Stats & Training
Poliwrath's built to absorb hits, not race for knockouts. Balanced defenses with Defense doing the heavy lifting. And the 1.06M XP medium-slow curve means it won't take forever to bring up, worth 3 Defense EVs.
This strong and skilled swimmer is even capable of crossing the Pacific Ocean just by kicking.
Although an energetic, skilled swimmer that uses all of its muscles, it lives on dry land.
Poliwrath Weakness
Type-wise, Poliwrath takes extra damage from Electric, Grass, Flying, and Psychic. It resists 7 types, so it can switch into a lot of moves safely. Water Absorb grants an additional Water immunity, reshaping the matchup chart.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Electric, Grass, Flying, Psychic |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Fire, Water, Ice, Bug, Rock, Dark, Steel |
- Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
- Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)
In HeartGold & SoulSilver, Dragonite can KO Poliwrath with Outrage (93-109%). Azelf's Explosion hits Poliwrath for 70-83%. Zapdos deals 81-95% with Thunderbolt.
Dragonite Dragon | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityInnerfocus ItemLife Orb NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Dragonite builds →Extreme Speed41-49% Outrage93-109%KO | ||
Azelf Psychic | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityLevitate ItemFocus Sash NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Azelf builds →Explosion70-83% U Turn10-12% | ||
Zapdos Electric | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityPressure ItemLeftovers NatureBold Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Zapdos builds →Thunderbolt 2x81-95% Heat Wave14-16% | ||
Roserade GrassPoison | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityNatural Cure ItemBlack Sludge NatureTimid Moves View Roserade builds →
| ||
Rotom ElectricGhost | C | |
Recommended Build AbilityLevitate ItemChoice Scarf NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Poliwrath View Rotom builds →Thunderbolt 2x81-96% Shadow Ball36-42% | ||
HeartGold & SoulSilver Evolution
Poliwrath is one of 2 ways Poliwhirl's chain can end. This one takes the item path, while the siblings go different directions. Breed through Poliwag to get eggs. Poliwrath and Politoed share the same 500 total stats, but they're distributed differently. Check the comparison below to see where each one specializes. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
Breed with Poliwrath to get Poliwag eggs easily using 69 partners from the Water1 egg group. Notable egg moves include Bubble Beam, Encore, Endeavor and 8 more.
HeartGold & SoulSilver Poliwrath Best Moveset
Leftovers buys the setup turn. Poliwrath clicks Bulk Up, then starts cleaning with Waterfall and utility options. Jolly nature with max Attack and Speed EVs makes sure nothing tanks a boosted hit comfortably.
Best Build
Poliwrath best EVs are Attack and Speed
Physical Setup Sweeper Moveset
- Waterfall
- Substitute
- Ice Punch
- Bulk Up
Recommended Teammates
Moves
Breeding's the move. Bubble Beam and Encore give Poliwrath options it can't learn any other way, and coverage across 7 types already covers a decent range on top of Focus Punch and Focus Blast. The egg moves push it further.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Reminder Moves
Transfer Moves
How to Get Poliwrath in HeartGold & SoulSilver
Can't catch Poliwrath directly. Start with Poliwag at solid rates from the locations below, then evolve through a special method. The 3-stage chain from Poliwag to Poliwrath is where the leveling time goes.
How to Obtain Poliwrath in HeartGold & SoulSilver
The path to Poliwrath starts with Poliwag at Lv. 5-48 via fishing and surfing encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch PoliwagViridian CitySoulSilverSurfing on water Lv.5-10 City90%EarlyViridian CityHeartGoldSurfing on water Lv.5-10 City90%EarlyEcruteak CitySoulSilverSurfing on water Lv.10-25 City90%EarlyEcruteak CityHeartGoldSurfing on water Lv.10-25 City90%EarlyRoute 30SoulSilverSurfing on water Lv.10-25 Route90%EarlyRoute 30HeartGoldSurfing on water Lv.10-25 Route90%EarlyRoute 31HeartGoldSurfing on water Lv.10-25 Route90%EarlyRoute 31SoulSilverSurfing on water Lv.10-25 Route90%EarlyRoute 44SoulSilverSurfing on water Lv.10-25 Route90%EarlyRoute 44HeartGoldSurfing on water Lv.10-25 Route90%EarlyViolet CitySoulSilverSurfing on water Lv.10-25 City90%EarlyViolet CityHeartGoldSurfing on water Lv.10-25 City90%EarlyRoute 22SoulSilverSurfing on water Lv.5-10 RouteCommonEarlyRoute 22HeartGoldSurfing on water Lv.5-10 RouteCommonEarlyBlackthorn CitySoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 City15%EarlyBlackthorn CityHeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 City15%EarlyEcruteak CitySoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 City15%EarlyEcruteak CityHeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 City15%EarlyIlex ForestHeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Forest15%EarlyIlex ForestSoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Forest15%EarlyRoute 30SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Route15%EarlyRoute 30HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Route15%EarlyRoute 31SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Route15%EarlyRoute 31HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Route15%EarlyRoute 35SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Route15%EarlyRoute 35HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Route15%EarlyRoute 43SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Route15%EarlyRoute 43HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Route15%EarlyRoute 44SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Route15%EarlyRoute 44HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Route15%EarlyRoute 45SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Route15%EarlyRoute 45HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Route15%EarlyRuins of Alph - OutsideSoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Ruins15%EarlyRuins of Alph - OutsideHeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Ruins15%EarlyViolet CityHeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 City15%EarlyViolet CitySoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 City15%EarlyRoute 28SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 Route15%EarlyRoute 28HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 Route15%EarlyViridian CityHeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 City15%EarlyViridian CitySoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 City15%EarlyMt. Silver - BaseSoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 CaveRareEarlyMt. Silver - BaseHeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 CaveRareEarlyRoute 22HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 RouteRareEarlyRoute 22SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 RouteRareEarlyRoute 6SoulSilverOld Rod Lv.10 RouteRareEarlyRoute 6HeartGoldOld Rod Lv.10 RouteRareEarlyEcruteak CitySoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 City60%MidEcruteak CityHeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 City60%MidIlex ForestHeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Forest60%MidIlex ForestSoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Forest60%MidRoute 43SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Route60%MidRoute 43HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Route60%MidRoute 45SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Route60%MidRoute 45HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Route60%MidViolet CityHeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 City60%MidViolet CitySoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 City60%MidViridian CitySoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 City60%MidViridian CityHeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 City60%MidRoute 44HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Route55%MidRoute 44SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Route55%MidCerulean Cave - 1FHeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Cave45%MidCerulean Cave - 1FSoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Cave45%MidCerulean Cave - B1FSoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Cave45%MidCerulean Cave - B1FHeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Cave45%MidBlackthorn CitySoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 City40%MidBlackthorn CityHeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 City40%MidRoute 30SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Route40%MidRoute 30HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Route40%MidRoute 31SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Route40%MidRoute 31HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Route40%MidRoute 35SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Route40%MidRoute 35HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Route40%MidRuins of Alph - OutsideSoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Ruins40%MidRuins of Alph - OutsideHeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Ruins40%MidRoute 28SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 Route40%MidRoute 28HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 Route40%MidMt. Silver - BaseSoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 CaveCommonMidMt. Silver - BaseHeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 CaveCommonMidRoute 22SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 RouteCommonMidRoute 22HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 RouteCommonMidRoute 6SoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 RouteCommonMidRoute 6HeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 RouteCommonMidMt. Moon - Mt. Moon SquareSoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20 CaveUncommonMidMt. Moon - Mt. Moon SquareHeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20 CaveUncommonMidCliff Edge GateSoulSilverGood Rod Lv.20RareMidCliff Edge GateHeartGoldGood Rod Lv.20RareMidMt. Silver - BaseSoulSilverSurfing on water Lv.30-40 CaveRareMidMt. Silver - BaseHeartGoldSurfing on water Lv.30-40 CaveRareMidRoute 28HeartGoldSurfing on water Lv.35-40 Route90%LateRoute 28SoulSilverSurfing on water Lv.35-40 Route90%LateBlackthorn CityHeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 City80%LateBlackthorn CitySoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 City80%LateEcruteak CitySoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 City80%LateEcruteak CityHeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 City80%LateIlex ForestSoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Forest80%LateIlex ForestHeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Forest80%LateRoute 30SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Route80%LateRoute 30HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Route80%LateRoute 31HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Route80%LateRoute 31SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Route80%LateRoute 35SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Route80%LateRoute 35HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Route80%LateRoute 43SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Route80%LateRoute 43HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Route80%LateRoute 45SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Route80%LateRoute 45HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Route80%LateRuins of Alph - OutsideSoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Ruins80%LateRuins of Alph - OutsideHeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Ruins80%LateViolet CitySoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 City80%LateViolet CityHeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 City80%LateRoute 28SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Route80%LateRoute 28HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Route80%LateViridian CitySoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 City80%LateViridian CityHeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 City80%LateRoute 44HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Route70%LateRoute 44SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Route70%LateCerulean Cave - 1FHeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Cave40%LateCerulean Cave - 1FSoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Cave40%LateCerulean Cave - B1FSoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Cave40%LateCerulean Cave - B1FHeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Cave40%LateMt. Moon - Mt. Moon SquareSoulSilverSurfing on water Lv.35 CaveCommonLateMt. Moon - Mt. Moon SquareHeartGoldSurfing on water Lv.35 CaveCommonLateMt. Silver - BaseSoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 CaveCommonLateMt. Silver - BaseHeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 CaveCommonLateMt. Moon - Mt. Moon SquareSoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 CaveCommonLateMt. Moon - Mt. Moon SquareHeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 CaveCommonLateRoute 22SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 RouteCommonLateRoute 22HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 RouteCommonLateRoute 6SoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 RouteCommonLateRoute 6HeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 RouteCommonLateCliff Edge GateSoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40UncommonLateCliff Edge GateHeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40UncommonLate
Step 2Catch or Evolve PoliwhirlRoute 22SoulSilverSurfing on water Lv.10 RouteUncommonEarlyRoute 22HeartGoldSurfing on water Lv.10 RouteUncommonEarlyViridian CitySoulSilverSurfing on water Lv.10 City10%EarlyViridian CityHeartGoldSurfing on water Lv.10 City10%EarlyEcruteak CitySoulSilverSurfing on water Lv.15-25 City10%EarlyEcruteak CityHeartGoldSurfing on water Lv.15-25 City10%EarlyRoute 30SoulSilverSurfing on water Lv.15-32 Route10%EarlyRoute 30HeartGoldSurfing on water Lv.15-32 Route10%EarlyRoute 31SoulSilverSurfing on water Lv.15-32 Route10%EarlyRoute 31HeartGoldSurfing on water Lv.15-32 Route10%EarlyRoute 44SoulSilverSurfing on water Lv.15-32 Route10%EarlyRoute 44HeartGoldSurfing on water Lv.15-32 Route10%EarlyViolet CitySoulSilverSurfing on water Lv.15-32 City10%EarlyViolet CityHeartGoldSurfing on water Lv.15-32 City10%EarlyMt. Silver - BaseSoulSilverSurfing on water Lv.30-48 CaveCommonMidMt. Silver - BaseHeartGoldSurfing on water Lv.30-48 CaveCommonMidCerulean Cave - 1FSoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Cave30%LateCerulean Cave - 1FHeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Cave30%LateCerulean Cave - B1FHeartGoldSuper Rod Lv.40 Cave30%LateCerulean Cave - B1FSoulSilverSuper Rod Lv.40 Cave30%LateRoute 28SoulSilverSurfing on water Lv.40 Route10%LateRoute 28HeartGoldSurfing on water Lv.40 Route10%Lateor evolve from Poliwag (Step 1)
Step 3Poliwrath ✓
Poliwrath Guide
In HeartGold & SoulSilver, Poliwrath looks average on paper at 500 BST. But Swift Swim is why it sees play. Build around that and it pulls its weight. C-Tier on our tier list. Waterfall with Leftovers is the standard set.
Poliwrath gets Swift Swim, Water Absorb, and Damp. But Swift Swim is the one that matters. It's the centerpiece of every viable set. Build around that.
Poliwrath is a physical attacker with base 85 Attack. Enough bulk to take a hit or two, too. Speed tells the real story. Base 70 Speed is workable. Faster than some, slower than many.
In HeartGold & SoulSilver, Swift Swim is the hidden ability. It doubles Speed during rain. Worth hunting for if you want Poliwrath to compete at a higher level.
Game Availability
Present since Red & Blue, Poliwrath appears in 20 games spanning 10 generations. Gen 1 originals like Poliwrath have the longest track record of availability in the series.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 1RBDebut

Red & Blue - Gen 2GS

Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS

Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3FRLG

FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS

HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 4DP

Diamond & Pearl - Gen 5BW

Black & White - Gen 5B2W2

Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY

X & Y - Gen 6ORAS

Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7USUM

Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7SM

Sun & Moon - Gen 7LGPE

Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwSh

Sword & Shield - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 8BDSP

Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 9SV

Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW

Winds & Waves