In Black & White, Don't let Politoed's 500 base stat total fool you. Drizzle is what makes it tick. It punches way above its weight class. We rate it B-Tier. Scald with Leftovers is the standard set.

What is Politoed weak to?

In Black & White, Politoed's biggest threats include Jolteon (Electric) and Exeggutor (Grass), all carrying super-effective STAB moves. Only 2 weaknesses means fewer dedicated counters to worry about.

What is the best ability for Politoed?

In Black & White, Run Drizzle on Politoed. It's the ability that defines how you build around it and the main reason it holds a competitive niche. Politoed also gets Water Absorb and Damp, but they don't compare.

What role does Politoed play in battle?

In Black & White, Politoed fills the balanced role. It's a special attacker with base 90 Sp. Atk. Base 70 Speed is workable. Faster than some, slower than many. And it's enough bulk to take a hit or two.

What are the best moves for Politoed?

For Black & White, the core moveset is Scald, Encore, Protect, and Toxic. Scald leads at 19% usage. Scald provides reliable STAB damage.

Politoed - Weakness, Evolution, Moveset, EVs & Stats

Special

Balanced

BTier

70Speed · Below Avg

Stats & Training

Politoed's spread isn't flashy. Sp. Def leads, Speed trails, 3 stats clear the bar. Tough to catch and worth 3 Sp. Def EVs, on a 1.06M XP medium-slow curve.

Base Stats

High

HP90

Attack75

Defense75

Sp. Atk90

Sp. Def100

Speed70

Total500

Details

Catch Rate

Challenging45 / 255

Growth Rate

Medium Slow1.06M XP

Height1.1 m

Weight33.9 kg

Base XP225

Abilities

Water AbsorbRare

Absorbs water moves, healing for 1/4 max HP.

Damp

Prevents self destruct, explosion, and aftermath from working while the Pokémon is in battle.

DrizzleHATop Pick

Summons rain that lasts indefinitely upon entering battle.

Water Absorb grants Water immunity

EV Yield

HPAtkDefSpASpD+3Spe

Strong Special Defense training target

Pokedex Entries

It gathers groups of others as their leader. Its cries make Poliwag obey.

Politoed Weakness

Type-wise, Politoed takes extra damage from Electric and Grass. It resists 4 types, giving it decent defensive coverage. Water Absorb grants an additional Water immunity, reshaping the matchup chart. Politoed's special bulk (base 100 Sp.Def) helps absorb special-type weaknesses, though physical moves exploit the lower Defense.

Politoed Weakness and Resistance Chart
Damage	Types
2x (Weak)	Electric, Grass
0.5x (Resist)	Fire, Water, Ice, Steel

Type ChartGood

2Weak

4Resist

1Immune

Score0

Gen V Type Chart

Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)

4xCritical

None

2xWeak

Electric Grass

½xResist

Fire Water Ice Steel

¼xResist

None

0xImmune

Water

STAB (3)

Fire Ground Rock

How to Beat Politoed in Black & White (Best Counters)

Virizion GrassFighting	C
Obtain MethodPinwheel Forest Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves Solar BeamTM22 Giga DrainLv. 37 Magical LeafLv. 13 Damage vs Politoed Solar Beam 2x 76-90% Giga Drain 2x 50-59% Magical Leaf 2x 39-46% View Virizion builds →
Leavanny BugGrass	C
Available Moves Moves Solar BeamTM22 Leaf BladeLv. 36 Razor LeafLv. 15 Damage vs Politoed Solar Beam 2x 64-76% Leaf Blade 2x 82-97% Razor Leaf 2x 51-61% View Leavanny builds →
Whimsicott Grass	C
Available Moves Moves Solar BeamTM22 Mega DrainLv. 1 Damage vs Politoed Solar Beam 2x 67-80% Mega Drain 2x 24-29% View Whimsicott builds →
Lilligant Grass	C
Available Moves Moves Solar BeamTM22 Mega DrainLv. 1 Damage vs Politoed Solar Beam 2x 91-107%KO Mega Drain 2x 31-38% View Lilligant builds →
Sawsbuck NormalGrass	C
Available Moves Moves Solar BeamTM22 Energy BallLv. 32 Horn LeechLv. 37 Damage vs Politoed Solar Beam 2x 57-67% Energy Ball 2x 43-50% Horn Leech 2x 67-80% View Sawsbuck builds →

