tympole #535
Type Matchups
Weak to (2x damage):
Resistant to (½x damage):
tympole
Generation V · #0535 — Tadpole Pokémon
Tympole, the Tadpole Pokémon, is a Water-type Pokémon introduced in Generation V that represents the earliest stage of an aquatic evolutionary line culminating in the powerful Seismitoad. As National Pokédex #535, Tympole occupies an interesting ecological niche as a pure Water-type before gaining Ground typing in its final evolution. With a base stat total of 294 distributed across relatively balanced offensive and defensive capabilities, Tympole represents a modest foundation that trainers develop over the course of their journey. Its defining characteristic lies not in raw power, but in its remarkable biological trait of communication through ultrasonic vibrations, making it one of the few Pokémon species that relies on sound waves imperceptible to human ears as a primary means of interaction with its environment and companions.
Base Stats
Height
0.5m
Weight
4.5kg
Category
Tadpole Pokémon
Gender
Male 50% / Female 50%
Color
blue
Shape
fish
Abilities
Doubles Speed during rain.
Cures any major status ailment after each turn during rain.
Absorbs water moves, healing for 1/4 max HP.
Tympole Biology & Physical Characteristics
Tympole presents a distinctly tadpole-like morphology, featuring a round, tan-colored circular body measuring 0.5 meters in height and weighing 4.5 kilograms. The Pokémon's face is dominated by a pair of large, oval black eyes positioned prominently on its front, accompanied by downturned corners of its mouth that give it a perpetually solemn expression, framed by black eyebrows shaped like musical quarter notes that hint at its sound-based nature. The most striking biological feature of Tympole consists of two black-and-blue ringed cheeks resembling half-spheres protruding from either side of its head, which serve as its primary acoustic apparatus. Its spherical body is entirely black with no visible limbs, instead tapering into a long, fan-shaped blue tail with a distinctive black spot at its base. The Pokédex entries across multiple generations consistently emphasize Tympole's ability to vibrate its cheeks to emit sound waves that exist at frequencies imperceptible to human hearing, utilizing the rhythm and patterns of these ultrasonic vibrations as a sophisticated communication system within its species, particularly for conveying warnings of impending danger.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Tympole Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Tympole maintains a perfectly balanced gender ratio of 50% male and 50% female, with no visible sexual dimorphism in appearance between individuals of different genders. The species belongs to the Water 1 Egg Group, allowing it to breed with a diverse array of water-type Pokémon and certain other compatible species. The breeding process for Tympole follows standard amphibian-inspired mechanics, with a hatch counter of 20 cycles, requiring approximately 4,884 to 5,140 steps of in-game travel for an egg to hatch into a new Tympole. The species demonstrates a base friendship value of 70 (adjusted to 50 in later generations), indicating that newly hatched Tympole begin their lives with a moderate level of affection toward their trainers, though this can be increased through positive interactions and battle experience. The combination of high capture rate (255), accessible breeding mechanics, and balanced gender distribution makes Tympole an excellent candidate for players seeking to breed Water-type lineups or explore egg move combinations with compatible partner species.
Held Items
Sprites
Held Items
pecha-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when poisoned to cure poison.
Cost: 80
pecha-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when poisoned to cure poison.
Cost: 80
persim-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when confused to cure confusion.
Cost: 80
persim-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when confused to cure confusion.
Cost: 80
TMs & HMs
tm03
ruby sapphire
tm03
platinum
tm03
firered leafgreen
tm03
heartgold soulsilver
tm03
diamond pearl
tm03
emerald
tm03
xd
tm03
colosseum
tm05
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm06
yellow
tm06
gold silver
tm06
red blue
tm06
crystal
tm06
emerald
tm06
firered leafgreen
tm06
diamond pearl
tm06
platinum
tm06
ruby sapphire
tm06
colosseum
tm06
black 2 white 2
+373 more TMs/HMs
tympole's Evolution Chain
Tympole Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Tympole initiates a straightforward linear evolutionary progression, evolving into Palpitoad upon reaching level 25, at which point it begins developing ground-based characteristics while retaining its Water typing. The secondary evolution into Seismitoad occurs at level 36, where the final form achieves its full transformation into a Water/Ground dual-type with substantially increased base stats and a pronounced shift in morphology from the diminutive tadpole. This evolutionary path mirrors natural amphibian development, where the tadpole stage represents aquatic juvenility before transitioning toward semi-terrestrial or fully terrestrial forms. The progression from pure Water-type to Water/Ground dual-type fundamentally alters Tympole's strategic role in competitive play and gym battles, as the evolution chain gains increased defensive coverage and access to ground-based moves that the original form cannot learn. Tympole itself possesses no alternate forms or Mega Evolutions, remaining consistent throughout all generations as the foundation of this three-stage evolutionary line.
