Which Pokemon have shells? Pokemon come in all shapes and sizes and due to that, a wide variety of Pokemon types utilize shells - in so many different ways! Here are our best shelled Pokemon, loosely ranked based on many factors, including, stats (do shells affect defense stats on Pokemon?), how iconic the Pokemon and how cool and creative the design. This is a really hard ranking but we had a go anyway, from best beetle Pokemon, to best marine Pokemon, to water dwelling Pokemon. Sometimes it's hard to know where the definition of shell ends and epic looking defensive body armour begins, but here are the coolest Pokemon with shells ranked!
Which Pokemon Have Shells?
32. Ledian
This coleopteran insectoid Pokémon resembles a slightly humanoid ladybug and is a dual Bug and Flying Type from Generation 2, known as the Five Star Pokemon. As cute and interesting as its design is, it is a Pokemon that is difficult to utilise combatwise as it has poor stats and is a pretty weak Pokemon. We still love it anyway!
31. Ledyba
This dual Bug and Flying Type Pokemon from Generation 2 is the prevolved form of Ledian and appears as like a super cute ladybird or ladybug with big googly eyes that make us want to protect it! Its insectoid shell can do that, but perhaps not to the extent where it might thrive in battle. Its poor stats mean it feels more at home way out and away from the arena.
30. Minior
Look at this crazy shelled Pokemon! This dual Rock and Flying Type Pokemon from Generation 7 is known as the Meteor Pokemon and its outer shell consists of uncommonly durable rock. Its shell features some cracks but this is no indication of its strength; these are due to heavy impact from it hitting the ground and breaking. Combatwise, while Minior's stat spread isn't necessarily bad, it's just short in almost all areas which makes it very reliant on Shell Smash. Base 100 defenses in shield form isn't stellar with base 60 HP, and base 100 offenses are unimpressive without a boost. This makes its all-or-nothing nature even more risky.
29. Magcargo
The iconic fiery snail Pokemon! Despite its iconic status, Magcargo tends to feature down near the bottom of our list for its disappointing performance in combat, especially when compared to other Fire Types and other slime Pokemon. But comparison is the thief of joy and there are so many cool and interesting aspects to Magcargo and its design that we love it anyway! A dual Fire and Rock Type snail Pokemon from Generation 2, known as the Lava Pokemon, its body consists of molten rock, or lava, with its shell having formed as a result of cooling. It's said that its body temperature is 18000 degrees Fahrenheit and any water is vaporised on contact, making it very difficult for it to take a bath/nice rainy laps around the garden if it ever wanted to. Why do I always read this Pokemon's name with a Scottish accent in my mind? Does anyone else do that?
28. Parasect
A dual Bug and Grass type Pokémon from Generation 1, it is known as the Mushroom Pokémon and is an orange, insectoid Pokémon that has been completely overtaken by the parasitic mushroom on its back. The evolved form of Paras, it's not a crab built for combat, carrying the speed of a Snorlax, its defenses are not very good (especially considering all of the weaknesses that its typing gives it and the fact that it's almost never going to move first), and its most passable stat - Attack - is still nothing to write home about. It does bear an interesting design though and would definitely be one of the best camoflage Pokemon as no predator would be able to find it! It has a small head with pure white eyes and a segmented body that is mostly hidden by the mushroom. It has three pairs of legs with the foremost pair forming large pincers. The fungus growing on its back has a large red cap with yellow spots throughout.
27. Dwebble
Who knew crab Pokemon could have such big gooey eyes? A dual Bug/Rock type Pokémon introduced in Generation 5, it is known as the Rock Inn Pokémon. Dwebble is a small, orange hermit crab-like crab Pokemon with large pincers. It has dark, oval-shaped eyes supported by eye stalks. It has a hook-like tail that is concealed underneath the sectioned chunk of gray rock it uses as a shell. This tail is possibly used to keep the rock in place or to carve itself a new home should its old rock get lost. When finding a rock to use as its shell, Dwebble inspects the rock to see if it can be used, then it digs a hole in the rock’s bottom. Dwebble often look for solid rocks if they do not already own one as a shell. Once they find a suitable rock, they begin to spit corrosive liquid onto them or dig holes in them to make into their shell.
