Utility
Balanced
500High
70Moderate
BTier

Politoed's stats are solid on their own, but Drizzle is what pushes it over the line. It sets rain on switch-in. Only weak to Electric and Grass. A competitive option since Gen 2. It needs some investment to avoid getting outsped.

Politoed's spread isn't flashy. Sp. Def leads, Speed trails, 3 stats clear the bar. Tough to catch and worth 3 Sp. Def EVs, on a 1.06M XP medium-slow curve.

Base Stats
500High
HP90
B
Attack75
C
Defense75
C
Sp. Atk90
B
Sp. Def100
B
Speed70
C
Total500
Low <60
Avg 60-89
High 90-149
Top 150+
EV YieldDefeating Politoed yields +3 SpD
HPAtkDefSpASpD+3Spe
Details
Catch45Challenging•Medium Slow1.06M XP•1.1m / 3'07"•33.9kg / 74.7 lbs•225Base XP
Pokedex Entries

If POLIWAG and POLIWHIRL hear its echoing cry, they respond by gathering from far and wide.

Heart Gold

Whenever three or more of these get together, they sing in a loud voice that sounds like bellowing.

Soul Silver

Politoed Weakness

Good

Type-wise, Politoed takes extra damage from Electric and Grass. It resists 4 types, giving it decent defensive coverage. Water Absorb grants an additional Water immunity, reshaping the matchup chart. Politoed's special bulk (base 100 Sp.Def) helps absorb special-type weaknesses, though physical moves exploit the lower Defense.

Gen IV Type Chart
  • Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
  • Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)
4xCriticali
None
2xWeaki
ElectricGrass
½xResisti
FireWaterIceSteel
¼xResisti
None
0xImmunei
Water
STAB (3)i
FireGroundRock
2Weak
4Resist
1Immune
Scorei0
SpikesGrounded — up to 25%
Toxic SpikesVulnerable
Abilities
Water AbsorbAbsorbs water moves, healing for 1/4 max HP.
DampPrevents self destruct, explosion, and aftermath from working while the Pokémon is in battle.
DrizzleHASummons rain that lasts indefinitely upon entering battle.
Water Absorb grants Water immunity

Politoed is one of 2 ways Poliwhirl's chain can end. This one takes the trade route, while the siblings go different directions. Breed through Poliwag to get eggs. Poliwrath has 10 more total stats, but Politoed makes up for it with a stronger Sp.Def gain (+60 from Poliwag).

How to Evolve

4 Forms
Poliwag
#060Poliwag
25
Level 25
Poliwhirl
#061Poliwhirl
Poliwrath
#062PoliwrathWater Stone
Politoed
#186PolitoedTrade + Kings Rock
Stat Comparison 4 Stages
Poliwag
Water
Poliwhirl
Water
Poliwrath
WaterFighting
Politoed
Water
HP
40
65+25
90+25
90+25
ATK
50
65+15
95+30
75+10
DEF
40
65+25
95+30
75+10
SP.ATK
40
50+10
70+20
90+40
SP.DEF
40
50+10
90+40
100+50
SPE
90
90
70-20
70-20
BST
300D-Tier
385D-Tier+85
510C-Tier+125
500B-Tier+115
ROLE
Balanced
Balanced
Balanced
Balanced
TYPE
Utility
Utility
Physical
Mixed
Breeding
Very Easy

Breed with Politoed to get Poliwag eggs easily using 69 partners from the Water1 egg group. Notable egg moves include Bubble Beam, Encore, Endeavor and 8 more.

Egg Groups
Water1
Gender
♂50.0%♀50.0%
Hatch Time
20 cycles·5,140 steps
Quick~5 min with Flame Body
Egg Moves
11moves
Breed With (best first)
azumarillblastoisegolduckferaligatrkingdraswampertslowbroslowkingoctilleryludicolodewgongcrawdaunt
12 of 69·

This build takes hits and hits back. Leftovers provides passive recovery each turn, Waterabsorb supports the gameplan, and a spread EV build EVs mean Politoed doesn't crumble to chip damage. Plus double STAB backing it up.

