Politoed reaches Platinum via King's Rock trade from Poliwhirl. Water Absorb heals from Water hits at C-Tier, and Hypnosis plus Encore add utility alongside decent bulk.
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 Platinum Playthrough?

Poliwhirl only appears after the Hall of Fame. Trade it holding King's Rock for Politoed. AbilityWater Absorb heals from Water attacks. Solid Water-type that handles Flint's Fire team in Elite Four rematches. Requires a trade partner and King's Rock, making Poliwrath the simpler path.

StrongGoodEvenToughBadSTGGTGGEGGGSGGEESSGGGSEERoarkGym 1GardeniaGym 2FantinaGym 3MayleneGym 4Crasher WakeGym 5ByronGym 6CandiceGym 7VolknerGym 8AaronE4BerthaE4FlintE4LucianE4JupiterBossMarsBossSaturnBossCynthiaChamp*PoliwhirlCatchablePolitoedPoliwrathEvolve
Roark
Gym 1
Strong

Poliwhirl resists most of Roark's coverage and hits back hard.

Easy KO
Geodude
Lv 12
RockGround
Rock Head
Stealth RockRock Throw
Easy KO
Onix
Lv 12
RockGround
Rock Head
Stealth RockRock ThrowScreech
Easy KO
Cranidos
Lv 14
Rock
Mold Breaker
HeadbuttPursuitLeer
Gardenia
Gym 2
Tough

Gardenia's team hits Poliwhirl's weaknesses hard.

Even
Turtwig
Lv 20
Grass
Overgrow
Grass KnotRazor LeafSunny DayReflect
Risky
Cherrim
Lv 20
Grass
Flower Gift
Grass KnotLeech SeedMagical LeafSafeguard
Risky
Roserade
Lv 22
GrassPoison
Natural Cure
Grass KnotMagical LeafPoison StingStun Spore
Fantina
Gym 3
Good

Poliwhirl has the type edge here and should clean up Fantina's team.

You Win
Duskull
Lv 24
Ghost
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Will O WispPursuitShadow SneakFuture Sight
You Win
Haunter
Lv 24
GhostPoison
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Shadow ClawSucker PunchHypnosisConfuse Ray
Even
Mismagius
Lv 26
Ghost
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Shadow BallPsybeamMagical LeafConfuse Ray
Maylene
Gym 4
Good

Poliwhirl has the type edge here and should clean up Maylene's team.

You Win
Meditite
Lv 28
FightingPsychic
Pure Power
Drain PunchConfusionRock TombFake Out
You Win
Machoke
Lv 29
Fighting
Guts
Karate ChopRock TombStrengthFocus Energy
You Win
Lucario
Lv 32
FightingSteel
Steadfast
Drain PunchForce PalmMetal ClawBone Rush
Crasher Wake
Gym 5
Tough

Crasher Wake's typing presses Poliwhirl's defenses.

Risky
Gyarados
Lv 33
WaterFlying
Intimidate
WaterfallBrineBiteTwister
Even
Quagsire
Lv 34
WaterGround
Damp
Mud ShotRock TombWater PulseYawn
Risky
Floatzel
Lv 37
Water
Swift Swim
BrineIce FangCrunchAqua Jet
Byron
Gym 6
Good

Poliwhirl has the type edge here and should clean up Byron's team.

You Win
Magneton
Lv 37
ElectricSteel
Magnet Pull
Flash CannonThunderboltTri AttackMetal Sound
You Win
Steelix
Lv 38
SteelGround
Rock Head
Flash CannonIce FangEarthquakeSandstorm
Easy KO
Bastiodon
Lv 41
RockSteel
Sturdy
Metal BurstStone EdgeIron DefenseTaunt
Candice
Gym 7
Good

Poliwhirl has the type edge here and should clean up Candice's team.

