Grookey (サルノリ, Sarunori) is the Grass-type First partner Pokémon of the Galar region. It is one of the three First partner Pokémon revealed for the core titles, Pokémon Sword and Shield.
It evolves into Thwackey starting at level 16 and evolves into Rillaboom starting at level 35.
Along with Scorbunny and Sobble, Grookey is one of three starter Pokémon of Galar available at the beginning of Pokémon Sword and Shield.
Along with Scorbunny and Sobble, it was the first Generation VIII Pokémon to be revealed to the public on February 27, 2019.
Grookey has two, leaf-shaped hair tufts that hold a stick on the top of its head. The stick used to be a branch from a forest where troops of Grookey lived, and it has a special power due to being exposed to the energy within Grookey's body. This energy helps Grookey's stick grow harder and more flexible. Besides using it when attacking, Grookey beats this stick rhythmically against the surfaces of all sorts of objects. This has been observed to cause grass to grow, and wilted flowers and leaves to seemingly regain their color. As depicted in the Pokémon Journeys: The Series episode Beyond Chivalry… Aiming to be a Leek Master!, it can even restore weakened plant-like Pokémon such as Bellsprout. Grookey's green fur can create energy from the sunlight, similar to how plants use their green leaves to photosynthesize. Grookey is said to be full of boundless curiosity. It enjoys being in high places, and rhythmic things such as music or dancing. It has been recently seen living in the Terarium of Blueberry Academy.
In Generation IX, Grookey and its evolved forms are the only known Pokémon that can have Grassy Surge as an Ability.
Grookey is one of the deuteragonist in the fanfic, “Starters with Destinies.”