Poliwag sits at the start of its evolution line — not yet at full power, but that changes fast. Most trainers push through to Poliwrath as fast as possible. Flexible enough to run physical or special sets. Been around since Gen 1.
Poliwag's spread isn't flashy. Speed leads, HP trails, 1 stats clear the bar. Easy to catch and worth 1 Speed EV, on a 1.06M XP medium-slow curve.
The direction of the spiral on the belly differs by area. It is more adept at swimming than walking.
Poliwag Weakness
AvgPoliwag is weak to Electric and Grass-type moves. Its Water typing keeps the defensive matchups simple. Only 2 weaknesses makes it relatively easy to build around defensively.
- Only 15 types exist — Dark, Steel, and Fairy are absent
- Ghost has no effect on Psychic (a known bug, fixed in Gen II)
- Special stat governs both offense and defense — no Sp.Atk / Sp.Def split
Poliwag evolves into Politoed, but can't breed. At 300 stats as a Water type, evolution is the only path. Evolving adds up to 210 stat points total.
How to Evolve
For an attacker, Poliwag wants flexible EVs EVs and an item. The a nature nature tilts toward balanced duty, and an ability contributes without taking a move slot.
Best Build
Best Poliwag Moveset
- Hypnosis
- Amnesia
- Blizzard
- Surf
Recommended Teammates
TMs define Poliwag's movepool. The natural moves cover basics with Hydro Pump and Surf, but the real versatility comes from technical machines giving it Normal and Ice coverage. That's where the options open up.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Easy grab on Poliwag with high spawn rates across 31 locations in early-game fishing spots. The sorted list below shows the full spread so you can pick the most convenient spot.
Best Locations
Poliwag is a fishing-only catch in this game. 31 spots at Lv. 5-30 using Super Rod and Good Rod, so bring the right rod and check the rates on each location.
Poliwag isn't fully evolved, so it's not built for competitive play. You'll want to evolve it into Poliwhirl to unlock its full potential. At 300 BST, it's a stepping stone rather than a team anchor.
Poliwag evolves into Poliwhirl at level 25. Poliwag is the base form in a 4-stage evolutionary line.
Poliwag fills the balanced role. It's a special attacker with base 40 Sp. Atk. Base 90 Speed is workable — faster than some, slower than many. And it's fragile — can't afford to take many hits.
Poliwag appears in 20 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
Poliwag has been part of the series since Red & Blue, appearing in 20 titles across all 9 generations. As a Gen 1 original, it's one of the most consistently available Pokemon in the franchise.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen IIGS
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