Stats & Training
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 can keep swimming in the Pacific Ocean without resting.
A swimmer adept at both the front crawl and breaststroke. Easily overtakes the best human swimmers.
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 |
Roselia GrassPoison | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Roselia builds →Magical Leaf 2x53-63% Mega Drain 2x35-42% Absorb 2x21-25% | ||
Oddish GrassPoison | D | |
Bulbasaur GrassPoison | D | |
Obtain MethodLumiose City Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Bulbasaur builds →Razor Leaf 2x28-33% Vine Whip 2x24-29% | ||
Ducklett Water | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Ducklett builds →Wing Attack 2x28-33% Aerial Ace 2x28-33% | ||
Wingull Water | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Wingull builds →Wing Attack 2x24-29% Aerial Ace 2x24-29% | ||
Roselia GrassPoison | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Roselia builds →Giga Drain 2x56-66% Magical Leaf 2x47-55% Mega Drain 2x32-39% Absorb 2x18-22% | ||
Oddish GrassPoison | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Oddish builds →Mega Drain 2x26-30% Absorb 2x14-17% | ||
Bulbasaur GrassPoison | D | |
Obtain MethodLumiose City Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Bulbasaur builds →Razor Leaf 2x26-30% Vine Whip 2x20-25% | ||
Ducklett Water | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Ducklett builds →Air Slash 2x32-39% Wing Attack 2x26-30% Aerial Ace 2x26-30% | ||
Wingull Water | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Wingull builds →Wing Attack 2x20-25% Aerial Ace 2x20-25% | ||
Slowpoke WaterPsychic | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Slowpoke builds →Zen Headbutt 2x41-50% Confusion 2x20-25% | ||
Roselia GrassPoison | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Roselia builds →Giga Drain 2x56-66% Magical Leaf 2x47-55% Mega Drain 2x32-39% Absorb 2x18-22% | ||
Exeggcute GrassPsychic | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Exeggcute builds →Confusion 2x28-33% Bullet Seed 2x11-14% | ||
Oddish GrassPoison | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Oddish builds →Mega Drain 2x26-30% Absorb 2x14-17% | ||
Bulbasaur GrassPoison | D | |
Obtain MethodLumiose City Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Bulbasaur builds →Razor Leaf 2x26-30% Vine Whip 2x20-25% | ||
Slowpoke WaterPsychic | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Slowpoke builds →Zen Headbutt 2x41-50% Confusion 2x20-25% | ||
Roselia GrassPoison | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Roselia builds →Giga Drain 2x56-66% Magical Leaf 2x47-55% Mega Drain 2x32-39% Absorb 2x18-22% | ||
Exeggcute GrassPsychic | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Exeggcute builds →Confusion 2x28-33% Bullet Seed 2x11-14% | ||
Oddish GrassPoison | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Oddish builds →Mega Drain 2x26-30% Absorb 2x14-17% | ||
Bulbasaur GrassPoison | D | |
Obtain MethodLumiose City Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Bulbasaur builds →Razor Leaf 2x26-30% Vine Whip 2x20-25% | ||
Rotom ElectricGhost | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Rotom builds →Thunderbolt 2x66-77% Shock Wave 2x45-54% Charge Beam 2x38-45% Thunder Shock 2x31-38% | ||
Pumpkaboo GhostGrass | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Pumpkaboo builds →Razor Leaf 2x31-38% Charge Beam 2x16-19% Bullet Seed 2x16-19% | ||
Roselia GrassPoison | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Roselia builds →Petal Dance 2x91-108%KO Dazzling Gleam 2x41-48% Giga Drain 2x57-68% Magical Leaf 2x48-56% | ||
Weepinbell GrassPoison | D | |
Exeggcute GrassPsychic | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Exeggcute builds →Confusion 2x27-33% Bullet Seed 2x12-14% | ||
Rotom ElectricGhost | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Rotom builds →Thunderbolt 2x66-78% Shock Wave 2x46-54% Charge Beam 2x38-45% Thunder Shock 2x32-38% | ||
Pumpkaboo GhostGrass | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Pumpkaboo builds →Razor Leaf 2x30-36% Charge Beam 2x15-18% Bullet Seed 2x15-18% | ||
Roselia GrassPoison | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Roselia builds →Petal Dance 2x93-110%KO Dazzling Gleam 2x42-49% Giga Drain 2x59-69% Magical Leaf 2x47-56% | ||
Weepinbell GrassPoison | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Weepinbell builds →Razor Leaf 2x38-45% Vine Whip 2x32-38% | ||
Exeggcute GrassPsychic | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Exeggcute builds →Confusion 2x28-34% Bullet Seed 2x11-13% | ||
Amoonguss GrassPoison | A | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Amoonguss builds →Solar Beam 2x80-95% Giga Drain 2x51-60% Mega Drain 2x27-33% Absorb 2x15-18% | ||
Trevenant GhostGrass | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Trevenant builds →Wood Hammer 2x94-111%KO Psychic 2x33-39% | ||
Rotom ElectricGhost | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Rotom builds →Thunder 2x80-95% Thunderbolt 2x66-78% Shock Wave 2x44-53% Charge Beam 2x38-45% | ||
Roselia GrassPoison | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Roselia builds →Petal Dance 2x91-107%KO Petal Blizzard 2x44-53% Dazzling Gleam 2x41-48% Giga Drain 2x58-69% | ||
Weepinbell GrassPoison | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Weepinbell builds →Razor Leaf 2x38-45% Vine Whip 2x31-36% | ||
In X & Y, Clefable's Moonblast hits Poliwrath for 65-77%. Serperior threatens a KO with Leaf Storm (93-109%). Zapdos deals 78-92% with Thunderbolt.
