Tentacruel Best Moveset
120 Sp. Def at 100 Speed on Water/Poison with AbilityLiquid Ooze punishing HP-draining moves. Held ItemBlack Sludge provides passive recovery every turn. NatureTimid outspeeds most of the tier. The moveset clears TermEntry Hazards with Rapid Spin and absorbs special hits. Tera Poison makes it pure Poison for better defensive matchups.
Water/Poison was decent typing but 80 Sp. Atk wasn't impressive in Gen I (Red & Blue). Starmie outclassed it as a Water-type special attacker.
Utility Moveset
- Wrap
- Blizzard
- Toxic
- Surf
Recommended Teammates
Rapid Spin gave Tentacruel a role that few others could fill in Gen II (Gold & Silver). Hazard removal on a Pokemon with 120 Sp. Def was valuable.
Utility Moveset
- Surf
- Sludge Bomb
- Substitute
- Swords Dance
Recommended Teammates
Same Rapid Spin niche with better tools. Liquid Ooze punished Leech Seed users, and that 120 Sp. Def wall held up well.
Special Sweeper Moveset
- Surf
- Ice Beam
- Rapid Spin
- Toxic
Recommended Teammates
Toxic Spikes became its signature move in Gen IV (Diamond & Pearl). Tentacruel set them, absorbed opposing Toxic Spikes on switch-in, and spun away other hazards. A one-stop hazard package.
Best Moves
Best Build
Tentacruel best EVs are HP and Sp. Def
Hazard Setter Moveset
- Rapid Spin
- Surf
- Toxic Spikes
- Sludge Bomb
Recommended Teammates
Rain teams loved Tentacruel in Gen V (Black & White). Rain Dish for passive recovery, Rapid Spin for hazards, Toxic Spikes for pressure. A complete defensive package.
Bulky Support Moveset
- Rapid Spin
- Scald
- Protect
- Toxic
Recommended Teammates
Rain was nerfed to five turns in Gen VI (X & Y) but Tentacruel's utility was broad enough to stay useful outside of rain teams.
Hazard Setter Moveset
- Scald
- Rapid Spin
- Toxic Spikes
- Knock Off
Recommended Teammates
Still a reliable hazard setter and absorber in Gen VII (Sun & Moon). Water/Poison typing gave it solid defensive synergy that held up across formats.
Hazard Setter Moveset
- Rapid Spin
- Scald
- Toxic Spikes
- Sludge Bomb
Recommended Teammates
Competition from newer Water-types and hazard controllers started squeezing Tentacruel's niche in Gen VIII (Sword & Shield).
Hazard Setter Moveset
- Rapid Spin
- Scald
- Knock Off
- Toxic Spikes
Recommended Teammates
Lost ground to Pokemon that did individual parts of its job better. Jack of all trades, master of none by Gen IX (Scarlet & Violet) standards.
Special Sweeper Moveset
- Rapid Spin
- Knock Off
- Sludge Bomb
- Surf
Recommended Teammates
Tentacruel Weakness
Electric, Ground, and Psychic moves hit Tentacruel for super-effective damage. With 8 resistances, the defensive profile is strong. Tentacruel's special bulk (base 120 Sp.Def) helps absorb special-type weaknesses, though physical moves exploit the lower Defense.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Electric, Ground, Psychic |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Fire, Water, Ice, Fighting, Poison, Bug, Steel, Fairy |
What is Tentacruel Weak Against
GoodBest Pokemon Against Tentacruel
B | ||
Recommended Build AbilityShielddust ItemFocus Sash NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Tentacruel View Ribombee builds →Moonblast12-14% | ||
B | ||
Recommended Build AbilityFlame Body ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureBold Moves
Damage vs Tentacruel View Moltres builds →Flamethrower11-13% U Turn11-13% | ||
B | ||
Recommended Build AbilityDrought ItemHeatrock NatureBold Moves
Damage vs Tentacruel View Torkoal builds →Rapid Spin13-16% | ||
C | ||
Recommended Build AbilityDrizzle ItemDamprock NatureRelaxed Moves
Damage vs Tentacruel View Pelipper builds →Hurricane22-26% U Turn7-8% | ||
C | ||
Recommended Build AbilityDrought ItemHeatrock NatureTimid Moves View Ninetales builds →
| ||
Evolution
Evolved from Tentacool. Tentacruel is the final form in this two-stage line. A decent partner pool for breeding via one egg group. Eggs are average hatch time. HP grew the most through evolution (+40 over Tentacool), and Tentacruel peaks at 515 total stats. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
Breed with Tentacruel to get Tentacool eggs easily using 37 partners from the Water3 egg group.
How to Get Tentacruel
moderate rates for Tentacruel across 4 locations in endgame routes. Nothing complicated. Check the sorted list below, compare the top few options, and head to whichever is closest.
