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.
They fire beams from the glassy, magenta orbs that resemble eyes atop their heads, and they drift in shallow seas. During low tide, they can sometimes be found on beaches, desiccated.
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. 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 Acupressure, Aqua Ring, Aurora Beam and 6 more to offspring.
Don't let the NFE status fool you. Tentacool with Eviolite hits bulk numbers that compete with final forms. A spread EV build EVs and Jolly nature maximize that, and Clearbody handles the rest.
Best Build
Best Tentacool Moveset
- Rapid Spin
- Flip Turn
- Knock Off
- Gunk Shot
Recommended Teammates
Breeding opens up real options for Tentacool. Acupressure and Aqua Ring come exclusively from egg moves, and they're worth the effort. The rest of the kit covers basics through Gunk Shot and Hydro Pump and coverage across 9 types.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
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