Tentacool is technically a pre-evolution of Tentacruel, but it holds its own in formats where Eviolite is allowed. Only weak to Electric, Ground, and Psychic. Known as the Jellyfish Pokemon. Flexible enough to run physical or special sets.
Tentacool's spread isn't flashy. Sp. Def leads, Defense trails, 1 stats clear the bar. Common in the wild and worth 1 Sp. Def EV, on a slow 1.25M XP grind.
When the tide goes out, dehydrated TENTACOOL remains can be found washed up on the shore.
It drifts aimlessly in waves. Very difficult to see in water, it may not be noticed until it stings.
Tentacool Weakness
GoodTentacool is weak to Electric, Ground, and Psychic-type moves. 7 resistances give it solid defensive coverage on top of that. Tentacool's special bulk (base 100 Sp.Def) helps absorb special-type weaknesses, though physical moves exploit the lower Defense.
- Dark and Steel types added — Fairy does not exist yet
- Moves are Physical or Special based on type, not per move
- Special stat split into Sp.Atk and Sp.Def
Tentacool evolves into Tentacruel. It's a two-stage chain with the method shown below. A small partner pool for breeding via one egg group. Eggs are average hatch time. Evolving adds up to 180 stat points total.
How to Evolve
Breed Tentacool easily with 13 breeding partners from the Water3 egg group. Pass egg moves like Aurora Beam, Haze, Mirror Coat and 2 more to offspring.
Best Build
Gen 2 build content has limited support (no abilities).
Try selecting a different game/generation filter, or check back later.
Breeding opens up real options for Tentacool. Aurora Beam and Haze come exclusively from egg moves, and they're worth the effort. The rest of the kit covers basics through Hydro Pump and Sludge Bomb and Normal and Ice coverage and more.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Tentacool is available from early-game fishing spots onward at high spawn rates. 94 encounter spots give you plenty of options. Grab one early and it'll be ready to evolve or train by mid-game.
Best Locations
94 fishing and surfing encounters at Lv. 10-40 for Tentacool across Silver and Gold. A few locations are version-exclusive, so your copy of the game affects what's available.
Tentacool isn't fully evolved, so it's not built for competitive play. You'll want to evolve it into Tentacruel to unlock its full potential. At 335 BST, it's a stepping stone rather than a team anchor.
Tentacool evolves into Tentacruel at level 30. Tentacool is the base form of this evolutionary line.
Tentacool fills the balanced role. It's leaning toward the special side (base 50 Sp. Atk). Base 70 Speed is workable — faster than some, slower than many.
Tentacool appears in 21 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
Tentacool has been part of the series since Red & Blue, appearing in 21 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