Caterpie

HP

90

Physical ATK

×0.86

Special ATK

×0.81

Defense

35

Special defense

20

Speed

97

Physical and special attacks use different attack factors. Defense and special defense affect the matching incoming damage category; they are not flat percentages of damage blocked. Speed is the game’s base movement value.

A focused Bug opening with little margin for mistakes

We would treat Caterpie as a deliberate close-range choice rather than an easy-progression recommendation. Bug Bite matches its stronger factor and receives the single-type Bug bonus.

The small melee radius demands spacing, and 20 special defense is a weak base value. The softened formula does not make standing in projectile lanes sensible.

Our recommendation combines this partner’s move options and base stats with the records available. The capture time is shown for each board; individual records do not reveal their game build or loadout. These are recorded runs, not win rates or a current-patch build test. Browse the records →

These are priorities and alternatives, not three attacks you receive or fire together. The selected slot keeps casting; existing projectiles, placed fields and temporary buffs can remain after switching. Bonds let several moves keep casting from one selected group.

A buff cast adds a stack rather than instantly granting the maximum bonus. Refresh it, return to damage before it expires, or combine it with damage in a Bond. It affects your player, not the whole team. Do not pass up a useful damage upgrade just to complete this list.

Physical opening

Bug Bite

physical · Bug

Prioritize levels and Power for X-Scissor instead of splitting early damage categories.

X-ScissorLv. 5 Bug Bite + Power

Control option

String Shot

physical · Bug

Slowing traps can shape the approach, but need the active slot or a Bond. Reflexes supports their evolution.

Sticky WebLv. 5 String Shot + Reflexes

Physical scaling

Swords Dance

buff · Normal

This matches the physical route. Add it after damage works, with safe refreshes or a Bond.

Upgrade order

1. Concentrate on Bug Bite before taking several attacks.
2. Take Power for its evolution and preserve an exit lane.
3. Add String Shot for control or Swords Dance for scaling after the opening is reliable.

If the cards do not cooperate: Keep improving Bug Bite if slow is late. Quick Attack is a physical alternative, but a dash needs a clear destination and Sprint to evolve.

We would choose a ranged teammate who does not need to enter Caterpie’s melee pocket. Complementary distance matters more than pretending Caterpie can hold enemies in place.

Squirtle

Consider Water Gun →

Squirtle can keep range while Caterpie handles a limited near edge, including during a planned buff refresh.

Charmander

Consider Ember →

Charmander brings ranged Fire damage. Do not ask Caterpie to absorb the whole crowd.

Kanto pairings to try, not an all-roster co-op ranking or a tested best team. Each player manages their own active slot and buffs. A partner knowing a move does not mean it keeps casting throughout the run.

1. Respect the radius

   Bug Bite begins shorter than Vine Whip. Turn before contact rather than copying a grass-melee route exactly.

2. Avoid an accidental category change

   Bug Buzz uses the weaker special factor. Switch with a reason and an upgrade plan.

3. Return to damage

   Swords Dance is a temporary buff, not a passive attack. Refresh and switch back if it is not bonded.

These are the cards this partner can learn, including its default attack. They are choices, not a loadout you receive at once. An evolution requires the base move at its maximum level and the listed stat card; attack names alone do not imply extra effects such as healing.

Physical attacks 8

Tackle

Normal · Melee

Charges in an arc at everything in front of you.

Take DownLv. 5 Tackle + Vigor

Quick Attack

Normal · Dash

You dash at the enemy like lightning and hit everything on the way.

Extreme SpeedLv. 5 Quick Attack + Sprint

Body Slam

Normal · Melee

A full-weight tackle: slow, short and brutal.

Giga ImpactLv. 5 Body Slam + Power

Bug BiteDEFAULT

Bug · Melee

A quick bite in a short arc.

X-ScissorLv. 5 Bug Bite + Power

String Shot

Bug · Mines

Leaves webs on the ground that trap and greatly slow whoever steps on them.

Sticky WebLv. 5 String Shot + Reflexes

Substitute

Normal · Turret

A decoy that stays behind shooting for you.

Double TeamLv. 5 Substitute + Armor

Rapid Spin

Normal · Spin

You spin in place, hitting everything around you several times.

Tri AttackLv. 5 Rapid Spin + Sprint

U-turn

Bug · Dash

You dash through the enemies, hitting everyone in your path.

Leech LifeLv. 5 U-turn + Synthesis

Special attacks 4

Hyper Voice

Normal · Burst

A sound wave that spreads in every direction.

UproarLv. 5 Hyper Voice + Reflexes

Bug Buzz

Bug · Aura

A constant vibration that pounds everything nearby.

SwarmLv. 5 Bug Buzz + Synthesis

Hyper Beam

Normal · Charge

Charges for a moment and fires a huge beam that pierces everything.

Prismatic LaserLv. 5 Hyper Beam + Power

Signal Beam

Bug · Bounce

A flash that bounces between enemies.

MegahornLv. 5 Signal Beam + Power

Buff cards 4

Swords Dance

Normal · Buff

Deals no damage: builds (physical) ATTACK while active.

Nasty Plot

Normal · Buff

Deals no damage: builds SPECIAL ATTACK while active.

Agility

Normal · Buff

Deals no damage: builds SPEED while active.

Harden

Normal · Buff

Deals no damage: builds DEFENSE while active.

Caterpie belongs to the Kanto collection and has common rarity. Check the Kanto pool when choosing a regional Gacha pull; a pull does not guarantee a specific species. Compare Gacha pools and pity rules →

The shiny appearance shown above uses the game’s collection animation and sparkle effect. It is an appearance, not a separate stat row on this page. See how shiny Pokémon are obtained before spending tickets.

Your owned partners and selected starting move are stored by the game. This fan guide cannot read or change your collection.