Clodsire is one of the new Pokémon introduced in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Known as the Spiny Fish Pokémon it is an evolution of Paldean Wooper, the new regional variant of the original Generation 2 Water and Ground type. This guy can be a harder match-up than you might first expect given its appearance. Here’s our guide on Clodsire’s weaknesses and best counters in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

Note: For more information about the game, check out our Pokémon Scarlet and Violet guides and features hub.

Clodsire weaknesses and best counters in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Clodsire has switched out its original typing in favor of Water and Poison. This gives Clodsire a 2x weakness to Ground, Ice, Psychic, and Water. Given that it has three more weaknesses than Quagsire it may look like a nerf but Clodsire’s much superior bulk helps it completely outclass its predecessor.

One of Quagsire’s weaknesses is that its defense stats aren’t high enough to be an effective defensive Pokémon but that isn’t true of Scarlet and Violet‘s Clodsire. Clodsire has a huge 130 Base HP alongside an impressive 100 base Special Defense. This combo alongside its decent defensive typing giving it five resisted types and immunity to Electric makes Clodsire difficult to overcome.

The trickiest part of beating Clodsire is its access to Unaware. Unaware is a top-tier ability that prevents other Pokémon from benefitting from stat changes. You can’t rely on setting up with a powerful Special Attacker and sweeping your opponent’s team if they have Clodsire. This brown blob is an incredibly effective wall against certain strategies.

Despite Clodsire’s strengths, it has a couple of weaknesses that Pokémon Scarlet and Violet players can take advantage of. Clodsire’s base 20 Speed plus its sub-par base 60 Defense leaves it vulnerable to Physical Attackers. Furthermore, it heavily relies on support moves such as Recover, Toxic, and Yawn. Having an effective Taunt user to force Clodsire to attack can shut it down easily enough.

Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet can be purchased on the Nintendo Store.