For Sword & Shield, we rate Tentacruel B-Tier: a solid option in Sword & Shield for the right team. At 515 BST, it fits the pivot role. Rapid Spin with Black Sludge is the standard set.

What is Tentacruel weak to?

In Sword & Shield, watch for Raikou (Electric), Golem (Ground), and Starmie (Psychic) when using Tentacruel. They all hit it super-effectively with STAB.

What is the best ability for Tentacruel?

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.

What role does Tentacruel play in battle?

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.

What are the best moves for Tentacruel?

In Sword & Shield, 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.

Tentacruel - Weakness, Evolution, Moveset, EVs & Stats

Special

Pivot

BTier

100Speed · Fast

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.

Base Stats

High

HP80

Attack70

Defense65

Sp. Atk80

Sp. Def120

Speed100

Total515

Details

Catch Rate

Challenging60 / 255

Growth Rate

Slow1.25M XP

Height1.6 m

Weight55.0 kg

Base XP180

Abilities

Clear BodyNiche

Prevents stats from being lowered by other Pokémon.

Liquid OozeTop Pick

Damages opponents using leeching moves for as much as they would heal.

Rain DishHA

Heals for 1/16 max HP after each turn during rain.

EV Yield

HPAtkDefSpASpD+2Spe

Special Defense training target

Pokedex Entries

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 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.

Tentacruel Weakness and Resistance Chart
Damage	Types
2x (Weak)	Electric, Ground, Psychic
0.5x (Resist)	Fire, Water, Ice, Fighting, Poison, Bug, Steel, Fairy

Type ChartGood

3Weak

8Resist

0Immune

Score+2

4xCritical

None

2xWeak

Electric Ground Psychic

½xResist

Fire Water Ice Fighting Poison Bug Steel Fairy

¼xResist

None

0xImmune

None

STAB (5)

Fire Ground Rock Grass Fairy

How to Beat Tentacruel in Sword & Shield (Best Counters)

Hippowdon Ground	A
Available Moves Moves EarthquakeLv. 44 DigTM15 Stomping TantrumTM98 Thunder FangLv. 1 Damage vs Tentacruel Earthquake 2x 114-135%KO Dig 2x 92-109%KO Stomping Tantrum 2x 85-101%KO Thunder Fang 2x 50-59% View Hippowdon builds →
Gastrodon WaterGround	B
Available Moves Moves Earth PowerLv. 39 DigTM15 Stomping TantrumTM98 BulldozeTM81 Damage vs Tentacruel Earth Power 2x 54-64% Dig 2x 72-85% Stomping Tantrum 2x 68-81% Bulldoze 2x 54-64% View Gastrodon builds →
Flygon GroundDragon	C
Available Moves Moves EarthquakeLv. 44 Earth PowerLv. 38 DigTM15 BulldozeTM81 Damage vs Tentacruel Earthquake 2x 103-121%KO Earth Power 2x 48-56% Dig 2x 83-99% Bulldoze 2x 63-74% View Flygon builds →
Seismitoad WaterGround	C
Available Moves Moves DigTM15 Stomping TantrumTM98 BulldozeTM81 Mud ShotTM53 Damage vs Tentacruel Dig 2x 80-95% Stomping Tantrum 2x 75-89% Bulldoze 2x 61-72% Mud Shot 2x 32-38% View Seismitoad builds →
Quagsire WaterGround	C
Available Moves Moves DigTM15 Stomping TantrumTM98 BulldozeTM81 Mud ShotTM53 Damage vs Tentacruel Dig 2x 73-87% Stomping Tantrum 2x 68-81% Bulldoze 2x 56-66% Mud Shot 2x 27-32% View Quagsire builds →

Sword & Shield 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

2 Forms

#072Tentacool

Level 30

#073Tentacruel

Stat Comparison 2 Stages

Tentacool

WaterPoison

Tentacruel

WaterPoison

80+40

ATK

70+30

DEF

65+30

SP.ATK

80+30

SP.DEF

100

120+20

SPE

100+30

BST

335C-Tier

515B-Tier+180

ROLE

Balanced

Pivot

TYPE

Utility

Mixed

Breeding

Very Easy

Breed with Tentacruel to get Tentacool eggs easily using 32 partners from the Water3 egg group. Notable egg moves include Acupressure, Aqua Ring, Aurora Beam and 6 more.

