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Poliwhirl

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Poliwhirl in Pokémon X & Y

#61 in the X and Y Pokédex • Tadpole Pokémon

Poliwhirl in the National Pokédex
Poliwhirl sprite

Normal

Shiny Poliwhirl sprite

Shiny

Pokédex entries

Pokémon X

It can live in or out of water. When out of water, it constantly sweats to keep its body slimy.

Pokémon Y

Its two legs are well developed. Even though it can live on the ground, it prefers living in water.

Pokémon details

Type

Water

Category

Tadpole Pokémon

Height

1 m (3'03")

Weight

20 kg (44.1 lbs)

National Pokédex

#0061

Poliwhirl in Other Games

National Dex page

Base stat spread shown as a hex chart and supporting stat bars.

Min

Max

HP

65

240

334

Attack

65

121

251

Defense

65

121

251

Sp. Atk

50

94

218

Sp. Def

50

94

218

Speed

90

166

306

Total

385

Ranges are for Level 100. Max assumes a beneficial nature, 252 EVs, and 31 IVs; min assumes a hindering nature, 0 EVs, and 0 IVs.

Type-only matchups for Poliwhirl, sorted from worst weakness to best resistance. Abilities, held items and battle conditions can change the damage taken.

EV yield, catch rate, and experience details for this Pokémon.
Pokédexes
Mountain Kalos #34
EV yield
2 Spe
Catch rate
120
Base Exp.
135

Egg groups, gender ratio, and hatching details for this Pokémon.
Egg groups
Gender
50% male
50% female
Egg cycles
20

Evolution requirements shown in a compact table or chain view.

Known encounter locations for this Pokémon in this game.
X
LocationMethodLevelChanceConditions

Couriway Town

Fishing with a Good Rod3535%

-

Couriway Town

Fishing with a Super Rod4560%

-

Couriway Town

Fishing with a Super Rod455%

-

Laverre City

Fishing with a Good Rod2535%

-

Laverre City

Fishing with a Super Rod3560%

-

Laverre City

Fishing with a Super Rod355%

-

Route 14

Road 14

Fishing with a Good Rod3535%

-

Route 14

Road 14

Fishing with a Super Rod3560%

-

Route 14

Road 14

Fishing with a Super Rod355%

-

Route 15

Road 15

Fishing with a Good Rod2535%

-

Route 15

Road 15

Fishing with a Super Rod3560%

-

Route 15

Road 15

Fishing with a Super Rod355%

-

Route 16

Road 16

Fishing with a Good Rod2535%

-

Route 16

Road 16

Fishing with a Super Rod3560%

-

Route 16

Road 16

Fishing with a Super Rod355%

-

Route 19

Road 19

Fishing with a Good Rod3535%

-

Route 19

Road 19

Fishing with a Super Rod4560%

-

Route 21

Road 21

Fishing with a Good Rod4035%

-

Route 21

Road 21

Fishing with a Super Rod5060%

-

Frost Cavern

Frost Cavern (unknown area 313)

Surfing3850%

-

Frost Cavern

Frost Cavern (unknown area 313)

Surfing3915%

-

Frost Cavern

Frost Cavern (unknown area 313)

Surfing401%

-

Frost Cavern

Frost Cavern (unknown area 313)

Fishing with a Good Rod3035%

-

Frost Cavern

Frost Cavern (unknown area 313)

Fishing with a Super Rod4060%

-

Frost Cavern

Frost Cavern (unknown area 313)

Fishing with a Super Rod405%

-

Frost Cavern

Frost Cavern (unknown area 315)

Surfing3850%

-

Frost Cavern

Frost Cavern (unknown area 315)

Surfing3915%

-

Frost Cavern

Frost Cavern (unknown area 315)

Surfing401%

-

Frost Cavern

Frost Cavern (unknown area 315)

Fishing with a Good Rod3035%

-

Frost Cavern

Frost Cavern (unknown area 315)

