Tangela is technically a pre-evolution of Tangrowth, but it holds its own in formats where Eviolite is allowed. Regenerator recovers a third of its HP every time it switches out, adding extra value. Known as the Vine Pokemon.
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.
Its vines snap off easily and painlessly if they are grabbed, allowing it to make a quick getaway. The lost vines are replaced by new growth the very next day.
Tangela Weakness
FragileType-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.
- Dark and Steel types added — Fairy does not exist yet
- Moves are Physical or Special based on type, not per move
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.
How to Evolve
Breed Tangela easily with 35 breeding partners from the Plant egg group. Pass egg moves like Amnesia, Confusion, Flail and 4 more to offspring.
Chlorophyll helps Tangela stick around while dealing real damage. Leftovers for passive recovery each turn, max Sp. Atk and Speed EVs for the right balance, and Giga Drain as the main threat. Not the fastest, but it doesn't need to be.
Best Build
Best Tangela Moveset
- Giga Drain
- Leech Seed
- Sunny Day
- Hidden Power Ice
Recommended Teammates
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 Solar Beam and Giga Drain for solid options.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Tangela doesn't appear in Emerald. Transfer it from Red, Yellow, or Black 2 to add it to your collection. Check the source games below for encounter details.
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.
Tangela evolves into Tangrowth after learning Ancient Power. Tangela is the base form of this evolutionary line.
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.
Tangela fills the setup sweeper role. It's leaning toward the special side (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 appears in 20 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
Tangela has been part of the series since Red & Blue, appearing in 20 titles across all 9 generations. As a Gen 1 original, it's one of the most consistently available Pokemon in the franchise.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRBDebut
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 IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A