No. 0062 · Generation I · Tadpole Pokémon
ニョロボンNyorobon · From nyoronyoro, the Japanese sound of something wriggling, and bon (坊), a word for 'boy'
The Tadpole Pokémon · Water/Fighting type · first seen in Pokémon Red & Green (1996)
01Overview
Meet Poliwrath
Everything you need to know about the Tadpole Pokémon — the creature behind the number.
Poliwrath is what you get when a tadpole takes up martial arts. The final form of Poliwag's line – reached when Poliwhirl is exposed to a Water Stone – it keeps the round blue body, the eyes perched on top of its head and the black-and-white belly swirl of its younger self, then adds bulging arms, white glove-like hands and a stern stare to match its name. It is Water and Fighting at once, a pairing no other Pokémon among the original 151 could claim.
Beneath that swirl there is almost nothing but muscle. Its body fat is close to zero, which makes Poliwrath heavy – 54 kg on a 1.3-metre frame – and pushed it to become a powerful swimmer. Its arm and leg muscles never tire however hard it trains, so swimming back and forth across the Pacific Ocean is described as no effort at all, and its well-developed limbs even let it sprint across the surface of the water for a split second.
“An adept swimmer, it knows the front crawl, butterfly, and more. It is faster than the best human swimmers.”
Pokédex · Pokémon Red (Japan), Green (Japan) & FireRed · 1996
For all that talent, Poliwrath is something of a landlubber. It usually lives on dry land near the water's edge, and it is rarely met in the wild, because most come into the world through evolution. It takes combat just as seriously as swimming: it trains like a martial artist, lands square punches that can turn huge boulders to dust, and in cold seas it smashes through drift ice with its arms and simply ploughs on.
People have long admired its technique. Its earliest Pokédex entries boast that it outswims the best human swimmers at front crawl, breaststroke and butterfly, and in Alola children learn to swim by copying the breaststroke of the local Poliwrath. Trainers who prize raw strength love it too: Chuck, the Cianwood City Gym Leader who trains his own body alongside his Pokémon, has relied on a Poliwrath ever since Gold and Silver.
Poliwrath also stands at one end of a fork in the road. Since Gold and Silver, Poliwhirl has had a second path – trade it while it holds a King's Rock and it becomes Politoed instead – so every Poliwhirl owner has to choose between a frog and a muscle-bound swimmer. The two even shared exactly the same base stat total until X and Y handed Poliwrath ten extra points of Attack. It is a design that makes its point at a glance: a tadpole that never grew into a frog, and grew into a boxer instead.
How big is Poliwrath?
Roughly the height of a nine-year-old child – yet at 54 kg of almost pure muscle, it weighs about as much as a slim adult.
02In the Pokédex's words
Poliwrath's Pokédex entries
21 different entries across 44 games, from 1996 to 2022. Here is how the Pokédex has described Poliwrath over the years, in the order the games came out.
Generation I
An adept swimmer, it knows the front crawl, butterfly, and more. It is faster than the best human swimmers.
Kanto Pokédex
An adept swimmer at both the front crawl and breast stroke. Easily overtakes the best human swimmers.
Kanto Pokédex
Swims powerfully using all the muscles in its body. It can even overtake champion swimmers.
Kanto Pokédex
A strong swimmer, it is faster than a human champ in an individual medley. It can go far and fast with minimal breathing.
Kanto Pokédex
Generation II
This strong and skilled swimmer is even capable of crossing the Pacific Ocean just by kicking.
Johto Pokédex
Although an energetic, skilled swimmer that uses all of its muscles, it lives on dry land.
Johto Pokédex
It can use its well-developed arms and legs to run on the surface of the water for a split second.
Johto Pokédex
Generation III
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.
Hoenn Pokédex
A swimmer adept at both the front crawl and breaststroke. Easily overtakes the best human swimmers.
FireRed & LeafGreen Pokédex
Its highly developed muscles never grow fatigued, however much it exercises. This Pokémon can swim back and forth across the Pacific Ocean without effort.
Hoenn Pokédex
Generation IV
With its extremely tough muscles, it can keep swimming in the Pacific Ocean without resting.
Sinnoh Pokédex
Generation VI
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.
Hoenn Pokédex
Generation VII
Poliwrath in the Alola region are strong swimmers that use the breaststroke. Many children learn to swim by imitating Poliwrath.
Rotom Pokédex
Its percentage of body fat is nearly zero. Its body is entirely muscle, which makes it heavy and forces its swimming prowess to develop.
Rotom Pokédex
It's quite a gifted swimmer, even among Water-type Pokémon, but it normally spends its time on land.
Rotom Pokédex
The muscles it has developed through swimming are thick and powerful. When it lands a square punch, it can turn huge boulders to dust.
Rotom Pokédex
Swims powerfully using all the muscles in its body. It can even overtake world-class swimmers.
Let's Go Pokédex
Generation VIII
Its body is solid muscle. When swimming through cold seas, Poliwrath uses its impressive arms to smash through drift ice and plow forward.
Rotom Phone (Sword & Shield)
Poliwrath is skilled at both swimming and martial arts. It uses its well-trained arms to dish out powerful punches.
Rotom Phone (Sword & Shield)
With its extremely tough muscles, it could keep swimming in the Pacific Ocean without resting.
Sinnoh Pokédex
Generation IX
Although it's skilled in a style of dynamic swimming that uses all its muscles, for some reason it lives on dry land.
Rotom Phone (Scarlet & Violet)
03Stats, moves & where to find it
Poliwrath in the video games
Base stat total 510 · 26 core-series games · 22 spin-offs · every move it learns, generation by generation.
Base stats
Base stat total 510. In Generation I Poliwrath had a single Special stat of 70; when Gold and Silver split Special in two, Sp. Atk kept the 70 and Sp. Def rose to 90. X and Y (Generation VI) then raised its Attack from 85 to 95, lifting its total from 500 to 510 and ending its exact tie with Politoed. Its HP (90), Defense (95) and Speed (70) have never changed. Base friendship was 70 in Generations II–VII and has been 50 since Generation VIII; base experience yield was 185 in Generations I–IV, 225 in Generations V–VI and is 230 today. As a Medium Slow Pokémon, it needs 1,059,860 experience points to reach level 100.
Abilities
- Water Absorbsince Gen III
Water-type moves don't damage Poliwrath – they restore its HP instead. - Dampsince Gen III
Stops every Pokémon on the field from using explosive moves such as Self-Destruct and Explosion. - Swift SwimHidden abilitysince Gen V
Doubles Poliwrath's Speed while it is raining.
Type matchups
How hard each attacking type hits a Water/Fighting Pokémon.
With Water Absorb, Water-type moves restore Poliwrath's HP instead of hurting it. Generation I had no Dark or Steel types, so its resistances were just Fire, Water, Ice, Bug and Rock; its Fairy weakness arrived with X and Y in Generation VI.
Training & breeding
- Catch rate
- 45
- Base friendship
- 50
- Base experience
- 230
- Growth rate
- Medium Slow
- EV yield
- 3 Defense
- Egg groups
- Water 1
- Egg cycles
- 20
- Colour
- Blue
- Gender ratio
- 50% male
- Body shape
- bipedal, tailless
Where to find Poliwrath
| Game | Year | How to get it |
|---|---|---|
| Red & Green | 1996 | Evolve Poliwhirl with a Water Stone |
| Blue (Japan) | 1996 | Evolve Poliwhirl with a Water Stone |
| Red & Blue | 1998 | Evolve Poliwhirl with a Water Stone |
| Yellow | 1998 | Evolve Poliwhirl with a Water Stone |
| Gold & Silver | 1999 | Evolve Poliwhirl with a Water StoneChuck's Cianwood Gym ace is a level 30 Poliwrath with Hypnosis, Mind Reader, Surf and DynamicPunch – Mind Reader makes sure the next DynamicPunch lands. Beat it for the Storm Badge. |
| Crystal | 2000 | Evolve Poliwhirl with a Water StoneChuck again saves his level 30 Poliwrath for last at the Cianwood Gym. |
| Ruby & Sapphire | 2002 | Trade only |
| Colosseum | 2003 | Trade only |
| FireRed & LeafGreen | 2004 | Evolve Poliwhirl with a Water Stone |
| Emerald | 2004 | Trade only |
| XD: Gale of Darkness | 2005 | Snag it as a Shadow Pokémon on Citadark Isle |
| Diamond & Pearl | 2006 | Evolve Poliwhirl with a Water StoneA Poliwrath migrated from a Game Boy Advance game through Pal Park turns up in the Pond area. |
| Platinum | 2008 | Evolve Poliwhirl with a Water Stone |
| HeartGold & SoulSilver | 2009 | Evolve Poliwhirl with a Water StoneChuck's Cianwood Gym team ends with a level 31 Poliwrath holding a Sitrus Berry (Hypnosis, Body Slam, Surf, Focus Punch), and his rematch at the Fighting Dojo in Saffron City brings a level 60 one. |
| Black & White | 2010 | Fishing in rippling water in Wellspring Cave, Challenger's Cave, Victory Road and Giant ChasmWild ones have a 5% chance of holding a King's Rock. |
| Black 2 & White 2 | 2012 | Fishing in rippling water on Route 23 and in Relic Passage, Clay Tunnel, Wellspring Cave, Giant Chasm and Victory RoadWild ones may hold a King's Rock (5%). In the Pokémon World Tournament, Chuck always leads with his signature Poliwrath. |
| X & Y | 2013 | Fishing with the Super Rod on Victory RoadWild ones may hold a King's Rock (5%). |
| Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire | 2014 | Trade only |
| Sun & Moon | 2016 | Called in SOS Battles in the rain at Malie GardenWild ones may hold a King's Rock (5%). Hala brings a level 54 Poliwrath to his Elite Four battle – level 63 in the rematch. |
| Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon | 2017 | Called in SOS Battles in the rain at Malie GardenWild ones may hold a King's Rock (5%). Hala's team for your second battle with him in Iki Town includes a level 63 Poliwrath. |
| Let's Go, Pikachu! & Let's Go, Eevee! | 2018 | Wild on the water in Cerulean Cave, using Sea Skim |
| Sword & Shield | 2019 | Trade it in (Version 1.2.0 onwards). The Isle of Armor: wandering Brawlers' Cave, and in Max Raid Battles in the Fields of Honor, Soothing Wetlands and Courageous CavernThe Crown Tundra's Max Lair can also send one your way in Dynamax Adventures. With the Expansion Pass, wild ones may hold a King's Rock (5%). |
| Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl | 2021 | Evolve Poliwhirl with a Water Stone |
| Legends: Arceus | 2022 | Unobtainable |
| Scarlet & Violet | 2022 | Trade it in (Version 2.0.1 onwards). The Teal Mask: 5★ and 6★ Tera Raid Battles in KitakamiIn The Teal Mask, Kieran's Poliwag grows up over your rivalry: it is a Poliwhirl in your third and fourth battles (unless you've finished the main story first) and a Poliwrath by the fifth, in the Dreaded Den. He partners you with a level 85 Poliwrath in the Mochi Mayhem epilogue. |
| Legends: Z-A | 2025 | Unobtainable |
Sprites through the ages
Spin-offs & cameos
Pokémon GO
Poliwrath has been in Pokémon GO since launch day, 6 July 2016: catch a Poliwag, spend 25 Candy to reach Poliwhirl and another 100 for Poliwrath. It took a turn as a four-star raid boss from 4 November 2017 to 9 February 2018 and returned as a three-star boss from 20 to 25 June 2021. Shadow Poliwrath arrived on 1 August 2019, and just days later, on 6 August 2019 at Pokémon GO Fest 2019 in Yokohama, trainers could get a shiny one by evolving a shiny Poliwhirl; shiny Shadow Poliwrath followed on 3 March 2026. Its big moment came with the Poliwag Community Day on 30 July 2023, when any Poliwhirl evolved into Poliwrath during the event learned the exclusive Fast Attack Counter – a move that came back for the December 2023 and December 2024 Community Day events. Its GO Pokédex text is the same as Scarlet's.
