Burmy Evolution Level and Skills in Pokémon X: Guide
Introduction: Why Burmy evolution level and skills in Pokémon X matter
Burmy evolution level and skills in Pokémon X is a topic that surprises many trainers: although Burmy is a small, seemingly simple Bug-type, its evolution methods, multiple forms, and move options make it strategically interesting. Whether you’re a casual player exploring Kalos or a competitive battler refining your roster, understanding how Burmy changes into Wormadam or Mothim, what moves it can learn, and how its forms affect evolution will save time and boost performance.
Section 1: Burmy basics — forms, gender, and where to find it in Pokémon X
Before diving into evolution levels and skills, let’s cover the essentials you’ll need to know about Burmy in Pokémon X:
- Forms: Burmy has three cloak forms: Plant Cloak, Sandy Cloak, and Trash Cloak. These forms change depending on the environment where it last battled.
- Gender: Gender is the crucial factor for evolution — male Burmy evolves into Mothim, while female Burmy evolves into one of the three Wormadam forms.
- Location: In Pokémon X (Gen VI), Burmy is commonly found in forested and grassy routes like Santalune Forest and Route 6, though encounter rates vary. The encounter environment determines the cloak.
Knowing these basics helps you plan how to breed, catch, or evolve Burmy depending on whether you want Wormadam’s defensive variations or Mothim’s offensive presence.
Section 2: How to evolve Burmy — level, gender, and evolution method
The short answer: Burmy evolves at level 20, but the resulting evolution depends on gender and the cloak form. Here’s a clear breakdown:
- Evolution level: Burmy evolves into its next form when it reaches level 20. This is consistent throughout Pokémon X (Gen VI).
- If male: At level 20, male Burmy evolves into Mothim. Mothim is a Bug/Flying-type with stronger offensive stats and access to powerful moves like Air Slash and Bug Buzz.
- If female: At level 20, female Burmy evolves into Wormadam. Wormadam’s type depends on the cloak Burmy last had in battle:
- Plant Cloak → Wormadam (Plant Cloak) — Bug/Grass
- Sandy Cloak → Wormadam (Sandy Cloak) — Bug/Ground
- Trash Cloak → Wormadam (Trash Cloak) — Bug/Steel
Tip: If you want a specific Wormadam type, ensure female Burmy fights in the correct environment right before evolving. For example, battle in a forest area (Plant Cloak) or near trash piles/caves for Trash Cloak.
Section 3: Burmy skills and moves in Pokémon X — learnset overview
Understanding Burmy’s moves and what it can learn after evolution is crucial. Below is a practical look at Burmy’s level-up moves in Pokémon X, followed by what Wormadam and Mothim can learn through leveling and TMs/HMs.
Burmy’s level-up moves (through level 20)
- Level 1: Absorb — basic recovery and STAB for bug/grass scenarios.
- Early levels: String Shot, Bug Bite — these support accuracy control and early damage.
- Level 20 (evolution point): Burmy typically learns moves that prepare it for evolution into Mothim or Wormadam. Pay attention to learning Bug Bite or other utility moves before evolving.
Wormadam learnset highlights (after evolution)
- Plant Cloak Wormadam (Bug/Grass): Access to moves like Giga Drain, Leech Seed, and supportive options such as Protect.
- Sandy Cloak Wormadam (Bug/Ground): Gains solid utility moves like Earthquake via TM and can function as a bulkier pivot with Ground coverage.
- Trash Cloak Wormadam (Bug/Steel): Offers great defensive typing and access to moves like Iron Defense and Flash Cannon that leverage Steel typing.
Mothim learnset highlights
- Offensive focus: Mothim learns strong moves like Air Slash, Bug Buzz, and can use Thunderbolt or Energy Ball via TM for coverage.
- Speed and attack: Mothim has higher Attack and Special Attack than Burmy/Wormadam, making it an effective special or mixed attacker in lower tiers.
Tip: If you plan to use TMs, save them for the evolved form to maximize move potential. Also, consider giving Burmy helpful moves before evolution since some moves can only be learned at low levels and might not be relearnt easily.
Section 4: How Burmy forms influence evolution and battling (Plant, Sandy, Trash)
Burmy’s forms are not merely cosmetic. For female Burmy, the cloak directly determines Wormadam’s typing. Here’s how each form impacts evolution and competitive considerations:
- Plant Cloak (Forest): Becomes Bug/Grass Wormadam. Great for Leech Seed and sustain strategies, but watch weaknesses to Fire and Flying.
- Sandy Cloak (Rock/Sandy areas): Becomes Bug/Ground Wormadam. Useful for resisting Electric moves; pairs well with Earthquake coverage.
- Trash Cloak (Man-made areas): Becomes Bug/Steel Wormadam. Offers exceptional defensive typing with many resistances and great synergy with Iron Defense or Flash Cannon.
