Tangela's spread isn't flashy. Defense leads, Sp. Def trails, 2 stats clear the bar. Tough to catch and worth 1 Defense EV, on a medium-fast 1M XP curve.
It is cloaked entirely in blue vines, preventing any glimpse of its true identity. The vines impart a refreshing sensation when chewed—they’re useful as a spice.
Type-wise, Tangela takes extra damage from Fire, Ice, Poison, Flying, and Bug. It resists 4 types, giving it decent defensive coverage. Tangela's physical bulk (base 115 Def) helps cushion physical weakness hits, but special attackers are the bigger threat.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Fire, Ice, Poison, Flying, Bug |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Water, Electric, Grass, Ground |
Volcarona's Heat Wave hits Tangela for 72-85%. Volcanion's Flamethrower hits Tangela for 78-93%.
 Volcarona BugFire | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityFlame Body ItemGrassyseed NatureModest Moves
Damage vs Tangela View Volcarona builds →Heat Wave 2x72-85% | ||
 Volcanion FireWater | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityWaterabsorb ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureModest Moves
Damage vs Tangela View Volcanion builds →Flamethrower 2x78-93% | ||
 Glimmora RockPoison | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityToxicdebris ItemRed Card NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Tangela View Glimmora builds →Power Gem26-31% | ||
 Weavile DarkIce | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityPressure ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Tangela View Weavile builds →Knock Off18-22% Ice Shard 2x23-27% | ||
 Pelipper Water | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityDrizzle ItemFocus Sash NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Tangela View Pelipper builds →Hurricane 2x70-83% | ||
Evolving Tangela into Tangrowth takes knowing a specific move. It's not a simple level-up, so check the chain details below. Evolving adds up to 100 stat points total. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
Breed Tangela easily with 89 breeding partners from the Plant egg group.
Don't let the NFE status fool you. Tangela with Eviolite hits bulk numbers that compete with final forms. Max HP and Sp. Def EVs and Sassy nature maximize that, and Regenerator handles the rest.
Best Build
No build content available for this Pokemon in Gen 10.
Try selecting a different game/generation filter, or check back later.
Legends: Arceus uses different battle mechanics.
Competitive build content is not applicable for this game. Select a main series game for builds.
Wall Moveset
- Giga Drain
- Sleep Powder
- Knock Off
- Leech Seed
Recommended Teammates
Wall Moveset
- Giga Drain
- Sleep Powder
- Knock Off
- Leech Seed
Recommended Teammates
Moves
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Tangela's options are limited here. You've got Energy Ball and Absorb for STAB damage, but there isn't much beyond Grass hitting power. TMs help fill gaps, though the kit stays tight.
The egg pool carries weight here. Amnesia and Confusion aren't available any other way for Tangela, and they meaningfully change what it threatens. Stack those on top of Leaf Storm and Power Whip for solid options.
The egg pool carries weight here. Confusion and Endeavor aren't available any other way for Tangela, and they meaningfully change what it threatens. Stack those on top of Leaf Storm and Power Whip for solid options.
No wild encounters for Tangela in Winds & Waves. It's available in Red, Yellow, or Black 2 and can be transferred over. The details below show where to find it.
Tangela starts showing up in mid-game routes at decent spawn rates across 2 encounter spots. The list below is sorted so you can pick what fits your current progress without scrolling through everything.
Best Locations to Catch Tangela in Legends: Arceus
4 encounter spots for Tangela at moderate rates starting from endgame routes. Best and Earliest sort options below help narrow down your approach based on odds vs. Accessibility.
Best Locations to Catch Tangela in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl
You can catch Tangela through 4 walking encounters from Lv. 58-63, but availability differs between Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. Some spots are exclusive to one version.
18 encounter spots for Tangela at decent spawn rates starting from early-game routes. Best and Earliest sort options below help narrow down your approach based on odds vs. Accessibility.
Best Locations to Catch Tangela in Sword & Shield
You can catch Tangela through 18 walking encounters from Lv. 10-15, but availability differs between Shield and Sword. Some spots are exclusive to one version.
Tangela isn't fully evolved, so it's not built for competitive play. You'll want to evolve it into Tangrowth to unlock its full potential. At 435 BST, it's a stepping stone rather than a team anchor.
Run Regenerator on Tangela. It's the ability that defines how you build around it and the main reason it holds a competitive niche. Tangela also gets Chlorophyll and Leaf Guard, but they don't compare.
Regenerator is the hidden ability. It heals for 1/3 max HP upon switching out. Worth hunting for if you want Tangela to compete at a higher level.
Tangela fills the attacker role. It's a special attacker with base 100 Sp. Atk. At base 60 Speed, it won't be moving first often. And it's enough bulk to take a hit or two.
Tangela has been part of the series since Red & Blue, appearing in 21 titles across all 10 generations. As a Gen 1 original, it's one of the most consistently available Pokemon in the franchise.
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