politoed #186
Type Matchups
Weak to (2x damage):
Resistant to (½x damage):
politoed
Generation II · #0186 — Frog Pokémon
Politoed is a Water-type Pokémon introduced in Generation II that serves as one of two final evolutionary forms of the Poliwag line, alongside Poliwrath. Occupying the National Pokédex slot #186, Politoed distinguishes itself from its counterpart through a unique evolution method—it evolves from Poliwhirl when traded while holding a King's Rock, making it a coveted choice for trainers seeking an alternative evolutionary path. With a base stat total of 500, Politoed excels in special defense (100) and special attack (90), complemented by solid HP (90), making it a well-rounded special attacker with impressive bulk. Its distinctive appearance, marked by a prominently curled hair tuft on its head, has become iconic among Water-type enthusiasts and serves as a symbol of leadership within its species.
Base Stats
Height
1.1m
Weight
33.9kg
Category
Frog Pokémon
Gender
Male 50% / Female 50%
Color
green
Shape
humanoid
Habitat
waters-edge
Abilities
Absorbs water moves, healing for 1/4 max HP.
Prevents self destruct, explosion, and aftermath from working while the Pokémon is in battle.
Summons rain that lasts indefinitely upon entering battle.
Politoed Biology & Physical Characteristics
Politoed is a green, bipedal amphibian Pokémon that bears striking resemblance to a frog, standing at 1.1 meters tall and weighing 33.9 kilograms. Its most distinctive feature is the long, curled hair adorning the top of its head, which serves as a tangible marker of its regal status within the species hierarchy. The Pokémon displays yellow coloration on its hands, belly, throat, and toes, creating a pleasant contrast against its green body. Pink cheek spots—notably smaller on females than males—provide additional visual distinction between genders. A characteristic green swirl adorns its belly, while its well-developed legs feature bulbous toes and fingers perfectly adapted for both terrestrial and aquatic locomotion. The Pokédex consistently emphasizes that the length and curliness of Politoed's hair directly correlates with the respect it commands from other Poliwag, Poliwhirl, and fellow Politoed, with longer, more elaborately curled hair indicating higher social standing and authority.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Politoed Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Politoed exhibits a perfectly balanced gender ratio of 50% male to 50% female, with observable sexual dimorphism that extends beyond mere statistical differences. Males possess larger, more prominent pink cheek spots compared to females, creating visual distinction that correlates with behavioral differences documented in Pokédex entries noting that male Politoed produce louder, deeper vocalizations than their female counterparts. The species belongs to the Water 1 Egg Group, allowing it to breed with compatible Pokémon when paired with a Ditto or other Water 1 group members. Politoed eggs require 20 cycles to hatch, translating to approximately 4,884 to 5,140 steps in-game, placing it within the medium-length hatching period spectrum. The Pokédex explicitly states that vocal quality and depth serve as secondary sexual characteristics influencing reproductive success, with males possessing particularly deep, menacing voices achieving greater popularity with potential mates. This reproductive strategy emphasizes the importance of sound production and vocalizations within Politoed society, establishing auditory prowess alongside physical characteristics like hair curliness as important fitness indicators.
Held Items
Sprites
Held Items
kings-rock
held-items
Held: Damaging moves gain a 10% chance to make their target flinch. Traded on a Poliwhirl: Holder evolves into Politoed. Traded on a Slowpoke: Holder evolves into Slowking.
Cost: 5000
kings-rock
held-items
Held: Damaging moves gain a 10% chance to make their target flinch. Traded on a Poliwhirl: Holder evolves into Politoed. Traded on a Slowpoke: Holder evolves into Slowking.
Cost: 5000
kings-rock
held-items
Held: Damaging moves gain a 10% chance to make their target flinch. Traded on a Poliwhirl: Holder evolves into Politoed. Traded on a Slowpoke: Holder evolves into Slowking.
Cost: 5000
kings-rock
held-items
Held: Damaging moves gain a 10% chance to make their target flinch. Traded on a Poliwhirl: Holder evolves into Politoed. Traded on a Slowpoke: Holder evolves into Slowking.
