You won't find a real weakness in Poliwrath's stat line. It's well-rounded for the Tadpole Pokemon, and what it does with that depends on moveset and items. Yields 3 Defense EVs, on a 1.06M XP medium-slow curve.
With its extremely tough muscles, it could keep swimming in the Pacific Ocean without resting.
With its extremely tough muscles, it could keep swimming in the Pacific Ocean without resting.
Type-wise, Poliwrath takes extra damage from Electric, Grass, Flying, Psychic, and Fairy. It resists 7 types, so it can switch into a lot of moves safely. Water Absorb grants an additional Water immunity, reshaping the matchup chart.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Electric, Grass, Flying, Psychic, Fairy |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Fire, Water, Ice, Bug, Rock, Dark, Steel |
Tyranitar's Earthquake hits Poliwrath for 53-63%. Hippowdon deals 35-41% with Earthquake.
 CyclizarResists Water, recovers HP on switch via Regenerator, sheds status via Shed Skin DragonNormal | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityRegenerator ItemAssault Vest NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Cyclizar builds →Rapid Spin14-16% U Turn6-7% Knock Off6-7% Draco Meteor25-29% | ||
 | A | |
Recommended Build AbilitySand Stream ItemChoice Band NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Tyranitar builds →Knock Off26-30% Stone Edge40-47% Pursuit16-19% Earthquake53-63% | ||
 | B | |
Recommended Build AbilitySand Stream ItemRocky Helmet NatureImpish Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Hippowdon builds →Earthquake35-41% | ||
 | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityWaterbubble ItemLeftovers NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Araquanid builds →Liquidation15-17% | ||
 | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityNatural Cure ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureBold Moves View Blissey builds →
| ||
Poliwrath is one of 2 ways Poliwhirl's chain can end. This one takes the item path, while the siblings go different directions. Breed through Poliwag to get eggs. Poliwrath edges out Politoed by 10 total stats (510 vs 500). Defense is where most of the advantage lives. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
Breed with Poliwrath to get Poliwag eggs easily using 114 partners from the Water1 egg group.
Bulk and offense in one package. Poliwrath runs Assault Vest for a special bulk boost with no status moves allowed with a Adamant nature, so it survives long enough to threaten with Liquidation. Max Attack without Speed EVs and the remaining moves make it hard to safely switch into.
Best Build
Poliwrath best EVs are Attack and HP
Physical Tank Moveset
- Liquidation
- Drain Punch
- Knock Off
- Circle Throw
Recommended Teammates
Physical Setup Sweeper Moveset
- Drain Punch
- Knock Off
- Liquidation
- Bulk Up
Recommended Teammates
Physical Sweeper Moveset
- Drain Punch
- Liquidation
- Knock Off
- Belly Drum
Recommended Teammates
Doubles Physical Setup Sweeper Moveset
- Drain Punch
- Liquidation
- Bulk Up
- Protect
Recommended Teammates
Doubles Physical Sweeper Moveset
- Drain Punch
- Belly Drum
- Liquidation
- Protect
Recommended Teammates
Doubles Physical Sweeper Moveset
- Belly Drum
- Rock Slide
- Waterfall
- Drain Punch
Recommended Teammates
Bulky Support Moveset
- Ice Punch
- Brick Break
- Waterfall
- Bulk Up
Recommended Teammates
Physical Sweeper Moveset
- Liquidation
- Close Combat
- Darkest Lariat
- Earthquake
Recommended Teammates
Doubles Physical Sweeper Moveset
- Belly Drum
- Rock Slide
- Waterfall
- Drain Punch
Recommended Teammates
Bulky Support Moveset
- Ice Punch
- Brick Break
- Waterfall
- Bulk Up
Recommended Teammates
Physical Sweeper Moveset
- Liquidation
- Close Combat
- Darkest Lariat
- Earthquake
Recommended Teammates
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee uses different battle mechanics.
Competitive build content is not applicable for this game. Select a main series game for builds.
Moves
Most of Poliwrath's flexibility comes from TMs. Same-type output runs through Focus Punch and Close Combat, but Normal and Ice and the rest of the TM pool push it from predictable to genuinely threatening.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Breeding's the move. Bubble Beam and Encore give Poliwrath options it can't learn any other way, and coverage across 7 types already covers a decent range on top of Focus Punch and Focus Blast. The egg moves push it further.
Breeding's the move. Endeavor and Haze give Poliwrath options it can't learn any other way, and coverage across 7 types already covers a decent range on top of Close Combat and Focus Blast. The egg moves push it further.
