Stats & Training
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.
With 80 tentacles for ensnaring victims, it prevents escape until the prey is weakened by poison.
It alerts others to danger by stridently flashing the red orbs on its head.
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 |
Onix RockGround | C | |
Geodude RockGround | C | |
Abra Psychic | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Tentacruel View Abra builds →Dream Eater 2x77-92% Shock Wave 2x33-41% Charge Beam 2x28-36% | ||
Phanpy Ground | D | |
Cubone Ground | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Tentacruel View Cubone builds →Earthquake 2x77-92% Mud-Slap 2x18-23% | ||
Onix RockGround | C | |
Geodude RockGround | C | |
Pachirisu Electric | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Tentacruel View Pachirisu builds →Thunderbolt 2x39-48% Volt Switch 2x34-41% Shock Wave 2x27-34% Charge Beam 2x27-34% | ||
Phanpy Ground | D | |
Cubone Ground | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Tentacruel View Cubone builds →Earthquake 2x68-82% Mud-Slap 2x16-20% | ||
Graveler RockGround | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Tentacruel View Graveler builds →Earthquake 2x102-121%KO Bulldoze 2x63-74% | ||
Onix RockGround | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Tentacruel View Onix builds →Earthquake 2x60-71% Bulldoze 2x36-43% Sand Tomb 2x23-28% | ||
Gible DragonGround | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Tentacruel View Gible builds →Earthquake 2x81-96% Bulldoze 2x49-59% Sand Tomb 2x31-37% | ||
Phanpy Ground | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Tentacruel View Phanpy builds →Earthquake 2x73-87% Bulldoze 2x44-53% | ||
Cubone Ground | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Tentacruel View Cubone builds →Earthquake 2x65-77% Stomping Tantrum 2x49-59% Bulldoze 2x39-46% Bone Rush 2x18-22% | ||
Quagsire WaterGround | C | |
Obtain MethodGreat Marsh Surfing Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Tentacruel View Quagsire builds →Earthquake 2x94-111%KO Dig 2x75-90% Bulldoze 2x58-68% Mud Shot 2x29-34% | ||
Graveler RockGround | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Tentacruel View Graveler builds →Earthquake 2x102-121%KO Dig 2x84-99% Bulldoze 2x63-74% | ||
Onix RockGround | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Tentacruel View Onix builds →Earthquake 2x60-71% Dig 2x49-59% Bulldoze 2x36-43% Sand Tomb 2x23-28% | ||
Gible DragonGround | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Tentacruel View Gible builds →Earthquake 2x81-96% Dig 2x65-77% Bulldoze 2x49-59% Sand Tomb 2x31-37% | ||
Phanpy Ground | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Tentacruel View Phanpy builds →Earthquake 2x73-87% Bulldoze 2x44-53% | ||
Quagsire WaterGround | C | |
Obtain MethodGreat Marsh Surfing Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Tentacruel View Quagsire builds →Earthquake 2x91-108%KO Dig 2x74-87% Bulldoze 2x55-66% Mud Shot 2x26-32% | ||
Graveler RockGround | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Tentacruel View Graveler builds →Earthquake 2x100-118%KO Dig 2x80-95% Bulldoze 2x62-74% | ||
Onix RockGround | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Tentacruel View Onix builds →Earthquake 2x58-68% Dig 2x46-55% Bulldoze 2x35-42% Sand Tomb 2x22-26% | ||
Gible DragonGround | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Tentacruel View Gible builds →Earthquake 2x80-95% Dig 2x64-76% Bulldoze 2x49-58% Sand Tomb 2x29-34% | ||
Phanpy Ground | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Tentacruel View Phanpy builds →Earthquake 2x71-84% Bulldoze 2x45-53% | ||
Gastrodon WaterGround | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Tentacruel View Gastrodon builds →Earthquake 2x89-105%KO Earth Power 2x54-63% Dig 2x70-83% Bulldoze 2x54-63% | ||
Quagsire WaterGround | C | |
