rhyhorn
Generation I · #0111 — Spikes Pokémon
Rhyhorn is a Ground/Rock-type Pokémon that has served as a cornerstone of ground-based teams since Generation I. Known as the Spikes Pokémon, this formidable creature embodies raw physical power despite its decidedly limited intellect. With a base stat total of 345 distributed primarily toward physical defense (95) and attack (85), Rhyhorn establishes itself as a bulky physical threat capable of devastating opponents through sheer brute force. The Pokédex describes Rhyhorn as possessing massive bones that are 1000 times harder than human bones, allowing it to easily knock trailers flying or shatter skyscrapers with its charging tackles. As the first form in a three-stage evolution line culminating in Rhyperior, Rhyhorn serves as the foundation for trainers seeking to build durable ground-type offense, evolving into Rhydon at level 42.
Base Stats
Height
1.0m
Weight
115.0kg
Category
Spikes Pokémon
Gender
Male 50% / Female 50%
Color
gray
Shape
quadruped
Habitat
rough-terrain
Abilities
Redirects single-target electric moves to this Pokémon where possible. Absorbs Electric moves, raising Special Attack one stage.
Protects against recoil damage.
Strengthens recoil moves to 1.2× their power.
Rhyhorn Biology & Physical Characteristics
Rhyhorn is a rhinoceros-inspired Pokémon with a body covered in rocky gray plates that form a natural suit of armor. Its most distinctive feature is the short horn protruding from its snout, with males sporting notably longer horns than females—a visible sexual dimorphism that aids in species recognition. The creature possesses four short, stocky legs ending in clawed feet, providing stability rather than speed. A prominent spiked ridge runs along its dorsal surface, adding to its intimidating appearance and matching its aggressive nature. Beneath this imposing exterior lies surprisingly simple biology; Rhyhorn's brain is exceptionally small and dense, directly responsible for its limited cognitive abilities. Despite this neurological limitation, its skeletal structure represents an evolutionary masterpiece, with bones that exceed human durability by a thousandfold factor. The rocky plates composing its hide serve not merely as decoration but as functional armor, enabling it to charge headlong into obstacles that would disable lesser creatures.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Rhyhorn Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Rhyhorn exhibits an equal gender ratio of 50% male and 50% female, with the primary visual distinction appearing in horn size—males developing notably longer horns than their female counterparts. This sexual dimorphism serves both biological function and trainer recognition, allowing players to easily identify gender without requiring external examination. Breeding Rhyhorn falls within the Monster and Field egg groups, providing reasonable flexibility for establishing diverse breeding chains with compatible partner Pokémon. The species requires 20 egg cycles to hatch, translating approximately to 4,884–5,140 steps before a Rhyhorn egg produces a viable offspring. Rhyhorn eggs originate from Monster and Field egg groups, meaning compatible parents include numerous ground-type and normal-type Pokémon that share these groupings. A newly hatched Rhyhorn begins at level one with base happiness of 70, developing its personality and bond with its trainer through subsequent experience and interaction. Despite their limited individual intelligence, Rhyhorn maintain sufficient emotional capacity to form meaningful bonds with trainers through the breeding and raising process.
Sprites
TMs & HMs
tm01
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm02
crystal
tm02
gold silver
tm03
yellow
tm03
crystal
tm03
gold silver
tm03
red blue
tm03
blue japan
tm04
gold silver
tm03
red green japan
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
+644 more TMs/HMs
Gender Differences
This Pokémon has visible differences between male and female forms.
rhyhorn's Evolution Chain
Rhyhorn Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Rhyhorn undergoes a straightforward evolution into Rhydon upon reaching level 42, representing a significant power increase across its physical stats and capabilities. Rhydon maintains the Ground/Rock typing while gaining improved defensive properties and increased offensive potential, becoming a more formidable force in competitive and casual contexts alike. The final evolution occurs when a Rhydon is traded while holding a Protector item, transforming it into Rhyperior—a form that further amplifies its destructive capabilities and introduces new strategic options through enhanced stat distribution and access to improved movepool options. This three-stage evolutionary chain follows the slow growth rate characteristic of Rhyhorn, requiring significant experience accumulation before reaching level 42. The evolution line represents a clear progression from the foundational charging Pokémon toward increasingly sophisticated and powerful variants, though each maintains the core identity of a ground-based physical powerhouse. Trainers patient enough to nurture Rhyhorn through its evolutions gain access to progressively more capable allies for their teams.
