Water Absorb provides Water immunity and Hypnosis adds support, keeping Politoed at B-Tier in Emerald. Import Poliwhirl and trade with King's Rock.
Ability 1Water AbsorbAbility 1Absorbs water moves, healing for 1/4 max HP.Ability 2DampAbility 2Prevents self destruct, explosion, and aftermath from working while the Pokémon is in battle.
500HP90Attack75Defense75Speed70Sp.Def100Sp.Atk90
Poliwag
Poliwhirl
Poliwrath
Politoed
Weak to
Special
Balanced
70Speed · Below Avg

Is Politoed Good in Emerald Playthrough?

Poliwhirl trade evolution with a King's Rock. Politoed with AbilityWater Absorb heals from Water attacks. Pure Water with solid balanced stats. Handles Flannery and absorbs Wallace's Water moves. The double trade requirement limits access, and Poliwrath's Fighting subtype is usually more useful.

StrongGoodEvenToughBadSSEGEEGSEGEGGGTETGEGTGEETTRoxanneGym 1BrawlyGym 2WattsonGym 3FlanneryGym 4NormanGym 5WinonaGym 6Tate & LizaGym 7JuanGym 8PolitoedTradeSidneyE4PhoebeE4GlaciaE4DrakeE4WallaceChamp*
Roxanne
Gym 1
Strong

Poliwag resists most of Roxanne's coverage and hits back hard.

Easy KO
Geodude
Lv 12
RockGround
Rock Head
TackleDefense CurlRock ThrowRock Tomb
Easy KO
Geodude
Lv 12
RockGround
Rock Head
TackleDefense CurlRock ThrowRock Tomb
You Win
Nosepass
Lv 15
Rock
Sturdy
BlockHardenTackleRock Tomb
Roxanne
Gym 1

Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Roxanne:

Brawly
Gym 2
Even

Poliwag trades roughly evenly with Brawly's team.

You Win
Machop
Lv 16
Fighting
Guts
Karate ChopLow KickSeismic TossBulk Up
Even
Meditite
Lv 16
FightingPsychic
Pure Power
Focus PunchLight ScreenReflectBulk Up
You Win
Makuhita
Lv 19
Fighting
Thick Fat
Arm ThrustVital ThrowReversalBulk Up
Brawly
Gym 2

Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Brawly:

Wattson
Gym 3
Even

Poliwag trades roughly evenly with Wattson's team.

Even
Voltorb
Lv 20
Electric
Soundproof
RolloutSparkSelf DestructShock Wave
Even
Electrike
Lv 20
Electric
Static
Shock WaveLeerQuick AttackHowl
Risky
Magneton
Lv 22
ElectricSteel
Magnet Pull
SupersonicShock WaveThunder WaveSonic Boom
Risky
Manectric
Lv 24
Electric
Static
Quick AttackThunder WaveShock WaveHowl
Wattson
Gym 3

Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Wattson:

Flannery
Gym 4
Good

Poliwag has the type edge here and should clean up Flannery's team.

Easy KO
Numel
Lv 24
FireGround
Oblivious
OverheatTake DownMagnitudeSunny Day
Easy KO
Slugma
Lv 24
Fire
Magma Armor
OverheatSmogLight ScreenSunny Day
You Win
Camerupt
Lv 26
FireGround
Magma Armor
OverheatTackleSunny DayAttract
You Win
Torkoal
Lv 29
Fire
White Smoke
OverheatSunny DayBody SlamAttract
Flannery
Gym 4

Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Flannery:

Norman
Gym 5
Even

Poliwag trades roughly evenly with Norman's team.

Even
Spinda
Lv 27
Normal
Own Tempo
Teeter DancePsybeamFacadeEncore
Even
Vigoroth
Lv 27
Normal
Vital Spirit
SlashFacadeEncoreFeint Attack
Even
Linoone
Lv 29
Normal
Pickup
SlashBelly DrumFacadeHeadbutt
Risky
Slaking
Lv 31
Normal
Truant
CounterYawnFacadeFeint Attack
Norman
Gym 5

Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Norman:

Winona
Gym 6
Even

Poliwag trades roughly evenly with Winona's team.