Fishing with a Super Rod4060%

-

Frost Cavern

Frost Cavern (unknown area 315)

Fishing with a Super Rod405%

-

Pokémon Village

Pokemon Village

Surfing4830%

-

Pokémon Village

Pokemon Village

Surfing504%

-

Pokémon Village

Pokemon Village

Fishing with a Good Rod4035%

-

Pokémon Village

Pokemon Village

Fishing with a Super Rod5060%

-

Pokémon Village

Pokemon Village

Fishing with a Super Rod505%

-

Victory Road

Victory Road (unknown area 322)

Surfing5750%

-

Victory Road

Victory Road (unknown area 322)

Surfing5815%

-

Victory Road

Victory Road (unknown area 322)

Surfing591%

-

Victory Road

Victory Road (unknown area 322)

Fishing with a Good Rod4535%

-

Victory Road

Victory Road (unknown area 322)

Fishing with a Super Rod5560%

-

Victory Road

Victory Road (unknown area 322)

Fishing with a Super Rod555%

-

Victory Road

Victory Road (unknown area 327)

Fishing with a Good Rod4535%

-

Victory Road

Victory Road (unknown area 327)

Fishing with a Super Rod5560%

-

Victory Road

Victory Road (unknown area 327)

Fishing with a Super Rod555%

-

Victory Road

Victory Road (unknown area 328)

Surfing5750%

-

Victory Road

Victory Road (unknown area 328)

Surfing5815%

-

Victory Road

Victory Road (unknown area 328)

Surfing591%

-

Victory Road

Victory Road (unknown area 328)

Fishing with a Good Rod4535%

-

Victory Road

Victory Road (unknown area 328)

Fishing with a Super Rod5560%

-

Friend Safari

Friend Safari (Water)

Walking in tall grass or a cave30-

Randomly assigned to Friend Safari Slot 3, Requires a registered 3DS friend. Each unlocked encounter slot has equal probability: 50% with two slots or approximately 33.3% with three. The candidate depends on that friend’s Safari., Friend must enter the Hall of Fame and meet you in the PSS. Since Nintendo Network closed in April 2024, new third-slot and Hidden Ability unlocks require local play together; earlier online unlocks remain available.

Y
LocationMethodLevelChanceConditions

Couriway Town

Fishing with a Good Rod3535%

-

Couriway Town

Fishing with a Super Rod4560%

-

Couriway Town

Fishing with a Super Rod455%

-

Laverre City

Fishing with a Good Rod2535%

-

Laverre City

Fishing with a Super Rod3560%

-

Laverre City

Fishing with a Super Rod355%

-

Route 14

Road 14

Fishing with a Good Rod3535%

-

Route 14

Road 14

Fishing with a Super Rod3560%

-

Route 14

Road 14

Fishing with a Super Rod355%

-

Route 15

Road 15

Fishing with a Good Rod2535%

-

Route 15

Road 15

Fishing with a Super Rod3560%

-

Route 15

Road 15

Fishing with a Super Rod355%

-

Route 16

Road 16

Fishing with a Good Rod2535%

-

Route 16

Road 16

Fishing with a Super Rod3560%

-

Route 16

Road 16

Fishing with a Super Rod355%

-

Route 19

Road 19

Fishing with a Good Rod3535%

-

Route 19

Road 19

Fishing with a Super Rod4560%

-

Route 21

Road 21

Fishing with a Good Rod4035%

-

Route 21

Road 21

Fishing with a Super Rod5060%

-

Frost Cavern

Frost Cavern (unknown area 313)

Surfing3850%

-

Frost Cavern

Frost Cavern (unknown area 313)

Surfing3915%

-

Frost Cavern

Frost Cavern (unknown area 313)

Surfing401%

-

Frost Cavern

Frost Cavern (unknown area 313)

Fishing with a Good Rod3035%

-

Frost Cavern

Frost Cavern (unknown area 313)

