Poliwrath: Stats, Moves, Weakness & Evolution

Base stats

HP90165–197290–384

Atk95103–161175–317

Def95103–161175–317

SpA7081–134130–262

SpD9099–156166–306

Spe7081–134130–262

Total510Higher than 75% of Pokémon

Ranges in Pokémon Champions at Lv 50: 0 Stat Points with a −10% Stat Alignment to 32 Stat Points with a +10% one (HP has no alignment).Ranges in the main games at Lv 100: 0 IV/EV with a hindering nature to 31 IV/252 EV with a helpful nature. EV yield: 3 Def.

Stat calculatorChampions Stat Points & Stat Alignment, or EVs, IVs & nature

Calculate damage →

Type matchups

WaterFightingshow which type causes itweaknessresistance

Weak to

2×

ElectricFairyFlyingGrassPsychic

Resists

½×

BugDarkFireIceRockSteelWater

Takes normal damage from 6 types

NormalFightingPoisonGroundGhostDragon

With : Water becomes 0×

Speed tiers

The faster Pokémon moves first each turn, so knowing who you outspeed decides a lot of battles. These are its Speed values at Lv 50 in Pokémon Champions (base Speed 70); Scarf and Tailwind use the Max+ value.

Max+134Max122No SP90Min81Scarf201Tailwind268

At max Speed, Poliwrath outspeeds 13 of the 30 most used Pokémon in Champions VGC on Showdown.

Speed at Lv 50 in Pokémon Champions: Poliwrath against the 30 most used Pokémon in Champions VGC on Showdown, fastest first
Speed		Pokémon
203		Mega Garchomp ZModest · 32 SP · #21 on Showdown
200		Mega GengarTimid · 32 SP · #26 on Showdown
190		Mega Raichu YTimid · 23 SP · #13 on Showdown
189		Mega SalamenceTimid · 32 SP · #4 on Showdown
184		WhimsicottTimid · 32 SP · #23 on Showdown
178		Mega MetagrossJolly · 32 SP · #28 on Showdown
178		Mega StaraptorJolly · 32 SP · #29 on Showdown
172		SneaslerAdamant · 32 SP · #2 on Showdown
169		Mega FloetteTimid · 32 SP · #17 on Showdown
169		GarchompJolly · 32 SP · #19 on Showdown
167		Mega Charizard YTimid · 32 SP · #14 on Showdown
167		Mega GardevoirTimid · 32 SP · #20 on Showdown
161		IndeedeeTimid · 32 SP · #30 on Showdown
156		Hisuian ArcanineJolly · 32 SP · #16 on Showdown
150		ArchaludonTimid · 32 SP · #9 on Showdown
149		GholdengoTimid · 32 SP · #8 on Showdown
143		BasculegionJolly · 32 SP · #6 on Showdown
134		Poliwrath · Max+32 SP, Speed-raising alignment
128		PelipperTimid · 32 SP · #12 on Showdown
122		Poliwrath · Max32 SP, neutral alignment
120		VolcaronaBold · 0 SP · #25 on Showdown
105		RillaboomAdamant · 0 SP · #1 on Showdown
101		MiloticCalm · 0 SP · #15 on Showdown
95		SylveonModest · 15 SP · #18 on Showdown
94		Female IndeedeeRelaxed · 0 SP · #7 on Showdown
90		Poliwrath · No SP0 SP, neutral alignment
90		PolitoedCalm · 0 SP · #22 on Showdown
90		SinistchaBold · 0 SP · #24 on Showdown
85		ArmarougeQuiet · 0 SP · #27 on Showdown
80		IncineroarCareful · 0 SP · #3 on Showdown
80		FarigirafBold · 0 SP · #11 on Showdown
70		KingambitAdamant · 0 SP · #5 on Showdown
60		Mega GolisopodAdamant · 0 SP · #10 on Showdown

Smogon · Showdown Others at their most common Speed investment in Champions VGC (Reg M-C · Doubles, Sep 2026); Pokémon holding a Mega Stone are shown as their Mega.

