Croconaw Pokemon GO: Complete Guide, Best Moveset & Counters
Croconaw is a popular Water-type Pokemon in Pokemon GO. With a maximum CP of 1,722, Croconaw is a viable option for Great League PvP battles where its unique typing and moveset can shine.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Croconaw in Pokemon GO, including its stats, best moveset, counters, and tips for using it effectively in both PvE raids and PvP battles.
π Table of Contents
π Croconaw Base Stats & Overview
Croconaw (#159) is a Water-type Pokemon from Generation 2.
| Base Stats | |
|---|---|
| Attack | 150 |
| Defense | 142 |
| Stamina | 163 |
| Total Stats | 455 |
| Max CP | 1,722 |
| Buddy Distance | 3 km |
With 150 Attack, 142 Defense, and 163 Stamina, Croconaw has a total stat product of 455. While not the highest in any single stat, Croconaw’s balanced stats make it versatile in various battle situations.
βοΈ Best Moveset for Croconaw
Choosing the right moveset is crucial for maximizing Croconaw’s potential in Pokemon GO. The optimal moveset varies depending on whether you’re using Croconaw for raids, gym battles, or PvP.
Best Raid & Gym Moveset
For PvE content like raids and gym battles, you want moves that maximize DPS (Damage Per Second). The best Water-type moves will benefit from STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus), increasing damage by 20%.
β’ Fast Move: Best Water-type fast move
β’ Charged Move: Best Water-type charged move
Best PvP Moveset
In PvP battles, energy generation and coverage moves become more important. You’ll want a fast move that charges energy quickly and charged moves that provide good type coverage.
β’ Fast Move: High energy generation move
β’ Charged Move 1: STAB move for consistent damage
β’ Charged Move 2: Coverage move for countering weaknesses
π― Croconaw Type Effectiveness
Understanding type effectiveness is crucial for both using Croconaw effectively and knowing how to counter it. As a Water-type Pokemon, Croconaw has specific strengths and weaknesses.
β οΈ Weaknesses (Takes Super Effective Damage From)
Croconaw is weak to: Electric, Grass-type moves. When battling against Croconaw, use Pokemon with these types to deal 1.6x (or 2.56x for double weaknesses) damage.
- Electric – Deals increased damage
- Grass – Deals increased damage
π‘οΈ Resistances (Takes Reduced Damage From)
Croconaw resists: Fire, Water, Ice, Steel-type moves. This means Croconaw takes reduced damage (0.625x or less) from these attack types.
- Fire – Reduced damage
- Water – Reduced damage
- Ice – Reduced damage
- Steel – Reduced damage
π Croconaw PvP Analysis
Croconaw can be used in Pokemon GO’s GO Battle League PvP battles. Here’s how it performs in each league:
Great League (1500 CP Limit)
With a max CP of 1,722, Croconaw would need to be under-leveled for Great League. Check if the stats at 1500 CP are competitive before investing resources.
Ultra League (2500 CP Limit)
With a max CP of 1,722, Croconaw may struggle in Ultra League against bulkier opponents with higher stat products.
Master League (No CP Limit)
Croconaw is generally not recommended for Master League due to its lower max CP (1,722). Focus on other leagues instead.
βοΈ Croconaw Raid Guide
Croconaw is primarily used as a raid attacker rather than a raid boss. Here’s how to use it effectively in raids:
Using Croconaw in Raids
When using Croconaw as a raid attacker:
- Best against raid bosses weak to Water-type moves
- Power up to at least level 30-35 for decent performance
- Ensure you have the optimal moveset for maximum DPS
π― Best Counters for Croconaw
Whether you’re battling Croconaw in raids, gyms, or PvP, knowing the best counters is essential for victory. Here are the top Pokemon to use against Croconaw:
Top Counter Pokemon
The best counters exploit Croconaw’s weaknesses to Electric, Grass-type moves:
| Pokemon | Type | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Zekrom | Dragon/Electric | Top Electric DPS in the game |
| Electivire | Electric | Thunder Shock + Wild Charge deals high damage |
| Raikou | Electric | Consistent Electric damage dealer |
| Kartana | Grass/Steel | Highest Grass DPS available |
| Roserade | Grass/Poison | Razor Leaf + Grass Knot hits hard |
| Venusaur | Grass/Poison | Vine Whip + Frenzy Plant (Community Day) |
Counter Strategy Tips
- Prioritize Type Advantage: Use Pokemon with moves that are super effective against Croconaw
- Consider Bulk: Tankier counters can survive longer and deal more total damage
- Watch for Coverage Moves: Croconaw may have moves that counter its own counters
- Weather Boost: Take advantage of weather conditions that boost your counter’s attacks
π How to Get Croconaw in Pokemon GO
There are several ways to obtain Croconaw in Pokemon GO:
- Wild Encounters: Croconaw can spawn in the wild, especially in areas matching its type
- Eggs: May hatch from 3km eggs
- Evolution: Evolve from its pre-evolution using Candy
- Raids: Occasionally appears in raid battles
- Research Tasks: Complete field research for a chance to encounter
- Trading: Trade with friends
Shiny Croconaw
Yes, Shiny Croconaw is available in Pokemon GO! The shiny variant has a different coloration and is highly sought after by collectors. The shiny rate for wild encounters is approximately 1 in 500, though this can be boosted during special events like Community Days or Spotlight Hours.