Black & White Evolution

Politoed is one of 2 ways Poliwhirl's chain can end. This one takes the trade route, while the siblings go different directions. Breed through Poliwag to get eggs. Poliwrath has 10 more total stats, but Politoed makes up for it with a stronger Sp.Def gain (+60 from Poliwag). View every chain in the Evolution Chart.

How to Evolve

4 Forms

#060Poliwag

Level 25

#061Poliwhirl

#062PoliwrathWater Stone

#186PolitoedTrade + Kings Rock

Stat Comparison 4 Stages

Poliwag

Water

Poliwhirl

Water

Poliwrath

WaterFighting

Politoed

Water

65+25

90+25

ATK

65+15

95+30

75+10

DEF

65+25

95+30

75+10

SP.ATK

50+10

70+20

90+40

SP.DEF

50+10

90+40

100+50

SPE

70-20

BST

300D-Tier

385D-Tier+85

510C-Tier+125

500B-Tier+115

ROLE

Balanced

TYPE

Utility

Physical

Mixed

Breeding

Very Easy

Breed with Politoed to get Poliwag eggs easily using 78 partners from the Water1 egg group. Notable egg moves include Bubble Beam, Encore, Endeavor and 10 more.

Egg Groups

Water1

Gender

♂50.0%♀50.0%

Hatch Time

20 cycles·5,140 steps

Quick~5 min with Flame Body

Egg Moves

13moves

Breed With (best first)

Black & White Politoed Best Moveset

This is a pure walling set. Leftovers provides passive recovery each turn so Politoed sticks around, and the Bold nature reinforces physical wall. The moveset handles sustain while Drizzle does work passively.

Best Build

Highly recommended

Wall

Ability

Drizzle

Item

LeftoversSUSTAIN

Best Nature for Politoed

Bold+DEF

Politoed best EVs are HP and Defense

EVs

Def

SpD

Wall Moveset

ScaldSTAB
EncoreUtility
ProtectFAST +4
ToxicUtility

Recommended Teammates

FerrothornGood

KeldeoDecent

Moves

The egg pool carries weight here. Bubble Beam and Encore aren't available any other way for Politoed, and they meaningfully change what it threatens. Stack those on top of Hydro Pump and Surf for solid options.

