Lycanroc

Last updated: 2026-06-03

Lycanroc Overview

Lycanroc is a Rock-type Pokemon introduced in Generation 7 in the Alola region. It evolves from Rockruff starting at level 25, with the form depending on the time of day — Midday form evolves at level 25 during the day, Midnight form at night, and the special Dusk form requires Rockruff with the Own Tempo ability evolving at dusk. Lycanroc is known as the Wolf Pokemon, and each form has a different temperament: Midday is loyal and collected, Midnight is aggressive and reckless, and Dusk combines traits of both.

The Midday form is the most popular competitively due to its ability Sand Rush, which doubles its Speed in sandstorm conditions. With base 115 Attack and 112 Speed (effectively 224 under sand), Lycanroc-Midday is a powerful physical sweeper. Its signature move Accelerock is a Rock-type priority move unique to Lycanroc, giving it Stone Edge-level power with +1 priority. This combination of priority Rock damage and sand-boosted Speed makes Lycanroc a dangerous offensive threat.

Battle Strategy

Lycanroc-Midday's primary competitive strategy revolves around sandstorm. With Sand Rush, its base 112 Speed doubles to an effective 224, outspeeding nearly everything in the game including Choice Scarf users. Its main job is to clean up weakened teams late-game. Stone Edge or Accelerock provides Rock STAB, with Accelerock being the preferred choice for its priority. Drill Run covers Rock and Steel-types that resist Rock. Crunch hits Ghost-types like Aegislash and Dragapult. Swords Dance can boost Lycanroc's Attack to frightening levels.

Lycanroc typically holds a Life Orb to maximize damage or a Focus Sash to guarantee survival against faster threats outside of sand. Its item can also be a Lum Berry to avoid burns from Will-O-Wisp. The standard EV spread maximizes Attack and Speed. Lycanroc pairs naturally with Tyranitar or Hippowdon, who set sand for it. Tyranitar is the preferred partner because it also benefits from sand and can deal with the special attackers that threaten Lycanroc.

Lycanroc's main drawbacks are its mediocre bulk (75/65/65) and reliance on sand for maximum Speed. Without sand, base 112 Speed is good but not elite — many common Pokemon like Dragapult, Greninja, and Choice Scarf users outspeed it. Its movepool is also somewhat shallow, leaving it with limited coverage options. Steel-types like Corviknight and Skarmory can wall Lycanroc completely if it lacks Drill Run.

Evolution Chain

Competitive Usage

Lycanroc has carved a solid niche in competitive Pokemon across multiple tiers. In Smogon RU and UU, Lycanroc-Midday is a top-tier threat on sand teams. Its ability to clean up late-game with boosted Speed and priority Accelerock makes it difficult to handle once its checks are removed. Lycanroc-Midday's main counters include physically-defensive Ground-types like Hippowdon and Quagsire, as well as bulky Water-types like Slowbro and Toxapex.

In VGC, Lycanroc-Dusk is the preferred form due to its Tough Claws ability boosting contact moves, and its ability to function without sand support. Lycanroc-Dusk has slightly higher Attack (117 vs 115) and the same Speed tier, but with Tough Claws-boosted Accelerock and Psychic Fangs, it hits harder without needing sand. Psychic Fangs is particularly valuable for breaking screens. In restricted formats, Lycanroc often pairs with Groudon for sun and sand support, covering each other's weaknesses effectively.

Related Pokemon