Is Poliwrath Good in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl Playthrough?
Water/Fighting is a strong combination for Sinnoh. Handles Byron, Candice, Bertha, and Flint's non-Fire Pokemon. Bulk lets it take hits and fight back. Reusable TMs give it Ice Beam for Cynthia's Garchomp too.
Poliwag resists most of Roark's coverage and hits back hard.
Gardenia's team hits Poliwag's weaknesses hard.
Poliwag has the type edge here and should clean up Maylene's team.
Poliwag trades roughly evenly with Crasher Wake's team.
Poliwag trades roughly evenly with Fantina's team.
Poliwag has the type edge here and should clean up Byron's team.
Candice's team hits Poliwag's weaknesses hard.
Volkner's team hits Poliwag's weaknesses hard.
Poliwrath trades roughly evenly with Aaron's team.
Politoed has the type edge here and should clean up Aaron's team.
Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Aaron:
Poliwrath has the type edge here and should clean up Bertha's team.
Politoed has the type edge here and should clean up Bertha's team.
Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Bertha:
Poliwrath has the type edge here and should clean up Flint's team.
Politoed has the type edge here and should clean up Flint's team.
Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Flint:
Poliwrath trades roughly evenly with Lucian's team.
Politoed trades roughly evenly with Lucian's team.
Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Lucian:
Poliwrath trades roughly evenly with Cynthia's team.
Politoed trades roughly evenly with Cynthia's team.
Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Cynthia:
Catch Poliwhirl on Route 225 (Surf, Lv 40-50, common).
You can pick up the Water Stone in Route 213.
Most players are ready to trade before reaching Aaron.
How to Get Poliwrath in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl
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 BDSP
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 225Lv.10-25Good RodRate 35%Route 227Lv.20-30Surfing on waterRate 30%Route 228Lv.20-30Surfing on waterRate 30%Fountainspring CaveLv.58-63CavePost-gameGrassland CaveLv.58-63CavePost-gameRiverbank CaveLv.58-63CavePost-gameStill-Water CavernLv.58-63CavePost-gameSunlit CavernLv.58-63CavePost-game
Step 2Catch or Evolve PoliwhirlRoute 225Lv.30-55Super RodRate 35%Route 227Lv.40-55Surfing on waterRate 70%Route 228Lv.40-55Surfing on waterRate 70%Route 225Lv.40-50Surfing on waterRate 30%Fountainspring CaveLv.58-63CavePost-gameGrassland CaveLv.58-63CavePost-gameRiverbank CaveLv.58-63CavePost-gameStill-Water CavernLv.58-63CavePost-gameSunlit CavernLv.58-63CavePost-gameor evolve from Poliwag (Step 1)
Step 3Poliwrath ✓
Poliwrath Weakness
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 |
What is Poliwrath Weak Against
AvgBest Pokemon Against Poliwrath
 Abra Psychic | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Abra builds →Dream Eater 2x81-96% Energy Ball 2x51-60% Shock Wave 2x34-42% | ||
 Staravia Normal | D | |
 Doduo Normal | D | |
 Budew GrassPoison | D | |
 Zubat Poison | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Zubat builds →Fly 2x42-51% Giga Drain 2x21-26% | ||
Abra Psychic | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Abra builds →Dream Eater 2x91-107%KO Energy Ball 2x54-64% Shock Wave 2x36-43% | ||
Staravia Normal | D | |
Doduo Normal | D | |
 Beautifly Bug | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Beautifly builds →Energy Ball 2x50-61% Aerial Ace 2x39-48% | ||
 Pachirisu Electric | C | |
 Hypno Psychic | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Hypno builds →Dream Eater 2x61-73% Dazzling Gleam 2x34-41% | ||
 Kadabra Psychic | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Kadabra builds →Dream Eater 2x91-108%KO Energy Ball 2x54-64% Dazzling Gleam 2x50-58% Shock Wave 2x38-45% | ||
 Masquerain Bug | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Masquerain builds →Solar Beam 2x62-74% Air Cutter 2x50-58% | ||