Level-Up Moves

Lv 1

Bubble Beam

—6510020Water

Lv 1

Double Slap

—158510Normal

Lv 1

Hypnosis

——6020Psychic

Lv 1

Perish Song

D——5Normal

Lv 27

Swagger

——9015Normal

Lv 37

Bounce

D85855Flying

Lv 48

Hyper Voice

C9010010Normal

TM Moves

TM45

Attract

C—10015Normal

TM14

Blizzard

C120705Ice

TM31

Brick Break

D7510015Fighting

TM78

Bulldoze

D6010020Ground

TM28

Dig

C8010010Ground

HM06

Dive

C8010010Water

TM32

Double Team

———15Normal

TM26

Earthquake

C10010010Ground

TM49

Echoed Voice

—4010015Normal

TM42

Facade

D7010020Normal

TM56

Fling

——10010Dark

TM52

Focus Blast

C120705Fighting

TM21

Frustration

——10020Normal

TM68

Giga Impact

C150905Normal

TM07

Hail

———10Ice

TM10

Hidden Power

—6010015Normal

TM15

Hyper Beam

B150905Normal

TM13

Ice Beam

A9510010Ice

TM66

Payback

D5010010Dark

TM17

Protect+4

A——10Normal

TM29

Psychic

C9010010Psychic

TM18

Rain Dance

C——5Water

TM44

Rest

C——10Psychic

TM27

Return

D—10020Normal

TM94

Rock Smash

D4010015Fighting

TM48

Round

—6010015Normal

TM55

Scald

S8010015Water

HM04

Strength

C8010015Normal

TM90

Substitute

C——10Normal

HM03

Surf

B9510015Water

TM87

Swagger

——9015Normal

TM46

Thief

—6010010Dark

TM06

Toxic

A—9010Poison

HM05

Waterfall

C8010015Water

Egg Moves

Egg

Bubble Beam

—6510020Water

Egg

Encore

A—1005Normal

Egg

Endeavor

D—1005Normal

Egg

Endure+4

D——10Normal

Egg

Haze

C——30Ice

Egg

Ice Ball

—309020Ice

Egg

Mind Reader

———5Normal

Egg

Mist

———30Ice

Egg

Mud Shot

D559515Ground

Egg

Refresh

D——20Normal

Egg

Splash

———40Normal

Egg

Water Pulse

C6010020Water

Egg

Water Sport

———15Water

Tutor Moves

Politoed can't learn any Tutor moves

Reminder Moves

Rem

Belly Drum

D——10Normal

Rem

Body Slam

C8510015Normal

Rem

Bubble

—2010030Water

Rem

Hydro Pump

B120805Water

Rem

Mud Bomb

—658510Ground

Rem

Mud Shot

D559515Ground

Rem

Rain Dance

C——5Water

Rem

Wake-Up Slap

—6010010Fighting

Rem

Water Gun

—4010025Water

Rem

Water Sport

———15Water

Transfer Moves

Gen

Gen 4

Captivate

——10020Normal

Gen 3

Counter-5

D—10020Fighting

Gen 3

Defense Curl

———40Normal

Gen 3

Double-Edge

C12010015Normal

Gen 3

Dynamic Punch

D100505Fighting

Gen 4

Focus Punch-3

C15010020Fighting

Gen 4

Headbutt

D7010015Normal

Gen 3

Mega Kick

—120755Normal

Gen 3

Mega Punch

—808520Normal

Gen 3

Metronome

———10Normal

Gen 3

Mimic

———10Normal

Gen 4

Mud-Slap

D2010010Ground

Gen 4

Natural Gift

——10015Normal

Gen 4

Secret Power

—7010020Normal

Gen 3

Seismic Toss

D—10020Fighting

Gen 4

Whirlpool

D358515Water

How to Get Politoed in Black & White

Politoed's 3-stage chain starts with Poliwag, which appears at solid rates in the locations below. Level through 3 stages while you find a trade partner. Everything except the trade step is solo.

Trade Evolution Required — Requires trading with another player

Where To Catch Politoed in Black & White

Poliwag is your first catch on the way to Politoed. You'll find fishing encounters from Lv. 35-70 across 50 total spots in the chain.

