Cranidos Pokemon GO sprite
#0408

Cranidos

Max CP
2,058
Best
Zen Headbutt
Bulldoze
Partly cloudy

Cranidos is a Rock-type Pokemon in Pokemon GO, originally from the Sinnoh region (#408, Generation 4). With a max CP of 2,058 and base stats of 218/71/167 (Atk/Def/Sta), Cranidos has a total stat product of 456.

Cranidos is weak to Fighting, Grass, Ground, Steel, Water-type moves. It resists Fire, Flying, Normal, Poison-type attacks. Cranidos is a 5.0 km buddy Pokemon.

Stats

Max CP
2,058
Lv.40: 1,820 Lv.50: 2,058
Attack 218
Defense 71
Stamina 167
Total 456
Buddy 5.0 km Gen 4 · Sinnoh 2nd Move: 75,000 Dust · 75 Candy

Moves

Fast Moves

Normal
7
DPS
7.0 PWR 8 EN 1.0s DUR 8 EPS Partly Cloudy
Psychic
11
DPS
11.0 PWR 9 EN 1.0s DUR 9 EPS Windy

Charged Moves

Rock
Ancient Power STAB Buff
20
DPS
70.0 PWR 33 EN 3.5s DUR
Ground
Bulldoze Buff
22.9
DPS
80.0 PWR 50 EN 3.5s DUR
Rock
Rock Tomb STAB Buff
21.7
DPS
65.0 PWR 50 EN 3.0s DUR

Best Moveset Analysis

Among fast moves, the highest DPS option is Zen Headbutt (11 DPS), while Zen Headbutt generates energy the fastest (9 EPS).

Evolution

Raid Guide

Cranidos as Raid Boss

Not Currently in Raids

Cranidos is not currently available as a raid boss. When Cranidos returns to raids, here are the best counters to defeat it. A 100% IV Cranidos from raids would have 1040 CP at level 20, or 1300 CP at level 25 with weather boost.

Best Counters to Beat Cranidos

Cranidos is weak to Fighting, Grass, Ground, Steel, Water-type moves, so counters with these move types will deal the most damage.

How to Get Cranidos

Cranidos can be encountered in the wild in Pokemon GO.

A Shadow version of Cranidos is available from Team GO Rocket. Shadow Cranidos knows Frustration as its charged move, which can be removed with a Charged TM. Purifying costs 5,000 Stardust and 5 Candy, and the purified form learns Return. Walking Cranidos as your buddy earns 1 candy every 5.0 km.

Cranidos Catch CP

These are the possible CP values when encountering Cranidos in different scenarios. The range shows minimum (lowest IV floor) to maximum (100% perfect IV).

Wild Catch
Level 1–30
43 – 1,573 CP
Wild (Weather Boost)
Level 1–35
43 – 1,703 CP
Raid Catch
Level 20
998 – 1,066 CP
Raid (Weather Boost)
Level 25
1,242 – 1,326 CP
Egg Hatch
Level 20
998 – 1,066 CP
Research Encounter
Level 15
755 – 806 CP
GO Battle League
Level 20
998 – 1,066 CP

A 100% IV Cranidos from raids or eggs will show 1,040 CP at level 20. If you see this number, don't hesitate — it's a perfect catch!

Trainer Tips

Cranidos is a Rock-type Pokemon with a stat total of 456. With its high Attack stat (218), Cranidos is best suited for offensive roles in both raids and PvP.

Watch out for Fighting, Grass, Ground, Steel, Water-type moves when using Cranidos. These types deal super effective damage that can cut into Cranidos's performance.

Cranidos's moves get a damage boost in Partly Cloudy weather. Take advantage of weather conditions to maximize your DPS in raids and gym battles.

Unlocking a second charged move costs 75,000 Stardust and 75 Candy. With 3 charged moves available, a second move gives Cranidos much better coverage in PvP battles.

Should I Invest in Cranidos?

Power-Up Costs

Level 20 → 40 (Standard)
135,000 Stardust
15 Candy
Level 40 → 50 (XL Candy)
0 Stardust
0 XL Candy
Total (20 → 50)
135,000 Stardust

Verdict

Collector's Pick
Cranidos is a Rock-type Pokemon with base stats of 218/71/167 (Atk/Def/Sta) and a max CP of 2,058. While it doesn't currently rank among the top raid attackers or PvP contenders, every Pokemon has its place in a trainer's collection. Cranidos may shine during specific events, in limited-format cups, or when new moves are added in future updates. For now, hold onto a good IV specimen but save your Stardust and Candy for more impactful investments unless you're a dedicated fan of this Pokemon.

Shadow vs Regular: Shadow Cranidos deals 20% more damage but takes ~20% more. For raids, Shadow is generally the better investment. For PvP, evaluate matchups carefully — the bulk loss can be significant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best moveset for Cranidos in Pokemon GO?
Cranidos has multiple viable movesets depending on the battle format. Check the moves section above for full details.
What are Cranidos's weaknesses in Pokemon GO?
Cranidos is weak to Fighting, Grass, Ground, Steel, Water-type moves. On the other hand, Cranidos resists Fire, Flying, Normal, Poison-type attacks.
What is Cranidos's max CP in Pokemon GO?
Cranidos's maximum CP is 2,058 at level 50 (with XL Candy), or 1,820 at level 40. A 100% IV Cranidos caught from raids or eggs (level 20) will have 1,040 CP, or 1,300 CP with weather boost (level 25).
What CP is a 100% IV Cranidos?
A perfect 15/15/15 IV Cranidos has the following CP at key levels: 780 CP at level 15 (research encounters), 1,040 CP at level 20 (raid and egg catches), 1,300 CP at level 25 (weather-boosted raids), and 2,058 CP at level 50 fully powered up.
Is Shadow Cranidos better than regular?
Shadow Cranidos deals 20% more damage than its regular counterpart but also takes 20% more damage. For raids, Shadow Cranidos is generally better due to the higher DPS output. For PvP, it depends on the matchup — the extra damage taken can be a significant drawback in extended battles where survivability matters. Shadow Cranidos comes with Frustration, which should be replaced with a Charged TM before powering up.
How to get Cranidos in Pokemon GO?
Cranidos can be found in the wild, though it may be rare depending on your biome and current events. Cranidos can also be obtained through trading with other trainers.

Max CP per Level

L1 25 CP
L5 245 CP
L10 520 CP
L15 780 CP
L20 1,040 CP
L25 1,300 CP
L30 1,560 CP
L35 1,690 CP
L40 1,820 CP
L50 2,058 CP

Pokedex Info

Pokedex Number #408
Generation Gen 4
Region Sinnoh
Height 0.90 m
Weight 31.50 kg
Buddy Distance 5.0 km
Tradable Yes
2nd Charged Move 75,000 Dust / 75 Candy
Shadow Move Frustration
Purified Move Return
Purification Cost 5,000 Dust / 5 Candy