Best moveset for Poliwrath in Pokemon Go & is it any good?

Chris Studley
Poliwrath in Pokemon Go

Here’s a look at what moveset works best for Poliwrath in Pokemon Go, and whether it is a good option in PvP play.

With Poliwag Community Day on the horizon, it’s a good time to go over Poliwrath’s power in the meta.

Thanks to the aforementioned Community Day, Poliwrath will now be able to learn Counter, a Fighting-type move that’s got power and one that will work well with the Water/Fighting-type Pokemon.

Let’s take a look at what moves work best with Poliwrath, as well as whether the Pokemon has relevancy in the meta.

Poliwrath posing in Pokemon

Best moves for Poliwrath in Pokemon Go

Counter is the preferred Fast Move for Poliwhirl, while trainers can opt for Dynamic Punch, Ice Punch, and Scald as the Charged Move options.

Counter is a very useful weapon that does a lot of damage for a Fast Move, and it does receive the STAB, or same type attack bonus, as it is a Fighting-type move.

From there, users can opt for Ice Punch, Dynamic Punch, or Scald. As of July 2023, simulations favor Ice Punch and Scald combo, but Dynamic Punch and Scald is still very good and works in Water and Fighting-type moves, as well.

Ultimately, trainers will have to make the decision as to whether to prioritize Ice Punch — which does significant damage to Dragon and Flying-types — or make use of the STAB bonus with Dynamic Punch or Scald in its moveset.

All moves Poliwrath can learn in Pokemon Go

Here’s a look at all the moves Poliwrath can learn in Pokemon Go:

Poliwrath Fast Moves

  • Counter (Fighting)*
  • Mud Shot (Ground)
  • Bubble (Water)
  • Rock Smash (Fighting)

Poliwrath Charged Moves

  • Ice Punch (Ice)
  • Scald (Water)
  • Hydro Pump (Water)
  • Submission (Fighting)
  • Power-Up Punch (Fighting)
  • Dynamic Punch (Fighting)
  • Return (Normal)

*Counter added as part of Poliwag Community Day

Is Poliwrath good in Pokemon Go?

Poliwrath can work as a good counter to Team Rocket Leader Giovanni, thanks to its access to Mud Shot and Dynamic Punch — two moves that hit his current lineup well.

As far as competitive play is concerned, Poliwrath — but particularly Shadow Poliwrath — can be quite the force in the Great League according to PvPoke’s rankings. Poliwrath’s access to Counter makes it a strong contender in PvP play.

That’s what you need to know about Poliwrath’s moveset in Pokemon Go. Make sure to check out more of our Pokemon Go guides.

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About The Author

Chris is a gaming writer for Dexerto who has covered the sports and gaming scenes for over five years. This has led him to become an expert on many sports games, inclduing Madden, NBA 2K, EA Sports FC and more. You can contact Chris at chris.studley@dexerto.com.