Easy KO
Sneasel
Lv 40
DarkIce
Inner Focus
SlashAerial AceFeint AttackIce Shard
You Win
Piloswine
Lv 40
IceGround
Oblivious
AvalancheStone EdgeEarthquakeHail
Even
Abomasnow
Lv 42
GrassIce
Snow Warning
AvalancheWood HammerWater PulseFocus Blast
Even
Froslass
Lv 44
IceGhost
Snow Cloak
BlizzardDouble TeamShadow BallPsychic
Volkner
Gym 8
Even

Poliwhirl trades roughly evenly with Volkner's team.

Even
Jolteon
Lv 46
Electric
Volt Absorb
Thunder WaveCharge BeamIron TailQuick Attack
You Win
Raichu
Lv 46
Electric
Static
Charge BeamFocus BlastSignal BeamQuick Attack
Even
Luxray
Lv 48
Electric
Rivalry
Ice FangThunder FangCrunchFire Fang
Even
Electivire
Lv 50
Electric
Motor Drive
Thunder PunchFire PunchQuick AttackGiga Impact
Aaron
Elite Four
Good

Poliwrath has the type edge here and should clean up Aaron's team.

You Win
Yanmega
Lv 49
BugFlying
Speed Boost
Air SlashBug BuzzU TurnDouble Team
You Win
Scizor
Lv 49
BugSteel
Swarm
Iron HeadX ScissorNight SlashQuick Attack
You Win
Vespiquen
Lv 50
BugFlying
Pressure
Attack OrderDefend OrderHeal OrderPower Gem
Even
Heracross
Lv 51
BugFighting
Swarm
MegahornClose CombatNight SlashStone Edge
Even
Drapion
Lv 53
PoisonDark
Battle Armor
X ScissorCross PoisonIce FangAerial Ace
Aaron
Elite Four

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

Bertha
Elite Four
Good

Poliwrath has the type edge here and should clean up Bertha's team.

You Win
Whiscash
Lv 50
WaterGround
Oblivious
Earth PowerAqua TailZen HeadbuttSandstorm
You Win
Gliscor
Lv 53
GroundFlying
Hyper Cutter
EarthquakeIce FangFire FangThunder Fang
Easy KO
Hippowdon
Lv 52
Ground
Sand Stream
EarthquakeStone EdgeCrunchYawn
Easy KO
Golem
Lv 52
RockGround
Rock Head
EarthquakeFire PunchThunder PunchSandstorm
Easy KO
Rhyperior
Lv 55
GroundRock
Lightning Rod
EarthquakeRock WreckerMegahornAvalanche
Bertha
Elite Four

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

Flint
Elite Four
Good

Poliwrath has the type edge here and should clean up Flint's team.

Easy KO
Houndoom
Lv 52
DarkFire
Early Bird
FlamethrowerSludge BombDark PulseSunny Day
You Win
Flareon
Lv 55
Fire
Flash Fire
OverheatGiga ImpactQuick AttackWill O Wisp
You Win
Rapidash
Lv 53
Fire
Run Away
Flare BlitzSolar BeamBounceSunny Day
You Win
Infernape
Lv 55
FireFighting
Blaze
Flare BlitzThunder PunchMach PunchEarthquake
Even
Magmortar
Lv 57
Fire
Flame Body
FlamethrowerThunderboltSolar BeamHyper Beam
Flint
Elite Four

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

Lucian
Elite Four
Even

Poliwrath trades roughly evenly with Lucian's team.

Even
Mr Mime
Lv 53
Psychic
Soundproof
PsychicThunderboltReflectLight Screen
Even
Espeon
Lv 55
Psychic
Synchronize
PsychicShadow BallQuick AttackSignal Beam
Even
Bronzong
Lv 54
SteelPsychic
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
PsychicGyro BallEarthquakeCalm Mind
Even
Alakazam
Lv 56
Psychic
Synchronize
PsychicEnergy BallFocus BlastRecover
Risky
Gallade
Lv 59
PsychicFighting
Steadfast
Drain PunchPsycho CutLeaf BladeStone Edge
Lucian
Elite Four

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

Jupiter
Commander
Strong

Poliwrath resists most of Jupiter's coverage and hits back hard.