Best Build

Bulky Support
Ability
Waterabsorb
Item
LeftoversSUSTAIN
Nature
Modest+SPA
EVs

Best Politoed Moveset

  • ProtectFAST +4
  • Perish Song
  • SurfSTAB
  • WhirlpoolSTAB

Recommended Teammates

Suicune
SuicuneDecent
Empoleon
EmpoleonDecent
Raikou
RaikouDecent

The egg pool carries weight here. Bubble Beam and Encore aren't available any other way for Politoed, and they meaningfully change what it threatens. Stack those on top of Hydro Pump and Surf for solid options.

Level-Up Moves

Lv 1
Bubble Beam
6510020Water
Lv 1
Double Slap
158510Normal
Lv 1
Hypnosis
—7020Psychic
Lv 1
Perish Song
——5Normal
Lv 27
Swagger
—9015Normal
Lv 37
Bounce
85855Flying
Lv 48
Hyper Voice
9010010Normal

TM Moves

Src
TM45
Attract
—10015Normal
TM14
Blizzard
120705Ice
TM31
Brick Break
7510015Fighting
TM78
Captivate
—10020Normal
TM28
Dig
8010010Ground
TM32
Double Team
——15Normal
TM26
Earthquake
10010010Ground
TM58
Endure+4
——10Normal
TM42
Facade
7010020Normal
TM56
Fling
—10010Dark
TM52
Focus Blast
120705Fighting
TM01
Focus Punch-3
15010020Fighting
TM21
Frustration
—10020Normal
TM68
Giga Impact
150905Normal
TM07
Hail
——10Ice
TM10
Hidden Power
6010015Normal
TM15
Hyper Beam
150905Normal
TM13
Ice Beam
9510010Ice
TM83
Natural Gift
—10015Normal
TM66
Payback
5010010Dark
TM17
Protect+4
——10Normal
TM29
Psychic
9010010Psychic
TM18
Rain Dance
——5Water
TM44
Rest
——10Psychic
TM27
Return
—10020Normal
HM06
Rock Smash
4010015Fighting
TM43
Secret Power
7010020Normal
TM82
Sleep Talk
——10Normal
HM04
Strength
8010015Normal
TM90
Substitute
——10Normal
HM03
Surf
9510015Water
TM87
Swagger
—9015Normal
TM46
Thief
6010025Dark
TM06
Toxic
—8510Poison
TM03
Water Pulse
6010020Water
HM07
Waterfall
8010015Water
HM05
Whirlpool
358515Water

Egg Moves

Src
Egg
Bubble Beam
6510020Water
Egg
Encore
—1005Normal
Egg
Endeavor
—1005Normal
Egg
Haze
——30Ice
Egg
Ice Ball
309020Ice
Egg
Mind Reader
——5Normal
Egg
Mist
——30Ice
Egg
Mud Shot
559515Ground
Egg
Refresh
——20Normal
Egg
Splash
——40Normal
Egg
Water Sport
——15Water

Tutor Moves

Src
Tutor
Bounce
85855Flying
Tutor
Dive
8010010Water
Tutor
Headbutt
7010015Normal
Tutor
Helping Hand+5
——20Normal
Tutor
Icy Wind
559515Ice
Tutor
Mud-Slap
2010010Ground
Tutor
Snore
4010015Normal

Reminder Moves

Src
Rem
Belly Drum
——10Normal
Rem
Body Slam
8510015Normal
Rem
Bubble
2010030Water
Rem
Hydro Pump
120805Water
Rem
Ice Punch
7510015Ice
Rem
Mud Bomb
658510Ground
Rem
Mud Shot
559515Ground
Rem
Rain Dance
——5Water
Rem
Wake-Up Slap
6010010Fighting
Rem
Water Gun
4010025Water
Rem
Water Sport
——15Water

Transfer Moves

Src
Gen 3
Counter-5
—10020Fighting
Gen 3
Defense Curl
——40Normal
Gen 3
Double-Edge
12010015Normal
Gen 3
Dynamic Punch
100505Fighting
Gen 3
Mega Kick
120755Normal
Gen 3
Mega Punch
808520Normal
Gen 3
Metronome
——10Normal
Gen 3
Mimic
——10Normal
Gen 3
Seismic Toss
—10020Fighting

A trade step sits in Politoed's 3-stage chain from Poliwag. The step cards below map each stage with catch locations and evolution methods. Poliwag shows up at solid rates, so the starting catch is the easy part.