You Win
Swablu
Lv 29
NormalFlying
Natural Cure
Perish SongMirror MoveSafeguardAerial Ace
Even
Tropius
Lv 29
GrassFlying
Chlorophyll
Sunny DayAerial AceSolar BeamSynthesis
Risky
Pelipper
Lv 30
WaterFlying
Keen Eye
Water GunSupersonicProtectAerial Ace
Even
Skarmory
Lv 31
SteelFlying
Keen Eye
Sand AttackFury AttackSteel WingAerial Ace
Even
Altaria
Lv 33
DragonFlying
Natural Cure
EarthquakeDragon BreathDragon DanceAerial Ace
Winona
Gym 6

Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Winona:

Tate & Liza
Gym 7
Good

Poliwag has the type edge here and should clean up Tate & Liza's team.

You Win
Claydol
Lv 41
GroundPsychic
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
EarthquakeAncient PowerPsychicLight Screen
Even
Xatu
Lv 41
PsychicFlying
Synchronize
PsychicSunny DayConfuse RayCalm Mind
You Win
Lunatone
Lv 42
RockPsychic
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Light ScreenPsychicHypnosisCalm Mind
You Win
Solrock
Lv 42
RockPsychic
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Sunny DaySolar BeamPsychicFlamethrower
Tate & Liza
Gym 7

Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Tate & Liza:

Juan
Gym 8
Tough

Juan's typing presses Poliwag's defenses.

Risky
Luvdisc
Lv 41
Water
Swift Swim
Water PulseAttractSweet KissFlail
Even
Whiscash
Lv 41
WaterGround
Oblivious
Rain DanceWater PulseAmnesiaEarthquake
Risky
Sealeo
Lv 43
IceWater
Thick Fat
EncoreBody SlamAurora BeamWater Pulse
Risky
Crawdaunt
Lv 43
WaterDark
Hyper Cutter
Water PulseCrabhammerTauntLeer
Risky
Kingdra
Lv 46
WaterDragon
Swift Swim
Water PulseDouble TeamIce BeamRest
Juan
Gym 8

Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Juan:

Sidney
Elite Four
Tough

Sidney's team hits Poliwag's weaknesses hard.

Even
Mightyena
Lv 46
Dark
Intimidate
RoarDouble EdgeSand AttackCrunch
Risky
Shiftry
Lv 48
GrassDark
Chlorophyll
TormentDouble TeamSwaggerExtrasensory
Risky
Cacturne
Lv 46
GrassDark
Sand Veil
Leech SeedFeint AttackNeedle ArmCotton Spore
Risky
Crawdaunt
Lv 48
WaterDark
Hyper Cutter
SurfSwords DanceStrengthFacade
Even
Absol
Lv 49
Dark
Pressure
Aerial AceRock SlideSwords DanceSlash
Sidney
Elite Four

Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Sidney:

Phoebe
Elite Four
Even

Poliwag trades roughly evenly with Phoebe's team.

You Win
Dusclops
Lv 48
Ghost
Pressure
Shadow PunchConfuse RayCurseProtect
Even
Banette
Lv 49
Ghost
Insomnia
Shadow BallGrudgeWill O WispFeint Attack
Even
Sableye
Lv 50
DarkGhost
Keen Eye
Shadow BallDouble TeamNight ShadeFeint Attack
Even
Banette
Lv 49
Ghost
Insomnia
Shadow BallPsychicThunderboltFacade
Even
Dusclops
Lv 51
Ghost
Pressure
Shadow BallIce BeamRock SlideEarthquake
Phoebe
Elite Four

Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Phoebe:

Glacia
Elite Four
Tough

Glacia's typing presses Poliwag's defenses.

