Tadbulb doesn't have much going for it on its own — the stats just aren't there. The payoff is Bellibolt, and getting there is worth the grind. Only weak to Ground. Known as the EleTadpole Pokemon.
Nothing fancy in Tadbulb's spread. It leans special with HP out front. And you'll get 1 HP EV per KO for it. Follows a medium-fast 1M XP curve.
Tadbulb shakes its tail to generate electricity. If it senses danger, it will make its head blink on and off to alert its allies.
It floats using the electricity stored in its body. When thunderclouds are around, Tadbulb will float higher off the ground.
Tadbulb Weakness
GoodType-wise, Tadbulb takes extra damage from Ground. Not many exploitable gaps in the Electric typing defensive chart. Tadbulb's Electric typing only leaves 1 gap to cover.
To get Bellibolt from Tadbulb, you need an evolution item. The evolution method matters here. Evolving adds up to 223 stat points total.
How to Evolve
Breed Tadbulb easily with 114 breeding partners from the Water1 egg group.
Best Build
No build content available for this Pokemon in Gen 9.
Try selecting a different game/generation filter, or check back later.
Most of Tadbulb's flexibility comes from TMs. Same-type output runs through Zap Cannon and Thunder, but Ground and Normal and the rest of the TM pool push it from predictable to genuinely threatening.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Tadbulb's scattered across 42 spots in early-game routes with high spawn rates. Check the list below for the closest location to wherever you are in the game. This one's quick.
Best Locations
walking encounters for Tadbulb across 42 spots at Lv. 12-60. The catch is that Scarlet and Violet don't share every location, so compare what's available in your version.
At 272 BST, Tadbulb is firmly in pre-evolution territory. Evolve it into Bellibolt before bringing it to any serious fight.
Tadbulb's biggest threats include Swampert (Ground), all carrying super-effective STAB moves. Only 1 weakness means fewer dedicated counters to worry about.
Tadbulb evolves into Bellibolt using a Thunder Stone. Tadbulb is the base form of this evolutionary line.
Own Tempo is the go-to ability for Tadbulb. It prevents confusion. Its hidden ability Damp can work in specific setups. Static is the other option — pick based on what your team needs.
Tadbulb is a special attacker with base 59 Sp. Atk. Fragile — can't afford to take many hits, too. But the speed tells the real story — base 45 Speed is low. Priority moves or Trick Room are the way to go.
Tadbulb can be found in Scarlet & Violet.
Since Scarlet & Violet, Tadbulb has been obtainable in 1 games. A Generation 9 debut means a shorter history, but Tadbulb has appeared steadily across every generation since.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRB
Red & Blue - Gen IIGS
Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen IIIFRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen IIIE
Emerald - Gen IVPt
Platinum - Gen IVHGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen IVDP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen VBW
Black & White - Gen VB2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen VIXY
X & Y - Gen VIORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen VIIUSUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen VIISM
Sun & Moon - Gen VIILGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen VIIISwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSVDebut
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A