Pinsir (Japanese: カイロス Kailios) is a Bug-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I.
While it is not known to evolve into or from any other Pokémon, it can Mega Evolve into Mega Pinsir using the Pinsirite.
Biology
Pinsir is a bipedal, insectoid Pokémon with a wide, dull brown body divided into segments by thin lines. On top of its head is a large pair of gray, spiky pincers on top of its head. In its mouth are many long, flat teeth arranged horizontally and it has triangular eyes. Its legs are short and thick, while its arms are long and thin. It has three claws on each hand and foot; two of its toes face forward and one backward.
Pinsir can use its pincers to crush, toss, bludgeon, or tear opponents, lift things twice its weight, and shatter logs. Captured prey is kept in place by the piercing thorns and sheer strength of Pinsir's horns and will not be released until they are torn in half. In addition to hunting prey, the anime has shown that it enjoys tree sap. Pinsir lives deep in the temperate forests and jungles, where it burrows underground or hides in the treetops on nights cold enough to render it immobile. In Alola, it has a rivalry with Vikavolt and gets along with Heracross.
As Mega Pinsir, it gains a large pair of clear, yellow wings with an area of orange venation near the base. Additionally, a set of brown wing coverings appear. Slicing through each wing cover is a pair of orange blades. Its arms become longer and it has a T-shaped spike on each forearm. The pincers on its head are now longer with larger spikes, and its eyes are now yellow. When it Mega Evolves, Pinsir is left in a constant state of excitement. Mega Pinsir can travel up to approximately 30 mph (50 km/h) and uses its two large horns to pierce its enemies before shredding them. Mega Pinsir can lift opponents up to 10 times heavier than itself with its horns and still fly around easily.
In the anime
Major appearances
Pinsir debuted in Challenge of the Samurai, where Samurai used it to battle Ash. It easily defeated Pidgeotto, but lost to his Metapod.
Multiple Pinsir appeared in A Sappy Ending, where they were being driven into a forest that was Heracross's territory because Team Rocket was stealing the sap from the trees that were in their own territory.
A Pinsir appeared in Rhapsody in Drew, under the ownership of Anthony. Anthony used it and his Swalot against May's Combusken and Bulbasaur in the Battle Round of the Hoenn Grand Festival.
A Pinsir appeared in The Ole' Berate and Switch, under the ownership of Howie. It was used in a battle against Ash and Corphish during a bogus competition created by Team Rocket agents Cassidy and Butch.
Multiple Pinsir appeared in Defending the Homeland!. They are one of Florges's minions who were ordered to attack Goodra's homeland and its friends. They reappeared in Beyond the Rainbow! and Master Class is in Session!. Two of them reappeared in Till We Compete Again!.
A Pinsir that can Mega Evolve appeared in Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel, under the control of Levi and Cherie's Mega Wave. Pinsir was briefly lent to James to use in an attempt to capture Magearna. It was later freed from their control when Alva's Mega Wave Crystal was destroyed, and it escaped.
A Pinsir appeared in I Choose You!. Ash attempted to catch Pinsir by battling it with his Caterpie. However, during the battle, Caterpie evolved into Metapod, allowing Pinsir to get away.
A Pinsir appeared in Sparking Confusion!, under the ownership of one of the rock hunters. It was sent out to battle the Ultra Guardians, only to be defeated by Kiawe's Marowak.
Minor appearances
A Pinsir appeared in A Chansey Operation, where it was one of the injured Pokémon brought to the clinic.
A Pinsir appeared in Princess vs. Princess, where it was competing in the Queen of the Princess Festival.
A Pinsir appeared in the beginning of Mewtwo Strikes Back, under the ownership of Raymond. Alongside his Venomoth and Golem, it fought Ash's Pikachu, only for all of them to be defeated with Thunderbolt. Pinsir reappeared in Mewtwo Strikes Back—Evolution, a remake of Mewtwo Strikes Back, where it played the same role.
A Pinsir appeared in Pikachu's Vacation as one of the Pokémon seen at the Pokémon Theme Park.
A Pinsir made a brief cameo appearance in Tracey Gets Bugged as one of the Bug-type Pokémon on Murcott Island.
A Pinsir appeared in The Power of One.
A Pinsir appeared in Pokémon Double Trouble, where it was seen in a Gym on Kumquat Island. However, this scene was removed from the dub due to the appearance of Jynx.
A Pinsir appeared in Beauty and the Breeder, under the ownership of a Pokémon Breeder participating in a Pokémon breeding competition.
A wild Pinsir appeared in Houndoom's Special Delivery, where it attacked Misty's Togepi, only to be warded off by a Houndoom.
A Pinsir appeared in Celebi: The Voice of the Forest.
A Pinsir appeared in Bulbasaur's flashback in Bulbasaur... the Ambassador!.