Risky
Sealeo
Lv 50
IceWater
Thick Fat
EncoreBody SlamHailIce Ball
Even
Glalie
Lv 50
Ice
Inner Focus
Light ScreenCrunchIcy WindIce Beam
Risky
Sealeo
Lv 52
IceWater
Thick Fat
AttractDouble EdgeHailBlizzard
Risky
Glalie
Lv 52
Ice
Inner Focus
Shadow BallExplosionHailIce Beam
Risky
Walrein
Lv 53
IceWater
Thick Fat
SurfBody SlamIce BeamSheer Cold
Glacia
Elite Four

Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Glacia:

Drake
Elite Four
Even

Poliwag trades roughly evenly with Drake's team.

Risky
Shelgon
Lv 52
Dragon
Rock Head
Rock TombDragon ClawProtectDouble Edge
Even
Altaria
Lv 54
DragonFlying
Natural Cure
Double EdgeDragon BreathDragon DanceAerial Ace
Avoid
Kingdra
Lv 53
WaterDragon
Swift Swim
SmokescreenDragon DanceSurfBody Slam
You Win
Flygon
Lv 53
GroundDragon
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
FlamethrowerCrunchDragon BreathEarthquake
Risky
Salamence
Lv 55
DragonFlying
Intimidate
FlamethrowerDragon ClawRock SlideCrunch
Drake
Elite Four

Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Drake:

Wallace
Champion
Tough

Wallace's team hits Poliwag's weaknesses hard.

Risky
Wailord
Lv 57
Water
Water Veil
Rain DanceWater SpoutDouble EdgeBlizzard
Risky
Tentacruel
Lv 55
WaterPoison
Clear Body
ToxicHydro PumpSludge BombIce Beam
Avoid
Ludicolo
Lv 56
WaterGrass
Swift Swim
Giga DrainSurfLeech SeedDouble Team
Even
Whiscash
Lv 56
WaterGround
Oblivious
EarthquakeSurfAmnesiaHyper Beam
Avoid
Gyarados
Lv 56
WaterFlying
Intimidate
Dragon DanceEarthquakeHyper BeamSurf
Avoid
Milotic
Lv 58
Water
Marvel Scale
RecoverSurfIce BeamToxic
Wallace
Champion

Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Wallace:

Trade

Transfer-only
Type
Water
Tier
B

Politoed cannot be caught in this game. It must be traded in from a compatible game where it appears in the wild. Cross-region trading typically becomes available after defeating the Elite Four.

View Politoed locations

Breed Poliwrath

Post-Game (Breed)
Type
WaterFighting
Tier
B

Poliwrath cannot be caught in this game. It must be traded in from a compatible game where it appears in the wild. Cross-region trading typically becomes available after defeating the Elite Four.

View Poliwrath locations

Recommended Moves

Breed Politoed

Post-Game (Breed)
Type
Water
Tier
B

Politoed cannot be caught in this game. It must be traded in from a compatible game where it appears in the wild. Cross-region trading typically becomes available after defeating the Elite Four.

View Politoed locations

Recommended Moves

How to Get Politoed in Emerald

Politoed is blocked twice over in Emerald. Poliwag and Poliwhirl never spawn in Hoenn, so you bring the base line over from another game, then trade a Poliwhirl holding a King's Rock to finish the job.

How to Obtain Politoed in E

  1. Poliwag
    Step 1Obtain Poliwag
    LATER APPEARANCE
    Not Tradeable
    Appears in Red & Blue via Good rod · Route 12. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.
  2. Poliwhirl
    Step 2Evolve into Poliwhirl
  3. Politoed
    Step 3Politoed ✓

How to Get Shiny Politoed in Emerald

Politoed drops off Hoenn's encounter tables, so its shine must be imported; trade one in from a Generation 3 game that offers it and drop it straight into your team already sparkling. See every game where Shiny Politoed can be hunted

Normal vs Shiny
Normal Politoed in EmeraldNormal
Shiny Politoed in Emerald Shiny
Color ShiftGreentoBlue
Shiny TierA Tier Shiny

Shiny Politoed Evolution

Multi-Path
Showing shiny artworkView Full Evolution Chart

Politoed Weakness

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.