Cost: 5000
kings-rock
held-items
Held: Damaging moves gain a 10% chance to make their target flinch. Traded on a Poliwhirl: Holder evolves into Politoed. Traded on a Slowpoke: Holder evolves into Slowking.
Cost: 5000
kings-rock
held-items
Held: Damaging moves gain a 10% chance to make their target flinch. Traded on a Poliwhirl: Holder evolves into Politoed. Traded on a Slowpoke: Holder evolves into Slowking.
Cost: 5000
kings-rock
held-items
Held: Damaging moves gain a 10% chance to make their target flinch. Traded on a Poliwhirl: Holder evolves into Politoed. Traded on a Slowpoke: Holder evolves into Slowking.
Cost: 5000
kings-rock
held-items
Held: Damaging moves gain a 10% chance to make their target flinch. Traded on a Poliwhirl: Holder evolves into Politoed. Traded on a Slowpoke: Holder evolves into Slowking.
Cost: 5000
kings-rock
held-items
Held: Damaging moves gain a 10% chance to make their target flinch. Traded on a Poliwhirl: Holder evolves into Politoed. Traded on a Slowpoke: Holder evolves into Slowking.
Cost: 5000
kings-rock
held-items
Held: Damaging moves gain a 10% chance to make their target flinch. Traded on a Poliwhirl: Holder evolves into Politoed. Traded on a Slowpoke: Holder evolves into Slowking.
Cost: 5000
kings-rock
held-items
Held: Damaging moves gain a 10% chance to make their target flinch. Traded on a Poliwhirl: Holder evolves into Politoed. Traded on a Slowpoke: Holder evolves into Slowking.
Cost: 5000
kings-rock
held-items
Held: Damaging moves gain a 10% chance to make their target flinch. Traded on a Poliwhirl: Holder evolves into Politoed. Traded on a Slowpoke: Holder evolves into Slowking.
Cost: 5000
kings-rock
held-items
Held: Damaging moves gain a 10% chance to make their target flinch. Traded on a Poliwhirl: Holder evolves into Politoed. Traded on a Slowpoke: Holder evolves into Slowking.
Cost: 5000
kings-rock
held-items
Held: Damaging moves gain a 10% chance to make their target flinch. Traded on a Poliwhirl: Holder evolves into Politoed. Traded on a Slowpoke: Holder evolves into Slowking.
Cost: 5000
kings-rock
held-items
Held: Damaging moves gain a 10% chance to make their target flinch. Traded on a Poliwhirl: Holder evolves into Politoed. Traded on a Slowpoke: Holder evolves into Slowking.
Cost: 5000
kings-rock
held-items
Held: Damaging moves gain a 10% chance to make their target flinch. Traded on a Poliwhirl: Holder evolves into Politoed. Traded on a Slowpoke: Holder evolves into Slowking.
Cost: 5000
kings-rock
held-items
Held: Damaging moves gain a 10% chance to make their target flinch. Traded on a Poliwhirl: Holder evolves into Politoed. Traded on a Slowpoke: Holder evolves into Slowking.
Cost: 5000
kings-rock
held-items
Held: Damaging moves gain a 10% chance to make their target flinch. Traded on a Poliwhirl: Holder evolves into Politoed. Traded on a Slowpoke: Holder evolves into Slowking.
Cost: 5000
kings-rock
held-items
Held: Damaging moves gain a 10% chance to make their target flinch. Traded on a Poliwhirl: Holder evolves into Politoed. Traded on a Slowpoke: Holder evolves into Slowking.
Cost: 5000
kings-rock
held-items
Held: Damaging moves gain a 10% chance to make their target flinch. Traded on a Poliwhirl: Holder evolves into Politoed. Traded on a Slowpoke: Holder evolves into Slowking.
Cost: 5000
kings-rock
held-items
Held: Damaging moves gain a 10% chance to make their target flinch. Traded on a Poliwhirl: Holder evolves into Politoed. Traded on a Slowpoke: Holder evolves into Slowking.
Cost: 5000
kings-rock
held-items
Held: Damaging moves gain a 10% chance to make their target flinch. Traded on a Poliwhirl: Holder evolves into Politoed. Traded on a Slowpoke: Holder evolves into Slowking.
