No. 0331

Cacnea

Cactus Pokémon

Official art

Grass

Height: 0.4 m 1′04″
Weight: 51.3 kg 113.1 lbs
Base stat total: 335 Higher than 28% of Pokémon
Introduced: Gen III Ruby & Sapphire

Abilities

Sand Veil Water Absorb

Pokédex entrySapphire / Alpha Sapphire

The more arid and harsh the environment, the more pretty and fragrant a flower Cacnea grows. This Pokémon battles by wildly swinging its thorny arms.

See all 6 entries

Base stats

Total 335 · Higher than 28% of Pokémon

HP50125–157210–304

Atk8594–150157–295

Def4054–10176–196

SpA8594–150157–295

SpD4054–10176–196

Spe3549–9567–185

Total335Higher than 28% of Pokémon

Ranges in Pokémon Champions at Lv 50: 0 Stat Points with a −10% Stat Alignment to 32 Stat Points with a +10% one (HP has no alignment).Ranges in the main games at Lv 100: 0 IV/EV with a hindering nature to 31 IV/252 EV with a helpful nature. EV yield: 1 SpA.

Stat calculatorChampions Stat Points & Stat Alignment, or EVs, IVs & nature

Calculate damage →

Type matchups

Weak to 5 types, resists 4

Colors show what this Pokémon takes

Weak to

2×

BugFireFlyingIcePoison

Resists

½×

ElectricGrassGroundWater

Takes normal damage from 9 types

NormalFightingRockGhostSteelPsychicDragonDarkFairy

With Water Absorb, hidden ability: Water becomes 0×

Abilities

2 abilities

Sand Veil
If Sandstorm is active, this Pokémon's evasiveness is 1.25×; immunity to Sandstorm.
Other Pokémon with Sand Veil 26
Sandshrew Sandslash Diglett Dugtrio Geodude Graveler Golem Gligar Phanpy Donphan Larvitar Cacturne Gible Gabite Garchomp Gliscor Stunfisk Helioptile Heliolisk Sandygast Palossand Silicobra Sandaconda Wiglett Wugtrio Orthworm
Water Absorb, hidden ability
This Pokémon heals 1/4 of its max HP when hit by Water moves; Water immunity.
Other Pokémon with Water Absorb 26
Poliwag Poliwhirl Poliwrath Lapras Vaporeon Chinchou Lanturn Politoed Wooper Quagsire Mantine Cacturne Mantyke Tympole Palpitoad Seismitoad Maractus Frillish Jellicent Volcanion Dewpider Araquanid Dracovish Arctovish Clodsire Wellspring Mask Ogerpon

Competitive

Showdown usage and sets

Smogon · Showdown On Showdown

Sep 2026

Other Showdown formats Scarlet & Violet, with Tera

SV SinglesLC

0.1% of teams · rank #95 · Singles, first stages at Lv 5 · 1630 weighting · 7,479 battles · Sep 2026

Most common build

Item: Choice Specs
Ability: Water Absorb, hidden ability
Nature: Naive
EVs: 236 SpA / 236 Spe
Tera Type: Grass

Each part is the most used on its own, so not every team runs this exact set.

Usage by rating

All games1.0%
1500 weighting0.5%
1630 weighting0.1%
1760 weighting<0.1%

Usage by month

Oct 20250.1%

Moves

Items

Abilities

Water Absorb, hidden ability99.4%
Sand Veil0.6%

EV spreads

Naive 236 SpA / 236 Spe27.7%
Rash 36 HP / 236 SpA / 236 Spe26.3%
Hardy 36 HP / 116 Def / 236 SpA / 116 SpD14.1%
Quiet 76 Atk / 236 SpA / 196 SpD13.1%
Timid 116 HP / 116 Def / 236 SpA / 36 SpD9.1%

Tera types

Grass55.8%
Dark20.5%
Ground14.1%
Rock9.4%

Common teammates

Mienfoo49.9%
Chinchou48.7%
Vullaby28.6%
Glimmet27.7%
Ekans27.7%
Bramblin26.3%
Snubbull26.3%
Silicobra26.3%

Speed tiers

Max Speed 95 · outspeeds 8 of the 30 most used

The faster Pokémon moves first, so who you outspeed decides battles. Its Speed values at Lv 50 in Pokémon Champions (base Speed 35); Choice Scarf and Tailwind use the Max+ value.

Max+95Max87No SP55Min49

Scarf142Tailwind190

At max Speed, Cacnea outspeeds 8 of the 30 most used Pokémon in Champions VGC on Showdown, and ties 1.

