Chewtle

Generation VIII introduced Chewtle in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield. Its design is based on a snapping turtle: it has the low, quadrupedal body of a turtle, but also a large head, a prominent tooth and a jaw built to hold on to whatever it catches. The rock-hard horn on its head completes this method of attack. First, it strikes with the horn to make its opponent lose its composure; then it bites.

Pokédex entries describe less calculated behavior when it is not battling. It bites anything it finds to ease the pain of its incisors as they grow, even other Chewtle, and those bites lead to fights. There is also a children’s game based on lifting the stick it has grabbed with its teeth and seeing how long it can hold on.

It occupies the first position in its evolutionary line. At level 22, it evolves into Drednaw, which keeps the snapping-turtle base and adds the Rock type. Chewtle is only 0.3 m tall, but its 8.5 kg and the size of its head make it look far from especially light.

Chewtle has no relevant competitive performance in standard battles. Its stats total 284: 64 Attack, 50 HP, 50 Defense, 44 Speed and just 38 in both Special Attack and Special Defense. The spread makes its path clear: attack from the physical side and avoid lengthy exchanges. In Little Cup, where unevolved species battle at level 5, that Attack and its access to Water- and Dark-type moves give it a more reasonable role than in open formats.

Strong Jaw is the Ability that best defines its style. It strengthens biting moves, so Bite, Jaw Lock and Crunch fit both its design and its offensive stat. The Water type lets it hit Fire, Ground and Rock for super effective damage, while also resisting Fire, Water, Ice and Steel. It is also exposed to Electric and Grass, two very common types used to punish Water Pokémon.

Water Gun and Liquidation provide Water-type STAB, while Protect helps it gain a turn and Scary Face can cut the opposing Pokémon’s Speed. Swift Swim is a clear alternative in rain, but it gives up Strong Jaw’s direct boost. Its 44 Speed, 38 Special Defense and lack of reliable recovery hold it back; one strong special hit is usually enough to knock it out.

Chewtle belongs to the Monster and Water 1 Egg Groups. The gender ratio is 50% female and 50% male, so breeding is not affected by an unusual distribution. It takes 20 Egg Cycles to hatch, equivalent to approximately 5355 steps using the usual conversion.

Its notable Egg Moves include Shell Smash, which completely changes its offensive profile at the cost of its defenses, Gastro Acid, useful for nullifying Abilities, and Dragon Tail, which adds physical coverage and forces the opposing Pokémon to switch. Dragon Tail is also among its TM options.

The evolution is exact: Chewtle evolves into Drednaw when it reaches level 22. Its catch rate is 255, a figure that corresponds to an effortless capture under normal conditions. The species has a Medium growth rate and a base friendship of 50.