Shellder Pokemon GO sprite
#0090

Shellder

Max CP
1,221
Best
Ice Shard
Razor Shell
Rainy

Shellder is a Water-type Pokemon in Pokemon GO, originally from the Kanto region (#90, Generation 1). With a max CP of 1,221 and base stats of 116/134/102 (Atk/Def/Sta), Shellder has a total stat product of 352.

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

Stats

Max CP
1,221
Lv.40: 1,080 Lv.50: 1,221
Attack 116
Defense 134
Stamina 102
Total 352
Buddy 3.0 km Gen 1 · Kanto 2nd Move: 50,000 Dust · 50 Candy

Moves

Fast Moves

Ice
10
DPS
10.0 PWR 10 EN 1.0s DUR 10 EPS Snow
Normal
10
DPS
5.0 PWR 5 EN 0.5s DUR 10 EPS Partly Cloudy

Charged Moves

Water
Bubble Beam STAB Buff
22.5
DPS
45.0 PWR 33 EN 2.0s DUR
Ice
Icy Wind Buff
18.6
DPS
65.0 PWR 33 EN 3.5s DUR
Water
Razor Shell STAB Buff
36.7
DPS
55.0 PWR 33 EN 1.5s DUR
Water
21.7
DPS
65.0 PWR 50 EN 3.0s DUR

Best Moveset Analysis

Among fast moves, the highest DPS option is Ice Shard (10 DPS), while Ice Shard generates energy the fastest (10 EPS).

Evolution

Raid Guide

Shellder as Raid Boss

Not Currently in Raids

Shellder is not currently available as a raid boss. When Shellder returns to raids, here are the best counters to defeat it. A 100% IV Shellder from raids would have 617 CP at level 20, or 771 CP at level 25 with weather boost.

Best Counters to Beat Shellder

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

How to Get Shellder

Shellder can be encountered in the wild in Pokemon GO.

A Shadow version of Shellder is available from Team GO Rocket. Shadow Shellder 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 Shellder as your buddy earns 1 candy every 3.0 km.

Shellder Catch CP

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

Wild Catch
Level 1–30
24 – 933 CP
Wild (Weather Boost)
Level 1–35
24 – 1,010 CP
Raid Catch
Level 20
585 – 632 CP
Raid (Weather Boost)
Level 25
728 – 787 CP
Egg Hatch
Level 20
585 – 632 CP
Research Encounter
Level 15
442 – 478 CP
GO Battle League
Level 20
585 – 632 CP

A 100% IV Shellder from raids or eggs will show 617 CP at level 20. If you see this number, don't hesitate — it's a perfect catch!

Trainer Tips

Shellder is a Water-type Pokemon with a stat total of 352. With its bulk spread of 134 Defense and 102 Stamina, Shellder has solid survivability in battles.

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

Shellder'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 4 charged moves available, a second move gives Shellder much better coverage in PvP battles.

Should I Invest in Shellder?

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
Shellder is a Water-type Pokemon with base stats of 116/134/102 (Atk/Def/Sta) and a max CP of 1,221. While it doesn't currently rank among the top raid attackers or PvP contenders, every Pokemon has its place in a trainer's collection. Shellder 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 Shellder 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 Shellder in Pokemon GO?
Shellder has multiple viable movesets depending on the battle format. Check the moves section above for full details.
What are Shellder's weaknesses in Pokemon GO?
Shellder is weak to Electric, Grass-type moves. On the other hand, Shellder resists Fire, Ice, Steel, Water-type attacks.
What is Shellder's max CP in Pokemon GO?
Shellder's maximum CP is 1,221 at level 50 (with XL Candy), or 1,080 at level 40. A 100% IV Shellder caught from raids or eggs (level 20) will have 617 CP, or 771 CP with weather boost (level 25).
What CP is a 100% IV Shellder?
A perfect 15/15/15 IV Shellder has the following CP at key levels: 463 CP at level 15 (research encounters), 617 CP at level 20 (raid and egg catches), 771 CP at level 25 (weather-boosted raids), and 1,221 CP at level 50 fully powered up.
Is Shadow Shellder better than regular?
Shadow Shellder deals 20% more damage than its regular counterpart but also takes 20% more damage. For raids, Shadow Shellder 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 Shellder comes with Frustration, which should be replaced with a Charged TM before powering up.
How to get Shellder in Pokemon GO?
Shellder can be found in the wild, though it may be rare depending on your biome and current events. Shellder can also be obtained through trading with other trainers.

Max CP per Level

L1 15 CP
L5 145 CP
L10 308 CP
L15 463 CP
L20 617 CP
L25 771 CP
L30 926 CP
L35 1,003 CP
L40 1,080 CP
L50 1,221 CP

Pokedex Info

Pokedex Number #90
Generation Gen 1
Region Kanto
Height 0.30 m
Weight 4.00 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