Stats & Training
Poliwrath's built to absorb hits, not race for knockouts. Balanced defenses with Defense doing the heavy lifting. And the 1.06M XP medium-slow curve means it won't take forever to bring up, worth 3 Defense EVs.
With its extremely tough muscles, it can keep swimming in the Pacific Ocean without resting.
With its extremely tough muscles, it can keep swimming in the Pacific Ocean without resting.
Poliwrath Weakness
Type-wise, Poliwrath takes extra damage from Electric, Grass, Flying, and Psychic. 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 |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Fire, Water, Ice, Bug, Rock, Dark, Steel |
- Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
- Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)
Musharna Psychic | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Musharna builds →Dream Eater 2x85-102%KO Psybeam 2x57-68% | ||
Farfetch'd Normal | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Farfetch'd builds →Aerial Ace 2x47-57% Peck 2x28-34% | ||
Pansage Grass | D | |
Obtain MethodDreamyard Gift | ||
Snivy Grass | D | |
Obtain MethodNuvema Town Gift | ||
Musharna Psychic | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Musharna builds →Dream Eater 2x85-100%KO Psybeam 2x56-67% | ||
Archen Rock | C | |
Obtain MethodNacrene City Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Archen builds →Wing Attack 2x53-63% Pluck 2x53-63% | ||
Farfetch'd Normal | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Farfetch'd builds →Aerial Ace 2x46-54% Peck 2x28-33% | ||
Woobat Psychic | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Woobat builds →Dream Eater 2x56-67% Heart Stamp 2x31-38% Confusion 2x31-38% Gust 2x24-29% | ||
Pansage Grass | D | |
Obtain MethodDreamyard Gift | ||
Virizion GrassFighting | C | |
Obtain MethodPinwheel Forest Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Virizion builds →Solar Beam 2x88-104%KO Magical Leaf 2x47-56% | ||
Musharna Psychic | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Musharna builds →Dream Eater 2x84-100%KO Psybeam 2x56-67% | ||
Whimsicott Grass | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Whimsicott builds →Solar Beam 2x78-93% Dream Eater 2x43-52% Mega Drain 2x27-33% Gust 2x19-22% | ||
Lilligant Grass | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Lilligant builds →Solar Beam 2x100-119%KO Dream Eater 2x56-67% Mega Drain 2x37-44% | ||
Swadloon BugGrass | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Swadloon builds →Solar Beam 2x59-70% Dream Eater 2x33-40% Razor Leaf 2x35-41% | ||
Virizion GrassFighting | C | |
Obtain MethodPinwheel Forest Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Virizion builds →Solar Beam 2x82-97% Magical Leaf 2x43-52% | ||
Musharna Psychic | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Musharna builds →Dream Eater 2x78-94% Psybeam 2x55-65% | ||
Whimsicott Grass | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Whimsicott builds →Solar Beam 2x73-87% Dream Eater 2x42-49% Mega Drain 2x27-32% Gust 2x18-22% | ||
Lilligant Grass | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Lilligant builds →Solar Beam 2x96-113%KO Dream Eater 2x55-65% Mega Drain 2x35-42% | ||
Swadloon BugGrass | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Swadloon builds →Solar Beam 2x55-65% Dream Eater 2x30-37% Razor Leaf 2x30-35% | ||
Virizion GrassFighting | C | |
Obtain MethodPinwheel Forest Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Virizion builds →Solar Beam 2x84-99% Magical Leaf 2x42-51% | ||
Aerodactyl Rock | C | |