Obtain MethodGreat Marsh Surfing Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Tentacruel View Quagsire builds →Earthquake 2x91-107%KO Dig 2x72-85% Bulldoze 2x55-66% Mud Shot 2x27-32% | ||
Graveler RockGround | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Tentacruel View Graveler builds →Earthquake 2x99-117%KO Dig 2x78-93% Bulldoze 2x59-71% | ||
Onix RockGround | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Tentacruel View Onix builds →Earthquake 2x58-68% Dig 2x47-56% Bulldoze 2x35-41% Sand Tomb 2x23-27% | ||
Gible DragonGround | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Tentacruel View Gible builds →Earthquake 2x78-93% Dig 2x62-73% Bulldoze 2x47-56% Sand Tomb 2x28-34% | ||
Gastrodon WaterGround | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Tentacruel View Gastrodon builds →Earthquake 2x86-102%KO Earth Power 2x54-64% Dig 2x69-82% Bulldoze 2x54-64% | ||
Quagsire WaterGround | C | |
Obtain MethodGreat Marsh Surfing Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Tentacruel View Quagsire builds →Earthquake 2x89-105%KO Dig 2x71-84% Bulldoze 2x54-64% Mud Shot 2x27-32% | ||
Steelix SteelGround | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Tentacruel View Steelix builds →Earthquake 2x89-105%KO Dig 2x71-84% Thunder Fang 2x39-45% Bulldoze 2x54-64% | ||
Graveler RockGround | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Tentacruel View Graveler builds →Earthquake 2x96-114%KO Dig 2x77-91% Bulldoze 2x60-70% | ||
Gible DragonGround | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Tentacruel View Gible builds →Earthquake 2x77-91% Dig 2x61-73% Bulldoze 2x46-55% Sand Tomb 2x29-34% | ||
Gastrodon WaterGround | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Tentacruel View Gastrodon builds →Earthquake 2x86-102%KO Earth Power 2x54-64% Dig 2x69-82% Bulldoze 2x54-64% | ||
Quagsire WaterGround | C | |
Obtain MethodGreat Marsh Surfing Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Tentacruel View Quagsire builds →Earthquake 2x89-105%KO Dig 2x71-84% Bulldoze 2x54-64% Mud Shot 2x27-32% | ||
Steelix SteelGround | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Tentacruel View Steelix builds →Earthquake 2x89-105%KO Dig 2x71-84% Thunder Fang 2x39-45% Bulldoze 2x54-64% | ||
Graveler RockGround | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Tentacruel View Graveler builds →Earthquake 2x96-114%KO Dig 2x77-91% Bulldoze 2x60-70% | ||
Gible DragonGround | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Tentacruel View Gible builds →Earthquake 2x77-91% Dig 2x61-73% Bulldoze 2x46-55% Sand Tomb 2x29-34% | ||
In Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, Lunatone's Psychic hits Tentacruel for 62-73%. Raikou's Thunderbolt hits Tentacruel for 64-76%.
Lunatone RockPsychic | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityLevitate ItemPower Herb NatureModest Moves
Damage vs Tentacruel View Lunatone builds →Ice Beam10-12% Moonblast11-13% Psychic 2x62-73% | ||
Raikou Electric | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityInnerfocus ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Tentacruel View Raikou builds →Thunderbolt 2x64-76% Scald9-11% Volt Switch 2x50-60% | ||
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl 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 21 partners from the Water3 egg group. Notable egg moves include Acupressure, Aqua Ring, Aurora Beam and 7 more.
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl Tentacruel Best Moveset
Timid nature gives Tentacruel the fast special lean it needs to trade hits effectively. Black Sludge adds Poison-type passive recovery, spread EVs split the difference, and the remaining moves punishes anything trying to wall it.
Best Build
Tentacruel best EVs are HP and Speed
Hazard Setter Moveset
- Rapid Spin
- Scald
- Knock Off
- Toxic Spikes
Recommended Teammates
Doubles Hazard Setter Moveset
