shuckle
Generation II · #0213 — Mold Pokémon
Shuckle, known as the Mold Pokémon, is a Bug/Rock-type Pokémon that first appeared in Generation II. With National Pokédex number 213, this peculiar creature stands just 0.6 meters tall and weighs 20.5 kilograms, making it one of the smallest and lightest Pokémon in existence. Despite its diminutive stature, Shuckle possesses an extraordinarily unusual stat distribution that defines its role in competitive play. Its base stat total of 505 is heavily skewed toward defensive capabilities, with an astounding 230 Defense and 230 Special Defense—the highest defensive stats of any Bug or Rock-type Pokémon—offset by laughably low offensive and speed stats of 10 or less in each category. This remarkable specialization makes Shuckle a purely defensive support Pokémon with virtually no offensive capability, a role it executes with unparalleled dedication through its natural abilities and movepool.
Base Stats
Height
0.6m
Weight
20.5kg
Category
Mold Pokémon
Gender
Male 50% / Female 50%
Color
yellow
Shape
armor
Habitat
mountain
Abilities
Prevents being KOed from full HP, leaving 1 HP instead. Protects against the one-hit KO moves regardless of HP.
Makes the Pokémon eat any held Berry triggered by low HP below 1/2 its max HP.
Inverts stat changes.
Shuckle Biology & Physical Characteristics
Shuckle presents one of Pokémon's most distinctive body plans, featuring a soft, yellow, slender body that appears almost gelatinous in texture. Its most striking feature is the hard, red, vase-like shell that encases and protects its vulnerable form, with numerous white-rimmed holes dotting its surface. These holes serve a critical biological function: they allow Shuckle to secrete special digestive fluids through its toes, fluids potent enough to dissolve rock for carving out suitable hiding spaces. The Pokémon's limbs appear remarkably limp until actively deployed, giving it an unusual appearance when extended from its shell. Internally, Shuckle possesses remarkable fermentation abilities; berries stored within its shell decompose and liquefy through contact with its specialized digestive juices, transforming simple fruit into a nutritious and apparently delicious juice. The Pokédex notes that by retracting its legs and shaking its body within the shell, Shuckle can precisely blend these fermented berry juices to optimal flavor and consistency, suggesting a level of biological sophistication that belies its simple appearance.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Shuckle Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Shuckle maintains a perfectly balanced gender ratio of 50 percent male to 50 percent female, allowing for unrestricted breeding without gender complications. The species belongs exclusively to the Bug egg group, making it breedable only with other Bug-type Pokémon and compatible breeding partners. With a base happiness of 70, Shuckle displays moderate friendliness that provides a reasonable foundation for breeding chains, though it requires some effort to achieve maximum happiness for optimal breeding outcomes. The species has a medium-slow growth rate and requires 20 egg cycles to hatch, equivalent to approximately 4,884 to 5,140 steps, placing it in the middling range for incubation time. These breeding characteristics make Shuckle a viable candidate for competitive breeding programs, particularly when pursuing specific natures and individual values for defensive builds. The Bug egg group compatibility opens opportunities for breeding with Pokémon such as Scyther, Heracross, and various other Bug-types, though most competitive Shuckle are simply caught in their native habitats rather than bred, due to the species' consistent nature across populations.
Held Items
Sprites
Held Items
berry-juice
healing
Restores 20 HP.
Cost: 200
berry-juice
healing
Restores 20 HP.
Cost: 200
berry-juice
healing
Restores 20 HP.
Cost: 200
berry-juice
healing
Restores 20 HP.
Cost: 200
berry-juice
healing
Restores 20 HP.
Cost: 200
berry-juice
healing
Restores 20 HP.
Cost: 200
berry-juice
healing
Restores 20 HP.
Cost: 200
berry-juice
healing
Restores 20 HP.
Cost: 200
berry-juice
healing
Restores 20 HP.
Cost: 200
berry-juice
healing
Restores 20 HP.
Cost: 200
berry-juice
healing
Restores 20 HP.
Cost: 200
berry-juice
healing
Restores 20 HP.
Cost: 200
berry-juice
healing
Restores 20 HP.
Cost: 200
berry-juice
healing
Restores 20 HP.
Cost: 200
berry-juice
healing
Restores 20 HP.
Cost: 200
berry-juice
healing
Restores 20 HP.
Cost: 200
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
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
+575 more TMs/HMs
Shuckle Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Shuckle does not evolve into or from any other Pokémon, remaining a singular evolutionary form throughout its existence. It is not known to have any Mega Evolutions, regional variants, or Gigantamax forms, making it one of the few Pokémon with a complete and unchanging evolutionary line consisting solely of itself. This stasis reflects its role as a fully-formed defensive specialist perfectly adapted to its ecological niche from the moment it matures. The lack of evolution does not diminish Shuckle's viability in gameplay; rather, it emphasizes that this Pokémon achieves its purpose as a complete entity without requiring transformation or growth into a more powerful state. In competitive contexts, Shuckle's inability to evolve is offset by access to held items and strategic movesets that maximize its defensive potential and support capabilities for team members.
