Weak to (2x damage):
Resistant to (½x damage):
Generation VIII · #0812 — Drummer Pokémon
Rillaboom, known as the Drummer Pokémon, is a Grass-type Pokémon introduced in Generation VIII that represents the final evolutionary stage of the Galar starter Grookey. As National Pokédex entry #812, Rillaboom stands at an impressive 2.1 meters tall and weighs 90 kilograms, embodying a powerful and rhythmic presence in battle. This Pokémon is classified as neither legendary nor mythical, yet it holds significant cultural importance as the grass-type starter evolution for the Sword and Shield generation. With a base stat total of 530, Rillaboom excels particularly in Attack with a base of 125, supported by solid HP of 100, making it a formidable physical attacker in competitive play. The Pokédex reveals two fascinating aspects of Rillaboom's nature: in Pokémon Sword, it's described as tapping into the power of its special tree stump through drumming, with the stump's roots following its direction in battle, while in Pokémon Shield, it's noted that the best drummer becomes the troop boss and possesses a gentle disposition that values group harmony.
2.1m
90.0kg
Drummer Pokémon
Male 87.5% / Female 12.5%
green
humanoid
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.
Rillaboom is a bipedal Pokémon with a striking simian appearance, resembling a muscular gorilla with distinctly botanical features. Its body is predominantly composed of various shades of brown—light tan on its forehead, chest, and extremities, dark brown on its nose and triangular ears, and medium muddy-brown across its torso and limbs. The Pokémon's most distinctive feature is the thick bush of vibrant green, leaf-like hair cascading from its head down its back, creating a mane-like appearance that connects it to its Grass typing. A particularly notable characteristic is a single vine-like hair on its forehead that curls upward, resembling a musical note—a fitting detail given its drummer status. Rillaboom possesses several tan markings: bow-tie or butterfly-shaped marks on each upper arm, and two diamond-shaped marks running down its spine, with the larger beginning around its shoulder blades and the smaller below its rib cage. Its facial features include orange-colored irises, nose tip, and mouth, contrasting with white sclerae, giving it an expressive, intelligent appearance. Green belt-like adornments on its hips, resembling four leaves in a row, further emphasize its connection to nature and add to its overall aesthetic of a primal, nature-infused warrior.
Rillaboom displays a notably skewed gender ratio, with approximately 87.5 percent of the population being male and only 12.5 percent being female, making female Rillaboom considerably rarer in the wild and more valuable to collectors. This significant gender disparity is shared with its evolutionary line, suggesting that male dominance may be connected to the drummer hierarchy mentioned in Pokédex entries, where the best drummer becomes the troop boss. The difference in gender ratio could reflect biological or behavioral traits linked to the production of drumming sounds and leadership displays. Both males and females can breed successfully, belonging to the Field and Grass Egg Groups, making Rillaboom versatile in breeding programs for competitive training. The breeding process takes 20 egg cycles, equivalent to approximately 4,884 to 5,140 steps, making it a moderately time-consuming endeavor for trainers seeking to obtain Rillaboom offspring with optimal stats and natures. Female Rillaboom, while rarer, are equally capable of producing strong offspring and may even be preferred by breeders seeking to establish their own lineages due to their scarcity. The gender dynamics within Rillaboom society, as suggested by the Pokédex, indicate that females can indeed achieve the status of troop boss through superior drumming techniques, maintaining a meritocratic system despite the numerical gender imbalance.
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Rillaboom evolves from Thwackey once the latter reaches level 35, representing the culmination of a three-stage evolution line beginning with the timid Grookey. This evolution process marks a dramatic transformation from a mischievous young Pokémon into a powerful, mature leader figure. The evolution introduces a significant increase in Attack power, with Rillaboom's base Attack stat of 125 representing a substantial boost that establishes it as a physical attacker rather than a special-based combatant. Upon evolution into Rillaboom, the Pokémon learns the signature move Drum Beating, a Grass-type physical attack with 80 power and perfect accuracy that befits its drummer identity. Beyond standard evolution, Rillaboom possesses the ability to Gigantamax, a mechanic introduced in Generation VIII, transforming into Gigantamax Rillaboom when holding the Gigantamax Factor. In its Gigantamax form, Rillaboom's stump grows into an enormous drum set resembling an entire forest, and the Pokémon gains access to the exclusive G-Max move G-Max Drum Solo. This transformation emphasizes Rillaboom's connection to rhythm and nature, creating a visual spectacle that perfectly encapsulates its role as a drummer channeling natural forces. The Gigantamax data suggests that Rillaboom becomes one with this forest of drums, continuing to produce ground-shaking beats across the Galar region.