Fishing with a Super Rod4060%

-

Frost Cavern

Frost Cavern (unknown area 313)

Fishing with a Super Rod405%

-

Frost Cavern

Frost Cavern (unknown area 315)

Surfing3850%

-

Frost Cavern

Frost Cavern (unknown area 315)

Surfing3915%

-

Frost Cavern

Frost Cavern (unknown area 315)

Surfing401%

-

Frost Cavern

Frost Cavern (unknown area 315)

Fishing with a Good Rod3035%

-

Frost Cavern

Frost Cavern (unknown area 315)

Fishing with a Super Rod4060%

-

Frost Cavern

Frost Cavern (unknown area 315)

Fishing with a Super Rod405%

-

Pokémon Village

Pokemon Village

Surfing4830%

-

Pokémon Village

Pokemon Village

Surfing504%

-

Pokémon Village

Pokemon Village

Fishing with a Good Rod4035%

-

Pokémon Village

Pokemon Village

Fishing with a Super Rod5060%

-

Pokémon Village

Pokemon Village

Fishing with a Super Rod505%

-

Victory Road

Victory Road (unknown area 322)

Surfing5750%

-

Victory Road

Victory Road (unknown area 322)

Surfing5815%

-

Victory Road

Victory Road (unknown area 322)

Surfing591%

-

Victory Road

Victory Road (unknown area 322)

Fishing with a Good Rod4535%

-

Victory Road

Victory Road (unknown area 322)

Fishing with a Super Rod5560%

-

Victory Road

Victory Road (unknown area 322)

Fishing with a Super Rod555%

-

Victory Road

Victory Road (unknown area 327)

Fishing with a Good Rod4535%

-

Victory Road

Victory Road (unknown area 327)

Fishing with a Super Rod5560%

-

Victory Road

Victory Road (unknown area 327)

Fishing with a Super Rod555%

-

Victory Road

Victory Road (unknown area 328)

Surfing5750%

-

Victory Road

Victory Road (unknown area 328)

Surfing5815%

-

Victory Road

Victory Road (unknown area 328)

Surfing591%

-

Victory Road

Victory Road (unknown area 328)

Fishing with a Good Rod4535%

-

Victory Road

Victory Road (unknown area 328)

Fishing with a Super Rod5560%

-

Friend Safari

Friend Safari (Water)

Walking in tall grass or a cave30-

Randomly assigned to Friend Safari Slot 3, Requires a registered 3DS friend. Each unlocked encounter slot has equal probability: 50% with two slots or approximately 33.3% with three. The candidate depends on that friend’s Safari., Friend must enter the Hall of Fame and meet you in the PSS. Since Nintendo Network closed in April 2024, new third-slot and Hidden Ability unlocks require local play together; earlier online unlocks remain available.

Items this Pokémon may hold when encountered in the wild.

Moves this Pokémon learns naturally by reaching specific levels.
Class
StartWater Gun

The target is blasted with a forceful shot of water.

Water4010025
StartHypnosis

The user employs hypnotic suggestion to make the target fall into a deep sleep.

Psychic-6020
StartWater Sport

The user soaks itself with water. This weakens Fire-type moves for five turns.

Water--15
5Water Gun

The target is blasted with a forceful shot of water.

Water4010025
8Hypnosis

The user employs hypnotic suggestion to make the target fall into a deep sleep.

Psychic-6020
11Bubble

A spray of countless bubbles is jetted at the opposing Pokémon. This may also lower their Speed stats.

Water4010030
15Double Slap

The target is slapped repeatedly, back and forth, two to five times in a row.

Normal158510
18Rain Dance

The user summons a heavy rain that falls for five turns, powering up Water-type moves.

Water--5
21Body Slam

The user drops onto the target with its full body weight. This may also leave the target with paralysis.

Normal8510015
27Bubble Beam

A spray of bubbles is forcefully ejected at the target. This may also lower its Speed stat.