Where to Find
cianwood city
johto
+7 more
dark cave
johto
johto sea route 40
johto
hoenn safari zone
hoenn
+2 more
hoenn altering cave
hoenn
+9 more
kanto altering cave
kanto
+21 more
sinnoh route 224
sinnoh
+3 more
vermilion city
kanto
unova route 14
unova
+1 more
seaside cave
unova
+1 more
terminus cave
kalos
+9 more
kalos victory road
kalos
+5 more
kalos route 18
kalos
+1 more
Shuckle Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Shuckle exhibits a remarkably sedentary lifestyle compared to most Pokémon species. Rather than actively hunting or foraging, it collects berries and stores them within its protective shell, establishing itself as a solitary gatherer. The species is predominantly found in mountainous regions where suitable rocks provide shelter and cover. According to Pokédex entries across multiple generations, Shuckle's primary defensive strategy involves hiding beneath rocks and remaining completely motionless, relying on its exceptional defensive stats and sturdy shell to survive encounters with predators and aggressive Pokémon. This behavior suggests a Pokémon evolved for patient, long-term survival rather than confrontation. The fermentation process occurring within its shell is not merely incidental to its diet but appears to be an integral part of its lifestyle; by slowly composing and processing berries over extended periods, Shuckle converts food into a more nutritious form while remaining concealed and immobile. Its base happiness of 70 indicates moderate sociability, though its reclusive behavior suggests it is a creature best left undisturbed in its natural habitat.
Pokedex Entries
The BERRIES it stores in its vase-like shell decompose and become a gooey liquid.
It stores BERRIES inside its shell. To avoid attacks, it hides beneath rocks and remains completely still.
The fluid secreted by its toes carves holes in rocks for nesting and can be mixed with BERRIES to make a drink.
SHUCKLE quietly hides itself under rocks, keeping its body concealed inside its hard shell while eating berries it has stored away. The berries mix with its body fluids to become a juice.
A SHUCKLE hides under rocks, keeping its body concealed inside its shell while eating stored berries. The berries mix with its body fluids to become a juice.
It stores BERRIES inside its shell. To avoid attacks, it hides beneath rocks and remains completely still.
The BERRIES it stores in its vaselike shell decompose and become a gooey liquid.
It stores berries in its shell. The berries eventually ferment to become delicious juices.
The berries it stores in its vase-like shell decompose and become a gooey liquid.
It stores berries inside its shell. To avoid attacks, it hides beneath rocks and remains completely still.
It stores berries in its shell. The berries eventually ferment to become delicious juices.
The berries stored in its vaselike shell eventually become a thick, pulpy juice.
The berries stored in its jar-like shell eventually become a thick, pulpy juice.
It stores berries inside its shell. To avoid attacks, it hides beneath rocks and remains completely still.
Shuckle quietly hides itself under rocks, keeping its body concealed inside its hard shell while eating berries it has stored away. The berries mix with its body fluids to become a juice.
It stores berries inside its shell. To avoid attacks, it hides beneath rocks and remains completely still.
The berries stored in its vaselike shell eventually become a thick, pulpy juice.
Shuckle Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name Shuckle is derived from the word 'shuck,' meaning to remove or shed a shell or husk, combined with 'buckle,' reflecting both its shell-based design and defensive posture. Its Japanese name, Tsubotsubo (ツボツボ), uses 'tsubo' (壺), meaning jar or vase, directly referencing the vessel-like appearance of its protective shell. This nomenclature perfectly encapsulates Shuckle's defining characteristic: a small creature housed within a larger container. The design itself appears inspired by real-world arthropods that utilize shells for protection, but with an exaggerated emphasis on the container concept. The white-rimmed holes and red coloration give it the appearance of a decorative ceramic vessel or pot with a living creature inside, a visual metaphor reinforced by its species classification as the Mold Pokémon—referring both to the fungal decomposition occurring within its shell and the ceramic mold used to create vessels. This thematic coherence between name, appearance, and function represents exemplary Pokémon design, where every element serves to communicate the creature's ecological role and biological purpose.
