Best Rock Type Pokemon

Picking the best Rock type Pokemon means weighing a strong attack against a long list of weak spots. Rock type Pokemon hit Flying, Bug, Fire and Ice for double damage, but they take double damage from five types, Water and Grass among them.

That second number gives the type a reputation for slow, heavy Pokemon that a Water starter washes off the field. For players who stick with them, though, Rock types include a tyrant lizard from a monster movie and a lump of salt that heals its friends. (We also mostly sit still and hope things go well.)

This list ranks 15 of the 74 Rock type Pokemon by how many different players named each one as their favorite or best Rock type. Let's get into the countdown:

Best Rock Type Pokemon

#15

Rockruff

Rockruff appears to be based on the spitz dog breed, and it may also be based on the Japanese wolf, which is often associated with rocks and mountains. The fur with rocks around its neck may be based on a wolf collar. Given its introduction in Alola, it may also draw on the now extinct Hawaiian Poi Dog, a puppy that infants in one part of Hawaii were given at birth. Its Pokedex entry says it intimidates opponents by striking the ground with the rocks on its neck, and the moment an opponent flinches, it attacks. (A puppy with a plan. We have never had a plan.)

It evolves into Lycanroc at level 25, and it makes this list separately from Lycanroc at number three. Its base stat total of 280 is the lowest of the 15. Every Pokemon has an ability, a passive effect that works on its own in battle, and Rockruff's Keen Eye stops its accuracy from being lowered. Its hidden ability (a rarer ability some Pokemon can have), Steadfast, raises its Speed one stage whenever it flinches. Speed decides who attacks first in a turn, and a stage is one step up or down for a stat during a battle.

#14

Rhyperior

Rhyperior has a design that draws on a rhinoceros, the kaiju genre, dinosaurs such as Ankylosaurus, bullet-resistant body armor vests and cannon artillery. Its overall look also seems to allude to a miner with a mining drill, wrecking ball, safety vest and hard hat. Its Pokedex entry says it evolved through use of a curious item, and that its rocklike hide can withstand a blow from a masterwork sword with nary a scratch. (We bruise opening the mail.)

Rhydon evolves into it when traded while holding a Protector. Its Attack of 140 is second only to Rampardos on this list, and its Defense is 130. Its ability Solid Rock cuts the damage it takes from super effective moves by a quarter, and its other ability, Lightning Rod, pulls single-target Electric moves toward it and absorbs them. Its hidden ability, Reckless, makes recoil moves (moves that also hurt the user) 1.2× as strong.

#13

Cradily

Cradily is based on crinoids, also known as sea lilies, marine animals in the same phylum as starfish, sea urchins and sea cucumbers. Crinoid fossils are particularly abundant, which may have inspired its status as a Fossil Pokemon. Its tentacles may come from the sea anemone, its fake eyes are a type of animal mimicry, and its names and the placement of its tentacles suggest it may be inspired by a baby mobile. Its Pokedex entry says that once it catches prey in its tentacles, it digests them whole and absorbs their nutrients. (A crib toy with an appetite. We have notes for the nursery.)

Lileep evolves into it at level 40. Its Special Defense, which blunts special attacks, is 107, second only to Diancie on this list. Its ability, Suction Cups, stops other Pokemon's moves from forcing it out of battle. Its hidden ability, Storm Drain, pulls single-target Water moves toward it and absorbs them, raising its Special Attack one stage. Its Grass half also takes half damage from Water and Ground, which cancels two of the Rock type's weak spots.

#12

Rhydon

Rhydon has a name and appearance that suggest it is based on a rhinoceros, and it was also stated to have been created with a kaiju motif. Its design draws on dinosaurs such as ceratopsids, and its horn may be based on drills. Its Pokedex entry says it rapidly rotates its horn to bore through bedrock, and that it swaggers around volcanic regions, protected from the lava's heat by its armorlike hide. (Swaggering through lava. We hesitate at the shower.)

Rhyhorn evolves into it at level 42, and it evolves into Rhyperior when traded while holding a Protector. Its Attack is 130 and its Defense is 120. Its abilities are Lightning Rod and Rock Head, which protects it from recoil damage, and its hidden ability is Reckless.

It gets compared with Golem more than any other Pokemon here, and players split on which of the two was the better Rock type in the early games.

#11

Aerodactyl

Aerodactyl is based on pterosaurs, a group of prehistoric flying reptiles that are related to, but not classified as, dinosaurs. Its shape and head crest may come from pterodactyloids, while its long tail may come from rhamphorhynchids, and its pointed wings, spaded tail and robust jaws give it the look of a wyvern. Its category is Fossil Pokemon, and its Pokedex entry says its sawlike fangs can shred skin to tatters, even the skin of Steel type Pokemon. (Steel types included. Nobody is safe, least of all us.)

Its Speed of 130 is the highest on this list, and its Attack is 105. Its abilities are Rock Head and Pressure, which makes any move that targets it cost one extra PP (PP is how many times a move can be used). Its hidden ability, Unnerve, stops opposing Pokemon from eating their held Berries. Its Mega Evolution (a stronger form it takes for the rest of a battle) has a rock on its chin that resembles a goatee.

