Poliwhirl is meant to evolve into Poliwrath . At 385 BST, the stats aren't there for competitive play yet. Pre-evolution Pokemon rarely hold up against fully evolved threats.

What is Poliwhirl weak to?

In Black & White, watch for Raikou (Electric) and Venusaur (Grass) when using Poliwhirl. They all hit it super-effectively with STAB. Only 2 weaknesses means fewer dedicated counters to worry about.

How do you evolve Poliwhirl?

In Black & White, Poliwag evolves into Poliwhirl at level 25. Poliwhirl can evolve into Poliwrath and Politoed depending on the method. Poliwhirl is a middle-stage evolution in the Poliwag line.

What is the best ability for Poliwhirl?

Swift Swim is what you want on Poliwhirl. Every competitive set worth running is built with that ability in mind. The alternatives (Water Absorb, Damp) work on paper but Swift Swim is what makes Poliwhirl worth using.

What is Poliwhirl's hidden ability?

In Black & White, Poliwhirl's hidden ability is Swift Swim. Doubles Speed during rain. Better than the standard options for competitive play.

Poliwhirl - Weakness, Evolution, Moveset, EVs & Stats

Utility

Balanced

DTier

90Speed · Above Avg

Stats & Training

Speed and HP carry most of Poliwhirl's stat budget. Sp. Atk's the obvious dump stat. Common in the wild and yields 2 Speed EVs. Follows a 1.06M XP medium-slow curve.

Base Stats

Avg

HP65

Attack65

Defense65

Sp. Atk50

Sp. Def50

Speed90

Total385

Details

Catch Rate

Moderate120 / 255

Growth Rate

Medium Slow1.06M XP

Height1.0 m

Weight20.0 kg

Base XP135

Abilities

Water Absorb

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

Damp

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

Swift SwimHA

Doubles Speed during rain.

Water Absorb grants Water immunity

EV Yield

HPAtkDefSpASpDSpe+2

Speed training target

Pokedex Entries

The spiral pattern on its belly subtly undulates. Staring at it gradually causes drowsiness.

Poliwhirl Weakness

Electric and Grass moves hit Poliwhirl for super-effective damage. 4 resistances help offset the weaknesses. Water Absorb grants an additional Water immunity, reshaping the matchup chart.

Poliwhirl 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 Poliwhirl 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 Poliwhirl Solar Beam 2x 152-180%KO Giga Drain 2x 96-113%KO Magical Leaf 2x 77-91% View Virizion builds →
Leavanny BugGrass	C
Available Moves Moves Solar BeamTM22 Leaf BladeLv. 36 Razor LeafLv. 15 Damage vs Poliwhirl Solar Beam 2x 125-148%KO Leaf Blade 2x 104-123%KO Razor Leaf 2x 65-76% View Leavanny builds →
Whimsicott Grass	C
Available Moves Moves Solar BeamTM22 Mega DrainLv. 1 Damage vs Poliwhirl Solar Beam 2x 134-157%KO Mega Drain 2x 46-54% View Whimsicott builds →
Lilligant Grass	C
Available Moves Moves Solar BeamTM22 Mega DrainLv. 1 Damage vs Poliwhirl Solar Beam 2x 177-209%KO Mega Drain 2x 60-71% View Lilligant builds →
Sawsbuck NormalGrass	C
Available Moves Moves Solar BeamTM22 Energy BallLv. 32 Horn LeechLv. 37 Damage vs Poliwhirl Solar Beam 2x 111-130%KO Energy Ball 2x 84-98% Horn Leech 2x 88-103%KO View Sawsbuck builds →

Black & White Evolution

From here, Poliwhirl's line branches into Poliwrath and Politoed. That's 2 possible evolutions, each with its own method. So far, HP got the biggest boost (+25 from Poliwag). The final form adds another 125 stats on top. 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 Poliwhirl 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 Poliwhirl Best Moveset

Best Build

No build content available for this Pokemon in Gen 5.

Try selecting a different game/generation filter, or check back later.

Moves

Without breeding, Poliwhirl misses out on Bubble Beam and Encore. That's 13 egg moves adding depth that the base kit lacks. STAB comes from Hydro Pump and Surf, with Normal and Ground coverage and more rounding things out.