Where to Find
kanto safari zone
kanto
+11 more
cerulean cave
kanto
+5 more
kanto victory road 1
kanto
+33 more
hoenn safari zone
hoenn
+3 more
stark mountain
sinnoh
+11 more
sinnoh route 227
sinnoh
+9 more
sinnoh route 214
sinnoh
+7 more
sinnoh victory road
sinnoh
johto safari zone
johto
+1 more
glittering cave
kalos
blush mountain
alola
+1 more
rock tunnel
kanto
+1 more
Rhyhorn Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Rhyhorn exhibits the behavioral characteristics of a creature operating on pure instinct rather than intelligence. Once it begins running in a charge, this Pokémon continues until exhaustion forces it into sleep, having completely forgotten the reason for its initial sprint—though it may recollect its motivation if it successfully demolishes an obstacle in its path. The Pokédex frequently emphasizes its inability to turn effectively due to its four short legs, constraining its movement to straight-line charges that obliterate anything in its trajectory. This limitation proves inconsequential to Rhyhorn's success, as it bulldozes through challenges rather than navigating around them, expanding its territory through sheer destructive force. A single Rhyhorn establishes dominion over approximately six miles of rough, mountainous terrain where its charging pattern causes minimal disruption to its established domain. These Pokémon inhabit rocky and mountainous regions, environments where their straight-line charging behavior and resistance to collision damage prove advantageous. Despite the seemingly reckless nature of its behavior, Rhyhorn has successfully thrived for generations using this singular, uncomplicated survival strategy.
Pokedex Entries
Its massive bones are 1000 times harder than human bones. It can easily knock a trailer flying.
A POKéMON with a one-track mind. Once it charges, it won't stop running until it falls asleep.
It is inept at turning because of its four short legs. It can only charge and run in one direction.
It doesn't care if there is anything in its way. It just charges and destroys all ob stacles.
It can remember only one thing at a time. Once it starts rushing, it forgets why it started.
RHYHORN runs in a straight line, smashing everything in its path. It is not bothered even if it rushes headlong into a block of steel. This POKéMON may feel some pain from the collision the next day, however.
RHYHORN’s brain is very small. It is so dense, while on a run it forgets why it started running in the first place. It apparently remembers sometimes if it demolishes something.
Once it starts running, it doesn’t stop. Its tiny brain makes it so stupid that it can’t remember why it started running in the first place.
Strong, but not too bright, this POKéMON can shatter even a skyscraper with its charging TACKLES.
Its massive bones are 1,000 times harder than human bones. Its TACKLE can knock a semitrailer flying.
Its body is clad in a thick hide, and its tackles topple buildings. Unfortunately, it is not smart.
Its powerful tackles can destroy anything. However, it is too slow witted to help people work.
It is inept at turning because of its four short legs. It can only charge and run in one direction.
It doesn’t care if there is anything in its way. It just charges and destroys all obstacles.
Its powerful tackles can destroy anything. However, it is too slow witted to help people work.
Its powerful tackles can destroy anything. However, it is too slow witted to help people work.
Strong, but not too bright, this Pokémon can shatter even a skyscraper with its charging Tackles.
It is inept at turning because of its four short legs. It can only charge and run in one direction.
Rhyhorn runs in a straight line, smashing everything in its path. It is not bothered even if it rushes headlong into a block of steel. This Pokémon may feel some pain from the collision the next day, however.
