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.
Hidden beneath a tangle of vines that grows nonstop even if the vines are torn off, this Pokémon’s true appearance remains a mystery.
The vines of a Tangela have a distinct scent. In some parts of Galar, Tangela vines are used as herbs.
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.
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 50 breeding partners from the Plant egg group. Pass egg moves like Confusion, Endeavor, Flail and 3 more to offspring.
Don't let the NFE status fool you. Tangela with Eviolite hits bulk numbers that compete with final forms. Max HP and Defense EVs and Hardy nature maximize that, and Regenerator handles the rest.
Best Build
Best Tangela Moveset
- Giga Drain
- Sleep Powder
- Knock Off
- Leech Seed
Recommended Teammates
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.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
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
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.
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 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 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