Most of Poliwrath's flexibility comes from TMs. Same-type output runs through Superpower and Surf, but Normal and Ice and the rest of the TM pool push it from predictable to genuinely threatening.
Poliwrath isn't available in the wild in Scarlet & Violet. Start by transferring Poliwag from Red. The evolution path from Poliwag to Poliwrath is covered in the steps below.
Poliwrath doesn't appear wild. Catch Poliwag instead, it shows up at solid rates. Evolve it through a special method to get Poliwrath. The 3-stage chain is mapped in the step cards below.
How to Obtain Poliwrath in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl
The path to Poliwrath starts with Poliwag at Lv. 10-63 via walking, surfing, and more encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch PoliwagRoute 225Shining PearlGood Rod Lv.10-25 Route35%EarlyRoute 225Brilliant DiamondGood Rod Lv.10-25 Route35%EarlyRoute 227Brilliant DiamondSurfing on water Lv.20-30 Route30%MidRoute 227Shining PearlSurfing on water Lv.20-30 Route30%MidRoute 228Brilliant DiamondSurfing on water Lv.20-30 Route30%MidRoute 228Shining PearlSurfing on water Lv.20-30 Route30%MidFountainspring CaveBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.58-63 CavePostPost-gameFountainspring CaveShining PearlGrass Lv.58-63 CavePostPost-gameGrassland CaveBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.58-63 CavePostPost-gameGrassland CaveShining PearlGrass Lv.58-63 CavePostPost-gameRiverbank CaveShining PearlGrass Lv.58-63 CavePostPost-gameRiverbank CaveBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.58-63 CavePostPost-gameStill-Water CavernBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.58-63 CavePostPost-gameStill-Water CavernShining PearlGrass Lv.58-63 CavePostPost-gameSunlit CavernBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.58-63 CavePostPost-gameSunlit CavernShining PearlGrass Lv.58-63 CavePostPost-game
Step 2Catch or Evolve PoliwhirlRoute 225Brilliant DiamondSuper Rod Lv.30-55 Route35%MidRoute 225Shining PearlSuper Rod Lv.30-55 Route35%MidRoute 227Brilliant DiamondSurfing on water Lv.40-55 Route70%LateRoute 227Shining PearlSurfing on water Lv.40-55 Route70%LateRoute 228Brilliant DiamondSurfing on water Lv.40-55 Route70%LateRoute 228Shining PearlSurfing on water Lv.40-55 Route70%LateRoute 225Brilliant DiamondSurfing on water Lv.40-50 Route30%LateRoute 225Shining PearlSurfing on water Lv.40-50 Route30%LateFountainspring CaveBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.58-63 CavePostPost-gameFountainspring CaveShining PearlGrass Lv.58-63 CavePostPost-gameGrassland CaveBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.58-63 CavePostPost-gameGrassland CaveShining PearlGrass Lv.58-63 CavePostPost-gameRiverbank CaveShining PearlGrass Lv.58-63 CavePostPost-gameRiverbank CaveBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.58-63 CavePostPost-gameStill-Water CavernBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.58-63 CavePostPost-gameStill-Water CavernShining PearlGrass Lv.58-63 CavePostPost-gameSunlit CavernBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.58-63 CavePostPost-gameSunlit CavernShining PearlGrass Lv.58-63 CavePostPost-gameor evolve from Poliwag (Step 1)
Step 3Poliwrath ✓
You're catching Poliwag first, not Poliwrath. Poliwag appears at solid rates in the encounters below. The step cards map the full 3-stage chain with evolution methods between each stage.
How to Obtain Poliwrath in Sword & Shield
To get Poliwrath, 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 PoliwagBrawlers' CaveShieldOverworld Lv.13-18 Cave16%EarlyNormal WeatherBrawlers' CaveSwordOverworld Lv.13-18 Cave16%EarlySnowingBrawlers' CaveSwordOverworld Lv.13-18 Cave16%EarlyRainingBrawlers' CaveSwordOverworld Lv.13-18 Cave16%EarlyOvercastBrawlers' CaveSwordOverworld Lv.13-18 Cave16%EarlyNormal WeatherBrawlers' CaveShieldOverworld Lv.13-18 Cave16%EarlyThunderstormBrawlers' CaveShieldOverworld Lv.13-18 Cave16%EarlyIntense SunBrawlers' CaveShieldOverworld Lv.13-18 Cave16%EarlySnowingBrawlers' CaveShieldOverworld Lv.13-18 Cave16%EarlyRainingBrawlers' CaveSwordOverworld Lv.13-18 Cave16%EarlyThunderstormBrawlers' CaveShieldOverworld Lv.13-18 Cave16%EarlyOvercastBrawlers' CaveSwordOverworld Lv.13-18 Cave16%EarlyIntense SunBrawlers' CaveShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Cave50%LateAll WeatherBrawlers' CaveSwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Cave50%LateAll Weather
Step 2Evolve into Poliwhirl
Step 3Poliwrath ✓
Finding Poliwrath at low spawn rates takes patience. 4 spots are available in endgame water routes, but the rate difference between them matters. Lock in the top one from the sorted list below.
