Competitive Information for Claydol [Sword/Shield]
Ground / Psychic
Abilities:
This Pokemon is immune to Ground; Gravity/Ingrain/Smack Down/Iron Ball nullify it.
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Note: Pokemon with the Levitate ability are immune to Ground attacks.
Movesets for Singles
Looking for a competitive moveset for Claydol? These builds are optimized for Sword/Shield Single Battles. The movesets and EVs are designed to maximize damage against common opponents and threats in the Sword/Shield metagame. Check out the expert movesets below to boost your battle performance and dominate your opponents!
IncineroarTapu FiniGuzzlordWhimsicottCharizardMetagrossIndeedee-FHattereneArticuno-GalarTapu Lele
Meet Claydol, an extraordinary Pokémon ready to dominate with its Ground and Psychic typing! It's a sight to see Claydol out in the 8th generation battlefield. It is weak to Bug, Dark, Ghost, Grass, Ice, and Water-typed attacks. Explore the movesets of Claydol below to understand its battle capabilities.
Item: Aguav Berry
Ability: Levitate
Nature: Sassy (+SpD, -Spe)
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Moveset:
- Ice Beam
- Scorching Sands
- Ally Switch
- Trick Room
Claydol shows a superior Special Wall prowess in single battles. The objective of this moveset is to take a considerable amount of hits from special attacks while dealing some decent damage. With Levitate, Claydol is immune to damaging Ground-typed moves (except Thousand Arrows). Levitate also makes Claydol unaffected by the effects of Spikes, Arena Trap, Toxic Spikes, Sticky Web, Rototiller or terrain effects. Keep in mind that Ingrain, Gravity, Smack down and the Iron ball item will nullify Levitate's effect. With a Aguav Berry equipped to it, restores 1/3 max hp at 1/4 max hp or less; confuses if -spd nature then the Aguav Berry gets consumed.
◆ Scorching Sands is a special STAB-boosted 70-base power Ground-type move (30% chance to burn the target. Thaws target).
◆ Ally Switch is a status move (your Claydol swaps positions with its ally).
◆ Trick Room is a status move (goes last. For 5 turns, turn order is reversed).
Link (click to copy):
https://hohoushome.com/b/maa158
Item: Shell Bell / Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
Nature: Adamant (+Atk, -SpA)
EVs: 4 Hp / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Moveset:
- Earthquake / Drill Run
- Double-Edge / Strength
- Zen Headbutt
- Body Press / Rock Smash
Claydol stands out as a phenomenal Physical Sweeper in single battles. This moveset design focuses to take down the opponent's team with forceful physical power. Life Orb boosts the power of Claydol's damaging moves by 1.3x but it then loses 1/10 its max HP immediately after the attack. The Shell Bell item option is to help Claydol recover from the recoil damage it may take from Double-Edge. With Levitate, Claydol is immune to damaging Ground-typed moves (except Thousand Arrows). Levitate also makes Claydol unaffected by the effects of Spikes, Arena Trap, Toxic Spikes, Sticky Web, Rototiller or terrain effects. Keep in mind that Ingrain, Gravity, Smack down and the Iron ball item will nullify Levitate's effect.
◆ Drill Run is a physical STAB-boosted 80-base power Ground-type move (high critical hit ratio).
◆ Double-Edge is a physical 120-base power Normal-type move (has 33% recoil).
◆ Strength is a physical 80-base power Normal-type move that deals a decent amount of damage.
◆ Zen Headbutt is a physical STAB-boosted 80-base power Psychic-type move (20% chance to make the target flinch).
◆ Body Press is a physical 80-base power Fighting-type move (uses Claydol's defense stat as attack in damage calculation).
◆ Rock Smash is a physical 40-base power Fighting-type move (50% chance to lower the target's defense by 1 stage).
