Forretress is a dual-type Bug/Steel Pokémon introduced in Generation II. This large, spherical insectoid Pokémon has no visible limbs and is encased in a steel-hard shell that provides excellent defense against opponents. The upper and lower halves of its body are capped by bumpy steel plates with zigzagging ridges that can open along its back and front, revealing a smooth, red inner shell. Inside this shell are four cylindrical spikes and Forretress's round eyes with large pupils. As a defensive mechanism, Forretress can shoot fragments of its outer shell at approaching enemies, which is a conditioned reflex rather than a conscious action.
Forretress is known for its incredible defensive capabilities, with a base Defense stat of 140, making it one of the best physical walls in its tier. It can survive powerful attacks and even has the ability Sturdy, which allows it to endure any single hit if it's at full health. Forretress is typically found in tropical and temperate forests, where it attaches itself immovably to tree trunks.
Pokédex Data
- Height: 1.2 m (3'11")
- Weight: 125.8 kg (277.3 lbs)
- Type: Bug/Steel
- Abilities: Sturdy (standard), Overcoat (hidden)
- Species: Bagworm Pokémon
Breeding
- Gender Ratio: 50% male, 50% female
- Egg Groups: Bug
Pokédex Entries Across Versions
- Gold: Its entire body is shielded by a steel-hard shell. What lurks inside the armor is a total mystery.
- Silver: It remains immovably rooted to its tree. It scatters pieces of its hard shell to drive its enemies away.
- Crystal: Usually found hanging on to a fat tree trunk. It shoots out bits of its shell when it sees action.
- Ultra Sun: When something approaches it, it fires off fragments of its steel shell in attack. This is not a conscious action but a conditioned reflex.
- Ultra Moon: In the moment that it gulps down its prey, the inside of its shell is exposed, but to this day, no one has ever seen that sight.
Evolutions
Forretress evolves from Pineco at level 31.
Habits and Additions Across Generations
- In Generation II, Forretress was introduced as the evolved form of Pineco.
- In Generation III, Forretress gained the ability to learn the move Toxic Spikes, enhancing its utility as a defensive Pokémon.
- In Generation V, Forretress received its hidden ability, Overcoat, which protects it from weather damage.
- As of Generation VIII, Forretress has gained the ability to levitate, as shown in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.