Multiple Pinsir appeared in In the Knicker of Time!.
A Pinsir appeared in Celebi and Joy!, under the ownership of a demolition crew. The demolition crew was eventually changed into a construction crew due to Ritchie changing the past.
A Pinsir made a cameo in Numero Uno Articuno, under the ownership of Noland. It was among the Pokémon residing at the Battle Factory.
A Pinsir appeared in Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea, under the ownership of The Phantom. It was used alongside a Parasect to attack Jack Walker.
A Pinsir made a brief cameo in Giratina and the Sky Warrior.
A Coordinator's Pinsir appeared in Dawn of a Royal Day!, where it participated in the Battle Stage of the Arrowroot Town Pokémon Contest.
A Pinsir appeared in the ending credits of Eevee & Friends alongside a Heracross.
A Pinsir that can Mega Evolve into Mega Pinsir appeared in the opening of Mega Evolution Special I.
A Pinsir appeared in a flashback in A Slippery Encounter!.
A Trainer's Pinsir that can Mega Evolve briefly appeared in Mega Evolution Special IV as one of the ten Mega Evolved Pokémon that Alain and his Charizard had to defeat.
A Trainer's Pinsir appeared in Racing to a Big Event!, where it participated in the Pokémon Pancake Race.
Five Pinsir appeared in A Masked Warning!. They were confronting Gladion's Silvally at Ten Carat Hill, only for Ash to be teleported on top of them by Nebby. They became angry at Ash, but Silvally soon stopped them from retaliating.
A Pinsir appeared in Showdown on Poni Island!, where it was photographed by Lillie during her time on Poni Island.
A Trainer's Pinsir appeared in Battle Royal 151!, where it competed in the Battle Royal preliminary round of the Manalo Conference but ended up losing.
Pokédex entries
| Episode
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Pokémon
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Source
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Entry
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| EP004
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Pinsir
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Ash's Pokédex
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Pinsir. This fearsome Pokémon uses its powerful claws to put the squeeze on its opponents.
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In the manga
In The Electric Tale of Pikachu manga
A Pinsir attacked a group of wild Pikachu in You Gotta Have Friends. Ash's Pikachu was able to defeat the Stag Beetle Pokémon.
In the Pokémon Battrio: Aim to be Battrio Master! manga
Ryū owns a Pinsir.
In the Pokémon Adventures manga
Pinsir debuted in Wartortle Wars, where Red fought a wild one using Pika using items he bought from Green. As the items were fakes, Pika lost the battle.
A Pinsir appeared as a silhouette when Green talks about Mew in The Jynx Jinx.
A Pinsir appeared in Can You Diglett? as a silhouette when Agatha and Lorelei explains to Red about how Pokémon and people cannot coexist with each other.
In Pinsir Me, I Must Be Dreaming, a Pinsir was used by Emerald in the Battle Factory in his challenge against Noland.
The Battle Factory rented a Pinsir, which was stolen by Guile Hideout in Skirting Around Surskit I.
The Battle Tower rented a Pinsir, which was stolen by Guile Hideout in The Final Battle VII.
A Pinsir appeared in Out-Odding Oddish, under the ownership of a Pokéathlon participant.
In Scizor Defends, X caught a Pinsir that he nicknamed Rute, who first appeared in Pinsir Glares. He was later given a Pinsirite, allowing him to Mega Evolve into Mega Pinsir.
In the Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All manga
A Pinsir appeared in The Forest Insect Hunt, where Shu attempted to catch it but failed.
In the Pokémon Pocket Monsters manga
Giovanni and his brother have a Pinsir who debuted in Seize the Dream of One Million Yen!!.
In the TCG
- Main article: Pinsir (TCG)
Game data
NPC appearances
- Pokémon Stadium 2: Pinsir stars in a mini-game alongside Scyther called "Clear Cut Challenge." Each player chops a falling log for each round of the game. The score for each player is determined by how close the player is to the white line on the log. Cuts anywhere above the log will cause the player to lose points.
Pokédex entries
Pinsir
| Generation I
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Kanto
#127
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| Red(ENG)
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If it fails to crush the victim in its pincers, it will swing it around and toss it hard.
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| Blue
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| Yellow
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Grips its prey in its pincers and squeezes hard! It can't move if it's cold, so it lives in warm places.
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| Stadium
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Grips and tears at its enemy with the two pincers on its head. Enemies with hard bodies are gripped and tossed.
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| Generation II
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Johto
#112
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| Gold
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With its horns, it digs burrows to sleep in at night. In the morning, damp soil clings to its body.
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| Silver
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Swings its long antlers wildly to attack. During cold periods, it hides deep in forests.
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| Crystal
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When the temperature drops at night, it sleeps on treetops or among roots where it is well hidden.
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| Stadium 2
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With its horns, it digs burrows to sleep in at night. In the morning, damp soil clings to its body.