Obtain MethodNacrene City Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Aerodactyl builds →Fly 2x69-82% Thunder Fang 2x33-40% Wing Attack 2x48-57% | ||
Sigilyph Psychic | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Sigilyph builds →Synchronoise 2x93-110%KO Solar Beam 2x62-74% Dream Eater 2x79-93% Fly 2x45-54% | ||
Swadloon BugGrass | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Swadloon builds →Solar Beam 2x55-65% Dream Eater 2x32-38% Razor Leaf 2x31-37% | ||
Ducklett Water | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Ducklett builds →Fly 2x38-45% Air Slash 2x33-40% Wing Attack 2x26-31% Aerial Ace 2x26-31% | ||
Leavanny BugGrass | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Leavanny builds →Solar Beam 2x71-84% Dream Eater 2x40-47% Aerial Ace 2x31-37% Razor Leaf 2x43-51% | ||
Virizion GrassFighting | C | |
Obtain MethodPinwheel Forest Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Virizion builds →Solar Beam 2x86-102%KO Magical Leaf 2x45-53% Aerial Ace 2x29-34% | ||
Aerodactyl Rock | C | |
Obtain MethodNacrene City Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Aerodactyl builds →Fly 2x71-84% Thunder Fang 2x34-41% Wing Attack 2x47-56% Sky Drop 2x47-56% | ||
Ducklett Water | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Ducklett builds →Fly 2x38-46% Air Slash 2x34-41% Wing Attack 2x25-31% Aerial Ace 2x25-31% | ||
Foongus GrassPoison | D | |
Obtain MethodRoute 6 Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Foongus builds →Solar Beam 2x60-71% Giga Drain 2x38-46% Mega Drain 2x21-25% Absorb 2x13-15% | ||
Leavanny BugGrass | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Leavanny builds →Solar Beam 2x68-80% Dream Eater 2x37-44% Leaf Blade 2x66-78% Aerial Ace 2x30-35% | ||
Virizion GrassFighting | C | |
Obtain MethodPinwheel Forest Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Virizion builds →Solar Beam 2x82-96% Giga Drain 2x52-62% Magical Leaf 2x43-50% Aerial Ace 2x27-32% | ||
Exeggcute GrassPsychic | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Exeggcute builds →Solar Beam 2x60-71% Dream Eater 2x50-60% Confusion 2x27-32% Bullet Seed 2x11-14% | ||
Ducklett Water | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Ducklett builds →Fly 2x37-44% Air Slash 2x31-37% Wing Attack 2x25-30% Aerial Ace 2x25-30% | ||
Foongus GrassPoison | D | |
Obtain MethodRoute 6 Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Foongus builds →Solar Beam 2x56-66% Giga Drain 2x37-44% Mega Drain 2x21-25% Absorb 2x11-14% | ||
Leavanny BugGrass | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Leavanny builds →Solar Beam 2x69-82% Dream Eater 2x39-46% Leaf Blade 2x67-80% Aerial Ace 2x31-36% | ||
Virizion GrassFighting | C | |
Obtain MethodPinwheel Forest Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Virizion builds →Solar Beam 2x83-99% Giga Drain 2x53-63% Magical Leaf 2x43-50% Aerial Ace 2x27-32% | ||
Exeggcute GrassPsychic | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Exeggcute builds →Solar Beam 2x62-73% Dream Eater 2x51-61% Confusion 2x27-31% Bullet Seed 2x10-13% | ||
Ducklett Water | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Ducklett builds →Brave Bird 2x48-57% Fly 2x37-44% Air Slash 2x31-38% Wing Attack 2x24-29% | ||
Foongus GrassPoison | D | |
Obtain MethodRoute 6 Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Foongus builds →Solar Beam 2x59-69% Giga Drain 2x37-44% Mega Drain 2x21-25% Absorb 2x12-15% | ||
In Black & White, Dragonite's Outrage hits Poliwrath for 71-84%. Magnezone's Thunderbolt also KOs at 110-130%.
