Optimal Movesets for Dynamax Excadrill in Pokémon GO

Dynamax Excadrill stands out as a powerhouse Ground and Steel-type Pokémon in Pokémon GO, particularly in Max Battles where its drilling prowess shines. With a max CP of 3,667 and exceptional attack stats, this evolved form of Drilbur excels in dealing massive damage to foes weak to Ground moves. Players can leverage its dual typing for versatile team compositions in raids, gym defenses, and PvP encounters.

Excadrill’s Core Stats and Typing Explained

Excadrill’s base stats make it a formidable choice: 255 Attack, 129 Defense, and 242 Stamina. These numbers translate to high offensive output but moderate bulk, requiring strategic dodging in prolonged fights. As a Ground/Steel hybrid, it resists Electric, Poison, Rock, Bug, Steel, and Fairy moves while suffering double damage from Fighting, Fire, Ground, and Water attacks.

Shiny variants are available, and encounters boost during Sunny and Snow weather, enhancing its accessibility for collectors and battlers alike.

Top Fast Moves for Maximum Efficiency

Selecting the right Fast Move is crucial for building energy quickly and chipping away at opponents. Excadrill learns three primary options:

• Mud-Slap (Ground, 19 damage, 15.2 DPS): The premier choice for Ground-focused builds, offering superior energy generation and damage against Electric, Fire, Poison, Rock, and Steel targets. Ideal for Max Battles.
• Metal Claw (Steel, 6 damage, 14.4 DPS): Boosts Steel coverage for Fairy, Ice, and Rock weaknesses, with solid energy ramp-up for PvP and gym attacks.
• Mud Shot (Ground, 4 damage, 9.6 DPS): A budget option with faster cycles but lower output; use only if STMs are unavailable.

Mud-Slap edges out competitors in most scenarios due to its balance of DPS and TDO (Total Damage Output), especially in Dynamax forms where sustained pressure matters.

Devastating Charged Moves and Max Upgrades

Excadrill’s Charged Moves provide the knockout punch, amplified in Dynamax mode via Max Moves:

• Earthquake (Ground, 140 damage, 48 DPS): Classic high-damage nuke for gyms and raids; pairs perfectly with Mud-Slap for pure Ground spam.
• Scorching Sands (Ground, 90 damage, 36 DPS): Adds burn chance for chip damage and lowers opponent Attack; strong TDO alternative.
• Drill Run (Ground, 85 damage, 34 DPS): Reliable filler with high crit potential.
• Iron Head (Steel, 60 damage, 36 DPS): Flinch utility for Steel coverage in PvP.
• Rock Slide (Rock, 75 damage, 30 DPS): Niche for Flying and Bug counters.

In Dynamax battles, prioritize Max Quake (from Earthquake or similar) for S-tier Ground performance, ranking #1 among attackers. It delivers area-wide devastation.

Premier Moveset Combinations for Every Scenario

Best for Max Battles and Raids: Mud-Slap + Max Quake

This setup catapults Dynamax Excadrill to S-tier as a Ground attacker. Mud-Slap generates energy swiftly for frequent Max Quakes, shredding bosses like Heatran or Zapdos. Expect top DPS at 14.617 with excellent TDO thanks to high HP.

Gym Offense Powerhouse: Metal Claw + Earthquake

Highest total DPS for breaching gyms. Steel Fast Move covers Water defenders, transitioning seamlessly to Earthquake for Groundsweep.

PvP and League Viability: Mud-Slap + Scorching Sands / Iron Head

In Great or Ultra Leagues, mix Ground and Steel for baiting shields. Scorching Sands debuffs foes, while Iron Head flinches disrupt switches.

Defense-Oriented: Mud-Slap + Earthquake

Though D-tier as a gym defender, its raw power deters attackers until Water or Fire types arrive.

Team Building Strategies with Dynamax Excadrill

Incorporate Excadrill into balanced raid teams:

• Pair with Water counters like Swampert for Fire-weak bosses.
• Complement Steel moves with Primal Groudon for ultimate Ground dominance.
• For Dynamax raids, stack with other S-tier Ground attackers like Garchomp.

Avoid stacking too many Steels to mitigate shared weaknesses. Weather boosts in Sunny/Snow amplify its presence.

Weaknesses, Counters, and Dodge Tactics

Excadrill crumbles to Fighting (e.g., Terrakion), Fire (e.g., Darmanitan), Ground (e.g., Groudon), and Water (e.g., Kyogre). Dodge charged attacks to leverage its HP pool, as low Defense demands precision.

Top Counters:

• Primal Kyogre (Water)
• Mega Blaziken (Fighting/Fire)
• Primal Groudon (Ground)

IV Recommendations and Power-Up Priorities

Target 15/15/15 IVs for raids. Prioritize Attack > Stamina > Defense. At Level 50, hundos hit peak 3,667 CP.

Evolution Path and Availability

Catch Drilbur (3km buddy) and evolve with 125 Candy. Dynamax form unlocks via Max Particles in eligible events.

Advanced Tips for Mastering Dynamax Excadrill

• Strafe during Max Quake to avoid boss AoE.
• In PvP, bait with Drill Run before unloading Earthquake.
• XL Candy investment yields massive returns in Master League.

Experiment in PvPoke simulators for league-specific tweaks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the absolute best moveset for Dynamax Excadrill?

Mud-Slap + Max Quake for S-tier Ground DPS in Max Battles.

Is Excadrill worth powering up for raids?

Yes, especially post-Dynamax; it’s a top Ground option.

Can Shiny Excadrill be Dynamaxed?

Yes, Shinies are fully functional in Max Battles.

How does Excadrill fare in PvP leagues?

Viable in Great/Ultra with shield pressure; niche in Master.

What weather boosts Excadrill spawns?

Sunny and Snow.