Its holographic Base Set card – 90 HP, Water Gun and Whirlpool – can be collected in the Game Boy Color adaptation's Laboratory booster packs.
There's no catching it outright: evolve a Poliwhirl on the table to add Poliwrath to your Pinball Pokédex.
Poliwrath fights in full 3D with its own Stadium Pokédex entry – and its four-fingered model was later reused in Colosseum, XD and Battle Revolution.
Chuck leads both of his Johto Gym Leader Castle teams with Poliwrath – and every Pokémon on those teams knows DynamicPunch.
Its Base Set card returns in the Japan-only sequel to the Game Boy Color card game.
A Rare piece that turns up in Endless Level 9, Forever Level 58, Pair Trozei and Mr. Who's Den.
Evolve a Poliwhirl to get one. It lives in the Tadpole Pond friend area and proudly announces: 'My swimming is world class!'
Capture it in the Jungle Relic or Panula Cave. Its Field Move is Soak, and its Browser entry says it blasts surging jets of water with tremendous force.
Recruit one deep in Lake Afar, on floors B13F to B24F.
Lake Afar's lower floors (B13F–B24F) are still the place to find it.
Face it in Expert Stage EX42 or the 'Poliwrath Appears' event. Its Eject+ skill sometimes removes three non-Support icons at once.
Found on Gold Plateau, and waiting as the boss at the back of Purifying Pond.
Three Poliwrath brothers rule Poliwrath River – 'I'm Poliwrath! I'm the boss of Poliwrath River!' – and one can join you once your Expedition Rank reaches Gold.
Evolve a Poliwhirl with 100 Poliwag Candy, or take one on as a raid boss, as players did in 2017–18 and again in June 2021.
Chuck & Poliwrath, a Fighting-type Strike sync pair, arrived on 14 September 2024 through the sync pair scout, punching with the sync move Roaring Fists Fighting Impact.
Recruit it in Northwind Field (23F–28F), Murky Cave (17F–19F) or Waterfall Pond (16F–18F), or find one in a Mystery House on Mt. Faraway.
In the Sparkling Skylands, Poliwrath asks Ditto to fix a broken elevator by attaching a platform to the ladder, then wants a dojo training habitat to move into. It is #211 in the Pokopia Pokédex.
Moves
In Red and Green, Poliwrath arrived with a tadpole's toolkit: Hypnosis, Water Gun, DoubleSlap and Body Slam, plus whatever it had learnt as a Poliwhirl. The fighting spirit lived in its TM case, with Submission, Seismic Toss, Counter and Mega Punch. Gold and Silver gave it moves of its very own, Submission at 35 and Mind Reader at 51, and with DynamicPunch on TM01 a sneaky lock-on-and-punch combo was born.
Since then the punches have only got bigger. DynamicPunch joined the level-up list in Diamond and Pearl, Black and White added Circle Throw, and Sword and Shield handed it a stack of starting moves, from Belly Drum and Hydro Pump to Earth Power. Scarlet and Violet dropped Submission and Mind Reader, made Dynamic Punch its evolution move and filled the TM case with 64 entries, from Close Combat and Drain Punch to Liquidation and Upper Hand. Not bad for a tadpole that once relied on the Water Stone for its muscles.
Signature moves
That swirly belly isn't just for show: Hypnosis is a starting move in every main-series game, from Red and Green right through to Scarlet and Violet.
A hard-hitting Fighting-type takedown that hurts the user too. It was TM17 in Red and Blue, a level-35 move in Gold and Silver, and the move it learns on evolving from Sun and Moon to Sword and Shield, before it vanished from Scarlet and Violet.
Only 50% accurate, but every hit leaves the target confused. TM01 in Gold and Silver, level 43 in Diamond and Pearl, level 32 from Black and White, and the move Poliwrath learns on evolving in Scarlet and Violet.
The other half of the classic combo: lock on with Mind Reader and the next DynamicPunch can't miss. A level-51 move in Gold and Silver, it slid to 53 and then 43 before becoming a starting move in Sword and Shield.
Black and White's new finale at level 53: a judo-style toss that throws the target out of battle and drags in a replacement. From X and Y it's a starting move too.
Halve your HP, max out your Attack. For generations it had to be taught to Poliwag or Poliwhirl before the Water Stone, until Sword and Shield put it in Poliwrath's own list.
The family's high-pressure blast. Poliwag and Poliwhirl learn it, so it was always within reach, and since Sword and Shield Poliwrath can fire it from its own move list as well as from a TR or TM.
Complete learnsets
Generation I · Red, Green, Blue & Yellow6 level-up · 28 TM/HM
Poliwrath can't be caught in the wild in Red, Green, Blue or Yellow: evolve Poliwhirl with a Water Stone. The levels are the same in all four games, and Hypnosis and Water Gun appear twice, as starting moves and again at levels 16 and 19. In Generations I to III a move's type decides whether it is physical or special, so Water attacks are special and Fighting attacks physical here. Move names use the original spellings (DoubleSlap, BubbleBeam). 'By a prior evolution' lists moves only Poliwag or Poliwhirl learn by levelling up, so teach them before using the Water Stone. 'Transfer' lists moves from Gold, Silver and Crystal that a Poliwrath can bring back through the Time Capsule; Growth and Lovely Kiss come from the event Poliwag handed out at the Pokémon Center New York.
By level-up
| RGBY | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hypnosis | Psychic | Status | — | 60 | 20 |
| 1 | Water Gun | Water | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| 1 | DoubleSlap | Normal | Physical | 15 | 85 | 10 |
| 1 | Body Slam | Normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| 16 | Hypnosis | Psychic | Status | — | 60 | 20 |
| 19 | Water Gun | Water | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM01 | Mega Punch | Normal | Physical | 80 | 85 | 20 |
| TM05 | Mega Kick | Normal | Physical | 120 | 75 | 5 |
| TM06 | Toxic | Poison | Status | — | 85 | 10 |
| TM08 | Body Slam | Normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| TM09 | Take Down | Normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| TM10 | Double-Edge | Normal | Physical | 100 | 100 | 15 |
| TM11 | BubbleBeam | Water | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| TM12 | Water Gun | Water | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| TM13 | Ice Beam | Ice | Special | 95 | 100 | 10 |
| TM14 | Blizzard | Ice | Special | 120 | 90 | 5 |
| TM15 | Hyper Beam | Normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| TM17 | Submission | Fighting | Physical | 80 | 80 | 25 |
| TM18 | Counter | Fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM19 | Seismic Toss | Fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM20 | Rage | Normal | Physical | 20 | 100 | 20 |
| TM26 | Earthquake | Ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| TM27 | Fissure | Ground | Physical | — | 30 | 5 |
| TM29 | Psychic | Psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| TM31 | Mimic | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| TM32 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| TM34 | Bide | Normal | Physical | — | — | 10 |
| TM35 | Metronome | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM40 | Skull Bash | Normal | Physical | 100 | 100 | 15 |
| TM44 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM46 | Psywave | Psychic | Special | — | 80 | 15 |
| TM50 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| HM03 | Surf | Water | Special | 95 | 100 | 15 |
| HM04 | Strength | Normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
From its pre-evolution
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Learnt as |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amnesia | Psychic | Status | — | — | 20 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl |
| Bubble | Water | Special | 20 | 100 | 30 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl |
| Hydro Pump | Water | Special | 120 | 80 | 5 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl |
By transfer
| Move | From |
|---|---|
| Defense Curl | Gen II (TM) |
| Growth | Gen II (event Poliwag) |
| Haze | Gen II (breeding) |
| Headbutt | Gen II (TM) |
| Ice Punch | Gen II (TM) |
| Lovely Kiss | Gen II (event Poliwag) |
| Mist | Gen II (breeding) |
| Splash | Gen II (breeding) |
| Waterfall | Gen II (TM) |
Generation II · Gold, Silver & Crystal6 level-up · 31 TM/HM · 5 egg · 1 tutor
Evolve Poliwhirl with a Water Stone; there are no wild Poliwrath in Gold, Silver or Crystal. This is where Poliwrath gets moves of its own: Submission at level 35 and Mind Reader at 51, the set-up for a sure-hit DynamicPunch (TM01). Categories still follow the move's type, Hidden Power's depends on its calculated type, and Curse is ???-type. Crystal's move tutor can teach it Ice Beam. Splash needs chain breeding through the Horsea family. Growth, Sweet Kiss and Lovely Kiss come from the event Poliwag given out at the Pokémon Center New York. 'Transfer' lists Red, Blue and Yellow moves that can come forward through the Time Capsule.
By level-up
| GSC | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Water Gun | Water | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| 1 | Hypnosis | Psychic | Status | — | 60 | 20 |
| 1 | DoubleSlap | Normal | Physical | 15 | 85 | 10 |
| 1 | Submission | Fighting | Physical | 80 | 80 | 25 |
| 35 | Submission | Fighting | Physical | 80 | 80 | 25 |
| 51 | Mind Reader | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 5 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM01 | DynamicPunch | Fighting | Physical | 100 | 50 | 5 |
| TM02 | Headbutt | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| TM03 | Curse | ??? | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM06 | Toxic | Poison | Status | — | 85 | 10 |
| TM08 | Rock Smash | Fighting | Physical | 20 | 100 | 15 |
| TM10 | Hidden Power | Normal | Varies | — | 100 | 15 |
| TM13 | Snore | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| TM14 | Blizzard | Ice | Special | 120 | 70 | 5 |
| TM15 | Hyper Beam | Normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| TM16 | Icy Wind | Ice | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| TM17 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM18 | Rain Dance | Water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| TM20 | Endure | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM21 | Frustration | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM26 | Earthquake | Ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| TM27 | Return | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM29 | Psychic | Psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| TM31 | Mud-Slap | Ground | Physical | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| TM32 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| TM33 | Ice Punch | Ice | Special | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| TM34 | Swagger | Normal | Status | — | 90 | 15 |
| TM35 | Sleep Talk | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM40 | Defense Curl | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| TM43 | Detect | Fighting | Status | — | — | 5 |
| TM44 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM45 | Attract | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| TM46 | Thief | Dark | Special | 40 | 100 | 10 |
| HM03 | Surf | Water | Special | 95 | 100 | 15 |
| HM04 | Strength | Normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| HM06 | Whirlpool | Water | Special | 15 | 70 | 15 |
| HM07 | Waterfall | Water | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
By breeding (egg moves)
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BubbleBeam | Water | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 | Marill, Azumarill, Corsola, Remoraid, Octillery, Mantine |
| Haze | Ice | Status | — | — | 30 | Wooper, Quagsire |
| Mind Reader | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 5 | Poliwrath |
| Mist | Ice | Status | — | — | 30 | Lapras, Wooper, Quagsire |
| Splash | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 | Horsea, Seadra, Kingdra (chain breeding: the father must itself have learnt it as an egg move) |
By move tutor
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ice Beam | Ice | Special | 95 | 100 | 10 | Crystal |
From its pre-evolution
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Learnt as |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bubble | Water | Special | 20 | 100 | 30 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl |
| Body Slam | Normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl |
| Belly Drum | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl |
| Hydro Pump | Water | Special | 120 | 80 | 5 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl |
| Growth | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 | Poliwag (event) |
| Sweet Kiss | Normal | Status | — | 75 | 10 | Poliwag (event) |
| Lovely Kiss | Normal | Status | — | 75 | 10 | Poliwag (event) |
By transfer
| Move | From |
|---|---|
| Amnesia | Gen I (prior evolution) |
| Bide | Gen I (TM) |
| Counter | Gen I (TM) |
| Double-Edge | Gen I (TM) |
| Fissure | Gen I (TM) |
| Mega Kick | Gen I (TM) |
| Mega Punch | Gen I (TM) |
| Metronome | Gen I (TM) |
| Mimic | Gen I (TM) |
| Psywave | Gen I (TM) |
| Rage | Gen I (TM) |
| Seismic Toss | Gen I (TM) |
| Skull Bash | Gen I (TM) |
| Substitute | Gen I (TM) |
| Take Down | Gen I (TM) |
Generation III · Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed & LeafGreen (tutor data also covers XD)6 level-up · 29 TM/HM · 7 egg · 18 tutor
Evolve Poliwhirl in FireRed and LeafGreen; Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald have no wild Poliwrath, so it has to be traded in. Levels match Gold and Silver: Submission at 35, Mind Reader at 51. Tutor games are FireRed/LeafGreen, Emerald and XD; Emerald's tutors add DynamicPunch, Ice Punch, Mud-Slap and more. Body Slam only needs to come from Poliwag or Poliwhirl in Ruby and Sapphire, since the other games have a Body Slam tutor. Sweet Kiss comes from a Japanese event Poliwag (Egg Pokémon Present). In XD: Gale of Darkness a level-42 Shadow Poliwrath waits on Citadark Isle, armed with Shadow Rush, Shadow Sky and Shadow Storm; its regular moves are Helping Hand, Hydro Pump, Rain Dance and Brick Break.
