poliwrath
Generation I · #0062 — Tadpole Pokémon
Poliwrath, known in Japan as Nyorobon, is a Water/Fighting-type Pokémon that represents the final evolution of Poliwag when exposed to a Water Stone. Introduced in Generation I, this Tadpole Pokémon stands at 1.3 meters tall and weighs 54.0 kilograms, making it a formidable presence despite its relatively compact frame. With a base stat total of 510, Poliwrath boasts well-rounded offensive and defensive capabilities, featuring balanced Attack and Defense stats of 95 each, paired with respectable HP of 90. The Pokémon's dual typing gives it access to a diverse movepool and unique strategic advantages in competitive play. Poliwrath serves as one of two final evolutions for Poliwag, the other being Politoed, offering trainers distinct choices based on their strategic preferences and playstyle.
Base Stats
Height
1.3m
Weight
54.0kg
Category
Tadpole Pokémon
Gender
Male 50% / Female 50%
Color
blue
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.
Doubles Speed during rain.
Poliwrath Biology & Physical Characteristics
Poliwrath is a blue, bipedal amphibian Pokémon characterized by its distinctly muscular physiology and powerful aquatic adaptations. Its body is almost entirely composed of muscle with zero percent body fat, allowing it to maintain peak physical condition despite extensive exercise. The Pokémon features prominent bulbous eyes that protrude from the top of its head, a round torso covered by a distinctive white and black spiral pattern on its belly, and powerful limbs equipped with what appear to be white gloves on its hands. Its feet are rounded and digit-less, designed for optimal hydrodynamic efficiency in water. The muscles in Poliwrath's arms and legs possess a remarkable quality: they never tire, no matter the intensity or duration of activity. This biological marvel allows it to execute powerful square punches capable of crushing boulders into dust and to maintain swimming prowess across vast oceanic distances. Poliwrath's physical design reflects its mastery of both aquatic and terrestrial combat, with its broad shoulders and thick limbs providing the leverage necessary for devastating Fighting-type attacks.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Poliwrath Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Poliwrath exhibits a perfectly balanced gender distribution with exactly 50% male and 50% female individuals, allowing trainers equal opportunity to breed either gender depending on their needs. The Pokémon belongs to the Water 1 egg group, sharing this classification with numerous other aquatic and amphibious Pokémon species, which facilitates breeding with compatible partners. Poliwrath has a base friendship value of 70, indicating a moderately affectionate disposition toward trainers, though this value has varied slightly across different game generations. The species requires 20 egg cycles to hatch from a freshly laid egg, equivalent to approximately 4,884 to 5,140 steps in most Pokémon games, making it a reasonably quick hatch compared to many evolved Pokémon. The medium-slow experience growth rate means that Poliwrath reaches higher levels at a slightly slower pace than species with medium growth rates, but faster than those with slow growth patterns, allowing for gradual and steady progression during training. When breeding Poliwrath with compatible Water 1 egg group partners, offspring will emerge as Poliwag, the species' base form, allowing trainers to restart the evolutionary chain if desired. The capture rate of 45 indicates that Poliwrath is neither particularly difficult nor easy to catch in the wild, requiring standard Poké Ball tactics and patience during encounters.
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
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
tm02
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
+806 more TMs/HMs
poliwrath's Evolution Chain
Poliwrath Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Poliwrath evolves from Poliwhirl when exposed to a Water Stone, completing a three-stage evolutionary line that begins with the diminutive Poliwag. The evolution represents a dramatic transformation from Poliwhirl's lean frame to Poliwrath's heavily muscled physiology, with noticeable increases in Attack and Defense stats that jump from the mid-80s to 95 each. This evolution fundamentally shifts Poliwrath's typing from pure Water to Water/Fighting, granting access to powerful Fighting-type moves and significantly altering its strategic role in battle. The introduction of the Fighting type provides Poliwrath with excellent type coverage and allows it to capitalize on its superior Attack stat through physical movesets. Interestingly, Poliwag's evolutionary line offers a branching path; trainers who instead trade Poliwhirl while holding a King's Rock will obtain Politoed, a pure Water-type with different strengths and weaknesses. This bifurcation of the evolutionary line has been a defining feature since Generation II, allowing trainers to choose between Poliwrath's offensive Fighting capabilities and Politoed's alternative water-based specialization. The choice between these two evolutionary paths significantly influences team composition and strategic planning.
