Utility
Balanced
335Low
70Moderate
DTier

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.

Base Stats
335Avg
HP40
D
Attack40
D
Defense35
F
Sp. Atk50
D
Sp. Def100
B
Speed70
C
Total335
Low <60
Avg 60-89
High 90-149
Top 150+
EV YieldDefeating Tentacool yields +1 SpD
HPAtkDefSpASpD+1Spe
Details
Catch190Easy•Slow1.25M XP•0.9m / 2'11"•45.5kg / 100.3 lbs•67Base XP
Pokedex Entries

Tentacool is not a particularly strong swimmer. It drifts across the surface of shallow seas as it searches for prey.

Sword

This Pokémon is mostly made of water. A Tentacool out in the ocean is very hard to spot, because its body blends in with the sea.

Shield

Tentacool Weakness

Good

Tentacool 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.

4xCriticali
None
2xWeaki
ElectricGroundPsychic
½xResisti
FireWaterIceFightingPoisonBugSteelFairy
¼xResisti
None
0xImmunei
None
STAB (5)i
FireGroundRockGrassFairy
3Weak
8Resist
0Immune
Scorei+2
SpikesGrounded — up to 25%
Toxic SpikesAbsorbs on switch
Abilities
Clear BodyPrevents stats from being lowered by other Pokémon.
Liquid OozeDamages opponents using leeching moves for as much as they would heal.
Rain DishHAHeals for 1/16 max HP after each turn during rain.

Tentacool evolves into Tentacruel. It's a two-stage chain with the method shown below. A decent partner pool for breeding via one egg group. Eggs are average hatch time. Evolving adds up to 180 stat points total.

How to Evolve

2 Forms
Tentacool
#072Tentacool
30
Level 30
Tentacruel
#073Tentacruel
Stat Comparison 2 Stages
Tentacool
WaterPoison
Tentacruel
WaterPoison
HP
40
80+40
ATK
40
70+30
DEF
35
65+30
SP.ATK
50
80+30
SP.DEF
100
120+20
SPE
70
100+30
BST
335C-Tier
515B-Tier+180
ROLE
Balanced
Pivot
TYPE
Utility
Mixed
Breeding
Very Easy

Breed Tentacool easily with 32 breeding partners from the Water3 egg group. Pass egg moves like Acupressure, Aqua Ring, Aurora Beam and 6 more to offspring.

Egg Groups
Water3
Gender
♂50.0%♀50.0%
Hatch Time
20 cycles·5,140 steps
Quick~5 min with Flame Body
Egg Moves
9moves
Breed With (best first)
drapionclawitzergolisopodcursolacrawdauntcorsolaskorupiclaunchercorphisharcheopsomastarkabutops
12 of 32·

Best Build

No build content available for this Pokemon in Gen 8.

Try selecting a different game/generation filter, or check back later.

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 Hydro Pump and Sludge Wave and coverage across 7 types.

Level-Up Moves

Lv 1
Poison Sting
1510035Poison
Lv 1
Water Gun
4010025Water
Lv 4
Acid
4010030Poison
Lv 8
Wrap
159020Normal
Lv 12
Supersonic
—5520Normal
Lv 16
Water Pulse
6010020Water
Lv 20
Screech
—8540Normal
Lv 24
Bubble Beam
6510020Water
Lv 28
Hex
6510010Ghost
Lv 32
Acid Armor
——20Poison
Lv 36
Poison Jab
8010020Poison
Lv 40
Surf
9010015Water
Lv 44
Sludge Wave
9510010Poison
Lv 48
Hydro Pump
110805Water

