#0127

Pinsir

Best moveset, PvP rankings, counters & stats for Pokemon GO.

Bug
Max CP 3,345 Rock Smash + Close Combat Rainy
Pinsir Pokemon GO sprite

Pinsir is a Bug-type Pokemon in Pokemon GO, originally from the Kanto region (#127, Generation 1). With a max CP of 3,345 and base stats of 238/182/163 (Atk/Def/Sta), Pinsir has a total stat product of 583.

Pinsir is weak to Fire, Flying, Rock-type moves. It resists Fighting, Grass, Ground-type attacks. Pinsir is a 5.0 km buddy Pokemon. Pinsir is currently available as a 3-Star Raids raid boss.

Stats

Max CP
3,345
Lv.40: 2,959 Lv.50: 3,345
Attack 238
Defense 182
Stamina 163
Total 583
Buddy 5.0 km Gen 1 · Kanto 2nd Move: 75,000 Dust · 75 Candy

Moves

Fast Moves

Bug
Bug Bite STAB
10
DPS
5.0 PWR 6 EN 0.5s DUR 12 EPS Rainy
Bug
8
DPS
4.0 PWR 8 EN 0.5s DUR 16 EPS Rainy
Fighting
11.3
DPS
17.0 PWR 12 EN 1.5s DUR 8 EPS Cloudy

Charged Moves

Fighting
42
DPS
105.0 PWR 100 EN 2.5s DUR
Fighting
28.3
DPS
85.0 PWR 50 EN 3.0s DUR
Normal
17.5
DPS
35.0 PWR 33 EN 2.0s DUR
Bug
X Scissor STAB
30
DPS
45.0 PWR 33 EN 1.5s DUR
Fighting
Submission Elite
27.5
DPS
55.0 PWR 50 EN 2.0s DUR

Best Moveset Analysis

Among fast moves, the highest DPS option is Rock Smash (11.3 DPS), while Fury Cutter generates energy the fastest (16 EPS). Note that Submission is an Elite TM move and cannot be obtained through regular TMs.

Evolution

Raid Guide

Pinsir as Raid Boss

3-Star Raids Active Now Shiny Available

Pinsir is currently available as a 3-Star Raids raid boss in Pokemon GO. A 100% IV Pinsir from raids will have 1690 CP at level 20, or 2113 CP at level 25 with weather boost. View full raid guide →

Best Counters to Beat Pinsir

Pinsir is weak to Fire, Flying, Rock-type moves, so counters with these move types will deal the most damage.

How to Get Pinsir

Pinsir can be encountered in the wild in Pokemon GO.

Pinsir is currently available as a 3-Star Raids raid boss. After defeating it in a raid, you can catch it at level 20 (1690 CP for a perfect 15/15/15 IV) or level 25 with weather boost (2113 CP).

A Shadow version of Pinsir is available from Team GO Rocket. Shadow Pinsir 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 Pinsir as your buddy earns 1 candy every 5.0 km. It also earns 25 Mega Energy per km when you have Mega Evolved it before.

To Mega Evolve Pinsir, you need Mega Energy. The initial Mega Evolution requires 200 Mega Energy, with subsequent Mega Evolutions costing less based on your Mega Level. You can earn Pinsir's Mega Energy by completing Mega Raids, walking Pinsir as your buddy (25 Mega Energy per km after the first Mega Evolution), or through special research tasks and events.

Pinsir Catch CP

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

Wild Catch
Level 1–30
74 – 2,557 CP
Wild (Weather Boost)
Level 1–35
74 – 2,768 CP
Raid Catch
Level 20
1,653 – 1,733 CP
Raid (Weather Boost)
Level 25
2,056 – 2,155 CP
Egg Hatch
Level 20
1,653 – 1,733 CP
Research Encounter
Level 15
1,250 – 1,310 CP
GO Battle League
Level 20
1,653 – 1,733 CP

A 100% IV Pinsir from raids or eggs will show 1,690 CP at level 20. If you see this number, don't hesitate — it's a perfect catch!