You Win
Zubat
Lv 21
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Giga DrainWing AttackBite
Easy KO
Skuntank
Lv 23
PoisonDark
Stench
Night SlashPoison GasScreechSmokescreen
Jupiter
Commander

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

Mars
Commander
Good

Poliwrath has the type edge here and should clean up Mars's team.

You Win
Golbat
Lv 38
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Air CutterBiteToxicSupersonic
You Win
Bronzor
Lv 38
SteelPsychic
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Gyro BallExtrasensoryIron DefenseConfuse Ray
Easy KO
Purugly
Lv 40
Normal
Thick Fat
SlashFeint AttackHypnosisFake Out
Mars
Commander

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

Saturn
Commander
Good

Poliwrath has the type edge here and should clean up Saturn's team.

You Win
Golbat
Lv 42
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Air CutterBitePoison FangConfuse Ray
You Win
Bronzor
Lv 42
SteelPsychic
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Gyro BallExtrasensoryShadow BallConfuse Ray
You Win
Toxicroak
Lv 44
PoisonFighting
Anticipation
Poison JabBrick BreakX ScissorFeint Attack
Saturn
Commander

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

Cynthia
Champion
Even

Poliwrath trades roughly evenly with Cynthia's team.

Even
Spiritomb
Lv 58
GhostDark
Pressure
Dark PulsePsychicSilver WindShadow Ball
Risky
Roserade
Lv 58
GrassPoison
Natural Cure
Energy BallSludge BombToxicExtrasensory
Even
Togekiss
Lv 60
NormalFlying
Hustle
Air SlashAura SphereWater PulseShock Wave
You Win
Lucario
Lv 60
FightingSteel
Steadfast
Aura SphereExtreme SpeedShadow BallStone Edge
Even
Milotic
Lv 58
Water
Marvel Scale
SurfIce BeamMirror CoatDragon Pulse
You Win
Garchomp
Lv 62
DragonGround
Sand Veil
Dragon RushEarthquakeFlamethrowerGiga Impact
Cynthia
Champion

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

Catch Poliwhirl

Post-game only
Type
Water
Tier
E

Catch Poliwhirl on Route 227 (Surf, Lv 35-55, common).

View Poliwhirl locations

Evolve Poliwhirl to Politoed

Trade holding King's Rock
Type
Water
Tier
C

Poliwhirl evolves into Politoed when traded. Trade it in the post-game, after you beat Cynthia.

Recommended Moves

Evolve Poliwhirl to Poliwrath

Use Water Stone
Type
WaterFighting
Tier
C

Poliwhirl evolves into Poliwrath with a Water Stone. You can pick up the Water Stone in Route 213. 2 other locations are also available. Use the Water Stone in the post-game, after you beat Cynthia.

Recommended Moves

How to Get Politoed in Platinum

Politoed comes from trading a Poliwhirl while it holds the King's Rock, never a wild catch. Fish or surf up a Poliwhirl first, then arrange the held-item trade with another player.

Wild Politoed may be holding when caught:

Kings Rock (5% chance) An item to be held by a Pokemon. It may cause the foe to flinch when the holder inflicts damage.

Catch Poliwag or Poliwhirl at any of these 2 spots to eventually evolve into Politoed.

Encountered via Surfing

  1. 1
    Catch Poliwag
  2. 2
    Evolve Poliwhirlat Lv.25
  3. 3
    Evolve Politoedby trading
Badge 8
Post-Game
Surf

How to Obtain Politoed in Pt

To get Politoed, start by catching Poliwag through surfing encounters at Lv. 35-45. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.

  1. Politoed
    Step 3Politoed ✓
    BREEDING
    Available
    Leave a compatible parent at the Pokemon Day Care to receive a Poliwag egg.

How to Get Shiny Politoed in Platinum

Politoed comes from trading a Poliwhirl holding a King's Rock, so breed a shiny Poliwag through a foreign Ditto first. Compare Shiny Politoed odds across every game

Normal vs Shiny
Normal Politoed in PlatinumNormal
Shiny Politoed in Platinum Shiny
Color ShiftGreentoBlue
Shiny TierA Tier Shiny

Shiny Politoed Evolution

Multi-Path
Showing shiny artworkView Full Evolution Chart

Platinum Shiny Politoed Calculator

2 Methods
Fastest Path

The best route is Masuda Method, about 1 in 1,639 on each try.

