Barbaracle — Abilities, Weaknesses & Best Builds
"Barbaracle is a bulky attacker built around physical attacks (105 Attack). It can take hits and hit back, and it's commonly used because its rock/water typing resists 5 attack types but you'll need to play around 4 weaknesses."
✅ Strong against
Resisted or immune to these attack types
⚠️ Watch out for
These attack types deal extra damage
How to actually play it
- 1
Barbaracle can come in on resisted hits — use it as a pivot, not a sweeper.
- 2
Trade hits patiently. You don't need to win every interaction immediately.
- 3
Save it for when its teammates need a safety net.
What new players get wrong
- ✕
Switching Barbaracle into grass and electric attacks — it's a fast way to lose half your team's plan.
- ✕
Trying to outspeed faster threats. Pair it with a slow pivot or speed control instead.
- ✕
Expecting it to OHKO things — its job is usually role compression, not raw damage.
Why we rate Barbaracle the way we do
- Dual typing — more weaknesses to track
- Multiple abilities to choose between
Base Stats
Total: 500Use EVs to amplify the highest two — that's usually where this Pokémon's job lives.
Mega Evolutions
Barbaracle transforms mid-battle when holding the right Mega Stone. Each form has its own stats, typing and ability.
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| Move | Type | Cat | Pwr | Acc | PP | How |
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Where Barbaracle shows up
#51
Usage ~4% · Win rate ~53.73%
#119
Usage ~1.8% · Win rate ~52.02%
Barbaracle FAQ
- What are Barbaracle's abilities in Pokémon Champions?
- Barbaracle can run tough-claws, sniper, pickpocket. The competitive default is usually tough-claws — see the abilities section above for the trade-offs.
- What is Barbaracle weak to in Pokémon Champions?
- Barbaracle takes extra damage from grass, electric, fighting, ground. The full weakness breakdown is in the Weaknesses section, including any 4× type matchups.
- What is the best moveset for Barbaracle?
- The best moveset for Barbaracle depends on whether you're running it in Singles or Doubles. The Best Moveset section above lists the standard competitive set used at the top of the Pokémon Champions ladder.
- What counters Barbaracle in Pokémon Champions?
- The most reliable counters to Barbaracle are Pokémon with strong grass, electric, fighting, ground attacks that outspeed it. See the Best Counters section for specific picks.
- Is Barbaracle good in the current Pokémon Champions meta?
- Barbaracle's usage and win rate in M-B Singles and Doubles are shown in the Format Snapshot section. Cross-reference with the Champions Lab tier list for full context.