Rhyhorn’s brain is very small. It is so dense, while on a run it forgets why it started running in the first place. It apparently remembers sometimes if it demolishes something.
A Pokémon with a one-track mind. Once it charges, it won’t stop running until it falls asleep.
Strong, but not too bright, this Pokémon can shatter even a skyscraper with its charging tackles.
It can remember only one thing at a time. Once it starts rushing, it forgets why it started.
Ludicrously strong—when it butts heads with a mountain, it is the mountain that shatters. But its short legs struggle with turns, and it is incapable of stopping unless it collides with something.
Rhyhorn Name Origin & Design Inspiration
Rhyhorn's design draws inspiration directly from the rhinoceros, one of nature's most powerful terrestrial mammals known for charging and physical dominance. The Japanese name "Sihorn" derives from the Japanese word for rhinoceros, maintaining this thematic consistency across linguistic boundaries. The English name maintains the "rhy" prefix referencing rhinoceros while incorporating "horn" to emphasize the creature's distinctive nasal protrusion. Game designers augmented the basic rhinoceros template by adding rocky plating across its body, transforming it from a purely biological creature into a hybrid of flesh and mineral—a design choice that justified both its Ground and Rock typing while explaining its extraordinary durability. The spiked ridge along its back reinforces its status as a defensive, aggressive entity, while the diminutive horn relative to its massive body creates a visual irony that complements its unexpectedly limited cognitive capacity. This design philosophy established Rhyhorn as visually distinctive from other Pokémon while maintaining instant recognizability as ground-based fauna suitable for mountainous terrain.
Learnable Moves
Rhyhorn can learn 72 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ancient power | rock | Special | 60 | 100 | 5 |
| aqua tail | water | Physical | 90 | 90 | 10 |
| bide | normal | Physical | — | — | 10 |
| blizzard | ice | Special | 110 | 70 | 5 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| counter | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| crunch | dark | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| curse | ghost | Status | — | — | 10 |
| dig | ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| earthquake | ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| fire blast | fire | Special | 110 | 85 | 5 |
| fissure | ground | Physical | — | 30 | 5 |
| flamethrower | fire | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| fury attack | normal | Physical | 15 | 85 | 20 |
| headbutt | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| horn attack | normal | Physical | 65 | 100 | 25 |
| horn drill | normal | Physical | — | 30 | 5 |
| ice beam | ice | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| icy wind | ice | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| iron tail | steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 |
| leer | normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| magnitude | ground | Physical | — | 100 | 30 |
| megahorn | bug | Physical | 120 | 85 | 10 |
| metal burst | steel | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mud slap | ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| payback | dark | Physical | 50 | 100 | 10 |
| poison jab | poison | Physical | 80 | 100 | 20 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| pursuit | dark | Physical | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| rage | normal | Physical | 20 | 100 | 20 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| reversal | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| roar | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| rock polish | rock | Status | — | — | 20 |
| rock slide | rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 |
| rock smash | fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| rock throw | rock | Physical | 50 | 90 | 15 |
| rollout | rock | Physical | 30 | 90 | 20 |
| sand attack | ground | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| sandstorm | rock | Status | — | — | 10 |
| scary face | normal | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| scorching sands | ground | Special | 70 | 100 | 10 |
| skull bash | normal | Physical | 130 | 100 | 10 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| spite | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| stomp | normal | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| strength | normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| supercell slam | electric | Physical | 100 | 95 | 15 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| swords dance | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| tackle | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| tail whip | normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| tera blast | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| thief | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| thrash | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| thunder | electric | Special | 110 | 70 | 10 |
| thunderbolt | electric | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| zap cannon | electric | Special | 120 | 50 | 5 |
Rhyhorn Competitive Battle Guide
In competitive Pokémon battling, Rhyhorn functions as a physical wall and offensive pivot thanks to its 95 base Defense and 85 base Attack, supported by decent 80 base HP. However, its abysmal Speed stat of 25 and poor special defenses (30 base Sp. Def) necessitate careful team construction and strategic support. Three ability options cater to different competitive roles: Lightning Rod allows Rhyhorn to redirect electric-type attacks while boosting Special Attack despite its poor special movepool; Rock Head eliminates recoil damage, enabling the use of recoil-based moves like Double-Edge without self-inflicted consequences; and the hidden ability Reckless amplifies recoil moves to 1.2× power, synergizing excellently with moves like Double-Edge for increased damage output. Most competitive Rhyhorn builds employ Rock Head or Reckless as the preferred ability, maximizing physical offensive potential while minimizing drawbacks. Its Ground/Rock typing provides useful resistances to Fire, Poison, and Flying moves while offering one immunities to Electric attacks via Lightning Rod. As a bulky physical attacker, Rhyhorn occupies a specific niche on teams requiring ground-type coverage with exceptional durability, though trainers typically prefer evolved variants Rhydon or Rhyperior for their superior stats and movepool access.