 Mr. Mime PsychicFairy | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Mr. Mime builds →Dream Eater 2x79-93% Dazzling Gleam 2x64-76% Solar Beam 2x62-74% Thunderbolt 2x48-56% | ||
 Manectric Electric | C | |
Kadabra Psychic | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Kadabra builds →Dream Eater 2x91-108%KO Energy Ball 2x54-64% Dazzling Gleam 2x50-58% Shock Wave 2x38-45% | ||
Mr. Mime PsychicFairy | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Mr. Mime builds →Dream Eater 2x79-93% Dazzling Gleam 2x64-76% Solar Beam 2x62-74% Thunderbolt 2x48-56% | ||
 Girafarig NormalPsychic | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Girafarig builds →Dream Eater 2x74-87% Thunderbolt 2x44-52% Energy Ball 2x44-52% Dazzling Gleam 2x39-47% | ||
Masquerain Bug | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Masquerain builds →Solar Beam 2x62-74% Air Cutter 2x50-58% | ||
Hypno Psychic | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Hypno builds →Dream Eater 2x61-73% Dazzling Gleam 2x34-41% | ||
Kadabra Psychic | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Kadabra builds →Dream Eater 2x88-104%KO Energy Ball 2x53-63% Dazzling Gleam 2x47-56% Shock Wave 2x36-43% | ||
 Staraptor Normal | B | |
 Dodrio Normal | C | |
Mr. Mime PsychicFairy | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Mr. Mime builds →Dream Eater 2x78-92% Dazzling Gleam 2x63-74% Solar Beam 2x61-73% Thunderbolt 2x46-55% | ||
 Bronzong SteelPsychic | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Bronzong builds →Dream Eater 2x65-77% Solar Beam 2x51-61% Charge Beam 2x22-26% | ||
 Roselia GrassPoison | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Roselia builds →Solar Beam 2x89-105%KO Dazzling Gleam 2x40-47% | ||
Kadabra Psychic | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Kadabra builds →Dream Eater 2x85-101%KO Energy Ball 2x52-61% Dazzling Gleam 2x47-55% Shock Wave 2x34-41% | ||
Staraptor Normal | B | |
Dodrio Normal | C | |
Mr. Mime PsychicFairy | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Mr. Mime builds →Dream Eater 2x76-89% Dazzling Gleam 2x60-71% Solar Beam 2x60-70% Thunderbolt 2x45-53% | ||
 Roserade GrassPoison | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Roserade builds →Petal Dance 2x107-126%KO Dazzling Gleam 2x49-57% | ||
Staraptor Normal | B | |
Kadabra Psychic | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Kadabra builds →Dream Eater 2x85-101%KO Energy Ball 2x52-61% Dazzling Gleam 2x46-54% Shock Wave 2x35-41% | ||
 Chimecho Psychic | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Chimecho builds →Dream Eater 2x71-84% Energy Ball 2x42-50% Dazzling Gleam 2x39-46% Shock Wave 2x29-34% | ||
 Abomasnow GrassIce | C | |
Roserade GrassPoison | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Roserade builds →Petal Dance 2x107-126%KO Dazzling Gleam 2x49-57% | ||
 Jynx IcePsychic | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Jynx builds →Dream Eater 2x84-99% Energy Ball 2x49-59% | ||
Staraptor Normal | B | |
Kadabra Psychic | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Kadabra builds →Dream Eater 2x85-101%KO Energy Ball 2x52-61% Dazzling Gleam 2x46-54% Shock Wave 2x35-41% | ||
Chimecho Psychic | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Chimecho builds →Dream Eater 2x71-84% Energy Ball 2x42-50% Dazzling Gleam 2x39-46% Shock Wave 2x29-34% | ||
 Vileplume GrassPoison | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Vileplume builds →Petal Dance 2x96-113%KO Moonblast 2x50-60% | ||
Roserade GrassPoison | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Roserade builds →Petal Dance 2x107-126%KO Dazzling Gleam 2x48-57% | ||
 Victreebel GrassPoison | C | |
Staraptor Normal | B | |
Kadabra Psychic | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Kadabra builds →Future Sight 2x103-121%KO Energy Ball 2x52-61% Dazzling Gleam 2x46-54% Shock Wave 2x34-41% | ||
In Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, Hatterene's Psyshock hits Poliwrath for 72-85%. Mimikyu deals 76-90% with Play Rough.
