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.
They gather on moonlit nights to form a large chorus. Their cries sound angry and not at all pleasant, but they are certainly distinctive.
It’s the leader of Poliwag and Poliwhirl. When Politoed roars, they all cower in fear.
Politoed Weakness
GoodType-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.
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
Breed with Politoed to get Poliwag eggs easily from the Water1 egg group. Notable egg moves include Bubble Beam, Encore, Endeavor and 10 more.
Nothing fancy here. Politoed builds around Sitrus Berry for a one-time health recovery at low HP, Sassy nature for the right stat lean, and HP-heavy investment EVs. Drizzle does its job quietly.
Best Build
Best Politoed Moveset
- Protect
- Scald
- Helping Hand
- Icy Wind
Recommended Teammates
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
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Reminder Moves
Transfer Moves
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.
Where To Catch Politoed in Sun & Moon
The path to Politoed starts with Poliwag at Lv. 14-55 via walking, gift, and more encounters. 3 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch PoliwagEASYBrooklet Hill - NorthMoonSurfing on waterLv.14-1740%EarlyEASYBrooklet Hill - NorthSunSurfing on waterLv.14-1740%EarlyEASYBrooklet Hill - SouthSunSurfing on waterLv.14-1740%EarlyEASYBrooklet Hill - SouthMoonSurfing on waterLv.14-1740%EarlyEASYBrooklet Hill - SouthSunGrassLv.14-1720%EarlyEASYBrooklet Hill - SouthMoonGrassLv.14-1720%EarlyMODERATEBrooklet Hill - NorthMoonGrassLv.14-1710%EarlyMODERATEBrooklet Hill - NorthSunGrassLv.14-1710%EarlyEASYMalie GardenMoonGrassLv.24-2720%MidForestEASYMalie GardenSunGrassLv.24-2720%MidForestEASYPoké Pelago - Ula'ula Island reachedMoonGift from NPCLv.21-278%MidEASYPoké Pelago - Ula'ula Island reachedSunGift from NPCLv.21-278%MidEASYPoké Pelago - Poni Island reachedMoonGift from NPCLv.37-435%LateEASYPoké Pelago - Poni Island reachedSunGift from NPCLv.37-435%LateMODERATEPoké Pelago - Elite Four defeatedMoonGift from NPCLv.49-554%PostMODERATEPoké Pelago - Elite Four defeatedSunGift from NPCLv.49-554%Post
Step 2Catch or Evolve PoliwhirlKonikoni CityMoonIn-game tradeLv.22MidCityTrade for (give Zubat)Konikoni CitySunIn-game tradeLv.22MidCityTrade for (give Zubat)MODERATEMalie GardenMoonGrassLv.24-2710%MidForestSOS chain (rain)MODERATEMalie GardenSunGrassLv.24-2710%MidForestSOS chain (rain)or evolve from Poliwag (Step 1)
Step 3Politoed ✓HARDMalie GardenSunGrassLv.24-271%MidForestNightSOS chain (rain)HARDMalie GardenMoonGrassLv.24-271%MidForestNightSOS chain (rain)or evolve from Poliwhirl (Step 2)
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 C-Tier.
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 a special attacker with 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.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRB
Red & Blue - Gen IIGSDebut
Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen IIIFRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen IIIE
Emerald - Gen IVPt
Platinum - Gen IVHGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen IVDP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen VBW
Black & White - Gen VB2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen VIXY
X & Y - Gen VIORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen VIIUSUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen VIISM
Sun & Moon - Gen VIILGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen VIIISwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A