Where to Find
wellspring cave
unova
+5 more
challengers cave
unova
+1 more
unova victory road
unova
+5 more
giant chasm
unova
+9 more
relic passage
unova
+1 more
unova victory road 2
unova
+9 more
clay tunnel
unova
+1 more
unova route 23
unova
+1 more
kalos victory road
kalos
malie garden
alola
+1 more
cerulean cave
kanto
+1 more
Poliwrath Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Poliwrath is renowned across the Pokémon world as one of the most gifted swimmers among all Water-type species, capable of outpacing even world-class human swimmers in the water. According to various Pokédex entries, this remarkable swimmer is strong and skilled enough to cross the entire Pacific Ocean merely by kicking, demonstrating stamina and power that seem almost superhuman. Despite its aquatic prowess, Poliwrath actually lives primarily on dry land, making it an amphibious Pokémon with surprising terrestrial adaptability. One of its most spectacular abilities is the capacity to briefly run across the water's surface using its well-developed arms and legs, a feat that defies conventional physics and demonstrates the Pokémon's extraordinary muscular control. Beyond swimming, Poliwrath is highly skilled in martial arts, employing strategic combat techniques that complement its Fighting-type classification. Many children learn proper swimming technique by studying and replicating Poliwrath's swimming movements, making it an inadvertent teacher of aquatic safety and efficiency. The Pokémon's tireless nature and consistent power output make it an ideal subject for athletic training and physical conditioning study.
Pokedex Entries
An adept swimmer at both the front crawl and breast stroke. Easily overtakes the best human swimmers.
Swims powerfully using all the muscles in its body. It can even overtake champion swimmers.
This strong and skilled swimmer is even capable of crossing the Pacific Ocean just by kicking.
Although an ener getic, skilled swimmer that uses all of its mus cles, it lives on dry land.
It can use its well-developed arms and legs to run on the surface of the water for a split second.
POLIWRATH’s highly developed, brawny muscles never grow fatigued, however much it exercises. It is so tirelessly strong, this POKéMON can swim back and forth across the Pacific Ocean without effort.
Its highly developed muscles never grow fatigued, however much it exercises. This POKéMON can swim back and forth across the Pacific Ocean without effort.
An adept swimmer, it knows the front crawl, butterfly, and more. It is faster than the best human swimmers.
A swimmer adept at both the front crawl and breaststroke. Easily overtakes the best human swimmers.
With its extremely tough muscles, it can keep swimming in the Pacific Ocean without resting.
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.
With its extremely tough muscles, it can keep swimming in the Pacific Ocean without resting.
With its extremely tough muscles, it can keep swimming in the Pacific Ocean without resting.
With its extremely tough muscles, it can keep swimming in the Pacific Ocean without resting.
A swimmer adept at both the front crawl and breaststroke. Easily overtakes the best human swimmers.
Poliwrath’s highly developed, brawny muscles never grow fatigued, however much it exercises. It is so tirelessly strong, this Pokémon can swim back and forth across the ocean without effort.
Poliwrath in the Alola region are strong swimmers that use the breaststroke. Many children learn to swim by imitating Poliwrath.
It’s quite a gifted swimmer, even among Water-type Pokémon, but it normally spends its time on land.
Its percentage of body fat is nearly zero. Its body is entirely muscle, which makes it heavy and forces its swimming prowess to develop.
The muscles it has developed through swimming are thick and powerful. When it lands a square punch, it can turn huge boulders to dust.
Swims powerfully using all the muscles in its body. It can even overtake world-class swimmers.
Its body is solid muscle. When swimming through cold seas, Poliwrath uses its impressive arms to smash through drift ice and plow forward.
Poliwrath is skilled at both swimming and martial arts. It uses its well-trained arms to dish out powerful punches.
Poliwrath Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name Poliwrath perfectly encapsulates the Pokémon's dual nature as an aquatic amphibian with martial prowess, combining 'Poliwag' with 'wrath' to suggest righteous anger and fighting spirit channeled through controlled physical power. In Japan, the name Nyorobon derives from 'nyoro' (the sound/onomatopoeia for wriggling or slithering) and 'bon,' with 'bon' potentially referencing 'bonsai' or the character's compact yet powerful nature. The spiral pattern adorning Poliwrath's belly serves as a visual callback to its pre-evolutions while distinctly marking its transformation into a mature, powerful entity. This swirling design element may reference the mesmerizing patterns associated with hypnosis or the flowing motion of water itself, creating visual continuity across the evolutionary line. The Pokémon's white gloves and rounded feet give it an almost humanoid appearance despite its amphibious nature, emphasizing its role as a bridge between human athletic prowess and natural Pokémon superiority. The overall aesthetic design balances the whimsical charm of earlier evolutions with a more imposing, athletic silhouette that reflects its legendary status as a swimmer and fighter. The bulbous eyes and blue coloration maintain family resemblance while the pronounced musculature signals significant power and capability.