Politoed Weakness and Resistance Chart
DamageTypes
2x (Weak)Electric, Grass
0.5x (Resist)Fire, Water, Ice, Steel
Gen III Type Chart
  • Dark and Steel types added — Fairy does not exist yet
  • Moves are Physical or Special based on type, not per move

What is Politoed Weak Against

Good
2Weak
4Resist
1Immune
Score0
4xCritical
None
¼xResist
None
0xImmune

What is Politoed Strong Against

3Strong
3Resisted
0Immune
Score0
½xResisted
0xImmune
None

Best Pokemon Against Politoed

Ludicolo
Ludicolo
WaterGrass
C
B
Cacturne
Cacturne
GrassDark
B
C
Vileplume
Vileplume
GrassPoison
C

Politoed Evolutions

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). View every chain in the Evolution Chart.

How to Evolve

4 Forms
Poliwag
#060Poliwag
25
Transfer Only
Poliwhirl
#061Poliwhirl
Poliwrath
#062Poliwrath
Transfer Only
Politoed
#186Politoed
Transfer Only
Stat Comparison 4 Stages
Poliwag
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
300E-Tier
385E-Tier+85
510B-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 58 partners from the Water 1 egg group. Notable egg moves include Bubble Beam, Haze, Ice Ball and 4 more.

Egg Groups
Water 1
Gender
♂50.0%♀50.0%
Hatch Time
20 cycles·5,140 steps
Quick~5 min with Flame Body
Egg Moves
7moves
Breed With (best first)
azumarillblastoisegolduckferaligatrkingdraswampertslowbroslowkingoctilleryludicolodewgongcrawdaunt

E Politoed Best Moveset

Politoed differentiates from other bulky Water-types through MoveHypnosis, giving the moveset sleep control that Vaporeon and Milotic lack. AbilityWater Absorb heals from Water attacks while 90 Sp. Atk fires MoveSurf and MoveIce Beam for coverage. 100 Sp. Def handles special hits, making Politoed a defensive Water with disruption tools.

Best Build

Experimental
Special Sweeper
Ability
Water Absorb
Item
LeftoversSUSTAIN
Best Nature for Politoed
Timid+SPE

Politoed best EVs are Sp. Atk and Speed

EVs

Special Sweeper Moveset

  • Ice Beam
  • Hydro PumpSTAB
  • HypnosisUtility
  • ThiefCoverage

Moves List

The egg pool carries weight here. Bubble Beam 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 Surf for solid options.

Level-Up Moves

Lv 1
Double Slap
—158510Normal
Lv 1
Hypnosis
B—6020Psychic
Lv 1
Perish Song
C——5Normal
Lv 1
Water Gun
D6010025Water
Lv 35
Perish Song
C——5Normal
Lv 51
Swagger
D—9015Normal