Trainer Tips

Pinsir is a Bug-type Pokemon with a stat total of 583. With its high Attack stat (238), Pinsir is best suited for offensive roles in both raids and PvP.

Watch out for Fire, Flying, Rock-type moves when using Pinsir. These types deal super effective damage that can cut into Pinsir's performance.

Pinsir'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 75,000 Stardust and 75 Candy. With 5 charged moves available, a second move gives Pinsir much better coverage in PvP battles.

Should I Invest in Pinsir?

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
Pinsir is a Bug-type Pokemon with base stats of 238/182/163 (Atk/Def/Sta) and a max CP of 3,345. While it doesn't currently rank among the top raid attackers or PvP contenders, every Pokemon has its place in a trainer's collection. Pinsir 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 Pinsir 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 Pinsir in Pokemon GO?
Pinsir has multiple viable movesets depending on the battle format. The ideal moveset varies based on whether you are using Pinsir for raids, gym battles, or PvP — check the moves section above for a full breakdown of each move's DPS, energy cost, and coverage.
What are Pinsir's weaknesses in Pokemon GO?
Pinsir is weak to Fire, Flying, Rock-type moves. On the other hand, Pinsir resists Fighting, Grass, Ground-type attacks, so avoid using those types against it. To counter Pinsir effectively in raids and gyms, build a team using its weakest type matchups and pick attackers that have STAB moves of those types.
What is Pinsir's max CP in Pokemon GO?
Pinsir's maximum CP is 3,345 at level 50 (with XL Candy), or 2,959 at level 40. Reaching level 50 requires XL Candy, which is only available to trainers level 31 and above — earning XL Candy involves catching, hatching, transferring, and walking Pokemon. Pinsir's CP is calculated from its base stats: 238 Attack, 182 Defense, and 163 Stamina. Powering up from level 40 to 50 requires a significant investment of XL Candy and Stardust, so plan your resources carefully. A 100% IV Pinsir caught from raids or eggs (level 20) will have 1,690 CP, or 2,113 CP with weather boost (level 25).
What CP is a 100% IV Pinsir?
A perfect 15/15/15 IV Pinsir has the following CP at key levels: 1,268 CP at level 15 (research encounters), 1,690 CP at level 20 (raid and egg catches), 2,113 CP at level 25 (weather-boosted raids), and 3,345 CP at level 50 fully powered up. If you catch a perfect IV Pinsir, it is worth investing Stardust and Candy to power it up, especially if Pinsir ranks well in raids or PvP. A 100% IV (also called a "hundo") is the rarest IV combination, so tag and favorite it to make sure you don't accidentally transfer it.
Is Shadow Pinsir better than regular?
Shadow Pinsir deals 20% more damage than its regular counterpart but also takes 20% more damage. For raids, Shadow Pinsir 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 Pinsir comes with Frustration, which should be replaced with a Charged TM before powering up.
How to get Pinsir in Pokemon GO?
Pinsir can be found in the wild, though it may be rare depending on your biome and current events. Currently available as a 3-Star Raids raid boss. Pinsir can also be obtained through trading with other trainers.
Can Pinsir be shiny in Pokemon GO?
Shiny Pinsir's availability depends on whether Niantic has released its shiny form. Not all Pokemon have their shiny forms available yet. Check the current events page and Community Day announcements for any updates on shiny Pinsir availability and boosted shiny rates during special events.

Max CP per Level

L1 41 CP
L5 399 CP
L10 845 CP
L15 1,268 CP
L20 1,690 CP
L25 2,113 CP
L30 2,536 CP
L35 2,747 CP
L40 2,959 CP
L50 3,345 CP

Pokedex Info

Pokedex Number #127
Generation Gen 1
Region Kanto
Height 1.50 m
Weight 55.00 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
Mega Energy (Buddy) 25 / km