Link (click to copy):
https://hohoushome.com/b/mba158
Item: Life Orb / Choice Specs
Ability: Levitate
Nature: Modest (+SpA, -Atk)
EVs: 4 Hp / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
IVs: 0 Atk
Moveset:
- Psychic / Expanding Force
- Earth Power / Scorching Sands
- Ice Beam
- Dazzling Gleam
Ready for single battles? Claydol is a top-notch Special Sweeper. This technique aims to overwhelm foes with overwhelming special moves. Choice Specs will increase the damage of Claydol's special moves by 1.5x but will lock you into the first move you pick. Life Orb boosts the power of Claydol's damaging moves by 1.3x but it then loses 1/10 its max HP immediately after the attack. With Levitate, Claydol is immune to damaging Ground-typed moves (except Thousand Arrows). Levitate also makes Claydol unaffected by the effects of Spikes, Arena Trap, Toxic Spikes, Sticky Web, Rototiller or terrain effects. Keep in mind that Ingrain, Gravity, Smack down and the Iron ball item will nullify Levitate's effect.
◆ Expanding Force is a special STAB-boosted 80-base power Psychic-type move (Claydol on psychic terrain: 1.5x power, hits foes).
◆ Earth Power is a special STAB-boosted 90-base power Ground-type move (10% chance to lower the target's special defense by 1 stage).
◆ Scorching Sands is a special STAB-boosted 70-base power Ground-type move (30% chance to burn the target. Thaws target).
◆ Ice Beam is a special 90-base power Ice-type move (10% chance to freeze the target).
◆ Dazzling Gleam is a special 80-base power Fairy-type move (no additional effect. Hits adjacent foes).
Link (click to copy):
https://hohoushome.com/b/mca158
Item: Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
Nature: Quiet (+SpA, -Spe)
EVs: 210 Hp / 56 Def / 244 SpA
Moveset:
- Earth Power
- Power Trick
- Psychic
- Ice Beam
Claydol excels as an exquisite Special Tank during single battles. This approach seeks to handle special hits and respond with decent damage. Leftovers are always a great recovery option to ensure Claydol last longer regaining it's health points every turn. With Levitate, Claydol is immune to damaging Ground-typed moves (except Thousand Arrows). Levitate also makes Claydol unaffected by the effects of Spikes, Arena Trap, Toxic Spikes, Sticky Web, Rototiller or terrain effects. Keep in mind that Ingrain, Gravity, Smack down and the Iron ball item will nullify Levitate's effect.
◆ Power Trick is a status move (switches Claydol's attack and defense stats).
◆ Psychic is a special STAB-boosted 90-base power Psychic-type move (10% chance to lower the target's special defense by 1 stage).
◆ Ice Beam is a special 90-base power Ice-type move (10% chance to freeze the target).
Link (click to copy):
https://hohoushome.com/b/mda158
Item: Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
Nature: Bold (+Def, -Atk)
EVs: 252 Hp / 52 Def / 176 SpA / 28 SpD
Moveset:
- Earth Power
- Cosmic Power
- Psychic
- Toxic
Claydol is an outstanding Special Tank to use for single battles. This moveset is formulated to handle special hits and respond with decent damage. Leftovers are always a great recovery option to ensure Claydol last longer regaining it's health points every turn. With Levitate, Claydol is immune to damaging Ground-typed moves (except Thousand Arrows). Levitate also makes Claydol unaffected by the effects of Spikes, Arena Trap, Toxic Spikes, Sticky Web, Rototiller or terrain effects. Keep in mind that Ingrain, Gravity, Smack down and the Iron ball item will nullify Levitate's effect.
◆ Cosmic Power is a status move (raises your Claydol's defense and special defense by 1 stage).
◆ Psychic is a special STAB-boosted 90-base power Psychic-type move (10% chance to lower the target's special defense by 1 stage).
◆ Toxic is a status move (badly poisons the target; Note: Poison types can't miss with Toxic).
