Posted in: Games, Mobile Games, Niantic, Pokémon GO | Tagged: Clauncher, Niantic, Niantic Labs, pokemon, pokemon go

Poké Spotlight: Getting To Know Clauncher Outside Of Pokémon GO

Part of the fun of the main series Pokémon games is the lore of each species, which Pokémon GO recreates with short descriptions in their Pokédex entries. However, looking into the roles these Pokémon play in other games, and even the anime, can enrich the experience of hunting these creatures in Niantic's mobile game. In honor of this week's introduction of Clauncher to the game, let's take a deep dive into this Pokémon's lore.

Dex entry number 692, Clauncher is a pure Water-type species from the Kalos Region, introduced into the world of Pokémon with Generation Six. This Pokémon can be encountered as either male or female. Referred to as the "Water Gun Pokémon," this is what Clauncher's Dex entry says:

They knock down flying prey by firing compressed water fro their massive claws like shooting a pistol.

Here, I'll normally break down the etymology of the focus Pokémon's name, but honestly, this one is right here in the Dex. Claw + Launcher? Clauncher! Interestingly, the Dex entry's use of the word "pistol" also alludes to a real-life animal on which this Pokémon may be based: the snapping shrimp otherwise known as the pistol shrimp. Clauncher evolves into Clawitzer, where its huge claw becomes bigger than the rest of its body by a good amount.

For fans of the anime, Clauncher first appears in Going for the Gold! and is never featured prominently again after that. However, its evolution of Clawitzer gets quite a few appearances in episodes such as A Full-Strength Battle Surprise!, A Festival Reunion!, and more, even popping up in the Pokémon film series.

Other Pokédex entries offer new information about this Pokémon:

• Y: Through controlled expulsions of internal gas, it can expel water like a pistol shot. At close distances, it can shatter rock.
• Ultra Sun: Its claws occasionally fall off, and it keeps a low profile until they grow back. The meat of its claws is so delicious!
• Ultra Moon: Its claws occasionally fall off, and it keeps a low profile until they grow back. The meat of its claws is so delicious!
• Sword: Clauncher's claws can fall off during battle, but they'll regenerate. The meat inside the claws is popular as a delicacy in Galar.

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