26. Torkoal
A Fire type Pokémon introduced in Generation 3, it is known as the Coal Pokémon and appears as like a turtle with an attached shell. This coal powered Pokemon has both access to Stealth Rock and Rapid Spin, which looks good when paired with its great Defense stat. However, it has a bad defensive typing, is weak to all entry hazards, can easily get Taunted because of its low Speed, and has no recovery outside of Leftovers, making it hard to justify using it on a team.
25. Wimpod
A dual type Bug and Water Pokemon from Generation 7, known as the Turn Tail Pokemon, with an unfortunate ability that makes it flee or switch out if it takes any damage. Perhaps it is suggested in the name, but there's nothing wrong with being a wimp! It is just not so helpful in combat. Wimpod doesn’t have any great moves either, and with a 230 BST, its stats are very low, aside from its Speed. Happily, at level 30, Wimpod will evolve into Golisopod, who will fare a bit better, although we would miss this little critter and its cute expressions, which grow on you after a while.
24. Shelmet
While many shelled Pokemon do come from the water-type line, Shelmet bucks that trend and is instead a bug-type Pokemon. The snail-like Pokemon has a shell that resembles a knight’s helmet. While the shell design is fascinating on its own, the shell actually does function as a kind of armor for the Shelmet. When in danger, the Shelmet can shut its helmet-like shell in order to negate any potential damage. Somehow, Shelmets are so skilled with their shells that parts of the shell function as legs.
23. Orbeetle
This dual Bug and Psychic Type Pokemon hails from Generation 8 and is known as the Seven Spot Pokemon. Orbeetle is a beetle-like Pokémon with a large head that resembles the body of a ladybug. Its shell is red with seven dark blue spots and a black underside. It's famous for its high level of intelligence, and the large size of its brain is proof that it also possesses immense psychic power. Thanks to a decent movepool, Orbeetle performs a utility role for Psychic teams, providing support through dual screens and Sticky Web.
22. Clamperl
Look at this cutie! Known as the Bivalve Pokemon, it is pretty much our spirit animal and we have never felt so seen by Game Freak or the Pokemon creators. It encapsulates us in a nutshell, or rather, a clam shell, and is perfectly chilled out, snoozing in its little shell bed or cradle, which we think is still part of it?? A Water Type Pokemon from Generation 3, it usually slips under the radar, due to its two highest stats are 85 base defense and 74 base special attack. That's pretty underwhelming, but there's a special little something that makes Clamperl a god among Pokemon, The Deep Sea Tooth. It has a simple effect, it doubles Clamperl's special attack. So you're probably thinking 148 base special attack right?
Wrong.
The tooth doubles the stat not the base stat, meaning everything including the evs and ivs and nature is doubled too. Furthermore, Clamperl also has access to the move shell smash, which doubles his attack, special attack, and speed. Clamperl's move pool also gives him perfect neutral coverage and he can hit the majority of Pokemon for super effective damage. The problem is, it would need to be able to get off a Shell Smash, not be phased out, and still be able to survive an attack. Even with a Shell Smash, it'd still has mediocre speed. But don't overlook this fascinating Pokemon!
21. Anorith/Armaldo
A fossil Pokemon from Generation 3, Anorith is an old shrimp creature that can be regenerated from the Claw Fossil in Ruby, Sapphire & Emerald - thus is known as the Old Shrimp Pokemon! A dual Rock and Bug Type Pokemon, Anorith used to thrive in ancient seas but the ocean composition has changed too much since its golden days for it to settle and increase its numbers in the modern Pokemon world. At level 40 it will evolve into Armaldo, the Plate Pokémon with a sweet-looking armor design. It’s a solid tank to have on your team and very reliable when it comes to defense and basic physical attacks. Armaldo also has a tantalizing Swords Dance to dizzy up its opponents. The bummer, though, is its speed and its vulnerability to common attacks since it’s a Bug-type Pokémon.
20. Omanyte
A really cute fossil Pokemon from Generation 1, Omanyte seems to be loosely based on an Ammonite fossil, as its name might suggest also. It is also known as the Spiral Pokemon for its swirly shell. Revived from the Helix Fossil which you’d pick up at Mount Moon, it’s one of the first Fossil Pokémon you would have come across in the series if you’ve been playing since the OG days. It appears as spiral snail Pokémon with tentacles and appears to resemble a prehistoric snail… but it has a very unique trick! You might be forgiven for assuming Omanyte is one of the slowest Pokémon, as it certainly appears that way, however, it has the unusual ability to gain speed stats the more it gets attacked. Layers of its shell will fall off as it defends itself so the shell gets lighter, enabling faster movement, which makes the Lord Helix evolutionary line a solid choice for your team. If snails did this in real life there would definitely be no green plants left in your garden! Lettuce carry on...