TM Moves

Src
TM31
Attract
—10015Normal
TR06
Blizzard
110705Ice
TM55
Brine
6510010Water
TM97
Brutal Swing
6010020Dark
TM73
Cross Poison
7010020Poison
TR92
Dazzling Gleam
8010010Fairy
TM45
Dive
8010010Water
TR26
Endure+4
——10Normal
TM39
Facade
7010020Normal
TM28
Giga Drain
7510010Grass
TM35
Hail
——10Ice
TM77
Hex
6510010Ghost
TR03
Hydro Pump
110805Water
TR05
Ice Beam
9010010Ice
TM27
Icy Wind
559515Ice
TR45
Muddy Water
908510Water
TM57
Payback
5010010Dark
TR57
Poison Jab
8010020Poison
TM25
Protect+4
——10Normal
TM33
Rain Dance
——5Water
TM21
Rest
——10Psychic
TM76
Round
6010015Normal
TM19
Safeguard
——25Normal
TR84
Scald
8010015Water
TM16
Screech
—8540Normal
TR27
Sleep Talk
——10Normal
TR22
Sludge Bomb
9010010Poison
TR78
Sludge Wave
9510010Poison
TM24
Snore
5010015Normal
TR20
Substitute
——10Normal
TR04
Surf
9010015Water
TM
Swords Dance
——20Normal
TM23
Thief
6010025Dark
TR54
Toxic Spikes
——20Poison
TM74
Venoshock
6510010Poison
TR16
Waterfall
8010015Water
TM36
Whirlpool
358515Water

Egg Moves

Src
Egg
Acupressure
——30Normal
Egg
Aqua Ring
——20Water
Egg
Aurora Beam
6510020Ice
Egg
Confuse Ray
—10010Ghost
Egg
Haze
——30Ice
Egg
Knock Off
6510020Dark
Egg
Mirror Coat-5
—10020Psychic
Egg
Rapid Spin
5010040Normal
Egg
Tickle
—10020Normal

Tutor Moves

Tentacool can't learn any Tutor moves

148 encounter spots for Tentacool at high spawn rates starting from late-game water routes. Two different catch methods are in play here. Best and Earliest sort options below help narrow down your approach based on odds vs. Accessibility.

Best Locations

Which version you're playing matters for Tentacool. 148 surfing and walking spots at Lv. 40-48 spread across Shield and Sword, and some routes only appear in one cartridge. Check the version badges below.