Dragonite Dragon | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityMultiscale ItemLum Berry NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Dragonite builds →Extreme Speed32-38% Outrage71-84% | ||
Jirachi SteelPsychic | A | |
Recommended Build AbilitySerenegrace ItemLeftovers NatureCareful Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Jirachi builds →U Turn8-10% | ||
Magnezone ElectricSteel | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityMagnetpull ItemAir Balloon NatureModest Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Magnezone builds →Thunderbolt 2x110-130%KO Flash Cannon25-29% Volt Switch 2x86-102%KO | ||
Breloom GrassFighting | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityTechnician ItemLife Orb NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Breloom builds →Mach Punch31-36% Bullet Seed 2x39-46% | ||
Rotom ElectricGhost | C | |
Recommended Build AbilityLevitate ItemChoice Scarf NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Rotom builds →Volt Switch 2x63-75% Shadow Ball36-42% Thunderbolt 2x81-96% | ||
Black & White Evolution
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 and Politoed share the same 500 total stats, but they're distributed differently. Check the comparison below to see where each one specializes. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
Breed with Poliwrath to get Poliwag eggs easily using 78 partners from the Water1 egg group. Notable egg moves include Bubble Beam, Encore, Endeavor and 10 more.
Black & White Poliwrath Best Moveset
Bulk and offense in one package. Poliwrath runs Leftovers for passive recovery each turn with a Adamant nature, so it survives long enough to threaten with Waterfall. Max Attack and Speed EVs and double STAB make it hard to safely switch into.
Best Build
Poliwrath best EVs are Attack and Speed
Physical Sweeper Moveset
- Waterfall
- Brick Break
- Ice Punch
- Scald
Recommended Teammates
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.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Reminder Moves
Transfer Moves
How to Get Poliwrath in Black & White
moderate rates is the best you'll get on Poliwrath in late-game fishing spots. Use the sort toggle below. Best shows where the odds peak, Earliest shows where you can access it soonest in your playthrough.
Where To Catch Poliwrath in Black & White
Poliwag is your first catch on the way to Poliwrath. You'll find fishing encounters from Lv. 35-70 across 62 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch PoliwagGiant Chasm - CaveBlackSuper Rod Lv.35-55 Ice45%LateAnyGiant Chasm - CaveWhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-55 Ice45%LateAnyGiant Chasm - Inner CaveWhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-55 Ice45%LateAnyGiant Chasm - Inner CaveBlackSuper Rod Lv.35-55 Ice45%LateAnyWellspring Cave - 1FBlackSuper Rod Lv.35-55 Cave45%LateAnyWellspring Cave - 1FWhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-55 Cave45%LateAnyWellspring Cave - B1FBlackSuper Rod Lv.35-55 Cave45%LateAnyWellspring Cave - B1FWhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-55 Cave45%LateAnyChallenger's Cave - B2FBlackSuper Rod Lv.35-55 CaveCommonLateAnyChallenger's Cave - B2FWhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-55 CaveCommonLateAnyRoute 6WhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-55 RouteCommonLateAnyRoute 6BlackSuper Rod Lv.35-55 RouteCommonLateAnyVictory Road - 1FBlackSuper Rod Lv.35-55 CaveCommonLateAnyVictory Road - 1FWhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-55 CaveCommonLateAnyVictory Road - 3FBlackSuper Rod Lv.35-55 CaveCommonLateAnyVictory Road - 3FWhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-55 CaveCommonLateAny
