sobble #816
Type Matchups
Weak to (2x damage):
Resistant to (½x damage):
sobble
Generation VIII · #0816 — Water Lizard Pokémon
Sobble is a Water-type Pokémon introduced in Generation VIII, serving as one of three first partner Pokémon available to trainers at the beginning of Pokémon Sword and Shield, alongside Grookey and Scorbunny. As the Water Lizard Pokémon, Sobble holds National Pokédex number 816 and represents the aquatic starter option for the Galar region. This timid creature was among the first Generation VIII Pokémon revealed to the public on February 27, 2019, generating significant excitement within the Pokémon community. Despite its small stature at just 0.3 meters tall and weighing only 4.0 kilograms, Sobble possesses surprising defensive capabilities through its unique camouflage abilities and potent defensive mechanisms. The Pokémon's design philosophy emphasizes its cautious nature and vulnerability, contrasting sharply with its devastating defensive tactics when threatened.
Base Stats
Height
0.3m
Weight
4.0kg
Category
Water Lizard Pokémon
Gender
Male 87.5% / Female 12.5%
Color
blue
Shape
quadruped
Abilities
Strengthens water moves to inflict 1.5× damage at 1/3 max HP or less.
Strengthens critical hits to inflict 3× damage rather than 2×.
Sobble Biology & Physical Characteristics
Sobble is a small, lizard-like Pokémon with light-blue skin adorned with darker blue patches on its cheeks and the tip of its distinctively curled tail, complemented by a lighter blue belly and face. Its most striking features include a yellow fin perched atop its head, held in place by a dark blue spine, and white eyes with dark blue irises that convey its characteristically nervous expression. The Pokémon possesses thin, delicate limbs, each ending in two curved hands resembling those of a chameleon, specialized appendages that enable Sobble to adhere to and climb vertical surfaces with remarkable ease. Sobble demonstrates remarkable biological flexibility, capable of moving both as a quadruped and biped, utilizing its forelimbs as either legs or arms depending on the situation. Most remarkably, Sobble can alter the patterns and colors on its body when in contact with water, triggering a camouflage response that renders it nearly invisible to the naked eye, a defense mechanism tied directly to its nervous disposition and survival instincts.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Sobble Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Sobble exhibits a pronounced sexual dimorphism in terms of encounter rates, with an 87.5% probability of being male and only a 12.5% probability of being female in the wild and through standard breeding encounters. This significant skew toward male individuals reflects many Pokémon species patterns and affects the availability of female Sobble for breeding purposes, making female specimens somewhat more valuable to competitive breeders and collectors. Sobble belongs to both the Water 1 and Ground egg groups, granting it compatibility with a diverse array of breeding partners and enabling the transmission of various egg moves through careful selective breeding. The species has a base friendship value of 50, indicating a neutral starting relationship with its trainer that must be cultivated through positive interactions, experience, and care. With a hatch counter of 20 cycles and a medium-slow growth rate, Sobble requires moderate investment of time and effort to bring from egg to competitive readiness, balancing accessibility with the sense of achievement that accompanies raising a starter Pokémon from its earliest stages.
Sprites
TMs & HMs
tm01
ultra sun ultra moon
tm01
sun moon
tm03
ruby sapphire
tm03
platinum
tm03
firered leafgreen
tm03
heartgold soulsilver
tm03
diamond pearl
tm03
emerald
tm03
xd
tm03
colosseum
tm05
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm06
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm07
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm08
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm09
yellow
tm09
red blue
tm98
sun moon
hm03
ruby sapphire
hm03
platinum
hm03
omega ruby alpha sapphire
+328 more TMs/HMs
sobble's Evolution Chain
Sobble Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Sobble embarks on a three-stage evolutionary line characteristic of starter Pokémon, with its progression spanning from its initial form through two subsequent transformations. At level 16, Sobble evolves into Drizzile, its intermediate evolution that begins to display more sophisticated water manipulation abilities and increased confidence. The final evolution occurs at level 35, when Drizzile transforms into Inteleon, a sleek and elegant Water-type that represents the culmination of Sobble's journey from timid water lizard to confident and capable warrior. This evolutionary sequence mirrors the character arc of many starter Pokémon, transforming a hesitant beginner into a formidable competitive threat. The progression sees substantial increases in Special Attack and Speed stats, with Inteleon ultimately inheriting Sobble's high Special Attack of 70 while gaining significantly enhanced base stats across the board. This evolution line demonstrates the franchise's commitment to providing starter Pokémon with complete and satisfying developmental arcs that reward player investment and foster emotional attachment to their partners.
Where to Find
Location data not available for this Pokémon in the database.
Sobble Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Sobble is renowned for its exceptionally cautious and timid nature, characteristics that profoundly influence its behavioral patterns and interactions with other Pokémon and humans alike. When nervous or embarrassed, Sobble secretes water from its body similar to perspiration, using this moisture to disappear seamlessly into its surroundings as a passive defense mechanism. However, when genuinely threatened or frightened, Sobble abandons subtlety entirely and erupts into dramatic crying fits, spreading its tears throughout the surrounding area with devastating effect. These tears possess chemical properties equivalent to the pungency of one hundred onions, inducing uncontrollable weeping in anyone unfortunate enough to be exposed to them—a mechanism Sobble employs strategically to confuse attackers and create an opportunity for escape. Despite its emotional volatility, Sobble has been observed eating Berries, suggesting it inhabits areas with sufficient vegetation and moisture. The Pokémon's preference for water-rich environments aligns with both its Water-type classification and its camouflage abilities, which function optimally in aquatic settings where it can blend seamlessly with its surroundings.
Pokedex Entries
Generation VIII
When scared, this Pokémon cries. Its tears pack the chemical punch of 100 onions, and attackers won’t be able to resist weeping.
