PKA Lesson 3: Tentacruel

Tentacruel: Defense and Avoidance

by Thamina Barton

The Tentacruel (Roseachinorex physalia) is a common oceanic Pokemon and often spotted near coastlines, along with its first form, Tentacool (Roseachironex cetariicladis). A territorial and aggressive Pokemon, it can pose a danger to swimmers, divers, and even small fishing vessels. Tentacruel's size, venom, and aggression can make it a very dangerous foe, but there are a few basic guidelines for defending oneself against attack from this "gangster of the sea."

An average Tentacruel is just over five feet long, with up to 80 extendable and retractable tentacles, although it typically only extends 14 of these tentacles out of its body at one time. These tentacles are its primary mode of attack, used to entangle its targets and deliver toxins that can poison or paralyze. Its other primary weapon is the two large, red gem-like growths on its body, which can be used to store and refract light into beam attacks to damage or blind opponents. Its prominent blue beak is also dangerous, but Tentacruel will generally not attempt to bite until a target has been caught and rendered helpless by its tentacles, and then usually only if it intends to feed. It is not a picky eater, however, and will try to eat nearly anything it has subdued, even inanimate objects or rival Tentacruel.

The first and most important principle in defending yourself against Tentacruel is avoiding them. While Tentacool can be very stealthy due to their smaller size, Tentacruel are large and solid enough that they can generally be spotted in the water, especially the gems. If you see a Tentacruel, turn away and leave the area before it notices you! Tentacruel are vigilant about defending territory but will usually not pursue a foe that is clearly retreating, and most hunting Tentacruel will not attempt ambushes on prey of its own size or larger unless the prey seems helpless. DO NOT PLAY DEAD! Tentacruel are not above scavenging food and will attempt to eat a "dead" foe.

Another way to defend against Tentacruel is to use an ointment of Tentacool ooze before going into the water. Tentacruel communicate by chemical signals that pass through the water, so if your skin is covered with the ooze emitted by a Tentacool, they will assume that you're a Tentacool and thus not a target. It is best to use ooze acquired from a tame, happy Tentacool, however; the ooze emitted by a stressed or dead Tentacool may make Tentacruel aggressive and unpredictable. Many alchemists and apothecaries will sell water-resistant Tentacool ointments formulated to give off a calming "scent" without burning your skin.

If you are forced to fight against a Tentacruel, your best hope is to target the body and stay away from the tentacles. The tentacles are very resilient, and Tentacruel have many in reserve, so trying to cut them off or otherwise disable them is more likely to get you stung or entangled than to hurt the Tentacruel very much. Stay on the body side, away from the tentacles, and focus attacks on the eyes and the gems. While the gems are tougher than the rest of the body, they're not as strong as real stone, and focused attacks can easily damage them. Damage to the gems and eyes will usually force a Tentacruel to retreat or give you time to get away.

One important thing to remember is that Tentacruel are not as vulnerable to dehydration as Tentacool are. Tentacruel don't function well out of water, but unlike Tentacool, they don't tend to go dormant; instead, they will attempt to drag themselves back to the sea, along with any prey they have entangled. Fleeing out of the water may help, but it probably won't convince an attached Tentacruel to give up the fight, so be careful!