As a Water-type, Wailord fills a straightforward role. Only weak to Electric and Grass. Known as the Float Whale Pokémon. A competitive option since Gen 3. Relies on priority moves or Scarf to keep up.
Wailord's spread is anchored by HP, with balanced defenses backing it up. Defense is the clear weak point. Worth 2 HP EVs per KO, and the standard growth curve keeps leveling painless.
It’s the biggest of all Pokémon. It can dive to a depth of almost 10,000 feet on only one breath.
Wailord Weakness
GoodElectric and Grass-type moves hit Wailord for super-effective damage. It resists 4 types, giving it decent defensive coverage. With 170 HP and balanced defenses, Wailord can afford to eat a neutral hit or two.
Wailord is the evolved form of Wailmer. Breeding produces Wailmer eggs, and they're takes forever to hatch. Evolving from Wailmer gave Wailord the biggest boost in HP (+40), bringing the total to 500 stats.
How to Evolve
This build takes hits and hits back. Leftovers provides passive recovery each turn, Waterveil supports the gameplan, and max HP and Sp. Atk EVs mean Wailord doesn't crumble to chip damage. Plus the remaining moves backing it up.
Best Build
Best Wailord Moveset
- Water Spout
- Protect
- Scald
- Ice Beam
Recommended Teammates
Wailord develops a solid moveset just through leveling. Hydro Pump and Water Spout show up naturally, and the progression handles both STAB and utility without leaning on TMs for the core attacks.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Don't skip the egg moves. Wailord picks up Aqua Ring and Curse only through breeding, and both fill gaps the natural movepool can't. STAB runs through Water Spout and Hydro Pump while coverage across 9 types adds range.
Coverage runs deep. Wailord can hit 10 types beyond STAB, including Steel and Rock. The offense anchors on Water Spout and Hydro Pump while TMs handle everything else.
Coverage runs deep. Wailord can hit 10 types beyond STAB, including Steel and Rock. The offense anchors on Water Spout and Hydro Pump while TMs handle everything else.
moderate rates across 4 encounter spots for Wailord. That's the kind of hunt where you pick one location and settle in. Sort by Best below to see where the odds are highest.
Where To Catch Wailord in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl
The path to Wailord starts with Wailmer at Lv. 30-55 via fishing encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch WailmerEASYRoute 223Brilliant DiamondSuper RodLv.30-4030%MidRouteEASYRoute 223Shining PearlSuper RodLv.30-4030%MidRouteEASYRoute 230Brilliant DiamondSuper RodLv.30-4030%MidRouteEASYRoute 230Shining PearlSuper RodLv.30-4030%MidRoute
Step 2Wailord ✓EXTREMERoute 223Brilliant DiamondSuper RodLv.35-555%LateRouteEXTREMERoute 223Shining PearlSuper RodLv.35-555%LateRouteEXTREMERoute 230Brilliant DiamondSuper RodLv.35-555%LateRouteEXTREMERoute 230Shining PearlSuper RodLv.35-555%LateRouteor evolve from Wailmer (Step 1)
moderate rates across 2 encounter spots for Wailord. That's the kind of hunt where you pick one location and settle in. Sort by Best below to see where the odds are highest.
Where To Catch Wailord in Sword & Shield
The path to Wailord starts with Wailmer at Lv. 39-65 via surfing, fishing, and more encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch WailmerEFFORTLESSRoute 9 - in Circhester Bay) (SurfingShieldOverworldLv.39-4340%LateRouteAll WeatherEFFORTLESSRoute 9 - in Circhester Bay) (SurfingSwordOverworldLv.39-4340%LateRouteAll WeatherEASYRoute 9 - in Circhester BaySwordSuper RodLv.39-4334%LateRouteEASYRoute 9 - in Circhester BayShieldSuper RodLv.39-4334%LateRouteMODERATEHoneycalm IslandShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4520%LateWaterHeavy FogMODERATEHoneycalm IslandSwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4520%LateWaterIntense SunMODERATEHoneycalm IslandSwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4520%LateWaterSnowingMODERATEHoneycalm IslandShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4520%LateWaterOvercastMODERATEHoneycalm IslandSwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4520%LateWaterSandstormMODERATEHoneycalm IslandShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4520%LateWaterNormal WeatherMODERATEHoneycalm IslandSwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4520%LateWaterRainingMODERATEHoneycalm IslandShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4520%LateWaterSnowstormMODERATEHoneycalm IslandSwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4520%LateWaterHeavy FogMODERATEHoneycalm IslandSwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4520%LateWaterOvercastMODERATEHoneycalm IslandSwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4520%LateWaterNormal WeatherMODERATEHoneycalm IslandShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4520%LateWaterIntense SunMODERATEHoneycalm IslandSwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4520%LateWaterSnowstormMODERATEHoneycalm IslandShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4520%LateWaterSnowingMODERATEHoneycalm IslandShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4520%LateWaterSandstormMODERATEHoneycalm IslandShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4520%LateWaterRainingMODERATEHoneycalm SeaShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4520%LateWaterSandstormMODERATEHoneycalm SeaShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4520%LateWaterRainingMODERATEHoneycalm SeaSwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4520%LateWaterIntense