When it gets wet, its skin changes color, and this Pokémon becomes invisible as if it were camouflaged.
Sobble Name Origin & Design Inspiration
Sobble's name and design derive from a combination of sources reflecting its aquatic and reptilian nature. The English name "Sobble" appears to merge "sob" with "bubble," capturing both its tendency toward crying and its water-type association through a single phonetically appealing term. The Japanese name "Messon" similarly reflects these characteristics, combining elements suggestive of both water and emotion. Visually, Sobble draws substantial inspiration from chameleons, evident in its distinctive body structure, curled tail, and specialized climbing appendages with curved digits. The yellow fin on its head distinguishes it from a true chameleon while maintaining the reptilian aesthetic, providing a distinctly Pokémon-appropriate silhouette. The blue coloration scheme reflects its Water-type identity while the patterning on its cheeks and tail adds visual interest and personality to its diminutive frame. The design philosophy emphasizes vulnerability and timidity through the oversized, expressive eyes and overall proportions that evoke a sense of endearing fragility, making Sobble immediately sympathetic to players and viewers alike.
Learnable Moves
Sobble can learn 46 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| aqua jet | water | Physical | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| aqua ring | water | Status | — | — | 20 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| baton pass | normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| bind | normal | Physical | 15 | 85 | 20 |
| bounce | flying | Physical | 85 | 85 | 5 |
| chilling water | water | Special | 50 | 100 | 20 |
| dive | water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| fell stinger | bug | Physical | 50 | 100 | 25 |
| growl | normal | Status | — | 100 | 40 |
| haze | ice | Status | — | — | 30 |
| hydro pump | water | Special | 110 | 80 | 5 |
| ice shard | ice | Physical | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| light screen | psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| liquidation | water | Physical | 85 | 100 | 10 |
| mist | ice | Status | — | — | 30 |
| mud shot | ground | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| muddy water | water | Special | 90 | 85 | 10 |
| pound | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| reflect | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| safeguard | normal | Status | — | — | 25 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| soak | water | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sucker punch | dark | Physical | 70 | 100 | 5 |
| surf | water | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| swift | normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| tearful look | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| tera blast | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| u turn | bug | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| water gun | water | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| water pledge | water | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| water pulse | water | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| waterfall | water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| weather ball | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 10 |
| whirlpool | water | Special | 35 | 85 | 15 |
| work up | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
Sobble Competitive Battle Guide
Sobble's competitive viability stems from its respectable Special Attack base stat of 70 and matching Speed stat of 70, providing a foundation for offensive strategies despite its modest overall base stat total of 310. The species learns essential moves including Water Gun at level 6, Water Pulse at level 12, and Tearful Look, with access to broader movepool options through Technical Machines and breeding. Its ability Torrent, which increases the power of Water-type moves by 1.5 times when Sobble's health falls to one-third or lower, provides a potential comeback mechanism in close matches, though this requires careful health management and prediction. The hidden ability Sniper, meanwhile, increases critical hit damage from 2 times to 3 times, enabling burst damage strategies when combined with moves that possess elevated critical hit rates. However, Sobble's relatively low defensive stats—40 in both Defense and Special Defense—and fragile 50 HP base stat create significant vulnerability that severely limits its practical tournament applications. Most competitive players utilize Sobble's evolved forms, particularly Inteleon, which gains substantially higher stats and access to superior move pools, reserving base Sobble primarily for casual play, in-game progression, and Pokédex completion rather than serious competitive endeavors.
Commonly Asked Questions About Sobble
What type is Sobble?
Sobble is a water type Pokemon.
What does Sobble evolve into?
Sobble evolves into drizzile, then into inteleon.
What are Sobble's weaknesses?
Sobble is weak to grass and electric type moves.
Sobble Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Sobble achieved considerable cultural prominence as one of the first Generation VIII Pokémon revealed to the public, generating significant discussion and speculation within the fan community regarding the direction of the then-upcoming Sword and Shield generation. The species gained additional visibility through the Pokémon Journeys animated series, where Goh's Sobble became a major character that demonstrated the Pokémon's emotional depth and comedic potential through its dramatic crying fits and timid personality. This prominent anime appearance fostered deeper emotional connections with the species among viewers, particularly younger audiences encountering these characters for the first time. Sobble's design resonates with players who appreciate vulnerability and emotional complexity in Pokémon, standing apart from traditionally intimidating starter designs through its explicit emphasis on shyness and anxiety. The species has maintained consistent representation in Pokémon media, merchandise, and fan communities, with its distinctive appearance and memorable personality traits ensuring recognition and appreciation across diverse age groups. Social media communities frequently celebrate Sobble's endearing characteristics, spawning countless fan artworks, cosplays, and creative interpretations that extend its cultural footprint well beyond official Pokémon properties.
Where to Find Sobble in Every Pokémon Game
Sobble is obtainable as a starter Pokémon at the beginning of Pokémon Sword and Shield, available to all players who select it as their first partner during the initial game setup in the Galar region. Players who choose alternate starters can acquire Sobble through various post-game methods, including trading with other players or obtaining it through specific in-game events following progression through the main storyline. In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Sobble appears in the Pokédex as a transferable species but is not available through standard wild encounters or early-game methods, requiring players to either transfer it from earlier generations via Pokémon Home or obtain it through trades with other players. The species also appears in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, though specific encounter methods remain under development pending the game's full release. Event distributions have made Sobble available to players outside standard gameplay contexts, with special distributions occurring periodically to celebrate game anniversaries, generation milestones, or promotional events. The Pokédex local number 0007 in Sword and Shield and 0233 in the Indigo Disk DLC indicates its prominence in Galar's regional classification, cementing its status as a core component of these games' Pokémon rosters.