Pokemon Sword and Shield

Pokemon Who Can Learn Spikes (TR23)

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Pokemon Sword and Shield - Spikes

This is an article for the move Spikes (TR23) and the Pokemon who can learn it and its location in Pokemon Sword and Shield, Isle of Armor, and the Crown Tundra DLC. Read on to see the Power, Accuracy, PP, and Effect, and see how to use it competitively.

Spikes (TR23) - Type and Effect

Type Pokemon Ground Image
Category Pokemon Status Image
Power -
Accuracy -
PP 20
Effect The user lays a trap of spikes at the opposing team's feet. The trap hurts Pokemon that switch into battle.
Max Move Max Guard
Power: -
TM / TR TR23

Pokemon That Learn Spikes (TR23)

By Default

CloysterCloyster

By Level Up

QwilfishQwilfish SkarmorySkarmory

By TM / TR

SandslashSandslash Alolan SandslashAlolan Sandslash CloysterCloyster
OmanyteOmanyte OmastarOmastar MewMew
QwilfishQwilfish HeracrossHeracross DelibirdDelibird
SkarmorySkarmory RoseliaRoselia SnoruntSnorunt
GlalieGlalie BudewBudew RoseradeRoserade
FroslassFroslass VenipedeVenipede WhirlipedeWhirlipede
ScolipedeScolipede MaractusMaractus DwebbleDwebble
CrustleCrustle TrubbishTrubbish GarbodorGarbodor
FerroseedFerroseed FerrothornFerrothorn ShelmetShelmet
AccelgorAccelgor BunnelbyBunnelby DiggersbyDiggersby
KlefkiKlefki WimpodWimpod GolisopodGolisopod
NaganadelNaganadel RolycolyRolycoly CarkolCarkol
CoalossalCoalossal PincurchinPincurchin

By Egg Move

There are no Pokemon who learn this move by this method.

By Move Tutor

There are no Pokemon who learn this move by this method.

Competitive Analysis

Spikes is one of the entry hazards that are widely-used in the metagame. It threatens your foe on switching their Pokemon (unless of course the ones they're switching in won't be grounded due to its typing/Ability).

With entry hazards being a prevalent tactic in battles, be aware that this can be easily countered by moves such as Rapid Spin or Defog.

Fire-type Pokemon usually have Heavy-Duty Boots as their held item as they are vulnerable to both Spikes and Stealth Rock.

Spikes vs Stealth Rock

Besides the type of damage done, one key difference between Spikes and Stealth Rock is the number of moves needed for it to deal the maximum amount of damage.

You need to use Spikes three times in order to reach the highest amount of damage it can deal, while you only need to use Stealth Rock once, as the damage calculation will depend on the switched-in Pokemon's durability to Rock-type attacks.

List of Moves that Generate Entry Hazards

Spikes (TR23) Locations

Purchase from the Wild Area Trader

Pokemon Sword and Shield - Watt Trader.png
Spikes is available to purchase from the Watt Traders in the Wild Area for 2000 Watts.

The Watt Traders' selection of TM and TRs changes everyday so make sure to check what's in stock!

How to Farm Watts Quickly

A Possible Drop from Max Raids

Pokemon Sword and Shield - Max Raid Battle.png
It's also possible to get Spikes from Ground-type Max Raid dens as a reward for defeating or catching the resident Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokemon.

How to Max Raid With Friends

Get from the Cram-o-Matic

Pokemon Sword and Shield - Cram-o-Matic.png
It's also possible to get Spikes from the Cram-o-Matic, although the chances are still low even when using the right items.

How to Use the Cram-o-Matic

Related Links

List of Moves
List of All New Moves (Crown Tundra Updated)
Moves by Type
FireFire WaterWater GrassGrass
ElectricElectric IceIce FightingFighting
PoisonPoison GroundGround FlyingFlying
PsychicPsychic BugBug RockRock
GhostGhost DragonDragon DarkDark
SteelSteel FairyFairy NormalNormal
Moves by Category
Physical Special Status
Dynamax Moves
Max Moves G-Max Moves
Moves by Effects
Stat-Boosting Moves Stat-Reducing Moves Status-Inflicting Moves
Moves that Never Miss Moves that Set Entry Hazards Moves that Ignore Abilities
High-Critical Hit Moves Moves that Change Weather Moves that Change Terrain
Multi-Target Moves Moves that Restore HP Redirection Moves
Multi-Hit Moves One-Hit Knockout Moves Trapping Moves
Moves that Make Contact Moves that Do Not Make Contact Moves that Block Attacks
Status Restoring Moves Moves that Forces a Switch Sound-Based Moves
List of Priority Moves

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