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)

Sword & Shield 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

Experimental

Ability

Liquid Ooze

Item

Black SludgeSUSTAIN

Best Nature for Tentacruel

Timid+SPE

Tentacruel best EVs are HP and Speed

EVs

Def

Spe

Hazard Setter Moveset

Rapid Spin
ScaldSTAB
Knock Off
Toxic SpikesSTAB

Recommended Teammates

SwampertDecent

TogekissDecent

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

Lv 1

Acid

—4010030Poison

Lv 1

Poison Sting

—1510035Poison

Lv 1

Reflect Type

———15Normal

Lv 1

Water Gun

—4010025Water

Lv 1

Wrap

—159020Normal

Lv 12

Supersonic

D—5520Normal

Lv 16

Water Pulse

C6010020Water

Lv 20

Screech

D—8540Normal

Lv 24

Bubble Beam

C6510020Water

Lv 28

Hex

A6510010Ghost

Lv 34

Acid Armor

D——20Poison

Lv 40

Poison Jab

C8010020Poison

Lv 46

Surf

C9010015Water

Lv 52

Sludge Wave

C9510010Poison

Lv 58

Hydro Pump

S110805Water

TM Moves

TM31

Attract

C—10015Normal

TR06

Blizzard

C110705Ice

TM55

Brine

C6510010Water

TM97

Brutal Swing

D6010020Dark

TM73

Cross Poison

C7010020Poison

TR92

Dazzling Gleam

A8010010Fairy

TM45

Dive

C8010010Water

TR26

Endure+4

C——10Normal

TM39

Facade

D7010020Normal

TM28

Giga Drain

A7510010Grass

TM09

Giga Impact

C150905Normal

TM35

Hail

C——10Ice

TM77

Hex

A6510010Ghost

TR03

Hydro Pump

S110805Water

TM08

Hyper Beam

C150905Normal

TR05

Ice Beam

C9010010Ice

TM27

Icy Wind

D559515Ice

TR45

Muddy Water

C908510Water

TM57

Payback

D5010010Dark

TR57

Poison Jab

C8010020Poison

TM25

Protect+4

C——10Normal

TM33

Rain Dance

C——5Water

TM21

Rest

C——10Psychic

TM76

Round

D6010015Normal

TM19

Safeguard

C——25Normal

TR84

Scald

S8010015Water

TM16

Screech

D—8540Normal

TR27

Sleep Talk

C——10Normal

TR22

Sludge Bomb

S9010010Poison

TR78

Sludge Wave

C9510010Poison

TM24

Snore

—5010015Normal

TR20

Substitute

C——10Normal

TR04

Surf

C9010015Water

Swords Dance

C——20Normal

TM23

Thief

D6010025Dark

TR54

Toxic Spikes

A——20Poison

TR91

Venom Drench

——10020Poison

TM74

Venoshock

C6510010Poison

TR16

Waterfall

C8010015Water

TM36

Whirlpool

D358515Water

Egg Moves

Egg

Acupressure

———30Normal

Egg

Aqua Ring

D——20Water

Egg

Aurora Beam

D6510020Ice

Egg

Confuse Ray

D—10010Ghost

Egg

Haze

C——30Ice

Egg

Knock Off

S6510020Dark

Egg

Mirror Coat-5

D—10020Psychic

Egg

Rapid Spin

S5010040Normal

Egg

Tickle

D—10020Normal

Tutor Moves

Tut

Tutor

Corrosive Gas

D—10040Poison

How to Get Tentacruel in Sword & Shield

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 Sword & Shield

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 Tentacool
Honeycalm Sea
ShieldGrass Lv.43-48 Water
100%Late
All Weather
Honeycalm Sea
SwordGrass Lv.43-48 Water
100%Late
All Weather
Courageous Cavern
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Cave
60%Late
All Weather
Courageous Cavern
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Cave
60%Late
All Weather
Challenge Beach - Ocean
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
50%Late
Normal Weather
Challenge Beach - Ocean
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
50%Late
Normal Weather
Challenge Beach - Ocean
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
50%Late
Snowstorm
Challenge Beach - Ocean
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
50%Late
Snowstorm
Challenge Beach - Ocean
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
50%Late
Intense Sun
Challenge Beach - Ocean
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
50%Late
Intense Sun
Challenge Beach - Ocean
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
50%Late
Snowing
Challenge Beach - Ocean
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
50%Late
Snowing
Challenge Beach - Ocean
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
50%Late
Sandstorm
Challenge Beach - Ocean
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
50%Late
Sandstorm
Fields of Honor
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45
50%Late
Intense Sun
Fields of Honor
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45
50%Late
Intense Sun
Loop Lagoon
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45
45%Late
Snowing
Loop Lagoon
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45
45%Late
Snowing
Loop Lagoon
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45
45%Late
Sandstorm
Loop Lagoon
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45
45%Late
Sandstorm
Loop Lagoon
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45
45%Late
Normal Weather
Loop Lagoon
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45
45%Late
Normal Weather
Loop Lagoon
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45
45%Late
Snowstorm
Loop Lagoon
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45
45%Late
Snowstorm
Challenge Beach - Ocean
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
35%Late
Thunderstorm
Challenge Beach - Ocean
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
35%Late
Thunderstorm
Challenge Beach - Ocean
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
35%Late
Raining
Challenge Beach - Ocean
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
35%Late
Raining
Challenge Beach - Ocean
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
35%Late
Heavy Fog
Challenge Beach - Ocean
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
35%Late
Heavy Fog
Challenge Beach - Ocean
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
35%Late
Overcast
Challenge Beach - Ocean
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
35%Late
Overcast
Fields of Honor
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45
35%Late
Overcast
Fields of Honor
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45
35%Late
Normal Weather
Fields of Honor
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45
35%Late
Normal Weather
Fields of Honor
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45
35%Late
Snowstorm
Fields of Honor
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45
35%Late
Snowstorm
Fields of Honor
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45
35%Late
Thunderstorm
Fields of Honor
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45
35%Late
Thunderstorm
Fields of Honor
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45
35%Late
Snowing
Fields of Honor
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45
35%Late
Snowing
Fields of Honor
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45
35%Late
Sandstorm
Fields of Honor
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45
35%Late
Sandstorm
Fields of Honor
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45
35%Late
Raining
Fields of Honor
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45
35%Late
Raining
Fields of Honor
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45
35%Late
Heavy Fog
Fields of Honor
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45
35%Late
Heavy Fog
Fields of Honor
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45
35%Late
Overcast
Loop Lagoon
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45
30%Late
Thunderstorm
Loop Lagoon
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45
30%Late
Intense Sun
Loop Lagoon
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45
30%Late
Intense Sun
Loop Lagoon
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45
30%Late
Raining
Loop Lagoon
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45
30%Late
Raining
Loop Lagoon
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45
30%Late
Heavy Fog
Loop Lagoon
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45
30%Late
Heavy Fog
Loop Lagoon
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45
30%Late
Overcast
Loop Lagoon
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45
30%Late
Overcast
Loop Lagoon
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45
30%Late
Thunderstorm
Honeycalm Island
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Raining
Honeycalm Island
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Normal Weather
Honeycalm Island
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Normal Weather