Commonly Asked Questions About Rhyhorn
What type is Rhyhorn?
Rhyhorn is a ground and rock type Pokemon.
What does Rhyhorn evolve into?
Rhyhorn evolves into rhydon, then into rhyperior.
What are Rhyhorn's weaknesses?
Rhyhorn is weak to fighting, ground, steel, water, grass and ice type moves.
Where can I find Rhyhorn?
Rhyhorn can be found in kanto safari zone (kanto), cerulean cave (kanto) and kanto victory road 1 (kanto) and 9 other locations.
Rhyhorn Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Rhyhorn established itself as an iconic Pokémon within the franchise ecosystem since Generation I's original Red, Blue, and Yellow releases, capturing player imagination through its combination of raw power and simple-minded determination. The species has appeared consistently across animated series episodes and features, most memorably in contexts emphasizing its uncontrollable charging nature and destructive capacity. Rhyhorn gained particular prominence through merchandise featuring its distinctive silhouette, appearing on trading cards, collectibles, and official artwork highlighting its imposing rhinoceros-inspired design. The Pokédex entries' repeated emphasis on Rhyhorn's cognitive limitations—particularly the concept of forgetting why it charged once motion commences—became a recurring point of humor throughout the community. This character trait resonated with players who appreciated the biological realism of a simple creature operating on instinct rather than complex planning. Rhyhorn's presence in competitive communities remains moderate compared to more optimized ground-type options, yet nostalgic trainers frequently incorporate Rhyhorn or evolved variants into their teams as homage to the original generation. The creature's straightforward personality and destructive approach to problem-solving established it as a beloved classic despite mechanical disadvantages compared to contemporary alternatives.
Where to Find Rhyhorn in Every Pokémon Game
Rhyhorn's availability has expanded progressively across Pokémon generations, appearing in most mainline titles with varying encounter methods reflecting regional Pokédex inclusions. In the original Red, Blue, and Yellow versions, Rhyhorn occupied Pokédex number 111 with standard encounter rates in appropriate rocky terrain. Subsequent generations included Rhyhorn in regional Pokédexes with adjusted numbering—appearing as #206 in Gold/Silver/Crystal, #169 in Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald, and continuing through modern titles including Sword/Shield and Legends: Arceus. The Pokédex indicates Rhyhorn's presence across numerous side games and special distributions through Wild Area News events in more recent generations. Its base capture rate of 120 positions it as reasonably obtainable in the wild, though dedicated trainers may require extended searching through appropriate mountainous or rocky biomes. Rhyhorn eggs can be obtained through breeding efforts with compatible Pokémon in Monster and Field egg groups, providing alternative acquisition methods for trainers unable to encounter wild specimens. Modern Pokémon titles including those on Nintendo Switch platforms continue featuring Rhyhorn with accessible encounter opportunities, ensuring new generations of trainers maintain the ability to obtain this classic ground-type foundation Pokémon for team construction and competitive endeavors.