Step 2Catch or Evolve PoliwhirlChallenger's Cave - B2FBlackSuper Rod Lv.35-70 CaveCommonLateAnyShaking spotChallenger's Cave - B2FWhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-70 CaveCommonLateAnyShaking spotRoute 6BlackSuper Rod Lv.35-70 RouteCommonLateAnyShaking spotRoute 6WhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-70 RouteCommonLateAnyShaking spotVictory Road - 1FBlackSuper Rod Lv.35-70 CaveCommonLateAnyShaking spotVictory Road - 1FWhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-70 CaveCommonLateAnyShaking spotVictory Road - 3FBlackSuper Rod Lv.35-70 CaveCommonLateAnyShaking spotVictory Road - 3FWhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-70 CaveCommonLateAnyShaking spotGiant Chasm - CaveWhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-70 Ice15%LateAnyShaking spotGiant Chasm - CaveWhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-55 Ice15%LateAnyGiant Chasm - CaveBlackSuper Rod Lv.35-70 Ice15%LateAnyShaking spotGiant Chasm - CaveBlackSuper Rod Lv.35-55 Ice15%LateAnyGiant Chasm - Inner CaveWhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-70 Ice15%LateAnyShaking spotGiant Chasm - Inner CaveWhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-55 Ice15%LateAnyGiant Chasm - Inner CaveBlackSuper Rod Lv.35-70 Ice15%LateAnyShaking spotGiant Chasm - Inner CaveBlackSuper Rod Lv.35-55 Ice15%LateAnyWellspring Cave - 1FWhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-60 Cave15%LateAnyShaking spotWellspring Cave - 1FWhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-55 Cave15%LateAnyWellspring Cave - 1FBlackSuper Rod Lv.35-60 Cave15%LateAnyShaking spotWellspring Cave - 1FBlackSuper Rod Lv.35-55 Cave15%LateAnyWellspring Cave - B1FWhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-60 Cave15%LateAnyShaking spotWellspring Cave - B1FWhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-55 Cave15%LateAnyWellspring Cave - B1FBlackSuper Rod Lv.35-60 Cave15%LateAnyShaking spotWellspring Cave - B1FBlackSuper Rod Lv.35-55 Cave15%LateAnyChallenger's Cave - B2FBlackSuper Rod Lv.35-55 CaveRareLateAnyChallenger's Cave - B2FWhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-55 CaveRareLateAnyRoute 6WhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-55 RouteRareLateAnyRoute 6BlackSuper Rod Lv.35-55 RouteRareLateAnyVictory Road - 1FBlackSuper Rod Lv.35-55 CaveRareLateAnyVictory Road - 1FWhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-55 CaveRareLateAnyVictory Road - 3FBlackSuper Rod Lv.35-55 CaveRareLateAnyVictory Road - 3FWhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-55 CaveRareLateAnyor evolve from Poliwag (Step 1)
Step 3Poliwrath ✓Wellspring Cave - 1FBlackSuper Rod Lv.35-60 CaveRareLateAnyShaking spotWellspring Cave - 1FWhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-60 CaveRareLateAnyShaking spotWellspring Cave - B1FBlackSuper Rod Lv.35-60 CaveRareLateAnyShaking spotWellspring Cave - B1FWhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-60 CaveRareLateAnyShaking spotChallenger's Cave - B2FBlackSuper Rod Lv.45-70 CaveRareLateAnyShaking spotChallenger's Cave - B2FWhiteSuper Rod Lv.45-70 CaveRareLateAnyShaking spotGiant Chasm - CaveBlackSuper Rod Lv.45-70 IceRareLateAnyShaking spotGiant Chasm - CaveWhiteSuper Rod Lv.45-70 IceRareLateAnyShaking spotGiant Chasm - Inner CaveWhiteSuper Rod Lv.45-70 IceRareLateAnyShaking spotGiant Chasm - Inner CaveBlackSuper Rod Lv.45-70 IceRareLateAnyShaking spotVictory Road - 1FWhiteSuper Rod Lv.45-70 CaveRareLateAnyShaking spotVictory Road - 1FBlackSuper Rod Lv.45-70 CaveRareLateAnyShaking spotVictory Road - 3FWhiteSuper Rod Lv.45-70 CaveRareLateAnyShaking spotVictory Road - 3FBlackSuper Rod Lv.45-70 CaveRareLateAnyShaking spotor evolve from Poliwhirl (Step 2)
Poliwrath Guide
In Black & White, Poliwrath looks average on paper at 500 BST. But Swift Swim is why it sees play. Build around that and it pulls its weight. C-Tier on our tier list. Waterfall with Leftovers is the standard set.
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 mixed attacker with base 85 Attack and 70 Sp. Atk. 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.
In Black & White, Swift Swim is the hidden ability. It doubles Speed during rain. Worth hunting for if you want Poliwrath to compete at a higher level.
Game Availability
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