Speed at Lv 50 in Pokémon Champions: Cacnea against the 30 most used Pokémon in Champions VGC on Showdown, fastest first
Speed		Pokémon
203		Mega Garchomp ZModest · 32 SP · #21 on Showdown
200		Mega GengarTimid · 32 SP · #26 on Showdown
190		Mega Raichu YTimid · 23 SP · #13 on Showdown
189		Mega SalamenceTimid · 32 SP · #4 on Showdown
184		WhimsicottTimid · 32 SP · #23 on Showdown
178		Mega MetagrossJolly · 32 SP · #28 on Showdown
178		Mega StaraptorJolly · 32 SP · #29 on Showdown
172		SneaslerAdamant · 32 SP · #2 on Showdown
169		Mega FloetteTimid · 32 SP · #17 on Showdown
169		GarchompJolly · 32 SP · #19 on Showdown
167		Mega Charizard YTimid · 32 SP · #14 on Showdown
167		Mega GardevoirTimid · 32 SP · #20 on Showdown
161		IndeedeeTimid · 32 SP · #30 on Showdown
156		Hisuian ArcanineJolly · 32 SP · #16 on Showdown
150		ArchaludonTimid · 32 SP · #9 on Showdown
149		GholdengoTimid · 32 SP · #8 on Showdown
143		BasculegionJolly · 32 SP · #6 on Showdown
128		PelipperTimid · 32 SP · #12 on Showdown
120		VolcaronaBold · 0 SP · #25 on Showdown
105		RillaboomAdamant · 0 SP · #1 on Showdown
101		MiloticCalm · 0 SP · #15 on Showdown
95		Cacnea · Max+32 SP, Speed-raising alignment
95		SylveonModest · 15 SP · #18 on Showdown
94		Female IndeedeeRelaxed · 0 SP · #7 on Showdown
90		PolitoedCalm · 0 SP · #22 on Showdown
90		SinistchaBold · 0 SP · #24 on Showdown
87		Cacnea · Max32 SP, neutral alignment
85		ArmarougeQuiet · 0 SP · #27 on Showdown
80		IncineroarCareful · 0 SP · #3 on Showdown
80		FarigirafBold · 0 SP · #11 on Showdown
70		KingambitAdamant · 0 SP · #5 on Showdown
60		Mega GolisopodAdamant · 0 SP · #10 on Showdown
55		Cacnea · No SP0 SP, neutral alignment

Smogon · Showdown Others at their most common Speed investment in Champions VGC (Reg M-C · Doubles, Sep 2026); Pokémon holding a Mega Stone are shown as their Mega.

Moves

70 moves in Scarlet & Violet

Level up 17


1	LeerLowers the foe(s) Defense by 1.	Normal	Status	—	100%	30
1	Poison Sting30% chance to poison the target.	Poison	Physical	15	100%	35
4	AbsorbUser recovers 50% of the damage dealt.	Grass	Special	20	100%	25
7	GrowthRaises user's Attack and Sp. Atk by 1; 2 in Sun.	Normal	Status	—	—	20
10	Leech Seed1/8 of target's HP is restored to user every turn.	Grass	Status	—	90%	10
13	Sand AttackLowers the target's accuracy by 1.	Ground	Status	—	100%	15
16	Bullet SeedHits 2-5 times in one turn.	Grass	Physical	25	100%	30
19	Power Trip + 20 power for each of the user's stat boosts.	Dark	Physical	20	100%	10
22	IngrainTraps/grounds user; heals 1/16 max HP per turn.	Grass	Status	—	—	20
26	PaybackPower doubles if the user moves after the target.	Dark	Physical	50	100%	10
30	SpikesHurts grounded foes on switch-in. Max 3 layers.	Ground	Status	—	—	20
34	Sucker PunchUsually goes first. Fails if target is not attacking.	Dark	Physical	70	100%	5
38	Pin MissileHits 2-5 times in one turn.	Bug	Physical	25	95%	20
42	Energy Ball10% chance to lower the target's Sp. Def by 1.	Grass	Special	90	100%	10
46	Cotton SporeLowers the target's Speed by 2.	Grass	Status	—	100%	40
50	SandstormFor 5 turns, a sandstorm rages. Rock: 1.5× SpD.	Rock	Status	—	—	10
54	Destiny BondIf an opponent knocks out the user, it also faints.	Ghost	Status	—	—	5

