Binacle is a Rock/Water-type that evolves into Barbaracle starting at level 39. No items, trades, or special conditions are required—just reach level 39 and evolve.
Should you wait to evolve Binacle?
The short answer: you can evolve at 39 without missing anything essential. The longer answer depends on the game you’re playing and whether you want a specific move before you evolve.
| Game | Key level‑40 move(s) | Practical advice |
|---|---|---|
| Sword & Shield | Shell Smash (Lv. 40) | Many players grab Shell Smash at 40, then evolve. It’s a strong setup option for physical sets. |
| Legends: Z‑A | Night Slash (Lv. 40); Iron Defense (Lv. 35) | If you want Night Slash on Binacle before evolving, wait one level. Otherwise evolve at 39. |
Note: Binacle continues learning useful physical moves after 40 in both games, so evolving at 39 doesn’t lock you out of later power picks.
Moves around the evolution window (by game)
| Game | Level | Move | Type | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sword & Shield | 36 | Razor Shell | Water | Physical |
| Sword & Shield | 40 | Shell Smash | Normal (status) | Status |
| Sword & Shield | 44 | Cross Chop | Fighting | Physical |
| Legends: Z‑A | 35 | Iron Defense | Steel | Status |
| Legends: Z‑A | 40 | Night Slash | Dark | Physical |
| Legends: Z‑A | 45 | Liquidation | Water | Physical |
| Legends: Z‑A | 50 | Stone Edge | Rock | Physical |
Tip: If you plan to build a physical sweeper, picking up Shell Smash in Sword & Shield or grabbing Night Slash in Legends: Z‑A before evolving is a clean breakpoint.
Where to catch Binacle (by game)
| Game | Locations | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| X / Y | Route 8, Route 12, Ambrette Town, Azure Bay (Rock Smash); Y also includes Cyllage City | Coastal Kalos habitats; Rock Smash encounters are common here. |
| Sword & Shield | Bridge Field, Motostoke Riverbank, Galar Mine No. 2 | Appears in the Wild Area and Galar Mine No. 2. |
| Legends: Z‑A | Wild Zone 2, Wild Zone 6 | Available early through midgame in multiple Wild Zones. |
Binacle quick facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| National Dex # | 688 |
| Typing | Rock / Water |
| Evolution | Barbaracle (at level 39) |
| Abilities | Tough Claws or Sniper; Hidden Ability: Pickpocket |
| Base stat total | 306 |
| EV yield | 1 Attack |
| Height / Weight | 0.5 m / 31.0 kg |
Weaknesses and resistances (type snapshot)
Rock/Water gives Binacle one major liability and several handy resistances.
- 4× weakness: Grass
- 2× weaknesses: Electric, Fighting, Ground
- Resistances: Normal, Flying, Poison, Ice
- Strong resistance: Fire (¼×)
Note: In many matchups, Fire- and Flying-type routes are favorable for training and early EXP.
Pokémon GO evolution and basics
| GO detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Evolution in GO | Binacle → Barbaracle for 50 Candy |
| Max CP | 1069 (Lv. 50) |
| Key weaknesses | Grass (biggest), Electric, Fighting, Ground |
| Notable resistances | Fire (strong), Flying, Ice, Normal, Poison |
Leveling tips that actually save time
- Grab moves on the way: In Sword & Shield, aim for Razor Shell at 36 and Shell Smash at 40, then evolve. In Legends: Z‑A, Night Slash at 40 is a clean checkpoint if you want the coverage.
- Use EXP Candies when available: If you’re sitting at the high 30s, candies push you cleanly to your preferred breakpoint (39 or 40) with minimal grinding.
- Pick good matchups: Water-weak or Fire-heavy routes let Binacle rack up safe KOs for faster levels.
You don’t need to overthink it: evolve at 39 if you’re ready, or take one extra level in the games where a level‑40 move matters to your build.