SunMODERATEHoneycalm SeaShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4520%LateWaterHeavy FogMODERATEHoneycalm SeaSwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4520%LateWaterSnowingMODERATEHoneycalm SeaShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4520%LateWaterOvercastMODERATEHoneycalm SeaSwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4520%LateWaterSandstormMODERATEHoneycalm SeaShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4520%LateWaterNormal WeatherMODERATEHoneycalm SeaSwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4520%LateWaterRainingMODERATEHoneycalm SeaShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4520%LateWaterSnowstormMODERATEHoneycalm SeaSwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4520%LateWaterHeavy FogMODERATEHoneycalm SeaSwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4520%LateWaterOvercastMODERATEHoneycalm SeaSwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4520%LateWaterNormal WeatherMODERATEHoneycalm SeaShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4520%LateWaterIntense SunMODERATEHoneycalm SeaSwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4520%LateWaterSnowstormMODERATEHoneycalm SeaShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4520%LateWaterSnowingMODERATEHoneycalm IslandShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4516%LateWaterThunderstormMODERATEHoneycalm IslandSwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4516%LateWaterThunderstormMODERATEHoneycalm SeaSwordSurfing on waterLv.40-4516%LateWaterThunderstormMODERATEHoneycalm SeaShieldSurfing on waterLv.40-4516%LateWaterThunderstormEASYFrigid SeaSwordSurfing on waterLv.60-6545%PostWaterRainingEASYFrigid SeaSwordSurfing on waterLv.60-6545%PostWaterHeavy FogEASYFrigid SeaSwordSurfing on waterLv.60-6545%PostWaterOvercastEASYFrigid SeaSwordSurfing on waterLv.60-6545%PostWaterNormal WeatherEASYFrigid SeaShieldSurfing on waterLv.60-6537%PostWaterNormal WeatherEASYFrigid SeaShieldSurfing on waterLv.60-6537%PostWaterRainingEASYFrigid SeaShieldSurfing on waterLv.60-6537%PostWaterHeavy FogEASYFrigid SeaShieldSurfing on waterLv.60-6537%PostWaterOvercastEASYFrigid SeaSwordSurfing on waterLv.60-6535%PostWaterThunderstormEASYFrigid SeaSwordSurfing on waterLv.60-6529%PostWaterSnowingEASYFrigid SeaSwordSurfing on waterLv.60-6529%PostWaterSnowstormEASYFrigid SeaShieldSurfing on waterLv.60-6527%PostWaterThunderstormEASYFrigid SeaShieldSurfing on waterLv.60-6522%PostWaterSnowstormEASYFrigid SeaShieldSurfing on waterLv.60-6522%PostWaterSnowingMODERATEFrigid SeaShieldSuper RodLv.60-6520%PostWaterMODERATEFrigid SeaSwordSuper RodLv.60-6520%PostWater
Step 2Wailord ✓EXTREMERoute 9 - in Circhester BaySwordSuper RodLv.39-435%LateRouteEXTREMERoute 9 - in Circhester BayShieldSuper RodLv.39-435%LateRouteor evolve from Wailmer (Step 1)
Wailord appears at moderate rates across 14 spots in early-game fishing spots. Sort by Best below if you want the highest rate, or Earliest if you want the quickest access point in your playthrough.
Where To Catch Wailord in Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon
Wailmer is your first catch on the way to Wailord. You'll find fishing and surfing encounters from Lv. 10-49 across 28 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch WailmerEASYAncient Poni PathUltra MoonSuper RodLv.10-4440%EarlyRouteEASYAncient Poni PathUltra SunSuper RodLv.10-4440%EarlyRouteEASYPoni Breaker CoastUltra SunSuper RodLv.10-4440%EarlyWaterEASYPoni Breaker CoastUltra MoonSuper RodLv.10-4440%EarlyWaterEASYSeafolk VillageUltra MoonSuper RodLv.10-4440%EarlyCityEASYSeafolk VillageUltra SunSuper RodLv.10-4440%EarlyCityEASYAncient Poni PathUltra MoonSuper RodLv.10-4930%EarlyRouteShaking spotEASYAncient Poni PathUltra SunSuper RodLv.10-4930%EarlyRouteShaking spotEASYPoni Breaker CoastUltra SunSuper RodLv.10-4930%EarlyWaterShaking spotEASYPoni Breaker CoastUltra MoonSuper RodLv.10-4930%EarlyWaterShaking spotMODERATESeafolk VillageUltra MoonSuper RodLv.10-4925%EarlyCityShaking spotMODERATESeafolk VillageUltra SunSuper RodLv.10-4925%EarlyCityShaking spotEFFORTLESSPoni Breaker CoastUltra SunSurfing on waterLv.41-4470%LateWaterShaking spotEFFORTLESSPoni Breaker CoastUltra MoonSurfing on waterLv.41-4470%LateWaterShaking spot
Step 2Wailord ✓Ancient Poni PathUltra MoonSuper RodLv.10-49EarlyRouteSOS from WailmerAncient Poni PathUltra MoonSuper RodLv.10-44EarlyRouteSOS from WailmerAncient Poni PathUltra SunSuper RodLv.10-49EarlyRouteSOS from WailmerAncient Poni PathUltra SunSuper RodLv.10-44EarlyRouteSOS from WailmerPoni Breaker CoastUltra SunSuper RodLv.10-49EarlyWaterSOS from WailmerPoni Breaker CoastUltra SunSuper RodLv.10-44EarlyWaterSOS from WailmerPoni Breaker CoastUltra MoonSuper RodLv.10-49EarlyWaterSOS from WailmerPoni Breaker CoastUltra MoonSuper RodLv.10-44EarlyWaterSOS from WailmerSeafolk VillageUltra MoonSuper RodLv.10-49EarlyCitySOS from WailmerSeafolk VillageUltra MoonSuper RodLv.10-44EarlyCitySOS from WailmerSeafolk VillageUltra SunSuper RodLv.10-49EarlyCitySOS from WailmerSeafolk VillageUltra SunSuper RodLv.10-44EarlyCitySOS from WailmerCHALLENGINGPoni Breaker CoastUltra SunSurfing on waterLv.41-4410%LateWaterShaking spotCHALLENGINGPoni Breaker CoastUltra MoonSurfing on waterLv.41-4410%LateWaterShaking spotor evolve from Wailmer (Step 1)
moderate rates for Wailord across 14 locations in early-game fishing spots. Nothing complicated. Check the sorted list below, compare the top few options, and head to whichever is closest.