Abilities

This Pokémon heals 1/4 of its max HP when hit by Water moves; Water .
Everything about Water Absorb →
Other Pokémon with Water Absorb 26
Poliwag Poliwhirl Lapras Vaporeon Chinchou Lanturn Politoed Wooper Quagsire Mantine Cacnea Cacturne Mantyke Tympole Palpitoad Seismitoad Maractus Frillish Jellicent Volcanion Dewpider Araquanid Dracovish Arctovish Clodsire Wellspring Mask Ogerpon
Prevents Explosion/Mind Blown/Misty Explosion/Self-Destruct/Aftermath while active.
Everything about Damp →
Other Pokémon with Damp 19
Paras Parasect Psyduck Golduck Poliwag Poliwhirl Horsea Seadra Politoed Wooper Quagsire Kingdra Mudkip Marshtomp Swampert Frillish Jellicent Tadbulb Bellibolt
If is active, this Pokémon's Speed is doubled.
Everything about Swift Swim →
Other Pokémon with Swift Swim 44
Psyduck Golduck Poliwag Poliwhirl Horsea Goldeen Seaking Magikarp Omanyte Omastar Kabuto Kabutops Qwilfish Mantine Kingdra Mega Swampert Lotad Lombre Ludicolo Surskit Anorith Armaldo Feebas Huntail Gorebyss Relicanth Luvdisc Buizel Floatzel Finneon Lumineon Mantyke Tympole Palpitoad Seismitoad Tirtouga Carracosta Beartic Chewtle Drednaw Arrokuda Barraskewda Basculegion Overqwil

Competitive

Smogon · Showdown On Showdown

Sep 2026

Other Showdown formats Scarlet & Violet, with Tera

SV SinglesZUSV Doubles(DUU)National DexRU

0.2% of teams · rank #152 · Singles · 1630 weighting · 33,671 battles · Sep 2026

Most common build

Item: Sitrus Berry
Ability
Nature: Adamant
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Tera Type: Dark

Each part is the most used on its own, so not every team runs this exact set.

Usage by rating

All games0.2%
1500 weighting0.2%
1630 weighting0.2%
1760 weighting<0.1%

Usage by month

Oct 20250.2%

Moves

Items

Abilities

98.6%
1.4%

EV spreads

Adamant 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe95.3%
Adamant 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe3.7%
Adamant 248 HP / 252 Atk / 8 Spe0.5%
Jolly 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe0.4%
Quiet 248 HP / 8 Atk / 252 SpA0.1%

Tera types

Dark50.1%
Electric41.2%
Ground3.8%
Water3.0%

Common teammates

Evolution

#0060PoliwagWater
1. Level 25
  #0061PoliwhirlWater
  1. Use Water Stone
    #0062PoliwrathWaterFighting
  2. Trade holding King’s Rock
    #0186PolitoedWater

Moves

Level up 4


Evo	Dynamic Punch100% chance to confuse the target.	Fighting	Phys	100	50%	5
1	Body Slam30% chance to paralyze the target.	Normal	Phys	85	100%	15
1	Bubble Beam10% chance to lower the target's Speed by 1.	Water	Spec	65	100%	20
1	HypnosisCauses the target to fall asleep.	Psychic	Status	—	60%	20

