Pokemon Go Gen 3: Rock-Types Revealed

A whole new set of Pokemon are coming to Pokemon Go. While we’re still probably a few months away from the release of “Gen 3” Pokemon, it’s never too early to start looking at some of the new Pokemon and see how they might impact the game. We’re going to take a look at all of the Pokemon that will be included in Pokemon Go‘s next wave of releases based on their types.

Today, we’re looking at Rock-Type Pokemon, which have become some of Pokemon Go‘s most versatile Pokemon in recent months. While they were always valued as strong defenders, their ability to demolish Legendary Birds turned Rock-Type Pokemon into some of the most valuable Pokemon over the summer. Here’s a look at the Rock-Type Pokemon coming to Pokemon Go:

Nosepass

Nosepass is an unassuming Rock-Type Pokemon whose immediate use in the game won’t be obvious. A small statue-like Pokemon that resembles the monoliths on Easter Island, Nosepass has some of the weakest stats of any Rock-Type Pokemon, with a maximum CP that falls short of Pokemon like Larvitar and Onix.

So why should Pokemon Go players catch as many Nosepass as they find? While Nosepass doesn’t have an evolution in Gen 3, it can evolve into Probopass once Pokemon Go rolls out Gen 4. So while Nosepass won’t do much good in gyms, it’s a “must catch” for players who want to get a jump start on prepping for the next wave of Pokemon. 

Arron, Lairon, and Aggron

A Rock/Steel dual-type Pokemon, Aggron will probably become a top tier gym defender thanks to its ultra high Defense stat. Aggron’s defense stat is on par with that of Steelix or Cloyster, only it has a much higher Attack stat than either of those Pokemon. Basically, Aggron is a Pokemon that won’t take a lot of damage, but will be able to dish out a lot of pain.

Unfortunately, Aggron isn’t a very bulky Pokemon, so it won’t be able to absorb a lot of damage like a Blissey or Snorlax. Because it’s a Rock-Type Pokemon, it also has a couple of weaknesses….although it should be very useful in raids against Legendary Birds or other Flying-Type Pokemon. 

Lunatone and Solrock

Lunatone and Solrock are two of the more unusual Pokemon in Gen 3. Both are Rock/Psychic dual-type Pokemon that float above the ground using telekinetic powers. Both are considered to be extraterrestrial in origin, similar to Pokemon like Clefairy or Elgyem. 

Lunatone and Solrock have identical stats in Pokemon Go, with relatively balanced Attack, Defense, and Stamina stats. Both Pokemon fall somewhere between Kabutops and Sudowoodo in terms of overall strength. This suggests that neither will be considered top tier Rock-Type Pokemon, although their unusual typing could give them sort sort of benefit in battle. 

Lileep and Cradily

Lileep and Cradily are ancient Pokemon resurrected by the power of modern science and resemble ancient sea lilies found near seabeds. Lileep and Cradily are the world’s only Grass/Rock dual-type Pokemon, a combination that actually doesn’t have a ton of weaknesses. Although Grass-Types and Rock-Types have the most weaknesses of any types in the Pokemon games, Lileep and Cradily are only weak to four types of Attacks (Fighting, Bug, Ice, and Steel).

Cradily has above average Defense and Stamina stats for a Grass-Type Pokemon, but it still falls short compared to many other top level defenders, especially when compared to other Rock-Type Pokemon.

Anorith and Armaldo

Armaldo is an interesting Bug/Rock dual-type Pokemon that could wind up making an impact on Pokemon Go‘s gym and raid scene. Armaldo has the same Attack strength as Rhydon, which will make it tied for the second most powerful Rock-Type Pokemon in Pokemon Go.

Although Armaldo doesn’t have the Defense or Stamina stats like Rhydon, it could still be very useful as an attacker, especially if it has a strong Bug-Type move in its moveset. Armaldo also doesn’t have a weakness against Fire-Type Pokemon, which could give it some additional use in gyms.

Relicanth

Relicanth is an ancient Pokemon inspired by a coelacanth, a species of fish thought to be extinct for millions of years. Much like the coelacanth, Relicanth is a deep sea Pokemon with tough scales that was only recently re-discovered in modern times.

While Relicanth might not look like much, it should be a useful gym defender when it gets added to the game. Relicanth has above average Stamina and Defense stats, which means that it can shrug off a LOT of attacks. While it’s not in the same tier as Snorlax or Blissey, you’ll probably see Relicanth in a ton of gyms in the coming months. 

Regirock

Regirock is one of the Legendary Golems, a group of ancient and powerful Pokemon buried underneath the Hoenn region. Like the other Legendary Golems, Regirock has a one of the highest Defense stat of all of Pokemon Go‘s Pokemon…something that’s a bit wasted as Regirock can’t be placed into gyms. 

We’re assuming that, like Pokemon Go‘s other Legendary Pokemon, Regirock will be introduced to Pokemon Go as a Raid Boss. Although Regirock’s Attack and Stamina stats are both underwhelming, its extraordinary Defense stat could make it a bit of a challenge.