Location data not available for this Pokémon in the database.
Rillaboom demonstrates a complex social hierarchy and behavior system centered around musical prowess and leadership. According to Pokédex entries, the individual with the superior drumming techniques earns the position of troop boss, establishing a merit-based society within Rillaboom communities. Despite this competitive aspect, these Pokémon possess a surprisingly gentle disposition and place considerable value on maintaining harmony and unity within their groups. The connection between Rillaboom and its environment is deeply symbiotic, particularly with a special tree stump that serves as an extension of its power and abilities. During battle, Rillaboom uses drumming techniques to direct and control the roots of this tree stump, suggesting a profound understanding of and connection to natural forces. This intimate relationship with nature indicates that Rillaboom likely inhabits forested or woodland environments where such ancient trees and stumps can be found. The Pokémon's behavior reflects both strength and sociability—it combines the physical power expected of a large primate with the cooperative and communicative traits necessary for maintaining group cohesion through rhythmic, musical expression.
By drumming, it taps into the power of its special tree stump. The roots of the stump follow its direction in battle.
The one with the best drumming techniques becomes the boss of the troop. It has a gentle disposition and values harmony among its group.
The name Rillaboom is a creative fusion of onomatopoeia and evolutionary concept, combining 'rill' (suggesting the sound of flowing water or rustling, and potentially referencing the similar-sounding 'gorilla') with 'boom,' the percussive sound of a drum or explosion. Its Japanese name, Gorirander, more directly references its gorilla-like appearance while incorporating 'randa' (related to rhythm and randomness in Japanese). The design philosophy behind Rillaboom emphasizes the fusion of primal strength with musical and botanical elements, creating a Pokémon that represents the synergy between power and harmony. The vine-like hair resembling a musical note is a subtle but elegant design touch that immediately communicates its musical nature to observers. The color palette—browns for its simian body and vibrant greens for its plant-based features—creates visual balance and clearly establishes its dual themes of animal and plant life coexisting in harmony. Every design element, from the leaf-shaped hair to the drum-resembling stump it carries, reinforces the concept of a nature-empowered musician. The overall aesthetic draws inspiration from both primate and nature symbolism found in various cultures, while the drummer archetype reflects contemporary music and entertainment influences. This design makes Rillaboom immediately recognizable and thematically cohesive, successfully translating the abstract concept of a 'grass-type drummer Pokémon' into a visually compelling and believable creature.
Rillaboom can learn 83 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 press | fighting | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| boomburst | normal | Special | 140 | 100 | 10 |
| branch poke | grass | Physical | 40 | 100 | 40 |
| brick break | fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| brutal swing | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| bulk up | fighting | Status | — | — | 20 |
| bulldoze | ground | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| bullet seed | grass | Physical | 25 | 100 | 30 |
| darkest lariat | dark | Physical | 85 | 100 | 10 |
| double hit | normal | Physical | 35 | 90 | 10 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| drain punch | fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 10 |
| drum beating | grass | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| earth power | ground | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| earthquake | ground | Physical | 100 | 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 blast | fighting | Special | 120 | 70 | 5 |
| focus energy | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| focus punch | fighting | Physical | 150 | 100 | 20 |
| frenzy plant | grass | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| giga drain | grass | Special | 75 | 100 | 10 |
| giga impact | normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| 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 |
| high horsepower | ground | Physical | 95 | 95 | 10 |
| hyper beam | normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| hyper voice | normal | Special | 90 | 100 | 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 |
| low sweep | fighting | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| magical leaf | grass | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| mega kick | normal | Physical | 120 | 75 | 5 |
| mega punch | normal | Physical | 80 | 85 | 20 |
| mud shot | ground | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| noble roar | normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| razor leaf | grass | Physical | 55 | 95 | 25 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| scary face | normal | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| 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 |