Level-Up Moves

Lv 1

Bubble

—2010030Water

Lv 1

Hypnosis

——6020Psychic

Lv 1

Water Sport

———15Water

Lv 5

Bubble

—2010030Water

Lv 8

Hypnosis

——6020Psychic

Lv 11

Water Gun

—4010025Water

Lv 15

Double Slap

—158510Normal

Lv 18

Rain Dance

C——5Water

Lv 21

Body Slam

D8510015Normal

Lv 27

Bubble Beam

—6510020Water

Lv 32

Mud Shot

D559515Ground

Lv 37

Belly Drum

D——10Normal

Lv 43

Wake-Up Slap

—6010010Fighting

Lv 48

Hydro Pump

C120805Water

Lv 53

Mud Bomb

—658510Ground

TM Moves

TM45

Attract

C—10015Normal

TM14

Blizzard

D120705Ice

TM31

Brick Break

D7510015Fighting

TM78

Bulldoze

D6010020Ground

TM28

Dig

D8010010Ground

HM06

Dive

C8010010Water

TM32

Double Team

———15Normal

TM26

Earthquake

C10010010Ground

TM42

Facade

D7010020Normal

TM56

Fling

——10010Dark

TM21

Frustration

——10020Normal

TM07

Hail

———10Ice

TM10

Hidden Power

—6010015Normal

TM13

Ice Beam

D9510010Ice

TM17

Protect+4

C——10Normal

TM29

Psychic

D9010010Psychic

TM18

Rain Dance

C——5Water

TM44

Rest

C——10Psychic

TM27

Return

D—10020Normal

TM94

Rock Smash

D4010015Fighting

TM48

Round

—6010015Normal

TM55

Scald

C8010015Water

HM04

Strength

D8010015Normal

TM90

Substitute

C——10Normal

HM03

Surf

C9510015Water

TM87

Swagger

——9015Normal

TM46

Thief

—6010010Dark

TM06

Toxic

C—9010Poison

HM05

Waterfall

C8010015Water

Egg Moves

Egg

Bubble Beam

—6510020Water

Egg

Encore

C—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

D6010020Water

Egg

Water Sport

———15Water

Tutor Moves

Poliwhirl can't learn any Tutor moves

Transfer Moves

Gen

Gen 4

Captivate

——10020Normal

Gen 3

Counter-5

D—10020Fighting

Gen 3

Defense Curl

———40Normal

Gen 3

Double-Edge

C12010015Normal

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 Poliwhirl in Black & White

high spawn rates across 32 locations for Poliwhirl in late-game fishing spots. Scroll the sorted list below and pick whichever spot sits closest to your current route. The rate differences between locations are worth comparing.

Where To Catch Poliwhirl in Black & White

The path to Poliwhirl starts with Poliwag at Lv. 35-70 via fishing encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.

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 2Poliwhirl ✓
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)

Poliwhirl Guide

Poliwhirl is meant to evolve into Poliwrath. At 385 BST, the stats aren't there for competitive play yet. Pre-evolution Pokemon rarely hold up against fully evolved threats.
In Black & White, watch for Raikou (Electric) and Venusaur (Grass) when using Poliwhirl. They all hit it super-effectively with STAB. Only 2 weaknesses means fewer dedicated counters to worry about.
In Black & White, Poliwag evolves into Poliwhirl at level 25. Poliwhirl can evolve into Poliwrath and Politoed depending on the method. Poliwhirl is a middle-stage evolution in the Poliwag line.
Swift Swim is what you want on Poliwhirl. Every competitive set worth running is built with that ability in mind. The alternatives (Water Absorb, Damp) work on paper but Swift Swim is what makes Poliwhirl worth using.
In Black & White, Poliwhirl's hidden ability is Swift Swim. Doubles Speed during rain. Better than the standard options for competitive play.

Game Availability

One of the original 151, Poliwhirl has appeared in 20 games — most mainline games. From Red & Blue through the latest titles, it's rarely been left out of a regional Pokedex.

Click a game to view version-specific details

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Pansage Grass	D
Obtain MethodDreamyard Gift Available Move Moves Vine WhipLv. 10 Damage vs Poliwhirl Vine Whip 2x 37-46% View Pansage builds →
Snivy Grass	D
Obtain MethodNuvema Town Gift Available Move Moves Vine WhipLv. 7 Damage vs Poliwhirl Vine Whip 2x 33-39% View Snivy builds →

