Tangela is a Grass type Pokemon introduced in Generation I and is the unevolved form of Tangrowth. It did not have an evolution until Tangrowth was added in Generation IV. It is one of just 28 Pokemon to receive an evolution in a later game than its debut. Tangela is known as the Vine Pokemon and evolves when it levels up after learning a move, one of the more rare ways to trigger an evolution.
About Tangela
| First appearance in anime | Original Series: Pokemon Scent-sation! |
| First appearance in game | Red and Blue |
| Region | Kanto |
| Evolution | Tangela → Tangrowth |
| 1st Evo level | When leveled up after learning Ancient Power |
| 2nd Evo level | N/A |
| Pokedex Entry | Hidden beneath a tangle of vines that grows nonstop even if the vines are torn off, this Pokémon’s true appearance remains a mystery. The vines of a Tangela have a distinct scent. In some parts of Galar, Tangela vines are used as herbs. |
Tangela Base stats
| HP | 65 |
| ATTACK | 55 |
| DEFENCE | 115 |
| SP. ATTACK | 100 |
| SP. DEFENCE | 40 |
| SPEED | 60 |
| TOTAL | 435 |
Appearance
Tangela is a small, almost spherical Pokemon that somewhat resembles a ball of yarn, with all of its dark blue vines. There is a small opening in the vines that makes up its face. It is completely dark, with two eyes peering out. The vines make it appear spherical, but this may or may not be its actual shape. Its vines have hair and are always growing, and will re-grow if they get damaged or if Tangela loses them. The vines also have a distinct scent. There are two red feet poking out from the underneath, but no arms are seen.
Behavior
Tangela have the ability to ensnare anything with its vines. Anything that moves too close to Tangela will get immediately entrapped. Its vines are constantly moving and swaying, causing its opponents to be unnerved. It can also tickle those that are trapped although trapped opponents can escape fairly easily as the vines are easy to break. Tangela usually reside in temperate grasslands.
Strengths and Weaknesses
As an a-typical Grass type Pokemon, Tangela is weak to Flying, Poison, Bug, Fire and Ice type moves and takes twice the normal damage. It is not immune to any type of Pokemon but is resistant to Ground, Water, Grass and Electric type moves. These types will only do half the damage when fighting Tangela. Furthermore, Tangela is strong when attacking Ground, Rock and Water types but has no advantage or disadvantage against the other types.
Best moveset (Tangela)
Tangela has a lot of strong moves including Giga Impact and Hyper Beam, which are moves that have 150 power and 90% accuracy. Here are Tangela’s best moves: Double Edge has 33% recoil while both Giga Impact and Hyper Beam leave the opponent unable to move the next turn. Skull Bash raises the user's Defense on turn one and hits on turn two.
| Giga Impact | Double Edge |
| Hyper Beam | Skull Bash |
How to catch Tangela in Pokemon Go?
Tangela can be found in forests, hiking areas, grasslands, woodlands, meadows and other natural/grassy locations. Not only that, it can also be hatched from 5km eggs and evolves into Tangrowth with 100 candies and a Sinnoh Stone. They have also been three star raid bosses in the past, so keep an eye out.
Video
Trivia
- In the Red and Blue beta, Tangela was known as “Meduza”, which is for Medusa, the figure from Greek mythology.
- Based on the mystery surrounding what is underneath the vines, Tangela may be based on a swamp monster from “It”, a short story by Theodore Sturgeon.
- Tangela’s Pokedex entries and its behavior shows that it ensnares things around it. This is called thigmotropism, and it is a behavior observed in many real plants.
FAQs
When can Tangela evolve?
Tangela evolves after leveling up, for the first time, upon learning Ancient Power. This happens at level 38, though it isn’t the specified evolution level because without Ancient Power it won’t evolve.
Where is Tangela in Pokemon Sword and Shield?
Tangela are not in the standard edition of Pokemon Sword and Shield. It is only available to players who buy the Isle of Armor DLC. If that is the case, then there is no specific location it spawns as it will spawn anywhere in the overworld.
Is Tangrowth worth getting in Pokemon Go?
Yes, while Tangela is rare and while it can take time to evolve it into Tangrowth, it is one of the best Grass type Pokemon available. It usually has strong defense and has access to a ton of great moves to be spammed in battle. It is primarily found in Ultra League or Master League.
Conclusion
Tangela is a strong Pokemon with high base stats and this was originally because it did not have an evolutionary line. In Generation IV, it was given Tangrowth as its final evolution and that made it a fairly strong Pokemon with good base stats. Its 115 defense stat is very high, making it a good Pokemon able to absorb hit after hit and keep battling.