By level-up
| RSE/FRLG | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Water Gun | Water | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| 1 | Hypnosis | Psychic | Status | — | 60 | 20 |
| 1 | DoubleSlap | Normal | Physical | 15 | 85 | 10 |
| 1 | Submission | Fighting | Physical | 80 | 80 | 25 |
| 35 | Submission | Fighting | Physical | 80 | 80 | 25 |
| 51 | Mind Reader | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 5 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM01 | Focus Punch | Fighting | Physical | 150 | 100 | 20 |
| TM03 | Water Pulse | Water | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| TM06 | Toxic | Poison | Status | — | 85 | 10 |
| TM07 | Hail | Ice | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM08 | Bulk Up | Fighting | Status | — | — | 20 |
| TM10 | Hidden Power | Normal | Varies | — | 100 | 15 |
| TM13 | Ice Beam | Ice | Special | 95 | 100 | 10 |
| TM14 | Blizzard | Ice | Special | 120 | 70 | 5 |
| TM15 | Hyper Beam | Normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| TM17 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM18 | Rain Dance | Water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| TM21 | Frustration | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM26 | Earthquake | Ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| TM27 | Return | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM28 | Dig | Ground | Physical | 60 | 100 | 10 |
| TM29 | Psychic | Psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| TM31 | Brick Break | Fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| TM32 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| TM39 | Rock Tomb | Rock | Physical | 50 | 80 | 10 |
| TM42 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| TM43 | Secret Power | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| TM44 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM45 | Attract | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| TM46 | Thief | Dark | Special | 40 | 100 | 10 |
| HM03 | Surf | Water | Special | 95 | 100 | 15 |
| HM04 | Strength | Normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| HM06 | Rock Smash | Fighting | Physical | 20 | 100 | 15 |
| HM07 | Waterfall | Water | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| HM08 | Dive | Water | Special | 60 | 100 | 10 |
By breeding (egg moves)
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BubbleBeam | Water | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 | Marill, Azumarill, Corsola, Remoraid, Octillery, Mantine, Surskit, Corphish and 1 more |
| Haze | Ice | Status | — | — | 30 | Wooper, Quagsire, Surskit |
| Ice Ball | Ice | Special | 30 | 90 | 20 | Spheal, Sealeo, Walrein |
| Mind Reader | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 5 | Poliwrath |
| Mist | Ice | Status | — | — | 30 | Lapras, Wooper, Quagsire, Lotad, Wingull, Pelipper, Surskit |
| Splash | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 | Feebas, Milotic |
| Water Sport | Water | Status | — | — | 15 | Psyduck, Golduck, Lombre, Surskit, Masquerain, Milotic |
By move tutor
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body Slam | Normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 | FRLG, Emerald, XD |
| Counter | Fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 | FRLG, Emerald |
| Defense Curl | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 | Emerald |
| Double-Edge | Normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 | FRLG, Emerald, XD |
| DynamicPunch | Fighting | Physical | 100 | 50 | 5 | Emerald |
| Endure | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | Emerald |
| Ice Punch | Ice | Special | 75 | 100 | 15 | Emerald |
| Icy Wind | Ice | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 | Emerald, XD |
| Mega Kick | Normal | Physical | 120 | 75 | 5 | FRLG, Emerald |
| Mega Punch | Normal | Physical | 80 | 85 | 20 | FRLG, Emerald |
| Metronome | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | FRLG, Emerald |
| Mimic | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | FRLG, Emerald, XD |
| Mud-Slap | Ground | Physical | 20 | 100 | 10 | Emerald |
| Seismic Toss | Fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 | FRLG, Emerald, XD |
| Sleep Talk | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | Emerald |
| Snore | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 | Emerald |
| Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | FRLG, Emerald, XD |
| Swagger | Normal | Status | — | 90 | 15 | Emerald, XD |
From its pre-evolution
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Learnt as |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bubble | Water | Special | 20 | 100 | 30 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl |
| Body Slam | Normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl · RS |
| Belly Drum | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl |
| Hydro Pump | Water | Special | 120 | 80 | 5 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl |
| Sweet Kiss | Normal | Status | — | 75 | 10 | Poliwag (event) |
Generation IV · Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold & SoulSilver6 level-up · 42 TM/HM · 11 egg · 8 tutor
Evolve Poliwhirl with a Water Stone in all five games. From this generation each move has its own physical or special category, so Waterfall, Dive and Ice Punch now hit off Poliwrath's Attack, while Surf and Ice Beam stay special. BubbleBeam replaces Water Gun as a starting move, DynamicPunch joins the level-up list at 43 and Mind Reader slides to 53. Hypnosis is 60% accurate in Platinum and HeartGold/SoulSilver but 70% in Diamond and Pearl. Whirlpool (HM05) and the Encore egg move are HeartGold/SoulSilver only; tutor games are Diamond/Pearl, Platinum and HeartGold/SoulSilver. 'Transfer' covers moves that can only come from Generation III, including Sweet Kiss from the Japanese event Poliwag.
By level-up
| DPPt/HGSS | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BubbleBeam | Water | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| 1 | DoubleSlap | Normal | Physical | 15 | 85 | 10 |
| 1 | Hypnosis | Psychic | Status | — | 60 | 20 |
| 1 | Submission | Fighting | Physical | 80 | 80 | 25 |
| 43 | DynamicPunch | Fighting | Physical | 100 | 50 | 5 |
| 53 | Mind Reader | Normal | Status | — | — | 5 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM01 | Focus Punch | Fighting | Physical | 150 | 100 | 20 | |
| TM03 | Water Pulse | Water | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 | |
| TM06 | Toxic | Poison | Status | — | 85 | 10 | |
| TM07 | Hail | Ice | Status | — | — | 10 | |
| TM08 | Bulk Up | Fighting | Status | — | — | 20 | |
| TM10 | Hidden Power | Normal | Special | — | 100 | 15 | |
| TM13 | Ice Beam | Ice | Special | 95 | 100 | 10 | |
| TM14 | Blizzard | Ice | Special | 120 | 70 | 5 | |
| TM15 | Hyper Beam | Normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 | |
| TM17 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | |
| TM18 | Rain Dance | Water | Status | — | — | 5 | |
| TM21 | Frustration | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 | |
| TM26 | Earthquake | Ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 | |
| TM27 | Return | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 | |
| TM28 | Dig | Ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 | |
| TM29 | Psychic | Psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 | |
| TM31 | Brick Break | Fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 | |
| TM32 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 | |
| TM39 | Rock Tomb | Rock | Physical | 50 | 80 | 10 | |
| TM42 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 | |
| TM43 | Secret Power | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 | |
| TM44 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 | |
| TM45 | Attract | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 | |
| TM46 | Thief | Dark | Physical | 40 | 100 | 10 | |
| TM52 | Focus Blast | Fighting | Special | 120 | 70 | 5 | |
| TM56 | Fling | Dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 | |
| TM58 | Endure | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | |
| TM66 | Payback | Dark | Physical | 50 | 100 | 10 | |
| TM68 | Giga Impact | Normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 | |
| TM78 | Captivate | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 | |
| TM80 | Rock Slide | Rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 | |
| TM82 | Sleep Talk | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | |
| TM83 | Natural Gift | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 | |
| TM84 | Poison Jab | Poison | Physical | 80 | 100 | 20 | |
| TM87 | Swagger | Normal | Status | — | 90 | 15 | |
| TM90 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | |
| HM03 | Surf | Water | Special | 95 | 100 | 15 | |
| HM04 | Strength | Normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 | |
| HM05 | Whirlpool | Water | Special | 15 | 70 | 15 | HGSS |
| HM06 | Rock Smash | Fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 | |
| HM07 | Waterfall | Water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 | |
| HM08 | Rock Climb | Normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
By breeding (egg moves)
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BubbleBeam | Water | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl, Poliwrath, Politoed, Horsea, Seadra, Kingdra, Marill and 12 more |
| Encore | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 5 | Seel, Dewgong, Slakoth, Vigoroth, Slaking, Spheal, Sealeo, Walrein |
| Endeavor | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 5 | Mudkip, Marshtomp, Swampert, Corphish, Crawdaunt |
| Haze | Ice | Status | — | — | 30 | Squirtle, Wartortle, Blastoise, Dratini, Dragonair, Dragonite, Wooper, Quagsire and 9 more |
| Ice Ball | Ice | Physical | 30 | 90 | 20 | Mudkip, Marshtomp, Swampert, Spheal, Sealeo, Walrein |
| Mind Reader | Normal | Status | — | — | 5 | Poliwrath |
| Mist | Ice | Status | — | — | 30 | Squirtle, Wartortle, Blastoise, Lapras, Wooper, Quagsire, Lotad, Lombre and 6 more |
| Mud Shot | Ground | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl, Wooper, Quagsire, Marshtomp, Swampert |
| Refresh | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 | Squirtle, Wartortle, Blastoise, Psyduck, Golduck, Corsola, Mudkip, Marshtomp and 2 more |
| Splash | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 | Horsea, Seadra, Kingdra, Magikarp, Gyarados, Marill, Azumarill, Mantine and 2 more |
| Water Sport | Water | Status | — | — | 15 | Psyduck, Golduck, Seel, Dewgong, Totodile, Croconaw, Feraligatr, Mantine and 17 more |
By move tutor
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dive | Water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 | Pt, HGSS |
| Headbutt | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 | HGSS |
| Helping Hand | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 | Pt, HGSS |
| Ice Punch | Ice | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 | Pt, HGSS |
| Icy Wind | Ice | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 | Pt, HGSS |
| Mud-Slap | Ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 | Pt, HGSS |
| Snore | Normal | Special | 40 | 100 | 15 | Pt, HGSS |
| Vacuum Wave | Fighting | Special | 40 | 100 | 30 | Pt, HGSS |
From its pre-evolution
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Learnt as |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bubble | Water | Special | 20 | 100 | 30 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl |
| Water Gun | Water | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl |
| Body Slam | Normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl |
| Belly Drum | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl |
| Wake-Up Slap | Fighting | Physical | 60 | 100 | 10 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl |
| Hydro Pump | Water | Special | 120 | 80 | 5 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl |
| Mud Bomb | Ground | Special | 65 | 85 | 10 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl |
By transfer
| Move | From |
|---|---|
| Counter | Gen III (tutor) |
| Defense Curl | Gen III (tutor) |
| Double-Edge | Gen III (tutor) |
| Mega Kick | Gen III (tutor) |
| Mega Punch | Gen III (tutor) |
| Metronome | Gen III (tutor) |
| Mimic | Gen III (tutor) |
| Seismic Toss | Gen III (tutor) |
| Sweet Kiss | Gen III (event Poliwag) |
Generation V · Black, White, Black 2 & White 27 level-up · 39 TM/HM · 13 egg · 6 tutor
Poliwrath turns up in the wild for the first time: fish in rippling water at Wellspring Cave, Challenger's Cave, Victory Road and the Giant Chasm in Black and White, and at Route 23, Relic Passage, Clay Tunnel, Wellspring Cave, the Giant Chasm and Victory Road in Black 2 and White 2. DynamicPunch drops to level 32, Mind Reader to 43, and the brand-new Circle Throw caps the list at 53. Move tutors are Black 2/White 2 only. Sleep Talk could also come from a Dream World Poliwag in Black and White.
