Pinsir is a Bug-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I, with a base stat total of 500 and no standard evolutions.

Pinsir

Pinsir

Abilities

Hyper Cutter

Prevents ATTACK reduction.

Mold Breaker

Moves can be used regardless of abilities.

Moxie

Boosts Attack after knocking out any Pokémon.

Hidden Ability

Base Stats

Total: 500
EV Yield: 2 Attack
HP: 65
Attack: 125
Defense: 100
Sp. Atk: 55
Sp. Def: 70
Speed: 85

Pinsir's Weaknesses and Resistances

Evolution Chain

Pinsir does not evolve into or from any other Pokémon.

Forms

Pinsir Playthrough, Competitive, and Nuzlocke Usage

Using Pinsir in a Playthrough

Pinsir is a physically powerful Bug-type with high Attack and Defense and enough Speed to function as an effective story attacker. Its usefulness in older generations is limited by poor Bug STAB availability, while the physical/special split and stronger later Bug moves allow its Attack stat to matter much more consistently. Swords Dance and broad physical coverage can turn favorable openings into sweeps, but Pinsir provides less defensive role compression than Bug-types with secondary typings. Mega Pinsir dramatically raises its ceiling where available by adding Flying typing and Aerilate-powered Flying attacks.

Pinsir in Competitive Pokémon

Base Pinsir has occupied lower-tier roles as a strong physical attacker using Swords Dance, Mold Breaker or Moxie, and broad coverage. Mega Pinsir became a much more dangerous wallbreaker and cleaner because Aerilate converted Normal-type moves into strengthened Flying STAB, allowing powerful attacks and priority such as Quick Attack to threaten offensive teams. Its major limitations are vulnerability to Rock and entry hazards, especially after gaining Flying typing as a Mega Evolution, and the need for safe setup opportunities.

Pinsir in Nuzlockes

Pinsir is powerful enough to contribute meaningfully in Nuzlockes, but Kanto availability through the Safari Zone makes it difficult to guarantee and its older-generation Bug movepool does not always exploit its excellent Attack. High Defense makes it safer against many physical neutral attacks than frailer offensive Bugs, while weaknesses to Fire, Flying, and Rock still require careful planning. Later generations improve its direct offense substantially. Mega Pinsir can be exceptionally strong if Mega Evolution is allowed, but the base species remains more matchup-dependent.

Learnsets

15 moves · Brilliant Diamond Shining Pearl

Level Up — Brilliant Diamond Shining Pearl

1 Vise Grip normal type 55 100 physical move
1 Harden normal type --- --- status move
4 Focus Energy normal type --- --- status move
8 Bind normal type 15 85 physical move
12 Seismic Toss fighting type --- 100 physical move
16 Bug Bite bug type 60 100 physical move
20 Storm Throw fighting type 60 100 physical move
24 Double Hit normal type 35 90 physical move
28 Vital Throw fighting type 70 --- physical move
32 X-Scissor bug type 80 100 physical move
36 Strength normal type 80 100 physical move
40 Swords Dance normal type --- --- status move
44 Submission fighting type 80 80 physical move
48 Guillotine normal type --- 30 physical move
52 Superpower fighting type 120 100 physical move

Pokédex Entries

23 entries
Red / Blue

If it fails to crush the victim in its pincers, it will swing it around and toss it hard.

Yellow

Grips its prey in its pincers and squeezes hard! It can't move if it's cold, so it lives in warm places.

Gold

With its horns, it digs burrows to sleep in at night. In the morning, damp soil clings to its body.

Silver

Swings its long antlers wildly to attack. During cold periods, it hides deep in forests.

Crystal

When the temperature drops at night, it sleeps on treetops or among roots where it is well hidden.

Ruby

PINSIR is astoundingly strong. It can grip a foe weighing twice its weight in its horns and easily lift it. This POKéMON’s movements turn sluggish in cold places.

Sapphire

PINSIR has a pair of massive horns Protruding from the surface of these horns are thorns. These thorns are driven deeply into the foe’s body when the pincer closes, making it tough for the foe to escape.

Emerald

Their pincers are strong enough to shatter thick logs. Because they dislike cold, PINSIR burrow and sleep under the ground on chilly nights.

Firered

Its two long pincer horns are powerful. Once they grip an enemy, they won’t release until the foe is torn.

Leafgreen

If it fails to crush the foe in its pincers, it will swing around and toss the opponent.

Diamond / Pearl / Platinum / Black / White / X

It grips prey with its pincers until the prey is torn in half. What it can’t tear, it tosses far.

Heartgold

With its pincer horns, it digs burrows to sleep in at night. In the morning, damp soil clings to its body.

Soulsilver / Y

It swings its long pincer horns wildly to attack. During cold periods, it hides deep in forests.

Black 2 / White 2

It grips prey with its powerful pincers and will not let go until the prey is torn in half.