Cost: 5000
TMs & HMs
tm00
sword shield
tm01
yellow
tm01
gold silver
tm01
crystal
tm01
red blue
tm01
platinum
tm01
emerald
tm01
diamond pearl
tm01
firered leafgreen
tm01
ruby sapphire
tm01
xd
tm01
colosseum
tm01
heartgold soulsilver
tm01
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm01
blue japan
tm01
red green japan
tm01
sword shield
tm02
crystal
tm02
gold silver
tm03
crystal
+774 more TMs/HMs
Gender Differences
This Pokémon has visible differences between male and female forms.
politoed's Evolution Chain
Politoed Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Politoed evolves from Poliwhirl through a distinctive trade-based mechanic requiring the player to trade their Poliwhirl while it holds a King's Rock item. This evolution method emphasizes the regal nature of Politoed's final form, as the King's Rock symbolizes sovereignty and leadership—thematic elements central to Politoed's biology and social structure. Unlike its counterpart Poliwrath, which evolves through exposure to a Water Stone and gains the Fighting type, Politoed maintains its pure Water typing and develops enhanced special defensive capabilities and special attack power. The evolution represents a significant transition from Poliwhirl's balanced stat distribution to Politoed's more specialized role as a special-based attacker with exceptional special defense, increasing special defense from 80 to 100 and special attack from 80 to 90. This evolutionary path offers trainers a distinct strategic alternative, prioritizing special bulkiness and special offense over Poliwrath's mixed attacking profile and superior physical presence.
Where to Find
unova route 6
unova
+5 more
lostlorn forest
unova
+1 more
unova victory road 2
unova
+5 more
floccesy ranch
unova
+5 more
unova route 19
unova
+1 more
unova route 20
unova
+1 more
kalos route 19
kalos
malie garden
alola
+1 more
Politoed Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Politoed functions as the undisputed leader of the Poliwag evolutionary line, displaying remarkable leadership qualities that cause nearby Poliwag and Poliwhirl to gather from considerable distances upon hearing its distinctive echoing cry. When three or more Politoed congregate, they engage in synchronized singing sessions that produce extraordinarily loud, bellowing vocalizations, a behavior that appears to serve both social and territorial functions. The species demonstrates a particular affinity for expanding its throat while croaking melodious tunes, a display behavior linked to both communication and courtship. Politoed typically inhabits areas near water's edge, though it remains relatively rare in the wild compared to its pre-evolutionary forms. At nightfall, these Pokémon venture near lakes to issue territorial claims through loud cries that sound remarkably like shouting, with male specimens producing notably deeper and more menacing vocalizations than females. A male Politoed's voice quality directly influences its popularity with potential mates, suggesting that vocal prowess and physical characteristics like hair curliness function as important sexual selection traits within the species.
Pokedex Entries
Generation II
If POLIWAG and POLIWHIRL hear its echoing cry, they respond by gather ing from far and wide.
Whenever three or more of these get together, they sing in a loud voice that sounds like bellowing.
When it expands its throat to croak out a tune, nearby POLIWAG and POLIWHIRL gather immediately.
Generation III
The curled hair on POLITOED’s head is proof of its status as a king. It is said that the longer and more curled the hair, the more respect this POKéMON earns from its peers.
The curled hair on its head proves its status as a king. It is said that the longer and curlier the hair, the more respect it earns from its peers.
Whenever three or more of these get together, they sing in a loud voice that sounds like bellowing.
If POLIWAG and POLIWHIRL hear its echoing cry, they respond by gathering from far and wide.
Generation IV
It gathers groups of others as their leader. Its cries make POLIWAG obey.
If POLIWAG and POLIWHIRL hear its echoing cry, they respond by gathering from far and wide.
Whenever three or more of these get together, they sing in a loud voice that sounds like bellowing.
Generation V
It gathers groups of others as their leader. Its cries make Poliwag obey.
It gathers groups of others as their leader. Its cries make Poliwag obey.
Generation VI
Whenever three or more of these get together, they sing in a loud voice that sounds like bellowing.
If Poliwag and Poliwhirl hear its echoing cry, they respond by gathering from far and wide.