Trade Evolution Required — Requires trading with another player

How to Obtain Politoed in HeartGold & SoulSilver

The path to Politoed starts with Poliwag at Lv. 5-48 via fishing and surfing encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.

  1. Poliwag
    Step 1Catch Poliwag
    Route 22
    SoulSilverSurfing on waterLv.5-10CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 22
    HeartGoldSurfing on waterLv.5-10CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Viridian City
    SoulSilverSurfing on waterLv.5-10CommonEarlyCity
    EASY
    Viridian City
    HeartGoldSurfing on waterLv.5-10CommonEarlyCity
    EASY
    Ecruteak City
    SoulSilverSurfing on waterLv.10-25CommonEarlyCity
    EASY
    Ecruteak City
    HeartGoldSurfing on waterLv.10-25CommonEarlyCity
    EASY
    Route 30
    SoulSilverSurfing on waterLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 30
    HeartGoldSurfing on waterLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 31
    HeartGoldSurfing on waterLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 31
    SoulSilverSurfing on waterLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 44
    SoulSilverSurfing on waterLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Route 44
    HeartGoldSurfing on waterLv.10-25CommonEarlyRoute
    EASY
    Violet City
    SoulSilverSurfing on waterLv.10-25CommonEarlyCity
    EASY
    Violet City
    HeartGoldSurfing on waterLv.10-25CommonEarlyCity
    EASY
    Blackthorn City
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10RareEarlyCity
    CHALLENGING
    Blackthorn City
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10RareEarlyCity
    CHALLENGING
    Ecruteak City
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10RareEarlyCity
    CHALLENGING
    Ecruteak City
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10RareEarlyCity
    CHALLENGING
    Ilex Forest
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10RareEarlyForest
    CHALLENGING
    Ilex Forest
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10RareEarlyForest
    CHALLENGING
    Mt. Silver - Base
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10RareEarlyCave
    CHALLENGING
    Mt. Silver - Base
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10RareEarlyCave
    CHALLENGING
    Route 30
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10RareEarlyRoute
    CHALLENGING
    Route 30
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10RareEarlyRoute
    CHALLENGING
    Route 31
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10RareEarlyRoute
    CHALLENGING
    Route 31
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10RareEarlyRoute
    CHALLENGING
    Route 35
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10RareEarlyRoute
    CHALLENGING
    Route 35
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10RareEarlyRoute
    CHALLENGING
    Route 43
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10RareEarlyRoute
    CHALLENGING
    Route 43
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10RareEarlyRoute
    CHALLENGING
    Route 44
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10RareEarlyRoute
    CHALLENGING
    Route 44
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10RareEarlyRoute
    CHALLENGING
    Route 45
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10RareEarlyRoute
    CHALLENGING
    Route 45
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10RareEarlyRoute
    CHALLENGING
    Ruins of Alph - Outside
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10RareEarlyRuins
    CHALLENGING
    Ruins of Alph - Outside
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10RareEarlyRuins
    CHALLENGING
    Violet City
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10RareEarlyCity
    CHALLENGING
    Violet City
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10RareEarlyCity
    CHALLENGING
    Route 22
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10RareEarlyRoute
    CHALLENGING
    Route 22
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10RareEarlyRoute
    CHALLENGING
    Route 28
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10RareEarlyRoute
    CHALLENGING
    Route 28
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10RareEarlyRoute
    CHALLENGING
    Route 6
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10RareEarlyRoute
    CHALLENGING
    Route 6
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10RareEarlyRoute
    CHALLENGING
    Viridian City
    HeartGoldOld RodLv.10RareEarlyCity
    CHALLENGING
    Viridian City
    SoulSilverOld RodLv.10RareEarlyCity
    CHALLENGING
    Blackthorn City
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidCity
    EASY
    Blackthorn City
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidCity
    EASY
    Ecruteak City
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidCity
    EASY
    Ecruteak City
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidCity
    EASY
    Ilex Forest
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidForest
