As a Water/Poison-type, Tentacruel fills a straightforward role. Only weak to Electric, Ground, and Psychic. Known as the Jellyfish Pokémon. Known as the Jellyfish Pokemon. Can go either physical or special depending on the set.
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
GoodElectric, Ground, and Psychic-type 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.
Evolved from Tentacool. Tentacruel is the final form in this two-stage line. No compatible partners 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.
How to Evolve
Breed with Tentacruel to get Tentacool eggs easily from the Water3 egg group. Notable egg moves include Acupressure, Aqua Ring, Aurora Beam and 7 more.
Timid nature gives Tentacruel the fast special lean it needs to trade hits effectively. Black Sludge adds Poison-type passive recovery, a spread EV build EVs split the difference, and the remaining moves punishes anything trying to wall it.
Best Build
Best Tentacruel Moveset
- Rapid Spin
- Scald
- Knock Off
- Toxic Spikes
Recommended Teammates
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
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 TentacoolEFFORTLESSCanalave CityBrilliant DiamondSurfing on waterLv.20-3060%MidCityEFFORTLESSCanalave CityShining PearlSurfing on waterLv.20-3060%MidCityEFFORTLESSFuego IronworksShining PearlSurfing on waterLv.20-3060%MidPower-plantEFFORTLESSFuego IronworksBrilliant DiamondSurfing on waterLv.20-3060%MidPower-plantEFFORTLESSIron Island - OutsideShining PearlSurfing on waterLv.20-3060%MidWaterEFFORTLESSIron Island - OutsideBrilliant DiamondSurfing on waterLv.20-3060%MidWaterEFFORTLESSPastoria CityShining PearlSurfing on waterLv.20-3060%MidCityEFFORTLESSPastoria CityBrilliant DiamondSurfing on waterLv.20-3060%MidCityEFFORTLESSRoute 205 - SouthBrilliant DiamondSurfing on waterLv.20-3060%MidRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 205 - SouthShining PearlSurfing on waterLv.20-3060%MidRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 213Brilliant DiamondSurfing on waterLv.20-3060%MidRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 213Shining PearlSurfing on waterLv.20-3060%MidRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 218Brilliant DiamondSurfing on waterLv.20-3060%MidRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 218Shining PearlSurfing on waterLv.20-3060%MidRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 219Brilliant DiamondSurfing on waterLv.20-3060%MidRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 219Shining PearlSurfing on waterLv.20-3060%MidRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 220Brilliant DiamondSurfing on waterLv.20-3060%MidRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 220Shining PearlSurfing on waterLv.20-3060%MidRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 221Shining PearlSurfing on waterLv.20-3060%MidRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 221Brilliant DiamondSurfing on waterLv.20-3060%MidRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 222Shining PearlSurfing on waterLv.20-3060%MidRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 222Brilliant DiamondSurfing on waterLv.20-3060%MidRouteEFFORTLESSValley WindworksShining PearlSurfing on waterLv.20-3060%MidPower-plantEFFORTLESSValley WindworksBrilliant DiamondSurfing on waterLv.20-3060%MidPower-plantBogsunk CavernBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.42-46LateSwampRequires Icicle BadgeBogsunk CavernShining PearlGrassLv.42-46LateSwampRequires Icicle BadgeFountainspring CaveShining PearlGrassLv.42-46LateCaveRequires Icicle BadgeFountainspring CaveBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.42-46LateCaveRequires Icicle BadgeRiverbank CaveBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.42-46LateCaveRequires Icicle BadgeRiverbank CaveShining PearlGrassLv.42-46LateCaveRequires Icicle BadgeStill-Water CavernShining PearlGrassLv.42-46LateCaveRequires Icicle BadgeStill-Water CavernBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.42-46LateCaveRequires Icicle BadgeSwampy CaveShining PearlGrassLv.42-46LateSwampRequires Icicle BadgeSwampy CaveBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.42-46LateSwampRequires Icicle Badge
