Type matchups
Damage Poliwag takes from each attacking type.
As a Water type, Poliwag 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
- 40
- Attack
- 50
- Defense
- 40
- Sp. Atk
- 40
- Sp. Def
- 40
- Speed
- 90
- Total
- 300
Poliwag has a base stat total of 300, higher than 13% of Pokémon. Its best stat is Speed (90). With Attack (50) well above Sp. Atk (40), it works best as a physical attacker. Its Speed of 90 is middling (faster than 71% of Pokémon). With 40 HP, 40 Defense and 40 Sp. Def it is frail.
Poliwag can have the abilities Water Absorb, Damp and Swift Swim.
How to beat Poliwag
Poliwag 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
Poliwag is the first stage of a 3-stage line (Poliwag → Poliwhirl → Poliwrath or Politoed) and evolves into Poliwhirl.
Best counters to Poliwag
Other Water Pokémon
Frequently asked questions
What is Poliwag weak to?
As a Water type, Poliwag takes super-effective damage from Grass and Electric moves.
What is Poliwag resistant to?
Poliwag resists Steel, Fire, Water and Ice moves.
What are the best counters to Poliwag?
Strong type-based picks include Wellspring Mask Ogerpon, Hydrapple and Alolan Exeggutor, which hit Poliwag with super-effective attacks.