Where To Catch Wailord in Sun & Moon
The path to Wailord starts with Wailmer at Lv. 10-43 via fishing and surfing encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch WailmerEASYPoni Breaker CoastMoonSuper RodLv.10-4340%EarlyWaterShaking spotEASYPoni Breaker CoastSunSuper RodLv.10-4340%EarlyWaterShaking spotEASYPoni WildsSunSuper RodLv.10-4340%EarlyShaking spotEASYPoni WildsMoonSuper RodLv.10-4340%EarlyShaking spotEASYSeafolk VillageMoonSuper RodLv.10-4340%EarlyCityShaking spotEASYSeafolk VillageSunSuper RodLv.10-4340%EarlyCityShaking spotMODERATEPoni Breaker CoastMoonSuper RodLv.10-4320%EarlyWaterMODERATEPoni Breaker CoastSunSuper RodLv.10-4320%EarlyWaterMODERATEPoni WildsSunSuper RodLv.10-4320%EarlyMODERATEPoni WildsMoonSuper RodLv.10-4320%EarlyMODERATESeafolk VillageMoonSuper RodLv.10-4320%EarlyCityMODERATESeafolk VillageSunSuper RodLv.10-4320%EarlyCityEFFORTLESSPoni WildsSunSurfing on waterLv.40-4390%LateShaking spotEFFORTLESSPoni WildsMoonSurfing on waterLv.40-4390%LateShaking spot
Step 2Wailord ✓Poni Breaker CoastMoonSuper RodLv.10-43EarlyWaterSOS from WailmerPoni Breaker CoastMoonSuper RodLv.10-43EarlyWaterSOS from WailmerPoni Breaker CoastSunSuper RodLv.10-43EarlyWaterSOS from WailmerPoni Breaker CoastSunSuper RodLv.10-43EarlyWaterSOS from WailmerPoni WildsSunSuper RodLv.10-43EarlySOS from WailmerPoni WildsSunSuper RodLv.10-43EarlySOS from WailmerPoni WildsMoonSuper RodLv.10-43EarlySOS from WailmerPoni WildsMoonSuper RodLv.10-43EarlySOS from WailmerSeafolk VillageMoonSuper RodLv.10-43EarlyCitySOS from WailmerSeafolk VillageMoonSuper RodLv.10-43EarlyCitySOS from WailmerSeafolk VillageSunSuper RodLv.10-43EarlyCitySOS from WailmerSeafolk VillageSunSuper RodLv.10-43EarlyCitySOS from WailmerCHALLENGINGPoni WildsSunSurfing on waterLv.40-4310%LateShaking spotCHALLENGINGPoni WildsMoonSurfing on waterLv.40-4310%LateShaking spotor evolve from Wailmer (Step 1)
Wailord has a 500 base stat total and ranks as C-Tier — a situational pick that fills a niche. It works best as a balanced. Base 170 HP is where it shines.
Wailmer evolves into Wailord at level 40. Wailord is the fully evolved form. At 500 BST, it's got solid stats to work with.
Water Veil prevents burns — that's the one you want on Wailord. Pressure is the hidden ability. Niche, but it has its uses. Oblivious works too if your team needs something different.
Wailord fills the balanced role. It's a special attacker with base 90 Sp. Atk. At base 60 Speed, it won't be moving first often. And it's enough bulk to take a hit or two.
Wailord appears in 14 games, including Ruby & Sapphire, FireRed & LeafGreen, and Emerald.
Wailord first appeared in Ruby & Sapphire and has been available in 14 games across 7 generations. Obtainable through wild encounters in most titles where it appears.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRB

Red & Blue - Gen IIGS

Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRSDebut

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