The curled hair on Politoed’s head is proof of its status as a king. It is said that the longer and more curled the hair, the more respect this Pokémon earns from its peers.
Generation VII
They gather on moonlit nights to form a large chorus. Their cries sound angry and not at all pleasant, but they are certainly distinctive.
Although its cries sound like screams, a composer created a beautiful ballad that was influenced by the sounds.
It’s the leader of Poliwag and Poliwhirl. When Politoed roars, they all cower in fear.
The longer and more luxurious the curled hair on its head, the greater the number of Poliwag and Poliwhirl that will obey it.
Generation VIII
At nightfall, these Pokémon appear on the shores of lakes. They announce their territorial claims by letting out cries that sound like shouting.
The cry of a male is louder than that of a female. Male Politoed with deep, menacing voices find more popularity with the opposite gender.
Politoed Name Origin & Design Inspiration
Politoed's Japanese name, Nyorotono, derives from the onomatopoeia 'nyoro' representing frog-like vocalizations, combined with 'tono' meaning lord or king in Japanese, perfectly encapsulating the Pokémon's role as a regal leader of the Poliwag line. The English name 'Politoed' similarly blends 'polliwog' (an alternative spelling of tadpole/Poliwag) with 'toed,' emphasizing both its biological classification and its distinction from its predecessors through the addition of the regal toe designation. The design itself draws inspiration from real-world frogs and toads, particularly those species known for their loud vocalizations and hierarchical social structures. The distinctive curled hair atop Politoed's head appears to be a stylized reference to pompadour hairstyles or royal crowns, visually communicating its status and authority. The vibrant color scheme—featuring green as the primary coloration with yellow accents—reflects the traditional frog aesthetic while the pink cheek spots add visual appeal and sexual dimorphism, echoing design elements from earlier Pokémon like Jigglypuff and Wigglytuff.
Learnable Moves
Politoed can learn 92 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| amnesia | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| belly drum | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| blizzard | ice | Special | 110 | 70 | 5 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| bounce | flying | Physical | 85 | 85 | 5 |
| brick break | fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| bubble beam | water | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| bulldoze | ground | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| captivate | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| chilling water | water | Special | 50 | 100 | 20 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| counter | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| curse | ghost | Status | — | — | 10 |
| defense curl | normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| detect | fighting | Status | — | — | 5 |
| dig | ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| dive | water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| double slap | normal | Physical | 15 | 85 | 10 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| dynamic punch | fighting | Physical | 100 | 50 | 5 |
| earth power | ground | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| earthquake | ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| echoed voice | normal | Special | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| encore | normal | Status | — | 100 | 5 |
| endeavor | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| fling | dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| focus blast | fighting | Special | 120 | 70 | 5 |
| focus punch | fighting | Physical | 150 | 100 | 20 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| giga impact | normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| hail | ice | Status | — | — | 10 |
| haze | ice | Status | — | — | 30 |
| headbutt | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| helping hand | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| hydro pump | water | Special | 110 | 80 | 5 |
| hyper beam | normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| hyper voice | normal | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| hypnosis | psychic | Status | — | 60 | 20 |
| ice beam | ice | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| ice punch | ice | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| icy wind | ice | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| liquidation | water | Physical | 85 | 100 | 10 |
| low kick | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| low sweep | fighting | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| mega kick | normal | Physical | 120 | 75 | 5 |
| mega punch | normal | Physical | 80 | 85 | 20 |
| metronome | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mist | ice | Status | — | — | 30 |
| mud shot | ground | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| mud slap | ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| muddy water | water | Special | 90 | 85 | 10 |
| natural gift | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| payback | dark | Physical | 50 | 100 | 10 |
| perish song | normal | Status | — | — | 5 |