#10

Rampardos

Rampardos is based on Pachycephalosaurus, a dinosaur known for its very thick skull roof, which is believed to have been used for headbutting. Its large horns resemble those of juvenile Pachycephalosaurus, once considered separate species such as Stygimoloch and Dracorex. It also appears to be based on the unstoppable force, against its counterpart Bastiodon, the immovable object. Its Pokedex entry admits that very little is known about its biology, and says it can knock down massive trees by smashing its pearl-like crown against them. (Very little is known about our biology either. We prefer it that way.)

Cranidos evolves into it at level 30. Its Attack of 165 is the highest on this list, but its Defense is 60. Its ability, Mold Breaker, lets its moves ignore any ability on the target that would block them. Its hidden ability, Sheer Force, makes moves with extra effects 1.3× as strong but cancels those extra effects.

Onix

Onix may be a visual pun on a rock python or an earthworm, and its great size could have been inspired by the Mongolian death worm. It can learn Dragon Breath naturally, which hints at an origin as some kind of limbless dragon like the Lindworm. Its lifestyle, living underground and swallowing soil while tunneling, is much closer to an earthworm's than a snake's. Its Pokedex entry says this chain of immense stones burrows deep beneath the ground, feeding on boulders as it goes. (Boulders for dinner. We had cereal over the sink.)

At 8.8 m, it is the tallest Pokemon on this list. Its Defense is 160, while its HP is 35. It evolves into Steelix when traded while holding a Metal Coat. Its abilities are Rock Head and Sturdy, which leaves it with 1 HP when a hit would knock it out from full HP. Its hidden ability, Weak Armor, raises its Speed and lowers its Defense by one stage each when a physical move hits it.

Garganacl

Garganacl is based on rock salt crystals and the sedimentary layers of bedrock, with the layered pattern of strata on its arms and legs. Its build may be based on Hebrew golems, given its role as a gentle earth-based creature, and its glowing eyes may come from Himalayan salt lamps. Its cry is a grunted version of three notes from the Pokemon Center tune, which may refer to its ability to heal injured Pokemon with its salt. Its Pokedex entry says many Pokemon gather around it, hoping to lick at its mineral-rich salt. (Popular for the wrong reasons. We know the feeling.)

Naclstack evolves into it at level 38. Its HP is 100 and its Defense is 130. Its ability Purifying Salt protects it from status conditions and halves the damage it takes from Ghost moves, and Sturdy is its other ability. Its hidden ability, Clear Body, stops other Pokemon from lowering its stats.

It gets called the best Rock type in Paldea, and one player picks it for being "as salty as me when I lose".

Diancie

Diancie could be based on the carbuncle, a mythical fairy-like creature that was rumored to have a jewel embedded on its forehead. It could also be a visual pun on a princess cut diamond, given its princess-like appearance, although the diamond on its forehead resembles a brilliant cut. Its pink coloring and its status as a rare mutation of Carbink may refer to pink diamonds, since it is unknown how those acquire their color. Its Pokedex entry says it can instantly create many diamonds by compressing the carbon in the air between its hands. (We compress things too. Mostly feelings, and nobody pays us for them.)

It is the only mythical Pokemon on this list. Its Defense and Special Defense are both 150, and its base stat total of 600 ties Tyranitar for the highest of the 15. Its one ability, Clear Body, stops other Pokemon from lowering its stats, and it has no hidden ability. Its Fairy half takes half damage from Fighting, which cancels one of the Rock type's weak spots.

Golem

Golem, as the name suggests, may be based on a golem, specifically the stone ogre-like creatures of role-playing games. It could also have been inspired by the tsuchikorobi, a Japanese yōkai known as the tumbling monster for its habit of rolling over travelers and crushing them. It might also be based on tortoises, which many myths say hold the world on their backs, and its shell may represent the tectonic plates of Earth. Its Pokedex entry says it sheds its rocklike shell each year, and the cast-off shell crumbles into soil that can be spread across fields to promote crop growth. (Even its dead skin is useful. Ours goes in the vacuum.)

Graveler evolves into it when traded. It weighs 300 kg, with an Attack of 120 and a Defense of 130. Its abilities are Rock Head and Sturdy, and its hidden ability, Sand Veil, makes it harder to hit in a sandstorm.

Several players call it the best Rock type outright.

Gigalith

Gigalith appears to be based on a crystal formation and an elemental creature, specifically a being of earth. Its name may combine the Greek words for giant and stone, and it may also refer to a megalith or monolith. It is a popular partner for construction workers and miners, and in Galar it works with Copperajah on construction sites and in mines. Its Pokedex entry says its energy blasts can blow away a dump truck, but they can only be fired when the sun is out. (Solar powered and union protected. We are neither.)

Boldore evolves into it when traded. Its Speed of 25 is the lowest on this list, and its Attack is 135. Sand Stream, one of its abilities, summons a sandstorm the moment it enters battle, and Sturdy is the other. Its hidden ability, Sand Force, makes its Rock, Ground and Steel moves 1.3× as strong during a sandstorm.

