Regarded as a legendary Pokemon, Lapras is a fan favorite among many fans for its durability in battle, diverse set of effective moves, and stats. Appearing in several games, anime and trading cards, Lapras’ popularity is easy to see.
About Lapras
| First appearance in anime | In the Pokémon episode: ‘The Lost Lapras’ |
| First appearance in game | Red and Blue |
| Region | Kanto |
| Evolution | Lapras |
| Pokedex Entry | A smart and kindhearted Pokémon, it glides across the surface of the sea while its beautiful song echoes around it. |
Lapras Base stats
| HP | 130 |
| Attack | 85 |
| Defense | 80 |
| Sp. Attack | 85 |
| Ap. Defense | 95 |
| Speed | 60 |
Appearance of Lapras
Lapras sports a primarily two-tone color palette, a cream underbelly and a light blue hide. Dark blue spots are scattered across Lapras’ hide. On its back is a grey shell with knots, finally, Lapras sports a horn on its head.
Behavior of Lapras
Lapras is the epitome of a gentle giant, as they are more than willing to allow trainers and Pokemon on its back to traverse across bodies of water. They are shown to be quite intelligent as well, perfectly capable of understanding human speech and able to learn telepathy.
Strengths and Weaknesses
With overall high stats, Lapras is a heavy hitter that is well suited to be a tank for team battles. Being a Water Ice-type, Lapras excels in fights against Ground, Rock, Fire, Flying, Grass, and Dragon types. However be wary when facing opponents of the Fighting, Rock, Steel, and Fire types. Even with a large health pool, a well-placed critical hit can take your Lapras out of the battle.
Lapras Vmax
Lapras Vmax is in the line of Vmax pokemon cards. A rare find, the Lapras Vmax card gives your opponent three prize cards if your Lapras is knocked out in battle. When it comes to abilities, the Lapras Vmax card does G-Max Pump, dealing 90 damage plus 30 more for each fire card you play, potentially leading to some big damage numbers.
Shiny Lapras
Already a hard find in the wild, finding a Shiny Lapras is even more of an arduous task. Its normal light blue hide is instead purple, Shiny Lapras definitely stands out from its normal variation. To get a Shiny Lapras of your own, you’ll have to find one in the wild, hatch one from an egg, or find someone willing to trade one.
Gmax Lapras
In Pokemon Sword and Shield Lapras can transform into Gmax Lapras for a limited amount of time. During this transformation, Gmax Lapras can perform up to three power moves before transforming back. Out of these moves, Gmax Lapras is the only Pokemon who can use the move G-Max Resonance.
Best moveset for Lapras
| Freeze Dry | Hydro Pump |
| Ice Beam | Hidden Power Fire |
This moveset emphasizes Lapras’ ability to use Water and Ice-type moves, quickly dealing with opponents who are weak to these moves. Should you feel up for it, add Choice Specs to have a move deal extra damage, however, that extra damage comes at the cost of Lapras only being able to use that move for the whole duration of the battle, so choose wisely.
| Freeze Dry | Hydro Pump |
| Ice Beam | Surf |
This moveset is similar to the one mentioned above, the only difference being Surf replaced Hidden Power fire. This gives Lapras an even mix of both Ice and Water-based moves, which can also cause status effects on your opponents. In team battles, Choice specs are a good idea, as your Lapras can focus on freezing and handling opponent damage, while your other Pokemon deals out damage.
How to catch Lapras in Pokemon Go?
Even in Pokemon Go, Lapras can be a rare find, sightings of one few and far between. Should you want one for yourself, the best thing to do is go out when it’s lightly raining and walk-in areas with a large body of water, like a beach or a lake. If a Lapras does appear, use the best equipment you have, Ultra balls and Razz berries are essential. With a well-aimed throw, you may be lucky and add Lapras to your team.
Trivia
- Lapras are highly intelligent, able to understand human language
- Lapras does not have an evolution line.
- As a nod to the Loch Ness monster, Lapras was originally supposed to be Ness
- Lapras frequently help both humans and Pokemon alike cross bodies of water.
FAQs
Q. Is Lapras a Legendary Pokemon?
Since the first Pokemon games Red and Blue, Lapras has been regarded as a Legendary Pokemon. Hard to find, high stats and an excellent moveset help Lapras be a popular choice for many trainers to this day.
Q. What is Lapras' weakness?
Fighting Electric Grass and Rock move all have the capability of damaging Lapras, even with a large health pool, moves of these types can easily knock out Lapras.
Q. What is Lapras’ Hidden Ability?
Lapras’ hidden ability is Hydration, a useful ability if the conditions are right. Should the battle take place in the rain, at the end of every turn Lapras is cured of any and all status effects, no item use required.
Conclusion
A friendly, intelligent, and useful Pokemon, Lapras proves to be a stalwart companion through and through. Should you be lucky enough to find one in the wild, Lapras will provide high damage moves along with being able to withstand most attacks. Should you be in the need for a strong water type, Lapras may be the Pokemon for you.
