spheal #363
Type Matchups
Weak to (2x damage):
Resistant to (½x damage):
spheal
Generation III · #0363 — Clap Pokémon
Spheal, known as the Clap Pokémon, is a dual-type Ice/Water Pokémon introduced in Generation III that has become a beloved fixture of cold-water environments throughout the Pokémon world. With a National Pokédex number of 363, this rotund creature represents the first stage in a three-part evolutionary line that culminates in the powerful Walrein. Despite its humble status as a base-stage Pokémon, Spheal possesses surprising utility with a base stat total of 290 and access to multiple valuable ability choices. Its signature characteristic—a preference for rolling rather than walking—reflects the creative design philosophy that makes Generation III Pokémon distinctly memorable. The species maintains a healthy capture rate of 255, making it relatively easy to obtain in its native habitats, while its base friendship of 70 suggests a naturally affectionate disposition toward trainers.
Base Stats
Height
0.8m
Weight
39.5kg
Category
Clap Pokémon
Gender
Male 50% / Female 50%
Color
blue
Shape
fish
Habitat
sea
Abilities
Halves damage from fire and ice moves.
Heals for 1/16 max HP after each turn during hail. Protects against hail damage.
Prevents infatuation and protects against captivate.
Spheal Biology & Physical Characteristics
Spheal presents one of the most distinctive silhouettes in the Ice-type family, with its body forming an almost perfectly spherical shape covered entirely in thick, fluffy fur that ranges from light blue to white. This plushy exterior conceals a substantial layer of blubber beneath, which serves as insulation against frigid temperatures while also contributing to the Pokémon's considerable weight of 39.5 kilograms despite its compact height of just 0.8 meters. The species features characteristic small black circular eyes, diminutive tusks protruding from its upper jaw, rounded ears, and a notably short, flat tail that appears almost vestigial in function. Its stubby flippers and beige-colored underside contrast with the cooler tones of its back, creating a visually appealing color scheme that recalls real-world seals and sea lions. The most striking anatomical feature is undoubtedly Spheal's ball-like body composition, which is specifically designed for rolling locomotion rather than conventional movement, as its frame is poorly suited for swimming or walking with any significant speed or efficiency.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Spheal Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Spheal maintains a perfectly balanced gender ratio of 50% male and 50% female, allowing trainers equal opportunity to breed either sex for their teams or collections. The species belongs to the Water 1 and Field egg groups, providing breeding compatibility with a diverse array of Pokémon species and enabling the inheritance of moves across multiple generations through careful breeding strategies. Eggs require 20 cycles to hatch, translating to approximately 4,884 to 5,140 steps of travel before a new Spheal emerges, placing it within the moderate hatching timeframe that makes breeding reasonably accessible to dedicated players. The base happiness value of 70, which increased from 50 in later generations, indicates that freshly caught or hatched Spheal begin with a moderate affection toward their trainers, though consistent positive treatment and battle experience will increase this value further. Breeding networks often feature Spheal due to its early availability in the evolutionary chain and its potential to pass down valuable moves to offspring through egg inheritance, making it a practical choice for competitive breeders seeking to establish advantageous move pools in their Ice-type teams.
Sprites
TMs & HMs
tm01
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm02
crystal
tm02
gold silver
tm03
crystal
tm03
gold silver
tm03
ruby sapphire
tm03
platinum
tm03
firered leafgreen
tm03
heartgold soulsilver
tm03
diamond pearl
tm03
emerald
tm03
xd
tm03
colosseum
tm04
gold silver
tm04
crystal
tm05
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm06
yellow
tm06
gold silver
tm06
red blue
tm06
crystal
+550 more TMs/HMs
spheal's Evolution Chain
Spheal Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Spheal's evolutionary pathway represents a classic three-stage progression that showcases gradual physical development and stat improvement typical of medium-slow growth-rate Pokémon. The species evolves into Sealeo upon reaching level 32, at which point it develops a more streamlined body, increased muscular development, and enhanced physical capabilities reflected in boosted Attack and Special Attack statistics. The final evolutionary form, Walrein, emerges at level 44 and represents a fully mature, considerably more powerful Pokémon with a pronounced increase in overall stats and the development of tusks and a more imposing physical presence befitting a herd leader. This evolutionary chain demonstrates thematic consistency, with each stage building upon the last in terms of both physical characteristics and competitive viability. The progression from the rotund, rolling Spheal to the more muscular Sealeo and finally to the dominant Walrein mirrors natural development patterns observed in real-world pinnipeds, adding biological plausibility to this fictional evolutionary process.
