Rowlet

Last updated: 2026-06-03

Rowlet Overview

Rowlet is a Grass/Flying-type Pokemon introduced in Generation 7 in the Alola region. It is one of the three starter Pokemon of Alola, alongside Litten and Popplio. Rowlet is known as the Grass Quill Pokemon, and its design is based on a owl chick wearing a leaf as a diaper. It can rotate its head nearly 180 degrees, like a real owl, and launches razor-sharp leaves from its wings as attacks.

Rowlet evolves into Dartrix at level 17, which evolves into Decidueye at level 34. In Hisui, Decidueye has a regional variant that is Grass/Fighting-type. Rowlet's Hidden Ability Long Reach allows it to use contact moves without making physical contact, which means it doesn't trigger effects like Static, Flame Body, or Rocky Helmet. This makes Rowlet and its evolutions valuable for avoiding unwanted status conditions when using moves like Leaf Blade or Spirit Shackle.

Battle Strategy

Rowlet itself is rarely used in competitive battles due to its low base stats (68/55/55/50/50/42). However, it sees occasional use in the Little Cup format (pre-evolved Pokemon only) where its decent physical Attack and access to Brave Bird give it a niche. Rowlet's best role in LC is as a wallbreaker with an Eviolite to boost its defenses. Its access to Roost provides reliable recovery, and it can hit surprisingly hard with Leaf Blade and Brave Bird.

In-game, Rowlet is an excellent starter choice for Pokemon Sun and Moon. Its Grass/Flying typing gives it an advantage against the first two trials (Normal and Grass) and the first Island Kahuna (Rock). It struggles against the third trial (Fire) and is weak to Ice, Electric, Poison, Flying, and Rock. However, its access to STAB Flying moves like Peck and later Brave Bird gives it coverage against Grass-types and Bug-types that would otherwise trouble Grass-types.

Evolution Chain

Competitive Usage

Rowlet's competitive relevance comes almost entirely through its evolved form Decidueye, which is a solid pick in lower Smogon tiers. Rowlet itself should not be used in standard play formats. In Little Cup, Rowlet is ranked in the PU tier where its main competition comes from other Grass-types like Bulbasaur and Treecko. Rowlet's advantage in LC is its access to Brave Bird, giving it coverage that most other Grass-types lack. However, its low Speed is a significant handicap even in the slow LC metagame.

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