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 Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, 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 Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, 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 Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, 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

4xCritical

None

2xWeak

Electric Grass

½xResist

Fire Water Ice Steel

¼xResist

None

0xImmune

Water

STAB (3)

Fire Ground Rock

How to Beat Poliwhirl in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl (Best Counters)

Abomasnow GrassIce	C
Available Moves Moves Solar BeamTM22 Energy BallTM53 Giga DrainTM19 Razor LeafLv. 20 Damage vs Poliwhirl Solar Beam 2x 150-176%KO Energy Ball 2x 113-134%KO Giga Drain 2x 94-111%KO Razor Leaf 2x 60-71% View Abomasnow builds →
Pachirisu Electric	C
Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 DischargeLv. 41 Volt SwitchTM43 Damage vs Poliwhirl Thunder 2x 81-96% Thunderbolt 2x 66-78% Discharge 2x 60-71% Volt Switch 2x 53-63% View Pachirisu builds →
Roselia GrassPoison	D
Available Moves Moves Solar BeamTM22 Energy BallTM53 Giga DrainTM19 Magical LeafLv. 15 Damage vs Poliwhirl Solar Beam 2x 161-189%KO Energy Ball 2x 122-144%KO Giga Drain 2x 100-118%KO Magical Leaf 2x 81-96% View Roselia builds →
Luxio Electric	D
Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 Volt SwitchTM43 SparkLv. 18 Damage vs Poliwhirl Thunder 2x 98-116%KO Thunderbolt 2x 81-96% Volt Switch 2x 64-76% Spark 2x 64-76% View Luxio builds →
Voltorb Electric	D
Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 DischargeLv. 37 Volt SwitchTM43 Damage vs Poliwhirl Thunder 2x 94-111%KO Thunderbolt 2x 76-91% Discharge 2x 68-81% Volt Switch 2x 60-71% View Voltorb builds →

Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl 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 69 partners from the Water1 egg group. Notable egg moves include Bubble Beam, Encore, Endeavor and 5 more.

Egg Groups

Water1

Gender

♂50.0%♀50.0%

Hatch Time

20 cycles·5,140 steps

Quick~5 min with Flame Body

Egg Moves

8moves

Breed With (best first)

Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl Poliwhirl Best Moveset

Best Build

No build content available for this Pokemon in Gen 8.

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

Moves

Without breeding, Poliwhirl misses out on Bubble Beam and Encore. That's 8 egg moves adding depth that the base kit lacks. STAB comes from Hydro Pump and Surf, with Ground and Normal coverage and more rounding things out.

Level-Up Moves

Lv 1

Hypnosis

C—6020Psychic

Lv 1

Mud Shot

D559515Ground

Lv 1

Pound

—4010035Normal

Lv 1

Water Gun

—4010025Water

Lv 18

Bubble Beam

D6510020Water

Lv 24

Rain Dance

C——5Water

Lv 32

Body Slam

D8510015Normal

Lv 40

Earth Power

D9010010Ground

Lv 48

Hydro Pump

C110805Water

Lv 56

Belly Drum

C——10Normal

Lv 66

Double-Edge

C12010015Normal

TM Moves

TM45

Attract

C—10015Normal

TM14

Blizzard

D110705Ice

TM31

Brick Break

D7510015Fighting

TM83

Bulldoze

D6010020Ground

TM28

Dig

D8010010Ground

TM32

Double Team

———15Normal

TM26

Earthquake

C10010010Ground

TM58

Endure+4

C——10Normal

TM42

Facade

D7010020Normal

TM56

Fling

——10010Dark

TM01

Focus Punch-3

C15010020Fighting

TM07

Hail

C——10Ice

TM13

Ice Beam

D9010010Ice

TM17

Protect+4

C——10Normal

TM29

Psychic

D9010010Psychic

TM18

Rain Dance

C——5Water

TM44

Rest

C——10Psychic

TM98

Rock Smash

D4010015Fighting

TM49

Scald

C8010015Water

TM82

Sleep Talk

C——10Normal

TM96

Strength

—8010015Normal

TM90

Substitute

C——10Normal

TM95

Surf

C9010015Water

TM87

Swagger

D—8515Normal

TM46

Thief

D6010025Dark

TM03

Water Pulse

D6010020Water

TM99

Waterfall

C8010015Water

Egg Moves

Egg

Bubble Beam

D6510020Water

Egg

Encore

C—1005Normal

Egg

Endeavor

D—1005Normal

Egg

Haze

C——30Ice

Egg

Mind Reader

———5Normal

Egg

Mist

D——30Ice

Egg

Mud Shot

D559515Ground

Egg

Splash

D——40Normal

Tutor Moves

Poliwhirl can't learn any Tutor moves

How to Get Poliwhirl in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl

high spawn rates across 18 locations for Poliwhirl in mid-game routes. 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 Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl

The path to Poliwhirl starts with Poliwag at Lv. 10-63 via walking, surfing, and more encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.