Where To Catch Tentacruel in SV
The path to Tentacruel starts with Tentacool at Lv. 50-80 via walking encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch TentacoolCoastal BiomeLv.50-80OverworldCoastal BiomeLv.58Overworld
Step 2Tentacruel ✓Coastal BiomeLv.50-80OverworldCoastal BiomeLv.63Overworldor evolve from Tentacool (Step 1)
3 encounter spots for Tentacruel at decent spawn rates starting from late-game routes. Best and Earliest sort options below help narrow down your approach based on odds vs. Accessibility.
Where To Catch Tentacruel in PLA
To get Tentacruel, start by catching Tentacool through walking encounters at Lv. 24-47. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Catch TentacoolSeagrass HavenLv.24-29GrassRate 15%Lunker's LairLv.38-45GrassRate 15%Islespy ShoreLv.40-47GrassRate 15%
Step 2Tentacruel ✓Seagrass HavenLv.31-34GrassRate 15%Lunker's LairLv.38-45GrassRate 15%Islespy ShoreLv.40-47GrassRate 15%or evolve from Tentacool (Step 1)
Tentacruel is available from mid-game water routes onward at high spawn rates. 46 encounter spots give you plenty of options. Grab one early and it'll be ready to evolve or train by mid-game.
Where To Catch Tentacruel in BDSP
To get Tentacruel, start by catching Tentacool through surfing and walking encounters at Lv. 20-55. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Catch TentacoolCanalave CityLv.20-30Surfing on waterRate 60%Fuego IronworksLv.20-30Surfing on waterRate 60%Iron Island - OutsideLv.20-30Surfing on waterRate 60%Pastoria CityLv.20-30Surfing on waterRate 60%Route 205 - SouthLv.20-30Surfing on waterRate 60%Route 213Lv.20-30Surfing on waterRate 60%Route 218Lv.20-30Surfing on waterRate 60%Route 219Lv.20-30Surfing on waterRate 60%Route 220Lv.20-30Surfing on waterRate 60%Route 221Lv.20-30Surfing on waterRate 60%Route 222Lv.20-30Surfing on waterRate 60%Valley WindworksLv.20-30Surfing on waterRate 60%Bogsunk CavernLv.42-46GrassRequires Icicle BadgeFountainspring CaveLv.42-46CaveRequires Icicle BadgeRiverbank CaveLv.42-46CaveRequires Icicle BadgeStill-Water CavernLv.42-46CaveRequires Icicle BadgeSwampy CaveLv.42-46GrassRequires Icicle Badge
Step 2Tentacruel ✓Canalave CityLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 5%Fuego IronworksLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 5%Iron Island - OutsideLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 5%Pastoria CityLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 5%Route 205 - SouthLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 5%Route 213Lv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 5%Route 218Lv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 5%Route 219Lv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 5%Route 220Lv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 5%Route 221Lv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 5%Route 222Lv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 5%Valley WindworksLv.20-40Surfing on waterRate 5%Route 223Lv.35-45Surfing on waterRate 60%Sunyshore CityLv.35-45Surfing on waterRate 60%Pokémon LeagueLv.35-45Surfing on waterRate 35%Route 224Lv.40-55Surfing on waterRate 35%Bogsunk CavernLv.42-46GrassRequires Icicle BadgeFountainspring CaveLv.42-46CaveRequires Icicle BadgeRiverbank CaveLv.42-46CaveRequires Icicle BadgeStill-Water CavernLv.42-46CaveRequires Icicle BadgeSwampy CaveLv.42-46GrassRequires Icicle BadgeRoute 226Lv.40-55Surfing on waterRate 5%Route 230Lv.40-55Surfing on waterRate 5%or evolve from Tentacool (Step 1)
decent spawn rates for Tentacruel across 16 locations in late-game water routes. Nothing complicated. Check the sorted list below, compare the top few options, and head to whichever is closest.