TM / HM / TR 64


TM01	Take DownHas 1/4 recoil.	Normal	Phys	90	85%	20
TM05	Mud-Slap100% chance to lower the target's accuracy by 1.	Ground	Spec	20	100%	10
TM06	Scary FaceLowers the target's Speed by 2.	Normal	Status	—	100%	10
TM07	ProtectPrevents moves from affecting the user this turn.	Normal	Status	—	—	10
TM11	Water Pulse20% chance to confuse the target.	Water	Spec	60	100%	20
TM12	Low KickMore power the heavier the target.	Fighting	Phys	—	100%	20
TM18	ThiefIf the user has no item, it steals the target's.	Dark	Phys	60	100%	25
TM22	Chilling Water100% chance to lower the target's Attack by 1.	Water	Spec	50	100%	20
TM25	FacadePower doubles if user is burn/poison/paralyzed.	Normal	Phys	70	100%	20
TM28	Bulldoze100% chance lower adjacent Pkmn Speed by 1.	Ground	Phys	60	100%	20
TM32	SwiftThis move does not check accuracy. Hits foes.	Normal	Spec	60	—	20
TM34	Icy Wind100% chance to lower the foe(s) Speed by 1.	Ice	Spec	55	95%	15
TM35	Mud Shot100% chance to lower the target's Speed by 1.	Ground	Spec	55	95%	15
TM36	Rock Tomb100% chance to lower the target's Speed by 1.	Rock	Phys	60	95%	15
TM39	Low Sweep100% chance to lower the target's Speed by 1.	Fighting	Phys	65	100%	20
TM43	FlingFlings the user's item at the target. Power varies.	Dark	Phys	—	100%	10
TM47	EndureUser survives attacks this turn with at least 1 HP.	Normal	Status	—	—	10
TM50	Rain DanceFor 5 turns, heavy rain powers Water moves.	Water	Status	—	—	5
TM55	DigDigs underground turn 1, strikes turn 2.	Ground	Phys	80	100%	10
TM58	Brick BreakDestroys screens, unless the target is immune.	Fighting	Phys	75	100%	15
TM64	Bulk UpRaises the user's Attack and Defense by 1.	Fighting	Status	—	—	20
TM66	Body Slam30% chance to paralyze the target.	Normal	Phys	85	100%	15
TM69	Ice Punch10% chance to freeze the target.	Ice	Phys	75	100%	15
TM70	Sleep TalkUser must be asleep. Uses another known move.	Normal	Status	—	—	10
TM73	Drain PunchUser recovers 50% of the damage dealt.	Fighting	Phys	75	100%	10
TM77	Waterfall20% chance to make the target flinch.	Water	Phys	80	100%	15
TM80	MetronomePicks a random move.	Normal	Status	—	—	10
TM83	Poison Jab30% chance to poison the target.	Poison	Phys	80	100%	20
TM85	RestUser sleeps 2 turns and restores HP and status.	Psychic	Status	—	—	5
TM86	Rock Slide30% chance to make the foe(s) flinch.	Rock	Phys	75	90%	10
TM87	TauntTarget can't use status moves its next 3 turns.	Dark	Status	—	100%	20
TM103	SubstituteUser takes 1/4 its max HP to put in a substitute.	Normal	Status	—	—	10
TM110	Liquidation20% chance to lower the target's Defense by 1.	Water	Phys	85	100%	10
TM120	Psychic10% chance to lower the target's Sp. Def by 1.	Psychic	Spec	90	100%	10
TM122	EncoreTarget repeats its last move for its next 3 turns.	Normal	Status	—	100%	5
TM123	SurfHits adjacent Pokémon. Double damage on Dive.	Water	Spec	90	100%	15
TM128	AmnesiaRaises the user's Sp. Def by 2.	Psychic	Status	—	—	20
TM130	Helping HandOne adjacent ally's move power is 1.5× this turn.	Normal	Status	—	—	20
TM132	Baton PassUser switches, passing stat changes and more.	Normal	Status	—	—	40
TM133	Earth Power10% chance to lower the target's Sp. Def by 1.	Ground	Spec	90	100%	10
TM134	ReversalMore power the less HP the user has left.	Fighting	Phys	—	100%	15
TM135	Ice Beam10% chance to freeze the target.	Ice	Spec	90	100%	10
TM142	Hydro PumpNo additional effect.	Water	Spec	110	80%	5
TM143	Blizzard10% chance to freeze foe(s). Can't miss in Snow.	Ice	Spec	110	70%	5
TM149	EarthquakeHits adjacent Pokémon. Double damage on Dig.	Ground	Phys	100	100%	10
TM152	Giga ImpactUser cannot move next turn.	Normal	Phys	150	90%	5
TM158	Focus Blast10% chance to lower the target's Sp. Def by 1.	Fighting	Spec	120	70%	5
TM163	Hyper BeamUser cannot move next turn.	Normal	Spec	150	90%	5
TM167	Close CombatLowers the user's Defense and Sp. Def by 1.	Fighting	Phys	120	100%	5
TM171	Tera BlastIf Terastallized: Phys. if Atk > SpA, type = Tera.	Normal	Spec	80	100%	10
TM174	HazeEliminates all stat changes.	Ice	Status	—	—	30
TM181	Knock Off1.5× damage if foe holds an item. Removes item.	Dark	Phys	65	100%	20
TM184	Vacuum WaveUsually goes first.	Fighting	Spec	40	100%	30
TM186	High HorsepowerNo additional effect.	Ground	Phys	95	95%	10
TM192	Focus PunchFails if the user takes damage before it hits.	Fighting	Phys	150	100%	20
TM193	Weather BallPower doubles and type varies in each weather.	Normal	Spec	50	100%	10
TM203	Psych UpCopies the target's current stat stages.	Normal	Status	—	—	10
TM204	Double-EdgeHas 33% recoil.	Normal	Phys	120	100%	15
TM205	EndeavorLowers the target's HP to the user's HP.	Normal	Phys	—	100%	5
TM208	WhirlpoolTraps and damages the target for 4-5 turns.	Water	Spec	35	85%	15
TM209	Muddy Water30% chance to lower the foe(s) accuracy by 1.	Water	Spec	90	85%	10
TM213	CoachingRaises an ally's Attack and Defense by 1.	Fighting	Status	—	—	10
TM221	Throat ChopFor 2 turns, the target cannot use sound moves.	Dark	Phys	80	100%	15
TM229	Upper Hand100% flinch. Fails unless target using priority attack.	Fighting	Phys	65	100%	15

