Poliwag Pokemon GO sprite
#0060

Poliwag

Max CP
937
Best
Bubble
Body Slam
Rainy

Poliwag is a Water-type Pokemon in Pokemon GO, originally from the Kanto region (#60, Generation 1). With a max CP of 937 and base stats of 101/82/120 (Atk/Def/Sta), Poliwag has a total stat product of 303.

Poliwag is weak to Electric, Grass-type moves. It resists Fire, Ice, Steel, Water-type attacks. Poliwag is a 3.0 km buddy Pokemon.

Stats

Max CP
937
Lv.40: 829 Lv.50: 937
Attack 101
Defense 82
Stamina 120
Total 303
Buddy 3.0 km Gen 1 · Kanto 2nd Move: 50,000 Dust · 50 Candy

Moves

Fast Moves

Water
Bubble STAB
10
DPS
10.0 PWR 12 EN 1.0s DUR 12 EPS Rainy
Ground
8
DPS
4.0 PWR 6 EN 0.5s DUR 12 EPS Sunny

Charged Moves

Normal
25
DPS
50.0 PWR 33 EN 2.0s DUR
Water
Bubble Beam STAB Buff
22.5
DPS
45.0 PWR 33 EN 2.0s DUR
Ground
24
DPS
60.0 PWR 33 EN 2.5s DUR

Best Moveset Analysis

Among fast moves, the highest DPS option is Bubble (10 DPS), while Bubble generates energy the fastest (12 EPS).

Evolution

Raid Guide

Poliwag as Raid Boss

Not Currently in Raids

Poliwag is not currently available as a raid boss. When Poliwag returns to raids, here are the best counters to defeat it. A 100% IV Poliwag from raids would have 473 CP at level 20, or 592 CP at level 25 with weather boost.

Best Counters to Beat Poliwag

Poliwag is weak to Electric, Grass-type moves, so counters with these move types will deal the most damage.

How to Get Poliwag

Poliwag can be encountered in the wild in Pokemon GO.

A Shadow version of Poliwag is available from Team GO Rocket. Shadow Poliwag knows Frustration as its charged move, which can be removed with a Charged TM. Purifying costs 3,000 Stardust and 3 Candy, and the purified form learns Return. Walking Poliwag as your buddy earns 1 candy every 3.0 km.

Poliwag Catch CP

These are the possible CP values when encountering Poliwag in different scenarios. The range shows minimum (lowest IV floor) to maximum (100% perfect IV).

Wild Catch
Level 1–30
18 – 716 CP
Wild (Weather Boost)
Level 1–35
18 – 775 CP
Raid Catch
Level 20
444 – 485 CP
Raid (Weather Boost)
Level 25
552 – 604 CP
Egg Hatch
Level 20
444 – 485 CP
Research Encounter
Level 15
335 – 367 CP
GO Battle League
Level 20
444 – 485 CP

A 100% IV Poliwag from raids or eggs will show 473 CP at level 20. If you see this number, don't hesitate — it's a perfect catch!

Trainer Tips

Poliwag is a Water-type Pokemon with a stat total of 303. With its bulk spread of 82 Defense and 120 Stamina, Poliwag has solid survivability in battles.

Watch out for Electric, Grass-type moves when using Poliwag. These types deal super effective damage that can cut into Poliwag's performance.

Poliwag's moves get a damage boost in Rainy weather. Take advantage of weather conditions to maximize your DPS in raids and gym battles.

Unlocking a second charged move costs 50,000 Stardust and 50 Candy. With 3 charged moves available, a second move gives Poliwag much better coverage in PvP battles.

Should I Invest in Poliwag?

Power-Up Costs

Level 20 → 40 (Standard)
135,000 Stardust
15 Candy
Level 40 → 50 (XL Candy)
0 Stardust
0 XL Candy
Total (20 → 50)
135,000 Stardust

Verdict

Collector's Pick
Poliwag is a Water-type Pokemon with base stats of 101/82/120 (Atk/Def/Sta) and a max CP of 937. While it doesn't currently rank among the top raid attackers or PvP contenders, every Pokemon has its place in a trainer's collection. Poliwag may shine during specific events, in limited-format cups, or when new moves are added in future updates. For now, hold onto a good IV specimen but save your Stardust and Candy for more impactful investments unless you're a dedicated fan of this Pokemon.

Shadow vs Regular: Shadow Poliwag deals 20% more damage but takes ~20% more. For raids, Shadow is generally the better investment. For PvP, evaluate matchups carefully — the bulk loss can be significant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best moveset for Poliwag in Pokemon GO?
Poliwag has multiple viable movesets depending on the battle format. Check the moves section above for full details.
What are Poliwag's weaknesses in Pokemon GO?
Poliwag is weak to Electric, Grass-type moves. On the other hand, Poliwag resists Fire, Ice, Steel, Water-type attacks.
What is Poliwag's max CP in Pokemon GO?
Poliwag's maximum CP is 937 at level 50 (with XL Candy), or 829 at level 40. A 100% IV Poliwag caught from raids or eggs (level 20) will have 473 CP, or 592 CP with weather boost (level 25).
What CP is a 100% IV Poliwag?
A perfect 15/15/15 IV Poliwag has the following CP at key levels: 355 CP at level 15 (research encounters), 473 CP at level 20 (raid and egg catches), 592 CP at level 25 (weather-boosted raids), and 937 CP at level 50 fully powered up.
Is Shadow Poliwag better than regular?
Shadow Poliwag deals 20% more damage than its regular counterpart but also takes 20% more damage. For raids, Shadow Poliwag is generally better due to the higher DPS output. For PvP, it depends on the matchup — the extra damage taken can be a significant drawback in extended battles where survivability matters. Shadow Poliwag comes with Frustration, which should be replaced with a Charged TM before powering up.
How to get Poliwag in Pokemon GO?
Poliwag can be found in the wild, though it may be rare depending on your biome and current events. Poliwag can also be obtained through trading with other trainers.

Max CP per Level

L1 11 CP
L5 111 CP
L10 236 CP
L15 355 CP
L20 473 CP
L25 592 CP
L30 710 CP
L35 769 CP
L40 829 CP
L50 937 CP

Pokedex Info

Pokedex Number #60
Generation Gen 1
Region Kanto
Height 0.60 m
Weight 12.40 kg
Buddy Distance 3.0 km
Tradable Yes
2nd Charged Move 50,000 Dust / 50 Candy
Shadow Move Frustration
Purified Move Return
Purification Cost 3,000 Dust / 3 Candy