Is Poliwrath Good in Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon Playthrough?
Water/Fighting with the bulk to absorb hits. Fighting coverage makes Molayne's Steel E4 a strong matchup, Water handles Olivia and Hapu, and the move tutors add MoveIce Punch for Kahili's fliers. Solid choice if you evolve it early enough.
Poliwag has the type edge here and should clean up Ilima's team.
Poliwag trades roughly evenly with Hala's team.
Lana's team hits Poliwag's weaknesses hard.
ElectricSteelReceived as a Totem-sized gift Pokemon by collecting enou... (Ultra Moon only)
BugElectricReceived as a Totem-sized gift Pokemon by collecting enou... (Ultra Sun only)
GrassReceived as a Totem-sized gift Pokemon by collecting enou... (Ultra Sun only)
GhostFairyReceived as a Totem-sized gift Pokemon by collecting enou...
Poliwag has the type edge here and should clean up Kiawe's team.
Mallow's team hits Poliwag's weaknesses hard.
Poliwag has the type edge here and should clean up Olivia's team.
Poliwhirl trades roughly evenly with Sophocles's team.
Poliwrath trades roughly evenly with Acerola's team.
Poliwhirl trades roughly evenly with Acerola's team.
Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Acerola:
Poliwrath has the type edge here and should clean up Nanu's team.
Poliwhirl trades roughly evenly with Nanu's team.
Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Nanu:
Mina's team hits Poliwrath's weaknesses hard.
Politoed trades roughly evenly with Mina's team.
Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Mina:
Poliwrath has the type edge here and should clean up Hapu's team.
Politoed has the type edge here and should clean up Hapu's team.
Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Hapu:
Poliwrath has the type edge here and should clean up Molayne's team.
Politoed has the type edge here and should clean up Molayne's team.
Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Molayne:
Poliwrath resists most of Olivia's coverage and hits back hard.
Politoed has the type edge here and should clean up Olivia's team.
Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Olivia:
Poliwrath trades roughly evenly with Acerola's team.
Politoed has the type edge here and should clean up Acerola's team.
Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Acerola:
Poliwrath trades roughly evenly with Kahili's team.
Politoed trades roughly evenly with Kahili's team.
Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Kahili:
Poliwrath trades roughly evenly with Kukui's team.
Politoed trades roughly evenly with Kukui's team.
Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Kukui:
Catch Poliwag on Brooklet Hill (walking, Lv 14-17).
Your Poliwag should hit Level 25 before you reach Sophocles, at typical leveling pace.
You can pick up the Water Stone in Paniola Ranch.
Most players are ready to trade before reaching Acerola.
How to Get Poliwrath in Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon
Finding Poliwrath at low spawn rates takes patience. 2 spots are available in mid-game routes, but the rate difference between them matters. Lock in the top one from the sorted list below.
Where To Catch Poliwrath in USUM
Poliwag is your first catch on the way to Poliwrath. You'll find walking and surfing encounters from Lv. 14-28 across 14 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch PoliwagBrooklet Hill - NorthLv.14-17Surfing on waterRate 40%Brooklet Hill - SouthLv.14-17Surfing on waterRate 40%Brooklet Hill - NorthLv.14-17GrassRate 20%Brooklet Hill - SouthLv.14-17GrassRate 20%
Step 2Catch or Evolve PoliwhirlMalie GardenLv.25-28GrassRate 20%Malie GardenLv.25-28GrassRate 10%SOS chain (rain)or evolve from Poliwag (Step 1)
Step 3Poliwrath ✓Malie GardenLv.25-28GrassRate 1%DaySOS chain (rain)or evolve from Poliwhirl (Step 2)
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
 Salamence Dragon | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Salamence builds →Fly 2x90-107%KO Thunder Fang 2x42-51% | ||
 Slowbro WaterPsychic | B | |
 Jynx IcePsychic | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Jynx builds →Psyshock 2x73-86% Draining Kiss 2x31-37% | ||
 Kadabra Psychic | B | |
 Hawlucha Fighting | A | |
Salamence Dragon | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Salamence builds →Fly 2x85-100%KO Thunder Fang 2x41-49% | ||
 Espeon Psychic | B | |
Slowbro WaterPsychic | B | |
 Vikavolt BugElectric | B | |
Obtain MethodHeahea Beach Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Vikavolt builds →Thunderbolt 2x91-108%KO Air Slash 2x51-62% | ||
Jynx IcePsychic | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Jynx builds →Psyshock 2x68-81% Draining Kiss 2x29-36% | ||
Salamence Dragon | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Salamence builds →Fly 2x88-104%KO Thunder Fang 2x44-53% | ||
Espeon Psychic | B | |
Slowbro WaterPsychic | B | |
Vikavolt BugElectric | B | |
Obtain MethodHeahea Beach Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Vikavolt builds →Thunderbolt 2x99-117%KO Air Slash 2x56-67% | ||
Jynx IcePsychic | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Jynx builds →Psyshock 2x74-88% Draining Kiss 2x32-39% | ||
Salamence Dragon | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Salamence builds →Fly 2x85-100%KO Thunder Fang 2x40-48% | ||
Espeon Psychic | B | |
Slowbro WaterPsychic | B | |
 Noctowl Normal | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Noctowl builds →Sky Attack 2x87-104%KO Extrasensory 2x36-43% | ||
Vikavolt BugElectric | B | |
Obtain MethodHeahea Beach Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Vikavolt builds →Thunderbolt 2x94-111%KO Energy Ball 2x62-74% Air Slash 2x52-62% | ||