Step 1Catch Poliwag
Giant Chasm - Cave
BlackSuper Rod Lv.35-55 Ice
45%Late
Any
Giant Chasm - Cave
WhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-55 Ice
45%Late
Any
Giant Chasm - Inner Cave
WhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-55 Ice
45%Late
Any
Giant Chasm - Inner Cave
BlackSuper Rod Lv.35-55 Ice
45%Late
Any
Wellspring Cave - 1F
BlackSuper Rod Lv.35-55 Cave
45%Late
Any
Wellspring Cave - 1F
WhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-55 Cave
45%Late
Any
Wellspring Cave - B1F
BlackSuper Rod Lv.35-55 Cave
45%Late
Any
Wellspring Cave - B1F
WhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-55 Cave
45%Late
Any
Challenger's Cave - B2F
BlackSuper Rod Lv.35-55 Cave
CommonLate
Any
Challenger's Cave - B2F
WhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-55 Cave
CommonLate
Any
Route 6
WhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-55 Route
CommonLate
Any
Route 6
BlackSuper Rod Lv.35-55 Route
CommonLate
Any
Victory Road - 1F
BlackSuper Rod Lv.35-55 Cave
CommonLate
Any
Victory Road - 1F
WhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-55 Cave
CommonLate
Any
Victory Road - 3F
BlackSuper Rod Lv.35-55 Cave
CommonLate
Any
Victory Road - 3F
WhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-55 Cave
CommonLate
Any
Train until Level 25
Step 2Catch or Evolve Poliwhirl
Challenger's Cave - B2F
BlackSuper Rod Lv.35-70 Cave
CommonLate
AnyShaking spot
Challenger's Cave - B2F
WhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-70 Cave
CommonLate
AnyShaking spot
Route 6
BlackSuper Rod Lv.35-70 Route
CommonLate
AnyShaking spot
Route 6
WhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-70 Route
CommonLate
AnyShaking spot
Victory Road - 1F
BlackSuper Rod Lv.35-70 Cave
CommonLate
AnyShaking spot
Victory Road - 1F
WhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-70 Cave
CommonLate
AnyShaking spot
Victory Road - 3F
BlackSuper Rod Lv.35-70 Cave
CommonLate
AnyShaking spot
Victory Road - 3F
WhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-70 Cave
CommonLate
AnyShaking spot
Giant Chasm - Cave
WhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-70 Ice
15%Late
AnyShaking spot
Giant Chasm - Cave
WhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-55 Ice
15%Late
Any
Giant Chasm - Cave
BlackSuper Rod Lv.35-70 Ice
15%Late
AnyShaking spot
Giant Chasm - Cave
BlackSuper Rod Lv.35-55 Ice
15%Late
Any
Giant Chasm - Inner Cave
WhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-70 Ice
15%Late
AnyShaking spot
Giant Chasm - Inner Cave
WhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-55 Ice
15%Late
Any
Giant Chasm - Inner Cave
BlackSuper Rod Lv.35-70 Ice
15%Late
AnyShaking spot
Giant Chasm - Inner Cave
BlackSuper Rod Lv.35-55 Ice
15%Late
Any
Wellspring Cave - 1F
WhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-60 Cave
15%Late
AnyShaking spot
Wellspring Cave - 1F
WhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-55 Cave
15%Late
Any
Wellspring Cave - 1F
BlackSuper Rod Lv.35-60 Cave
15%Late
AnyShaking spot
Wellspring Cave - 1F
BlackSuper Rod Lv.35-55 Cave
15%Late
Any
Wellspring Cave - B1F
WhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-60 Cave
15%Late
AnyShaking spot
Wellspring Cave - B1F
WhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-55 Cave
15%Late
Any
Wellspring Cave - B1F
BlackSuper Rod Lv.35-60 Cave
15%Late
AnyShaking spot
Wellspring Cave - B1F
BlackSuper Rod Lv.35-55 Cave
15%Late
Any
Challenger's Cave - B2F
BlackSuper Rod Lv.35-55 Cave
RareLate
Any
Challenger's Cave - B2F
WhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-55 Cave
RareLate
Any
Route 6
WhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-55 Route
RareLate
Any
Route 6
BlackSuper Rod Lv.35-55 Route
RareLate
Any
Victory Road - 1F
BlackSuper Rod Lv.35-55 Cave
RareLate
Any
Victory Road - 1F
WhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-55 Cave
RareLate
Any
Victory Road - 3F
BlackSuper Rod Lv.35-55 Cave
RareLate
Any
Victory Road - 3F
WhiteSuper Rod Lv.35-55 Cave
RareLate
Any
or evolve from Poliwag (Step 1)
Trade + King's Rock
Step 3Politoed ✓
Route 6
WhiteSuper Rod Lv.45-70 Route
RareLate
AnyShaking spot
Route 6
BlackSuper Rod Lv.45-70 Route
RareLate
AnyShaking spot
or evolve from Poliwhirl (Step 2)