- Sludge Bomb
- Hydro Pump
- Double Edge
- Toxic Spikes
Recommended Teammates
Moves
Don't skip the egg moves. Tentacruel picks up Acupressure and Aqua Ring only through breeding, and both fill gaps the natural movepool can't. STAB runs through Hydro Pump and Sludge Wave while coverage across 7 types adds range.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
How to Get Tentacruel in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl
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 Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl
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 CityBrilliant DiamondSurfing on water Lv.20-30 City60%MidCanalave CityShining PearlSurfing on water Lv.20-30 City60%MidFuego IronworksShining PearlSurfing on water Lv.20-30 Power-plant60%MidFuego IronworksBrilliant DiamondSurfing on water Lv.20-30 Power-plant60%MidIron Island - OutsideShining PearlSurfing on water Lv.20-30 Water60%MidIron Island - OutsideBrilliant DiamondSurfing on water Lv.20-30 Water60%MidPastoria CityShining PearlSurfing on water Lv.20-30 City60%MidPastoria CityBrilliant DiamondSurfing on water Lv.20-30 City60%MidRoute 205 - SouthBrilliant DiamondSurfing on water Lv.20-30 Route60%MidRoute 205 - SouthShining PearlSurfing on water Lv.20-30 Route60%MidRoute 213Brilliant DiamondSurfing on water Lv.20-30 Route60%MidRoute 213Shining PearlSurfing on water Lv.20-30 Route60%MidRoute 218Brilliant DiamondSurfing on water Lv.20-30 Route60%MidRoute 218Shining PearlSurfing on water Lv.20-30 Route60%MidRoute 219Brilliant DiamondSurfing on water Lv.20-30 Route60%MidRoute 219Shining PearlSurfing on water Lv.20-30 Route60%MidRoute 220Brilliant DiamondSurfing on water Lv.20-30 Route60%MidRoute 220Shining PearlSurfing on water Lv.20-30 Route60%MidRoute 221Shining PearlSurfing on water Lv.20-30 Route60%MidRoute 221Brilliant DiamondSurfing on water Lv.20-30 Route60%MidRoute 222Shining PearlSurfing on water Lv.20-30 Route60%MidRoute 222Brilliant DiamondSurfing on water Lv.20-30 Route60%MidValley WindworksShining PearlSurfing on water Lv.20-30 Power-plant60%MidValley WindworksBrilliant DiamondSurfing on water Lv.20-30 Power-plant60%MidBogsunk CavernBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.42-46 SwampLateRequires Icicle BadgeBogsunk CavernShining PearlGrass Lv.42-46 SwampLateRequires Icicle BadgeFountainspring CaveShining PearlGrass Lv.42-46 CaveLateRequires Icicle BadgeFountainspring CaveBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.42-46 CaveLateRequires Icicle BadgeRiverbank CaveBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.42-46 CaveLateRequires Icicle BadgeRiverbank CaveShining PearlGrass Lv.42-46 CaveLateRequires Icicle BadgeStill-Water CavernShining PearlGrass Lv.42-46 CaveLateRequires Icicle BadgeStill-Water CavernBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.42-46 CaveLateRequires Icicle BadgeSwampy CaveShining PearlGrass Lv.42-46 SwampLateRequires Icicle BadgeSwampy CaveBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.42-46 SwampLateRequires Icicle Badge
Step 2Tentacruel ✓Canalave CityBrilliant DiamondSurfing on water Lv.20-40 City5%MidCanalave CityShining PearlSurfing on water Lv.20-40 City5%MidFuego IronworksShining PearlSurfing on water Lv.20-40 Power-plant5%MidFuego IronworksBrilliant DiamondSurfing on water Lv.20-40 Power-plant5%MidIron Island - OutsideShining PearlSurfing on water Lv.20-40 Water5%MidIron Island - OutsideBrilliant DiamondSurfing on water Lv.20-40 Water5%MidPastoria CityShining PearlSurfing on water Lv.20-40 City5%MidPastoria CityBrilliant DiamondSurfing on water Lv.20-40 City5%MidRoute 205 - SouthShining PearlSurfing on water Lv.20-40 Route5%MidRoute 205 - SouthBrilliant DiamondSurfing on water Lv.20-40 Route5%MidRoute 213Shining PearlSurfing on water Lv.20-40 Route5%MidRoute 213Brilliant DiamondSurfing on water Lv.20-40 Route5%MidRoute 218Shining