Water6510020
32Mud Shot

The user attacks by hurling a blob of mud at the target. This also lowers the target’s Speed stat.

Ground559515
37Belly Drum

The user maximizes its Attack stat in exchange for HP equal to half its max HP.

Normal--10
43Wake-Up Slap

This attack inflicts big damage on a sleeping target. This also wakes the target up, however.

Fighting7010010
48Hydro Pump

The target is blasted by a huge volume of water launched under great pressure.

Water110805
53Mud Bomb

The user launches a hard-packed mud ball to attack. This may also lower the target’s accuracy.

Ground658510

Moves this Pokémon can learn from Technical Machines and Hidden Machines in Pokémon X and Y.
Class
TM06Toxic

A move that leaves the target badly poisoned. Its poison damage worsens every turn.

Poison-9010
TM07Hail

The user summons a hailstorm lasting five turns. It damages all Pokémon except the Ice type.

Ice--10
TM10Hidden Power

A unique attack that varies in type depending on the Pokémon using it.

Normal6010015
TM13Ice Beam

The target is struck with an icy-cold beam of energy. This may also leave the target frozen.

Ice9010010
TM14Blizzard

A howling blizzard is summoned to strike opposing Pokémon. This may also leave the opposing Pokémon frozen.

Ice110705
TM17Protect

Enables the user to evade all attacks. Its chance of failing rises if it is used in succession.

Normal--10
TM18Rain Dance

The user summons a heavy rain that falls for five turns, powering up Water-type moves.

Water--5
TM21Frustration

A full-power attack that grows more powerful the less the user likes its Trainer.

Normal-10020
TM26Earthquake

The user sets off an earthquake that strikes every Pokémon around it.

Ground10010010
TM27Return

A full-power attack that grows more powerful the more the user likes its Trainer.

Normal-10020
TM28Dig

The user burrows, then attacks on the next turn. It can also be used to exit dungeons.

Ground8010010
TM29Psychic

The target is hit by a strong telekinetic force. This may also lower the target’s Sp. Def stat.

Psychic9010010
TM31Brick Break

The user attacks with a swift chop. It can also break barriers, such as Light Screen and Reflect.

Fighting7510015
TM32Double Team

By moving rapidly, the user makes illusory copies of itself to raise its evasiveness.

Normal--15
TM42Facade

An attack move that doubles its power if the user is poisoned, burned, or has paralysis.

Normal7010020
TM44Rest

The user goes to sleep for two turns. This fully restores the user’s HP and heals any status conditions.

Psychic--10
TM45Attract

If it is the opposite gender of the user, the target becomes infatuated and less likely to attack.

Normal-10015
TM46Thief

The user attacks and steals the target’s held item simultaneously. The user can’t steal anything if it already holds an item.

Dark6010025
TM48Round

The user attacks the target with a song. Others can join in the Round and make the attack do greater damage.

Normal6010015
TM55Scald

The user shoots boiling hot water at its target. This may also leave the target with a burn.

Water8010015
TM56Fling

The user flings its held item at the target to attack. This move’s power and effects depend on the item.

Dark-10010
TM78Bulldoze

The user strikes everything around it by stomping down on the ground. This lowers the Speed stat of those hit.

Ground6010020
TM87Swagger

The user enrages and confuses the target. However, this also sharply raises the target’s Attack stat.

Normal-9015
TM88Sleep Talk

While it is asleep, the user randomly uses one of the moves it knows.

Normal--10
TM90Substitute

The user makes a copy of itself using some of its HP. The copy serves as the user’s decoy.

Normal--10
TM94Rock Smash

The user attacks with a punch. This may also lower the target’s Defense stat. This move can also shatter rocks in the field.

Fighting4010015
TM98Power-Up Punch

Striking opponents over and over makes the user’s fists harder. Hitting a target raises the Attack stat.

Fighting4010020
TM100Confide

The user tells the target a secret, and the target loses its ability to concentrate. This lowers the target’s Sp. Atk stat.