Politoed Guide

In Black & White, Don't let Politoed's 500 base stat total fool you. Drizzle is what makes it tick. It punches way above its weight class. We rate it B-Tier. Scald with Leftovers is the standard set.
In Black & White, Politoed's biggest threats include Jolteon (Electric) and Exeggutor (Grass), all carrying super-effective STAB moves. Only 2 weaknesses means fewer dedicated counters to worry about.
In Black & White, Run Drizzle on Politoed. It's the ability that defines how you build around it and the main reason it holds a competitive niche. Politoed also gets Water Absorb and Damp, but they don't compare.
In Black & White, Politoed fills the balanced role. It's a special attacker with base 90 Sp. Atk. Base 70 Speed is workable. Faster than some, slower than many. And it's enough bulk to take a hit or two.
For Black & White, the core moveset is Scald, Encore, Protect, and Toxic. Scald leads at 19% usage. Scald provides reliable STAB damage.

Game Availability

Politoed has been available in 17 games since Gold & Silver, though obtaining it requires a trade evolution. This extra step makes it less common than Pokemon found through standard wild encounters.

Click a game to view version-specific details

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Want to tell us more?

What was most useful?

About:

What could be improved?

About:

Thanks for your feedback

Pansage Grass	D
Obtain MethodDreamyard Gift Available Move Moves Vine WhipLv. 10 Damage vs Politoed Vine Whip 2x 32-40% View Pansage builds →
Snivy Grass	D
Obtain MethodNuvema Town Gift Available Move Moves Vine WhipLv. 7 Damage vs Politoed Vine Whip 2x 28-34% View Snivy builds →

Pansage Grass	D
Obtain MethodDreamyard Gift Available Move Moves Vine WhipLv. 10 Damage vs Politoed Vine Whip 2x 31-38% View Pansage builds →
Snivy Grass	D
Obtain MethodNuvema Town Gift Available Moves Moves Leaf TornadoLv. 16 Vine WhipLv. 7 Damage vs Politoed Leaf Tornado 2x 31-38% Vine Whip 2x 28-33% View Snivy builds →
Blitzle Electric	D
Available Move Moves Shock WaveLv. 11 Damage vs Politoed Shock Wave 2x 31-38% View Blitzle builds →
Lileep RockGrass	D
Obtain MethodNacrene City Gift Upcoming Move Moves Energy BallLv. 50 Learns Energy Ball at Level 50 View Lileep builds →

Virizion GrassFighting	C
Obtain MethodPinwheel Forest Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves Solar BeamTM22 Magical LeafLv. 13 Damage vs Politoed Solar Beam 2x 81-96% Magical Leaf 2x 43-52% View Virizion builds →
Whimsicott Grass	C
Available Moves Moves Solar BeamTM22 Mega DrainLv. 1 Damage vs Politoed Solar Beam 2x 72-85% Mega Drain 2x 27-33% View Whimsicott builds →
Lilligant Grass	C
Available Moves Moves Solar BeamTM22 Mega DrainLv. 1 Damage vs Politoed Solar Beam 2x 94-111%KO Mega Drain 2x 35-41% View Lilligant builds →
Swadloon BugGrass	D
Available Moves Moves Solar BeamTM22 Razor LeafLv. 1 Damage vs Politoed Solar Beam 2x 53-63% Razor Leaf 2x 37-44% View Swadloon builds →
Lileep RockGrass	D
Obtain MethodNacrene City Gift TM Move Moves Solar BeamTM22 Damage vs Politoed Solar Beam 2x 63-74% View Lileep builds →