Omega Ruby

Pinsir is astoundingly strong. It can grip a foe weighing twice its weight in its horns and easily lift it. This Pokémon’s movements turn sluggish in cold places.

Alpha Sapphire

Pinsir has a pair of massive horns. Protruding from the surface of these horns are thorns. These thorns are driven deeply into the foe’s body when the pincer closes, making it tough for the foe to escape.

Sun

It grips its prey in its pincers and splits them apart. Although it is a powerful Pokémon, it can’t deal with the cold.

Moon

One solid blow from its horns is enough to split apart a large tree. Its greatest rival in Alola is Vikavolt.

Ultra Sun

It gets into territorial disputes with Vikavolt. For some reason, it apparently gets along well with Heracross in Alola.

Ultra Moon

Although it’s tough, it can’t handle cold well. When night falls, it buries itself in leafage and sleeps.

Lets Go Pikachu / Lets Go Eevee

Grips its prey in its pincers and squeezes hard! It can’t move if it’s cold out, so it lives in warm places.

Sword

These Pokémon judge one another based on pincers. Thicker, more impressive pincers make for more popularity with the opposite gender.

Shield

This Pokémon clamps its pincers down on its prey and then either splits the prey in half or flings it away.

Where To Find Pinsir

16 locations
Exeggutor Island · AlolaOne-time, Walking · version details vary

Exeggutor Island Area

Ultra Moon max 55%
One-time · Lv. 42 · 15%One-time · Lv. 43 · 15%Walking · Lv. 42–45 · 10%
Ultra Sun max 55%
One-time · Lv. 42 · 15%One-time · Lv. 43 · 15%Walking · Lv. 42–45 · 10%
Lush Jungle · AlolaWalking · version details vary

Lush Jungle North

Moon max 10%
Walking · Lv. 18–21 · 10%
Sun max 10%
Walking · Lv. 18–21 · 10%
Ultra Moon max 4%
Walking · Lv. 19–22 · 4%
Ultra Sun max 4%
Walking · Lv. 19–22 · 4%

Lush Jungle South

Ultra Moon max 4%
Walking · Lv. 19–22 · 4%
Ultra Sun max 4%
Walking · Lv. 19–22 · 4%

Lush Jungle West

Ultra Moon max 4%
Walking · Lv. 19–22 · 4%
Ultra Sun max 4%
Walking · Lv. 19–22 · 4%
Poké Pelago · AlolaGift · version details vary

Poke Pelago Elite Four Defeated

Moon max 4%
Gift · Lv. 49–55 · 4%
Sun max 4%
Gift · Lv. 49–55 · 4%
Ultra Moon max 4%
Gift · Lv. 49–55 · 4%
Ultra Sun max 4%
Gift · Lv. 49–55 · 4%

Poke Pelago Poni Island Reached

Moon max 5%
Gift · Lv. 37–43 · 5%
Sun max 5%
Gift · Lv. 37–43 · 5%
Ultra Moon max 5%
Gift · Lv. 37–43 · 5%
Ultra Sun max 5%
Gift · Lv. 37–43 · 5%

Poke Pelago Ulaula Island Reached

Moon max 8%
Gift · Lv. 21–27 · 8%
Sun max 8%
Gift · Lv. 21–27 · 8%
Ultra Moon max 8%
Gift · Lv. 21–27 · 8%
Ultra Sun max 8%
Gift · Lv. 21–27 · 8%
Poni Grove · AlolaWalking · version details vary

Poni Grove Area

Moon max 10%
Walking · Lv. 52–55 · 10%
Sun max 10%
Walking · Lv. 52–55 · 10%
Ultra Moon max 10%
Walking · Lv. 52–55 · 10%
Ultra Sun max 10%
Walking · Lv. 52–55 · 10%
Safari Zone · HoennWalking · version details vary

Safari Zone (NW/mach bike area)

Emerald max 5%
Walking · Lv. 27 · 4%Walking · Lv. 29 · 1%
Ruby max 5%
Walking · Lv. 27 · 4%Walking · Lv. 29 · 1%
Sapphire max 5%
Walking · Lv. 27 · 4%Walking · Lv. 29 · 1%
National Park · JohtoWalking · version details vary

National Park

HeartGold max 20%
Walking · Lv. 13–14 · 5% · Bug Catching Contest Yes, Story Progress Before National DexWalking · Lv. 27–28 · 5% · Bug Catching Contest Yes, Story Progress National Dex, Weekday SaturdayWalking · Lv. 27–28 · 5% · Bug Catching Contest Yes, Story Progress National Dex, Weekday ThursdayWalking · Lv. 27–28 · 5% · Bug Catching Contest Yes, Story Progress National Dex, Weekday Tuesday
SoulSilver max 20%
Walking · Lv. 13–14 · 5% · Bug Catching Contest Yes, Story Progress Before National DexWalking · Lv. 27–28 · 5% · Bug Catching Contest Yes, Story Progress National Dex, Weekday SaturdayWalking · Lv. 27–28 · 5% · Bug Catching Contest Yes, Story Progress National Dex, Weekday ThursdayWalking · Lv. 27–28 · 5% · Bug Catching Contest Yes, Story Progress National Dex, Weekday Tuesday
Friend Safari · KalosWalking · version details vary