19. Turtwig/Grotle
Let's crawl on over and take a look at Turtwig, the adorable tiny turtle Tiny Leaf Pokemon! Hailing from Generation 4, this Grass Type cutie is the Grass-type Starter Pokémon of the Sinnoh region and can undertake photosynthesis with its body, under the sun, making oxygen. The leaf on its head wilts if it is thirsty and it is the only pure Grass-type that can set Stealth Rock, bringing an interesting niche to the table in combat. Not to mention it is adorable, its design based on a tiny tortoise fused with a plant bulb or seedling. It is the prevolved form of Grotle and later on, the mighty Torterra!
18. Kabuto/Kabutops
Kabuto is a small crab Pokemon resembling a horseshoe crab. No one can say this Pokemon isn't cute. Just look at its eyes! At least I think those are eyes. Even if it looks a bit like a nit or a headlouse, it is strangely endearing. A dual Rock and Water-type Fossil Pokémon introduced in Generation 1, this classic shellfish Pokemon can be resurrected from a Dome Fossil and is known to be Omanyte's counterpart. It design is comparable to a horseshoe crab: flat, brown, and a hard shell protecting its body, but it undergoes a pretty powerful evolution at level 40. Kabuto’s evolved form, Kabutops, is a bit of a beast. Even though it may have low base HP, it more than makes up for it with strong attributes like speed, attack and defense, plus is incredibly intimidating with its sharp scythes, skeleton-esque body and extremely predatory temperment and history. In its original time, Kabuto was prominently found on beaches, likely aided by its fast and powerful swimming ability.
17. Pinsir
This horned minibeast Pokemon is a Bug Type Pokemon from Generation 1 and is also known as the Stag Beetle Pokemon. Just like horned creatures in real life, these Pokémon judge one another based on pincers. Thicker, more impressive pincers make for more popularity with the opposite gender. Inspired by the incredibly strong minibeasts in real life, Pinsir is astoundingly strong. It can grip a foe weighing twice its weight in its horns and easily lift it.
Pinsir is a fast mono-Bug type Pokemon, but not a particularly bulky one. Bug-types aren't very valuable in the meta, though Pinsir stands out with its access to two very powerful Fighting-type charge moves which hit hard and provide wide relevant coverage. While other Pokemon can do Pinsir's role a lot better, Pinsir's unique moveset may give it a niche in specific formats.
16. Heracross
As powerful creatures that are known to drive their single horns into the bellies of their foes and then toss them over their heads, we have to include Heracross on this list for their impressive body shell armour, as well as their unique fighting style (plus if Pinsir made it, we can't leave out this bad boy) and abilities in combat - plus the fact that it carries a mega form! Mega Heracross is one of the most powerful wallbreakers in the tier, being able to dismantle defensive teams with Swords Dance along with its high Attack stat.
15. Omastar
One of the fossil Pokemon from the first generation of the games is Omastar. It’s one of the more sinister-looking Pokemon from the first generation, which made it an easy pick for players looking to have a scary team. A rather sad fact about Omastars is that a reason for their possible extinction may have actually been their own shells. It’s been said that the shells progressively got heavier over the years, which had a significant impact on its ability to maneuver.
14. Forretress
Foretress moving at high velocity in the Pokemon anime Forretress is one of the most uniquely designed Pokemon of the second generation. It’s not only a bug-type but also a steel-type Pokemon. It’s actually the evolved form of a Pineco, and it features a rather unique outer shell compared to many other shelled creatures. The Pokemon has a unique defense mechanism that sees it launching pieces of its shell toward its enemies. The entire shell does open when a Forretress is hunting, but only when it intends to finally latch onto its prey. Apparently, no one actually knows what the creature inside the shell looks like.