Pansage Grass	D
Obtain MethodDreamyard Gift Available Move Moves Vine WhipLv. 10 Damage vs Poliwhirl Vine Whip 2x 35-44% View Pansage builds →
Snivy Grass	D
Obtain MethodNuvema Town Gift Available Moves Moves Leaf TornadoLv. 16 Vine WhipLv. 7 Damage vs Poliwhirl Leaf Tornado 2x 56-68% Vine Whip 2x 35-44% View Snivy builds →
Blitzle Electric	D
Available Move Moves Shock WaveLv. 11 Damage vs Poliwhirl Shock Wave 2x 56-68% 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 Poliwhirl Solar Beam 2x 149-176%KO Magical Leaf 2x 76-90% View Virizion builds →
Whimsicott Grass	C
Available Moves Moves Solar BeamTM22 Mega DrainLv. 1 Damage vs Poliwhirl Solar Beam 2x 134-159%KO Mega Drain 2x 47-56% View Whimsicott builds →
Lilligant Grass	C
Available Moves Moves Solar BeamTM22 Mega DrainLv. 1 Damage vs Poliwhirl Solar Beam 2x 174-206%KO Mega Drain 2x 61-73% View Lilligant builds →
Swadloon BugGrass	D
Available Moves Moves Solar BeamTM22 Razor LeafLv. 1 Damage vs Poliwhirl Solar Beam 2x 101-120%KO Razor Leaf 2x 47-56% View Swadloon builds →
Lileep RockGrass	D
Obtain MethodNacrene City Gift TM Move Moves Solar BeamTM22 Damage vs Poliwhirl Solar Beam 2x 116-137%KO View Lileep builds →

Virizion GrassFighting	C
Obtain MethodPinwheel Forest Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves Solar BeamTM22 Magical LeafLv. 13 Damage vs Poliwhirl Solar Beam 2x 143-169%KO Magical Leaf 2x 73-86% View Virizion builds →
Whimsicott Grass	C
Available Moves Moves Solar BeamTM22 Mega DrainLv. 1 Damage vs Poliwhirl Solar Beam 2x 128-150%KO Mega Drain 2x 44-53% View Whimsicott builds →
Lilligant Grass	C
Available Moves Moves Solar BeamTM22 Mega DrainLv. 1 Damage vs Poliwhirl Solar Beam 2x 169-199%KO Mega Drain 2x 60-71% View Lilligant builds →
Maractus Grass	C
Available Moves Moves Solar BeamTM22 Giga DrainLv. 26 Needle ArmLv. 22 Mega DrainLv. 13 Damage vs Poliwhirl Solar Beam 2x 165-195%KO Giga Drain 2x 105-124%KO Needle Arm 2x 60-71% Mega Drain 2x 56-68% View Maractus builds →
Swadloon BugGrass	D
Available Moves Moves Solar BeamTM22 Razor LeafLv. 1 Damage vs Poliwhirl Solar Beam 2x 95-113%KO Razor Leaf 2x 44-53% View Swadloon builds →

Virizion GrassFighting	C
Obtain MethodPinwheel Forest Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves Solar BeamTM22 Magical LeafLv. 13 Damage vs Poliwhirl Solar Beam 2x 152-180%KO Magical Leaf 2x 79-93% View Virizion builds →
Whimsicott Grass	C
Available Moves Moves Solar BeamTM22 Mega DrainLv. 1 Damage vs Poliwhirl Solar Beam 2x 136-160%KO Mega Drain 2x 48-57% View Whimsicott builds →
Lilligant Grass	C
Available Moves Moves Solar BeamTM22 Mega DrainLv. 1 Damage vs Poliwhirl Solar Beam 2x 178-210%KO Mega Drain 2x 62-73% View Lilligant builds →
Maractus Grass	C
Available Moves Moves Solar BeamTM22 Giga DrainLv. 26 Needle ArmLv. 22 Mega DrainLv. 13 Damage vs Poliwhirl Solar Beam 2x 172-203%KO Giga Drain 2x 110-130%KO Needle Arm 2x 62-73% Mega Drain 2x 59-70% View Maractus builds →
Swadloon BugGrass	D
Available Moves Moves Solar BeamTM22 Razor LeafLv. 1 Damage vs Poliwhirl Solar Beam 2x 99-117%KO Razor Leaf 2x 48-57% View Swadloon builds →

Magnezone ElectricSteel	B
Recommended Build AbilityMagnetpull ItemAir Balloon NatureModest Moves Hidden Power Fire ThunderboltSTAB Flash Cannon Volt Switch Damage vs Poliwhirl Thunderbolt 2x 208-245%KO Flash Cannon 46-54% Volt Switch 2x 162-190%KO View Magnezone builds →
Breloom GrassFighting	B
Recommended Build AbilityTechnician ItemLife Orb NatureAdamant Moves Mach Punch Bullet Seed Swords Dance Low Sweep Damage vs Poliwhirl Mach Punch 49-58% Bullet Seed 2x 62-73% View Breloom builds →
Raikou Electric	C
Recommended Build AbilityPressure ItemLife Orb NatureTimid Moves Calm Mind ThunderboltSTAB Hidden Power Ice Aura Sphere Damage vs Poliwhirl Thunderbolt 2x 225-265%KO Aura Sphere 67-79% View Raikou builds →