Honeycalm Island
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Snowstorm
Honeycalm Island
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Snowstorm
Honeycalm Island
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Intense Sun
Honeycalm Island
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Intense Sun
Honeycalm Island
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Snowing
Honeycalm Island
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Snowing
Honeycalm Island
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Sandstorm
Honeycalm Island
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Sandstorm
Honeycalm Island
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Raining
Honeycalm Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Raining
Honeycalm Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Raining
Honeycalm Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Normal Weather
Honeycalm Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Normal Weather
Honeycalm Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Snowstorm
Honeycalm Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Snowstorm
Honeycalm Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Intense Sun
Honeycalm Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Intense Sun
Honeycalm Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Snowing
Honeycalm Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Snowing
Honeycalm Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Sandstorm
Honeycalm Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Sandstorm
Insular Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Snowing
Insular Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Sandstorm
Insular Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Sandstorm
Insular Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Raining
Insular Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Raining
Insular Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Normal Weather
Insular Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Normal Weather
Insular Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Snowstorm
Insular Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Snowstorm
Insular Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Intense Sun
Insular Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Intense Sun
Insular Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Snowing
Stepping-Stone Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Intense Sun
Stepping-Stone Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Intense Sun
Stepping-Stone Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Snowing
Stepping-Stone Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Snowing
Stepping-Stone Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Sandstorm
Stepping-Stone Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Sandstorm
Stepping-Stone Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Raining
Stepping-Stone Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Raining
Stepping-Stone Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Normal Weather
Stepping-Stone Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Normal Weather
Stepping-Stone Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Snowstorm
Stepping-Stone Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Snowstorm
Workout Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Snowstorm
Workout Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Snowstorm
Workout Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Intense Sun
Workout Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Intense Sun
Workout Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Snowing
Workout Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Snowing
Workout Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Sandstorm
Workout Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Sandstorm
Workout Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Raining
Workout Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Raining
Workout Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Normal Weather
Workout Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
28%Late
Normal Weather
Honeycalm Island
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
27%Late
Heavy Fog
Honeycalm Island
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
27%Late
Heavy Fog
Honeycalm Island
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
27%Late
Overcast
Honeycalm Island
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
27%Late
Overcast
Honeycalm Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
27%Late
Heavy Fog
Honeycalm Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
27%Late
Heavy Fog
Honeycalm Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
27%Late
Overcast
Honeycalm Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
27%Late
Overcast
Insular Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
27%Late
Heavy Fog
Insular Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
27%Late
Heavy Fog
Insular Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
27%Late
Overcast
Insular Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
27%Late
Overcast
Stepping-Stone Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
27%Late
Heavy Fog
Stepping-Stone Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
27%Late
Heavy Fog
Stepping-Stone Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
27%Late
Overcast
Stepping-Stone Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
27%Late
Overcast
Workout Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
27%Late
Heavy Fog
Workout Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
27%Late
Heavy Fog
Workout Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
27%Late
Overcast
Workout Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
27%Late
Overcast
Honeycalm Island
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
21%Late
Thunderstorm
Honeycalm Island
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
21%Late
Thunderstorm
Honeycalm Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
21%Late
Thunderstorm
Honeycalm Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
21%Late
Thunderstorm
Insular Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
21%Late
Thunderstorm
Insular Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
21%Late
Thunderstorm
Stepping-Stone Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
21%Late
Thunderstorm
Stepping-Stone Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
21%Late
Thunderstorm
Workout Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
21%Late
Thunderstorm
Workout Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
21%Late
Thunderstorm
Train until Level 30
Step 2Tentacruel ✓
Challenge Beach - Ocean
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
15%Late
Overcast
Challenge Beach - Ocean
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
15%Late
Overcast
Fields of Honor
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45
15%Late
Overcast
Fields of Honor
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45
15%Late
Overcast
Honeycalm Island
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
15%Late
Overcast
Honeycalm Island
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
15%Late
Overcast
Honeycalm Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
15%Late
Overcast
Honeycalm Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
15%Late
Overcast
Insular Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
15%Late
Overcast
Insular Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
15%Late
Overcast
Loop Lagoon
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45
15%Late
Overcast
Loop Lagoon
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45
15%Late
Overcast
Stepping-Stone Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
15%Late
Overcast
Stepping-Stone Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
15%Late
Overcast
Workout Sea
ShieldSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
15%Late
Overcast
Workout Sea
SwordSurfing on water Lv.40-45 Water
15%Late
Overcast
or evolve from Tentacool (Step 1)