TM / HM / TR 49


TM01	Take DownHas 1/4 recoil.	Normal	Physical	90	85%	20
TM06	Scary FaceLowers the target's Speed by 2.	Normal	Status	—	100%	10
TM07	ProtectPrevents moves from affecting the user this turn.	Normal	Status	—	—	10
TM12	Low KickMore power the heavier the target.	Fighting	Physical	—	100%	20
TM18	ThiefIf the user has no item, it steals the target's.	Dark	Physical	60	100%	25
TM20	Trailblaze100% chance to raise the user's Speed by 1.	Grass	Physical	50	100%	20
TM25	FacadePower doubles if user is burn/poison/paralyzed.	Normal	Physical	70	100%	20
TM28	Bulldoze100% chance lower adjacent Pkmn Speed by 1.	Ground	Physical	60	100%	20
TM32	SwiftThis move does not check accuracy. Hits foes.	Normal	Special	60	—	20
TM33	Magical LeafThis move does not check accuracy.	Grass	Special	60	—	20
TM43	FlingFlings the user's item at the target. Power varies.	Dark	Physical	—	100%	10
TM45	VenoshockPower doubles if the target is poisoned.	Poison	Special	65	100%	10
TM47	EndureUser survives attacks this turn with at least 1 HP.	Normal	Status	—	—	10
TM49	Sunny DayFor 5 turns, intense sunlight powers Fire moves.	Fire	Status	—	—	5
TM50	Rain DanceFor 5 turns, heavy rain powers Water moves.	Water	Status	—	—	5
TM51	SandstormFor 5 turns, a sandstorm rages. Rock: 1.5× SpD.	Rock	Status	—	—	10
TM55	DigDigs underground turn 1, strikes turn 2.	Ground	Physical	80	100%	10
TM56	Bullet SeedHits 2-5 times in one turn.	Grass	Physical	25	100%	30
TM58	Brick BreakDestroys screens, unless the target is immune.	Fighting	Physical	75	100%	15
TM62	Foul PlayUses target's Attack stat in damage calculation.	Dark	Physical	95	100%	15
TM66	Body Slam30% chance to paralyze the target.	Normal	Physical	85	100%	15
TM68	Thunder Punch10% chance to paralyze the target.	Electric	Physical	75	100%	15
TM70	Sleep TalkUser must be asleep. Uses another known move.	Normal	Status	—	—	10
TM71	Seed BombNo additional effect.	Grass	Physical	80	100%	15
TM73	Drain PunchUser recovers 50% of the damage dealt.	Fighting	Physical	75	100%	10
TM81	Grass KnotMore power the heavier the target.	Grass	Special	—	100%	20
TM83	Poison Jab30% chance to poison the target.	Poison	Physical	80	100%	20
TM85	RestUser sleeps 2 turns and restores HP and status.	Psychic	Status	—	—	5
TM88	Swords DanceRaises the user's Attack by 2.	Normal	Status	—	—	20
TM90	SpikesHurts grounded foes on switch-in. Max 3 layers.	Ground	Status	—	—	20
TM91	Toxic SpikesPoisons grounded foes on switch-in. Max 2 layers.	Poison	Status	—	—	20
TM94	Dark Pulse20% chance to make the target flinch.	Dark	Special	80	100%	15
TM103	SubstituteUser takes 1/4 its max HP to put in a substitute.	Normal	Status	—	—	10
TM111	Giga DrainUser recovers 50% of the damage dealt.	Grass	Special	75	100%	10
TM119	Energy Ball10% chance to lower the target's Sp. Def by 1.	Grass	Special	90	100%	10
TM122	EncoreTarget repeats its last move for its next 3 turns.	Normal	Status	—	100%	5
TM130	Helping HandOne adjacent ally's move power is 1.5× this turn.	Normal	Status	—	—	20
TM137	Grassy Terrain5 turns. Grounded: +Grass power, +1/16 max HP.	Grass	Status	—	—	10
TM140	Nasty PlotRaises the user's Sp. Atk by 2.	Dark	Status	—	—	20
TM159	Leaf StormLowers the user's Sp. Atk by 2.	Grass	Special	130	90%	5
TM168	Solar BeamCharges turn 1. Hits turn 2. No charge in sunlight.	Grass	Special	120	100%	10
TM171	Tera BlastIf Terastallized: Phys. if Atk > SpA, type = Tera.	Normal	Special	80	100%	10
TM177	SpiteLowers the PP of the target's last move by 4.	Ghost	Status	—	100%	10
TM192	Focus PunchFails if the user takes damage before it hits.	Fighting	Physical	150	100%	20
TM194	Grassy GlideUser on Grassy Terrain: +1 priority.	Grass	Physical	55	100%	20
TM205	EndeavorLowers the target's HP to the user's HP.	Normal	Physical	—	100%	5
TM219	Skitter Smack100% chance to lower target's Sp. Atk by 1.	Bug	Physical	70	90%	10
TM221	Throat ChopFor 2 turns, the target cannot use sound moves.	Dark	Physical	80	100%	15
TM224	CurseCurses if Ghost, else -1 Spe, +1 Atk, +1 Def.	Ghost	Status	—	—	10