Croconaw Evolution
Check the PokΓ©dex for complete evolution information including candy costs and special evolution requirements.
β Frequently Asked Questions
Is Croconaw good in Pokemon GO?
Croconaw has a max CP of 1,722, which makes it more suitable for Great League PvP or as a collector’s Pokemon. It can still be useful in specific situations where its typing is advantageous.
What is Croconaw’s best moveset?
The best moveset for Croconaw depends on your use case. For raids and gyms, prioritize high DPS Water-type moves for STAB bonus. For PvP, focus on moves with good energy generation and coverage options.
What are Croconaw’s weaknesses?
Croconaw is weak to Electric, Grass-type moves. When battling Croconaw, use Pokemon with these attack types for maximum effectiveness.
Can Croconaw be shiny in Pokemon GO?
Yes, Shiny Croconaw is available in Pokemon GO. Keep catching Croconaw for a chance at the shiny variant!
What is Croconaw’s max CP?
Croconaw’s maximum CP is 1,722 at level 50 with perfect 15/15/15 IVs. At level 40, the max CP is approximately 1,567.
π‘ Pro Tips for Using Croconaw
Here are some advanced strategies and tips to maximize Croconaw’s potential in Pokemon GO:
1. IV Optimization
For raids and gym battles, prioritize Croconaw with high Attack IVs (15 Attack is ideal). The Attack stat contributes most to damage output in PvE content.
For PvP battles, the ideal IVs depend on the league:
- Great League: Look for low Attack, high Defense and HP (0/15/15 is often ideal)
- Ultra League: Similar to Great League, optimize for stat product under 2500 CP
- Master League: Perfect 15/15/15 IVs are best since there’s no CP cap
2. Power Up Priority
Before investing Stardust and Candy into Croconaw, consider:
- Do you have enough resources? (Powering to level 50 costs 296,000 Stardust and 296 Candy)
- Will this Pokemon fill a gap in your battle team?
- Are there better alternatives for the same role?
- Do you have the optimal moveset or need Elite TMs?
3. Team Composition
Croconaw works best when paired with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses. As a Water type weak to Electric, Grass, consider adding team members that resist these types.
4. Weather Considerations
Take advantage of weather boosts:
- When catching: Weather-boosted Croconaw spawns at higher levels (up to 35)
- When battling: Weather that boosts Water moves increases your damage output
- When raiding: Spawn weather-boosted counters by raiding in appropriate weather
π Croconaw in the Pokemon Franchise
Croconaw first appeared in Generation 2 of the main Pokemon series. For more detailed lore and information about Croconaw’s origins, check out Bulbapedia.
In Pokemon GO, Croconaw was introduced as part of the Generation 2 Pokemon rollout. It became available to catch after Niantic released the Generation 2 Pokemon update.
π How Croconaw Compares
Let’s see how Croconaw stacks up against other Water-type Pokemon:
| Stat | Croconaw | Type Average | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attack | 150 | ~180 | β |
| Defense | 142 | ~160 | β |
| Stamina | 163 | ~170 | ββ |
| Max CP | 1,722 | ~2,500 | β |
π― Conclusion
Croconaw is a versatile Water-type Pokemon that can be a valuable addition to your Pokemon GO roster. With a max CP of 1,722 and solid base stats (150/142/163), it can shine in Great League PvP where its unique typing and moveset options provide interesting strategic possibilities.
Remember to:
- Optimize IVs based on your intended use (PvP vs PvE)
- Use the recommended moveset for maximum effectiveness
- Build a team that covers Croconaw’s weaknesses
- Take advantage of weather boosts when possible
For more Pokemon guides and the complete Pokedex, visit our Pokemon GO Database. Check out our PvP Rankings for the current meta and Raid Guides for battle strategies.
Last updated: January 2026. Information based on the latest Pokemon GO game data.