By level-up
| BW/B2W2 | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BubbleBeam | Water | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| 1 | Hypnosis | Psychic | Status | — | 60 | 20 |
| 1 | DoubleSlap | Normal | Physical | 15 | 85 | 10 |
| 1 | Submission | Fighting | Physical | 80 | 80 | 25 |
| 32 | DynamicPunch | Fighting | Physical | 100 | 50 | 5 |
| 43 | Mind Reader | Normal | Status | — | — | 5 |
| 53 | Circle Throw | Fighting | Physical | 60 | 90 | 10 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM06 | Toxic | Poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| TM07 | Hail | Ice | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM08 | Bulk Up | Fighting | Status | — | — | 20 |
| TM10 | Hidden Power | Normal | Special | — | 100 | 15 |
| TM13 | Ice Beam | Ice | Special | 95 | 100 | 10 |
| TM14 | Blizzard | Ice | Special | 120 | 70 | 5 |
| TM15 | Hyper Beam | Normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| TM17 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM18 | Rain Dance | Water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| TM21 | Frustration | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM26 | Earthquake | Ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| TM27 | Return | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM28 | Dig | Ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| TM29 | Psychic | Psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| TM31 | Brick Break | Fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| TM32 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| TM39 | Rock Tomb | Rock | Physical | 50 | 80 | 10 |
| TM42 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| TM44 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM45 | Attract | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| TM46 | Thief | Dark | Physical | 40 | 100 | 10 |
| TM47 | Low Sweep | Fighting | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| TM48 | Round | Normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| TM52 | Focus Blast | Fighting | Special | 120 | 70 | 5 |
| TM55 | Scald | Water | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| TM56 | Fling | Dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| TM66 | Payback | Dark | Physical | 50 | 100 | 10 |
| TM68 | Giga Impact | Normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| TM78 | Bulldoze | Ground | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| TM80 | Rock Slide | Rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 |
| TM83 | Work Up | Normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| TM84 | Poison Jab | Poison | Physical | 80 | 100 | 20 |
| TM87 | Swagger | Normal | Status | — | 90 | 15 |
| TM90 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM94 | Rock Smash | Fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| HM03 | Surf | Water | Special | 95 | 100 | 15 |
| HM04 | Strength | Normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| HM05 | Waterfall | Water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| HM06 | Dive | Water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
By breeding (egg moves)
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BubbleBeam | Water | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl, Poliwrath, Politoed, Horsea, Seadra, Kingdra, Marill and 18 more |
| Encore | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 5 | Seel, Dewgong, Spheal, Sealeo, Walrein |
| Endeavor | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 5 | Mudkip, Marshtomp, Swampert |
| Endure | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | Kabuto, Kabutops, Corsola, Stunfisk |
| Haze | Ice | Status | — | — | 30 | Wooper, Quagsire, Surskit |
| Ice Ball | Ice | Physical | 30 | 90 | 20 | Spheal, Sealeo, Walrein |
| Mind Reader | Normal | Status | — | — | 5 | Poliwrath |
| Mist | Ice | Status | — | — | 30 | Lapras, Wooper, Quagsire, Lotad, Lombre, Ludicolo, Wingull, Pelipper and 5 more |
| Mud Shot | Ground | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl, Omanyte, Omastar, Kabuto, Kabutops, Wooper, Quagsire and 6 more |
| Refresh | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 | Corsola, Milotic |
| Splash | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 | Feebas |
| Water Pulse | Water | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 | Squirtle, Wartortle, Blastoise, Psyduck, Golduck, Slowpoke, Slowbro, Slowking and 13 more |
| Water Sport | Water | Status | — | — | 15 | Psyduck, Golduck, Poliwag, Poliwhirl, Seel, Lombre, Surskit, Masquerain and 8 more |
By move tutor
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Endeavor | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 5 | B2W2 |
| Helping Hand | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 | B2W2 |
| Ice Punch | Ice | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 | B2W2 |
| Icy Wind | Ice | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 | B2W2 |
| Sleep Talk | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | B2W2 |
| Snore | Normal | Special | 40 | 100 | 15 | B2W2 |
From its pre-evolution
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Learnt as |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bubble | Water | Special | 20 | 100 | 30 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl |
| Water Gun | Water | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl |
| Body Slam | Normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl |
| Belly Drum | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl |
| Wake-Up Slap | Fighting | Physical | 60 | 100 | 10 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl |
| Hydro Pump | Water | Special | 120 | 80 | 5 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl |
| Mud Bomb | Ground | Special | 65 | 85 | 10 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl |
| Sleep Talk | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | Poliwag (Dream World) · BW |
By transfer
| Move | From |
|---|---|
| Captivate | Gen IV (TM) |
| Counter | Gen III (tutor) |
| Defense Curl | Gen III (tutor) |
| Double-Edge | Gen III (tutor) |
| Focus Punch | Gen III (TM), Gen IV (TM) |
| Headbutt | Gen IV (tutor) |
| Mega Kick | Gen III (tutor) |
| Mega Punch | Gen III (tutor) |
| Metronome | Gen III (tutor) |
| Mimic | Gen III (tutor) |
| Mud-Slap | Gen III (tutor), Gen IV (tutor) |
| Natural Gift | Gen IV (TM) |
| Secret Power | Gen III (TM), Gen IV (TM) |
| Seismic Toss | Gen III (tutor) |
| Sweet Kiss | Gen III (event Poliwag) |
| Vacuum Wave | Gen IV (tutor) |
| Whirlpool | Gen IV (TM) |
Generation VI · X, Y, Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire8 level-up · 43 TM/HM · 13 egg · 7 tutor
X and Y: fish with the Super Rod at Victory Road. Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire: trade only. Circle Throw is now a starting move as well as the level-53 finale, and Submission's PP drops to 20. TM94 is Rock Smash in X and Y but Secret Power in Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, where Rock Smash and Dive become HMs. Move tutors are Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire only. Sweet Kiss is now Fairy-type.
By level-up
| XY/ORAS | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Circle Throw | Fighting | Physical | 60 | 90 | 10 |
| 1 | Bubble Beam | Water | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| 1 | Hypnosis | Psychic | Status | — | 60 | 20 |
| 1 | Double Slap | Normal | Physical | 15 | 85 | 10 |
| 1 | Submission | Fighting | Physical | 80 | 80 | 20 |
| 32 | Dynamic Punch | Fighting | Physical | 100 | 50 | 5 |
| 43 | Mind Reader | Normal | Status | — | — | 5 |
| 53 | Circle Throw | Fighting | Physical | 60 | 90 | 10 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM06 | Toxic | Poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 | |
| TM07 | Hail | Ice | Status | — | — | 10 | |
| TM08 | Bulk Up | Fighting | Status | — | — | 20 | |
| TM10 | Hidden Power | Normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 | |
| TM13 | Ice Beam | Ice | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 | |
| TM14 | Blizzard | Ice | Special | 110 | 70 | 5 | |
| TM15 | Hyper Beam | Normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 | |
| TM17 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | |
| TM18 | Rain Dance | Water | Status | — | — | 5 | |
| TM21 | Frustration | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 | |
| TM26 | Earthquake | Ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 | |
| TM27 | Return | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 | |
| TM28 | Dig | Ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 | |
| TM29 | Psychic | Psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 | |
| TM31 | Brick Break | Fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 | |
| TM32 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 | |
| TM39 | Rock Tomb | Rock | Physical | 60 | 95 | 15 | |
| TM42 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 | |
| TM44 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 | |
| TM45 | Attract | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 | |
| TM46 | Thief | Dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 | |
| TM47 | Low Sweep | Fighting | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 | |
| TM48 | Round | Normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 | |
| TM52 | Focus Blast | Fighting | Special | 120 | 70 | 5 | |
| TM55 | Scald | Water | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 | |
| TM56 | Fling | Dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 | |
| TM66 | Payback | Dark | Physical | 50 | 100 | 10 | |
| TM68 | Giga Impact | Normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 | |
| TM78 | Bulldoze | Ground | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 | |
| TM80 | Rock Slide | Rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 | |
| TM84 | Poison Jab | Poison | Physical | 80 | 100 | 20 | |
| TM87 | Swagger | Normal | Status | — | 90 | 15 | |
| TM88 | Sleep Talk | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | |
| TM90 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | |
| TM94 | Rock Smash | Fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 | XY |
| TM94 | Secret Power | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 | ORAS |
| TM98 | Power-Up Punch | Fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 20 | |
| TM100 | Confide | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 | |
| HM03 | Surf | Water | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 | |
| HM04 | Strength | Normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 | |
| HM05 | Waterfall | Water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 | |
| HM06 | Rock Smash | Fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 | ORAS |
| HM07 | Dive | Water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 | ORAS |
By breeding (egg moves)
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bubble Beam | Water | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl, Poliwrath, Politoed, Horsea, Seadra, Kingdra, Marill and 20 more |
| Encore | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 5 | Seel, Dewgong, Spheal, Sealeo, Walrein |
| Endeavor | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 5 | Mudkip, Marshtomp, Swampert |
| Endure | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | Kabuto, Kabutops, Corsola, Stunfisk |
| Haze | Ice | Status | — | — | 30 | Wooper, Quagsire, Surskit, Greninja |
| Ice Ball | Ice | Physical | 30 | 90 | 20 | Spheal, Sealeo, Walrein |
| Mind Reader | Normal | Status | — | — | 5 | Poliwrath |
| Mist | Ice | Status | — | — | 30 | Lapras, Wooper, Quagsire, Lotad, Lombre, Ludicolo, Wingull, Pelipper and 5 more |
| Mud Shot | Ground | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl, Omanyte, Omastar, Kabuto, Kabutops, Wooper, Quagsire and 6 more |
| Refresh | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 | Corsola, Milotic |
| Splash | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 | Feebas, Clauncher, Clawitzer |
| Water Pulse | Water | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 | Squirtle, Wartortle, Blastoise, Psyduck, Golduck, Slowpoke, Slowbro, Slowking and 20 more |
| Water Sport | Water | Status | — | — | 15 | Psyduck, Golduck, Poliwag, Poliwhirl, Seel, Marill, Azumarill, Lombre and 13 more |
By move tutor
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Endeavor | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 5 | ORAS |
| Focus Punch | Fighting | Physical | 150 | 100 | 20 | ORAS |
| Helping Hand | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 | ORAS |
| Ice Punch | Ice | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 | ORAS |
| Icy Wind | Ice | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 | ORAS |
| Snore | Normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 | ORAS |
| Water Pulse | Water | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 | ORAS |
From its pre-evolution
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Learnt as |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bubble | Water | Special | 40 | 100 | 30 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl |
| Water Gun | Water | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl |
| Body Slam | Normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl |
| Belly Drum | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl |
| Wake-Up Slap | Fighting | Physical | 70 | 100 | 10 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl |
| Hydro Pump | Water | Special | 110 | 80 | 5 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl |
| Mud Bomb | Ground | Special | 65 | 85 | 10 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl |
By transfer
| Move | From |
|---|---|
| Captivate | Gen IV (TM) |
| Counter | Gen III (tutor) |
| Defense Curl | Gen III (tutor) |
| Double-Edge | Gen III (tutor) |
| Headbutt | Gen IV (tutor) |
| Mega Kick | Gen III (tutor) |
| Mega Punch | Gen III (tutor) |
| Metronome | Gen III (tutor) |
| Mimic | Gen III (tutor) |
| Mud-Slap | Gen III (tutor), Gen IV (tutor) |
| Natural Gift | Gen IV (TM) |
| Seismic Toss | Gen III (tutor) |
| Sweet Kiss | Gen III (event Poliwag) |
| Vacuum Wave | Gen IV (tutor) |
| Whirlpool | Gen IV (TM) |
| Work Up | Gen V (TM) |
Generation VII · Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon9 level-up · 37 TM/HM · 13 egg · 9 tutor
Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon: Poliwrath can join SOS battles at Malie Garden when it rains. One level-up list covers all four games, and Submission is now the move Poliwrath learns the moment it evolves (Evo.). With HMs gone, Surf and Waterfall are ordinary TMs. Move tutors, including Dual Chop and Throat Chop, are Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon only. 'Transfer' lists moves from earlier games that Poliwrath can no longer pick up here, from Red and Blue's Fissure and Skull Bash to Power-Up Punch from X and Y.
