Nearly all new generations of thePokemongames introduce a variety of new Rock-types to the franchise.Pokemon Scarlet & Violetwas no exception, introducing seven new cave-dwelling, mountain-roaming Rock-types for trainers to catch. Oftentimes, rock-typePokemonget overlooked by trainers simply because their of their weaknesses to powerful types likeGround and Steel-type Pokemon. But that doesn’t take away from the strength of sturdy Rock-types alone.
Of the seven new Rock-type Pokemon,only three have dual typings.This means that the majority of the Generation 9 Rock-type Pokemon fall victim to the the super-effective weaknesses of that specific typing. Despite their weaknesses, many of the new Rock-type Pokemon have become quickly loved by those that have picked upPokemon Scarlet & Violet.
7Nacli
One of the first Rock-type Pokemon that playersencounter inPokemon Scarlet & Violetis the adorable salt rock, Nacli. This tiny rock creature can be found in most areas of the game very early on, making Nacli a consistent presence among all the wild Pokemon. Its design isn’t dissimilar to other first-stage Rock-type Pokemon like Roggenrola or Geodude, but Nacli’s unique design based on rock salt sets it apart from other Rock-types.
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Unfortunately, since Nacli is a first-stage evolution, it isn’t the most powerful Pokemon in battle. Its defense is above average, as is the case for most Rock-types, but its speed, special attack, and special defense are lacking. Of course, it gets better as it evolves.
6Naclstack
At level 24, Nacli evolves into Naclstack. Much like Nacli, Naclstack is also extremely common of a Pokemon to find in the wild, as it’s discoverable in most areas further into the game. Naclstack’s and its evolutionary relatives are the only three that can learn the underrated but powerful attack, Salt Cure.
As a second-stage evolution, Naclstack’s stats are far better than its first-stage form. Naclstack’sDefense remains incredibly high, but its Special Defense also rises to be its second-highest stat.
5Glimmet
Glimmet is an interesting dual Rock/Poison-type that was introduced inPokemon Scarlet & Violet.This tiny crystalline, floral-like Pokemon has one of the more unique designs of all the Pokemon introduced in Generation 9. Since it is a Rock/Poison-type, it has one fewer weakness than pure Rock-type Pokemon. Glimmet is weak to Ground, Steel, Water, and Psychic-type moves.
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For a first-stage evolution, Glimmet’s stats are surprisingly high. Its Special Attack is off the charts, being significantly higher than any of its other stats. Its Special Defense and Speed are decent as well, making Glimmet a Pokemon that can hold its own in a fight despite being a first-stage evolution.
4Klawf
Many players will first encounter Klawf extremely early in their playthrough ofPokemon Scarlet & Violet,as the Klawf, the Stony Cliff Titan, is the first titan Pokemon that most players will seek to defeat. Although Klawf can only be found in the third area of South Province, it’s certainly a unique addition to any team.
Klawf isn’t known to evolve, so its stats are balanced and powerful from the get-go. Like many other Rock-types, its Defense is its best stat, but its Attack, Speed, and HP are above average as well.
3Garganacl
When Naclstack reaches level 38, it evolves into its final evolution, Garganacl. This giant, titan-like Pokemon has an extremely charming design. Garganacl looks like something akin to anIron Golem fromMinecraft,powerful and a force to be reckoned with, but a gentle giant at the end of the day. Unlike its two previous pre-evolutions, Garganacl cannot be found commonly in the wild, as it only spawns in the Great Crater of Paldea.
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As a final-stage evolution, Garganacl’s Defense, Special Defense, Attack, and HP are all extremely high. While its low Speed and Special Attack leave room for more to be desired, Garganacl is the right choice for any trainer lacking a sturdy, defensive Pokemon.
2Glimmora
When Glimmet reaches level 35, it evolves into its final-stage evolution, Glimmora. This Rock/Poison-type Pokemon is the only one capable of learning Mortal Spin. Glimmet can’t learn this move; it needs to have evolved into Glimmora to learn Mortal Spin.
Glimmet’s stats were already abnormally high for a first-stage evolution, so naturally Glimmora has equally high stats as the final-stage evolution. Glimmora’s Special Attack is still the stat it excels most in. But its other stats, including Defense, Speed, Special Defense, and HP stats are all balanced compared to Glimmora’s incredibly high Special Attack. This Pokemon is a worthy addition to any team, especially considering how all around powerful Glimmora can be.
1Iron Thorns
Iron Thorns is a Rock/Electric-type exclusive toPokemon Violet.The robotic, dinosaur-like creature resembles the Generation 2 Pokemon Tyranitar, with itsPokedex entry statingthat Iron Thorns is a Tyranitar one billion years into the future, explaining its futuristic look.
Iron Thorns is extremely powerful, much like the other Paradox Pokemon such as Iron Bundle and Great Tusk. Its stats are all high and extremely balanced, though it particularly excels in Defense, Attack, and HP. Iron Thorns is the right choice for any team that’s lacking a strong Rock-type that can take hits, attack first, and defend itself.
