You’re trekking through Pinwheel Forest or maybe splashing around Galar’s Wild Area, and you’ve finally snagged that vibrating little tadpole. It’s cute, sure. But let’s be real: those base stats aren't doing you any favors against the region's tougher Gym Leaders. You need to know exactly when this thing stops being a liability and starts becoming the bulky Water/Ground threat it was meant to be.
What Level Does Tympole Evolve?
Tympole evolves into Palpitoad at Level 25.
No stones. No trading. No weird friendship mechanics or holding the console upside down while you run through a specific patch of grass. Just pure, old-fashioned grinding. Once you hit that magic number, your mono-Water type grows arms and picks up the Ground typing. This is a massive shift. Suddenly, you're immune to Electric-type moves, which is basically the best gift any Water Pokémon could ask for.
If you’re pushing further, Palpitoad evolves into Seismitoad at Level 36. It’s a fairly standard mid-game evolution curve. By the time you’re hitting the late thirties, you’ll have a fully realized powerhouse with access to moves like Drain Punch and Earthquake.
Why the Level 25 Milestone Matters
Honestly, the wait until 25 can feel like an eternity if you’re using Tympole in a Nuzlocke. With a base Defense of only 40, a stiff breeze from a Patrat can take it out. But the moment it hits 25, its HP jumps significantly.
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The movepool changes too. While Tympole is stuck with things like Bubble Beam and Mud Shot, evolving into Palpitoad opens the door for Muddy Water (Level 28) and eventually the heavy-hitting Hydro Pump. If you’re playing the original Pokémon Black and White, this evolution is your ticket to surviving the mid-game hump where the difficulty spikes.
The Weirdness of Tympole's Abilities
Don't just look at the level. Look at the ability. Tympole usually comes with Swift Swim or Hydration.
- Swift Swim: Doubles speed in rain. Great for "Rain Dance" teams.
- Hydration: Heals status conditions in rain. Kinda niche, but useful.
The real prize, though, is the Hidden Ability: Water Absorb. If you managed to find a Tympole with this, hold onto it. It turns a Water-type weakness (taking damage from other Water types) into a literal healing session. It’s arguably one of the best defensive abilities for an amphibian Pokémon.
Evolution Comparison: Is It Worth the Grind?
Let's look at the raw numbers.
Tympole’s base stat total is a measly 294. You aren’t winning many championships with that. Once it hits Level 25 and becomes Palpitoad, that total jumps to 384. You gain a massive 25-point boost to HP and a 15-point boost to Attack.
By Level 36, Seismitoad reaches a total of 509. It becomes a "jack of all trades." It’s not the fastest or the strongest, but with 105 base HP, it can take a hit. It’s basically the budget version of Swampert, and in some generations, its Poison Touch ability makes it even more annoying to fight against.
Where to Find Them (If You Haven't Yet)
Depending on your game, finding one isn't always a walk in the park. In Black and White, they’re all over the outside of Pinwheel Forest. In Sword and Shield, you'll find them waddling around the Dappled Grove or Bridge Field during rain or thunderstorms.
If you’re playing Scarlet and Violet, well, you’re out of luck—the Tympole line didn't make the cut for the Paldea Pokédex (unless DLC changed things recently, but for now, they're missing in action).
Stop the Evolution? Maybe.
You might think about holding off on the evolution for a few levels. Why? Usually, unevolved Pokémon learn moves faster. However, in Tympole's case, there isn't a massive incentive to wait. Most of its best moves, like Earth Power, are learned via TM or as a Seismitoad later on.
One thing to watch out for: Seismitoad loses the "pure" Water identity. If you for some reason need a pure Water type for a specific challenge, keep it as a Tympole. But let’s be honest, the Ground secondary typing is almost always better.
Actionable Training Tips
If you've got a Level 20 Tympole right now, here is exactly what you should do:
- Exp. Share is your friend: If you're playing an older game where it’s an item, give it to Tympole. It needs the help to reach 25 without dying to a random Grass-type move.
- Watch the Grass: Since Palpitoad and Seismitoad are Water/Ground, they take 4x damage from Grass. One "Razor Leaf" and it's game over.
- Prioritize the Special Attack: Even though Seismitoad looks like a physical brawler, its Special Attack is often just as viable. Moves like "Scald" and "Earth Power" are staples for a reason.
Go get that Level 25. It’s a bit of a slog, but having a vibrating, earthquake-causing toad on your team is worth the effort.
Next Steps:
Once you've hit Level 25, head to the nearest Move Relearner. You'll want to check if there are any Ground-type moves you skipped over that could fill out your new Palpitoad's moveset before you push for the final evolution at 36.