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.
It fires off ultrasonic waves from its red orbs to weaken its prey, and then it wraps them up in its 80 tentacles.
It communicates with others of its kind by lighting up the red orbs on its head. When the orbs are blinking, it’s a warning sign.
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 8 more.
Timid nature gives Tentacruel the fast special lean it needs to trade hits effectively. Black Sludge adds Poison-type passive recovery, flexible EVs EVs split the difference, and utility options punishes anything trying to wall it.
Best Build
Best Tentacruel Moveset
- Scald
- Rapid Spin
- Sludge Bomb
- Haze
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 8 types adds range.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Transfer Moves
Tentacruel starts showing up in mid-game water routes at high spawn rates across 8 encounter spots. The list below is sorted so you can pick what fits your current progress without scrolling through everything.
Where To Catch Tentacruel in Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon
Tentacool is your first catch on the way to Tentacruel. You'll find surfing encounters from Lv. 14-44 across 24 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch TentacoolEASYBrooklet Hill - Totem's DenUltra MoonSurfing on waterLv.14-1740%EarlyEASYBrooklet Hill - Totem's DenUltra SunSurfing on waterLv.14-1740%EarlyEASYHau'oli City - BeachfrontUltra MoonSurfing on waterLv.15-1840%EarlyCityEASYHau'oli City - BeachfrontUltra SunSurfing on waterLv.15-1840%EarlyCityEASYKala'e BayUltra MoonSurfing on waterLv.15-1840%EarlyWaterEASYKala'e BayUltra SunSurfing on waterLv.15-1840%EarlyWaterEASYMelemele SeaUltra MoonSurfing on waterLv.15-1840%EarlyWaterEASYMelemele SeaUltra SunSurfing on waterLv.15-1840%EarlyWaterEFFORTLESSHano BeachUltra SunSurfing on waterLv.22-25100%MidWaterShaking spotEFFORTLESSHano BeachUltra MoonSurfing on waterLv.22-25100%MidWaterShaking spotEASYRoute 7Ultra MoonSurfing on waterLv.16-1930%MidRouteEASYRoute 7Ultra SunSurfing on waterLv.16-1930%MidRouteEASYHano BeachUltra MoonSurfing on waterLv.22-2530%MidWaterEASYHano BeachUltra SunSurfing on waterLv.22-2530%MidWaterHano BeachUltra SunSurfing on waterLv.22-25MidWaterNightSOS from FinneonHano BeachUltra MoonSurfing on waterLv.22-25MidWaterNightSOS from Finneon
Step 2Tentacruel ✓EASYRoute 14Ultra SunSurfing on waterLv.30-3330%MidRouteEASYRoute 14Ultra MoonSurfing on waterLv.30-3330%MidRouteEASYRoute 15Ultra SunSurfing on waterLv.32-3540%LateRouteEASYRoute 15Ultra MoonSurfing on waterLv.32-3540%LateRouteEASYAncient Poni PathUltra MoonSurfing on waterLv.41-4430%LateRouteEASYAncient Poni PathUltra SunSurfing on waterLv.41-4430%LateRouteEASYPoni Breaker CoastUltra MoonSurfing on waterLv.41-4430%LateWaterEASYPoni Breaker CoastUltra SunSurfing on waterLv.41-4430%LateWateror 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