Where To Catch Tentacruel in SwSh
The path to Tentacruel starts with Tentacool at Lv. 40-48 via surfing and walking encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch TentacoolHoneycalm SeaLv.43-48GrassRate 100%All WeatherCourageous CavernLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 60%All WeatherChallenge Beach - OceanLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 50%SnowstormChallenge Beach - OceanLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 50%SnowingChallenge Beach - OceanLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 50%SandstormChallenge Beach - OceanLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 50%Normal WeatherChallenge Beach - OceanLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 50%Intense SunFields of HonorLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 50%Intense SunLoop LagoonLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 45%Normal WeatherLoop LagoonLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 45%SnowstormLoop LagoonLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 45%SnowingLoop LagoonLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 45%SandstormChallenge Beach - OceanLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 35%Heavy FogChallenge Beach - OceanLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 35%OvercastChallenge Beach - OceanLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 35%ThunderstormChallenge Beach - OceanLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 35%RainingFields of HonorLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 35%Heavy FogFields of HonorLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 35%SnowingFields of HonorLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 35%OvercastFields of HonorLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 35%SandstormFields of HonorLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 35%ThunderstormFields of HonorLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 35%Normal WeatherFields of HonorLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 35%RainingFields of HonorLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 35%SnowstormLoop LagoonLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 30%RainingLoop LagoonLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 30%Intense SunLoop LagoonLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 30%Heavy FogLoop LagoonLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 30%OvercastLoop LagoonLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 30%ThunderstormHoneycalm IslandLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 28%SnowstormHoneycalm IslandLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 28%SnowingHoneycalm IslandLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 28%SandstormHoneycalm IslandLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 28%Normal WeatherHoneycalm IslandLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 28%RainingHoneycalm IslandLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 28%Intense SunHoneycalm SeaLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 28%SnowstormHoneycalm SeaLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 28%SnowingHoneycalm SeaLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 28%SandstormHoneycalm SeaLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 28%Normal WeatherHoneycalm SeaLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 28%RainingHoneycalm SeaLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 28%Intense SunInsular SeaLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 28%Intense SunInsular SeaLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 28%SnowstormInsular SeaLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 28%SnowingInsular SeaLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 28%SandstormInsular SeaLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 28%Normal WeatherInsular SeaLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 28%RainingStepping-Stone SeaLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 28%SandstormStepping-Stone SeaLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 28%Normal WeatherStepping-Stone SeaLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 28%RainingStepping-Stone SeaLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 28%Intense SunStepping-Stone SeaLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 28%SnowstormStepping-Stone SeaLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 28%SnowingWorkout SeaLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 28%SandstormWorkout SeaLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 28%Normal WeatherWorkout SeaLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 28%RainingWorkout SeaLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 28%Intense SunWorkout SeaLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 28%SnowstormWorkout SeaLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 28%SnowingHoneycalm IslandLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 27%Heavy FogHoneycalm IslandLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 27%OvercastHoneycalm SeaLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 27%Heavy FogHoneycalm SeaLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 27%OvercastInsular SeaLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 27%Heavy FogInsular SeaLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 27%OvercastStepping-Stone SeaLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 27%Heavy FogStepping-Stone SeaLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 27%OvercastWorkout SeaLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 27%OvercastWorkout SeaLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 27%Heavy FogHoneycalm IslandLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 21%ThunderstormHoneycalm SeaLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 21%ThunderstormInsular SeaLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 21%ThunderstormStepping-Stone SeaLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 21%ThunderstormWorkout SeaLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 21%Thunderstorm
Step 2Tentacruel ✓Challenge Beach - OceanLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 15%OvercastFields of HonorLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 15%OvercastHoneycalm IslandLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 15%OvercastHoneycalm SeaLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 15%OvercastInsular SeaLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 15%OvercastLoop LagoonLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 15%OvercastStepping-Stone SeaLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 15%OvercastWorkout SeaLv.40-45Surfing on waterRate 15%Overcastor evolve from Tentacool (Step 1)
Base Stats
Sp. Def and Speed carry most of Tentacruel's stat budget. Defense's the obvious dump stat. Moderately hard to find and yields 2 Sp. Def EVs. Follows a slow 1.25M XP grind.
When the red orbs on Tentacruel’s head glow brightly, watch out. The Pokémon is about to fire off a burst of ultrasonic waves.
Tentacruel Guide
We rate Tentacruel B-Tier: a solid choice for the right team. At 515 BST, it fits the pivot role. Base 120 Sp. Def stands out.
Clear Body prevents stats from being lowered by other Pokémon. That's the one you want on Tentacruel. Rain Dish is the hidden ability. Niche, but it has its uses. Liquid Ooze works too if your team needs something different.
Base 100 Speed lets it outrun most of the field. On offense, Tentacruel is a mixed attacker with base 70 Attack and 80 Sp. Atk. Defensively? Enough bulk to take a hit or two. Best used as a pivot.
Run Rapid Spin, Knock Off, Sludge Bomb, and Surf on Tentacruel. Rapid Spin is the most common pick at 0% usage. Surf provides reliable STAB damage.
Game Availability
One of the original 151, Tentacruel has appeared in 21 games — nearly every mainline game. From Red & Blue through the latest titles, it's rarely been left out of a regional Pokedex.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1RBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 2GS
Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 3FRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 4DP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 5BW
Black & White - Gen 5B2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY
X & Y - Gen 6ORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7SM
Sun & Moon - Gen 7USUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7LGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen 8BDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 9SV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW
Winds & Waves