By level-up
| SM/USUM | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Submission | Fighting | Physical | 80 | 80 | 20 |
| 1 | Circle Throw | Fighting | Physical | 60 | 90 | 10 |
| 1 | Bubble Beam | Water | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| 1 | Hypnosis | Psychic | Status | — | 60 | 20 |
| 1 | Double Slap | Normal | Physical | 15 | 85 | 10 |
| Evo. | Submission | Fighting | Physical | 80 | 80 | 20 |
| 32 | Dynamic Punch | Fighting | Physical | 100 | 50 | 5 |
| 43 | Mind Reader | Normal | Status | — | — | 5 |
| 53 | Circle Throw | Fighting | Physical | 60 | 90 | 10 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM01 | Work Up | Normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| TM06 | Toxic | Poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| TM07 | Hail | Ice | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM08 | Bulk Up | Fighting | Status | — | — | 20 |
| TM10 | Hidden Power | Normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| TM13 | Ice Beam | Ice | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| TM14 | Blizzard | Ice | Special | 110 | 70 | 5 |
| TM15 | Hyper Beam | Normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| TM17 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM18 | Rain Dance | Water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| TM21 | Frustration | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM26 | Earthquake | Ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| TM27 | Return | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM29 | Psychic | Psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| TM31 | Brick Break | Fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| TM32 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| TM39 | Rock Tomb | Rock | Physical | 60 | 95 | 15 |
| TM42 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| TM44 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM45 | Attract | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| TM46 | Thief | Dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| TM47 | Low Sweep | Fighting | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| TM48 | Round | Normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| TM52 | Focus Blast | Fighting | Special | 120 | 70 | 5 |
| TM55 | Scald | Water | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| TM56 | Fling | Dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| TM66 | Payback | Dark | Physical | 50 | 100 | 10 |
| TM68 | Giga Impact | Normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| TM78 | Bulldoze | Ground | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| TM80 | Rock Slide | Rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 |
| TM84 | Poison Jab | Poison | Physical | 80 | 100 | 20 |
| TM87 | Swagger | Normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| TM88 | Sleep Talk | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM90 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM94 | Surf | Water | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| TM98 | Waterfall | Water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| TM100 | Confide | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
By breeding (egg moves)
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bubble Beam | Water | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl, Poliwrath, Politoed, Horsea, Seadra, Kingdra, Marill and 25 more |
| Encore | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 5 | Seel, Dewgong, Spheal, Sealeo, Walrein, Popplio, Brionne, Primarina |
| Endeavor | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 5 | Mudkip, Marshtomp, Swampert |
| Endure | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | Kabuto, Kabutops, Corsola, Stunfisk |
| Haze | Ice | Status | — | — | 30 | Wooper, Quagsire, Surskit, Greninja |
| Ice Ball | Ice | Physical | 30 | 90 | 20 | Spheal, Sealeo, Walrein |
| Mind Reader | Normal | Status | — | — | 5 | Poliwrath |
| Mist | Ice | Status | — | — | 30 | Lapras, Wooper, Quagsire, Lotad, Wingull, Pelipper, Surskit, Piplup and 2 more |
| Mud Shot | Ground | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl, Omanyte, Omastar, Kabuto, Kabutops, Wooper, Quagsire and 6 more |
| Refresh | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 | Corsola, Milotic |
| Splash | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 | Feebas, Clauncher, Clawitzer |
| Water Pulse | Water | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 | Squirtle, Wartortle, Blastoise, Psyduck, Golduck, Slowpoke, Slowbro, Slowking and 20 more |
| Water Sport | Water | Status | — | — | 15 | Psyduck, Golduck, Poliwag, Poliwhirl, Seel, Marill, Azumarill, Lombre and 16 more |
By move tutor
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dual Chop | Dragon | Physical | 40 | 90 | 15 | USUM |
| Endeavor | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 5 | USUM |
| Focus Punch | Fighting | Physical | 150 | 100 | 20 | USUM |
| Helping Hand | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 | USUM |
| Ice Punch | Ice | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 | USUM |
| Icy Wind | Ice | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 | USUM |
| Snore | Normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 | USUM |
| Throat Chop | Dark | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 | USUM |
| Water Pulse | Water | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 | USUM |
From its pre-evolution
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Learnt as |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water Sport | Water | Status | — | — | 15 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl |
| Water Gun | Water | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl |
| Bubble | Water | Special | 40 | 100 | 30 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl |
| Body Slam | Normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl |
| Mud Shot | Ground | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl |
| Belly Drum | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl |
| Wake-Up Slap | Fighting | Physical | 70 | 100 | 10 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl |
| Hydro Pump | Water | Special | 110 | 80 | 5 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl |
| Mud Bomb | Ground | Special | 65 | 85 | 10 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl |
By transfer
| Move | From |
|---|---|
| Amnesia | Gen I (prior evolution) |
| Bide | Gen I (TM) |
| Captivate | Gen IV (TM) |
| Counter | Gen I (TM), Gen III (tutor) |
| Curse | Gen II (TM) |
| Defense Curl | Gen II (TM), Gen III (tutor) |
| Detect | Gen II (TM) |
| Dig | Gen III (TM), Gen IV (TM), Gen V (TM), Gen VI (TM) |
| Dive | Gen III (TM), Gen IV (tutor), Gen V (TM), Gen VI (TM) |
| Double-Edge | Gen I (TM), Gen III (tutor) |
| Fissure | Gen I (TM) |
| Headbutt | Gen II (TM), Gen IV (tutor) |
| Mega Kick | Gen I (TM), Gen III (tutor) |
| Mega Punch | Gen I (TM), Gen III (tutor) |
| Metronome | Gen I (TM), Gen III (tutor) |
| Mimic | Gen I (TM), Gen III (tutor) |
| Mud-Slap | Gen II (TM), Gen III (tutor), Gen IV (tutor) |
| Natural Gift | Gen IV (TM) |
| Power-Up Punch | Gen VI (TM) |
| Psywave | Gen I (TM) |
| Rage | Gen I (TM) |
| Rock Smash | Gen II (TM), Gen V (TM), Gen VI (TM) |
| Secret Power | Gen III (TM), Gen IV (TM), Gen VI (TM) |
| Seismic Toss | Gen I (TM), Gen III (tutor) |
| Skull Bash | Gen I (TM) |
| Strength | Gen I (TM), Gen II (TM), Gen V (TM), Gen VI (TM) |
| Sweet Kiss | Gen III (event Poliwag) |
| Take Down | Gen I (TM) |
| Vacuum Wave | Gen IV (tutor) |
| Whirlpool | Gen II (TM), Gen IV (TM) |
Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!10 level-up · 23 TM/HM
Wild Poliwrath can be found while surfing in Cerulean Cave. There is no breeding and there are no move tutors in these games. Its starting moves include Mist, Haze, Bulk Up and Pound, it learns Submission on evolving, and Superpower arrives at level 57, which is also TM49 here.
By level-up
| LGPE | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Submission | Fighting | Physical | 80 | 80 | 20 |
| 1 | Mist | Ice | Status | — | — | 30 |
| 1 | Haze | Ice | Status | — | — | 30 |
| 1 | Bulk Up | Fighting | Status | — | — | 20 |
| 1 | Bubble | Water | Special | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| 1 | Pound | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| 1 | Hypnosis | Psychic | Status | — | 60 | 20 |
| 1 | Water Gun | Water | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| Evo. | Submission | Fighting | Physical | 80 | 80 | 20 |
| 57 | Superpower | Fighting | Physical | 120 | 100 | 5 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM01 | Headbutt | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| TM03 | Helping Hand | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| TM05 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM07 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM08 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM10 | Dig | Ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| TM12 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| TM13 | Brick Break | Fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| TM15 | Seismic Toss | Fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM22 | Rock Slide | Rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 |
| TM25 | Waterfall | Water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| TM26 | Poison Jab | Poison | Physical | 80 | 100 | 20 |
| TM27 | Toxic | Poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| TM29 | Scald | Water | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| TM30 | Bulk Up | Fighting | Status | — | — | 20 |
| TM35 | Ice Punch | Ice | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| TM40 | Psychic | Psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| TM41 | Earthquake | Ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| TM47 | Surf | Water | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| TM48 | Hyper Beam | Normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| TM49 | Superpower | Fighting | Physical | 120 | 100 | 5 |
| TM51 | Blizzard | Ice | Special | 110 | 70 | 5 |
| TM55 | Ice Beam | Ice | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
From its pre-evolution
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Learnt as |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Double Slap | Normal | Physical | 15 | 85 | 10 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl |
| Bubble Beam | Water | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl |
| Low Kick | Fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl |
| Body Slam | Normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl |
| Hydro Pump | Water | Special | 110 | 80 | 5 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl |
Generation VIII · Sword & Shield (incl. Expansion Pass), Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl16 level-up · 94 TM/HM · 14 egg · 1 tutor
Sword and Shield: trade only in the base game (Version 1.2.0 onwards). The Expansion Pass adds a wandering Poliwrath in Brawlers' Cave, Max Raid Battles at the Fields of Honor, Soothing Wetlands and Courageous Cavern, and Dynamax Adventures in the Max Lair. Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl: evolve Poliwhirl. One level-up list covers all four games: Poliwrath now starts with a huge toolkit (Earth Power, Hydro Pump, Belly Drum, Double-Edge and more) and learns Submission on evolving. TMs, TRs and egg moves are marked SwSh or BDSP; TRs are Sword and Shield's single-use Technical Records. Coaching comes from the Expansion Pass move tutor. Transfer moves marked as unusable can't be used in Sword and Shield. Poliwrath does not appear in Legends: Arceus, so there is no Legends: Arceus list.