Where to Find
pinwheel forest
unova
+17 more
Tympole Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Tympole is known to inhabit freshwater environments where it congregates with other members of its species in groups, as evidenced by observations in the Pokémon anime showing them swimming and attacking collectively. These Pokémon demonstrate remarkable acoustic behavior, singing in high-pitched voices that create graceful, elegant ripples across the water's surface—a visual manifestation of their ultrasonic communication network that serves as a clear indicator of their presence below the waterline. Within their communities, Tympole establish hierarchical warning systems through cheek vibrations, with specific rhythmic patterns conveying different messages about predatory threats or environmental hazards. The species exhibits a moderately high base friendship value of 70 (in Generations V through VII), suggesting they form strong bonds with trainers and companions. Their behavior patterns indicate a cooperative, social structure typical of tadpole-stage Pokémon, where group dynamics and collective vigilance enhance survival prospects in aquatic ecosystems.
Pokedex Entries
Generation V
They warn others of danger by vibrating their cheeks to create a high-pitched sound.
By vibrating its cheeks, it emits sound waves imperceptible to humans and warns others of danger.
By vibrating its cheeks, it emits sound waves imperceptible to humans. It uses the rhythm of these sounds to talk.
Generation VI
By vibrating its cheeks, it emits sound waves imperceptible to humans and warns others of danger.
By vibrating its cheeks, it emits sound waves imperceptible to humans. It uses the rhythm of these sounds to talk.
By vibrating its cheeks, it emits sound waves imperceptible to humans and warns others of danger.
By vibrating its cheeks, it emits sound waves imperceptible to humans. It uses the rhythm of these sounds to talk.
Generation VIII
Graceful ripples running across the water’s surface are a sure sign that Tympole are singing in high-pitched voices below.
It uses sound waves to communicate with others of its kind. People and other Pokémon species can’t hear its cries of warning.
Tympole Name Origin & Design Inspiration
Tympole's nomenclature derives from the combination of 'tympanum,' referencing the tympanum or eardrum, and 'tadpole,' directly reflecting its biological classification and acoustic-focused design philosophy. The Japanese name, Otamaro, similarly combines 'otama' (meaning tadpole) with 'maro,' a diminutive suffix common in Japanese Pokémon naming conventions. The visual design incorporates musical symbolism throughout, with its quarter-note eyebrows, ring-patterned cheeks resembling drum heads or sound wave visualizations, and overall spherical shape that evokes both a water droplet and a timpani drum resonating with sound. The color palette of tan-brown body with black markings and blue accents creates a natural aquatic appearance while the fan-shaped tail echoes the morphology of tadpole species. The design philosophy explicitly connects Tympole's biological function to percussion and sound production, positioning it as a Pokémon species fundamentally defined by acoustic communication rather than physical prowess, a thematic element that distinguishes it from more combat-oriented Water-type designs.
