Tympole

Generation V introduced Tympole in Pokémon Black and White as a small Water-type tadpole. Its design combines traits of a frog and a loudspeaker: the round bumps on its cheeks resemble headphones or eardrums, while its eyebrows evoke musical notes. The English name combines that sound-related idea with “tadpole”; the Japanese name, オタマロ, comes from otamajakushi, the Japanese word for that animal.

The Pokédex entries describe a highly communicative species. It vibrates its cheeks to produce sound waves imperceptible to humans and other Pokémon, which it uses to transmit messages and warn of danger. Underwater, its high-pitched song creates visible waves on the surface.

It occupies the first stage of a three-stage evolutionary line. At level 25 it evolves into Palpitoad, and that species reaches its final stage at level 36, becoming Seismitoad. The blue color and fish-like shape complete a simple silhouette, but one closely tied to sound.

Tympole has no place in general battling. Its stats are too limited: 50 HP, 50 Attack, 40 Defense, 50 Special Attack, 40 Special Defense, and 64 Speed, for a total of 294. Speed is its best stat and gives it 1 Speed EV, but its defenses do not let it take many hits.

Its place is in Little Cup, where Swift Swim defines the only truly recognizable approach. The Ability raises its Speed when it is raining, so Rain Dance can set up an offensive with Hydro Pump, with a power of 110, or Muddy Water, with a power of 90. Earth Power provides coverage against other types, while Sludge Bomb hits foes that resist its Water-type attacks.

The Water type lets it use STAB and resist Fire, Ice, Steel, and Water. It also leaves Tympole exposed to Electric and Grass, two common threats. Hydration cures status conditions while it is raining, and Water Absorb restores HP when it is hit by Water-type attacks, but neither Ability fixes its lack of power or bulk. In a normal playthrough, it is useful for making progress while it learns Bubble Beam and Mud Shot; in competitive play, rain is too demanding a condition for such modest stats.

Tympole belongs to the Water 1 Egg Group and has an even gender ratio: 50% female. Its Eggs take 20 cycles to hatch, equivalent to approximately 5355 steps. It can inherit Mist, Toxic, Mud-Slap, or Water Pulse as Egg Moves; Water Pulse provides Water-type damage, while Mud-Slap adds a Ground-type option from birth.

Its evolution is straightforward and does not depend on items or special conditions: it evolves into Palpitoad at level 25. Palpitoad evolves into Seismitoad at level 36. This line lets you keep Tympole for a sizeable part of the adventure if you want to make use of its gradual access to Water-type attacks.

Its catch rate is 255, so catching it is trivial when it appears in the wild. Pecha Berries and Aspear Berries are among the items it can hold. Its Growth Rate is Medium Slow, and its base friendship is 70.