Where to Find
shoal cave
hoenn
+36 more
sinnoh sea route 226
sinnoh
sinnoh sea route 230
sinnoh
undella bay
unova
+1 more
alola route 7
alola
+1 more
Spheal Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Spheal exhibits deeply social and affectionate behaviors, particularly during group feeding sessions where multiple individuals gather to consume food together, clapping their fins in unison to express their contentment and pleasure—a behavior so characteristic that it earned the species its "Clap Pokémon" designation. According to Pokédex entries, these vocalizations during mealtimes can create surprisingly noisy gatherings, suggesting that Spheal are inherently vocal creatures despite their otherwise gentle demeanor. The species inhabits and around coastal seawater environments, though they demonstrate a notable preference for drifting ice floes, particularly during seasonal ice migration periods when they seek the relative safety these frozen platforms provide from aquatic predators. Spheal function as scouts within herds led by Walrein, identifying prey sources and communicating their findings to the dominant members of their social group, establishing them as integral components of a larger ecosystem hierarchy. During sleep, Spheal have been observed clapping their fins merrily while resting on their backs, suggesting a content and peaceful nature even during rest periods. Their remarkable fur retains heat so effectively that they experience no cold sensation even while rolling across ice floes or diving into frigid seas.
Pokedex Entries
Generation III
SPHEAL is much faster rolling than walking to get around. When groups of this POKéMON eat, they all clap at once to show their pleasure. Because of this, their mealtimes are noisy.
SPHEAL always travels by rolling around on its ball-like body. When the season for ice floes arrives, this POKéMON can be seen rolling about on ice and crossing the sea.
It is completely covered with plushy fur. As a result, it never feels the cold even when it is rolling about on ice floes or diving in the sea.
Its body is covered in fluffy fur. The fur keeps it from feeling cold while it is rolling on ice.
Its body is covered in fluffy fur. The fur keeps it from feeling cold while it is rolling on ice.
Generation IV
It rolls across ice floes to reach shore because its body is poorly shaped for swimming.
It crosses the oceans by rolling itself on drifting ice. Fluffy fur keeps it warm when the temperature is below freezing.
Generation V
It rolls across ice floes to reach shore because its body is poorly shaped for swimming.
They can’t swim well yet, and they move much faster by rolling. When they’re happy, they clap fins.
Generation VI
They can’t swim well yet, and they move much faster by rolling. When they’re happy, they clap fins.
Its body is covered in fluffy fur. The fur keeps it from feeling cold while it is rolling on ice.
Spheal is much faster rolling than walking to get around. When groups of this Pokémon eat, they all clap at once to show their pleasure. Because of this, their mealtimes are noisy.
Spheal always travels by rolling around on its ball-like body. When the season for ice floes arrives, this Pokémon can be seen rolling about on ice and crossing the sea.
Generation VIII
This Pokémon’s body is covered in blubber and impressively round. It’s faster for Spheal to roll around than walk.
As it drifts among the waves, Spheal probes the sea. As soon as it spots prey, it informs the Walrein in its herd.
During the season when drift ice approaches the shore, Spheal prefers living on the ice—where fewer predators lurk—rather than the land. Its fur retains heat superbly and resists harsh cold.
Spheal Name Origin & Design Inspiration
Spheal's name derives from a combination of "sphere" and "seal," with the Japanese name Tamazarashi (玉座り) similarly emphasizing its round, ball-like body shape combined with its seal-like characteristics. The design itself represents an homage to actual seals and sea lions, capturing their rotund, blubbery physiques while exaggerating proportions to create a distinctly Pokémon-appropriate aesthetic. The choice to make Spheal move primarily through rolling reflects both the physical limitations of a creature with such a spherical form and the designers' commitment to creating gameplay mechanics that reflect visual design—since Spheal cannot walk or swim efficiently, rolling becomes its primary locomotion method. The fluffy, plushy fur texture and light blue coloration evoke both the cuteness factor that appeals to younger players and the visual representation of cold-weather adaptation. The small tusks and rounded ears add distinguishing features while maintaining overall cuteness, and the beige underside creates visual contrast with the cooler dorsal coloring. Generation III's design philosophy particularly embraced creating Pokémon with unique physical characteristics that directly informed gameplay mechanics, and Spheal exemplifies this approach perfectly through its shape-dictating movement type.