Egg moves 14


Egg	Belly DrumUser loses 50% max HP. Maximizes Attack.	Normal	Status	—	—	10
Egg	Circle ThrowForces the target to switch to a random ally.	Fighting	Phys	60	90%	10
Egg	Double-EdgeHas 33% recoil.	Normal	Phys	120	100%	15
Egg	Earth Power10% chance to lower the target's Sp. Def by 1.	Ground	Spec	90	100%	10
Egg	EndeavorLowers the target's HP to the user's HP.	Normal	Phys	—	100%	5
Egg	Hydro PumpNo additional effect.	Water	Spec	110	80%	5
Egg	MistFor 5 turns, protects user's party from stat drops.	Ice	Status	—	—	30
Egg	Mud Shot100% chance to lower the target's Speed by 1.	Ground	Spec	55	95%	15
Egg	Muddy Water30% chance to lower the foe(s) accuracy by 1.	Water	Spec	90	85%	10
Egg	PoundNo additional effect.	Normal	Phys	40	100%	35
Egg	Rain DanceFor 5 turns, heavy rain powers Water moves.	Water	Status	—	—	5
Egg	SplashNo competitive use.	Normal	Status	—	—	40
Egg	Water GunNo additional effect.	Water	Spec	40	100%	25
Egg	Water Pulse20% chance to confuse the target.	Water	Spec	60	100%	20

Biology

A skilled swimmer, it can outswim professional athletes with ease, and children imitate its movements to learn to swim. It is also skilled in martial arts, and strong enough to punch boulders into dust. Despite being adapted to life in water, it chooses to live on dry land.

Adapted from Wikipedia: List of generation I Pokémon · CC BY-SA 4.0 · edited.

Polls & views

Official vote, Japan#485 of 720 in the 2016 Pokémon General Election 720 (Japan), tiedOfficial results, via Cinematoday

Each line is one source, as it published it. Polls counted every form under its species.