Virizion GrassFighting	C
Obtain MethodPinwheel Forest Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves Solar BeamTM22 Magical LeafLv. 13 Damage vs Politoed Solar Beam 2x 76-90% Magical Leaf 2x 41-48% View Virizion builds →
Whimsicott Grass	C
Available Moves Moves Solar BeamTM22 Mega DrainLv. 1 Damage vs Politoed Solar Beam 2x 68-81% Mega Drain 2x 24-29% View Whimsicott builds →
Lilligant Grass	C
Available Moves Moves Solar BeamTM22 Mega DrainLv. 1 Damage vs Politoed Solar Beam 2x 87-103%KO Mega Drain 2x 32-39% View Lilligant builds →
Maractus Grass	C
Available Moves Moves Solar BeamTM22 Giga DrainLv. 26 Needle ArmLv. 22 Mega DrainLv. 13 Damage vs Politoed Solar Beam 2x 87-103%KO Giga Drain 2x 55-65% Needle Arm 2x 48-58% Mega Drain 2x 32-39% View Maractus builds →
Swadloon BugGrass	D
Available Moves Moves Solar BeamTM22 Razor LeafLv. 1 Damage vs Politoed Solar Beam 2x 52-61% Razor Leaf 2x 35-42% View Swadloon builds →

Virizion GrassFighting	C
Obtain MethodPinwheel Forest Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves Solar BeamTM22 Magical LeafLv. 13 Damage vs Politoed Solar Beam 2x 76-91% Magical Leaf 2x 41-48% View Virizion builds →
Whimsicott Grass	C
Available Moves Moves Solar BeamTM22 Mega DrainLv. 1 Damage vs Politoed Solar Beam 2x 69-82% Mega Drain 2x 26-31% View Whimsicott builds →
Lilligant Grass	C
Available Moves Moves Solar BeamTM22 Mega DrainLv. 1 Damage vs Politoed Solar Beam 2x 91-108%KO Mega Drain 2x 33-40% View Lilligant builds →
Maractus Grass	C
Available Moves Moves Solar BeamTM22 Giga DrainLv. 26 Needle ArmLv. 22 Mega DrainLv. 13 Damage vs Politoed Solar Beam 2x 89-105%KO Giga Drain 2x 58-68% Needle Arm 2x 48-57% Mega Drain 2x 31-37% View Maractus builds →
Swadloon BugGrass	D
Available Moves Moves Solar BeamTM22 Razor LeafLv. 1 Damage vs Politoed Solar Beam 2x 50-59% Razor Leaf 2x 36-42% View Swadloon builds →

XatuRecovers with Roost, outspeeds PsychicFlying	B
Recommended Build AbilityMagic Bounce ItemRocky Helmet NatureRelaxed Moves RoostRecovery U Turn Night Shade Hidden Power Ice Damage vs Politoed U Turn 9-11% View Xatu builds →
DonphanSturdy guarantees survival, walls physical sets Ground	B
Recommended Build AbilitySturdy ItemLeftovers NatureImpish Moves EarthquakeSTAB Stealth Rock Rapid Spin Ice Shard Damage vs Politoed Earthquake 29-34% Rapid Spin 10-11% Ice Shard 4-5% View Donphan builds →
HippowdonWalls physical sets Ground	B
Recommended Build AbilitySand Stream ItemLeftovers NatureCareful Moves EarthquakeSTAB Slack Off Stealth Rock WhirlwindUtility Damage vs Politoed Earthquake 27-32% View Hippowdon builds →
QuagsireImmune to Water via Water Absorb, ignores boosts via Unaware, recovers with Recover WaterGround	C
Recommended Build AbilityUnaware ItemLeftovers NatureRelaxed Moves RecoverRecovery ToxicUtility EarthquakeSTAB HazeUtility Damage vs Politoed Earthquake 21-25% View Quagsire builds →
ArcanineDrops Attack via Intimidate, threatens with Wild Charge, outspeeds Fire	C
Recommended Build AbilityFlashfire ItemLeftovers NatureAdamant Moves Flare Blitz Morning Sun Extreme Speed Close Combat Damage vs Politoed Flare Blitz 17-21% Extreme Speed 16-18% Close Combat 23-28% View Arcanine builds →