Friend Safari (Bug)

X max 33%
Walking · Lv. 30 · 33% · Friend Safari Slot 3
Y max 33%
Walking · Lv. 30 · 33% · Friend Safari Slot 3
Route 12 · KalosWalking, Yellow Flowers · version details vary

Road 12

X max 10%
Walking · Lv. 25 · 5%Yellow Flowers · Lv. 27 · 5%
Celadon City · KantoGift · version details vary

Celadon City Prize Corner

Blue max 100%
Gift · Lv. 20 · 100% · Coins 2500
Green Japan max 100%
Gift · Lv. 20 · 100% · Coins 2500
LeafGreen max 100%
Gift · Lv. 18 · 100% · Coins 2500
Yellow max 100%
Gift · Lv. 30 · 100% · Coins 6500
Route 14 · KantoOverworld · version details vary

Road 14

Lets Go Eevee max 100%
Overworld · Lv. 33–38 · 100%
Route 15 · KantoOverworld · version details vary

Road 15

Lets Go Eevee max 100%
Overworld · Lv. 33–38 · 100%
Safari Zone · KantoWalking · version details vary

Safari Zone (Area 1, east)

Blue max 1%
Walking · Lv. 28 · 1%
Green Japan max 1%
Walking · Lv. 28 · 1%
LeafGreen max 1%
Walking · Lv. 28 · 1%

Safari Zone (Area 2, north)

Yellow max 1%
Walking · Lv. 15 · 1%

Safari Zone (Area 3, west)

Yellow max 4%
Walking · Lv. 25 · 4%

Safari Zone (middle)

Blue max 4%
Walking · Lv. 23 · 4%
Green Japan max 4%
Walking · Lv. 23 · 4%
LeafGreen max 4%
Walking · Lv. 23 · 4%
Citadark Isle · OrreSnag · version details vary

Citadark Isle 2F

XD max 100%
Snag · Lv. 35 · 100%
Route 229 · SinnohWalking · version details vary

Road 229

Pearl max 5%
Walking · Lv. 52 · 5%
Platinum max 40%
Walking · Lv. 48 · 20% · Swarm YesWalking · Lv. 49 · 20% · Swarm Yes
Lostlorn Forest · UnovaDark Grass, Walking, Hidden Grotto · version details vary

Lostlorn Forest

White 2 max 10%
Dark Grass · Lv. 26 · 5%Walking · Lv. 24 · 5%

Lostlorn Forest (Hidden Grotto)

Black 2 max 4%
Hidden Grotto · Lv. 20–24 · 4%
White 2 max 1%
Hidden Grotto · Lv. 20–24 · 1%
Route 12 · UnovaDark Grass, Walking · version details vary

Road 12

Black max 10%
Dark Grass · Lv. 60 · 5%Walking · Lv. 50 · 5%
White max 10%
Dark Grass · Lv. 60 · 5%Walking · Lv. 50 · 5%
White 2 max 30%
Dark Grass · Lv. 40 · 10%Dark Grass · Lv. 42 · 5%Walking · Lv. 36 · 10%Walking · Lv. 38 · 5%

Additional Images

PokeAPI sprites

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Pinsir Biology and Behavior

Pinsir uses its enormous horns to lift, crush, throw, and tear prey, with enough strength to lift approximately twice its own weight and shatter logs. It feeds on tree sap as well as prey and inhabits forests and jungles. Cold temperatures can immobilize it, so it burrows underground or shelters in treetops on cold nights, and individuals judge one another partly by the size and condition of their pincers.

Pinsir Biological Data

National Pokédex
#127
Species
Stag Beetle Pokémon
Height
4' 11" (1.5 m)
Weight
121.3 lbs (55.0 kg)
Habitat
Forest
Color
Brown
Body Style
Humanoid
Gender
50% female / 50% male

Misc

Catch Rate: 45

Base Experience: 175 Exp

Hatch Counter: 25

Pinsir Size Comparison: BETA

Pinsir is listed at 4' 11" (1.5 m) and shown in an in-chart visual comparison.

7 ft6 ft5 ft4 ft3 ft2 ft1 ft0 ft
pinsir
Professor Oak
How is visual size determined?

Pokédex height is treated as the official listed measurement, but the chart uses pose-aware visual scaling so each sprite looks reasonable in a direct comparison.

For long or coiled Pokémon, the listed height may represent total body length rather than upright height. For Pokémon with floppy ears, leaves, feathers, antennae, wings, or other flexible features, the chart usually measures to the top of the solid, substantial part of the head or body instead of the tallest decorative feature.

The goal is not to replace the official height, but to make the artwork compare naturally at the size it appears to occupy.