Pokédex entries

: Tadpole Pokémon
: Kanto · Red & Green (JP)
Color: Blue

: Water's Edge
Pal Park area: Pond

Kanto#062Original Johto#074Updated Johto#074Mountain Kalos#035Original Alola#151Original Akala#078Original Ula’ula#070Updated Alola#184Updated Akala#085Updated Ula’ula#076Let’s Go Kanto#062Isle of Armor#144Kitakami#041

Poliwrath is skilled at both swimming and martial arts. It uses its well-trained arms to dish out powerful punches.
Shield
Its body is solid muscle. When swimming through cold seas, Poliwrath uses its impressive arms to smash through drift ice and plow forward.
Sword
Swims powerfully using all the muscles in its body. It can even overtake world-class swimmers.
Let’s Go, Pikachu! · Let’s Go, Eevee!
The muscles it has developed through swimming are thick and powerful. When it lands a square punch, it can turn huge boulders to dust.
Ultra Moon
It’s quite a gifted swimmer, even among Water-type Pokémon, but it normally spends its time on land.
Ultra Sun
Its percentage of body fat is nearly zero. Its body is entirely muscle, which makes it heavy and forces its swimming prowess to develop.
Moon
Poliwrath in the Alola region are strong swimmers that use the breaststroke. Many children learn to swim by imitating Poliwrath.
Sun
Poliwrath’s highly developed, brawny muscles never grow fatigued, however much it exercises. It is so tirelessly strong, this Pokémon can swim back and forth across the ocean without effort.
Omega Ruby · Alpha Sapphire
With its extremely tough muscles, it can keep swimming in the Pacific Ocean without resting.
Diamond · Pearl · Platinum · Black · White · Black 2 · White 2 · X
A swimmer adept at both the front crawl and breaststroke. Easily overtakes the best human swimmers.
LeafGreen · Y
An adept swimmer, it knows the front crawl, butterfly, and more. It is faster than the best human swimmers.
FireRed
Its highly developed muscles never grow fatigued, however much it exercises. This Pokémon can swim back and forth across the Pacific Ocean without effort.
Emerald
POLIWRATH’s highly developed, brawny muscles never grow fatigued, however much it exercises. It is so tirelessly strong, this Pokémon can swim back and forth across the Pacific Ocean without effort.
Ruby · Sapphire
It can use its well-developed arms and legs to run on the surface of the water for a split second.
Crystal
Although an energetic, skilled swimmer that uses all of its muscles, it lives on dry land.
Silver · SoulSilver
This strong and skilled swimmer is even capable of crossing the Pacific Ocean just by kicking.
Gold · HeartGold
Swims powerfully using all the muscles in its body. It can even overtake champion swimmers.
Yellow
An adept swimmer at both the front crawl and breast stroke. Easily overtakes the best human swimmers.
Red · Blue

Names around the world

English: Poliwrath
Japanese: ニョロボン
Japanese (romaji): Nyorobon
Korean: 강챙이
Chinese (Traditional): 蚊香泳士
Chinese (Simplified): 蚊香泳士
French: Tartard
German: Quappo
Spanish: Poliwrath
Italian: Poliwrath

Sprites

Artwork and 3D models

Gen IX · Gen VIII · Gen VII · Gen VI

Generation V

Generation IV

Generation III

Generation II

Generation I

Training

: 3 Def
: 45 ≈5.9% with a Poké Ball at full HP
: 70
: 230
: Medium Slow

Breeding

: Water 1
: ♂ 50%♀ 50%
: 20 egg cycles ≈5,355 steps (Gen IV–VII)

Where to find

Evolves from Poliwhirl: Use Water Stone.

