Whirlipede sits in the middle of its evolution line — stronger than Venipede but not yet at full power. Most trainers push through to Scolipede as fast as possible. Known as the Curlipede Pokemon. Flexible enough to run physical or special sets.
Bulk defines Whirlipede's stat line. Defense and Sp. Def anchor the defensive side, but HP can't keep up offensively. Common in the wild and worth 2 Defense EVs.
This Pokémon spins itself rapidly and charges into its opponents. Its top speed is just over 60 mph.
Whirlipede protects itself with a sturdy shell and poisonous spikes while it stores up the energy it’ll need for evolution.
Whirlipede Weakness
AvgWhirlipede is weak to Fire, Flying, Psychic, and Rock-type moves. 5 resistances help offset the weaknesses. Standard number of weaknesses for the Bug/Poison typing.
Partway through Venipede's chain. Whirlipede still has another evolution ahead before reaching Scolipede. For breeding, quick to hatch with a decent partner pool via one egg group. Defense has grown the most so far (+40), but there's still another 125 stats to gain in the final evolution.
How to Evolve
Breed with Whirlipede to get Venipede eggs easily using 47 partners from the Bug egg group. Notable egg moves include Bite, Fury Cutter.
Eviolite makes Whirlipede bulkier than you'd expect from something that still evolves. Max Sp. Atk and Speed EVs with Modest nature handle the stat profile. Utility options keeps it from being passive.
Best Build
Best Whirlipede Moveset
- Solar Beam
- Venoshock
- Toxic
- Protect
Recommended Teammates
Leveling does the heavy lifting. Whirlipede picks up Take Down and Double-Edge along the way, building toward a complete offensive set. TMs add Rock and Normal coverage and more, but the foundation's already strong by then.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Whirlipede doesn't appear wild. Catch Venipede instead, it shows up at solid rates. Evolve it at level 22 to get Whirlipede. The 2-stage line is mapped in the step cards below.
How to Obtain Whirlipede in Sword & Shield
Venipede is your first catch on the way to Whirlipede. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 10-18 across 36 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch VenipedeEFFORTLESSForest of FocusSwordOverworldLv.10-1556%EarlyForestSnowingEFFORTLESSForest of FocusShieldOverworldLv.10-1556%EarlyForestNormal WeatherEFFORTLESSForest of FocusShieldOverworldLv.10-1556%EarlyForestSnowstormEFFORTLESSForest of FocusSwordOverworldLv.10-1556%EarlyForestNormal WeatherEFFORTLESSForest of FocusSwordOverworldLv.10-1556%EarlyForestSnowstormEFFORTLESSForest of FocusShieldOverworldLv.10-1556%EarlyForestSnowingEFFORTLESSForest of FocusSwordOverworldLv.10-1546%EarlyForestSandstormEFFORTLESSForest of FocusSwordOverworldLv.10-1546%EarlyForestHeavy FogEFFORTLESSForest of FocusShieldOverworldLv.10-1546%EarlyForestSandstormEFFORTLESSForest of FocusShieldOverworldLv.10-1546%EarlyForestHeavy FogEFFORTLESSForest of FocusShieldOverworldLv.10-1536%EarlyForestOvercastEFFORTLESSForest of FocusSwordOverworldLv.10-1536%EarlyForestRainingEFFORTLESSForest of FocusSwordOverworldLv.10-1536%EarlyForestOvercastEFFORTLESSForest of FocusShieldOverworldLv.10-1536%EarlyForestThunderstormEFFORTLESSForest of FocusShieldOverworldLv.10-1536%EarlyForestIntense SunEFFORTLESSForest of FocusSwordOverworldLv.10-1536%EarlyForestThunderstormEFFORTLESSForest of FocusShieldOverworldLv.10-1536%EarlyForestRainingEFFORTLESSForest of FocusSwordOverworldLv.10-1536%EarlyForestIntense SunEFFORTLESSForest of FocusShieldGrassLv.13-1830%EarlyForestNormal WeatherEFFORTLESSForest of FocusSwordGrassLv.13-1830%EarlyForestRainingEFFORTLESSForest of FocusShieldGrassLv.13-1830%EarlyForestSnowstormEFFORTLESSForest of FocusSwordGrassLv.13-1830%EarlyForestHeavy FogEFFORTLESSForest of FocusSwordGrassLv.13-1830%EarlyForestOvercastEFFORTLESSForest of FocusSwordGrassLv.13-1830%EarlyForestNormal WeatherEFFORTLESSForest of FocusShieldGrassLv.13-1830%EarlyForestThunderstormEFFORTLESSForest of FocusSwordGrassLv.13-1830%EarlyForestSnowstormEFFORTLESSForest of FocusShieldGrassLv.13-1830%EarlyForestIntense SunEFFORTLESSForest of FocusShieldGrassLv.13-1830%EarlyForestSnowingEFFORTLESSForest of FocusShieldGrassLv.13-1830%EarlyForestSandstormEFFORTLESSForest of FocusSwordGrassLv.13-1830%EarlyForestThunderstormEFFORTLESSForest of FocusShieldGrassLv.13-1830%EarlyForestRainingEFFORTLESSForest of FocusSwordGrassLv.13-1830%EarlyForestIntense SunEFFORTLESSForest of FocusShieldGrassLv.13-1830%EarlyForestHeavy FogEFFORTLESSForest of FocusSwordGrassLv.13-1830%EarlyForestSnowingEFFORTLESSForest of FocusShieldGrassLv.13-1830%EarlyForestOvercastEFFORTLESSForest of FocusSwordGrassLv.13-1830%EarlyForestSandstorm
Step 2Whirlipede ✓
Whirlipede is meant to evolve into Scolipede. At 360 BST, the stats aren't there for competitive play yet. Pre-evolution Pokemon rarely hold up against fully evolved threats.
Speed Boost is what you want on Whirlipede. Every competitive set worth running is built with that ability in mind. The alternatives (Poison Point, Swarm) work on paper but Speed Boost is what makes Whirlipede worth using.
Base 47 Speed is low. Priority moves or Trick Room are the way to go. On offense, Whirlipede is a special attacker with base 40 Sp. Atk. Defensively? Enough bulk to take a hit or two.
Whirlipede appears in 8 games, including Black & White, Black 2 & White 2, and X & Y.
Whirlipede joined the series in Black & White and has been available in 8 titles so far. With 5 generations of appearances, it's established itself despite the later start.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRB
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 VBWDebut
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