Koffing

General overview of Koffing

Koffing is a Poison-type Pokémon from the first generation. Its Japanese name is ドガース. It floats thanks to the toxic gases contained in its body, and this trait directly influences its strategic role in the Pokémon games. Players often encounter it in polluted areas or on the Team Rocket roster, where it regularly appears as a defensive and annoying Pokémon to face. In the Pokédex, Koffing is described as a light Pokémon filled with foul air and deadly substances that it releases when stressed.

Its spherical body inflates and deflates with the gases it holds, allowing it to float easily above the ground. This mechanic also shapes the identity of many of its moves based on toxins, smokescreen, or pollution. In battle, Koffing stands out for its solid Defense for its stage of evolution and for its very useful moves against Grass and Fairy Pokémon. As it levels up, Koffing evolves into Weezing starting at level 35, a sturdier and more strategic form.

Type, size, weight, and Pokédex information

Koffing has only the Poison type. This gives it a natural resistance to Grass, Fighting, Bug, and Poison moves, while making it weak to Ground and Psychic moves. It measures around 0.6 m and weighs close to 1 kg, making it a very light Pokémon despite the toxic gases inside its body.

Across different generations, Koffing appears mainly in industrial environments, factories, or heavily polluted areas. Its National Pokédex number is generally associated with the first iconic Poison Pokémon of Kanto. Additionally, certain versions like Sword and Shield introduce a regional variant of its evolution, although Koffing itself remains unchanged.

Koffing's evolution

Koffing evolves into Weezing at level 35. The evolution retains the Poison type but gains endurance, better Defense, and useful abilities for strategic battles. In Pokémon Sword and Shield, Weezing also has a regional form of the Poison and Fairy type, but this variant does not apply to Koffing directly.

Important moves and abilities

Koffing naturally learns several Poison moves that leverage its gas-filled body. Its essential moves include Smog, Poison Gas, Sludge, and Smokescreen. At higher levels, it can learn Sludge Bomb and other high-power moves. Certain TMs also allow it to reinforce its defensive role and utility in battle.

With a set focused on team disruption, Koffing can heavily hinder opposing Pokémon through status conditions. Its moves that inflict poison are ideal against Pokémon that are resistant but vulnerable to passive damage.

Using Koffing in battle

Its solid Defense and many resistances make it an excellent Pokémon for blocking physical moves. It is particularly effective against Grass, Bug, and Fairy Pokémon, and can act as an anti-stall tool using Poison Gas and Sludge. On the other hand, it must absolutely avoid Ground and Psychic Pokémon, against which it is very frail.

In modern Pokémon games, Koffing remains useful on teams looking to set up toxic field conditions or progressively weaken opponents. Its ability to float also allows it to avoid some Ground moves in certain games thanks to Levitate, which improves its defensive potential.

Koffing in Pokémon GO

In Pokémon GO, Koffing appears regularly in urban and industrial areas. It can be caught at a fairly accessible rate and reaches a modest maximum CP, making it most interesting for completing the Pokédex or preparing a powerful Weezing. Moves like Sludge and Sludge Bomb allow it to deal decent damage in raid or Gym battles, even if it remains far from the best Poison Pokémon in the game.

Held items, eggs, and appearances

Koffing is available in several egg pools depending on the Pokémon GO generation, but primarily in 5 km eggs when it is featured. In the main games, Koffing can be found in several iconic locations such as power plants, factories, and areas emitting toxic fumes. Its appearances are often tied to events or articles spotlighting Team Rocket and its Pokémon.