Step 2Tentacruel ✓HARDCanalave CityBrilliant DiamondSurfing on waterLv.20-405%MidCityHARDCanalave CityShining PearlSurfing on waterLv.20-405%MidCityHARDFuego IronworksShining PearlSurfing on waterLv.20-405%MidPower-plantHARDFuego IronworksBrilliant DiamondSurfing on waterLv.20-405%MidPower-plantHARDIron Island - OutsideShining PearlSurfing on waterLv.20-405%MidWaterHARDIron Island - OutsideBrilliant DiamondSurfing on waterLv.20-405%MidWaterHARDPastoria CityShining PearlSurfing on waterLv.20-405%MidCityHARDPastoria CityBrilliant DiamondSurfing on waterLv.20-405%MidCityHARDRoute 205 - SouthShining PearlSurfing on waterLv.20-405%MidRouteHARDRoute 205 - SouthBrilliant DiamondSurfing on waterLv.20-405%MidRouteHARDRoute 213Shining PearlSurfing on waterLv.20-405%MidRouteHARDRoute 213Brilliant DiamondSurfing on waterLv.20-405%MidRouteHARDRoute 218Shining PearlSurfing on waterLv.20-405%MidRouteHARDRoute 218Brilliant DiamondSurfing on waterLv.20-405%MidRouteHARDRoute 219Brilliant DiamondSurfing on waterLv.20-405%MidRouteHARDRoute 219Shining PearlSurfing on waterLv.20-405%MidRouteHARDRoute 220Shining PearlSurfing on waterLv.20-405%MidRouteHARDRoute 220Brilliant DiamondSurfing on waterLv.20-405%MidRouteHARDRoute 221Shining PearlSurfing on waterLv.20-405%MidRouteHARDRoute 221Brilliant DiamondSurfing on waterLv.20-405%MidRouteHARDRoute 222Shining PearlSurfing on waterLv.20-405%MidRouteHARDRoute 222Brilliant DiamondSurfing on waterLv.20-405%MidRouteHARDValley WindworksBrilliant DiamondSurfing on waterLv.20-405%MidPower-plantHARDValley WindworksShining PearlSurfing on waterLv.20-405%MidPower-plantEFFORTLESSRoute 223Shining PearlSurfing on waterLv.35-4560%LateRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 223Brilliant DiamondSurfing on waterLv.35-4560%LateRouteEFFORTLESSSunyshore CityShining PearlSurfing on waterLv.35-4560%LateCityEFFORTLESSSunyshore CityBrilliant DiamondSurfing on waterLv.35-4560%LateCityEASYPokémon LeagueShining PearlSurfing on waterLv.35-4535%LateEASYPokémon LeagueBrilliant DiamondSurfing on waterLv.35-4535%LateEASYRoute 224Shining PearlSurfing on waterLv.40-5535%LateRouteEASYRoute 224Brilliant DiamondSurfing on waterLv.40-5535%LateRouteBogsunk CavernBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.42-46LateSwampRequires Icicle BadgeBogsunk CavernShining PearlGrassLv.42-46LateSwampRequires Icicle BadgeFountainspring CaveShining PearlGrassLv.42-46LateCaveRequires Icicle BadgeFountainspring CaveBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.42-46LateCaveRequires Icicle BadgeRiverbank CaveShining PearlGrassLv.42-46LateCaveRequires Icicle BadgeRiverbank CaveBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.42-46LateCaveRequires Icicle BadgeStill-Water CavernShining PearlGrassLv.42-46LateCaveRequires Icicle BadgeStill-Water CavernBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.42-46LateCaveRequires Icicle BadgeSwampy CaveBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.42-46LateSwampRequires Icicle BadgeSwampy CaveShining PearlGrassLv.42-46LateSwampRequires Icicle BadgeHARDRoute 226Shining PearlSurfing on waterLv.40-555%LateRouteHARDRoute 226Brilliant DiamondSurfing on waterLv.40-555%LateRouteHARDRoute 230Shining PearlSurfing on waterLv.40-555%LateRouteHARDRoute 230Brilliant DiamondSurfing on waterLv.40-555%LateRouteor evolve from Tentacool (Step 1)
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.
Tentacool evolves into Tentacruel at level 30. Tentacruel is the fully evolved form. At 515 BST, it's got solid stats to work with.
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 leaning toward the special side (base 80 Sp. Atk). Defensively? Enough bulk to take a hit or two. Best used as a pivot.
Tentacruel appears in 21 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
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.
- 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