Ekans (#0023) – Stats, Moves, Evolution & Competitive Sets

Base stats

HP3595–142180–274

Atk6058–123112–240

Def4444–10583–205

SpA4040–10176–196

SpD5453–116101–227

Spe5554–117103–229

Total288Higher than 12% of all Pokémon

Ranges: 0 IV/EV with a hindering nature to 31 IV/252 EV with a helpful nature. EV yield: 1 Atk.

Stat calculatorChampions Stat Points & Stat Alignment, or EVs, IVs & nature

Speed tiers

Speed at Lv 50 in Pokémon Champions (base 55). Scarf and Tailwind use the Max+ value.

Max+117Max107No SP75Min67Scarf175Tailwind234

At max Speed, Ekans outspeeds 11 of the 30 most used Pokémon in Champions VGC.

Others at their most common Speed investment in Champions VGC (Reg M-C · Doubles, Sep 2026); Pokémon holding a Mega Stone are shown as their Mega.

Type matchups

Weak to

Ground2×Psychic2×

Resists

Bug½×Fairy½×Fighting½×Grass½×Poison½×

Takes normal damage from 11 types

NormalFlyingRockGhostSteelFireWaterElectricIceDragonDark

Abilities

Intimidate
Lowers opponents' Attack one stage upon entering battle.
Shed Skin
Has a 33% chance of curing any major status ailment after each turn.
UnnerveHidden ability
Prevents opposing Pokémon from eating held Berries.

Competitive

SV SinglesLC

0.66% of teams · rank #60 · Singles, first stages at Lv 5 · 1630+ rating · 7,479 battles · Sep 2026

Most common build

Item: Eviolite
Ability: Shed Skin
Nature: Jolly
EVs: 76 HP / 196 Atk / 236 Spe
Tera Type: Grass

Gunk Shot
Coil
Sucker Punch
Seed Bomb

Each part is the most used on its own, so not every team runs this exact set.

Usage by rating

All players1.32%
Rated 1500+1.61%
Rated 1630+0.66%
Rated 1760+0.21%

Usage by month

Oct 20250.66%

Moves

Gunk Shot99.2%
Coil93.1%
Sucker Punch84.3%
Seed Bomb84.3%
Earthquake15%
Trailblaze8.5%
Glare7.2%
Knock Off6.8%
Toxic0.4%
Substitute0.4%

Items

Eviolite99.6%
Oran Berry0.4%
Black Glasses0%
Loaded Dice0%
Life Orb0%
Leftovers0%

Abilities

84.3%
15.7%

EV spreads

Jolly 76 HP / 196 Atk / 236 Spe84.3%
Jolly 196 Atk / 4 Def / 4 SpD / 236 Spe8.5%
Jolly 76 HP / 4 Def / 164 SpD / 236 Spe6.8%
Jolly 244 SpD / 236 Spe0.4%
Adamant 4 HP / 196 Atk / 236 Spe0%

Tera types

Grass92.8%
Dark6.8%
Poison0.4%
Flying0%

Common teammates

Quaxly83.5%
Trapinch80.6%
Greavard77.8%
Psyduck77.8%
Houndour77.8%
Vullaby9.3%
Mudbray8.5%
Mienfoo6.8%

Evolution

#0023EkansPoison
1. Level 22#0024ArbokPoison

Moves

Game Sort Type

Level up 17

1LeerLowers the target’s Defense by one stage.NormalStatus—100%30

1WrapPrevents the target from fleeing and inflicts damage for 2-5 turns.NormalPhys1590%20

4Poison StingHas a 30% chance to poison the target.PoisonPhys15100%35

9BiteHas a 30% chance to make the target flinch.DarkPhys60100%25

12GlareParalyzes the target.NormalStatus—100%30

17ScreechLowers the target’s Defense by two stages.NormalStatus—85%40

20AcidHas a 10% chance to lower the target’s Special Defense by one stage.PoisonSpec40100%30

25Spit UpPower is 100 times the amount of energy Stockpiled.NormalSpec—100%10

25StockpileStores energy up to three times for use with Spit Up and Swallow.NormalStatus——20

25SwallowRecovers 1/4 HP after one Stockpile, 1/2 HP after two Stockpiles, or full HP after three Stockpiles.NormalStatus——10

28Acid SprayLowers the target’s Special Defense by two stages.PoisonSpec40100%20

33Sludge BombHas a 30% chance to poison the target.PoisonSpec90100%10

36Gastro AcidNullifies target’s ability until it leaves battle.PoisonStatus—100%10

38BelchCan only be used after the user has eaten a berry.PoisonSpec12090%10

41HazeResets all Pokémon’s stats, accuracy, and evasion.IceStatus——30

44CoilRaises the user’s Attack, Defense, and accuracy by one stage each.PoisonStatus——20

49Gunk ShotHas a 30% chance to poison the target.PoisonPhys12080%5

TM / HM / TR 43

TM01Take DownUser receives 1/4 the damage it inflicts in recoil.NormalPhys9085%20

TM05Mud-SlapHas a 100% chance to lower the target’s accuracy by one stage.GroundSpec20100%10

