Introduced in generation two, with the Pokemon Gold and Silver games, Spinarak is a dual type bug and poison Pokemon. It is the first stage evolution of its two stage evolution line and evolves into Ariados once it reaches the level threshold. Ariados does not evolve further. Spinarak is classified by the Pokedex as the “String Spit Pokemon” which is likely a reference to its general behavior. This guide will showcase Spinarak’s capabilities in battle, its appearances in the anime, as well as other general facts about Spinarak.
About Spinarak
As a generation two Pokemon, Spinarak first appeared in the Original Series of the anime in the episode Spinarak Attack. In this episode, Officer Jenny is revealed to own a Spinarak in honor of the Spinarak that foiled a burglary. The Pokedex states that Spinarak is deeply in tune with its web and any motion detected by the web can be detected by Spinarak.
| First appearance in anime | Pokemon the Original Series: Spinarak Attack |
| First appearance in game | Pokemon Gold and Silver |
| Region | Johto |
| Evolution | Evolves into Ariados, not known to evolve from another Pokemon |
| 1st Evo level | 22 |
| 2nd Evo level | N/A |
| Pokedex Entry | The web spun by Spinarak can be considered its second nervous system. It is said that this Pokémon can determine what kind of prey is touching its web just by the tiny vibrations it feels through the web's strands. |
Spinarak Base Stats
| HP | 40 |
| ATTACK | 60 |
| DEFENCE | 40 |
| SP. ATTACK | 40 |
| SP. DEFENCE | 40 |
| SPEED | 30 |
| TOTAL | 250 |
Appearance
Spinarak is a small green and black Pokemon that resembles a small spider. Most of its body is green, but its six legs are black and yellow. Its two fangs are red and it has a white horn on top of its head. Spinarak’s two eyes are black with white pupils and there are small black spots on Spinarak’s body. The black pattern on its body resembles a small face and the expression of the face can change depending on the Spinarak. Spinarak is a small Pokemon at only 1 foot and 8 inches, or 0.5 meters, tall.
Behavior
In the wild, Spinarak is a nocturnal Pokemon and it will spend its day quietly hiding in its web while spinning and setting traps in the night. They are patient hunters and will often wait days before their webs can catch prey. Spinarak are known to prey on Cutiefly and while Spinarak is venomous, it does not have a powerful effect. It is potent enough to weaken prey. The silk spun from Spinarak can be used as facial treatments or even for treating wounds. The Pokedex mentions how Spinarak’s web is like a second nervous system and it can sense what the prey is from the vibrations it makes in the web.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Spinarak has yet to reach its final evolution, so it is not particularly powerful. However, even its final evolution lacks real potential in battle and to make things worse, none of Spinarak’s stats make it powerful in battle. All of its stats are below average except for its physical attack. It does have access to hazard and status inflicting moves so it can slow down an aggressive Pokemon. As a dual type bug and poison Pokemon, Spinarak takes 2x damage from flying, rock, fire, and psychic type moves. It has no immunities but is resistant to fighting, poison, bug, grass, and fairy type moves.
Best Moveset
In competitive play, Spinarak is typically reserved for the LC (Little Cup) format and in this bracket, Spinarak can function as a disruptive Pokemon. With the Insomnia ability, your opponent will have a harder time shutting down Spinarak. A Focus Sash or Eviolite held item can help Spinarak get its hazards out before getting rushed down. Consider running Sticky Web, Megahorn, Poison Jab, and Protect/Toxic Spikes. This set aims to set up hazards on your opponent’s side of the field while wearing them down with aggressive moves. You can also run Protect if you want to be more defensive or Toxic Spikes if you want to lean into hazards.
| Sticky Web | Megahorn |
| Poison Jab | Protect/Toxic Spikes |
How to Catch Spinarak in Pokemon Go?
If you would like to obtain a Spinarak in Pokemon Go, there are a few different ways of doing so. As the base evolution, it spawns more commonly in the wild which makes it easier to encounter than its final evolution counterpart. Spinarak will spawn in the wild, at a boosted rate, near the countryside, farms, forests, parks, playgrounds, and other grassy areas. Spinarak has also been featured in 2, 5, and 7 km eggs but while Spinarak has not been a raid boss, Ariados has been a tier three raid boss at Pokemon Gyms. To evolve Spinarak into an Ariados, you will need 50 candies.
Trivia
- Spinarak and Ledyba have many similarities. Both are bug type generation two Pokemon, they were exclusive to different generation two games, and this exclusive pattern continued throughout future releases as well.
- The inspiration for Spinarak’s design is likely based on the Joro spider, a spider with similar colors.
- The name Spinarak is a combination of the words spinneret and arachnid.
FAQ
How does Spinarak evolve?
Spinarak will evolve into Ariados once it reaches level 22. There are no unique conditions to fulfill with this evolution and your Spinarak will evolve naturally as long as you level it. After Spinarak evolves into Ariados, you can move on to collecting other Pokemon.
How do you get a Spinarak?
Spinarak spawns naturally in every Pokemon generation except for generation eight. If it does not, you can breed an Ariados or obtain one through trade. It was also a Pokemon that would only appear naturally in certain releases every generation. Spinarak is a common Pokemon and spawns in many locations in the games it appears in.
Does Ash catch a Spinarak?
While Ash did catch a Spinarak in the Crimson City Bug Catching Contest, he ended up releasing after he caught a Yanma. He did technically capture a Spinarak, but he does not travel with one for long. Many of Ash’s Pokemon that he did catch are still being cared for at Professor Oak’s laboratory.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you now know just about everything there is to know about this “String Spit Pokemon”. While Spinarak’s impact on competitive play is limited to a unique format, it is by no means a weak Pokemon. Spinarak can make it difficult for your opponent’s Pokemon to get set up. If it gets enough time to disrupt your opponents, Spinarak can win the battle. Spinarak can be a powerful Pokemon. Reserve a slot on your team for Spinarak if you want a disruptive bug and poison type Pokemon.