    EASY
    Ilex Forest
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidForest
    EASY
    Mt. Silver - Base
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidCave
    EASY
    Mt. Silver - Base
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidCave
    EASY
    Route 30
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 30
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 31
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 31
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 35
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 35
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 43
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 43
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 44
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 44
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 45
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 45
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Ruins of Alph - Outside
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidRuins
    EASY
    Ruins of Alph - Outside
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidRuins
    EASY
    Violet City
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidCity
    EASY
    Violet City
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidCity
    EASY
    Cerulean Cave - 1F
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidCave
    EASY
    Cerulean Cave - 1F
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidCave
    EASY
    Cerulean Cave - B1F
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidCave
    EASY
    Cerulean Cave - B1F
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidCave
    EASY
    Route 22
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 22
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 28
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 28
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 6
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Route 6
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidRoute
    EASY
    Viridian City
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20CommonMidCity
    EASY
    Viridian City
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20CommonMidCity
    EASY
    Mt. Moon - Mt. Moon Square
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20UncommonMidCave
    MODERATE
    Mt. Moon - Mt. Moon Square
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20UncommonMidCave
    MODERATE
    Cliff Edge Gate
    SoulSilverGood RodLv.20RareMid
    HARD
    Cliff Edge Gate
    HeartGoldGood RodLv.20RareMid
    HARD
    Mt. Silver - Base
    SoulSilverSurfing on waterLv.30-40RareMidCave
    HARD
    Mt. Silver - Base
    HeartGoldSurfing on waterLv.30-40RareMidCave
    HARD
    Mt. Moon - Mt. Moon Square
    SoulSilverSurfing on waterLv.35CommonLateCave
    EASY
    Mt. Moon - Mt. Moon Square
    HeartGoldSurfing on waterLv.35CommonLateCave
    EASY
    Route 28
    HeartGoldSurfing on waterLv.35-40CommonLateRoute
    EASY
    Route 28
    SoulSilverSurfing on waterLv.35-40CommonLateRoute
    EASY
    Blackthorn City
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40CommonLateCity
    EASY
    Blackthorn City
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40CommonLateCity
    EASY
    Ecruteak City
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40CommonLateCity
    EASY
    Ecruteak City
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40CommonLateCity
    EASY
    Ilex Forest
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40CommonLateForest
    EASY
    Ilex Forest
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40CommonLateForest
    EASY
    Mt. Silver - Base
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40CommonLateCave
    EASY
    Mt. Silver - Base
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40CommonLateCave
    EASY
    Route 30
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40CommonLateRoute
    EASY
    Route 30
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40CommonLateRoute
    EASY
    Route 31
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40CommonLateRoute
    EASY
    Route 31
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40CommonLateRoute
    EASY
    Route 35
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40CommonLateRoute
    EASY
    Route 35
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40CommonLateRoute
    EASY
    Route 43
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40CommonLateRoute
    EASY
    Route 43
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40CommonLateRoute
    EASY
    Route 44
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40CommonLateRoute
    EASY
    Route 44
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40CommonLateRoute
    EASY
    Route 45
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40CommonLateRoute
    EASY
    Route 45
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40CommonLateRoute
    EASY
    Ruins of Alph - Outside
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40CommonLateRuins
