Mid-stage Pokemon like Poliwhirl rarely see competitive play outside of special formats. It's a waypoint on the road to Poliwrath, which is where the real potential kicks in. An original Gen 1 pick. Sits at a decent but contested Speed tier.
Speed and HP carry most of Poliwhirl's stat budget. Sp. Atk's the obvious dump stat. Common in the wild and yields 2 Speed EVs. Follows a 1.06M XP medium-slow curve.
Although it can live on land, it prefers to stay in the water, where it has fewer natural enemies.
It marches over the land in search of bug Pokémon to eat. Then it takes them underwater so it can dine on them where it’s safe.
Poliwhirl Weakness
GoodElectric and Grass-type moves hit Poliwhirl for super-effective damage. 4 resistances help offset the weaknesses. Water Absorb grants an additional Water immunity, reshaping the matchup chart.
From here, Poliwhirl's line branches into Poliwrath and Politoed. That's 2 possible evolutions, each with its own method. So far, HP got the biggest boost (+25 from Poliwag). The final form adds another 125 stats on top.
How to Evolve
Breed with Poliwhirl to get Poliwag eggs easily from the Water1 egg group. Notable egg moves include Bubble Beam, Encore, Endeavor and 10 more.
Best Build
No build content available for this Pokemon in Gen 7.
Try selecting a different game/generation filter, or check back later.
Without breeding, Poliwhirl misses out on Bubble Beam and Encore. That's 13 egg moves adding depth that the base kit lacks. STAB comes from Hydro Pump and Surf, with Normal and Ground coverage and more rounding things out.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Transfer Moves
moderate rates across 4 locations for Poliwhirl in mid-game routes. Scroll the sorted list below and pick whichever spot sits closest to your current route. The rate differences between locations are worth comparing.
Where To Catch Poliwhirl in Sun & Moon
The path to Poliwhirl starts with Poliwag at Lv. 14-55 via walking, gift, and more encounters. 2 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 2Poliwhirl ✓Konikoni 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)
Poliwhirl is meant to evolve into Poliwrath. At 385 BST, the stats aren't there for competitive play yet. Pre-evolution Pokemon rarely hold up against fully evolved threats.
Swift Swim is what you want on Poliwhirl. Every competitive set worth running is built with that ability in mind. The alternatives (Water Absorb, Damp) work on paper but Swift Swim is what makes Poliwhirl worth using.
Base 90 Speed is workable — faster than some, slower than many. On offense, Poliwhirl is leaning toward the physical side (base 65 Attack).
Poliwhirl appears in 20 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
One of the original 151, Poliwhirl has appeared in 20 games — nearly every mainline game. From Red & Blue through the latest titles, it's rarely been left out of a regional Pokedex.
- 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