Clefable Fairy | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityMagic Guard ItemLeftovers NatureBold Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Clefable builds →Moonblast 2x65-77% | ||
Serperior Grass | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityContrary ItemLeftovers NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Serperior builds →Leaf Storm 2x93-109%KO | ||
Zapdos Electric | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityStatic ItemSitrus Berry NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Zapdos builds →Heat Wave13-16% Thunderbolt 2x78-92% | ||
Latios DragonPsychic | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityLevitate ItemLife Orb NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Latios builds →Draco Meteor91-107%KO Psyshock 2x112-132%KO | ||
Talonflame Fire | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityGalewings ItemLife Orb NatureHasty Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Talonflame builds →Flare Blitz30-35% | ||
X & Y 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 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 87 partners from the Water1 egg group. Notable egg moves include Bubble Beam, Encore, Endeavor and 10 more.
X & Y Poliwrath Best Moveset
the remaining moves keeps opponents guessing about Poliwrath's real targets. Salacberry provides extra utility while flexible EVs and Jolly nature handle the stat profile. Waterabsorb ties it together.
Best Build
Poliwrath best EVs are Attack and Speed
Physical Sweeper Moveset
- Waterfall
- Endure
- Belly Drum
- Brick Break
Recommended Teammates
Doubles Physical Tank Moveset
- Earthquake
- Dynamic Punch
- Hydro Pump
- Mega Kick
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 Blast and Hydro Pump. The egg moves push it further.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Reminder Moves
Transfer Moves
How to Get Poliwrath in X & Y
You'll want late-game access before hunting Poliwrath. Moderate rates across 4 encounter spots means the location matters. Sort by Best below and target the top-rated area first.
Where To Catch Poliwrath in X & Y
The path to Poliwrath starts with Poliwag at Lv. 15-59 via fishing, surfing, and more encounters. 3 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch PoliwagCouriway TownXOld Rod Lv.15 CityCommonEarlyCouriway TownYOld Rod Lv.15 CityCommonEarlyFrost Cavern - 2FXOld Rod Lv.15 IceCommonEarlyFrost Cavern - 2FYOld Rod Lv.15 IceCommonEarlyFrost Cavern - OutsideYOld Rod Lv.15 IceCommonEarlyFrost Cavern - OutsideXOld Rod Lv.15 IceCommonEarlyLaverre CityYOld Rod Lv.15 CityCommonEarlyLaverre CityXOld Rod Lv.15 CityCommonEarlyPokémon VillageYOld Rod Lv.15CommonEarlyPokémon VillageXOld Rod Lv.15CommonEarlyRoute 14YOld Rod Lv.15 RouteCommonEarlyRoute 14XOld Rod Lv.15 RouteCommonEarlyRoute 15YOld Rod Lv.15 RouteCommonEarlyRoute 15XOld Rod Lv.15 RouteCommonEarlyRoute 16YOld Rod Lv.15 RouteCommonEarlyRoute 16XOld Rod Lv.15 RouteCommonEarlyRoute 19XOld Rod Lv.15 RouteCommonEarlyRoute 19YOld Rod Lv.15 RouteCommonEarlyRoute 21XOld Rod Lv.15 RouteCommonEarlyRoute 21YOld Rod Lv.15 RouteCommonEarlyVictory Road - Cave 1XOld Rod Lv.15 CaveCommonEarlyVictory Road - Cave 1YOld Rod Lv.15 CaveCommonEarlyVictory Road - Cave 4YOld Rod Lv.15 CaveCommonEarlyVictory Road - Cave 4XOld Rod Lv.15 CaveCommonEarlyVictory Road - Outside Section 3YOld Rod Lv.15 CaveCommonEarlyVictory Road - Outside Section 3XOld Rod Lv.15 CaveCommonEarlyPokémon VillageYGrass Lv.25UncommonMidHorde battlePokémon VillageXGrass Lv.25UncommonMidHorde battle
