062 Poliwrath

Mud Shot features the best energy generation in the game.

Due to the nerf of Power-Up Punch (PUP) from the September 2019 rebalance, the strategy of spamming PUP is no longer viable, and Dynamic Punch is more preferred for Fighting-type damage. Ice Punch is valuable for its lower energy cost and coverage, including against Poliwrath's weakness to Grass and Flying-types. Hydro Pump is more viable with this moveset's fast energy gains, and can possibly OHKO opponents when shields are down. Scald offers a more consistent option to deal Water-type damage due to its lesser energy cost, though the potential of applying a debuff should be considered as gravy on top instead of a consistently reliable strategy. 

This moveset is similar to the previous one, but provides more consistent Water-type damage from Poliwrath's fast move. Bubble is also more efficient at farming opponents with low HP, since Mud Shot has poor damage output. Power-Up Punch (PUP) can be useful for ramping up damage of Poliwrath's other moves (including its fast move), though Dynamic Punch has seen increased usage following the nerf of PUP. 

Poliwrath is a solid Pokemon for the Great League, featuring good bulk and a unique Water/Fighting typing. Weaknesses to common typings is a major risk for using Poliwrath in open formats, which makes Poliwrath more dependent on restricted formats to limit its vulnerabilities. Without a Fighting-type fast move, Poliwrath relies on its charge moves to deal Fighting-type damage, which can be less efficient than other picks who fulfill this role. 

Poliwrath does surprisingly well in Ultra League, countering numerous Steel-types and Dark-types, while also resisting most of Lapras's movesets due to its Water-typing. Poliwrath however, will still struggle against any typings it is weak to, in addition to losing to Giratina despite having access to Ice Punch. 

Poliwrath lacks sufficient stats to compete comfortably in the Master League.