Step 1Catch Poliwag
Route 225
Shining PearlGood Rod Lv.10-25 Route
35%Early
Route 225
Brilliant DiamondGood Rod Lv.10-25 Route
35%Early
Route 227
Brilliant DiamondSurfing on water Lv.20-30 Route
30%Mid
Route 227
Shining PearlSurfing on water Lv.20-30 Route
30%Mid
Route 228
Brilliant DiamondSurfing on water Lv.20-30 Route
30%Mid
Route 228
Shining PearlSurfing on water Lv.20-30 Route
30%Mid
Fountainspring Cave
Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
Fountainspring Cave
Shining PearlGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
Grassland Cave
Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
Grassland Cave
Shining PearlGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
Riverbank Cave
Shining PearlGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
Riverbank Cave
Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
Still-Water Cavern
Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
Still-Water Cavern
Shining PearlGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
Sunlit Cavern
Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
Sunlit Cavern
Shining PearlGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
Train until Level 25
Step 2Poliwhirl ✓
Route 225
Brilliant DiamondSuper Rod Lv.30-55 Route
35%Mid
Route 225
Shining PearlSuper Rod Lv.30-55 Route
35%Mid
Route 227
Brilliant DiamondSurfing on water Lv.40-55 Route
70%Late
Route 227
Shining PearlSurfing on water Lv.40-55 Route
70%Late
Route 228
Brilliant DiamondSurfing on water Lv.40-55 Route
70%Late
Route 228
Shining PearlSurfing on water Lv.40-55 Route
70%Late
Route 225
Brilliant DiamondSurfing on water Lv.40-50 Route
30%Late
Route 225
Shining PearlSurfing on water Lv.40-50 Route
30%Late
Fountainspring Cave
Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
Fountainspring Cave
Shining PearlGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
Grassland Cave
Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
Grassland Cave
Shining PearlGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
Riverbank Cave
Shining PearlGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
Riverbank Cave
Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
Still-Water Cavern
Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
Still-Water Cavern
Shining PearlGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
Sunlit Cavern
Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
Sunlit Cavern
Shining PearlGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
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 Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, 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 Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, 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 Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, 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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Budew GrassPoison	D
Available Moves Moves Energy BallTM53 Giga DrainTM19 Bullet SeedTM09 AbsorbLv. 1 Damage vs Poliwhirl Energy Ball 2x 83-100%KO Giga Drain 2x 78-92% Bullet Seed 2x 28-33% Absorb 2x 28-33% View Budew builds →
Shinx Electric	D
Available Moves Moves Volt SwitchTM43 Shock WaveTM34 Charge BeamTM57 Thunder ShockLv. 4 Damage vs Poliwhirl Volt Switch 2x 61-75% Shock Wave 2x 56-67% Charge Beam 2x 47-58% Thunder Shock 2x 42-50% View Shinx builds →

Pachirisu Electric	C
Available Moves Moves ThunderboltTM24 Volt SwitchTM43 Shock WaveTM34 Charge BeamTM57 Damage vs Poliwhirl Thunderbolt 2x 73-88% Volt Switch 2x 54-66% Shock Wave 2x 49-59% Charge Beam 2x 41-51% View Pachirisu builds →
Budew GrassPoison	D
Available Moves Moves Energy BallTM53 Giga DrainTM19 Bullet SeedTM09 AbsorbLv. 1 Damage vs Poliwhirl Energy Ball 2x 73-88% Giga Drain 2x 68-80% Bullet Seed 2x 17-22% Absorb 2x 24-29% View Budew builds →
Electrike Electric	D
Available Moves Moves ThunderboltTM24 Volt SwitchTM43 Shock WaveTM34 Charge BeamTM57 Damage vs Poliwhirl Thunderbolt 2x 85-102%KO Volt Switch 2x 73-88% Shock Wave 2x 61-73% Charge Beam 2x 54-66% View Electrike builds →
Shinx Electric	D
Available Moves Moves ThunderboltTM24 Volt SwitchTM43 Shock WaveTM34 Charge BeamTM57 Damage vs Poliwhirl Thunderbolt 2x 68-80% Volt Switch 2x 54-66% Shock Wave 2x 49-59% Charge Beam 2x 41-51% View Shinx builds →

