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Helix or Dome Fossil: Which Should You Choose?

So, you’ve stumbled into Mt. Moon, faced down some pesky Team Rocket grunts, and now find yourself confronted with a classic Pokémon dilemma: the Helix Fossil or the Dome Fossil? In a nutshell, the choice boils down to Omanyte (evolving into Omastar) from the Helix Fossil, or Kabuto (evolving into Kabutops) from the Dome Fossil. There isn’t a definitively “better” choice; it depends entirely on your play style, team composition, and which Pokémon tickles your fancy more.

Diving Deeper into the Fossil Frenzy

Both Kabutops and Omastar are Rock/Water-type Pokémon, sharing similar strengths and weaknesses. They both have access to powerful Water-type moves and are vulnerable to Grass and Electric-type attacks. However, their stat distributions and movepools differ significantly, making them suited for different roles.

Examining Omastar: The Special Sweeper

Omastar, the evolution of Omanyte, excels as a Special Attacker. It boasts higher Special Attack and Defense stats, making it a formidable threat with moves like Surf, Ice Beam, and Ancient Power. While its Speed is relatively low, its bulk allows it to withstand hits while dishing out significant damage.

In games like Pokémon Yellow, where Special Attack and Special Defense are combined into a single “Special” stat, Omastar’s high Special stat gives it a considerable edge. Even in later generations, Omastar remains a solid choice for a Special-based team. Its access to moves like Shell Smash can also boost its offensive stats to ludicrous levels, though this comes with a defensive cost.

Scrutinizing Kabutops: The Physical Prowler

Kabutops, the evolution of Kabuto, thrives as a Physical Attacker. Its higher Attack and Speed stats allow it to hit hard and fast with moves like Slash, Rock Slide, and Waterfall. While its Defense is lower than Omastar’s, its offensive prowess makes it a dangerous opponent.

Kabutops’s higher Speed allows it to outspeed many opponents, making it ideal for a Physical-based team. The Slash attack, mentioned in some sources, is a notable advantage early on due to its high critical hit ratio. While later generations introduced more powerful Physical Rock and Water-type moves, the early game benefit of Slash shouldn’t be dismissed.

Considering the Game

The “better” fossil can also depend on the specific game you are playing. In games where Critical hits are more impactful or where specific TMs are available, one fossil may gain an advantage. Similarly, understanding the local meta and the types of opponents you expect to face can help you make a more informed decision.

Aesthetics Matter Too

Let’s face it: some of us choose Pokémon based purely on looks. The article notes that “Kabutops looks a whole lot cooler” – and that’s a perfectly valid reason to choose the Dome Fossil! Ultimately, the joy of Pokémon is in building a team you love, regardless of optimal stats or competitive viability.

Making Your Choice

Ultimately, the decision rests with you. Consider your team’s needs, your preferred play style, and which Pokémon you find more appealing. Both Kabutops and Omastar are viable options, each with their unique strengths and weaknesses. So, choose wisely, trainer, and embark on your fossil-fueled adventure!

You can learn more about the game design and systems involved in Pokémon on the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Dome and Helix Fossils to provide additional clarity:

What is the difference between the Dome Fossil and the Helix Fossil? The Dome Fossil resurrects into Kabuto, which evolves into Kabutops. The Helix Fossil resurrects into Omanyte, which evolves into Omastar. Both are Rock/Water-type Pokémon but have different stats and movepools.
Which fossil is better for competitive play? It depends on the generation and metagame. Historically, both have seen niche use. Omastar is often favored for Special Attack-based teams, while Kabutops is favored for Physical Attack-based teams. In more recent generations, Kabutops has the advantage in several metrics.
Can I get both fossils in one playthrough? No, in most of the core series games where you obtain them in Mt. Moon or similar locations, you can only choose one of the two fossils. However, some later games and remakes offer ways to obtain both, sometimes through trading or in-game events.
What level does Kabuto evolve into Kabutops? Kabuto evolves into Kabutops at level 40.
What level does Omanyte evolve into Omastar? Omanyte evolves into Omastar at level 40.
Are Kabuto and Omanyte rare Pokémon? Yes, both Kabuto and Omanyte are considered relatively rare, as they are obtained from fossils found in specific locations. Wild Kabuto and Omanyte encounters are uncommon.
What are the best movesets for Kabutops? Common movesets for Kabutops include Waterfall, Stone Edge, Aqua Jet, and Swords Dance. This leverages its Physical Attack and Speed.
What are the best movesets for Omastar? Common movesets for Omastar include Hydro Pump/Surf, Ice Beam, Earth Power, and Shell Smash. This maximizes its Special Attack potential.
Does Kabuto have any special abilities? Kabuto can have the abilities Swift Swim (boosting Speed in rain) or Battle Armor (preventing critical hits).
Does Omanyte have any special abilities? Omanyte can have the abilities Swift Swim or Shell Armor (preventing critical hits).
Are Kabutops and Omastar Rock types or Water types primarily? They are both Rock/Water types, meaning they are equally Rock and Water.
Can Kabutops or Omastar learn any Rock-type moves in early generations? As some of the quoted text indicates, their movepools were limited in the early generations. The best rock-type move they could learn would be Rock Slide.
Is Mega Aerodactyl the only fossil Pokemon that can’t evolve further? In the generation when Mega Evolution was introduced, Aerodactyl was the only Fossil Pokemon that could not evolve (but did receive a Mega Evolution). Prior to that, there were other Fossil Pokémon that were final evolutions.
Why is Omanyte called “Lord Helix” by some fans? The “Lord Helix” nickname originated during a Twitch Plays Pokémon event where players collectively controlled a single Pokémon game. Due to the chaotic nature of the input system, players frequently consulted the item menu, where the Helix Fossil was located, leading to the humorous belief that the Helix Fossil was a divine guide. The community dubbed the Omanyte obtained from the Helix Fossil “Lord Helix” as a result.
Where can I revive the Helix or Dome Fossil? You can revive the Helix or Dome Fossil at the Cinnabar Island Pokémon Laboratory in the Generation 1 games (Red, Blue, and Yellow) and their remakes (FireRed and LeafGreen). Later games have similar fossil labs in different locations.

Should I pick helix or dome fossil?