Learnable Moves
Poliwrath can learn 94 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| amnesia | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| baton pass | normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| belly drum | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| bide | normal | Physical | — | — | 10 |
| blizzard | ice | Special | 110 | 70 | 5 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| brick break | fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| bubble | water | Special | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| bubble beam | water | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| bulk up | fighting | Status | — | — | 20 |
| captivate | normal | Status | — | 100 | 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 |
| drain punch | fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 10 |
| dynamic punch | fighting | Physical | 100 | 50 | 5 |
| earth power | ground | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| earthquake | ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| encore | normal | Status | — | 100 | 5 |
| endeavor | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| fissure | ground | Physical | — | 30 | 5 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| knock off | dark | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| low kick | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| mega kick | normal | Physical | 120 | 75 | 5 |
| mega punch | normal | Physical | 80 | 85 | 20 |
| metronome | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mind reader | normal | Status | — | — | 5 |
| 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 |
| poison jab | poison | Physical | 80 | 100 | 20 |
| pound | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psych up | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psychic | psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| psywave | psychic | Special | — | 100 | 15 |
| rage | normal | Physical | 20 | 100 | 20 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| reversal | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| rock climb | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| rock slide | rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 |
| rock smash | fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| rock tomb | rock | Physical | 60 | 95 | 15 |
| scary face | normal | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| seismic toss | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| skull bash | normal | Physical | 130 | 100 | 10 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| splash | normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| strength | normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| submission | fighting | Physical | 80 | 80 | 20 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| superpower | fighting | Physical | 120 | 100 | 5 |
| surf | water | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| swift | normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| taunt | dark | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| thief | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| vacuum wave | fighting | Special | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| water gun | water | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| waterfall | water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| weather ball | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 10 |
| whirlpool | water | Special | 35 | 85 | 15 |
Poliwrath Competitive Battle Guide
Poliwrath occupies a notable niche in competitive Pokémon play as a bulky physical attacker with respectable balanced statistics. Its Attack and Defense stats both sit at 95, providing reliable offensive output while maintaining defensive durability, supported by 90 HP and 90 Special Defense that create a well-rounded defensive profile. The base Speed stat of 70 is slightly underwhelming for competitive standards, meaning Poliwrath often requires team support or strategic speed control through moves like Trick Room or abilities that boost speed under specific conditions. Poliwrath's hidden ability, Swift Swim, doubles its Speed during rain weather, transforming it from a moderately paced threat into a fast physical sweeper capable of outspeeding many competitive threats. This weather-dependent capability makes Poliwrath an excellent fit for rain-based team compositions, particularly those built around other rain-reliant Pokémon. Its ability options include Water Absorb, which grants passive healing from water-type moves, and Damp, which prevents opponent self-destruct moves, offering strategic flexibility depending on expected threats. The movepool provides solid coverage with access to priority moves like Aqua Jet, physical STAB options like Waterfall and Close Combat, and useful coverage moves such as Earthquake and Crunch, allowing diverse sets based on team structure and metagame trends.
Commonly Asked Questions About Poliwrath
What type is Poliwrath?
Poliwrath is a water and fighting type Pokemon.
What does Poliwrath evolve into?
Poliwrath evolves into politoed.
What are Poliwrath's weaknesses?
Poliwrath is weak to flying, grass, electric, psychic and fairy type moves.
Where can I find Poliwrath?
Poliwrath can be found in wellspring cave (unova), challengers cave (unova) and unova victory road (unova) and 8 other locations.
Poliwrath Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Poliwrath holds a significant position in Pokémon culture as one of the original Generation I Pokémon that helped define the franchise's initial appeal and legacy. Its status as a powerful evolved form with impressive swimming capabilities made it an aspirational Pokémon for early trainers, symbolizing the achievements possible through dedication to training and evolution. The Pokémon's distinctive design and balanced stat distribution have ensured its relevance across multiple game generations, maintaining consistent presence in competitive formats and casual play alike. In the Pokémon anime, Poliwrath has appeared in various contexts, showcasing its swimming prowess and martial arts abilities to viewers worldwide, reinforcing its identity as both an athletic and combat-capable species. The Pokémon's reputation as an exceptional swimmer has contributed to broader cultural fascination with the interconnection between Pokémon abilities and human skill development, particularly regarding swimming technique instruction. Merchandise featuring Poliwrath, from trading cards to figurines and plushies, remains popular among collectors, testament to the Pokémon's enduring appeal across multiple decades. Its appearance in the trading card game, particularly in early sets, has made certain Poliwrath cards valuable collector's items, further cementing its cultural significance within the Pokémon community.
Where to Find Poliwrath in Every Pokémon Game
Poliwrath's availability has varied significantly across Pokémon game releases, reflecting its position as a Generation I Pokémon with broad geographical distribution. In the original Red, Blue, and Yellow versions, Poliwrath could be obtained through evolution of Poliwhirl using a Water Stone, with Poliwag available in early game locations near water bodies. The Pokémon has appeared in subsequent generations with varying frequency, being available in Gold/Silver/Crystal, FireRed/LeafGreen, HeartGold/SoulSilver, and numerous modern titles including the Switch generation games. In Pokémon X/Y, Poliwrath appeared in the Mountain Kalos regional Pokédex, maintaining its presence in that generation's competitive scene. The Pokémon is available in Pokémon Sun/Moon and Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon within the expanded Alola Pokédex, continuing its legacy in contemporary games. Let's Go Pikachu/Eevee included Poliwrath as a catchable species, appealing to players seeking Generation I Pokémon faithful to the original experience. More recently, Poliwrath has appeared in Pokémon Sword/Shield's Isle of Armor expansion and Pokémon Scarlet/Violet's Teal Mask DLC, ensuring current-generation players can add this classic Pokémon to their teams. The consistent availability across multiple games and generations underscores Poliwrath's importance to the Pokémon franchise as a recognizable and beloved species that fans expect to encounter.