Much of its support comes from its Shiny form (a rare alternate-color version of a Pokemon), which for some players was the first Shiny they ever found.

Aggron

Aggron may be based on the Pulgasari, a monster that eats iron in Korean legend, and its draconic appearance may come from the film adaptation of that legend. It also draws on the kaiju genre, a Triceratops and various theropods. As its category, Iron Armor Pokemon, suggests, it may be inspired by plate armor, and its head resembles a knight's or a gladiator's helmet. Its Pokedex entry says that long ago, a king wore a helmet meant to resemble the head of an Aggron, trying to channel its strength. (We wear a hat to channel nothing. It is cold out.)

Lairon evolves into it at level 42. Its Defense of 180 is the highest on this list, and at 360 kg it is also the heaviest. Its abilities are Sturdy and Rock Head, and its hidden ability, Heavy Metal, doubles its weight. Its Steel half takes double damage from Fighting and Ground too, so those two hit it for four times the damage.

Lycanroc

Lycanroc shares traits with the extinct Japanese and Hokkaido wolves, and its Rock type seems to reference the link in Japan between mountains and wolves, which are also called yamainu (mountain dog). Its Midday and Dusk Forms appear to be based on a wolf, while its Midnight Form appears to be based on a werewolf. The split between Midday and Midnight may reference the okuri-inu, a mountain wolf creature that could take either a protective approach or an aggressive one. Its Pokedex entry says its fangs are always aimed toward opponents' weak spots. (We are also always aimed at a weak spot. Ours is the snack drawer.)

Rockruff evolves into it at level 25, and the time of day decides the form. Its Speed is 112 and its Attack is 115. Its abilities are Keen Eye and Sand Rush, which doubles its Speed during a sandstorm, and its hidden ability is Steadfast.

Players split their votes across all three forms, and Dusk Form comes up most often.

Tyrantrum

Tyrantrum is based on the genus Tyrannosaurus, and it shares some characteristics, such as the orange facial crest, with members of the Carnosauria clade. The royalty theme in its line is likely a reference to the name Tyrannosaurus rex, since "Tyranno-" comes from the Ancient Greek word for tyrant and "rex" is Latin for king. Its Dragon type likely references the perceived similarities between dinosaurs and dragons, and the Japanese word for dinosaur, kyōryū, means fearsome dragon. Its Pokedex entry says a single bite of its massive jaws will demolish a car. (A royal who eats cars. We have read worse tabloids.)

Tyrunt evolves into it at level 39 during the day, and its category is Despot Pokemon. Its Attack is 121 and its Defense is 119. Its ability, Strong Jaw, makes biting moves 1.5× as strong, and its hidden ability is Rock Head.

It gets called the best Rock type outright more than once.

Tyranitar

Tyranitar may have drawn inspiration from the kaiju genre, and its upright posture may allude to how most kaiju are humanoid in shape, due to the need to fit a person inside the suit. Its Mega Evolution's back splitting open and green coloration may be based on an insect emerging from its cocoon, and it may also take from the armadillo girdled lizard or certain theropod dinosaurs. Its Pokedex entry says the quakes caused when it walks make even great mountains crumble. (We make the floorboards creak. Same energy, smaller mountain.)

Pupitar evolves into it at level 55, the highest evolution level on this list. Its base stat total of 600 ties Diancie for the highest of the 15, with an Attack of 134 and a Special Defense of 100. Its ability, Sand Stream, summons a sandstorm the moment it enters battle, and its hidden ability is Unnerve.

More players named it as their favorite Rock type than any other, and several of them like it in spite of the weak spots.

Conclusion

Rock type Pokemon take double damage from Fighting, Ground, Steel, Water and Grass attacks, and most of this list does not try to dodge them. Ten of the 15 have a Defense of 110 or higher, led by Aggron at 180, and they take the hit instead. Four entries, Onix, Golem, Rhydon and Rhyperior, add a Ground half that doubles the Water and Grass damage again.

The other pattern is in the designs. Tyranitar, Aggron, Rhydon and Rhyperior all draw on kaiju films, which makes this list part rock collection and part monster movie. (We relate most to Rockruff. Small, loud, still on the list.)

If your favorite didn't make it, the full list of Rock type Pokemon has all 74, and the type chart shows what each pairing covers.

Rock Type Pokemon FAQ

What is the best Rock type Pokemon?

Tyranitar. More players name it as their favorite Rock type than any other.

How many Rock type Pokemon are there?

There are 74 Rock type Pokemon in the National Pokedex.

Is Aggron a Steel type?

Yes. Aggron is a Steel and Rock type, and its Defense of 180 is the highest on this list.

Best Rock Type Pokemon

Best Rock Type Pokemon

Rockruff

Rhyperior

Cradily

Rhydon

Aerodactyl

Rampardos

Onix

Garganacl

Diancie

Golem

Gigalith

Aggron

Lycanroc

Tyrantrum

Tyranitar

Conclusion

Rock Type Pokemon FAQ

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Best Water Type Pokemon

Best Bug Type Pokemon

Best Dark Type Pokemon

Best Dragon Type Pokemon

Best Electric Type Pokemon