Example: If you want a defensive core Pokémon to switch into many hits in Pokémon X, Trash Cloak Wormadam is often the best choice thanks to its Steel typing and high resistances. For more aggressive support and hazard control, Plant Cloak with Leech Seed and Giga Drain can be effective.
Section 5: Training tips, EV/IV focus, and recommended movesets
Here are practical training tips to optimize Burmy evolution level and skills usage in Pokémon X, including EV/IV guidance and sample movesets for both Wormadam and Mothim.
EV and IV guidance
- Wormadam (defensive): Focus on HP and Defense or Special Defense depending on the cloak. Typical EV spread: 252 HP / 252 Def / 6 SpD for Trash Cloak; consider SpD instead for Plant Cloak.
- Mothim (offensive): Invest in Speed and Special Attack (or Attack if going physical). Typical spread: 252 SpA / 252 Spe / 4 HP with Timid or Modest nature.
Recommended movesets
- Wormadam (Trash Cloak) — defensive set:
- Protect
- Leech Seed
- Flash Cannon
- Bug Buzz / Toxic
- Wormadam (Plant Cloak) — support set:
- Giga Drain
- Leech Seed
- Protect
- Sludge Bomb / Bug Buzz
- Mothim — special attacker set:
- Air Slash
- Bug Buzz
- Energy Ball / Thunderbolt
- Roost / U-turn
Tips:
- Use TMs in Pokémon X to tailor Wormadam/Mothim’s coverage; Hidden Power can be useful for surprise coverage in lower tiers.
- Keep a male and female Burmy if you want flexibility—male for immediate Mothim, female for any Wormadam cloak type.
- Breeding: if you want specific IVs and natures, breed Burmy in the Daycare or Pokémon Nursery and use an Everstone to pass natures.
Section 6: In-battle examples and tactical use of Burmy evolutions
Below are concrete examples showing when to use Mothim vs Wormadam in battle and how their skills and forms change tactical choices:
Scenario 1: Facing a Fire-type lead
- Wormadam (Plant Cloak) is weak to Fire — avoid switching in. Instead, Mothim or a partner Pokémon with Rock or Water resistances would be better.
Scenario 2: Setting up stall or hazards
- Wormadam (Trash Cloak) excels as a bulky switch-in to set hazards or stall with Leech Seed and Protect. Use its many resistances to soak hits and support the team.
Scenario 3: Offensive momentum
- Mothim provides offensive pressure with Air Slash and Bug Buzz, and U-turn lets you pivot while maintaining momentum. Use its speed to threaten frailer opponents.
Practical tip: In doubles battles in Pokémon X, Wormadam’s Trash Cloak can provide clutch resistances that protect slower teammates; Mothim’s flinches from Air Slash can be game-changing with the right support.
FAQ: Common questions about Burmy evolution level and skills in Pokémon X
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Q1: At what level does Burmy evolve in Pokémon X?
A1: Burmy evolves at level 20. The evolution result depends on gender: males become Mothim and females become Wormadam, with Wormadam’s type based on Burmy’s cloak.
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Q2: How do I get Trash Cloak Wormadam in Pokémon X?
A2: To get Trash Cloak Wormadam, ensure your female Burmy last battled in a man-made area or location that causes the Trash Cloak (such as near cities or certain indoor areas), then level it to 20 to evolve.
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Q3: Can Burmy’s moves be changed after evolution?
A3: Yes. After evolving into Wormadam or Mothim, you can teach new moves via TMs/HMs in Pokémon X and use Move Tutors where available. Some low-level moves might need to be learned by Burmy before evolving if they aren’t on the evolution’s natural learnset.
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Q4: Is Mothim better than Wormadam?
A4: It depends on your strategy. Mothim is offensively minded with higher attack stats and speed, making it better for aggressive play. Wormadam (especially Trash Cloak) is more defensive and excels at support/utility roles. Choose based on team needs.
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Q5: Does Burmy change cloak after leaving an area?
A5: Burmy’s cloak changes based on where it last entered battle. If it battles in a new environment, its cloak will change accordingly. That’s why you should do the final battle in the desired environment before evolving a female Burmy to get the correct Wormadam type.
Short conclusion: Mastering Burmy evolution level and skills in Pokémon X
Burmy evolution level and skills in Pokémon X are straightforward but rich with nuance: evolve at level 20, remember gender determines whether you get Mothim or Wormadam, and use the environment to set the cloak for female Burmy. With the right movesets, EV training, and knowledge of Wormadam’s three forms (Plant, Sandy, Trash), you can craft a reliable defensive pivot or an unexpected team asset. Mothim offers offensive momentum and speed for more aggressive strategies. Use the tips, recommended movesets, and battle examples above to shape Burmy into a Pokémon that fits your Kalos team and elevates your gameplay.
Good luck, Trainer—may your Burmy evolve into the perfect partner for your Pokémon X journey.