Normal--20
HM03Surf

The user attacks everything around it by swamping its surroundings with a giant wave. This can also be used for crossing water.

Water9010015
HM04Strength

The target is slugged with a punch thrown at maximum power. This can also be used to move heavy boulders.

Normal8010015
HM05Waterfall

The user charges at the target and may make it flinch. This can also be used to climb a waterfall.

Water8010015

Learn these before evolving. The source identifies the original method and level where applicable.
Class
Acquisition source
Encore

The user compels the target to keep using only the move it last used for three turns.

Normal-1005

Poliwag — breeding

Endeavor

An attack move that cuts down the target’s HP to equal the user’s HP.

Normal-1005

Poliwag — breeding

Endure

The user endures any attack with at least 1 HP. Its chance of failing rises if it is used in succession.

Normal--10

Poliwag — breeding

Haze

The user creates a haze that eliminates every stat change among all the Pokémon engaged in battle.

Ice--30

Poliwag — breeding

Ice Ball

The user continually rolls into the target over five turns. It becomes stronger each time it hits.

Ice309020

Poliwag — breeding

Mind Reader

The user senses the target’s movements with its mind to ensure its next attack does not miss the target.

Normal--5

Poliwag — breeding

Mist

The user cloaks itself and its allies in a white mist that prevents any of their stats from being lowered for five turns.

Ice--30

Poliwag — breeding

Refresh

The user rests to cure itself of a poisoning, burn, or paralysis.

Normal--20

Poliwag — breeding

Splash

The user just flops and splashes around to no effect at all...

Normal--40

Poliwag — breeding

Water Pulse

The user attacks the target with a pulsing blast of water. This may also confuse the target.

Water6010020

Poliwag — breeding

These require the labeled trade, transfer or breeding route. Generation III/IV imports must first reach Generation V; Virtual Console Pokémon cannot be imported into X/Y. Kyurem must be unfused for transfer. Individual options do not certify every four-move combination.
Class
Acquisition source
Captivate

If any opposing Pokémon is the opposite gender of the user, it is charmed, which harshly lowers its Sp. Atk stat.

Normal-10020

Generation III–V import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank

Counter

A retaliation move that counters any physical attack, inflicting double the damage taken.

Fighting-10020

Generation III–V import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank

Defense Curl

The user curls up to conceal weak spots and raise its Defense stat.

Normal--40

Generation III–V import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank

Dive

Diving on the first turn, the user floats up and attacks on the next turn.

Water8010010

Generation III–V import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank

Dive

Diving on the first turn, the user floats up and attacks on the next turn.

Water8010010

Trade from Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire; XY-compatible moves only

Double-Edge

A reckless, life-risking tackle. This also damages the user quite a lot.

Normal12010015

Generation III–V import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank

Encore

The user compels the target to keep using only the move it last used for three turns.

Normal-1005

Generation III–V import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank

Endeavor

An attack move that cuts down the target’s HP to equal the user’s HP.

Normal-1005

Generation III–V import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank

Endeavor

An attack move that cuts down the target’s HP to equal the user’s HP.

Normal-1005

Trade from Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire; XY-compatible moves only

Endure

The user endures any attack with at least 1 HP. Its chance of failing rises if it is used in succession.

Normal--10

Generation III–V import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank

Focus Punch

The user focuses its mind before launching a punch. This move fails if the user is hit before it is used.

Fighting15010020

Generation III–V import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank

Focus Punch

The user focuses its mind before launching a punch. This move fails if the user is hit before it is used.

Fighting15010020

Trade from Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire; XY-compatible moves only

Haze

The user creates a haze that eliminates every stat change among all the Pokémon engaged in battle.

Ice--30

Generation III–V import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank

Headbutt

The user sticks out its head and attacks by charging straight into the target. This may also make the target flinch.