Learnable Moves
Tympole can learn 51 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| acid | poison | Special | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| after you | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| aqua ring | water | Status | — | — | 20 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| bounce | flying | Physical | 85 | 85 | 5 |
| bubble | water | Special | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| bubble beam | water | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| earth power | ground | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| echoed voice | normal | Special | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| endeavor | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| flail | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| growl | normal | Status | — | 100 | 40 |
| hail | ice | Status | — | — | 10 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| hydro pump | water | Special | 110 | 80 | 5 |
| hyper voice | normal | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| icy wind | ice | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| infestation | bug | Special | 20 | 100 | 20 |
| mist | ice | Status | — | — | 30 |
| mud bomb | ground | Special | 65 | 85 | 10 |
| mud shot | ground | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| mud sport | ground | Status | — | — | 15 |
| mud slap | ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| muddy water | water | Special | 90 | 85 | 10 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| refresh | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| scald | water | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| screech | normal | Status | — | 85 | 40 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sludge bomb | poison | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| sludge wave | poison | Special | 95 | 100 | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| supersonic | normal | Status | — | 55 | 20 |
| surf | water | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| uproar | normal | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| venom drench | poison | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| water pulse | water | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| weather ball | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 10 |
Tympole Competitive Battle Guide
Tympole's competitive viability as a standalone Pokémon remains severely limited due to its base stat total of 294, with relatively modest individual stat distributions—notably featuring 50 HP, 50 Attack, 50 Special Attack, 40 Defense, and 40 Special Defense, with only its Speed stat reaching 64 to provide any noteworthy offensive momentum. However, its ability pool provides interesting strategic possibilities; Swift Swim doubles its Speed during rain, potentially transforming it into a rain-based offensive threat, while Hydration eliminates status conditions each turn during rainfall, offering defensive utility in weather-dependent teams. The hidden ability Water Absorb grants HP recovery equivalent to 25% of maximum health when struck by Water-type moves, providing passive healing in water-heavy environments or when facing opposing aquatic Pokémon. Most competitive usage of Tympole focuses on its evolutionary potential rather than its standalone capabilities, with trainers viewing it primarily as a stepping stone toward the more viable Palpitoad and Seismitoad, which gain substantially improved stats and the valuable Ground typing upon evolution. In casual play and early-game scenarios, Tympole functions adequately as a Water-type option with access to moves like Bubble, Water Gun, and Rain Dance.
Commonly Asked Questions About Tympole
What type is Tympole?
Tympole is a water type Pokemon.
What does Tympole evolve into?
Tympole evolves into palpitoad, then into seismitoad.
What are Tympole's weaknesses?
Tympole is weak to grass and electric type moves.
Where can I find Tympole?
Tympole can be found in pinwheel forest (unova).
Tympole Cultural Impact & Franchise History
While Tympole has not achieved the mainstream recognition of iconic Pokémon species, it has established a notable presence within the franchise as a memorable Generation V introduction representing the Unova region's aquatic diversity. The species gained particular attention through its anime appearances, most notably in the episode 'Facing Fear with Eyes Wide Open!' where its group behaviors and ultrasonic communication mechanics were showcased prominently, introducing viewers to its unique acoustic biology. Tympole's design philosophy as a musically-themed Pokémon with percussion-inspired visual elements has resonated within certain fan communities that appreciate the connection between sound design and Pokémon aesthetics. The species appears regularly in Pokédex entries and regional guides for the Unova region, contributing to the region's distinctive identity as a location inspired by New York City and featuring numerous urban-themed Pokémon. Its evolutionary line, particularly the final form Seismitoad, achieved greater competitive and casual recognition than the base form, though Tympole itself remains appreciated by players who value the developmental journey from humble tadpole to powerful amphibian seismic specialist.
Where to Find Tympole in Every Pokémon Game
Tympole was introduced in Generation V and has maintained consistent availability throughout subsequent generations with periodic fluctuations in specific games and regions. In its debut Generation V titles (Pokémon Black and White), Tympole occupied the Pokédex number #041 in the Unova region and could be encountered in early-game water routes, making it a readily available option for players building their initial team. In Black 2 and White 2, Tympole's local Pokédex number shifted to #228, reflecting changes in regional availability. The species has appeared in numerous subsequent generations including Sword and Shield (local #132), with the Pokédex entries revealing that graceful ripples on water surfaces indicate Tympole singing in high-pitched voices below, allowing players to identify its presence. Tympole's exceptionally high capture rate of 255 ensures that encounters result in successful captures with standard Poké Balls regardless of the Pokémon's health status, dramatically reducing the difficulty of obtaining this species for team composition. The species' Water 1 Egg Group classification combined with its breeding compatibility and standard encounter mechanics makes Tympole one of the more accessible Water-type Pokémon for players seeking to develop a water-focused team early in their gameplay experience.