Tentacruel Guide

For Sword & Shield, we rate Tentacruel B-Tier: a solid option in Sword & Shield for the right team. At 515 BST, it fits the pivot role. Rapid Spin with Black Sludge is the standard set.
In Sword & Shield, watch for Raikou (Electric), Golem (Ground), and Starmie (Psychic) when using Tentacruel. They all hit it super-effectively with STAB.
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 Sword & Shield, 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

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Stunfisk GroundElectric	A
Available Moves Moves Mud ShotLv. 10 Thunder ShockLv. 1 Mud-SlapLv. 1 Damage vs Tentacruel Mud Shot 2x 37-44% Thunder Shock 2x 25-31% Mud-Slap 2x 15-18% View Stunfisk builds →
Diggersby NormalGround	B
Available Moves Moves Mud ShotLv. 12 Mud-SlapLv. 1 Damage vs Tentacruel Mud Shot 2x 25-31% Mud-Slap 2x 15-18% View Diggersby builds →
Wooper WaterGround	C
Available Move Moves Mud ShotLv. 8 Damage vs Tentacruel Mud Shot 2x 18-22% View Wooper builds →
Mudbray Ground	C
Available Moves Moves BulldozeLv. 12 Mud-SlapLv. 1 Damage vs Tentacruel Bulldoze 2x 66-79% Mud-Slap 2x 10-13% View Mudbray builds →
Palpitoad WaterGround	D
Available Move Moves Mud ShotLv. 12 Damage vs Tentacruel Mud Shot 2x 29-35% View Palpitoad builds →

Stunfisk GroundElectric	A
Available Moves Moves Mud ShotTM53 ElectrowebTM82 Thunder ShockLv. 1 Mud-SlapLv. 1 Damage vs Tentacruel Mud Shot 2x 32-38% Electroweb 2x 32-38% Thunder Shock 2x 25-30% Mud-Slap 2x 15-19% View Stunfisk builds →
Diggersby NormalGround	B
Available Moves Moves BulldozeLv. 23 Mud ShotTM53 Sand TombTM49 Mud-SlapLv. 1 Damage vs Tentacruel Bulldoze 2x 42-49% Mud Shot 2x 25-30% Sand Tomb 2x 25-30% Mud-Slap 2x 13-15% View Diggersby builds →
Wooper WaterGround	C
TM Move Moves Mud ShotTM53 Damage vs Tentacruel Mud Shot 2x 19-23% View Wooper builds →
Onix RockGround	C
TM Move Moves Sand TombTM49 Damage vs Tentacruel Sand Tomb 2x 25-30% View Onix builds →
Palpitoad WaterGround	D
TM Move Moves Mud ShotTM53 Damage vs Tentacruel Mud Shot 2x 28-34% View Palpitoad builds →

