Type matchups
Damage Poliwhirl takes from each attacking type.
As a Water type, Poliwhirl has 2 weaknesses, 4 resistances and 0 immunities, fewer than the average Pokémon's 3.3 weaknesses. 78 other Pokémon share the Water typing.
- With Water Absorb: Water ½× → 0×
Base stats
- HP
- 65
- Attack
- 65
- Defense
- 65
- Sp. Atk
- 50
- Sp. Def
- 50
- Speed
- 90
- Total
- 385
Poliwhirl has a base stat total of 385, higher than 32% of Pokémon. Its best stat is Speed (90). With Attack (65) well above Sp. Atk (50), it works best as a physical attacker. Its Speed of 90 is middling (faster than 71% of Pokémon). With 65 HP, 65 Defense and 50 Sp. Def it is frail and holds up better against physical hits.
Poliwhirl can have the abilities Water Absorb, Damp and Swift Swim.
How to beat Poliwhirl
Poliwhirl takes 2× damage from Grass and Electric moves, so lead with those.
Avoid relying on attacks it shrugs off: Steel, Fire, Water and Ice moves are resisted.
Good counters: Wellspring Mask Ogerpon hits for 2× with Grass-type STAB and resists its Water moves. Hydrapple hits for 2× with Grass-type STAB and resists its Water moves. Alolan Exeggutor hits for 2× with Grass-type STAB and resists its Water moves.
Evolution
Poliwhirl is the middle stage of its line (Poliwag → Poliwhirl → Poliwrath or Politoed): it evolves from Poliwag and into Poliwrath or Politoed.
Best counters to Poliwhirl
Other Water Pokémon
Frequently asked questions
What is Poliwhirl weak to?
As a Water type, Poliwhirl takes super-effective damage from Grass and Electric moves.
What is Poliwhirl resistant to?
Poliwhirl resists Steel, Fire, Water and Ice moves.
What are the best counters to Poliwhirl?
Strong type-based picks include Wellspring Mask Ogerpon, Hydrapple and Alolan Exeggutor, which hit Poliwhirl with super-effective attacks.