Swellow Pokemon GO sprite
#0277

Swellow

Max CP
2,170
Best
Steel Wing
Brave Bird
Partly cloudy Windy

Swellow is a Normal/Flying-type Pokemon in Pokemon GO, originally from the Hoenn region (#277, Generation 3). With a max CP of 2,170 and base stats of 185/124/155 (Atk/Def/Sta), Swellow has a total stat product of 464.

Swellow is weak to Electric, Ice, Rock-type moves. It resists Ghost, Ground, Bug, Grass-type attacks. Swellow is a 1.0 km buddy Pokemon.

Stats

Max CP
2,170
Lv.40: 1,920 Lv.50: 2,170
Attack 185
Defense 124
Stamina 155
Total 464
Buddy 1.0 km Gen 3 · Hoenn 2nd Move: 10,000 Dust · 25 Candy

Moves

Fast Moves

Steel
14
DPS
14.0 PWR 8 EN 1.0s DUR 8 EPS Snow
Flying
10
DPS
10.0 PWR 11 EN 1.0s DUR 11 EPS Windy

Charged Moves

Flying
Aerial Ace STAB
22
DPS
55.0 PWR 33 EN 2.5s DUR
Flying
Brave Bird STAB Buff
65
DPS
130.0 PWR 100 EN 2.0s DUR
Flying
Sky Attack STAB
40
DPS
80.0 PWR 50 EN 2.0s DUR

Best Moveset Analysis

Among fast moves, the highest DPS option is Steel Wing (14 DPS), while Wing Attack generates energy the fastest (11 EPS).

Evolution

Raid Guide

Swellow as Raid Boss

Not Currently in Raids

Swellow is not currently available as a raid boss. When Swellow returns to raids, here are the best counters to defeat it. A 100% IV Swellow from raids would have 1097 CP at level 20, or 1371 CP at level 25 with weather boost.

Best Counters to Beat Swellow

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

How to Get Swellow

Swellow evolves from Taillow using 50 Candy.

A Shadow version of Swellow is available from Team GO Rocket. Shadow Swellow 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 Swellow as your buddy earns 1 candy every 1.0 km.

Swellow Catch CP

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

Wild Catch
Level 1–30
46 – 1,659 CP
Wild (Weather Boost)
Level 1–35
46 – 1,796 CP
Raid Catch
Level 20
1,060 – 1,124 CP
Raid (Weather Boost)
Level 25
1,319 – 1,399 CP
Egg Hatch
Level 20
1,060 – 1,124 CP
Research Encounter
Level 15
802 – 850 CP
GO Battle League
Level 20
1,060 – 1,124 CP

A 100% IV Swellow from raids or eggs will show 1,097 CP at level 20. If you see this number, don't hesitate — it's a perfect catch!

Trainer Tips

Swellow is a Normal/Flying-type Pokemon with a stat total of 464. With its high Attack stat (185), Swellow is best suited for offensive roles in both raids and PvP.

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

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

Unlocking a second charged move costs 10,000 Stardust and 25 Candy. With 3 charged moves available, a second move gives Swellow much better coverage in PvP battles.

Should I Invest in Swellow?

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
Swellow is a Normal/Flying-type Pokemon with base stats of 185/124/155 (Atk/Def/Sta) and a max CP of 2,170. While it doesn't currently rank among the top raid attackers or PvP contenders, every Pokemon has its place in a trainer's collection. Swellow 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 Swellow 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 Swellow in Pokemon GO?
Swellow has multiple viable movesets depending on the battle format. Check the moves section above for full details.
What are Swellow's weaknesses in Pokemon GO?
Swellow is weak to Electric, Ice, Rock-type moves. On the other hand, Swellow resists Ghost, Ground, Bug, Grass-type attacks.
What is Swellow's max CP in Pokemon GO?
Swellow's maximum CP is 2,170 at level 50 (with XL Candy), or 1,920 at level 40. A 100% IV Swellow caught from raids or eggs (level 20) will have 1,097 CP, or 1,371 CP with weather boost (level 25).
What CP is a 100% IV Swellow?
A perfect 15/15/15 IV Swellow has the following CP at key levels: 823 CP at level 15 (research encounters), 1,097 CP at level 20 (raid and egg catches), 1,371 CP at level 25 (weather-boosted raids), and 2,170 CP at level 50 fully powered up.
Is Shadow Swellow better than regular?
Shadow Swellow deals 20% more damage than its regular counterpart but also takes 20% more damage. For raids, Shadow Swellow 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 Swellow comes with Frustration, which should be replaced with a Charged TM before powering up.
How to get Swellow in Pokemon GO?
Swellow is obtained by evolving its pre-evolution (Taillow with 50 Candy). Swellow can also be obtained through trading with other trainers.

Max CP per Level

L1 27 CP
L5 259 CP
L10 548 CP
L15 823 CP
L20 1,097 CP
L25 1,371 CP
L30 1,645 CP
L35 1,783 CP
L40 1,920 CP
L50 2,170 CP

Pokedex Info

Pokedex Number #277
Generation Gen 3
Region Hoenn
Height 0.71 m
Weight 19.80 kg
Buddy Distance 1.0 km
Tradable Yes
2nd Charged Move 10,000 Dust / 25 Candy
Shadow Move Frustration
Purified Move Return
Purification Cost 3,000 Dust / 3 Candy