#112 Rhydon (a.k.a. Sidon)
Named after rhinoceros (Japanese: sai) and don (Ancient Greek for "tooth," as used in many dinosaur names), Rhydon is a Ground/Rock Pokémon based on dinosaur with rhinoceros characteristics. Many of the first created Pokémon were dinosaur based (including Lapras and Ivysaur) and Rhydon being the first seemed to set the standard for later creatures (note its physical similarities with Kangaskhan, Nidoking and Nidoqueen).
From the Pokedex: It begins walking on its hind legs after evolution. It can punch holes through boulders with its horn. Protected by an armor-like hide, it is capable of living in molten lava of 3,600 degrees. Shows signs of intelligence.
Clearly, the most significant attributes are its horn (used for Horn Attack and Horn Drill) and its hide (used for defense and Fire-resistance). This explains why Blaine was given one to own in the anime, as the volcano gym would be the best place to show off its abilities.
Generation I Moveset and Strategy
Despite being classified as Ground/Rock, Rhydon only learns normal moves by leveling up. Yet, it learns moves from a variety of different types by TM, such as Surf, Fire Blast, and Thunder. Some consider this to be due to Rhydon being the first Pokémon programmed in the game, allowing developers to rely on it to get them through the game quickly. However, as an attacker, it had a low special stat, meaning it's best moveset would be the following:
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Earthquake - Ground
Rock Slide - Rock
Body Slam - Normal
Substitute - Normal
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Earthquake and Rock Slide provide the STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) while Body Slam hits hard and paralyzes. Substitute takes advantage of Rhydon's high defense to add some extra wall strength. I also like that the Substitute doll is based on Rhydon, making this a fitting move. None of the Generation II tradeback moves improve upon this moveset, so this is the best choice, making for one of the strongest fighters in the first generation.
Generation I Sprites
Each of these sprites do a fine job of representing Rhydon, but I'd probably give the edge to the Yellow sprite. The Red/Green Sprite has a good pose, but that giant eye is weird. The Blue sprite is a little better, but the Yellow one is the most intimidating. The first two are too cuddly.
Generation I Locations
Aside from evolving Rhyhorn, the best place to get a Rhydon is Cerulean Cave at Level 52 and 55 in Red/Green/Blue and Level 58-60 and 62 in Yellow. This seems to reference the original Rhydon drawing in which we see Rhydon and his trainer exploring a cave. It makes sense to save this appearance for the very end as a special bonus.
In Yellow, one can also trade a Golduck for one on Cinnabar Island, possibly as a reference to Blaine's volcano dwelling Rhydon from the show.
Notable Generation I Rhydon
1. Blue/Gary's Rhydon (Red/Green/Blue and The Electric Tale of Pikachu - ET19)
Rhydon is one of Blue's final Pokémon solidifying his status as a Champion Pokémon Trainer. His Rhydon is the last reveal of his ever-changing team. SPOILERS: Blue will bring this Rhydon with him into the Generation II games and Pokémon Adventures chapters.
2. Blaine's Rhydon (Anime - EP058)
In a surprising twist, Blaine becomes the first gym leader in the anime to use a Pokémon not of his signature type during a gym battle. As stated, this is to show off Rhydon's resiliency in a volcanic setting, although this is also the only Rhydon that is susceptible to Electric attacks via its horn.
3. Koga's Rhydon (Pokémon Adventures - PS007)
Koga leads some Team Rocket grunts through Mt. Moon and uses an experimental drug to induce evolution on his Rhyhorn, making it a more powerful opponent. It couldn't be defeated by strength alone and a distraction had to be implemented to allow Red and Misty to escape. Perhaps the forced evolution stunted its intelligence.
4. Bruno's Rhydon (Pokémon Stadium)
While not a major player in the handheld games, Rhydon is the strongest member of Bruno's team during both rounds of the Stadium battles. During the first round, it is armed with both Horn Drill and Fissure, meaning it has the power to OHKO anything, while in the second round, it has a moveset similar to Smogon's picks (with Surf as a wild card to take out other Rock-types).
5. Brock's Rhydon (TCG - Gym Heroes)
Despite not using a Rhydon in the games (yet), one of Brock's holographic rares is a Rhydon that uses its thick hide to defend the Pokémon on the Bench, taking any attacks directed towards them. That's is just like Brock to have a Pokémon that looks out for its other teammates.
6. The Fairchild Island Giant Rhydon (Anime - EP104)
A fake giant Rhydon first appeared on Giovanni's Pokémon Land where our shipwrecked heroes found themselves in EP017. But actual giant Rhydon lived on one of the Orange Islands with equally giant Pidgeot. A trapped Pikachu and Meowth had to work together to defeat it, using their ability to tickle it into submission.
7. Junk's Rhydon (TCG - Jungle and How I Became a Pokémon Card - PW14)
The story behind the rampaging Rhydon from the Jungle set is told in the story "Rhydon's Pride." Although I don't currently have access to this particular manga, I know that Junk is a recurring character and he is the only trainer I've seen thus far whose Rhydon is serving its original purpose. Junk actually rides his Rhydon and uses it to transport his things, just like in "Capsule Monsters."
8. Giovanni's Rhydon (Red/Green/Blue, anime, and nearly every manga)
Giovanni seems to have four signature Pokémon His Persian rarely battles, and his Nidoqueen and Nidoking appear the most, but he is never seen far from his Rhydon. Unlike the Nido duo, Giovanni only uses his Rhydon in gym battles. This is true of every canon that the Rhydon appears in, showing that Giovanni feels that it best represents his status as a Ground-type Gym Leader. While the previous Rhydons are important, Giovanni is the trainer I most associate with the creature.
Final Thoughts
While most important Pokémon usually get some sort of personality trait, Rhydon represents the idea that these are just monsters, fighting and defending their territory. Every Rhydon appearance is based on its girth and strength. However, it is not an evil destroyer, but rather a helpful protector. It's worthy of being the first Pokémon created and it's definitely worthy of being on any trainer's team.
Rhydon's Verdict - Gotta Catch 'Em!
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