By level-up
| SwSh/BDSP | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Submission | Fighting | Physical | 80 | 80 | 20 |
| 1 | Circle Throw | Fighting | Physical | 60 | 90 | 10 |
| 1 | Mind Reader | Normal | Status | — | — | 5 |
| 1 | Dynamic Punch | Fighting | Physical | 100 | 50 | 5 |
| 1 | Bubble Beam | Water | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| 1 | Rain Dance | Water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| 1 | Body Slam | Normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| 1 | Earth Power | Ground | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| 1 | Hydro Pump | Water | Special | 110 | 80 | 5 |
| 1 | Belly Drum | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| 1 | Double-Edge | Normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| 1 | Water Gun | Water | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| 1 | Hypnosis | Psychic | Status | — | 60 | 20 |
| 1 | Pound | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| 1 | Mud Shot | Ground | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| Evo. | Submission | Fighting | Physical | 80 | 80 | 20 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM00 | Mega Punch | Normal | Physical | 80 | 85 | 20 | SwSh |
| TM01 | Mega Kick | Normal | Physical | 120 | 75 | 5 | SwSh |
| TM04 | Ice Punch | Ice | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 | SwSh |
| TM08 | Hyper Beam | Normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 | SwSh |
| TM09 | Giga Impact | Normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 | SwSh |
| TM15 | Dig | Ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 | SwSh |
| TM21 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 | SwSh |
| TM22 | Rock Slide | Rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 | SwSh |
| TM23 | Thief | Dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 | SwSh |
| TM24 | Snore | Normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 | SwSh |
| TM25 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | SwSh |
| TM27 | Icy Wind | Ice | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 | SwSh |
| TM31 | Attract | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 | SwSh |
| TM33 | Rain Dance | Water | Status | — | — | 5 | SwSh |
| TM35 | Hail | Ice | Status | — | — | 10 | SwSh |
| TM36 | Whirlpool | Water | Special | 35 | 85 | 15 | SwSh |
| TM39 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 | SwSh |
| TM41 | Helping Hand | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 | SwSh |
| TM43 | Brick Break | Fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 | SwSh |
| TM45 | Dive | Water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 | SwSh |
| TM48 | Rock Tomb | Rock | Physical | 60 | 95 | 15 | SwSh |
| TM53 | Mud Shot | Ground | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 | SwSh |
| TM57 | Payback | Dark | Physical | 50 | 100 | 10 | SwSh |
| TM59 | Fling | Dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 | SwSh |
| TM63 | Drain Punch | Fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 10 | SwSh |
| TM75 | Low Sweep | Fighting | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 | SwSh |
| TM76 | Round | Normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 | SwSh |
| TM81 | Bulldoze | Ground | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 | SwSh |
| TR01 | Body Slam | Normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 | SwSh |
| TR03 | Hydro Pump | Water | Special | 110 | 80 | 5 | SwSh |
| TR04 | Surf | Water | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 | SwSh |
| TR05 | Ice Beam | Ice | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 | SwSh |
| TR06 | Blizzard | Ice | Special | 110 | 70 | 5 | SwSh |
| TR10 | Earthquake | Ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 | SwSh |
| TR11 | Psychic | Psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 | SwSh |
| TR14 | Metronome | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | SwSh |
| TR16 | Waterfall | Water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 | SwSh |
| TR20 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | SwSh |
| TR21 | Reversal | Fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 15 | SwSh |
| TR26 | Endure | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | SwSh |
| TR27 | Sleep Talk | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | SwSh |
| TR30 | Encore | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 5 | SwSh |
| TR39 | Superpower | Fighting | Physical | 120 | 100 | 5 | SwSh |
| TR45 | Muddy Water | Water | Special | 90 | 85 | 10 | SwSh |
| TR48 | Bulk Up | Fighting | Status | — | — | 20 | SwSh |
| TR53 | Close Combat | Fighting | Physical | 120 | 100 | 5 | SwSh |
| TR57 | Poison Jab | Poison | Physical | 80 | 100 | 20 | SwSh |
| TR64 | Focus Blast | Fighting | Special | 120 | 70 | 5 | SwSh |
| TR67 | Earth Power | Ground | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 | SwSh |
| TR84 | Scald | Water | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 | SwSh |
| TR85 | Work Up | Normal | Status | — | — | 30 | SwSh |
| TR93 | Darkest Lariat | Dark | Physical | 85 | 100 | 10 | SwSh |
| TR94 | High Horsepower | Ground | Physical | 95 | 95 | 10 | SwSh |
| TR95 | Throat Chop | Dark | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 | SwSh |
| TR98 | Liquidation | Water | Physical | 85 | 100 | 10 | SwSh |
| TM01 | Focus Punch | Fighting | Physical | 150 | 100 | 20 | BDSP |
| TM03 | Water Pulse | Water | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 | BDSP |
| TM07 | Hail | Ice | Status | — | — | 10 | BDSP |
| TM08 | Bulk Up | Fighting | Status | — | — | 20 | BDSP |
| TM10 | Work Up | Normal | Status | — | — | 30 | BDSP |
| TM13 | Ice Beam | Ice | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 | BDSP |
| TM14 | Blizzard | Ice | Special | 110 | 70 | 5 | BDSP |
| TM15 | Hyper Beam | Normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 | BDSP |
| TM17 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | BDSP |
| TM18 | Rain Dance | Water | Status | — | — | 5 | BDSP |
| TM26 | Earthquake | Ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 | BDSP |
| TM27 | Low Sweep | Fighting | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 | BDSP |
| TM28 | Dig | Ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 | BDSP |
| TM29 | Psychic | Psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 | BDSP |
| TM31 | Brick Break | Fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 | BDSP |
| TM32 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 | BDSP |
| TM39 | Rock Tomb | Rock | Physical | 60 | 95 | 15 | BDSP |
| TM42 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 | BDSP |
| TM44 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 | BDSP |
| TM45 | Attract | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 | BDSP |
| TM46 | Thief | Dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 | BDSP |
| TM49 | Scald | Water | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 | BDSP |
| TM52 | Focus Blast | Fighting | Special | 120 | 70 | 5 | BDSP |
| TM56 | Fling | Dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 | BDSP |
| TM58 | Endure | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | BDSP |
| TM60 | Drain Punch | Fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 10 | BDSP |
| TM66 | Payback | Dark | Physical | 50 | 100 | 10 | BDSP |
| TM68 | Giga Impact | Normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 | BDSP |
| TM80 | Rock Slide | Rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 | BDSP |
| TM82 | Sleep Talk | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | BDSP |
| TM83 | Bulldoze | Ground | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 | BDSP |
| TM84 | Poison Jab | Poison | Physical | 80 | 100 | 20 | BDSP |
| TM87 | Swagger | Normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 | BDSP |
| TM90 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | BDSP |
| TM95 | Surf | Water | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 | BDSP |
| TM96 | Strength | Normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 | BDSP |
| TM98 | Rock Smash | Fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 | BDSP |
| TM99 | Waterfall | Water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 | BDSP |
| TM100 | Rock Climb | Normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 | BDSP |
By breeding (egg moves)
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Endeavor | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 5 | SwSh | Mudkip, Marshtomp, Swampert, Corphish, Crawdaunt |
| Haze | Ice | Status | — | — | 30 | SwSh | Wooper, Quagsire |
| Mind Reader | Normal | Status | — | — | 5 | SwSh | Poliwrath |
| Mist | Ice | Status | — | — | 30 | SwSh | Lapras, Wooper, Quagsire, Lotad, Lombre, Ludicolo, Wingull, Pelipper and 1 more |
| Splash | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 | SwSh | Feebas, Milotic, Clauncher, Clawitzer |
| Water Pulse | Water | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 | SwSh | Squirtle, Wartortle, Blastoise, Psyduck, Golduck, Slowpoke, Slowpoke (Galarian), Slowbro and 22 more |
| Bubble Beam | Water | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 | BDSP | Poliwag, Poliwhirl, Poliwrath, Politoed, Horsea, Seadra, Kingdra, Marill and 15 more |
| Encore | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 5 | BDSP | Seel, Dewgong, Spheal, Sealeo, Walrein |
| Endeavor | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 5 | BDSP | Mudkip, Marshtomp, Swampert, Corphish, Crawdaunt |
| Haze | Ice | Status | — | — | 30 | BDSP | Wooper, Quagsire, Surskit, Masquerain |
| Mind Reader | Normal | Status | — | — | 5 | BDSP | Poliwrath |
| Mist | Ice | Status | — | — | 30 | BDSP | Lapras, Wooper, Quagsire, Lotad, Lombre, Ludicolo, Wingull, Pelipper and 5 more |
| Mud Shot | Ground | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 | BDSP | Poliwag, Poliwhirl, Poliwrath, Politoed, Omanyte, Omastar, Kabuto, Kabutops and 4 more |
| Splash | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 | BDSP | Marill, Azumarill, Feebas, Milotic |
By move tutor
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coaching | Fighting | Status | — | — | 10 | Expansion Pass |
By transfer
| Move | From |
|---|---|
| Amnesia | Gen I (event, prior evolution) |
| Bide | Gen I (TM) |
| Bubble | Gen I–VI (prior evolution), Gen VII (level-up, prior evolution) |
| Captivate | Gen IV (TM) |
| Confide | Gen VI (TM), Gen VII (TM) |
| Counter | Gen I (TM), Gen III (tutor) |
| Curse | Gen II (TM) |
| Defense Curl | Gen II (TM), Gen III (tutor) |
| Detect | Gen II (TM) |
| Double Slap | Gen I–VI (level-up), Gen VII (level-up, prior evolution) |
| Double Team | Gen I–VII (TM) |
| Dual Chop | Gen VII (tutor) |
| Fissure | Gen I (TM) |
| Focus Punch | Gen III (TM), Gen IV (TM), Gen VI (tutor), Gen VII (tutor) |
| Frustration | Gen II–VII (TM) |
| Headbutt | Gen II (TM), Gen IV (tutor), Gen VII (TM) |
| Hidden Power | Gen II–VII (TM) |
| Ice Ball | Gen III–VII (breeding) |
| Low Kick | Gen VII (prior evolution) |
| Mimic | Gen I (TM), Gen III (tutor) |
| Mud Bomb | Gen IV–VII (prior evolution) |
| Mud-Slap | Gen II (TM), Gen III (tutor), Gen IV (tutor) |
| Natural Gift | Gen IV (TM) |
| Power-Up Punch | Gen VI (TM) |
| Psywave | Gen I (TM) |
| Rage | Gen I (TM) |
| Refresh | Gen IV–VII (breeding) |
| Return | Gen II–VII (TM) |
| Rock Smash | Gen II (TM), Gen V (TM), Gen VI (TM) |
| Secret Power | Gen III (TM), Gen IV (TM), Gen VI (TM) |
| Seismic Toss | Gen I (TM), Gen III (tutor), Gen VII (TM) |
| Skull Bash | Gen I (TM) |
| Strength | Gen I (TM), Gen II (TM), Gen V (TM), Gen VI (TM) |
| Swagger | Gen II (TM), Gen III (tutor), Gen IV–VII (TM) |
| Sweet Kiss | Gen III (event Poliwag) |
| Take Down | Gen I (TM) |
| Toxic | Gen I–VII (TM) |
| Vacuum Wave | Gen IV (tutor) |
| Wake-Up Slap | Gen IV–VII (prior evolution) |
| Water Sport | Gen III–VI (breeding), Gen VII (breeding, prior evolution) |
Generation IX · Scarlet & Violet (Version 2.0.1+ / The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero)13 level-up · 64 TM/HM · 5 egg
Scarlet and Violet: trade it in from Version 2.0.1 onwards; with The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, Poliwrath also turns up in 5★ and 6★ Tera Raid Battles. Dynamic Punch is now the move it learns on evolving, and moves marked 'Rem.' can only be relearnt at the Move Reminder. Submission and Mind Reader, staples since Gold and Silver, are no longer in its list, while the TM list grows to 64 moves, including Upper Hand and Chilling Water. Poliwrath does not appear in Legends: Z-A, so there is no Legends: Z-A list.