Stunfisk GroundElectric	A
Available Moves Moves Mud ShotTM53 ElectrowebTM82 Thunder ShockLv. 1 Mud-SlapLv. 1 Damage vs Tentacruel Mud Shot 2x 32-38% Electroweb 2x 32-38% Thunder Shock 2x 25-31% Mud-Slap 2x 14-17% View Stunfisk builds →
Diggersby NormalGround	B
Available Moves Moves BulldozeLv. 23 Mud ShotTM53 Sand TombTM49 Mud-SlapLv. 1 Damage vs Tentacruel Bulldoze 2x 40-48% Mud Shot 2x 23-27% Sand Tomb 2x 25-31% Mud-Slap 2x 11-14% View Diggersby builds →
Wooper WaterGround	C
TM Move Moves Mud ShotTM53 Damage vs Tentacruel Mud Shot 2x 17-20% View Wooper builds →
Onix RockGround	C
TM Move Moves Sand TombTM49 Damage vs Tentacruel Sand Tomb 2x 23-27% View Onix builds →
Palpitoad WaterGround	D
TM Move Moves Mud ShotTM53 Damage vs Tentacruel Mud Shot 2x 28-34% View Palpitoad builds →

Hippowdon Ground	A
Available Moves Moves DigTM15 Thunder FangLv. 1 Mud ShotTM53 Sand TombTM49 Damage vs Tentacruel Dig 2x 91-108%KO Thunder Fang 2x 50-60% Mud Shot 2x 29-34% Sand Tomb 2x 42-50% View Hippowdon builds →
Excadrill GroundSteel	A
Available Moves Moves DigTM15 Mud ShotTM53 Sand TombTM49 Mud-SlapLv. 1 Damage vs Tentacruel Dig 2x 107-126%KO Mud Shot 2x 22-26% Sand Tomb 2x 49-58% Mud-Slap 2x 11-13% View Excadrill builds →
Quagsire WaterGround	C
Available Moves Moves DigTM15 Mud ShotTM53 Damage vs Tentacruel Dig 2x 74-87% Mud Shot 2x 26-32% View Quagsire builds →
Palpitoad WaterGround	D
TM Move Moves Mud ShotTM53 Damage vs Tentacruel Mud Shot 2x 26-32% View Palpitoad builds →
Barboach WaterGround	D
Obtain MethodNorth Lake Miloch Surfing Available Moves Moves EarthquakeLv. 36 Mud ShotTM53 Mud-SlapLv. 1 Damage vs Tentacruel Earthquake 2x 60-71% Mud Shot 2x 22-26% Mud-Slap 2x 11-13% View Barboach builds →

Hippowdon Ground	A
Available Moves Moves DigTM15 Thunder FangLv. 1 Mud ShotTM53 Sand TombTM49 Damage vs Tentacruel Dig 2x 91-108%KO Thunder Fang 2x 49-58% Mud Shot 2x 28-33% Sand Tomb 2x 43-50% View Hippowdon builds →
Excadrill GroundSteel	A
Available Moves Moves DigTM15 Mud ShotTM53 Sand TombTM49 Mud-SlapLv. 1 Damage vs Tentacruel Dig 2x 108-128%KO Mud Shot 2x 23-28% Sand Tomb 2x 48-58% Mud-Slap 2x 10-13% View Excadrill builds →
Quagsire WaterGround	C
Available Moves Moves DigTM15 Mud ShotTM53 Damage vs Tentacruel Dig 2x 74-88% Mud Shot 2x 28-33% View Quagsire builds →
Palpitoad WaterGround	D
TM Move Moves Mud ShotTM53 Damage vs Tentacruel Mud Shot 2x 28-33% View Palpitoad builds →
Barboach WaterGround	D
Obtain MethodNorth Lake Miloch Surfing Available Moves Moves EarthquakeLv. 36 Mud ShotTM53 Mud-SlapLv. 1 Damage vs Tentacruel Earthquake 2x 61-73% Mud Shot 2x 21-25% Mud-Slap 2x 10-13% View Barboach builds →