TM06Scary FaceLowers the target’s Speed by two stages.NormalStatus—100%10

TM07ProtectPrevents any moves from hitting the user this turn.NormalStatus——10

TM08Fire FangHas a 10% chance to burn the target and a chance to make the target flinch.FirePhys6595%15

TM13Acid SprayLowers the target’s Special Defense by two stages.PoisonSpec40100%20

TM18ThiefTakes the target’s item.DarkPhys60100%25

TM20TrailblazeThe user attacks suddenly as if leaping out from tall grass. The user's nimble footwork boosts its Speed stat.GrassPhys50100%20

TM25FacadePower doubles if user is burned, paralyzed, or poisoned.NormalPhys70100%20

TM26Poison TailHas an increased chance for a critical hit and a 10% chance to poison the target.PoisonPhys50100%25

TM30SnarlHas a 100% chance to lower the target’s Special Attack by one stage.DarkSpec5595%15

TM35Mud ShotHas a 100% chance to lower the target’s Speed by one stage.GroundSpec5595%15

TM36Rock TombHas a 100% chance to lower the target’s Speed by one stage.RockPhys6095%15

TM45VenoshockInflicts double damage if the target is Poisoned.PoisonSpec65100%10

TM47EndurePrevents the user’s HP from lowering below 1 this turn.NormalStatus——10

TM49Sunny DayChanges the weather to sunny for five turns.FireStatus——5

TM50Rain DanceChanges the weather to rain for five turns.WaterStatus——5

TM55DigUser digs underground, dodging all attacks, and hits next turn.GroundPhys80100%10

TM63Psychic FangsDestroys Reflect and Light Screen.PsychicPhys85100%10

TM70Sleep TalkRandomly uses one of the user’s other three moves. Only works if the user is sleeping.NormalStatus——10

TM71Seed BombInflicts regular damage with no additional effect.GrassPhys80100%15

TM83Poison JabHas a 30% chance to poison the target.PoisonPhys80100%20

TM85RestUser sleeps for two turns, completely healing itself.PsychicStatus——5

TM86Rock SlideHas a 30% chance to make the target flinch.RockPhys7590%10

TM91Toxic SpikesScatters poisoned spikes, poisoning opposing Pokémon that switch in.PoisonStatus——20

TM94Dark PulseHas a 20% chance to make the target flinch.DarkSpec80100%15

TM95Leech LifeDrains half the damage inflicted to heal the user.BugPhys80100%10

TM102Gunk ShotHas a 30% chance to poison the target.PoisonPhys12080%5

TM103SubstituteTransfers 1/4 of the user’s max HP into a doll, protecting the user from further damage or status changes until it breaks.NormalStatus——10

TM108CrunchHas a 20% chance to lower the target’s Defense by one stage.DarkPhys80100%15

TM111Giga DrainDrains half the damage inflicted to heal the user.GrassSpec75100%10

TM148Sludge BombHas a 30% chance to poison the target.PoisonSpec90100%10

TM149EarthquakeInflicts regular damage and can hit Dig users.GroundPhys100100%10

TM171Tera BlastIf the user has Terastallized, it unleashes energy of its Tera Type. This move inflicts damage using the Attack or Sp. Atk stat—whichever is higher for the user.NormalSpec80100%10

TM174HazeResets all Pokémon’s stats, accuracy, and evasion.IceStatus——30

TM175ToxicBadly poisons the target, inflicting more damage every turn.PoisonStatus—90%10

TM177SpiteLowers the PP of the target’s last used move by 4.GhostStatus—100%10

TM181Knock OffTarget drops its held item.DarkPhys65100%20

TM199Lash OutPower doubles if the user had a stat stage lowered this turn.DarkPhys75100%5

TM200Scale ShotBoosts the user’s Speed and lowers their Defense by one stage after inflicting damage two to five times in a row.DragonPhys2590%20

TM204Double-EdgeUser receives 1/3 the damage inflicted in recoil.NormalPhys120100%15

TM214Sludge WaveHas a 10% chance to poison the target.PoisonSpec95100%10

TM219Skitter SmackLowers the target’s Special Attack by one stage.BugPhys7090%10

Egg moves 6

EggPoison FangHas a 50% chance to badly poison the target.PoisonPhys50100%15

EggPoison TailHas an increased chance for a critical hit and a 10% chance to poison the target.PoisonPhys50100%25

EggScary FaceLowers the target’s Speed by two stages.NormalStatus—100%10

EggSpiteLowers the PP of the target’s last used move by 4.GhostStatus—100%10

EggSucker PunchOnly works if the target is about to use a damaging move.DarkPhys70100%5

EggSwitcherooUser and target swap items.DarkStatus—100%10

Pokédex entries

Category: Snake Pokémon
Debut: Kanto · Red & Green (JP)
Color: Purple
Shape
Habitat: Grassland
Pal Park area: Forest

Kanto#023Original Johto#050Updated Johto#050Mountain Kalos#037Updated Alola#061Updated Melemele#061Let’s Go Kanto#023Kitakami#018Lumiose#060

