Kingler Pokemon GO sprite
#0099

Kingler

A
Tier A Steel Attacker
#4 overall · 17.571 DPS
Max CP
3,198
Best
Metal Claw
Crabhammer
Rainy

Kingler is a Water-type Pokemon in Pokemon GO, originally from the Kanto region (#99, Generation 1). With a max CP of 3,198 and base stats of 240/181/146 (Atk/Def/Sta), Kingler has a total stat product of 567. Kingler's best moveset is Metal Claw and Crabhammer, making it a competitive Steel-type attacker for raids.

Kingler is weak to Electric, Grass-type moves. It resists Fire, Ice, Steel, Water-type attacks. Kingler is a 3.0 km buddy Pokemon.

Stats

Max CP
3,198
Lv.40: 2,829 Lv.50: 3,198
Attack 240
Defense 181
Stamina 146
Total 567
Buddy 3.0 km Gen 1 · Kanto 2nd Move: 50,000 Dust · 50 Candy

Rankings

Raid Attacker
Steel Attacker
A
#4
17.6
DPS
269
TDO
Metal Claw
Crabhammer
Water Attacker
A
#8
16.9
DPS
258
TDO
Bubble
Crabhammer
Ground Attacker
C
#20
15.4
DPS
236
TDO
Mud Shot
Crabhammer
Steel Attacker
B
#21
14.4
DPS
221
TDO
Metal Claw
Crabhammer
Water Attacker
C
#27
14.4
DPS
221
TDO
Bubble
Crabhammer

Moves

Fast Moves

Water
Bubble STAB
10
DPS
10.0 PWR 12 EN 1.0s DUR 12 EPS Rainy
Steel
12
DPS
6.0 PWR 5 EN 0.5s DUR 10 EPS Snow
Ground
Mud Shot Elite
8
DPS
4.0 PWR 6 EN 0.5s DUR 12 EPS Sunny

Charged Moves

Water
Crabhammer STAB Buff
42.5
DPS
85.0 PWR 50 EN 2.0s DUR
Water
Razor Shell STAB Buff
36.7
DPS
55.0 PWR 33 EN 1.5s DUR
Normal
17.5
DPS
35.0 PWR 33 EN 2.0s DUR
Water
21.7
DPS
65.0 PWR 50 EN 3.0s DUR
Bug
30
DPS
45.0 PWR 33 EN 1.5s DUR

Best Moveset Analysis

For raids and gym battles, Kingler's best offensive moveset is Metal Claw combined with Crabhammer, achieving 17.6 DPS and 269 TDO as a Steel-type attacker (ranked #4, Tier A). Alternatively, Kingler can serve as a Water-type attacker with Bubble and Crabhammer (#8, Tier A).

Among fast moves, the highest DPS option is Metal Claw (12 DPS), while Bubble generates energy the fastest (12 EPS).

Evolution

Forms & Variants

Raid Guide

Kingler as Raid Boss

Not Currently in Raids

Kingler is not currently available as a raid boss. When Kingler returns to raids, here are the best counters to defeat it. A 100% IV Kingler from raids would have 1616 CP at level 20, or 2020 CP at level 25 with weather boost.

Best Counters to Beat Kingler

Kingler is weak to Electric, Grass-type moves, so counters with these move types will deal the most damage.

How to Get Kingler

Kingler evolves from Krabby using 50 Candy.

A Shadow version of Kingler is available from Team GO Rocket. Shadow Kingler knows Frustration as its charged move, which can be removed with a Charged TM. Purifying costs 3,000 Stardust and 3 Candy, and the purified form learns Return. Walking Kingler as your buddy earns 1 candy every 3.0 km.

Kingler Catch CP

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

Wild Catch
Level 1–30
71 – 2,445 CP
Wild (Weather Boost)
Level 1–35
71 – 2,647 CP
Raid Catch
Level 20
1,578 – 1,657 CP
Raid (Weather Boost)
Level 25
1,963 – 2,061 CP
Egg Hatch
Level 20
1,578 – 1,657 CP
Research Encounter
Level 15
1,193 – 1,253 CP
GO Battle League
Level 20
1,578 – 1,657 CP

A 100% IV Kingler from raids or eggs will show 1,616 CP at level 20. If you see this number, don't hesitate — it's a perfect catch!

Trainer Tips

Kingler is a Water-type Pokemon with a stat total of 567. With its high Attack stat (240), Kingler is best suited for offensive roles in both raids and PvP.

Watch out for Electric, Grass-type moves when using Kingler. These types deal super effective damage that can cut into Kingler's performance.

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

Unlocking a second charged move costs 50,000 Stardust and 50 Candy. With 5 charged moves available, a second move gives Kingler much better coverage in PvP battles.

Should I Invest in Kingler?

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

Highly Recommended
Kingler is a top-tier Steel-type attacker in Pokemon GO, ranked #4 overall with a Tier A rating. With a max CP of 3,198 at level 50 and base stats of 240/181/146 (Atk/Def/Sta), it excels as a raid attacker. Prioritize powering up to level 40+ using Metal Claw and Crabhammer for maximum damage output. This is one of the strongest Steel-type options available and worth investing your Stardust and Candy into immediately.

Shadow vs Regular: Shadow Kingler 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 Kingler in Pokemon GO?
Kingler's best moveset is Metal Claw (fast) and Crabhammer (charged), providing 17.6 DPS as a Steel-type attacker.
What are Kingler's weaknesses in Pokemon GO?
Kingler is weak to Electric, Grass-type moves. On the other hand, Kingler resists Fire, Ice, Steel, Water-type attacks.
What is Kingler's max CP in Pokemon GO?
Kingler's maximum CP is 3,198 at level 50 (with XL Candy), or 2,829 at level 40. A 100% IV Kingler caught from raids or eggs (level 20) will have 1,616 CP, or 2,020 CP with weather boost (level 25).
What CP is a 100% IV Kingler?
A perfect 15/15/15 IV Kingler has the following CP at key levels: 1,212 CP at level 15 (research encounters), 1,616 CP at level 20 (raid and egg catches), 2,020 CP at level 25 (weather-boosted raids), and 3,198 CP at level 50 fully powered up.
Is Shadow Kingler better than regular?
Shadow Kingler deals 20% more damage than its regular counterpart but also takes 20% more damage. For raids, Shadow Kingler 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 Kingler comes with Frustration, which should be replaced with a Charged TM before powering up.
How to get Kingler in Pokemon GO?
Kingler is obtained by evolving its pre-evolution (Krabby with 50 Candy). Kingler can also be obtained through trading with other trainers.

Max CP per Level

L1 40 CP
L5 381 CP
L10 808 CP
L15 1,212 CP
L20 1,616 CP
L25 2,020 CP
L30 2,425 CP
L35 2,627 CP
L40 2,829 CP
L50 3,198 CP

Pokedex Info

Pokedex Number #99
Generation Gen 1
Region Kanto
Height 1.30 m
Weight 60.00 kg
Buddy Distance 3.0 km
Tradable Yes
2nd Charged Move 50,000 Dust / 50 Candy
Shadow Move Frustration
Purified Move Return
Purification Cost 3,000 Dust / 3 Candy