Espeon Psychic | B | |
Available Move Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Espeon builds →Future Sight 2x112-133%KO | ||
 Toucannon Normal | C | |
Salamence Dragon | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Salamence builds →Fly 2x87-102%KO Thunder Fang 2x41-49% | ||
Slowbro WaterPsychic | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Slowbro builds →Psyshock 2x63-74% Aerial Ace 2x26-31% | ||
Noctowl Normal | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Noctowl builds →Sky Attack 2x89-105%KO Extrasensory 2x36-43% | ||
Espeon Psychic | B | |
Available Move Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Espeon builds →Future Sight 2x116-137%KO | ||
 Venusaur GrassPoison | C | |
 Decidueye GrassGhost | C | |
Obtain MethodEvolve Rowlet (Route 1 Gift) Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Decidueye builds →Leaf Storm 2x101-119%KO Pluck 2x33-39% | ||
 Gardevoir PsychicFairy | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Gardevoir builds →Dream Eater 2x95-112%KO Energy Ball 2x58-68% Thunderbolt 2x58-68% Draining Kiss 2x49-58% | ||
Slowbro WaterPsychic | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Slowbro builds →Dream Eater 2x77-92% Aerial Ace 2x24-29% | ||
 Ivysaur GrassPoison | C | |
Espeon Psychic | B | |
Available Move Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Espeon builds →Future Sight 2x112-132%KO | ||
Gardevoir PsychicFairy | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Gardevoir builds →Future Sight 2x108-127%KO Energy Ball 2x54-64% Thunderbolt 2x54-64% Draining Kiss 2x47-55% | ||
 Primarina WaterFairy | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Primarina builds →Moonblast 2x87-103%KO Energy Ball 2x54-64% Acrobatics 2x22-26% | ||
 Torterra GrassGround | C | |
Venusaur GrassPoison | C | |
Decidueye GrassGhost | C | |
Obtain MethodEvolve Rowlet (Route 1 Gift) Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Decidueye builds →Solar Beam 2x147-173%KO Pluck 2x31-36% | ||
 Exeggutor GrassPsychic | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Exeggutor builds →Solar Beam 2x177-208%KO Dream Eater 2x89-105%KO | ||
 Lunala PsychicGhost | S | |
Obtain MethodMahalo Trail Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Lunala builds →Solar Beam 2x128-150%KO Dream Eater 2x96-114%KO Moonblast 2x61-72% Thunderbolt 2x58-69% | ||
 Lilligant Grass | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Lilligant builds →Solar Beam 2x160-188%KO Dream Eater 2x54-63% | ||
Exeggutor GrassPsychic | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Exeggutor builds →Solar Beam 2x179-211%KO Dream Eater 2x90-106%KO | ||
 Rayquaza Dragon | S | |
Obtain MethodUltra Space Wilds Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Rayquaza builds →Solar Beam 2x140-165%KO Fly 2x91-108%KO Thunderbolt 2x64-75% | ||
Venusaur GrassPoison | C | |
 Mewtwo Psychic | S | |
Obtain MethodUltra Space Wilds Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Mewtwo builds →Solar Beam 2x143-169%KO Future Sight 2x130-153%KO Thunderbolt 2x65-76% Aerial Ace 2x32-38% | ||
Decidueye GrassGhost | C | |
Obtain MethodEvolve Rowlet (Route 1 Gift) Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Decidueye builds →Solar Beam 2x149-175%KO Brave Bird 2x61-72% | ||
In Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon, Rotom deals 81-96% with Thunderbolt.
S | ||
Recommended Build AbilityBattlebond ItemChoice Specs NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Greninja builds →Dark Pulse19-22% Ice Beam21-25% Hydro Pump26-30% | ||
 Kartana GrassSteel | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityBeastboost ItemChoice Scarf NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Kartana builds →Knock Off15-17% | ||
 Rotom ElectricGhost | C | |
Recommended Build AbilityLevitate ItemChoice Scarf NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Rotom builds →Shadow Ball36-42% Volt Switch 2x63-75% Thunderbolt 2x81-96% | ||
 Talonflame Fire | C | |
Recommended Build AbilityGalewings ItemLeftovers NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Talonflame builds →Flare Blitz23-27% | ||
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 95 partners from the Water1 egg group. Notable egg moves include Bubble Beam, Encore, Endeavor and 10 more.
USUM Poliwrath Best Moveset
Water/Fighting at 95 Attack with 90/95/90 bulk across HP, Defense, and Sp. Def. AbilitySwift Swim doubles 70 Speed in rain for a fast physical attacker under weather support. The moveset has the bulk to absorb hits but 70 Speed without rain and limited coverage keep it at D-tier.
Best Build
Poliwrath best EVs are Attack and Speed
Physical Sweeper Moveset
- Waterfall
- Brick Break
- Ice Punch
- Poison Jab
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 8 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
Reminder Moves
Base Stats
It’s quite a gifted swimmer, even among Water-type Pokémon, but it normally spends its time on land.
The muscles it has developed through swimming are thick and powerful. When it lands a square punch, it can turn huge boulders to dust.
Poliwrath Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon Guide
In Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon, 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. 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 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.
For Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon, the core moveset is Waterfall, Brickbreak, Icepunch, and Poisonjab. Waterfall 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