Egg moves 8


Egg	Acid10% chance to lower the foe(s) Sp. Def by 1.	Poison	Special	40	100%	30
Egg	BelchCannot be selected until the user eats a Berry.	Poison	Special	120	90%	10
Egg	BlockPrevents the target from switching out.	Normal	Status	—	—	5
Egg	CounterIf hit by physical attack, returns double damage.	Fighting	Physical	—	100%	20
Egg	DisableFor 4 turns, disables the target's last move used.	Normal	Status	—	100%	20
Egg	Fell StingerRaises user's Attack by 3 if this KOes the target.	Bug	Physical	50	100%	25
Egg	SwitcherooUser switches its held item with the target's.	Dark	Status	—	100%	10
Egg	Teeter DanceConfuses adjacent Pokémon.	Normal	Status	—	100%	20

Evolution

Stage 1 of 2

#0331CacneaGrass
1. Level 32
  #0332CacturneGrassDark

Where to find

Wild in 8 games

SoulSilver 1 area

Safari Zone DesertWalking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 35

HeartGold 1 area

Safari Zone DesertWalking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 35

Platinum 1 area

Road 228Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 50

Pearl 1 area

Road 228Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 23–25

Diamond 1 area

Road 228Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 23–25

Emerald 1 area

Road 111Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 20–22

Sapphire 1 area

Road 111Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 19–21

Ruby 1 area

Road 111Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 19–21

Locations cover Red & Blue to Sword & Shield (with its DLC) and Let’s Go. We don’t have them yet for Legends: Arceus, Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, Scarlet & Violet and Legends: Z-A.

Training

Catch rate 190 · medium slow growth

EV yield: 1 SpA
Catch rate: 190 ≈24.8% with a Poké Ball at full HP
Base friendship: 35
Base experience: 67
Growth rate: Medium Slow

Breeding

2 egg groups · 20 egg cycles

Egg groups: GrassHuman-Like
Gender: ♂ 50%♀ 50%
Hatch time: 20 egg cycles ≈5,355 steps (Gen IV–VII)

Pokédex entries

6 entries · newest from Sapphire / Alpha Sapphire

Category: Cactus Pokémon
Debut: Hoenn · Ruby & Sapphire
Color: Green
Shape
Habitat: Rough Terrain
Pal Park area: Mountain

Original Hoenn#119New Hoenn#124Paldea#252

It lives in arid locations. Its yellow flowers bloom once a year.
HeartGold · SoulSilver · X
By storing water in its body, this desert dweller can survive for 30 days without water.
Diamond · Pearl · Platinum · Black · White · Black 2 · White 2
It prefers harsh environments such as deserts. It can survive for 30 days on water stored in its body.
FireRed · LeafGreen · Y
CACNEA live in deserts with virtually no rainfall. It battles by swinging its thick, spiked arms. Once a year, a yellow flower blooms.
Emerald
The more arid and harsh the environment, the more pretty and fragrant a flower Cacnea grows. This Pokémon battles by wildly swinging its thorny arms.
Sapphire · Alpha Sapphire
Cacnea lives in arid locations such as deserts. It releases a strong aroma from its flower to attract prey. When prey comes near, this Pokémon shoots sharp thorns from its body to bring the victim down.
Ruby · Omega Ruby

Names around the world

English: Cacnea
Japanese: サボネア
Japanese (romaji): Sabonea
Korean: 선인왕
Chinese (Traditional): 刺球仙人掌
Chinese (Simplified): 刺球仙人掌
French: Cacnea
German: Tuska
Spanish: Cacnea
Italian: Cacnea

Biology

Its body can store moisture, so it can live up to 30 days without drinking water. Its flower, whose size and fragrance depend on the harshness of its environment, is used to attract prey. It can shoot thorns, or wave its arms around like hammers.

Adapted from Wikipedia: List of generation III Pokémon · CC BY-SA 4.0 · edited.