Introduced in generation one, with the original Pokemon Red, Blue, and Green games, Graveler is dual type rock and ground Pokemon. It is the second stage evolution of its three stage evolution line and evolves from Geodude once it reaches the level threshold. It reaches its final evolution, Golem once it is traded. Graveler is classified by the Pokedex as the “Rock Pokemon” which may be a nod to its general design. This guide will showcase Graveler’s capabilities in battle, its appearances in the anime, as well as other general facts about Graveler.
About Graveler
As a one of the original 151 Pokemon, Graveler first appeared in the Original Series of the anime in the episode The School of Hard Knocks. In this episode, a trainer named Giselle used a Graveler against Misty’s Starmie despite the type advantage. Graveler is the second stage evolution of its three stage evolution line and it evolves into Golem when it is traded with another trainer and evolves from Geodude once it reaches level 25. The Pokedex mentions that Graveler will become stronger by eating rocks, especially rocks that are covered in moss.
| First appearance in anime | Pokemon the Original Series: The School of Hard Knocks |
| First appearance in game | Red/Green (Japan) Red/Blue (International) |
| Region | Kanto |
| Evolution | Evolves from Geodude once it reaches the level threshold, evolves into Golem when it is traded. |
| 1st Evo level | 25 |
| 2nd Evo level | Evolves when traded |
| Pokedex Entry | Graveler grows by feeding on rocks. Apparently, it prefers to eat rocks that are covered in moss. This Pokémon eats it way through a ton of rocks on a daily basis. |
Graveler Base Stats
| HP | 55 |
| ATTACK | 95 |
| DEFENCE | 115 |
| SP. ATTACK | 45 |
| SP. DEFENCE | 45 |
| SPEED | 35 |
| TOTAL | 390 |
Appearance
Graveler is a bipedal Pokémon that resembles a boulder. Its round body is covered with small bumps and there are small rocky formations around its eyes and mouth. There are four arms on Graveler’s body, each with a three-fingered hand. Its second pair of arms is typically kept tucked against its chest. Despite having legs, it can revert to a legless form which makes it seem capable of floating. Graveler is an average sized Pokemon at 3 feet and 3 inches, or 1.0 meter, tall.
Behavior
Graveler's preferred method of getting around is rolling, mostly because it is not good at walking. Trainers can often see Graveler rolling down mountain paths at high speeds over 60 mph. While it is rolling, it can crush objects in the way and stop itself by hitting rocks if it needs to slow down. Graveler are known to be generally free and uncaring Pokemon. Even if pieces break off, it continues onward. It can be seen feasting on rocks while it descends from mountains and upon reaching the peak, it rolls down to the bottom.
Strengths and Weaknesses
For a second stage evolution Pokemon, Graveler is capable of taking many physical hits. Its physical defense stat and its physical attack stat are respectable. However, its health pool, special stats and speed hold it back from being truly powerful. You will need to work around Graveler’s weaknesses to see it succeed. As a dual type rock and ground Pokemon, Graveler takes 2x damage from fighting, ground, steel, and ice type moves. It also takes 4x damage from water and grass type moves. While it is immune to electric type moves, it is resistant to normal, flying, poison, rock, and fire type moves.
Best Moveset
In competitive play, Graveler can be used in the NFE (Not Fully Evolved) bracket and still see success. Its high physical defense and attack make it decent as a mixed offensive and defensive Pokemon. With a Choice Band, as a held item, it can deal significant damage. Consider running Rock Slide, Earthquake, Double-Edge/Explosion, and Hidden Power Bug/Explosion. Rock Slide and Earthquake both benefit from STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus). Double-Edge and Explosion are interchangeable depending on how offensive you would like to be, and Hidden Power Bug/Explosion are interchangeable depending on which last resort type coverage you would prefer.
| Rock Slide | Earthquake |
| Double-Edge/Explosion | Hidden Power Bug/Explosion |
How to Catch Graveler in Pokemon Go?
If you would like to obtain a Graveler in Pokemon Go, the easiest way to do so would be to first obtain a Geodude and eventually evolve it into a Graveler. Like most evolved Pokemon, its base evolution is much more common to encounter than its final evolution. You can find Geodude spawning in the wild at a boosted rate near quarries, farmlands, parking lots, cities, hiking trails, and other rocky areas. Geodude can also be hatched from 2 km eggs. Not only that, you can also find Geodude as a tier one raid boss, and Graveler and Golem as a tier three raid boss at Pokemon Gyms. You will need 25 candies to evolve Geodude into Graveler and another 100 to evolve into Golem.
Trivia
- Graveler and Boldor share many similarities. Both are rock type Pokemon, both have a base stat total of 390, and both evolve at level 25 and finish evolving through trading.
- The inspiration for Graveler’s design is likely based on a boulder.
- The name Graveler is a combination of the words gravel and superior.
FAQ
What level does Graveler evolve to Golem?
Graveler will not evolve into Golem through leveling. Instead, you will need to trade your Graveler with another trainer in order to see it evolve. The trainer receiving the Graveler will see that it will begin to evolve after the trade is successful. You can either trade it back as an agreement, or obtain a Graveler for yourself off of the Global Trade System.
Is a Graveler good?
Graveler’s strengths lie in its physical stats. Its physical attack and defense are impressive even for a second stage evolution Pokemon. While the rest of its stats are mediocre, you will just need to pay attention to the match ups in order to succeed with Graveler. Keep it away from water and grass types and think twice about ice, ground, fighting, and steel type match ups.
Does Geodude evolve?
Geodude is the base evolution Pokemon in its three stage evolution line. It will evolve into Graveler once it reaches level 25. Graveler will evolve into Golem once it is traded. After the evolution begins, you will just need to allow the evolution animation to play without pressing the “B” button.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you now know just about everything there is to know about this “Rock Pokemon”. While Graveler’s impact on competitive play is somewhat limited, it is remarkable as one of the original 151 Pokemon of generation one. It is also considerably powerful for a second stage evolution giving you some options early into the games. Reserve a slot on your team for a mixed offensive and defensive rock and ground type Pokemon.