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| Generation III
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Hoenn
#167
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Kanto
#127
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| Ruby
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Pinsir is astoundingly strong. It can grip a foe weighing twice its weight in its horns and easily lift it. This Pokémon's movements turn sluggish in cold places.
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| Sapphire
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Pinsir has a pair of massive horns. Protruding from the surface of these horns are thorns. These thorns are driven deeply into the foe's body when the pincer closes, making it tough for the foe to escape.
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| Emerald
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Their pincers are strong enough to shatter thick logs. Because they dislike cold, Pinsir burrow and sleep under the ground on chilly nights.
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| FireRed
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Its two long pincer horns are powerful. Once they grip an enemy, they won't release until the foe is torn.
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| LeafGreen
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If it fails to crush the foe in its pincers, it will swing around and toss the opponent.
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| Generation IV
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Sinnoh
#—
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Johto
#113
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| Diamond
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It grips prey with its pincers until the prey is torn in half. What it can't tear, it tosses far.
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| Pearl
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| Platinum
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| HeartGold
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With its horns, it digs burrows to sleep in at night. In the morning, damp soil clings to its body.
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| SoulSilver
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It swings its long pincer horns wildly to attack. During cold periods, it hides deep in forests.
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| Generation V
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Unova
B2W2: #146
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| Black
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It grips prey with its pincers until the prey is torn in half. What it can't tear, it tosses far.
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| White
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| Black 2
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It grips prey with its powerful pincers and will not let go until the prey is torn in half.
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| White 2
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| Generation VI
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Kalos
Coastal #130
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Hoenn
#174
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| X
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It grips prey with its pincers until the prey is torn in half. What it can't tear, it tosses far.
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| Y
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It swings its long antlers wildly to attack. During cold periods, it hides deep in forests.
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| Omega Ruby
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Pinsir is astoundingly strong. It can grip a foe weighing twice its weight in its horns and easily lift it. This Pokémon's movements turn sluggish in cold places.
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| Alpha Sapphire
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Pinsir has a pair of massive horns. Protruding from the surface of these horns are thorns. These thorns are driven deeply into the foe's body when the pincer closes, making it tough for the foe to escape.
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| Generation VII
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Alola
SM: #175
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Alola
USUM: #211
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Kanto
#127
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| Sun
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It grips its prey in its pincers and splits them apart. Although it is a powerful Pokémon, it can't deal with the cold.
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| Moon
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One solid blow from its horns is enough to split apart a large tree. Its greatest rival in Alola is Vikavolt.
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| Ultra Sun
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It gets into territorial disputes with Vikavolt. For some reason, it apparently gets along well with Heracross in Alola.
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| Ultra Moon
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Although it's tough, it can't handle cold well. When night falls, it buries itself in leafage and sleeps.
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| Let's Go Pikachu
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Grips its prey in its pincers and squeezes hard! It can't move if it's cold, so it lives in warm places.
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| Let's Go Eevee
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Mega Pinsir
| This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation VI.
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| Generation VII
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Alola
SM: #175
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Alola
USUM: #211
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Kanto
#127
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| Sun
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The influence of Mega Evolution leaves it in a state of constant excitement. It pierces enemies with its two large horns before shredding them.
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| Moon
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Bathed in the energy of Mega Evolution, its wings become unusually developed. It flies at speeds of approximately 30 mph.
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| Ultra Sun
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After Mega Evolution, it becomes able to fly. Perhaps because it's so happy, it rarely touches the ground.
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| Ultra Moon
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It zips around at blistering speeds, looking for an opening to skewer its opponent on its giant pincers.
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| Let's Go Pikachu
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With its vaunted horns, it can lift an opponent 10 times heavier than itself and fly about with ease.
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| Let's Go Eevee
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Game locations
In side games
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| Generation II
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| This Pokémon is unavailable in Generation II side games.
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In events
Held items
Stats
Base stats
Pinsir
| Stat
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Range
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| At Lv. 50
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At Lv. 100
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65
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125 - 172
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240 - 334
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125
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117 - 194
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229 - 383
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100
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94 - 167
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184 - 328
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55
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54 - 117
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103 - 229
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70
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67 - 134
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130 - 262
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85
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81 - 150
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157 - 295
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Total: 500
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Other Pokémon with this total
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- Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature.
- Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature.
- This Pokémon's Special base stat in Generation I was 55.
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Mega Pinsir
| Stat
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Range
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| At Lv. 50
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At Lv. 100
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65
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125 - 172
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240 - 334
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155
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144 - 227
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283 - 449
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120
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112 - 189
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220 - 372
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65
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63 - 128
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121 - 251
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90
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85 - 156
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166 - 306
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105
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99 - 172
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193 - 339
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Total: 600
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Other Pokémon with this total
|
- Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature.
- Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature.
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Pokéathlon stats
Type effectiveness
Pinsir
| Under normal battle conditions in Generation IX, this Pokémon is:
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Mega Pinsir
| Under normal battle conditions in Generation IX, this Pokémon is:
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Learnset
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- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Pinsir
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by a Mega Evolution of Pinsir
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations
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- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Pinsir
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by a Mega Evolution of Pinsir
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations
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All damage-dealing Normal-type moves will get STAB if used by Mega Pinsir because of its Ability, Aerilate.
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- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Pinsir
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by a Mega Evolution of Pinsir
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations
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- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Pinsir
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by a Mega Evolution of Pinsir
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations
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- Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Pinsir in Generation VII
- Moves marked with a double dagger (‡) can only be bred from a Pokémon who learned the move in an earlier generation.
- Moves marked with a superscript game abbreviation can only be bred onto Pinsir in that game.
- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Pinsir
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by a Mega Evolution of Pinsir
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Egg moves from other generations
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- A black or white abbreviation in a colored box indicates that Pinsir can be tutored the move in that game
- A colored abbreviation in a white box indicates that Pinsir cannot be tutored the move in that game
- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Pinsir
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by a Mega Evolution of Pinsir
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Move Tutor moves from other generations
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Side game data
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Pokémon Ranger
| Group:
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Poké Assist:
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Field move:
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(Cut ×2)
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| Loops: 6
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Min. exp.: 82
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Max. exp.: 102
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Browser entry R-093
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| Pinsir grips items with its two long horns. It cuts through a Metal Fence with ease.
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Evolution
Forms
Mega Evolution
Sprites
Japanese sprites
 
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| Gold/Silver back
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Trivia
- Pinsir can be seen as a parallel to Scyther. Both are Bug-type Generation I Pokémon. Pinsir is exclusive to Blue, LeafGreen, Pearl, and Let's Go, Eevee!, while Scyther is exclusive to Red, FireRed, Diamond, and Let's Go, Pikachu!.
- Pinsir can also be seen as a counterpart to Heracross. Both are Bug-type Pokémon based on beetles and lack an evolutionary family. Pinsir is not part Fighting like Heracross, but it learns several Fighting-type moves by leveling up. Both Pokémon and their Mega Stones are version exclusives in X and Y: Pinsir and Pinsirite are exclusive to X while Heracross and Heracronite are exclusive to Y. Each Mega Stone can be found in Santalune Forest in its respective version. The heights of both Pokémon are the same, even when Mega Evolved.
- Mega Pinsir is tied with Mega Heracross, Mega Scizor, and Genesect for the highest base stat total of all Bug-type Pokémon.
- Mega Pinsir has the highest Attack stat of all non-legendary Flying-type Pokémon.
- Pinsir shares its category with Vikavolt. They are both known as the Stag Beetle Pokémon.
- Pinsir, along with Scyther and Scizor, are the only Pokémon legitimately available in all 27 in-game Poké Ball variants.
- In X and Y, Mega Pinsir had the same body style as when it is not Mega Evolved.
Origin
Pinsir is based on a stag beetle, possibly Prosopocoilus inclinatus, a species commonly used in insect fighting. Its thorn-like mandibles most closely resemble that of Lucanus maculifemoratus hopei, whereas its Mega Evolved form's diagonal spikes resemble Calcodes versicolor.
Name origin
Pinsir is a corruption of pincer, referring to its horns.
Kailios may be a combination of the Greek letter Χ (カイ kai) and cross (referring to its scissor-like horns). Alternatively, it may be a combination of 傀 kai (large), 魁偉 kaii (brawny), or 刈 kai (cut) combined with κοριός korios (Greek for bug).
In other languages
| Language
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Title
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Meaning
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 Japanese
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カイロス Kailios
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From Χ, 傀 kai, 魁偉 kaii or 刈 kai combined with κοριός korios
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 French
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Scarabrute
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A combination of scarabée and brute
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 Spanish
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Pinsir
|
Same as English name
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 German
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Pinsir
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Same as English name
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 Italian
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Pinsir
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Same as English name
|
 Korean
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쁘사이저 Ppeusaizeo
|
From 부수다 busuda, 뿔 ppul, and scissors
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 Mandarin Chinese
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大甲 Dàjiǎ
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Literally "Big armor"
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 Cantonese Chinese
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鉗刀甲蟲 Kìhmdōugaapchùhng
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Literally "Pincer-blade beetle"
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| More languages
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 Hindi
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पिनसिर Pinsir
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Transcription of English name
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 Russian
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Пинсир Pinsir
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Transcription of English name
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Related articles
External links
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This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon species, as well as Pokémon groups and forms.
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Pinsirite (100%)
For other sprites and images, please see Pinsir images on the Bulbagarden Archives.
