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.
It can sometimes be found all dry and shriveled up on a beach. Toss it back into the sea to revive it.
Tentacool Weakness
GoodTentacool is weak to Electric, Ground, and Psychic-type moves. 8 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.
Tentacool evolves into Tentacruel. It's a two-stage chain with the method shown below. No compatible partners 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 from the Water3 egg group.
Best Build
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee uses different battle mechanics.
Competitive build content is not applicable for this game. Select a main series game for builds.
TMs define Tentacool's movepool. The natural moves cover basics with Hydro Pump and Surf, but the real versatility comes from technical machines giving it Normal and Ice coverage and more. That's where the options open up.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Easy grab on Tentacool with high spawn rates across 26 locations in early-game water routes. The sorted list below shows the full spread so you can pick the most convenient spot.
Best Locations
Before you go hunting for Tentacool, check which of the 26 spots belong to your version. Let's Go Pikachu and Let's Go Eevee each have different surfing encounters at Lv. 7-44.
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.
Clear Body is the go-to ability for Tentacool. It prevents stats from being lowered by other Pokémon. Its hidden ability Rain Dish can work in specific setups. Liquid Ooze is the other option — pick based on what your team needs.
Tentacool fills the balanced role. It's a special attacker with 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