Link (click to copy):
https://hohoushome.com/b/mea158
Movesets for Doubles
Need a strong doubles moveset for Claydol? These builds are perfect for VGC (Pokémon Video Game Championship) and other competitive Sword/Shield Double Battles. The VGC is the ultimate test of strategy and skill, and these movesets and EVs are designed to excel against multiple opponents at once while providing essential support to your team. Dominate the Sword/Shield metagame with these expert-crafted setups!
IncineroarTapu FiniGuzzlordWhimsicottCharizardMetagrossIndeedee-FHattereneArticuno-GalarTapu Lele
Item: Life Orb / Choice Band
Ability: Levitate
Nature: Adamant (+Atk, -SpA)
EVs: 4 Hp / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Moveset:
- Earthquake / Drill Run
- Rock Slide / Rock Tomb
- Body Press / Double-Edge
- Zen Headbutt
Claydol shows a phenomenal Physical Sweeper prowess in double battles. It's designed to overwhelm foes with destructive physical moves. Choice Band will increase the damage of Claydol's physical moves by 1.5x at the cost of locking you into the first move you pick. Life Orb boosts the power of Claydol's damaging moves by 1.3x but it then loses 1/10 its max HP immediately after the attack. With Levitate, Claydol is immune to damaging Ground-typed moves (except Thousand Arrows). Levitate also makes Claydol unaffected by the effects of Spikes, Arena Trap, Toxic Spikes, Sticky Web, Rototiller or terrain effects. Keep in mind that Ingrain, Gravity, Smack down and the Iron ball item will nullify Levitate's effect. Body Press was added to provide additional threat coverage.
◆ Drill Run is a physical STAB-boosted 80-base power Ground-type move (high critical hit ratio).
◆ Rock Slide is a physical 75-base power Rock-type move (30% chance to make the foes flinch).
◆ Rock Tomb is a physical 60-base power Rock-type move (100% chance to lower the target's speed by 1 stage).
◆ Body Press is a physical 80-base power Fighting-type move (uses Claydol's defense stat as attack in damage calculation).
◆ Double-Edge is a physical 120-base power Normal-type move (has 33% recoil).
◆ Zen Headbutt is a physical STAB-boosted 80-base power Psychic-type move (20% chance to make the target flinch).
Link (click to copy):
https://hohoushome.com/b/naa158
Item: Life Orb / Choice Specs
Ability: Levitate
Nature: Modest (+SpA, -Atk)
EVs: 4 Hp / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
IVs: 0 Atk
Moveset:
- Dazzling Gleam
- Earth Power / Scorching Sands
- Psychic / Expanding Force
- Ice Beam
Claydol excels as an exquisite Special Sweeper during double battles. This moveset was created to take down the opponent's team with potent special moves. Choice Specs will increase the damage of Claydol's special moves by 1.5x but will lock you into the first move you pick. Life Orb boosts the power of Claydol's damaging moves by 1.3x but it then loses 1/10 its max HP immediately after the attack. With Levitate, Claydol is immune to damaging Ground-typed moves (except Thousand Arrows). Levitate also makes Claydol unaffected by the effects of Spikes, Arena Trap, Toxic Spikes, Sticky Web, Rototiller or terrain effects. Keep in mind that Ingrain, Gravity, Smack down and the Iron ball item will nullify Levitate's effect.
◆ Earth Power is a special STAB-boosted 90-base power Ground-type move (10% chance to lower the target's special defense by 1 stage).
◆ Scorching Sands is a special STAB-boosted 70-base power Ground-type move (30% chance to burn the target. Thaws target).
◆ Psychic is a special STAB-boosted 90-base power Psychic-type move (10% chance to lower the target's special defense by 1 stage).
◆ Expanding Force is a special STAB-boosted 80-base power Psychic-type move (Claydol on psychic terrain: 1.5x power, hits foes).
◆ Ice Beam is a special 90-base power Ice-type move (10% chance to freeze the target).
