Image courtesy of PokeAPI (official artwork)
How Cranidos Maximizes STAB Damage with Rock Moves
Cranidos is a battle-tested fossil with a singular focus: slam at top power using Rock-type moves. Its impressive base Attack of 125 makes every Rock-type strike feel like a wallop, especially when you ride the advantage of STAB—same-type attack bonus. While its HP of 67 and modest defenses (Defense 40, Special Defense 30) mean it’s not built as a wall, Cranidos thrives as a straight-up, hard-hitting option that punishes foes that slip into range. The idea is simple in execution: exploit Rock’s natural strengths with Cranidos’ raw physical power, then pressure opponents before they can patch over your damage with bulk or strategy. ⚡🔥
Stats at a glance
- Type: Rock
- HP: 67
- Attack: 125
- Defense: 40
- Special Attack: 30
- Special Defense: 30
- Speed: 58
From these numbers, you can see the core truth: Cranidos is a quintessential physical slugger. It’s not built to soak hits or fire off surprise special moves; instead, it’s designed to trade heavy blows with the opposition and aim for quick knockouts when the stars align. The speed stat sits in a middling range, so planning your timing and target choice becomes essential to maximize your output and minimize risk. 🪨✨
Why STAB matters for Cranidos
STAB, or the same-type attack bonus, is a straight multiplier that enhances the damage of Rock-type moves when Cranidos uses them. For a Pokemon with a powerful physical frame like Cranidos, Rock-type STAB is a potent lever to lift its strongest hits above the competition. In practice, you’ll want to lean into Rock moves whenever you can, because the 1.5x boost from STAB compounds Cranidos’ high Attack and can turn a one-turn KO into a two-turn affair that swings momentum in your favor. This is especially impactful against foes that are naturally vulnerable to Rock, such as Fire, Ice, Flying, and Bug types, where the combination of high raw power and STAB often seals the deal. 🔥🪨🐉
Maximizing STAB in battle: practical approaches
With Cranidos’ stats in mind, here are concrete ways to push its Rock STAB over the top in most standard encounters:
- Lead with a Rock-type attack whenever the opposing Pokémon presents a favorable matchup to Rock. The STAB bonus ensures your strongest immediate threat lands with maximum impact.
- Prioritize physical Rock moves to take full advantage of the 125 base Attack. Since Cranidos isn’t built for special attacks, relying on Rock as the primary damage source is the most efficient path.
- Maintain offensive pressure. Because Cranidos isn’t durable, you’ll often want to threaten decisive KOes early rather than trading multiple hits. If your opponent can switch into a safer answer, pivot to a new opportunity to land another big Rock hit with STAB.
- Use type-aware targeting. Against foes known to take extra damage from Rock moves, your hits land even harder with the same STAB boost. When unsure, favor mid-to-late-game switches that force favorable matchups and keep Cranidos’ HP intact for as long as possible. ⚡
Type matchups and STAB considerations
Rock-type moves interact with the broader type chart in predictable ways. Cranidos’ STAB becomes especially valuable when facing opponents that Rock covers well, including Fire, Ice, Flying, and Bug types, where the combination of Rock’s neutral to some types and STAB’s boost can yield reliable damage output. Be mindful, though, that some common counters will either resist or threaten Rock moves, so situational awareness matters. If you encounter foes that resist Rock or switch into a safer matchup, consider repositioning and targeting with caution rather than blindly doubling down on a single attack. 🧊🌊
Training focus and battle readiness
To extract the most from Cranidos’ formidable Attack, you’ll want to align training priorities with its role as a Rock STAB finisher. In practice, this means favoring improvements to Attack and speed to ensure Cranidos lands the decisive blow before slower rivals can answer. Since Special Attack and Special Defense are considerably lower, reserve Cranidos for physical engagements and rely on teammates to handle special threats or bulky foes. If you’re EV training in the game, allocate resources toward maximizing Attack and sufficient Speed to edge out would-be revenge killers and sustain a stronger offensive presence when you enter the field. Remember, the goal is to land that clean, high-damage Rock hit and quicken the pace of the match in your favor. 🪨⚡
Putting it all together on the battlefield
In a typical playthrough, Cranidos serves as a reliable early-game breaker and mid-game pressure tool. Its strongest feature—Rock STAB powered by a towering 125 Attack—gives you a clear reason to prioritize Rock moves whenever possible. Structure your turns around forcing switch-ins, capitalizing on STAB for maximum damage, and preserving Cranidos’ health so it can deliver a late-round KO when the opportunity arises. While it may not be the most versatile fighter in your roster, its raw power and clear purpose make it a satisfying choice for players who enjoy the nostalgia of fossil-fueled combat and the thrill of a well-timed rock smash. ⚡🔥🪨