Step 1 · Encounter Method2 in Platinum

Masuda Method: Breed with a parent from a different-language game. Works on any breedable line.

Full Odds: Walk through grass, surf, or fish. Every encounter is its own independent shiny roll.

How many you have done, or plan to do.

120,000
Shiny Odds Per Try1 / 1,639Masuda Method
Chance By Now50.0%at 1,136 eggs hatchedAbout 5 in 10 hunters have one by now
What To Expect
ChanceEncountersTime
10%lucky few173----
25%one in four472----
50%coin flip1,136----
90%very likely3,773----
How is this calculated?

Every encounter has the same shiny chance, the Shiny Odds Per Try shown above. Each one is a separate roll that does not care how many you have already done, so the more you hunt, the higher your overall chance of at least one shiny. The formula below turns your odds and your number of tries into that combined chance.

chance after N tries = 1 − (1 − p)^N,  where  p = 1 / odds per try

Example at 1 in 8,192 (classic full odds): about 864 encounters for a 10 percent chance, 5,678 for 50 percent, and 18,862 for 90 percent.

The table above flips that around: it shows how many encounters it takes to reach a 10, 25, 50, and 90 percent chance at your current odds. Turning on boosts like the Shiny Charm, sandwiches, or chains improves your odds, so the encounter numbers drop.

These are estimates, not promises. Most games have no pity counter, meaning no guaranteed shiny no matter how many you hunt, so even Very Likely is not guaranteed: some hunters find one early, others go well past that point.

Where these shiny odds come from: Read our full methodology

Want exact numbers for your session? Calculate your shiny odds in Platinum with Politoed preloaded.

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 IV Type Chart
  • Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
  • Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)

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

Exeggutor
Exeggutor
GrassPsychic
C
Roserade
Roserade
GrassPoison
B
Parasect
Parasect
BugGrass
C
Cacturne
Cacturne
GrassDark
B
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
Level 25
Poliwhirl
#061Poliwhirl
Poliwrath
#062Poliwrath
Water Stone
Politoed
#186Politoed
Trade + King's Rock
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
510C-Tier+125
500C-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 Water 1 egg group. Notable egg moves include Bubble Beam, Endeavor, Haze and 7 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
10moves
Breed With (best first)
azumarillblastoisegolduckferaligatrkingdraswampertslowbroslowkingoctilleryludicolodewgongcrawdaunt

Pt Politoed Best Moveset

90 Sp. Atk paired with 100 Sp. Def and AbilityWater Absorb healing on Water moves gives the moveset a bulky special Water attacker profile. 70 Speed is average, and the offensive output is respectable but not overwhelming.

Best Build

Experimental
Bulky Support
Ability
Water Absorb
Item
LeftoversSUSTAIN
Best Nature for Politoed
Modest+SPA

Politoed best EVs are Sp. Atk and Sp. Def

EVs

Bulky Support Moveset

  • ProtectFAST +4
  • Perish Song
  • SurfSTAB
  • WhirlpoolSTAB

Moves List

The egg pool carries weight here. Bubble Beam and Endeavor 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
—9710020Water
Lv 1
Double Slap
—158510Normal
Lv 1
Hypnosis
D—7020Psychic
Lv 1
Perish Song
B——5Normal
Lv 27
Swagger
——9015Normal
Lv 37
Bounce
D85855Flying
Lv 48
Hyper Voice
C9010010Normal

