Arbok Pokémon

Introduced in the original generation one games, with Pokemon Red, Blue, and Green, Arbok is a monotype poison Pokemon. It will evolve from Ekans when it reaches the level threshold and does not evolve further. Arbok is classified by the Pokedex as the “Cobra Pokemon” which indicates its general design as well as being a palindrome for Arbok. This guide will showcase Arbok’s capabilities in battle, its appearances in the anime, as well as other general facts about Arbok.

Arbok

About Arbok

As one of the original generation one Pokemon, Arbok first appeared in the original series with the episode Dig Those Diglett!. It was also primarily featured as one of Jessie’s main Pokemon throughout the original series. Arbok will evolve from Ekans at level 22, which finishes out the two stage evolution line. Both Ekans and Arbok’s names are palindromes as Ekans backwards is snake, and Arbok is kobra. The Pokedex mentions how Arbok’s grip is strong enough to flatten steel drums.

Arbok Base Stats

(Generations 1-6)

(Generation 7+)

Appearance

Arbok is a cobra-like Pokemon with a purple body and a large hood near its head, and within its hood are markings that resemble a malicious face. Throughout the franchise, these markings are slightly different with over 20 different variations. It has two black eyes with white pupils, but the face in its hood has red and yellow eyes. Arbok is incredibly tall if you include its entire body length at 11 feet and 6 inches, or 3.5 meters, tall.

Behavior

Most of Arbok’s appearances showcase it in a villainous role alongside Team Rocket member Jessie. While Team Rocket’s motivations are typically sinister, Arbok was still shown to have a soft spot. Even though it would usually follow Jessie’s orders without question, there were moments where it would show disobedience to follow its own beliefs. The Pokedex states that Arbok will intimidate its foes with its large size and markings while also managing to crush steel with its constricting grip.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Arbok’s total stat distributions are fairly balanced with a decent physical attack alongside a respectable speed stat. It has a fairly low health pool along with slightly weak defensive stats. While it did receive a boost to its physical attack during the generation seven games, it still tends to underperform. As a monotype poison Pokemon, Arbok is 2x weak to ground and psychic type moves., has no immunities but will resist fighting, poison, bug, grass, and fairy type moves.

Best Moveset

Since Arbok’s introduction, it has not been able to perform very strongly in competitive play. Even with the slight buff it received, it has trouble fulfilling any particular role. Nevertheless, if you want to run Arbok, your best bet is to use an offensive strategy and thus consider running Coil, Gunk Shot, Earthquake, and Sucker Punch. Coil can help your Arbok sweep the enemy team, Gunk Shot benefits from STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus), Earthquake is a good type coverage option, and finally Sucker Punch can give you some outplay potential. While this is an offensive set, you will want to consider your Arbok’s health as well. Use Black Sludge, as a held item, to keep your Arbok healthy or a Shuca Berry if you are particularly weak to ground type moves.

How to Catch Arbok in Pokemon Go

If you would like to obtain an Arbok in Pokemon Go, you will want to catch an Ekans to eventually evolve into Arbok. Like most final evolution Pokemon, it is much more common to encounter its base evolution than its final evolution. You can encounter Ekans near wetland regions like marshes or even industrial areas or it can also be hatched from 2 and 5 km eggs. You will need 50 Ekans candies in order to evolve into Arbok. If you would like to skip the candy collection, you can also find Arbok in tier three raid battles in Pokemon Gyms. Take whichever opportunity comes first to obtain this Pokemon from generation one.

Trivia

1. Arbok’s markings on its hood can vary from generation to generation.
2. The inspiration for Arbok’s design likely comes from the Indian or the King Cobra. Its powerful constricting abilities may be inspired by boas or anacondas.
3. The name Arbok is simply cobra spelled backwards while replacing the “C” for a “K”.

Video

FAQ

What kind of Pokemon is Arbok?

Arbok is classified by the Pokedex as the “Cobra Pokemon”. It is a monotype poison Pokemon with a cobra-like appearance. As it evolves from a snake-like Pokemon, it is possible the developers were trying to showcase that cobras are typically more dangerous than other snakes. Interestingly, Arbok is also part of the dragon egg group which means that it can breed with other Pokemon in the dragon category.

Is Arbok a good Pokemon?

It is difficult to find a role for Arbok. While its base stats are distributed evenly, it has trouble finding a niche to fulfill on any team. It is best used as an offensive Pokemon with the move Coil supporting its offensive capabilities. However, many other poison type Pokemon can fulfill the poison role with less set up.

How do you evolve Arbok?

Arbok will evolve from Ekans once it reaches level 22.There are no special conditions to fulfill and you can evolve your Ekans naturally through progressing through the games. You just need to allow the evolution animation to play without pressing the “B” button.

Conclusion

Congratulations, you now know just about everything there is to know about this “Cobra Pokemon”. While Arbok has not had the biggest impact on competitive play, it is unique as one of the original 151 Pokemon in the generation one games. It can also function with its ability Intimidate along with a team that likes switching. Consider running Arbok on your team if you want a well-rounded poison type Pokemon on your team.