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.
At nightfall, these Pokémon appear on the shores of lakes. They announce their territorial claims by letting out cries that sound like shouting.
The cry of a male is louder than that of a female. Male Politoed with deep, menacing voices find more popularity with the opposite gender.
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 using 74 partners from the Water1 egg group. Notable egg moves include Endeavor, Haze, Mind Reader and 3 more.
Nothing fancy here. Politoed builds around Sitrus Berry for a one-time health recovery at low HP, Modest nature for the right stat lean, and max HP and Sp. Atk EVs. Drizzle does its job quietly.
Best Build
Best Politoed Moveset
- Icy Wind
- Scald
- Helping Hand
- Protect
Recommended Teammates
The egg pool carries weight here. Endeavor and Haze aren't available any other way for Politoed, and they meaningfully change what it threatens. Stack those on top of Hydro Pump and Muddy Water for solid options.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
The chain to Politoed requires a trade evolution through a trade. Catch Poliwag at solid rates and level through the stages, but line up the trade first. The rest of the chain runs on levels alone.
How to Obtain Politoed in Sword & Shield
To get Politoed, start by catching Poliwag through walking and surfing encounters at Lv. 13-45. The chain covers 1 catchable stage before reaching the final form.
Step 1Catch PoliwagEASYBrawlers' CaveShieldOverworldLv.13-1816%EarlyCaveNormal WeatherEASYBrawlers' CaveSwordOverworldLv.13-1816%EarlyCaveSnowingEASYBrawlers' CaveSwordOverworldLv.13-1816%EarlyCaveRainingEASYBrawlers' CaveSwordOverworldLv.13-1816%EarlyCaveOvercastEASYBrawlers' CaveSwordOverworldLv.13-1816%EarlyCaveNormal WeatherEASYBrawlers' CaveShieldOverworldLv.13-1816%EarlyCaveThunderstormEASYBrawlers' CaveShieldOverworldLv.13-1816%EarlyCaveIntense SunEASYBrawlers' CaveShieldOverworldLv.13-1816%EarlyCaveSnowingEASYBrawlers' CaveShieldOverworldLv.13-1816%EarlyCaveRainingEASYBrawlers' CaveSwordOverworldLv.13-1816%EarlyCaveThunderstormEASYBrawlers' CaveShieldOverworldLv.13-1816%EarlyCaveOvercastEASYBrawlers' CaveSwordOverworldLv.13-1816%EarlyCaveIntense SunEASYBrawlers' CaveShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4550%LateCaveAll WeatherEASYBrawlers' CaveSwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4550%LateCaveAll Weather
Step 2Evolve into Poliwhirl
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.
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