Where To Catch Poliwrath in Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee
Poliwag is your first catch on the way to Poliwrath. You'll find surfing encounters from Lv. 3-56 across 24 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch PoliwagRoute 22Let's Go PikachuSurfing on water Lv.3-4 Route45%EarlyRoute 22Let's Go EeveeSurfing on water Lv.3-4 Route45%EarlyRoute 25Let's Go PikachuSurfing on water Lv.9-14 Route45%EarlyRoute 25Let's Go EeveeSurfing on water Lv.9-14 Route45%EarlyRoute 23Let's Go PikachuSurfing on water Lv.41-46 Route45%LateRoute 23Let's Go EeveeSurfing on water Lv.41-46 Route45%LateCerulean Cave - 1FLet's Go EeveeSurfing on water Lv.51-56 Cave45%PostCerulean Cave - 1FLet's Go PikachuSurfing on water Lv.51-56 Cave45%PostCerulean Cave - B1FLet's Go EeveeSurfing on water Lv.51-56 Cave45%PostCerulean Cave - B1FLet's Go PikachuSurfing on water Lv.51-56 Cave45%Post
Step 2Catch or Evolve PoliwhirlRoute 22Let's Go PikachuSurfing on water Lv.3-4 Route10%EarlyRoute 22Let's Go EeveeSurfing on water Lv.3-4 Route10%EarlyRoute 25Let's Go PikachuSurfing on water Lv.9-14 Route10%EarlyRoute 25Let's Go EeveeSurfing on water Lv.9-14 Route10%EarlyRoute 23Let's Go PikachuSurfing on water Lv.41-46 Route10%LateRoute 23Let's Go EeveeSurfing on water Lv.41-46 Route10%LateCerulean Cave - 1FLet's Go EeveeSurfing on water Lv.51-56 Cave9%PostCerulean Cave - 1FLet's Go PikachuSurfing on water Lv.51-56 Cave9%PostCerulean Cave - B1FLet's Go EeveeSurfing on water Lv.51-56 Cave9%PostCerulean Cave - B1FLet's Go PikachuSurfing on water Lv.51-56 Cave9%Postor evolve from Poliwag (Step 1)
Step 3Poliwrath ✓Cerulean Cave - 1FLet's Go EeveeSurfing on water Lv.51-56 Cave1%PostCerulean Cave - 1FLet's Go PikachuSurfing on water Lv.51-56 Cave1%PostCerulean Cave - B1FLet's Go EeveeSurfing on water Lv.51-56 Cave1%PostCerulean Cave - B1FLet's Go PikachuSurfing on water Lv.51-56 Cave1%Postor evolve from Poliwhirl (Step 2)
Poliwrath looks average on paper at 510 BST. But Swift Swim is why it sees play. Build around that and it pulls its weight. C-Tier on our tier list.
Poliwrath gets Swift Swim, Water Absorb, and Damp. But Swift Swim is the one that matters. It's the centerpiece of every viable set. Build around that.
Poliwrath is a physical attacker with base 95 Attack. Enough bulk to take a hit or two, too. Speed tells the real story. Base 70 Speed is workable. Faster than some, slower than many.
Swift Swim is the hidden ability. It doubles Speed during rain. Worth hunting for if you want Poliwrath to compete at a higher level.
Present since Red & Blue, Poliwrath appears in 20 games spanning 10 generations. Gen 1 originals like Poliwrath have the longest track record of availability in the series.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 1RBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen 2GS
Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3FRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 4DP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen 5BW
Black & White - Gen 5B2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY
X & Y - Gen 6ORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7USUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7SM
Sun & Moon - Gen 7LGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 8BDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 9SV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW
Winds & Waves