Tangela is technically a pre-evolution of Tangrowth, but it holds its own in formats where Eviolite is allowed. 5 type weaknesses to keep in mind. Known as the Vine Pokemon. Its damage comes from the special side.
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.
The whole body is swathed with wide vines that are similar to seaweed. Its vines shake as it walks.
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.
- Only 15 types exist — Dark, Steel, and Fairy are absent
- Ghost has no effect on Psychic (a known bug, fixed in Gen II)
- Special stat governs both offense and defense — no Sp.Atk / Sp.Def split
Tangela starts a line toward Tangrowth. Can't breed this Grass type (435 stats), so keep the evolution path going. Evolving adds up to 100 stat points total.
How to Evolve
Nothing fancy here. Tangela builds around an item for extra utility, a nature nature for the right stat lean, and flexible EVs EVs. An ability does its job quietly.
Best Build
Best Tangela Moveset
- Mega Drain
- Sleep Powder
- Bind
- Growth
Recommended Teammates
TMs define Tangela's movepool. The natural moves cover basics with Solar Beam and Mega Drain, but the real versatility comes from technical machines giving it Normal coverage. That's where the options open up.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
4 encounter spots for Tangela at decent spawn rates starting from mid-game routes. Best and Earliest sort options below help narrow down your approach based on odds vs. Accessibility.
Best Locations
Before you go hunting for Tangela, check which of the 4 spots belong to your version. Blue and Red each have different walking and trade encounters at Lv. 28-32.
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.
Tangela fills the setup sweeper role. It's a physical attacker with base 55 Attack. 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