Honeycalm Sea
ShieldGrassLv.43-48100%LateWaterAll Weather
EFFORTLESS
Honeycalm Sea
SwordGrassLv.43-48100%LateWaterAll Weather
EFFORTLESS
Courageous Cavern
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4560%LateCaveAll Weather
EFFORTLESS
Courageous Cavern
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4560%LateCaveAll Weather
EFFORTLESS
Challenge Beach - Ocean
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4550%LateWaterNormal Weather
EASY
Challenge Beach - Ocean
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4550%LateWaterNormal Weather
EASY
Challenge Beach - Ocean
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4550%LateWaterSnowstorm
EASY
Challenge Beach - Ocean
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4550%LateWaterSnowstorm
EASY
Challenge Beach - Ocean
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4550%LateWaterIntense Sun
EASY
Challenge Beach - Ocean
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4550%LateWaterIntense Sun
EASY
Challenge Beach - Ocean
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4550%LateWaterSnowing
EASY
Challenge Beach - Ocean
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4550%LateWaterSnowing
EASY
Challenge Beach - Ocean
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4550%LateWaterSandstorm
EASY
Challenge Beach - Ocean
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4550%LateWaterSandstorm
EASY
Fields of Honor
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4550%LateIntense Sun
EASY
Fields of Honor
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4550%LateIntense Sun
EASY
Loop Lagoon
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4545%LateSnowing
EASY
Loop Lagoon
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4545%LateSnowing
EASY
Loop Lagoon
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4545%LateSandstorm
EASY
Loop Lagoon
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4545%LateSandstorm
EASY
Loop Lagoon
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4545%LateNormal Weather
EASY
Loop Lagoon
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4545%LateNormal Weather
EASY
Loop Lagoon
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4545%LateSnowstorm
EASY
Loop Lagoon
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4545%LateSnowstorm
EASY
Challenge Beach - Ocean
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4535%LateWaterThunderstorm
EASY
Challenge Beach - Ocean
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4535%LateWaterThunderstorm
EASY
Challenge Beach - Ocean
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4535%LateWaterRaining
EASY
Challenge Beach - Ocean
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4535%LateWaterRaining
EASY
Challenge Beach - Ocean
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4535%LateWaterHeavy Fog
EASY
Challenge Beach - Ocean
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4535%LateWaterHeavy Fog
EASY
Challenge Beach - Ocean
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4535%LateWaterOvercast
EASY
Challenge Beach - Ocean
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4535%LateWaterOvercast
EASY
Fields of Honor
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4535%LateOvercast
EASY
Fields of Honor
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4535%LateNormal Weather
EASY
Fields of Honor
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4535%LateNormal Weather
EASY
Fields of Honor
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4535%LateSnowstorm
EASY
Fields of Honor
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4535%LateSnowstorm
EASY
Fields of Honor
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4535%LateThunderstorm
EASY
Fields of Honor
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4535%LateThunderstorm
EASY
Fields of Honor
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4535%LateSnowing
EASY
Fields of Honor
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4535%LateSnowing
EASY
Fields of Honor
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4535%LateSandstorm
EASY
Fields of Honor
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4535%LateSandstorm
EASY
Fields of Honor
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4535%LateRaining
EASY
Fields of Honor
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4535%LateRaining
EASY
Fields of Honor
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4535%LateHeavy Fog
EASY
Fields of Honor
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4535%LateHeavy Fog
EASY
Fields of Honor
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4535%LateOvercast
EASY
Loop Lagoon
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4530%LateThunderstorm
EASY
Loop Lagoon
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4530%LateIntense Sun
EASY
Loop Lagoon
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4530%LateIntense Sun
EASY
Loop Lagoon
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4530%LateRaining
EASY
Loop Lagoon
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4530%LateRaining
EASY
Loop Lagoon
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4530%LateHeavy Fog
EASY
Loop Lagoon
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4530%LateHeavy Fog
EASY
Loop Lagoon
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4530%LateOvercast
EASY
Loop Lagoon
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4530%LateOvercast
EASY
Loop Lagoon
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4530%LateThunderstorm
EASY
Honeycalm Island
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterRaining
EASY
Honeycalm Island
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterNormal Weather
EASY
Honeycalm Island
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterNormal Weather
EASY
Honeycalm Island
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterSnowstorm
EASY
Honeycalm Island
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterSnowstorm
EASY
Honeycalm Island
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterIntense Sun
EASY
Honeycalm Island
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterIntense Sun
EASY
Honeycalm Island
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterSnowing
EASY
Honeycalm Island
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterSnowing
EASY
Honeycalm Island
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterSandstorm
EASY
Honeycalm Island
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterSandstorm
EASY
Honeycalm Island
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterRaining
EASY
Honeycalm Sea
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterRaining
EASY
Honeycalm Sea
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterRaining
EASY
Honeycalm Sea
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterNormal Weather
EASY
Honeycalm Sea
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterNormal Weather
EASY
Honeycalm Sea