By level-up
| SV | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bubble Beam | Water | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| 1 | Body Slam | Normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| 1 | Hypnosis | Psychic | Status | — | 60 | 20 |
| Rem. | Pound | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| Rem. | Double-Edge | Normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| Rem. | Water Gun | Water | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| Rem. | Hydro Pump | Water | Special | 110 | 80 | 5 |
| Rem. | Belly Drum | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| Rem. | Rain Dance | Water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| Rem. | Mud Shot | Ground | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| Rem. | Earth Power | Ground | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| Rem. | Circle Throw | Fighting | Physical | 60 | 90 | 10 |
| Evo. | Dynamic Punch | Fighting | Physical | 100 | 50 | 5 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM001 | Take Down | Normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| TM005 | Mud-Slap | Ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| TM006 | Scary Face | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| TM007 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM011 | Water Pulse | Water | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| TM012 | Low Kick | Fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM018 | Thief | Dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| TM022 | Chilling Water | Water | Special | 50 | 100 | 20 |
| TM025 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| TM028 | Bulldoze | Ground | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| TM032 | Swift | Normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| TM034 | Icy Wind | Ice | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| TM035 | Mud Shot | Ground | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| TM036 | Rock Tomb | Rock | Physical | 60 | 95 | 15 |
| TM039 | Low Sweep | Fighting | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| TM043 | Fling | Dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| TM047 | Endure | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM050 | Rain Dance | Water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| TM055 | Dig | Ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| TM058 | Brick Break | Fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| TM064 | Bulk Up | Fighting | Status | — | — | 20 |
| TM066 | Body Slam | Normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| TM069 | Ice Punch | Ice | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| TM070 | Sleep Talk | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM073 | Drain Punch | Fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 10 |
| TM077 | Waterfall | Water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| TM080 | Metronome | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM083 | Poison Jab | Poison | Physical | 80 | 100 | 20 |
| TM085 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| TM086 | Rock Slide | Rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 |
| TM087 | Taunt | Dark | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM103 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM110 | Liquidation | Water | Physical | 85 | 100 | 10 |
| TM120 | Psychic | Psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| TM122 | Encore | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 5 |
| TM123 | Surf | Water | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| TM128 | Amnesia | Psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| TM130 | Helping Hand | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| TM132 | Baton Pass | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| TM133 | Earth Power | Ground | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| TM134 | Reversal | Fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| TM135 | Ice Beam | Ice | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| TM142 | Hydro Pump | Water | Special | 110 | 80 | 5 |
| TM143 | Blizzard | Ice | Special | 110 | 70 | 5 |
| TM149 | Earthquake | Ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| TM152 | Giga Impact | Normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| TM158 | Focus Blast | Fighting | Special | 120 | 70 | 5 |
| TM163 | Hyper Beam | Normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| TM167 | Close Combat | Fighting | Physical | 120 | 100 | 5 |
| TM171 | Tera Blast | Normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| TM174 | Haze | Ice | Status | — | — | 30 |
| TM181 | Knock Off | Dark | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| TM184 | Vacuum Wave | Fighting | Special | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| TM186 | High Horsepower | Ground | Physical | 95 | 95 | 10 |
| TM192 | Focus Punch | Fighting | Physical | 150 | 100 | 20 |
| TM193 | Weather Ball | Normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 10 |
| TM203 | Psych Up | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM204 | Double-Edge | Normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| TM205 | Endeavor | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| TM208 | Whirlpool | Water | Special | 35 | 85 | 15 |
| TM209 | Muddy Water | Water | Special | 90 | 85 | 10 |
| TM213 | Coaching | Fighting | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM221 | Throat Chop | Dark | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| TM229 | Upper Hand | Fighting | Physical | 65 | 100 | 15 |
By breeding (egg moves)
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Endeavor | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 5 | Mudkip, Marshtomp, Swampert, Corphish, Crawdaunt |
| Mist | Ice | Status | — | — | 30 | Lapras, Wooper, Quagsire, Lotad, Lombre, Ludicolo, Wingull, Pelipper and 5 more |
| Muddy Water | Water | Special | 90 | 85 | 10 | Wooper, Quagsire, Mudkip, Marshtomp, Swampert, Shellos, Gastrodon, Clauncher and 1 more |
| Splash | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 | Feebas, Milotic, Clauncher, Clawitzer |
| Water Pulse | Water | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 | Squirtle, Wartortle, Blastoise, Psyduck, Golduck, Slowpoke, Slowpoke (Galarian), Slowbro and 30 more |
04On screen
Poliwrath in the anime
Debut EP029The Punchy Pokémon · First major role EP105Charizard Chills · Its appearances on screen, and 6 other trainers who raised one.
Poliwrath has never travelled with Ash, but the anime has turned it into the muscle of choice for Trainers who are sure they cannot lose. Tad's belt-wearing champion beat Pikachu and froze a disobedient Charizard solid in the Orange Islands – a defeat that finally brought Ash and Charizard together – while Andreas and Delaney both learned the hard way that a swagger and a Poliwrath are no guarantee of victory.
In Johto, Chuck's Poliwrath led off the Cianwood Gym battle and fell to Bayleef's Body Slam, before returning years later to spar with Bea in Pokémon Journeys. Elsewhere the swirl-bellied brawler has worked for villains – the Revengers in Alola and James, courtesy of the Rocket Prize Master – stepped into a sumo ring and a Battle Royal, and taught a fight-hungry Riolu a lesson at the local pond.
Other trainers’ Poliwrath
First seen: EP209Machoke, Machoke Man!
Cianwood's big-hearted, easily moved Gym Leader leads off his Gym battle against Ash with Poliwrath, and it makes a strong start: Pikachu's Quick Attack has no effect, and a flurry of Double Slap knocks Pikachu out (EP209). Ash's Bayleef is a tougher prospect, dodging Water Gun, landing Razor Leaf and tying Poliwrath up with Vine Whip before a Body Slam ends its battle – and a teary-eyed Chuck praises his partner for a fight well fought. Poliwrath returns in Pokémon Journeys, trading blows with Bea's Grapploct in a sweltering training session at the Cianwood Gym, where Chuck remembers Ash and lets him use the Gym for his rematch with Bea (JN039).
- EP209Machoke, Machoke Man! · vs Pikachu Won
- EP209Machoke, Machoke Man! · vs Bayleef Lost
- JN039Octo-Gridlock at the Gym! · vs Grapploct Unknown
First seen: EP105Charizard Chills
Tad's Poliwrath is a champion in every sense: it wears the golden championship belt it won in its Trainer's hometown, and Tad, who recognises Ash from the Trovita Gym, loves winning with surprises rather than type matchups (EP105). It runs Pikachu ragged with Double Team before Hypnosis and Water Gun finish the job, then encases a disobedient Charizard in ice with Ice Beam, leaving only its tail flame alight. Ash's night by the fire, warming and rubbing Charizard's hide, finally earns its obedience, and in the rematch Charizard catches Poliwrath's Mega Kick, counters its Body Slam and ends the battle with Seismic Toss. Ash still remembers that icy defeat and the comeback when he is reunited with Charizard in Unova (BW116).
- EP105Charizard Chills · vs Pikachu Won
- EP105Charizard Chills · vs Charizard Won
- EP105Charizard Chills · vs Charizard Lost
First seen: EP247Outrageous Fortunes
Delaney dares all comers to take on his Poliwrath, and its Submission on Mason's Hitmontop makes it seven wins in a row (EP247). It knocks out Misty's Poliwhirl with Double Slap and Submission, then slugs it out with Ash's Bayleef until Brock stops the battle with both Pokémon exhausted and Delaney settles for a draw. Jessie, posing as a fortune teller, convinces Delaney that his Poliwrath is possessed and makes off with its Poké Ball – but Poliwrath flattens Team Rocket's Pokémon and refuses to obey, so they fit it with a Manner Minder. Once a Spike Cannon from Corsola knocks the device loose and on to Jessie, Poliwrath Double Slaps it off her, and Delaney catches his Poké Ball before Pikachu's Thunderbolt sends the villains flying.
- EP247Outrageous Fortunes · vs Hitmontop Won
- EP247Outrageous Fortunes · vs Poliwhirl Won
- EP247Outrageous Fortunes · vs Bayleef Draw
First seen: EP168Hook, Line, and Stinker
Andreas's Poliwrath opens the episode by smacking Misty's Poliwhirl clean out of the water, and its Trainer has a low opinion of both – if Poliwhirl were any good, he scoffs, it would have evolved by now (EP168). In the Seaking Catching Competition, Poliwrath's Mega Punch and Double Slap at a giant rock bring out a Seaking that Andreas reckons is a guaranteed winner, but Misty's catch matches his at 55 kg, so a battle decides the title. Poliwrath's Submission sends Poliwhirl flying, yet Poliwhirl dodges every Mega Punch that follows and knocks Poliwrath out with Bubble and Water Gun. Beaten by the Pokémon he mocked, Andreas apologises to Misty.
- EP168Hook, Line, and Stinker · vs Poliwhirl Lost
First seen: JN017Kicking It from Here Into Tomorrow!
When Goh and Scorbunny follow a Pelipper and end up face to face with Team Rocket, two spins of the Rocket Prize Master give Jessie a Chewtle and James a Poliwrath (JN017). Poliwrath opens with a Water Gun on James's orders, but Pikachu darts in with Quick Attack and lands a blow. Chewtle steals the spotlight by beating Scorbunny, and a Thunderbolt from Pikachu then sends the whole team blasting off.
- JN017Kicking It from Here Into Tomorrow! · vs Pikachu and Scorbunny Lost
First seen: SM081A Young Royal Flame Ignites!
The Revengers are a battle team known for blatant rule-breaking, backed from the shadows by Viren, the developer who once threatened Kiawe's family farm (SM081). When the Masked Royal's rematch with Mad Magmar at the Battle Royal Dome becomes a tag battle with Ash, their Poliwrath helps Alolan Muk, Alolan Golem and Magmortar gang up on Incineroar, grabs Torracat mid-attack and clamps on to Incineroar's legs until Kiawe's Marowak and Lana's Popplio break it free. The dirty tricks get them nowhere: the Masked Royal and Ash win the battle.
- SM081A Young Royal Flame Ignites! · vs Incineroar and Torracat Lost
Ash & Poliwrath
Ash has never caught a Poliwrath, but he keeps running into strong ones. In the Orange Islands, Tad's Poliwrath beat Pikachu and froze a disobedient Charizard in ice – and nursing Charizard back through the night is what finally won its obedience, before it took the rematch with Seismic Toss (EP105). In Johto, Bayleef's Body Slam beat Chuck's Poliwrath on the way to the Storm Badge (EP209), Snorlax bounced one out of the Sumo Conference (EP194) and Bayleef fought Delaney's Poliwrath to a draw (EP247).
Featured episodes
- EP040The Battling Eevee BrothersAt the evolution party in Stone Town, a Trainer's Poliwhirl evolves into Poliwrath.
- EP194Ring MastersIn the first round of the Sumo Conference, a Trainer's Poliwrath charges at Ash's Snorlax, only to bounce off its belly and be knocked out in moments.
- SM129Battle Royal 151!In the Battle Royal preliminary of the Manalo Conference, Kiawe warns Ash of a Trainer's Poliwrath bearing down on him, and Pikachu's Electroweb knocks it out along with a nearby Araquanid.
- JN021Caring for a Mystery!Spoiling for a fight, a young Riolu takes on a Poliwrath at a pond shared with Poliwhirl and Poliwag, and is completely outmatched.
More appearances
- EP069Lights, Camera, Quack-tion A Poliwrath is among the cast of Pokémon in Love, the all-Pokémon film directed by Cleavon Schpielbunk.
- EP228Extreme Pokémon! A competitor's Poliwrath takes part in the Extreme Pokémon Race.
- AG071A Six Pack Attack! Searching for Professor Oak, May and Max, Ash, Brock and Professor Birch pass a sad-looking Poliwrath shortly before Birch realises something is wrong at a nearby waterfall.
- DP091One Team, Two Team, Red Team, Blue Team! The Pokémon Summer Academy lends a Poliwrath to a student for the second leg of the Pokémon Triathlon.
- BW116The Fires of a Red-Hot Reunion! Tad's Poliwrath appears in Ash's flashback to the icy defeat that turned his bond with Charizard around.
- HZ062A New Song for Fuecoco A flashback to Roy's early childhood shows that his mother has a Poliwrath.
Beyond the main series
Anime gallery
Anime trivia
- Poliwrath is a favourite of overconfident Trainers: Tad (EP105), Andreas (EP168) and Delaney (EP247) each show off a supposedly unbeatable Poliwrath – and each sees it beaten or held to a draw by Ash and his friends.
- Charizard Chills holds a neat echo of Charmander's past: in the Japanese version of Charmander – The Stray Pokémon, Damian says he abandoned Charmander for losing to a Poliwag, and here the fully evolved Charizard is frozen solid by Poliwag's final evolution.
- Tad's Poliwrath wears a golden championship belt much like the P1 Grand Prix belt won by Ash's Primeape in The Punchy Pokémon – the very episode in which Poliwrath made its anime debut.
- In the English dub of The Ultimate Test, a slide in the Pokémon League entrance exam pairs Poliwag with a Poliwrath, even though the instructor calls it Poliwhirl; the original Japanese slide showed Poliwhirl.
- Outrageous Fortunes is built around Delaney's Poliwrath, yet the evolution in its Japanese title, "Nyorozo's Evolution!", belongs to Misty's Poliwhirl – which, thanks to Ash's King's Rock, becomes Politoed rather than Poliwrath.
- In the Japanese version of Charizard Chills, Tad calls for Counter against Charizard; the English dub turns the move into Body Slam.
- Two shots of Delaney's Poliwrath slapping Jessie were cut from the English broadcast of Outrageous Fortunes for being too violent.
- Tad's Poliwrath is the Japanese Who's That Pokémon? in Charizard Chills – English-speaking viewers were asked to guess Caterpie instead.