13. Turtonator
From the Alola region comes this funny critter from Generation 7, who's name sounds like a cross between a teenage mutant ninja turtle and a transformer. Despite its fierce yet funny appearance, with a little hat that looks like a sun shade, this critter actually has interesting Fire/Dragon typing and great defense stat. However, it might be a little tricky to work with in battle. Alongside the rotten egg smell from all the sulphur it consumes, it’s known as the Blast Turtle Pokémon because its shell is made of volatile, explosive material. This makes it pretty terrifying to fight alongside in battle, not just against! We are ranking it here for how iconic it is, as well as its great typing and defense stat.
12. Golisopod
A dual Water and Bug type Pokemon from Generation 7, Golisopod is known as the Hard Scale Pokemon. Known for being able to survive in a variety of harsh environments, in the Pokémon world isopods are represented by the formidable Golisopod from the Kalos region. Due to its hard outer coating, it has extremely good defense and attack values, along with a super cool Emergency Exit ability that lets it escape unscathed and that the rest of us wish we had and are incredibly jealous of, just saying.
11. Shuckle
Shuckle is a strange little Pokemon that has managed to garner a surprising fanbase amongst the Pokemon community. It’s a vibrant creature with a worm-like design that protrudes from its bumpy red shell. Rather than hunting for any kind of food, Shuckles are said to forage for berries and store them within their shell. The Shuckle turns the berries into a liquid and then drinks it for sustenance. Aside from that, Shuckles can also retreat into their shells for protection from threats.
10. Slowbro/Slowking
One of the most iconic Pokemon with a shell is Slowbro and especially Slowking, a dual Water and Psychic Type Pokemon from Generation 2. Known as the Royal Pokemon, it carries a shell crown on its head and is relatively easy to achieve from its prevolved form Slowbro. Slowking boasts excellent defensive typing, a great ability in Regenerator, and exceptional special bulk as well as good physical bulk, making it one of NU's most reliable defensive pivots, taking on Passimian, Delphox, and Mega Glalie reliably.
9. Togepi
Togepi is here for cuteness, okay?? Few shelled Pokemon are as iconic as Togepi. While its shell may not be in the same style as many of the other shelled Pokemon, Togepi stands out as a fan-favorite. As far as mascots for the series go, Togepi could have been a contender alongside Pikachu. Most Pokemon tend to use shells as some form of protection, but Togepi’s egg likely isn’t offering all that much added safety from threats. However a Togepi’s body works, it is apparently able to hide inside of its shell when threatened or when it’s trying to get some sleep.
8. Shelgon
You may be a fan of Shelgon purely because it eventually evolves into the incredible Salamence, but Shelgon is unique in its own right. Shelgon is not only shelled, but it is also a dragon-type Pokemon. While many Pokemon have shells that they simply rest inside of, it seems that a Shelgon's shell is actually a part of the Pokemon. It’s said that the creature's shell is actually a bone structure that is formed as a protective layer, almost like a kind of tough cocoon.
7. Chewtle/Drednaw
From Generation 8 comes this dual Water and Rock type turtle Pokemon, known as the Bite Pokemon. Its temperment is known to be vicious and it is inspired by snapping turtles. It will rapidly extend its retractable neck to sink its sharp fangs into distant enemies and take them down. In fact, this Pokémon from the Galar region is so fierce that some trainers will release it back into the wilds after finding themselves unable to earn its trust and respect. If you do manage to tame this beast you will find yourself with a brutal fighter with the power to bite through entire buildings in his Gigantamax form, a true beast! Its jaws can shear through steel rods as if they were icing. If you haven’t picked up Sword & Shield yet then totally consider adding this guy onto your team.
6. Tirtouga
A reptilian Pokémon resembling a baby leatherback sea turtle, its body is blue with black spots on the edges of its flippers. A Water/Rock type Pokémon introduced in Generation 5, it is known as the Prototurtle Pokémon and hence begins our run of revived-from-a-fossil Pokémon. Tirtouga is revived from the Cover Fossil and first appeared in Generation 5 games. Considered to be the ancestor of many turtle Pokémon and having once inhabited the ancient seas, it will evolve into Carracosta at level 37, gaining high defensive stats from its hard shell, rock-solid chest, and over-all chunky design.
5. Shellder/Cloyster
There are few ways better to kick off a list of shelled Pokemon than with a Pokemon that is basically all shell. Many Pokemon fans loved the first generation Shellder and its unique evolution, Cloyster. In the world of Pokemon, a Shellder’s shell is said to be so durable that it’s equivalent to diamonds in how hard it is. Apparently, people would use Shellder’s shells to create shields, though what the inhabitants of that world would need shields for is a bit of a mystery.