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterSnowstorm
EASY
Honeycalm Sea
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterSnowstorm
EASY
Honeycalm Sea
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterIntense Sun
EASY
Honeycalm Sea
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterIntense Sun
EASY
Honeycalm Sea
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterSnowing
EASY
Honeycalm Sea
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterSnowing
EASY
Honeycalm Sea
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterSandstorm
EASY
Honeycalm Sea
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterSandstorm
EASY
Insular Sea
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterSnowing
EASY
Insular Sea
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterSandstorm
EASY
Insular Sea
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterSandstorm
EASY
Insular Sea
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterRaining
EASY
Insular Sea
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterRaining
EASY
Insular Sea
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterNormal Weather
EASY
Insular Sea
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterNormal Weather
EASY
Insular Sea
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterSnowstorm
EASY
Insular Sea
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterSnowstorm
EASY
Insular Sea
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterIntense Sun
EASY
Insular Sea
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterIntense Sun
EASY
Insular Sea
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterSnowing
EASY
Stepping-Stone Sea
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterIntense Sun
EASY
Stepping-Stone Sea
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterIntense Sun
EASY
Stepping-Stone Sea
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterSnowing
EASY
Stepping-Stone Sea
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterSnowing
EASY
Stepping-Stone Sea
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterSandstorm
EASY
Stepping-Stone Sea
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterSandstorm
EASY
Stepping-Stone Sea
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterRaining
EASY
Stepping-Stone Sea
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterRaining
EASY
Stepping-Stone Sea
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterNormal Weather
EASY
Stepping-Stone Sea
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterNormal Weather
EASY
Stepping-Stone Sea
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterSnowstorm
EASY
Stepping-Stone Sea
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterSnowstorm
EASY
Workout Sea
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterSnowstorm
EASY
Workout Sea
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterSnowstorm
EASY
Workout Sea
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterIntense Sun
EASY
Workout Sea
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterIntense Sun
EASY
Workout Sea
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterSnowing
EASY
Workout Sea
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterSnowing
EASY
Workout Sea
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterSandstorm
EASY
Workout Sea
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterSandstorm
EASY
Workout Sea
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterRaining
EASY
Workout Sea
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterRaining
EASY
Workout Sea
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterNormal Weather
EASY
Workout Sea
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4528%LateWaterNormal Weather
EASY
Honeycalm Island
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4527%LateWaterHeavy Fog
EASY
Honeycalm Island
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4527%LateWaterHeavy Fog
EASY
Honeycalm Island
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4527%LateWaterOvercast
EASY
Honeycalm Island
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4527%LateWaterOvercast
EASY
Honeycalm Sea
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4527%LateWaterHeavy Fog
EASY
Honeycalm Sea
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4527%LateWaterHeavy Fog
EASY
Honeycalm Sea
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4527%LateWaterOvercast
EASY
Honeycalm Sea
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4527%LateWaterOvercast
EASY
Insular Sea
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4527%LateWaterHeavy Fog
EASY
Insular Sea
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4527%LateWaterHeavy Fog
EASY
Insular Sea
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4527%LateWaterOvercast
EASY
Insular Sea
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4527%LateWaterOvercast
EASY
Stepping-Stone Sea
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4527%LateWaterHeavy Fog
EASY
Stepping-Stone Sea
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4527%LateWaterHeavy Fog
EASY
Stepping-Stone Sea
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4527%LateWaterOvercast
EASY
Stepping-Stone Sea
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4527%LateWaterOvercast
EASY
Workout Sea
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4527%LateWaterHeavy Fog
EASY
Workout Sea
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4527%LateWaterHeavy Fog
EASY
Workout Sea
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4527%LateWaterOvercast
EASY
Workout Sea
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4527%LateWaterOvercast
EASY
Honeycalm Island
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4521%LateWaterThunderstorm
MODERATE
Honeycalm Island
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4521%LateWaterThunderstorm
MODERATE
Honeycalm Sea
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4521%LateWaterThunderstorm
MODERATE
Honeycalm Sea
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4521%LateWaterThunderstorm
MODERATE
Insular Sea
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4521%LateWaterThunderstorm
MODERATE
Insular Sea
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4521%LateWaterThunderstorm
MODERATE
Stepping-Stone Sea
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4521%LateWaterThunderstorm
MODERATE
Stepping-Stone Sea
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4521%LateWaterThunderstorm
MODERATE
Workout Sea
ShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4521%LateWaterThunderstorm
MODERATE
Workout Sea
SwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4521%LateWaterThunderstorm
MODERATE

  • 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's biggest threats include Jolteon (Electric), Rhydon (Ground), and Alakazam (Psychic), all carrying super-effective STAB moves.

  • 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 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.