TM Moves

All 27 TMs are obtainable before the Elite Four

TM
TM45
AttractVerdanturf Townbadge 2
——10015Normal
TM14C120705Ice
TM31
Brick BreakSootopolis Citynot until badge 7
D7510015Fighting
TM28
DigRoute 114badge 3
C6010010Ground
HM08C9010010Water
TM32
Double TeamRoute 113badge 2
———15Normal
TM26
EarthquakeSeafloor Cavernnot until badge 7
C10010010Ground
TM42D7010020Normal
TM01
Focus Punch-3Route 115badge 5
C15010020Fighting
TM21
FrustrationPacifidlog Townbadge 5
D—10020Normal
TM07
HailShoal Cavebadge 6
———10Ice
TM10
Hidden PowerFortree Citybadge 3
—6010015Normal
TM15
Hyper BeamLilycove Department Storebadge 5
B150905Normal
TM13
Ice BeamMauville Game Cornerbadge 2
B9510010Ice
TM17C——10Normal
TM29
PsychicMauville Game Cornerbadge 2
C9010010Psychic
TM18
Rain DanceAbandoned Shipnot until badge 7
C——5Water
TM44
RestLilycove Citybadge 5
C——10Psychic
TM27
ReturnFallarbor Townbadge 3
D—10020Normal
HM06D2010015Fighting
TM43
Secret PowerRoute 111badge 3
—7010020Normal
HM04—8010015Normal
TM46
ThiefSlateport Citybadge 1
B6010025Dark
TM06
ToxicFiery Pathbadge 4
C—8510Poison
TM03
Water PulsePrize for defeating Juannot until badge 8
C9010020Water
HM07
WaterfallGiven by Wallace in Sootopolis Citynot until badge 7
C12010015Water

Egg Moves

Egg
Egg
Bubble Beam
C9710020Water
Egg
Haze
C——30Ice
Egg
Ice Ball
—309020Ice
Egg
Mind Reader
——1005Normal
Egg
Mist
———30Ice
Egg
Splash
D——40Normal
Egg
Water Sport
———15Water

Tutor Moves

Tut
Tutor
Body Slam
C8510015Normal
Tutor
Counter-5
D—10020Fighting
Tutor
Defense Curl
D——40Normal
Tutor
Double-Edge
C12010015Normal
Tutor
Dynamic Punch
D100505Fighting
Tutor
Endure+4
C——10Normal
Tutor
Icy Wind
D559515Ice
Tutor
Mega Kick
C120755Normal
Tutor
Mega Punch
—808520Normal
Tutor
Metronome
D——10Normal
Tutor
Mimic
D——10Normal
Tutor
Mud-Slap
D2010010Ground
Tutor
Seismic Toss
D—10020Fighting
Tutor
Sleep Talk
D——10Normal
Tutor
Snore
—4010015Normal
Tutor
Substitute
C——10Normal
Tutor
Swagger
D—9015Normal

Reminder Moves

Rem
Rem
Belly Drum
C——10Normal
Rem
Body Slam
C8510015Normal
Rem
Bubble
—3010030Water
Rem
Hydro Pump
B180805Water
Rem
Ice Punch
D7510015Ice
Rem
Rain Dance
C——5Water

Base Stats

Base Stats
High
HP90
B
Attack75
C
Defense75
C
Sp. Atk90
B
Sp. Def100
B
Speed70
C
Total500
Details
Catch Rate
Challenging45 / 255
Growth Rate
Medium Slow1.06M XP
Height1.1 m
Weight33.9 kg
Base XP225
Abilities
Water Absorb
Absorbs water moves, healing for 1/4 max HP.
Damp
Prevents self destruct, explosion, and aftermath from working while the Pokémon is in battle.
Water Absorb grants Water immunity
EV Yield
HPAtkDefSpASpD+3Spe
Strong Special Defense training target
Pokedex Entry

The curled hair on its head proves its status as a king. It is said that the longer and curlier the hair, the more respect it earns from its peers.

Pokemon Emerald

Politoed Emerald Guide

  • In Emerald, Politoed plays as a balanced. Speed is middling, so pick your spots carefully.

  • In Emerald, Politoed pairs best with Gengar, Metagross, and Tyranitar. Gengar has Decent synergy and covers what Politoed can't handle on its own.

  • In Emerald, Timid is the go-to nature for Politoed. That's +Speed / -Attack. Pair it with 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe EVs. Fits the balanced role.

  • No. Politoed isn't catchable in Emerald. Obtain one in FireRed or LeafGreen, then trade it over.

Game Availability

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.

Explore

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