Step 2Catch or Evolve PoliwhirlCouriway TownXGood Rod Lv.25 CityUncommonMidCouriway TownYGood Rod Lv.25 CityUncommonMidFrost Cavern - 2FXGood Rod Lv.25 IceUncommonMidFrost Cavern - 2FYGood Rod Lv.25 IceUncommonMidFrost Cavern - OutsideXGood Rod Lv.25 IceUncommonMidFrost Cavern - OutsideYGood Rod Lv.25 IceUncommonMidLaverre CityXGood Rod Lv.25 CityUncommonMidLaverre CityYGood Rod Lv.25 CityUncommonMidPokémon VillageYGood Rod Lv.25UncommonMidPokémon VillageXGood Rod Lv.25UncommonMidRoute 14XGood Rod Lv.25 RouteUncommonMidRoute 14YGood Rod Lv.25 RouteUncommonMidRoute 15XGood Rod Lv.25 RouteUncommonMidRoute 15YGood Rod Lv.25 RouteUncommonMidRoute 16XGood Rod Lv.25 RouteUncommonMidRoute 16YGood Rod Lv.25 RouteUncommonMidRoute 19XGood Rod Lv.25 RouteUncommonMidRoute 19YGood Rod Lv.25 RouteUncommonMidVictory Road - Cave 1XGood Rod Lv.25 CaveUncommonMidVictory Road - Cave 1YGood Rod Lv.25 CaveUncommonMidVictory Road - Cave 4XGood Rod Lv.25 CaveUncommonMidVictory Road - Cave 4YGood Rod Lv.25 CaveUncommonMidVictory Road - Outside Section 3XGood Rod Lv.25 CaveUncommonMidVictory Road - Outside Section 3YGood Rod Lv.25 CaveUncommonMidCouriway TownXSuper Rod Lv.35 CityCommonLateCouriway TownYSuper Rod Lv.35 CityCommonLateFrost Cavern - 2FXSuper Rod Lv.35 IceCommonLateFrost Cavern - 2FYSuper Rod Lv.35 IceCommonLateFrost Cavern - OutsideXSuper Rod Lv.35 IceCommonLateFrost Cavern - OutsideYSuper Rod Lv.35 IceCommonLateLaverre CityXSuper Rod Lv.35 CityCommonLateLaverre CityYSuper Rod Lv.35 CityCommonLatePokémon VillageXSuper Rod Lv.35CommonLatePokémon VillageYSuper Rod Lv.35CommonLateRoute 14XSuper Rod Lv.35 RouteCommonLateRoute 14YSuper Rod Lv.35 RouteCommonLateRoute 15XSuper Rod Lv.35 RouteCommonLateRoute 15YSuper Rod Lv.35 RouteCommonLateRoute 16XSuper Rod Lv.35 RouteCommonLateRoute 16YSuper Rod Lv.35 RouteCommonLateVictory Road - Cave 1XSuper Rod Lv.35-55 CaveCommonLateVictory Road - Cave 1YSuper Rod Lv.35-55 CaveCommonLateVictory Road - Cave 4XSuper Rod Lv.35-55 CaveCommonLateVictory Road - Cave 4YSuper Rod Lv.35-55 CaveCommonLateVictory Road - Outside Section 3XSuper Rod Lv.35-55 CaveCommonLateVictory Road - Outside Section 3YSuper Rod Lv.35-55 CaveCommonLateFrost Cavern - 2FYSurfing on water Lv.38-40 IceCommonLateFrost Cavern - 2FXSurfing on water Lv.38-40 IceCommonLateFrost Cavern - OutsideXSurfing on water Lv.38-40 IceCommonLateFrost Cavern - OutsideYSurfing on water Lv.38-40 IceCommonLateRoute 21XGood Rod Lv.40 RouteUncommonLateRoute 21YGood Rod Lv.40 RouteUncommonLatePokémon VillageXSurfing on water Lv.48-50CommonPostPokémon VillageYSurfing on water Lv.48-50CommonPostRoute 19XSuper Rod Lv.50 RouteCommonPostRoute 19YSuper Rod Lv.50 RouteCommonPostRoute 21XSuper Rod Lv.50 RouteCommonPostRoute 21YSuper Rod Lv.50-55 RouteCommonPostVictory Road - Cave 1YSurfing on water Lv.57-59 CaveCommonPostVictory Road - Cave 1XSurfing on water Lv.57-59 CaveCommonPostVictory Road - Cave 4XSurfing on water Lv.57-59 CaveCommonPostVictory Road - Cave 4YSurfing on water Lv.57-59 CaveCommonPostor evolve from Poliwag (Step 1)
Step 3Poliwrath ✓Victory Road - Cave 4XSuper Rod Lv.35 CaveRareLateVictory Road - Cave 4YSuper Rod Lv.35 CaveRareLateVictory Road - Outside Section 3XSuper Rod Lv.35 CaveRareLateVictory Road - Outside Section 3YSuper Rod Lv.35 CaveRareLateor evolve from Poliwhirl (Step 2)
Poliwrath Guide
In X & Y, 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 Salacberry 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.
In X & Y, 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
