Between Regenerator and Grass typing, Tangrowth carves out a strong competitive niche. It recovers a third of its HP every time it switches out, which gives it an edge most Pokemon in its stat range don't have. Been around since Gen 4.
Tangrowth's spread isn't flashy. Defense leads, Sp. Def trails, 4 stats clear the bar. Tough to catch and worth 2 Defense EVs, on a medium-fast 1M XP curve.
When it remains still, it appears to be a large shrub. Unsuspecting prey that wander near get ensnared by its vines.
Its vines grow so profusely that, in the warm season, you can’t even see its eyes.
Tangrowth Weakness
FragileFire, Ice, Poison, Flying, and Bug-type moves hit Tangrowth for super-effective damage. It resists 4 types, giving it decent defensive coverage. Tangrowth's physical bulk (base 125 Def) helps cushion physical weakness hits, but special attackers are the bigger threat.
- Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
- Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)
Tangrowth doesn't evolve through normal leveling. You'll need knowing a specific move to get here from Tangela's line. Breed this form to get Tangela eggs (average hatch time). Evolving from Tangela gave Tangrowth the biggest boost in Attack (+45), bringing the total to 535 stats.
How to Evolve
Breed with Tangrowth to get Tangela eggs easily using 45 partners from the Plant egg group. Notable egg moves include Amnesia, Confusion, Endeavor and 7 more.
The recommended build leans into Tangrowth's strengths as a defensive wall. Leftovers provides passive recovery each turn, and max HP and Sp. Def EVs back that up. Chlorophyll rounds out the package.
Best Build
Best Tangrowth Moveset
- Earthquake
- Power Whip
- Leech Seed
- Sleep Powder
Recommended Teammates
Don't skip the egg moves. Tangrowth picks up Amnesia and Confusion only through breeding, and both fill gaps the natural movepool can't. STAB runs through Leaf Storm and Power Whip while coverage across 9 types adds range.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Can't catch Tangrowth directly. Start with Tangela at solid rates from the locations below, then evolve through a special method. The 2-stage line from Tangela to Tangrowth is where the leveling time goes.
How to Obtain Tangrowth in HeartGold & SoulSilver
Tangela is your first catch on the way to Tangrowth. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 20-42 across 8 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch TangelaEFFORTLESSRoute 21HeartGoldGrassLv.20-30CommonMidRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 21SoulSilverGrassLv.20-30CommonMidRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 44SoulSilverGrassLv.23CommonMidRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 44HeartGoldGrassLv.23CommonMidRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 28HeartGoldGrassLv.39CommonLateRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 28SoulSilverGrassLv.39CommonLateRouteEFFORTLESSMt. Silver - BaseSoulSilverGrassLv.41-42CommonLateCaveEFFORTLESSMt. Silver - BaseHeartGoldGrassLv.41-42CommonLateCave
Step 2Tangrowth ✓
Don't let Tangrowth's 535 base stat total fool you. Regenerator is what makes it tick — it punches way above its weight class. We rate it C-Tier as a tank.
Tangela evolves into Tangrowth after learning Ancient Power. Tangrowth is the fully evolved form. At 535 BST, it's got solid stats to work with.
Run Regenerator on Tangrowth. It's the ability that defines how you build around it and the main reason it holds a competitive niche. Tangrowth also gets Chlorophyll and Leaf Guard, but they don't compare.
Tangrowth fills the tank role. It's a mixed attacker — base 100 Attack and 110 Sp. Atk. Base 50 Speed is low. Priority moves or Trick Room are the way to go. And it's enough bulk to take a hit or two.
Tangrowth appears in 12 games, including Platinum, HeartGold & SoulSilver, and Diamond & Pearl.
Tangrowth first appeared in Diamond & Pearl and has been available in 12 games across 6 generations. Obtainable through wild encounters in most titles where it appears.
- 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 IVDPDebut
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