Shield: The Crown Tundra 1 area

Max LairCapture during a Dynamax Adventure. · Lv 65

Shield: The Isle of Armor 4 areas

Brawlers' CaveSpecial overworld spawn in a fixed location. · Lv 36–60
Courageous Cavern (Max Den E)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 45–60
Fields of Honor (Max Den G)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 45–60
Soothing Wetlands (Max Den I)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 45–60

Sword: The Crown Tundra 1 area

Max LairCapture during a Dynamax Adventure. · Lv 65

Sword: The Isle of Armor 4 areas

Brawlers' CaveSpecial overworld spawn in a fixed location. · Lv 36–60
Courageous Cavern (Max Den E)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 45–60
Fields of Honor (Max Den G)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 45–60
Soothing Wetlands (Max Den I)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 45–60

Let’s Go, Eevee! 2 areas

Cerulean Cave (1F)Surfing in the overworld · Lv 51–56
Cerulean Cave (B1F)Surfing in the overworld · Lv 51–56

Let’s Go, Pikachu! 2 areas

Cerulean Cave (1F)Surfing in the overworld · Lv 51–56
Cerulean Cave (B1F)Surfing in the overworld · Lv 51–56

Ultra Moon 1 area

Malie GardenSOS Battle · Lv 25–28

Ultra Sun 1 area

Malie GardenSOS Battle · Lv 25–28

Moon 1 area

Malie GardenSOS Battle · Lv 24–27

Sun 1 area

Malie GardenSOS Battle · Lv 24–27

Y 1 area

Victory Road (unknown area 328)Fishing with a Super Rod · Lv 60

X 1 area

Victory Road (unknown area 328)Fishing with a Super Rod · Lv 60

White 2 8 areas

Clay TunnelFishing in dark spots · Lv 60
Giant ChasmFishing in dark spots · Lv 50–70
Relic Tunnel (Relic Castle entrance)Fishing in dark spots · Lv 50–70
Road 23Fishing in dark spots · Lv 50–70
Victory Road 2 (unknown area 71)Fishing in dark spots · Lv 50–60
Victory Road 2 (unknown area 75)Fishing in dark spots · Lv 50–70
Victory Road 2 (unknown area 78)Fishing in dark spots · Lv 50–70
Wellspring CaveFishing in dark spots · Lv 60

Black 2 8 areas

Clay TunnelFishing in dark spots · Lv 60
Giant ChasmFishing in dark spots · Lv 50–70
Relic Tunnel (Relic Castle entrance)Fishing in dark spots · Lv 50–70
Road 23Fishing in dark spots · Lv 50–70
Victory Road 2 (unknown area 71)Fishing in dark spots · Lv 50–60
Victory Road 2 (unknown area 75)Fishing in dark spots · Lv 50–70
Victory Road 2 (unknown area 78)Fishing in dark spots · Lv 50–70
Wellspring CaveFishing in dark spots · Lv 60

XD 1 area

Citadark Isle Dome ExteriorSnagging a Pokemon from a trainer in Pokemon Colosseum or Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness. · Lv 42

White 6 areas

Challengers Cave (B2F)Fishing in dark spots · Lv 45–70
Giant ChasmFishing in dark spots · Lv 45–70
Giant Chasm (forest cave)Fishing in dark spots · Lv 45–70
Victory Road (unknown area 53)Fishing in dark spots · Lv 45–70
Victory Road (unknown area 58)Fishing in dark spots · Lv 45–70
Wellspring CaveFishing in dark spots · Lv 35–60

Black 6 areas

Challengers Cave (B2F)Fishing in dark spots · Lv 45–70
Giant ChasmFishing in dark spots · Lv 45–70
Giant Chasm (forest cave)Fishing in dark spots · Lv 45–70
Victory Road (unknown area 53)Fishing in dark spots · Lv 45–70
Victory Road (unknown area 58)Fishing in dark spots · Lv 45–70
Wellspring CaveFishing in dark spots · Lv 35–60

Locations cover Red & Blue to Sword & Shield (with its DLC) and Let’s Go. We don’t have them yet for Legends: Arceus, Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, Scarlet & Violet and Legends: Z-A.