Introduced in generation five, with the Pokemon Black and White games, Tynamo is a monotype electric Pokemon. It is the base evolution of Eelektross and will evolve into Eelektrik once it reaches the level threshold. Tynamo is classified by the Pokedex as the “EleFish Pokemon '' which indicates its electric capabilities. This guide will showcase Tynamo’s capabilities in battle, its appearances in the anime, as well as other general facts about Tynamo.
About Tynamo
As a generation five Pokemon, Tynamo first appeared in the Black and White season of the anime in the episode Dazzling the Nimbasa Gym!. It was used by Gym Leader Elesa in this episode during her battle against Ash. Tynamo is the base evolution of Eelektross and will evolve into Eelektrik once it reaches level 39. The Pokedex mentions how it is capable of discharging electricity as well as mentioning how Tynamo are a social Pokemon.
| First appearance in anime | Pokemon the Series: Black and White Dazzling the Nimbasa Gym! |
| First appearance in game | Pokemon Black and White |
| Region | Unova |
| Evolution | Base evolution of Eelektross, evolves into Eelektrik |
| 1st Evo level | 39 |
| 2nd Evo level | Evolves into Eelektross when a Thunder Stone is used |
| Pokedex Entry | These Pokémon move in schools. They have an electricity-generating organ, so they discharge electricity if in danger. |
Tynamo Base Stats
| HP | 35 |
| ATTACK | 55 |
| DEFENCE | 40 |
| SP. ATTACK | 45 |
| SP. DEFENCE | 40 |
| SPEED | 60 |
| TOTAL | 275 |
Appearance
Tynamo is a small and white Pokemon that resembles an eel. It has a red colored mouth that is shaped like a diamond and its whole body is shaped like a cone. While most of its body is white, there is a single yellow stripe going down either side of Tynamo’s body. Its eyes are black and along its body is a fin-like appendage that helps it swim in water. Tynamo is an incredibly small Pokemon at only 8 inches, or 0.2 meters, tall.
Behavior
As the base evolution in its evolution line, Tynamo is not an imposing Pokemon. It will typically be found in groups in the wild to help each other fend off predators. Despite being a fish-like Pokemon, it is an electric type that will discharge electricity once it is threatened. The Pokedex mentions its social behavior as well as how a group of Tynamo can release enough electricity to be as powerful as lightning.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Since Tynamo is the base evolution in its evolution line, it does not have many strengths. Almost all of its stats are mediocre at this stage in its evolution line, but its speed and physical attack can match up with other base evolution Pokemon. Tynamo will also always have the Levitate ability, which negates most electric type counters.
As a monotype electric Pokemon, Tynamo would take 2x damage from ground type moves but its Levitate ability instead makes it immune to ground. It is also resistant to flying, steel, and electric type moves.
Best Moveset
There is little reason to run Tynamo in competitive play. IT can only learn up to five moves, and these moves make it difficult for Tynamo to function successfully on any particular team. Instead, it is best to focus on its final evolution, Eelektross. Consider running Volt Switch, Flamethrower, Giga Drain, and Knock Off. Volt Switch will give you an efficient switch out, and Flamethrower, Giga Drain, and Knock Off are all for type coverage options. It is best to utilize Eelektross as a mixed offensive and defensive Pokemon with an Assault Vest held item. As it has no type weaknesses, it can take a few hits while also dealing damage itself.
| Volt Switch | Flamethrower |
| Giga Drain | Knock Off |
How to Catch Tynamo in Pokemon Go
If you would like to obtain a Tynamo in Pokemon Go, there are many different ways of doing so. You can find one in the wild, at a boosted rate, near commercial areas, search near shopping districts, universities, residential areas, schools, and other high powered areas. Since Tynamo is the base evolution, you can also hatch it from 5 km eggs as well and it has been featured as a tier one raid boss at Pokemon Gyms. You will need 25 Tynamo candies to evolve it into Eelektrik, and another 100 to evolve it into Eelektross. There are many different ways to obtain a Tynamo, you will just need to take the first opportunity that comes your way.
Trivia
- Tynamo and its evolution line are the only Pokemon that have no type weaknesses.
- The inspiration for Tynamo’s design is likely based on electric eels or lampreys.
- The name Tynamo is a combination of the words tiny and dynamo.
Explainer Video
FAQ
How does Tynamo evolve?
The first evolution for Tynamo only requires you to reach a particular level threshold. After your Tynamo reaches level 39, it will begin to evolve into Eelektrik after you have finished battling. To evolve your Eelektrik, you will need to use a Thunder Stone. Other than the requirement of an evolution stone, it should be easy to finish this evolution line quickly.
Is Tynamo any good?
As the base evolution Pokemon in its line, it can be difficult to succeed with just Tynamo alone. While it does benefit from not having any type weaknesses, it suffers from a lower than average stat distribution and a lack of a good movepool. You will want to evolve your Tynamo as soon as possible.
Is Eelektross a good Pokemon?
While Eelektross certainly makes a strong case for a good Pokemon, it falls short because of its very slow speed stat which means that it cannot make use of its decent statline. Having a powerful special and physical attack stat is often useless and you will want to prioritize one or the other. Unfortunately for this unique Pokemon, it has consistently been at the bottom of competitive brackets.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you now know just about everything there is to know about this “EleFish Pokemon”. Tynamo is an especially unique Pokemon as it is truly weak to no types in the entire game. Once it evolves, you can utilize a truly powerful Pokemon. While its usability in competitive play is limited, you can have a lot of fun by investing in a Tynamo in casual play. Reserve a slot on your team for Tynamo to have a strong hitting, defensive typing Pokemon.
