Tentacool is technically a pre-evolution of Tentacruel, but it holds its own in formats where Eviolite is allowed. Only weak to Electric, Ground, Psychic, and Bug. 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
VulnerableTentacool is weak to Electric, Ground, Psychic, and Bug-type moves. It resists 5 types, giving it decent defensive coverage. Tentacool's special bulk (base 100 Sp.Def) helps absorb special-type weaknesses, though physical moves exploit the lower Defense.
- Only 15 types exist — Dark, Steel, and Fairy are absent
- Ghost has no effect on Psychic (a known bug, fixed in Gen II)
- Special stat governs both offense and defense — no Sp.Atk / Sp.Def split
Tentacool evolves into Tentacruel, but can't breed. At 335 stats as a Water/Poison type, evolution is the only path. Evolving adds up to 180 stat points total.
How to Evolve
Best Build
Gen 1 build content has limited support (no abilities, held items, or natures).
Try selecting a different game/generation filter, or check back later.
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. That's where the options open up.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Tentacool's scattered across 15 spots in early-game fishing spots with high spawn rates. Check the list below for the closest location to wherever you are in the game. This one's quick.
Best Locations
Tentacool shows up in 15 fishing and surfing spots from Lv. 5-40. Plenty of options, and the list is sorted so the highest-rate locations at each progression stage come first.
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