TM Moves

35 of 36 TMs are obtainable before the Elite Four

TM
TM45
AttractAmity Squarebadge 2
——10015Normal
TM14
BlizzardLake Acuitybadge 3
C120705Ice
TM31
Brick BreakOreburgh Gate (basement)badge 2
D7510015Fighting
TM78
CaptivateRoute 204badge 2
——10020Normal
TM28
DigManiac Tunnelbadge 3
C8010010Ground
TM32
Double TeamWayward Cavebadge 2
———15Normal
TM26C10010010Ground
TM58
Endure+4Veilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
C——10Normal
TM42
FacadeSurvival Area
D7010020Normal
TM56
FlingRoute 222not until badge 7
D—10010Dark
TM52
Focus BlastVeilstone Department Storebadge 3
C120705Fighting
TM01
Focus Punch-3Oreburgh Gatebadge 6
C15010020Fighting
TM21
FrustrationVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
D—10020Normal
TM68
Giga ImpactVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
C150905Normal
TM10
Hidden PowerVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
D6010015Normal
TM15B150905Normal
TM13
Ice BeamRoute 216badge 3
C9510010Ice
TM83
Natural GiftVeilstone Department Storebadge 3
D—10015Normal
TM66
PaybackRoute 215badge 3
D5010010Dark
TM17B——10Normal
TM29
PsychicVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
C9010010Psychic
TM44C——10Psychic
TM27D—10020Normal
HM06D4010015Fighting
TM43
Secret PowerAmity Squarebadge 2
—7010020Normal
TM82
Sleep TalkEterna Forestbadge 2
C——10Normal
HM04
StrengthIron Islandbadge 5
C8010015Normal
TM90
SubstituteVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 2
A——10Normal
HM03B14210015Water
TM87
SwaggerPokémon Mansionbadge 4
——9015Normal
TM46
ThiefEterna Citybadge 2
D6010025Dark
TM06
ToxicRoute 212badge 4
A—8510Poison
TM03
Water PulseRavaged Pathbadge 5
C9010020Water
HM07
WaterfallFrom Jasmine in Sunyshore Citynot until badge 8
C12010015Water

Egg Moves

Egg
Egg
Bubble Beam
—9710020Water
Egg
Endeavor
D—1005Normal
Egg
Haze
D——30Ice
Egg
Ice Ball
—309020Ice
Egg
Mind Reader
———5Normal
Egg
Mist
———30Ice
Egg
Mud Shot
D559515Ground
Egg
Refresh
D——20Normal
Egg
Splash
D——40Normal
Egg
Water Sport
———15Water

Tutor Moves

Tut
Tutor
Bounce
D85855Flying
Tutor
Dive
C12010010Water
Tutor
Helping Hand+5
———20Normal
Tutor
Icy Wind
D559515Ice
Tutor
Mud-Slap
D2010010Ground
Tutor
Snore
D4010015Normal

Reminder Moves

Rem
Rem
Belly Drum
C——10Normal
Rem
Body Slam
C8510015Normal
Rem
Bubble
—3010030Water
Rem
Hydro Pump
C180805Water
Rem
Ice Punch
D7510015Ice
Rem
Mud Bomb
—658510Ground
Rem
Mud Shot
D559515Ground
Rem
Rain Dance
C——5Water
Rem
Wake-Up Slap
—6010010Fighting
Rem
Water Gun
—6010025Water
Rem
Water Sport
———15Water

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

It gathers groups of others as their leader. Its cries make POLIWAG obey.

Pokemon Platinum

Politoed Platinum Guide

  • Politoed is obtained by trade-evolving Poliwhirl. Catch or evolve a Poliwhirl first, then trade. The King's Rock must be held during the trade. Bring one over from a sibling Gen 3 game if needed.

  • Yes. Politoed is not available during the main story. It can only be obtained after entering the Hall of Fame. Politoed becomes available after the main story is complete in Platinum.

  • In Platinum, Politoed plays as a balanced. Speed is middling, so pick your spots carefully. Surf is the primary attack.

  • In Platinum, Politoed pairs best with Suicune, Empoleon, and Raikou. Suicune has Decent synergy and covers what Politoed can't handle on its own.

  • In Platinum, Modest is the go-to nature for Politoed. That's +Sp. Atk / -Attack. Pair it with 84 HP / 76 Def / 192 SpA / 156 SpD EVs. Fits the balanced role.

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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