Abomasnow GrassIce	C
Available Moves Moves Solar BeamTM22 Energy BallTM53 Giga DrainTM19 Razor LeafLv. 20 Damage vs Poliwhirl Solar Beam 2x 156-184%KO Energy Ball 2x 118-140%KO Giga Drain 2x 98-116%KO Razor Leaf 2x 64-75% View Abomasnow builds →
Pachirisu Electric	C
Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 Volt SwitchTM43 SparkLv. 13 Damage vs Poliwhirl Thunder 2x 86-102%KO Thunderbolt 2x 72-85% Volt Switch 2x 58-68% Spark 2x 45-55% View Pachirisu builds →
Budew GrassPoison	D
Available Moves Moves Solar BeamTM22 Energy BallTM53 Giga DrainTM19 Bullet SeedTM09 Damage vs Poliwhirl Solar Beam 2x 101-119%KO Energy Ball 2x 77-92% Giga Drain 2x 66-78% Bullet Seed 2x 17-20% View Budew builds →
Electrike Electric	D
Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 Volt SwitchTM43 Thunder FangLv. 24 Damage vs Poliwhirl Thunder 2x 113-133%KO Thunderbolt 2x 92-109%KO Volt Switch 2x 72-85% Thunder Fang 2x 45-55% View Electrike builds →
Shinx Electric	D
Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 Volt SwitchTM43 SparkLv. 16 Damage vs Poliwhirl Thunder 2x 81-95% Thunderbolt 2x 66-78% Volt Switch 2x 51-61% Spark 2x 58-68% View Shinx builds →

Abomasnow GrassIce	C
Available Moves Moves Solar BeamTM22 Energy BallTM53 Giga DrainTM19 Razor LeafLv. 20 Damage vs Poliwhirl Solar Beam 2x 156-184%KO Energy Ball 2x 118-140%KO Giga Drain 2x 98-116%KO Razor Leaf 2x 64-75% View Abomasnow builds →
Pachirisu Electric	C
Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 Volt SwitchTM43 SparkLv. 13 Damage vs Poliwhirl Thunder 2x 86-102%KO Thunderbolt 2x 72-85% Volt Switch 2x 58-68% Spark 2x 45-55% View Pachirisu builds →
Budew GrassPoison	D
Available Moves Moves Solar BeamTM22 Energy BallTM53 Giga DrainTM19 Bullet SeedTM09 Damage vs Poliwhirl Solar Beam 2x 101-119%KO Energy Ball 2x 77-92% Giga Drain 2x 66-78% Bullet Seed 2x 17-20% View Budew builds →
Electrike Electric	D
Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 Volt SwitchTM43 Thunder FangLv. 24 Damage vs Poliwhirl Thunder 2x 113-133%KO Thunderbolt 2x 92-109%KO Volt Switch 2x 72-85% Thunder Fang 2x 45-55% View Electrike builds →
Shinx Electric	D
Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 Volt SwitchTM43 SparkLv. 16 Damage vs Poliwhirl Thunder 2x 81-95% Thunderbolt 2x 66-78% Volt Switch 2x 51-61% Spark 2x 58-68% View Shinx builds →

Abomasnow GrassIce	C
Available Moves Moves Solar BeamTM22 Energy BallTM53 Giga DrainTM19 Razor LeafLv. 20 Damage vs Poliwhirl Solar Beam 2x 153-181%KO Energy Ball 2x 116-137%KO Giga Drain 2x 96-114%KO Razor Leaf 2x 61-73% View Abomasnow builds →
Pachirisu Electric	C
Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 Volt SwitchTM43 SparkLv. 13 Damage vs Poliwhirl Thunder 2x 83-99% Thunderbolt 2x 69-82% Volt Switch 2x 54-64% Spark 2x 44-52% View Pachirisu builds →
Budew GrassPoison	D
Available Moves Moves Solar BeamTM22 Energy BallTM53 Giga DrainTM19 Bullet SeedTM09 Damage vs Poliwhirl Solar Beam 2x 99-117%KO Energy Ball 2x 74-87% Giga Drain 2x 64-76% Bullet Seed 2x 15-17% View Budew builds →
Electrike Electric	D
Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 DischargeLv. 32 Volt SwitchTM43 Damage vs Poliwhirl Thunder 2x 106-125%KO Thunderbolt 2x 88-105%KO Discharge 2x 79-93% Volt Switch 2x 69-82% View Electrike builds →
Shinx Electric	D
Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 Volt SwitchTM43 SparkLv. 16 Damage vs Poliwhirl Thunder 2x 77-90% Thunderbolt 2x 64-76% Volt Switch 2x 50-58% Spark 2x 54-64% View Shinx builds →