    EASY
    Ruins of Alph - Outside
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40CommonLateRuins
    EASY
    Violet City
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40CommonLateCity
    EASY
    Violet City
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40CommonLateCity
    EASY
    Cerulean Cave - 1F
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40CommonLateCave
    EASY
    Cerulean Cave - 1F
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40CommonLateCave
    EASY
    Cerulean Cave - B1F
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40CommonLateCave
    EASY
    Cerulean Cave - B1F
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40CommonLateCave
    EASY
    Mt. Moon - Mt. Moon Square
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40CommonLateCave
    EASY
    Mt. Moon - Mt. Moon Square
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40CommonLateCave
    EASY
    Route 22
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40CommonLateRoute
    EASY
    Route 22
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40CommonLateRoute
    EASY
    Route 28
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40CommonLateRoute
    EASY
    Route 28
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40CommonLateRoute
    EASY
    Route 6
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40CommonLateRoute
    EASY
    Route 6
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40CommonLateRoute
    EASY
    Viridian City
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40CommonLateCity
    EASY
    Viridian City
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40CommonLateCity
    EASY
    Cliff Edge Gate
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40UncommonLate
    MODERATE
    Cliff Edge Gate
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40UncommonLate
    MODERATE
  2. Poliwhirl
    Step 2Catch or Evolve Poliwhirl
    Route 22
    SoulSilverSurfing on waterLv.10UncommonEarlyRoute
    MODERATE
    Route 22
    HeartGoldSurfing on waterLv.10UncommonEarlyRoute
    MODERATE
    Viridian City
    SoulSilverSurfing on waterLv.10UncommonEarlyCity
    MODERATE
    Viridian City
    HeartGoldSurfing on waterLv.10UncommonEarlyCity
    MODERATE
    Ecruteak City
    SoulSilverSurfing on waterLv.15-25UncommonEarlyCity
    MODERATE
    Ecruteak City
    HeartGoldSurfing on waterLv.15-25UncommonEarlyCity
    MODERATE
    Route 30
    SoulSilverSurfing on waterLv.15-32UncommonEarlyRoute
    MODERATE
    Route 30
    HeartGoldSurfing on waterLv.15-32UncommonEarlyRoute
    MODERATE
    Route 31
    SoulSilverSurfing on waterLv.15-32UncommonEarlyRoute
    MODERATE
    Route 31
    HeartGoldSurfing on waterLv.15-32UncommonEarlyRoute
    MODERATE
    Route 44
    SoulSilverSurfing on waterLv.15-32UncommonEarlyRoute
    MODERATE
    Route 44
    HeartGoldSurfing on waterLv.15-32UncommonEarlyRoute
    MODERATE
    Violet City
    SoulSilverSurfing on waterLv.15-32UncommonEarlyCity
    MODERATE
    Violet City
    HeartGoldSurfing on waterLv.15-32UncommonEarlyCity
    MODERATE
    Mt. Silver - Base
    SoulSilverSurfing on waterLv.30-48CommonMidCave
    EASY
    Mt. Silver - Base
    HeartGoldSurfing on waterLv.30-48CommonMidCave
    EASY
    Cerulean Cave - 1F
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40CommonLateCave
    EASY
    Cerulean Cave - 1F
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40CommonLateCave
    EASY
    Cerulean Cave - B1F
    HeartGoldSuper RodLv.40CommonLateCave
    EASY
    Cerulean Cave - B1F
    SoulSilverSuper RodLv.40CommonLateCave
    EASY
    Route 28
    SoulSilverSurfing on waterLv.40UncommonLateRoute
    MODERATE
    Route 28
    HeartGoldSurfing on waterLv.40UncommonLateRoute
    MODERATE
    or evolve from Poliwag (Step 1)
  3. Politoed
    Step 3Politoed ✓

  • Don't let Politoed's 500 base stat total fool you. Drizzle is what makes it tick — it punches way above its weight class. We rate it B-Tier.

  • Politoed's biggest threats include Jolteon (Electric) and Exeggutor (Grass), all carrying super-effective STAB moves. Only 2 weaknesses means fewer dedicated counters to worry about.

  • Poliwhirl evolves into Politoed while holding a Kings Rock. Politoed is the final evolution in a 4-stage line starting from Poliwag. At 500 BST, it's got solid stats to work with.

  • Run Drizzle on Politoed. It's the ability that defines how you build around it and the main reason it holds a competitive niche. Politoed also gets Water Absorb and Damp, but they don't compare.

  • Politoed fills the balanced role. It's leaning toward the special side (base 90 Sp. Atk). Base 70 Speed is workable — faster than some, slower than many. And it's enough bulk to take a hit or two.

  • Politoed appears in 17 games, including Gold & Silver, Crystal, and Ruby & Sapphire.

Politoed has been available in 17 games since Gold & Silver, though obtaining it requires a trade evolution. This extra step makes it less common than Pokemon found through standard wild encounters.