Learnable Moves
Spheal can learn 67 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| aqua ring | water | Status | — | — | 20 |
| aqua tail | water | Physical | 90 | 90 | 10 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| aurora beam | ice | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| belly drum | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| blizzard | ice | Special | 110 | 70 | 5 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| brine | water | Special | 65 | 100 | 10 |
| bulldoze | ground | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| captivate | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| curse | ghost | Status | — | — | 10 |
| defense curl | normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| dive | water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| earthquake | ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| echoed voice | normal | Special | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| encore | normal | Status | — | 100 | 5 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| fissure | ground | Physical | — | 30 | 5 |
| frost breath | ice | Special | 60 | 90 | 10 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| growl | normal | Status | — | 100 | 40 |
| hail | ice | Status | — | — | 10 |
| headbutt | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| ice ball | ice | Physical | 30 | 90 | 20 |
| ice beam | ice | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| icy wind | ice | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| iron tail | steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 |
| liquidation | water | Physical | 85 | 100 | 10 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mud slap | ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| natural gift | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| powder snow | ice | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| rock slide | rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 |
| rock smash | fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| rock tomb | rock | Physical | 60 | 95 | 15 |
| rollout | rock | Physical | 30 | 90 | 20 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| sheer cold | ice | Special | — | 30 | 5 |
| signal beam | bug | Special | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| spit up | normal | Special | — | 100 | 10 |
| steel roller | steel | Physical | 130 | 100 | 5 |
| stockpile | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| strength | normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| super fang | normal | Physical | — | 90 | 10 |
| surf | water | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| swallow | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| water gun | water | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| water pulse | water | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| water sport | water | Status | — | — | 15 |
| waterfall | water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| whirlpool | water | Special | 35 | 85 | 15 |
| yawn | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
Spheal Competitive Battle Guide
Spheal occupies a limited competitive niche due to its relatively low base stat total of 290, with particularly poor Speed (25) and Attack (40) statistics that severely restrict its offensive capabilities in higher-level competitive play. However, the species benefits significantly from its ability choices, with Thick Fat providing valuable defense against Fire and Ice-type moves by halving their damage—a particularly useful trait given its dual Ice/Water typing that would otherwise leave it vulnerable to Fire-type threats. The Ice Body ability offers alternative utility by granting passive healing during hailstorm weather conditions while simultaneously granting immunity to hail damage, creating opportunities for weather-based team strategies that leverage this passive recovery. The hidden ability Oblivious provides niche protection against infatuation and Captivate-based strategies, though this sees less practical application in most competitive formats. Spheal's movepool includes signature move Ice Ball, which increases in power as the user executes consecutive turns of attack, though this move's reliance on chain accuracy makes it unreliable for high-level competitive play. Most competitive trainers recognize Spheal primarily as a stepping stone toward its more viable evolved forms, particularly Walrein, which gains significantly improved stats and access to more threatening moves that better utilize its bulky defensive profile.
Commonly Asked Questions About Spheal
What type is Spheal?
Spheal is a ice and water type Pokemon.
What does Spheal evolve into?
Spheal evolves into sealeo, then into walrein.
What are Spheal's weaknesses?
Spheal is weak to grass, electric, fighting and rock type moves.
Where can I find Spheal?
Spheal can be found in shoal cave (hoenn), sinnoh sea route 226 (sinnoh) and sinnoh sea route 230 (sinnoh) and 2 other locations.
Spheal Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Spheal has achieved notable recognition within the broader Pokémon franchise, appearing in multiple anime seasons including the Advanced Generation series where it was featured prominently in various episodes exploring Arctic and cold-water environments. The species' distinctive rolling movement and endearing personality have made it a fan favorite, particularly among players who appreciate Pokémon design that prioritizes visual distinctiveness and mechanical consistency over raw competitive power. The design's charm extends to merchandise, with plush toys and collectibles featuring Spheal's rotund form proving consistently popular at Pokémon Center locations and online retailers. In the trading card game, Spheal has received multiple card iterations across different sets, sometimes featured as a cute filler card and occasionally with competitive utility in themed decks centered around Ice-type strategies. The species represents Generation III's design philosophy of creating memorable creatures with unique characteristics that make them instantly recognizable, contributing to the generation's overall legacy as a period of creative and confident Pokémon design that expanded the franchise's visual diversity.
Where to Find Spheal in Every Pokémon Game
Spheal's availability varies significantly across the extensive Pokémon game library, with the species making its debut in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire where it appears in cold-water locations and ice floes characteristic of its natural habitat. The species has appeared in subsequent generations with consistent availability, including Diamond and Pearl, Black 2 and White 2, X and Y, and later titles including Sword and Shield where it appears in the Crown Tundra DLC area. Pokémon Legends: Arceus features Spheal in its regional Pokédex with updated information reflecting its preferred ice-dwelling lifestyle during drift-ice seasons, providing players with context about its behavioral preferences. The species has remained notably accessible due to its high capture rate of 255, making it one of the easiest Pokémon to obtain when encountered in the wild. In competitive Pokémon titles and online distribution events, Spheal occasionally appears as a distributed Pokémon or breedable option, ensuring continued availability to players across multiple game generations. Its presence in the Pokédex of most modern titles ensures that trainers can reliably obtain this charming Ice/Water-type for their collections regardless of their preferred game version or generation.