| snarl | dark | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| solar beam | grass | Special | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| solar blade | grass | Physical | 125 | 100 | 10 |
| stomping tantrum | ground | Physical | 75 | 100 | 10 |
| strength | normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| superpower | fighting | Physical | 120 | 100 | 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 |
In competitive Pokémon battling, Rillaboom emerges as a formidable physical attacker thanks to its impressive base Attack stat of 125, positioned well above average and allowing it to deal significant damage through physical moves. Its base HP of 100 provides substantial bulk, enabling it to withstand multiple hits before fainting, while its Defense stat of 60 is somewhat modest, requiring careful strategic positioning to avoid special attacks. The speed stat of 85 is adequate but not exceptional, meaning Rillaboom typically acts after faster opponents despite its physical power advantage. Rillaboom's primary ability, Overgrow, strengthens Grass-type moves to deal 1.5 times damage when the Pokémon's HP drops to one-third or below, providing a potential comeback mechanic in close battles. However, its hidden ability, Grassy Surge, proves significantly more powerful and valuable in competitive play, automatically activating Grassy Terrain upon entry—a field effect that boosts Grass-type moves, heals Grounded Pokémon each turn, and reduces damage from certain priority moves. This terrain control capability makes Rillaboom a pivotal team member in terrain-focused strategies. Its movepool includes powerful options like Wood Hammer (120 power Grass move), Drum Beating (80 power with perfect accuracy), and coverage moves such as Knock Off and Superpower, allowing flexible movesets tailored to specific team compositions. The access to utility moves like Swords Dance and Grassy Terrain setup makes Rillaboom both an offensive threat and a strategic team builder.
Rillaboom is a grass type Pokemon.
Rillaboom evolved from thwackey that evolved from grookey.
Rillaboom is weak to flying, poison, bug, fire and ice type moves.
Rillaboom holds special significance as the grass-type starter Pokémon final evolution for the eighth generation, making it a culturally prominent figure in the Pokémon community during the Sword and Shield era. Its role as a starter Pokémon ensures substantial exposure in games, anime, and merchandise, cementing its place in popular culture. The character Grookey, and by extension its evolution line, became iconic representatives of the Galar region's Pokédex and appear frequently in promotional materials and official artwork. The design's emphasis on drumming and musical expression resonated with audiences, offering a fresh take on the typical 'powerful final starter evolution' archetype by grounding the Pokémon's identity in rhythm and harmony rather than pure aggression. Rillaboom's appearance in the animated series and various Pokémon media, particularly as a Gigantamax form, has generated significant fan engagement and discussion. The Pokémon's gentle disposition despite its physical power appeals to trainers seeking powerful Pokémon with nuanced personalities. Its representation of leadership through merit-based skill (the best drummer becomes boss) carries positive thematic messages about achievement and harmony. The species has inspired fan art, competitive discussions, and community debate about optimal strategies and team compositions. The connection between Rillaboom and Grassy Terrain mechanics has elevated it beyond casual gameplay into serious competitive discourse, where players analyze its viability in different metagames.
Rillaboom is primarily available as the final evolution of Grookey, the Grass-type starter Pokémon in Pokémon Sword and Shield, making it obtainable relatively early in those games for players who select the grass starter at the beginning. In Pokémon Sword, Rillaboom can be encountered and caught in the wild within specific locations after evolving Grookey and Thwackey through the appropriate level requirements, with level 35 marking the evolution threshold from Thwackey. In Pokémon Shield, similar availability exists though specific encounter rates and locations may differ slightly due to version-exclusive variations. The Pokédex designation shows Rillaboom as National #812 with a local number of 0003 in Sword/Shield's Pokédex, indicating its prominence in the regional game structure. With a catch rate of 45, capturing a wild Rillaboom requires some effort, with approximately 5.9 percent success using a standard Poké Ball at full health. In Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the newest generation titles, Rillaboom's appearance and availability follow the updated mechanics of those games, with specific encounter methods and locations defined by the Legends: Z-A mechanics. The Gigantamax Factor required for Rillaboom to Gigantamax is obtainable through specific in-game events or raids, making the Gigantamax form accessible to dedicated trainers. Breeding programs allow trainers to obtain Rillaboom offspring through the Field and Grass Egg Groups, though finding female Rillaboom (comprising only 12.5 percent of the population) requires patience and luck in wild encounters.