Competitive Information for Claydol [Sword/Shield]
Ground / Psychic
Abilities:
Note: Pokemon with the Levitate ability are immune to Ground attacks.
Movesets for Singles
What is a good competitive moveset for Claydol? These builds have been optimized for Pokemon competing in Sword/Shield Single Battles. The movesets and EVs have been specifically calibrated to deal the most amount of damage to the largest group of potentially common opponents and typing threats for the Sword/Shield generation metagame.
IncineroarTapu FiniGuzzlordWhimsicottCharizardMetagrossIndeedee-FHattereneArticuno-GalarTapu Lele
Claydol is pretty popular Ground and Psychic-typed Pokemon. Claydol is a pretty regular Pokemon to see in Generation 8. Claydol is weak to Bug, Dark, Ghost, Grass, Ice, and Water-typed attacks.
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
Special Wall Claydol (Popular/Trending)
Claydol is popular Special Wall for single battles. The purpose 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 33% 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/is10a158
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
Physical Sweeper Claydol (Levitate)
Claydol is an extraordinary Physical Sweeper for single battles. It is meant to take down the opponent's team with brute 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 large 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/is11a158
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
Special Sweeper Claydol (Levitate)
Claydol is a fabulous Special Sweeper for single battles. This moveset is designed to take down the opponent's team with high-damaging special attacks. 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/is12a158
Item: Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
Nature: Quiet (+SpA, -Spe)
EVs: 210 Hp / 56 Def / 244 SpA
Moveset:
- Earth Power
- Power Trick
- Psychic
- Ice Beam
Claydol Special Tank (Cosmic Clay)
Claydol is an outstanding Special Tank for single battles. This moveset is designed to take a decent amount of hits from special attacks while dealing some decent damage. Leftovers are always a great recovery option to ensure Claydol last longer regaining it's stamina 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/is13a158
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 Special Tank (Tootsie Pops )
Claydol is a notable Special Tank for single battles. It's primary goal is to take a considerable amount of hits from special attacks while dealing some decent damage. Leftovers are always a great recovery option to ensure Claydol last longer regaining it's healthiness 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/is14a158
Movesets for Doubles
What is a good doubles moveset for Claydol? These builds have been optimized for Sword/Shield Double Battles. They have movesets and EVs specifically calibrated to generally work best versus multiple Pokemon at once as well as helping to support other team members and allys in the Sword/Shield generation metagame.
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
Doubles Physical Sweeper Claydol (Levitate)
Claydol is an awesome Physical Sweeper for double battles. It's primary goal is to take down the opponent's team with brute physical power. 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/id10a158
Item: Life Orb / Choice Specs
Ability: Levitate
Nature: Modest (+SpA, -Atk)
EVs: 4 Hp / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
IVs: 0 Atk
Moveset:
- Dazzling Gleam
- Psychic / Expanding Force
- Earth Power / Scorching Sands
- Ice Beam
Doubles Special Sweeper Claydol (Levitate)
Claydol is a pretty decent Special Sweeper for double battles. It's primary goal is to take down the opponent's team with high-damaging special attacks. 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.
◆ 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).
◆ 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).
Link (click to copy):
https://hohoushome.com/b/id11a158
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
Defensive Trick Room Claydol (Levitate)
Claydol is a decent Defensive Trick Room 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 large 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/id12a158
Movepool
Wondering what moves can Claydol learn? Here is the list of moves this Pokemon can learn in this selected generation.
Sort and organize the learnset by move type, category, accuracy, and power. Bolded moves will gain the same-type attack bonus (STAB) if this Pokemon uses them.
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 + Harden
- Moves: Body Press + Cosmic Power
- Moves: Body Press + Iron Defense
- Move: Swagger + Item: Mirror Herb
- Move: Facade + Item: Flame Orb
- Move: Facade + Item: Toxic Orb
- Moves with Priority: Endure, Protect, Magic Coat, Ally Switch
- Moves that inflict status (and combo with the move Hex): Toxic, Scorching Sands
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 EV spread for Pokemon Sword and Shield
Related Videos
Here are various how-to-use and competitive moveset analysis video guides for Claydol in Sword/Shield. These featured videos will most likely contain additional strategies and combos not listed on our site. Disclaimer: All videos belong to their respective owners along with the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the videos. They belong solely to the author and not to us.
We currently do not have any competitive video guides for Claydol in Sword/Shield
Want to have your Competitive Pokemon videos sponsored on our site? Contact us!
Some builds on this page have been hidden, click here to display them
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