Learnable Moves
Shuckle can learn 81 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| acid | poison | Special | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| acupressure | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| after you | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| ancient power | rock | Special | 60 | 100 | 5 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| bide | normal | Physical | — | — | 10 |
| bind | normal | Physical | 15 | 85 | 20 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| bug bite | bug | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| bulldoze | ground | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| captivate | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| constrict | normal | Physical | 10 | 100 | 35 |
| covet | normal | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| 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 |
| earth power | ground | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| earthquake | ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| encore | normal | Status | — | 100 | 5 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| final gambit | fighting | Special | — | 100 | 5 |
| flash | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| gastro acid | poison | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| guard split | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| gyro ball | steel | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| headbutt | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| helping hand | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| infestation | bug | Special | 20 | 100 | 20 |
| iron defense | steel | Status | — | — | 15 |
| knock off | dark | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| meteor beam | rock | Special | 120 | 90 | 10 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mud shot | ground | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| mud slap | ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| natural gift | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| power split | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| power trick | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| 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 throw | rock | Physical | 50 | 90 | 15 |
| rock tomb | rock | Physical | 60 | 95 | 15 |
| rollout | rock | Physical | 30 | 90 | 20 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| safeguard | normal | Status | — | — | 25 |
| sand tomb | ground | Physical | 35 | 85 | 15 |
| sandstorm | rock | Status | — | — | 10 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| shell smash | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| skitter smack | bug | Physical | 70 | 90 | 10 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sludge bomb | poison | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| sludge wave | poison | Special | 95 | 100 | 10 |
| smack down | rock | Physical | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| stealth rock | rock | Status | — | — | 20 |
| steel roller | steel | Physical | 130 | 100 | 5 |
| sticky web | bug | Status | — | — | 20 |
| 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 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| venoshock | poison | Special | 65 | 100 | 10 |
| withdraw | water | Status | — | — | 40 |
| wrap | normal | Physical | 15 | 90 | 20 |
Shuckle Competitive Battle Guide
Despite its laughably low offensive stats—base 10 Attack and 10 Special Attack ensure Shuckle deals virtually no damage through direct attacks—the species has carved out a legitimate competitive niche as a dedicated defensive support Pokémon. Its base 230 Defense and 230 Special Defense provide exceptional longevity, allowing Shuckle to function as a reliable wall when properly trained and configured. Its three possible abilities each serve distinct strategic purposes: Sturdy prevents instant knockout moves and leaves Shuckle with 1 HP if attacked from full health, making it nearly unkillable through ordinary means; Gluttony enables automatic berry consumption at low health thresholds, providing emergency healing; and the hidden ability Contrary inverts stat changes, allowing Shuckle to benefit from moves that normally lower stats. In competitive format, Shuckle typically runs movesets focused on status and support, including moves like Stealth Rock, Toxic, Stone Edge (for modest damage output), Encore, and Knock Off. With proper investment in defensive EVs and a suitable nature, Shuckle can reach astronomical Special Defense values exceeding 400, making it nearly impervious to special attacks. Its competitive viability relies entirely on team composition and strategic support rather than individual strength, making it an unconventional but rewarding choice for experienced players who understand defensive metagames.
Commonly Asked Questions About Shuckle
What type is Shuckle?
Shuckle is a bug and rock type Pokemon.
What does Shuckle evolve from?
Shuckle does not evolve.
What are Shuckle's weaknesses?
Shuckle is weak to rock, steel and water type moves.
Where can I find Shuckle?
Shuckle can be found in cianwood city (johto), dark cave (johto) and johto sea route 40 (johto) and 10 other locations.
Shuckle Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Shuckle has developed a modest but devoted following within the Pokémon community, primarily due to its hilariously extreme stat distribution and the challenge of utilizing such an unconventional creature effectively. Its near-complete lack of offensive capability has made it a subject of fascination for players seeking to challenge themselves with non-standard team compositions and nuzlocke runs where trainers voluntarily limit themselves to 'bad' Pokémon. The species has achieved cult status among competitive players and content creators who appreciate the puzzle of maximizing Shuckle's defensive potential, leading to numerous strategy guides and showcases demonstrating creative uses for what many consider the weakest offensive Pokémon ever designed. Online communities frequently discuss the theoretical maximum damage Shuckle could deal under ideal circumstances (which, despite optimization efforts, remains embarrassingly low), making it a running joke in Pokémon discourse. Its design has influenced subsequent Pokémon that emphasize specialization to extreme degrees, establishing Shuckle as a pioneer in the concept of a Pokémon that sacrifices virtually everything for a single trait. Memes frequently circulate comparing Shuckle's stats to other Pokémon, with its defensive supremacy contrasted against its offensive inadequacy, cementing its place in community consciousness as a beloved underdog.
Where to Find Shuckle in Every Pokémon Game
Shuckle first became available to players in Generation II games Gold, Silver, and Crystal, where it appeared in Johto's Pokédex as number 166. The species has maintained consistent availability throughout subsequent generations, appearing in HeartGold and SoulSilver with Johto number 168, Black 2 and White 2 as Unova number 232, and X and Y within the Mountain Kalos region as number 14. In Sword and Shield, Shuckle can be found in the Crown Tundra DLC area. Its high catch rate of 190 makes it relatively easy to capture in all its appearances, requiring minimal effort beyond encountering specimens in their designated habitats. The species typically inhabits mountainous regions, caves, and rocky environments consistent with its preference for stone hiding places. Additionally, Shuckle is frequently available through various in-game trades and breeding programs, providing multiple acquisition methods beyond wild encounters. In modern Pokémon titles featuring Home compatibility and various transfer mechanics, Shuckle can be imported from previous generations, ensuring consistent availability for players seeking to incorporate this defensive specialist into their competitive or casual teams. Its presence across multiple generations reflects Game Freak's commitment to maintaining roster diversity and ensuring that unconventional Pokémon remain accessible to dedicated players.