PearlSurfing on water Lv.20-40 Route5%MidRoute 218Brilliant DiamondSurfing on water Lv.20-40 Route5%MidRoute 219Brilliant DiamondSurfing on water Lv.20-40 Route5%MidRoute 219Shining PearlSurfing on water Lv.20-40 Route5%MidRoute 220Shining PearlSurfing on water Lv.20-40 Route5%MidRoute 220Brilliant DiamondSurfing on water Lv.20-40 Route5%MidRoute 221Shining PearlSurfing on water Lv.20-40 Route5%MidRoute 221Brilliant DiamondSurfing on water Lv.20-40 Route5%MidRoute 222Shining PearlSurfing on water Lv.20-40 Route5%MidRoute 222Brilliant DiamondSurfing on water Lv.20-40 Route5%MidValley WindworksBrilliant DiamondSurfing on water Lv.20-40 Power-plant5%MidValley WindworksShining PearlSurfing on water Lv.20-40 Power-plant5%MidRoute 223Shining PearlSurfing on water Lv.35-45 Route60%LateRoute 223Brilliant DiamondSurfing on water Lv.35-45 Route60%LateSunyshore CityShining PearlSurfing on water Lv.35-45 City60%LateSunyshore CityBrilliant DiamondSurfing on water Lv.35-45 City60%LatePokémon LeagueShining PearlSurfing on water Lv.35-4535%LatePokémon LeagueBrilliant DiamondSurfing on water Lv.35-4535%LateRoute 224Shining PearlSurfing on water Lv.40-55 Route35%LateRoute 224Brilliant DiamondSurfing on water Lv.40-55 Route35%LateBogsunk CavernBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.42-46 SwampLateRequires Icicle BadgeBogsunk CavernShining PearlGrass Lv.42-46 SwampLateRequires Icicle BadgeFountainspring CaveShining PearlGrass Lv.42-46 CaveLateRequires Icicle BadgeFountainspring CaveBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.42-46 CaveLateRequires Icicle BadgeRiverbank CaveShining PearlGrass Lv.42-46 CaveLateRequires Icicle BadgeRiverbank CaveBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.42-46 CaveLateRequires Icicle BadgeStill-Water CavernShining PearlGrass Lv.42-46 CaveLateRequires Icicle BadgeStill-Water CavernBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.42-46 CaveLateRequires Icicle BadgeSwampy CaveBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.42-46 SwampLateRequires Icicle BadgeSwampy CaveShining PearlGrass Lv.42-46 SwampLateRequires Icicle BadgeRoute 226Shining PearlSurfing on water Lv.40-55 Route5%LateRoute 226Brilliant DiamondSurfing on water Lv.40-55 Route5%LateRoute 230Shining PearlSurfing on water Lv.40-55 Route5%LateRoute 230Brilliant DiamondSurfing on water Lv.40-55 Route5%Lateor evolve from Tentacool (Step 1)
Tentacruel Guide
For Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, we rate Tentacruel B-Tier: a solid option in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl for the right team. At 515 BST, it fits the pivot role. Rapid Spin with Black Sludge is the standard set.
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 special attacker with base 80 Sp. Atk. Defensively? Enough bulk to take a hit or two. Best used as a pivot.
In Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, run Rapid Spin, Scald, Knock Off, and Toxic Spikes on Tentacruel. Rapid Spin is the most common pick at 24% usage. Scald 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 1Y
Yellow - Gen 1RBDebut

Red & Blue - Gen 2GS

Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS

Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3FRLG

FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS

HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 4DP

Diamond & Pearl - Gen 5BW

Black & White - Gen 5B2W2

Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY

X & Y - Gen 6ORAS

Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7USUM

Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7SM

Sun & Moon - Gen 7LGPE

Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwSh

Sword & Shield - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 8BDSP

Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 9SV

Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW

Winds & Waves