“Poliwrath, the Tadpole Pokémon. Poliwrath is an excellent swimmer and its powerful muscles make its attacks extremely effective.”
Ash's Pokédex (Dexter) · EP105
05Trading Card Game · every card
Poliwrath in the Pokémon TCG
28 cards since 1999, oldest first. Tap any card to see it full size.
Poliwrath has been punching above its weight since day one. Its Base Set holo, first printed in Japan in 1996 and in English in January 1999, made it one of the original 16 holographic rares: a Water-type bruiser that grew stronger with every spare Water Energy. Since then it has tried on both halves of its typing, usually Water but Fighting in Neo Discovery, Skyridge, EX Unseen Forces, Lost Origin and Japan's Pokémon VS, while its HP has almost doubled from 90 to 170. Highlights along the way include Misty's Poliwrath, two e-Reader cards, a Japan-only Chuck's Poliwrath and a family-themed Unbroken Bonds card that rewards a full Poliwag line on the Bench. The paper game has never given it an ex, V or any other souped-up special card, so its first ex arrived in Pokémon TCG Pocket's Secluded Springs in 2025.
The art tells a story of its own. Ken Sugimori drew it three times, including the original holo that Evolutions brought back for the 20th anniversary, and Mitsuhiro Arita and Naoyo Kimura gave it two portraits each. The odd one out is a 1998 Japanese vending-machine card drawn by a fan who won an illustration contest. Later artists slipped in little details, like the Water Stone in the Unleashed picture and Furious Fists' Mountain Ring Stadium, while the modern era brought fresh takes from Kurata So and Nisota Niso. TCG Pocket carried on the tradition: Akira Komayama's Unbroken Bonds art came back for Poliwrath's digital debut, and Teeziro, who drew Lost Origin's card, gave Poliwrath ex its Special Illustration Rare.
Cards to know
- Base Set 13/102 — Ken Sugimori's original holo, where Water Gun soaks up spare Water Energy for extra damage. For the 20th anniversary, Evolutions rebuilt it around the same art.
- Expansion Sheet 1 vending card (Japan) — A fan's drawing turned into a real card: the artist won a Pokémon Card Game illustration contest, and the winning Poliwrath went on sale in Japan's 1998 vending machines.
- Expedition Base Set 24/165 & 60/165 — Scan the non-holo with five Expedition friends and the e-Reader unlocks GO, Poliwrath!, a mini-game race against Marill and Golduck (in Japan, 'Swim! Poliwrath').
- Chuck's Poliwrath (Pokémon VS 034/141, Japan) — The Cianwood Gym Leader's partner, on its own card, as a Basic Pokémon that skips the whole evolution line.
- Unbroken Bonds 39/214 — A true family card: Swirly Rush doubles when Poliwag and Poliwhirl cheer from the Bench, and Akira Komayama's art was later picked for Poliwrath's Pocket debut.
- Pokémon TCG Pocket Secluded Springs 089/071 — Poliwrath ex in a Special Illustration Rare by Teeziro.
Every English-language card
Promo cards
Japan-exclusive cards
Pokémon TCG Pocket
Digital card games
- Pokémon Trading Card Game (Game Boy Color): Poliwrath (Base Set 13 art, Ken Sugimori), card D18, Rare Holo, from the Laboratory booster pack.
- Pokémon Card GB2 (Japan only): Poliwrath (Base Set 13 art, Ken Sugimori), card F14, Rare Holo, from the Sky Flying Pokémon pack.
- Pokémon Card GB2 (Japan only): Poliwrath (Vending Expansion Sheet 1 art, Yuuki Kawamura), card C24, Rare, from the Island of Fossil pack.
The artists behind the cards
- Ken Sugimori — 3 artworks (Base Set 13, Misty's Poliwrath in Gym Heroes, EX FireRed & LeafGreen 11), plus the Base Set art reused for Evolutions 25 and both Game Boy games
- Mitsuhiro Arita — 2 (Legends Awakened 35, Furious Fists 17)
- Naoyo Kimura — 2 (Skyridge H24, Unleashed 21)
- Teeziro — 2 (Lost Origin 085, TCG Pocket's Poliwrath ex Special Illustration Rare)
- Akira Komayama — 1 (Unbroken Bonds 39), reused for TCG Pocket's Genetic Apex 061
- One artwork each: Yuuki Kawamura (Japanese vending card), Shin-ichi Yoshida, Masako Yamashita (Chuck's Poliwrath, Japan), Yuka Morii, Hajime Kusajima, Midori Harada, Kurata So, Nisota Niso; TCG Pocket originals by PLANETA CG Works, PLANETA Mochizuki and MAHOU
06On the page & beyond
Poliwrath in manga, books & other media
From the earliest manga to story books and songs.
Poliwrath has plenty to do on the comic page. In Pokémon Adventures, Red's very first Pokémon, Poli, evolves into Poliwrath as it hauls its Trainer out of the sea beside the S.S. Anne, and goes on to toss Lt. Surge's Electabuzz, catch Carr's Steelix by the tail and break Guile Hideout's armour. Cianwood's martial arts master Chuck trains with one in both Pokémon Adventures and The Golden Boys, while Kosaku Anakubo's Pokémon Pocket Monsters gives a Poliwrath to Red's rival Green and to Giovanni, whose Poliwhirl evolves after Clefairy clobbers it. On the bookshelf it freezes Ash's Charizard solid in a chapter-book retelling of Charizard Chills and gets its own profile in Scholastic's Water Pokédex. It's in the English Pokérap too, although early home-video releases showed Poliwag's picture when its name came up.
Manga
Books
Other media
More from the page
07Did you know?
Poliwrath trivia
Name origins, design secrets and the facts that make Poliwrath such a fan favourite.
What’s in a name?
The English name pours 'polliwog' – an old-fashioned word for a tadpole – into 'wrath', which suits a tadpole that settles things with its fists. During the development of Red and Green its English name was going to be Aquamar. In Japanese it is Nyorobon (ニョロボン), which may combine nyoronyoro, the sound of something wriggling – the 'nyoro' that begins the Japanese names of its whole family – with bon (坊), a word for 'boy'.
Design origins
Poliwrath looks like a tadpole that never quite finished growing up – and that may be the point. It is thought to draw on tadpoles and frogs: the spiral on its belly may represent the internal organs that show through the skin of tadpoles and glass frogs, and it doubles as a hypnotic swirl, which could explain why Poliwrath learns Hypnosis. Keeping its tadpole shape instead of turning into a frog may nod to neoteny, when an amphibian holds on to its juvenile form into adulthood, while all that muscle and the Fighting type suggest the bulk of mature frogs or the power of competitive swimmers. Its look took a while to settle: an early design shown on Game Freak's official Japanese website around 1997, called Nyōsuka, wore a crown resembling the King's Rock – the very item that now turns Poliwhirl into Politoed – and its first sprite, artwork and Pokémon Stadium model all gave it four fingers on each hand instead of three.
Names around the world
| Language | Name | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese | ニョロボン Nyorobon | From nyoronyoro (wriggling) and bon (boy) |
| French | Tartard | From Tartares (Tartars), tarte (slap) and têtard (tadpole) |
| Spanish | Poliwrath | Same as the English name |
| German | Quappo | From Kaulquappe (tadpole) |
| Italian | Poliwrath | Same as the English name |
| Korean | 강챙이 Gangchaengi | From gang (river, or strong) and olchaeng-i (tadpole) |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 蚊香泳士 Wénxiāngyǒngshì | From 'mosquito coil', 'swim' and 'warrior' (games); earlier media used 快泳蛙 Kuàiyǒngwā, 'fast-swimming frog' |
| Chinese (Cantonese) | 蚊香泳士 Maanhēungwihngsih | From 'mosquito coil', 'swim' and 'warrior' (games); earlier media used 大力蛙 Daaihlihkwā, 'vigorous frog' |
| Hindi | बैंगचिबॉस Bangchiboss | From an uncommon word for frog and the English 'boss' |
| Lithuanian | Polivratas | From the English name |
| Brazilian Portuguese | Poliwrath | Same as the English name |
| Russian | Поливрат Polivrat | Transcription of the English name |
| Thai | เนียวโรบอน Niaorobon | Transcription of the Japanese name |
Did you know?
- Poliwrath shares the Tadpole Pokémon category with Poliwag, Poliwhirl and Unova's Tympole.
- In Gold, Silver, Crystal, HeartGold and SoulSilver, a man in Celadon City hopes his Poliwrath will one day evolve into a frog Pokémon. It never will – Politoed evolves from Poliwhirl, not Poliwrath.
- Until Generation VI, Poliwrath and Politoed had identical base stat totals. X and Y gave Poliwrath ten extra Attack points and left Politoed alone – the same one-sided boost Beautifly got over its counterpart Dustox.
- Poliwrath was first drawn with four fingers on each hand. The extra digit shows in its Red and Green sprite, its Red and Blue artwork and its Pokémon Stadium model, which was reused in Colosseum, XD: Gale of Darkness and Battle Revolution.
- Its skin has been shown in both light and dark blue. Most media use the lighter shade; the darker one appears mainly in the anime before Pokémon Journeys.
- An early design shown on Game Freak's Japanese website around 1997, named Nyōsuka, wore a crown resembling a King's Rock.
- During the development of Red and Green, its English name was going to be Aquamar.
- In Pokémon Stadium 2, Chuck leads both of his Gym Leader Castle teams with Poliwrath – and every Pokémon on those teams knows DynamicPunch.
- Its Pokédex entries love crossing the Pacific Ocean: by kicking alone in Gold, back and forth in Ruby and Sapphire, without rest in Diamond and Pearl. Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire quietly changed it to just 'the ocean'.
- Its Chinese game name, 蚊香泳士, roughly means 'mosquito-coil swimming warrior' – mosquito coils are spirals, just like the one on its belly.
- In Hindi it is Bangchiboss, a mix of an uncommon word for frog and the English 'boss'.
- The Japanese print of its first trading card, Base Set's holographic Poliwrath, carries the Red and Green Pokédex text, which, translated, says even Olympic athletes aren't fast enough to keep up.
- In HeartGold and SoulSilver's Pokéathlon, Poliwrath's Power is a perfect five stars, while its Speed tops out at two.
- Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon names a whole river after it: Poliwrath River, ruled by three Poliwrath brothers.
- In Scarlet and Violet's The Teal Mask, Kieran's Poliwag grows up as the story goes on, evolving into Poliwhirl and then Poliwrath between your battles with him.
08Quizzes, archive & further reading
More Poliwrath
Test yourself
Professor Oak's Kanto Quiz: BeginnerProfessor Oak has a few questions before you set foot in the tall grass. How well do you know the region where it all began?Take the quiz →
Who's That Pokémon? Kanto: BeginnerIt's the classic challenge! Can you name these original 151 Pokémon from their silhouettes alone?Take the quiz →
Indigo League Anime: IntermediateGrab your cap and set off on Ash's very first adventure. How much do you remember from the Indigo League days?Take the quiz →
Pokémon Horizons Anime: BeginnerAll aboard for a brand-new adventure! See how well you know Liko, Roy and the crew of Pokémon Horizons: The Series.Take the quiz →
Professor Elm's Johto Quiz: IntermediateThink you know Johto inside out? Professor Elm has some tougher questions on badges, Legendary hideouts, Team Rocket and the mountain at the end of it all.Take the quiz →
Pokémon TCG: IntermediateShuffle up and draw! From the very first booster packs to the digital age, how well do you know the Pokémon Trading Card Game?Take the quiz →From the archive: Gengar’s Online Pokédex
Before this page, Pokémon Dungeon was home to Gengar’s Online Pokédex, the classic fan Pokédex for Red, Blue, Yellow, Gold, Silver & Crystal by Curtis Alumbaugh (Gengar) with Ian Alumbaugh (Haunter). Its Poliwrath entry is preserved in full, with its original art, moves and locations.
Further reading
Pokémon and all related names, artwork, sprites, screenshots and card images are © Nintendo, Creatures Inc., GAME FREAK inc. and The Pokémon Company, used here for fan commentary. Images via the Bulbagarden Archives. Page updated 29 October 2026.