Cloyster is a dual type Water and Ice Pokemon we've known since Generation 1 and this little black pearl clam-like critter is a familiar face. This questionably-shaped Pokémon become infamous ever since it was introduced alongside the original 151 Pokémon. It is encased inside a light grey shell, inside a blue violet coloured casing, which not only looks interesting but offers incredible defense stat. It can also have the Skill Link ability which makes multi-strike moves such as Icicle hit as many times as possible, meaning Cloyster becomes your very own heavily-armored chip damage machine-gun. It is known as the Bivalve Pokemon.
4. Lapras
It can feel like there aren’t enough Lapras fans in the world to many Pokemon fans. The creature is both majestic and incredibly powerful in the right hands. Lapras has gained many a mention in previous posts such as the Smartest Pokemon Ranked in the Franchise and few Pokémon have had as much screen-time as Lapras. In the first few games it was Lapras’ sprite that appeared when you used Surf, regardless of which Pokémon had the move. Even after that changed, this Generation 1 Transport Pokemon has been embedded in fans hearts ever since. It is a dual Water and Ice type and was once over-hunted by humans to the point of almost becoming extinct. Now it is seen as a cherished and protected Pokémon and its population has exploded, creating an overabundance worldwide. Perhaps it evolved in strength along the way as it is certainly incredibly powerful too with moves like Dragon Pulse, Blizzard, and Hydro Pump, plus incredible HP and Sp. Defense which give it amazing durability in combat and certainly the ability to overpower any humans who wish to hunt it. The tables have turned, happily so! As we’ve now seen Gigantamax Pokemon, we’ve found out that roughly 5,000 people are able to comfortably ride on a Gigantamax Lapras’ shell.
3. Samurott
Known as the Formidable Pokemon, coming in close to the top of our list is this quadrupedal, blue, sea lion-like Pokémon, a Water-type starter for Generation 5! Oshawott’s final evolution is essentially a giant samurai otter, with layered armor and wielding a horn on its head a little like a unicorn, which definitely gives it a mystical Narnia-like appearance. Thanks to the Torrent ability, Samurott’s Water-type moves become stronger whenever it’s in danger of fainting. With excellent physical and special Attack, it can turn around a tricky battle with learned leveling up moves like Hydro Pump or Aqua Tail.
2. Torterra
A Grass/Ground type Starter Pokemon from the Sinnoh region, or rather a Tortoise carrying an entire living ecosystem on its back! It is commonly known as the Continent Pokémon as it bears a unique uncanny resemblance to an island floating on water! It is the evolved form of the tiny Turtwig, one of the classic starter choices from Generation 4. Torterra is an amazing companion to bring with you on your Pokémon journey through the Sinnoh region, it can hold its own nicely in combat with its high attack and defense.
1. Squirtle/Wartortle/Blastoise
When pretty much any Pokemon fan thinks of shelled Pokemon, it’s entirely possible that the first creature that jumps to mind is Blastoise or one of its less-powerful evolutions. Known as the Shellfish Pokemon and the evolved form of Wartortle, the most cherished and powerful water starter of them all has to be Blastoise, the first generation final evolution of Squirtle. Sometimes, you have to get back to the basics. This giant turtle that somehow evolved pressurized water cannons doesn’t only look like a tank, it’s also incredibly tanky in battle. It possesses incredible Defense and Sp. Defense stats, along with its Rain Dish hidden ability that means it can heal under rainy weather. It makes Blastoise an incredibly durable fighter in almost every generation of the series. Not only can it take damage well, it pays back opponents and then some with incredibly devastating moves such as Skull Bash, Hydro Pump, and even Earthquake if you’re willing to spend a TM. It can then even turn into Mega Blastoise too, using the Blastoisonite - which only cements its status as an actual beast of a Water type Pokemon! For many, Squirtle was the first Pokemon they ever picked, giving its evolutionary line a special place in their heart. As far as shells go, it’s hard to argue that Blastoise doesn’t have the most visually striking thanks to the two cannons sticking out of it. While there isn’t much information on how tough the creature's shell is, it must be strong since a Blastoise can quickly hide in its shell to protect itself from danger.
Which have we missed? Let us know in the comments below! If you liked this definitely also check out these Best Bellossom Nicknames ideas!
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