Normal7010015

Generation III–V import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank

Helping Hand

The user assists an ally by boosting the power of that ally’s attack.

Normal--20

Generation III–V import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank

Helping Hand

The user assists an ally by boosting the power of that ally’s attack.

Normal--20

Trade from Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire; XY-compatible moves only

Ice Ball

The user continually rolls into the target over five turns. It becomes stronger each time it hits.

Ice309020

Generation III–V import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank

Ice Punch

The target is punched with an icy fist. This may also leave the target frozen.

Ice7510015

Generation III–V import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank

Ice Punch

The target is punched with an icy fist. This may also leave the target frozen.

Ice7510015

Trade from Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire; XY-compatible moves only

Icy Wind

The user attacks with a gust of chilled air. This also lowers the opposing Pokémon’s Speed stats.

Ice559515

Generation III–V import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank

Icy Wind

The user attacks with a gust of chilled air. This also lowers the opposing Pokémon’s Speed stats.

Ice559515

Trade from Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire; XY-compatible moves only

Mega Kick

The target is attacked by a kick launched with muscle-packed power.

Normal120755

Generation III–V import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank

Mega Punch

The target is slugged by a punch thrown with muscle-packed power.

Normal808520

Generation III–V import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank

Metronome

The user waggles a finger and stimulates its brain into randomly using nearly any move.

Normal--10

Generation III–V import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank

Mimic

The user copies the target’s last move. The move can be used during battle until the Pokémon is switched out.

Normal--10

Generation III–V import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank

Mind Reader

The user senses the target’s movements with its mind to ensure its next attack does not miss the target.

Normal--5

Generation III–V import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank

Mist

The user cloaks itself and its allies in a white mist that prevents any of their stats from being lowered for five turns.

Ice--30

Generation III–V import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank

Mud-Slap

The user hurls mud in the target’s face to inflict damage and lower its accuracy.

Ground2010010

Generation III–V import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank

Natural Gift

The user draws power to attack by using its held Berry. The Berry determines the move’s type and power.

Normal-10015

Generation III–V import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank

Refresh

The user rests to cure itself of a poisoning, burn, or paralysis.

Normal--20

Generation III–V import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank

Secret Power

The user attacks the target with a secret power. Its additional effects vary depending on the user’s environment.

Normal7010020

Generation III–V import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank

Secret Power

The user attacks the target with a secret power. Its additional effects vary depending on the user’s environment.

Normal7010020

Trade from Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire; XY-compatible moves only

Seismic Toss

The target is thrown using the power of gravity. It inflicts damage equal to the user’s level.

Fighting-10020

Generation III–V import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank

Snore

An attack that can be used only if the user is asleep. The harsh noise may also make the target flinch.

Normal5010015

Generation III–V import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank

Snore

An attack that can be used only if the user is asleep. The harsh noise may also make the target flinch.

Normal5010015

Trade from Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire; XY-compatible moves only

Splash

The user just flops and splashes around to no effect at all...

Normal--40

Generation III–V import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank

Water Pulse

The user attacks the target with a pulsing blast of water. This may also confuse the target.

Water6010020

Generation III–V import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank

Water Pulse

The user attacks the target with a pulsing blast of water. This may also confuse the target.

Water6010020

Trade from Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire; XY-compatible moves only

Whirlpool

The user traps the target in a violent swirling whirlpool for four to five turns.

Water358515

Generation III–V import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank

Ability options available to this Pokémon in this game.

Water Absorb

Ability Slot 1

Restores HP if hit by a Water-type move.

Absorbs Water moves, healing for 1/4 max HP.

Damp

Ability Slot 2

Prevents the use of self-destructing moves.

Prevents Self-Destruct, Explosion, and Aftermath from working while the Pokémon is in battle.

Swift Swim(Hidden Ability)

Boosts the Pokémon’s Speed stat in rain.

Doubles Speed during rain.

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