 Kartana GrassSteel | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityBeastboost ItemChoice Scarf NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Kartana builds →Knock Off12-14% | ||
 Hatterene PsychicFairy | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityMagic Bounce ItemLeftovers NatureModest Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Hatterene builds →Psyshock 2x72-85% | ||
 Mimikyu GhostFairy | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityDisguise ItemLife Orb NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Mimikyu builds →Play Rough 2x76-90% Shadow Sneak17-21% Drain Punch21-25% | ||
 Rotom ElectricGhost | C | |
Recommended Build AbilityLevitate ItemStickybarb NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Rotom builds →Hex21-25% | ||
 Talonflame Fire | C | |
Recommended Build AbilityGalewings ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Talonflame builds →Flare Blitz18-21% U Turn7-8% | ||
Poliwrath Evolutions
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 69 partners from the Water1 egg group. Notable egg moves include Bubble Beam, Encore, Endeavor and 5 more.
BDSP Poliwrath Best Moveset
Fell from C-tier as Water/Fighting with 95 Attack and 95 Defense couldn't keep up with the format's power growth. Hidden AbilitySwift Swim in rain doubles the 70 Speed, and the moveset has physical Water and Fighting TermStab at decent bulk. D-tier because 70 Sp. Atk and the Speed without rain limit what it accomplishes.
Best Build
Poliwrath best EVs are Defense and Sp. Def
Bulky Support Moveset
- Ice Punch
- Brick Break
- Waterfall
- Bulk Up
Recommended Teammates
Moves List
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.
How to Read the Moves Table
Tabs
- Level-Up
- Learned by leveling up.
- TM
- Taught by a Technical Machine.
- Egg
- Inherited via breeding.
- Tutor
- NPC tutor (cost: items, BP, money).
- Reminder
- An NPC reteaches any move this Pokemon could have learned by leveling up.
- Transfer
- Carried over from an older game using Pokemon HOME.
- Event
- Given out through Mystery Gift events.
Visual Signals
CAT (Category)
How the move deals damage and which stats it uses.
A small dot on the icon's corner marks the move as contact. That triggers abilities like Static, Flame Body, Rough Skin, or Iron Barbs, plus items like Rocky Helmet and Sticky Barb.
Tier (S to D)
Each move's competitive rank in RankedBoost's system. TM, Egg, and Tutor sort by tier by default (best first). On Level-Up, click the Tier header to do the same.
PWR (Power)
Base damage. Numbers shown in a type color include STAB (base × 1.5). Hover any colored number to see the math.
— means no power (status moves) or variable power.
Sorting & Filter
Click any column header to sort. Level-Up opens with Lv 1 at the top. TM, Egg, and Tutor open with the highest-tier moves at the top.
Search filters by move name or type. The Filter button limits the list to STAB, Physical, Special, or Status moves.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Base Stats
With its extremely tough muscles, it could keep swimming in the Pacific Ocean without resting.
Poliwrath Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl Guide
In Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, 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. Icepunch with Rocky Helmet is the standard set.
In Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, Poliwrath's biggest threats include Jolteon (Electric), Exeggutor (Grass), and Dodrio (Flying), all carrying super-effective STAB moves. Psychic and Fairy-type attackers are also a problem. With 5 weakness types, most competitive teams carry at least one counter.
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 95 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.
For Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, the core moveset is Icepunch, Brickbreak, Waterfall, and Bulk Up. Icepunch leads at 0% usage. Waterfall provides reliable STAB damage.
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 1RBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 2GS
Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 3FRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 4DP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 5BW
Black & White - Gen 5B2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY
X & Y - Gen 6ORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7SM
Sun & Moon - Gen 7USUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7LGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen 8BDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 9SV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW
Winds & Waves