Grookey: Grass-type Chimp Pokémon

Learn about Grookey, the Grass-type starter in Pokémon Winds and Waves, including its Overgrow ability and moves like Branch Poke.

Grookey, the Chimp Pokémon, is one of the three starter Pokémon available at the beginning of your adventure in Pokémon Winds and Waves. As a pure Grass-type, Grookey excels against Water, Ground, and Rock-type Pokémon, making it a valuable asset in the early stages of your journey, particularly against Gym Leaders like Milo of Turffield. Its signature ability, Overgrow, boosts the power of its Grass-type moves by 50% when its HP drops below one-third. This can be a game-changer in clutch situations. Grookey's base stats are well-rounded, with a decent Attack and Speed, allowing it to hit hard and fast. Its early-game moveset often includes Scratch and Branch Poke, a Grass-type physical attack that has a 10% chance to lower the target's Defense. As Grookey evolves into Thwackey and then Rillaboom, its Attack and Special Defense stats see significant increases, making it a formidable physical attacker. Rillaboom's signature move, Grassy Glide, becomes available upon evolution and is a priority move that deals Grass-type damage, further cementing its offensive prowess. When choosing Grookey, consider its type advantages against early Gyms. However, be mindful of its weaknesses: Fire, Ice, Poison, Flying, and Bug-type Pokémon can pose a significant threat. For example, a Fire-type Pokémon like a Charjabug encountered in the Wild Area can quickly overwhelm a Grookey with its super-effective attacks. To maximize Grookey's potential, focus on raising its Attack stat through battling and using items like Protein. Teaching it several coverage moves, such as a Normal-type move like Body Slam or a Fighting-type move like Brick Break, can help it deal with Pokémon that resist its Grass-type attacks. Its evolution line is particularly strong in the late game, especially with the addition of its Hidden Ability, Grassy Surge, which sets up Grassy Terrain upon entering battle, boosting the power of Grass-type moves and healing grounded Pokémon by 1/16th of their max HP each turn. This makes Rillaboom a powerful force in both single battles and Max Raid Battles, especially when paired with other Pokémon that benefit from Grassy Terrain.