The eggs of bird Pokémon are its favorite food. It swallows eggs whole, so sometimes an egg gets stuck, and Ekans faints.
Ultra Moon
By dislocating its jaw, it can swallow prey larger than itself. After a meal, it curls up and rests.
Ultra Sun
It sneaks through grass without making a sound and strikes unsuspecting prey from behind.
Diamond · Pearl · Platinum · Black · White · Black 2 · White 2
Moving silently and stealthily, it eats the eggs of birds, such as PIDGEY and SPEAROW, whole.
LeafGreen · Y
A very common sight in grassland, etc. It flicks its tongue in and out to sense danger in its surroundings.
FireRed
An EKANS curls itself up in a spiral while it rests. This position allows it to quickly respond to an enemy from any direction with a threat from its upraised head.
Emerald
EKANS curls itself up in a spiral while it rests. Assuming this position allows it to quickly respond to a threat from any direction with a glare from its upraised head.
Ruby · Sapphire · Omega Ruby · Alpha Sapphire
It flutters the tip of its tongue to seek out the scent of prey, then swallows the prey whole.
Crystal
It always hides in grass. When first born, it has no poison, so its bite is painful, but harmless.
Silver · SoulSilver
It can freely detach its jaw to swallow large prey whole. It can become too heavy to move, however.
Gold · HeartGold
The older it gets, the longer it grows. At night, it wraps its long body around tree branches to rest.
Yellow · X · Let’s Go, Pikachu! · Let’s Go, Eevee!
Moves silently and stealthily. Eats the eggs of birds, such as PIDGEY and SPEAROW, whole.
Red · Blue

Names around the world

Japanese: アーボ
Japanese (romaji): Arbo
Korean: 아보
Chinese (Traditional): 阿柏蛇
Chinese (Simplified): 阿柏蛇
French: Abo
German: Rettan
Spanish: Ekans
Italian: Ekans

Sprites

Tap any sprite to show it on the Pokédex above. ▶ marks official animations; Gen VIII–IX models are large, so they load only when you tap them.

Official artwork

3D models

Generation I

Generation II

Generation III

Generation IV

Generation V

Generation VI

Generation VII

Generation VIII · animated models

Generation IX · animated models

Training

EV yield: 1 Atk
Catch rate: 255 ≈33.3% with a Poké Ball at full HP
Base friendship: 70
Base experience: 58
Growth rate: Medium

Breeding

Egg groups: FieldDragon
Gender: ♂ 50%♀ 50%
Hatch time: 20 egg cycles ≈5,355 steps (Gen IV–VII)

Where to find

Red 6 areas

Road 10Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 11–17
Road 11Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 12–15
Road 23Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 26
Road 4Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 6–12
Road 8Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 17–19
Road 9Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 11–17

Let’s Go, Eevee! 2 areas

Road 3Walking in the overworld · Lv 3–8
Road 4Walking in the overworld · Lv 7–12

Ultra Moon 1 area

Route 2Fishing at bubbling spots in the water, Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 6–11

Ultra Sun 1 area

Route 2Fishing at bubbling spots in the water, Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 6–11

Y 1 area

Road 14Encountering 5 Pokemon within grass, flowers, or within a cave · Lv 17

X 1 area

Road 14Encountering 5 Pokemon within grass, flowers, or within a cave · Lv 17

SoulSilver 5 areas

Road 3Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 8
Road 32Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 4
Road 33Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 7
Road 4Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 8
Safari Zone MarshlandWalking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 15–16

HeartGold 2 areas

Goldenrod City Game CornerReceive as a gift · Lv 15
Safari Zone MarshlandWalking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 15–16

Platinum 1 area

Road 212 (east, towards Pastoria City)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 23–26

Pearl 1 area

Road 212 (east, towards Pastoria City)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 18–20

Diamond 1 area

Road 212 (east, towards Pastoria City)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 18–20

FireRed 6 areas

Road 10Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 11–17
Road 11Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 12–15
Road 23Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 32–34
Road 4Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 6–12
Road 8Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 17–19
Road 9Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 11–17

Crystal 8 areas

Azalea TownHeadbutting a low encounter rate tree, Headbutting a normal encounter rate tree · Lv 10
Road 26Headbutting a low encounter rate tree, Headbutting a normal encounter rate tree · Lv 10
Road 27Headbutting a low encounter rate tree, Headbutting a normal encounter rate tree · Lv 10
Road 3Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 8
Road 32Headbutting a low encounter rate tree, Headbutting a normal encounter rate tree, Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 4–10
Road 33Headbutting a low encounter rate tree, Headbutting a normal encounter rate tree, Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 7–10
Road 4Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 8
Road 42Headbutting a low encounter rate tree, Headbutting a normal encounter rate tree, Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 10–13

Silver 4 areas

Road 3Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 8
Road 32Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 4
Road 33Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 7
Road 4Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 8

Gold 1 area

Goldenrod City Game CornerReceive as a gift · Lv 10

Red 6 areas

Road 10Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 11–17
Road 11Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 12–15
Road 23Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 26
Road 4Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 6–12
Road 8Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 17–19
Road 9Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 11–17