| pound | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| power up punch | fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psych up | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psychic | psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| rock smash | fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| scald | water | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| screech | normal | Status | — | 85 | 40 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| seismic toss | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| splash | normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| strength | normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| surf | water | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| swift | normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| tera blast | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| thief | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| uproar | normal | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| water gun | water | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| water pulse | water | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| waterfall | water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| weather ball | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 10 |
| whirlpool | water | Special | 35 | 85 | 15 |
Politoed Competitive Battle Guide
In competitive Pokémon battling, Politoed occupies a unique ecological niche through its hidden ability Drizzle, which automatically summons permanent rain upon entry—a capability that fundamentally transforms battle conditions and has made Politoed a staple in rain-dependent teams despite its modest base Speed stat of 70. The ability to establish indefinite weather conditions without requiring dedicated weather-support moves grants Politoed exceptional team utility, enabling Swift Swim users like Kingdra and Ludicolo to achieve doubled Speed, while simultaneously boosting Water-type moves and weakening Fire-type attacks. Politoed's balanced special bulk—combining 90 HP with 100 Special Defense—allows it to survive special attacks competently, and its 90 Special Attack provides sufficient offensive pressure for moves like Hydro Pump, Icy Wind, and Psychic. Its standard abilities Water Absorb and Damp offer viable alternatives; Water Absorb converts enemy Water-type attacks into healing, providing reliable damage mitigation and HP recovery, while Damp prevents Self-Destruct and Explosion users from detonating, disrupting opposing strategies. Competitive sets typically invest heavily in Special Attack and Special Defense with modest Speed investment, leveraging Politoed's role as a weather setter and defensive pivot rather than a primary damage dealer, though rain boost-enhanced STAB moves provide respectable offensive coverage against the metagame's prominent threats.
Commonly Asked Questions About Politoed
What type is Politoed?
Politoed is a water type Pokemon.
What does Politoed evolve from?
Politoed evolved from poliwrath that evolved from poliwhirl that evolved from poliwag.
What are Politoed's weaknesses?
Politoed is weak to grass and electric type moves.
Where can I find Politoed?
Politoed can be found in unova route 6 (unova), lostlorn forest (unova) and unova victory road 2 (unova) and 5 other locations.
Politoed Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Politoed achieved significant cultural prominence through Misty's competitive Politoed in the Pokémon anime series, serving as a key member of her champion team and earning respect from both trainers and audiences as a dependable, powerful companion. This major anime appearance substantially elevated Politoed's visibility and popularity, transforming it from a relatively overlooked Generation II Pokémon into a recognized fan favorite and demonstrating that alternative evolutionary paths possessed competitive viability and narrative significance. The Pokémon's regal design and leadership qualities have made it a popular choice for trainers seeking to create themed teams centered around aquatic royalty or harmonious frog-based teams, particularly in fan communities dedicated to the Poliwag evolutionary line. Trading mechanics featuring King's Rock and evolution stones have elevated Politoed's symbolic importance as a Pokémon requiring specific items and inter-trainer cooperation to obtain, reinforcing themes of exchange and partnership central to the franchise's multiplayer philosophy. The species has maintained consistent representation across trading card game releases, competitive video game formats, and spin-off titles, establishing itself as an enduring member of the water-type roster and a viable alternative to Poliwrath that appeals to trainers preferring special-based movesets and rain-weather strategies.
Where to Find Politoed in Every Pokémon Game
Politoed's availability varies significantly across different Pokémon generations and game releases. Originally introduced in Pokémon Gold and Silver, it was assignable the local Pokédex number #0075 in these original Generation II games and their remakes HeartGold and SoulSilver. The species appears in Pokémon X and Y as Mountain Kalos Pokédex entry #0036, and in the Alola region games Pokémon Sun and Moon it occupies Alola dex positions #0152 in the main entries and #0185 in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. More recent appearances include the Isle of Armor DLC for Pokémon Sword and Shield where it holds local number #0145, and Pokémon Legends: Arceus where it's registered as #0042 in the Teal Mask regional variant. The standard method for obtaining Politoed requires training a Poliwag to Poliwhirl through leveling to 25, then acquiring a King's Rock item and executing a trade with another player or through in-game mechanics that simulate trading in single-player contexts. The relatively modest capture rate of 45 and medium-slow experience growth rate make Politoed accessible but not trivial to obtain and train, while its base friendship value of 70 means consistent interaction accelerates bonding. Wild encounter availability fluctuates between games, with some generations featuring it commonly near water-routes while others restrict wild encounters, necessitating breeding or trade-evolution as primary acquisition methods.