Link (click to copy):
https://hohoushome.com/b/nba158
Item: Shell Bell
Ability: Levitate
Nature: Relaxed (+Def, -Spe)
EVs: 252 Hp / 188 Def / 68 SpD
Moveset:
- Earthquake / Drill Run
- Double-Edge / Strength
- Zen Headbutt
- Trick Room
Claydol thrives as a brilliant Defensive Trick Roomer perfect for single battles. The Shell Bell item is to help Claydol recover from the recoil damage it may take from Double-Edge. With Levitate, Claydol is immune to damaging Ground-typed moves (except Thousand Arrows). Levitate also makes Claydol unaffected by the effects of Spikes, Arena Trap, Toxic Spikes, Sticky Web, Rototiller or terrain effects. Keep in mind that Ingrain, Gravity, Smack down and the Iron ball item will nullify Levitate's effect.
◆ Drill Run is a physical STAB-boosted 80-base power Ground-type move (high critical hit ratio).
◆ Double-Edge is a physical 120-base power Normal-type move (has 33% recoil).
◆ Strength is a physical 80-base power Normal-type move that deals a hefty amount of damage.
◆ Zen Headbutt is a physical STAB-boosted 80-base power Psychic-type move (20% chance to make the target flinch).
◆ Trick Room is a status move (goes last. For 5 turns, turn order is reversed).
Link (click to copy):
https://hohoushome.com/b/nca158
Movepool
Want to know what moves Claydol can learn? Check out the full list of moves available in the Pokemon Sword/Shield generation.
Sort and organize the learnset by type, category, accuracy, and power. Moves in bold get the same-type attack bonus (STAB) when used by Claydol.
Damage Modifiers:
Combo List
These are a list of several common move combinations Claydol can perform in Sword/Shield. Not every combo going to be game-changing, but some can be pretty fun to play with. Sometimes these can be easily overlooked or forgotten, hence why we find and list them here. Discover what items, abilities, and moves this Pokemon can use in combination with each other to gain a strategic advantage in competitive battles.
Competitive SS Move and Ability Combos for Claydol
- Moves: Sunny day + Solar beam
- Moves: Mimic + Imprison
- Moves: Swagger + Psych up
- Moves: Rest + Sleep talk
- Moves: Rest + Snore
- Moves: Nasty plot + Stored power
- Moves: Stored power + Psych up
- Moves: Body Press + Cosmic Power
- Moves: Body Press + Harden
- Moves: Body Press + Iron Defense
- Move: Swagger + Item: Mirror Herb
- Move: Facade + Item: Flame Orb
- Move: Facade + Item: Toxic Orb
- Moves with Priority: Ally Switch, Endure, Magic Coat, Protect
- Moves that inflict status (and combo with the move Hex): Scorching Sands, Toxic
Moves that boost Claydol's stats
- Ancient Power
- Calm Mind
- Charge Beam
- Cosmic Power
- Harden
- Iron Defense
- Nasty Plot
- Rapid Spin
- Rock Polish
- Note:This Pokemon can also learn Stored Power.
Most notable and possible best moves for Claydol
- Ally Switch
- Earthquake
- Ice Beam
- Light Screen
- Protect
- Rapid Spin
- Reflect
- Rest
- Scorching Sands
- Stealth Rock
- Stored Power
- Teleport
- Toxic
- Trick Room
Common Effort Values for Claydol in Sword and Shield
- Relaxed Nature ( 252/0/172/0/84/0 )
- Bold Nature ( 252/0/172/0/84/0 )
- Optimize Claydol's Defensive EV-spread for Pokemon Sword and Shield
Usage Data
Explore the latest analytical usage data for this Pokémon from various VGC and online competitions. We use this data to develop our strategies and movesets. The data is categorized by competition and skill level: top-ranking trainers, mid-level players, and entry-level players.
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Here are the best movesets for Claydol. Top rated Claydol Sword/Shield movesets. You can find Claydol builds Sword/Shield. Claydol movesets Sword/Shield are listed here. VGC Claydol Competitive Movesets can be found here. Find various EV spreads, find the best nature for Claydol in Sword/Shield along with competitive movesets. Basic info and Movesets for evolution