegating it primarily to casual play, lower-tier formats like PU, and strategic niche roles in team building. Most competitive players view Gulpin as a stepping stone toward its more viable evolution, Swalot, which substantially improves all relevant statistics for competitive viability.
Commonly Asked Questions About Gulpin
What type is Gulpin?
Gulpin is a poison type Pokemon.
What does Gulpin evolve into?
Gulpin evolves into swalot.
What are Gulpin's weaknesses?
Gulpin is weak to ground and psychic type moves.
Where can I find Gulpin?
Gulpin can be found in hoenn route 110 (hoenn), kanto route 3 (kanto) and kalos route 5 (kalos).
Gulpin Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Gulpin achieved notable representation in Pokémon media through its appearance in the animated series, where it was owned by Nurse Joy's Pokémon Chansey's counterpart in various episodes, establishing it as a recognizable character within the broader Pokémon universe. The species appears in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon as the proprietor of the Link Shop in Pokémon Square, giving it a memorable role beyond standard wild encounters. Gulpin also features as a trophy in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, expanding its presence beyond the core Pokémon games into the broader Nintendo gaming ecosystem. The character's unusual design and extreme digestive capacity have made it memorable among fans, particularly those who appreciate the creative biology of Generation III's diverse roster. Despite lacking the cultural prominence of more iconic Pokémon, Gulpin maintains a dedicated following within the community, appreciated for its distinctive concept and memorable aesthetic that represents a more experimental era of Pokémon design.
Where to Find Gulpin in Every Pokémon Game
Gulpin was introduced in Generation III and has maintained consistent availability across subsequent generations, appearing in various regional Pokédexes including Hoenn (#095 in Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald), Central Kalos (#098 in X/Y), and other regional classifications in later generations. The species can be encountered in the wild in grassland and savanna biomes throughout the various Pokémon games, with specific locations varying by game version. In Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire, Gulpin appears as a rare event trigger on the Ruby Field, activated by making three Gulpin appear on the table. The relatively high capture rate of 225 ensures that trainers have reasonable success when encountering wild Gulpin with standard Poké Balls at full health. Breeding is a viable method for obtaining Gulpin, particularly for trainers seeking specific natures or individual values, with the moderate egg cycle making it a relatively accessible breeding project. In modern generations, Gulpin remains available through various methods including wild encounters, breeding from evolved forms, or trading, ensuring that players in contemporary Pokémon games can still access this Generation III classic.