Introduced in generation five, with the Pokemon Black and White games, Palpitoad is a dual type water and ground Pokemon. It is the middle stage evolution of its three stage evolution line and evolves from Tympole and then into Seismitoad once it reaches the level threshold. Palpitoad is classified by the Pokedex as the “Vibration Pokemon” which may be a nod to its general design and behaviour. This guide will showcase Palpitoad’s capabilities in battle, its appearances in the anime, as well as other general facts about Palpitoad.
About Palpitoad
As a generation five Pokemon, Palpitoad first appeared in the Black and White Series of the anime in the episode Ash and Trip’s Third Battle!. In this episode, Ash’s rival Trip attempts to catch Palpitoad. However, Ash startles the Palpitoad, allowing it to run away before Trip can capture it. The Pokedex mentions that Palpitoad uses the bumps on its head to make waves in the water and earthquakes on the land.
| First appearance in anime | Pokemon the Series: Black & White | Episode BW031: Ash and Trip’s Third Battle! |
| First appearance in game | Pokemon Black and White | |
| Region | Unova | |
| Evolution | Evolves from Tympole, evolves into Seismitoad | |
| 1st Evo level | 25 | |
| 2nd Evo level | 36 | |
| Pokedex Entry | When they vibrate the bumps on their heads, they can make waves in water or earthquake-like vibrations on land. |
Palpitoad Base Stats
| HP | 75 |
| ATTACK | 65 |
| DEFENCE | 55 |
| SP. ATTACK | 65 |
| SP. DEFENCE | 55 |
| SPEED | 69 |
| TOTAL | 384 |
Appearance
Palpitoad is a cream and blue colored amphibian Pokémon. Most of its body is blue except for its cream colored belly and the light blue and black bumps on its head. It has three large bumps on its head and four smaller bumps on its midsection. It has no arms but its small feet have three rounded toes and it also has a small white tail. Its mouth is curved into a smile with sharp corners. Palpitoad is 2 feet and 7 inches, or 0.8 meters, tall, and weighs 37.5lbs, or 17kg.
Behavior
Palpitoad lives in the water and on the land. It uses the bumps on its head to create vibrations. These vibrations cause waves on the water and earthquakes on the land. The sound waves it creates are intense enough to cause headaches which allows it to use its sticky tongue to capture prey. It can also make pleasant, singing sounds when happy but Ash’s Palpitoad is tough, rowdy, and very protective of its territory.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Thanks to its well-rounded stats and Water/Ground typing, Palpitoad functions as a stellar physical wall. It can set up Stealth Rocks while threatening other hazard-setters with its Water-type moves. However, Palpitoad lacks recovery moves, like other walls, which makes it very weak to special-attacking grass types. With the exception of its quadruple grass weakness, Palpitoad has no weaknesses. It is, however, resistant to Poison, Rock, Steel, and Fire type moves, while also being immune to Electric moves. Additionally, if your Palpitoad has the Water Absorb ability, it will be healed by Water Type moves instead of being damaged by them.
Best Moveset
Palpitoad makes for a great physical wall. It can lead battles with Stealth Rocks and threaten Rock and Ground types that want to do the same thing. Earth Power can do surprising amounts of damage to Steel types, and Scald has a chance to burn physical attackers. If you are not fishing for a burn, Toxic allows you to slowly whittle down other foes. This moveset lacks an answer to Grass Type Pokemon, so be sure to bring along a Pokemon that can switch in for Palpitoad.
| Stealth Rock | Scald |
| Toxic | Earth Power |
How to Catch Palpitoad in Pokemon Go?
If you would like to obtain a Palpitoad in Pokemon Go, there, unfortunately, seems to be only one way to obtain it. You will need to obtain a Tympole and evolve it into Palpitoad. As a base evolution Pokemon, Tympole spawns commonly in the wild. You can find it spawning, at a boosted rate, near pools, rivers, lakes, oceans, and during Rainy weather. Tympole does not hatch from eggs and it has not been available as a raid boss in the past. However, Palpitoad has been a tier three raid boss at Pokemon Gyms in the past, which may make things easier. You will need 25 candies in order to evolve Tympole into Palpitoad, and then another 100 candies to evolve Palpitoad into Seismitoad.
Trivia
- Palpitoad, Seismitoad, and Vibrava are all classified by the Pokedex as the Vibration Pokemon.
- Palpitoad appears to be based on the Surinam Toad, an amphibian that also creates vibrations underwater and stores its eggs in pockets on its back.
FAQ
How Does Palpitoad Evolve?
Palpitoad evolves from Tympole at level 25 and once it reaches this level threshold it will begin to evolve. Palpitoad will evolve into Seismitoad at level 36. There are no special conditions to remember with this evolution line and this Pokemon will evolve naturally as it gains levels.
Does Ash’s Palpitoad Evolve?
No, Ash’s Palpitoad never evolves. Ash leaves his Palpitoad with Professor Oak in Episode BW123: Farewell, Unova! Setting Sail for New Adventures!. It is briefly seen again in BW142: The Dream Continues!, but it is not shown again.
Is Palpitoad Good?
Palpitoad is a powerful physical wall thanks to its well rounded stats and Water/Ground type. It is not an offensive powerhouse, but it can tank multiple hits from non-grass type moves and whittle down its opponents. After Palpitoad evolves, it just becomes better at this job.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you now know just about everything there is to know about this “Vibration Pokemon”. While Palpitoad does not seem like the most intimidating Pokemon, it can offer a lot of sustainability for your other Pokemon. Its defensive typing and durable stats provide some tankiness and utility in battle. Reserve a slot on your team for Palpitoad for a defensive water and ground type Pokemon.
