Mid-stage Pokemon like Squirtle rarely see competitive play outside of special formats. It's a waypoint on the road to Blastoise, which is where the real potential kicks in. Only weak to Electric and Grass. Known as the Tiny Turtle Pokemon.
An unusually even spread gives Squirtle flexibility. Defense barely edges ahead. But Speed isn't far off. Tough to catch and follows a 1.06M XP medium-slow curve. Yields 1 Defense EV.
Shoots water at prey while in the water. Withdraws into its shell when in danger.
Squirtle Weakness
GoodSquirtle's Water typing leaves it vulnerable to Electric and Grass moves. 4 resistances help offset the weaknesses. Just 2 weak spots to worry about, which keeps teambuilding straightforward.
Three stages ahead. Squirtle grows into Wartortle, then pushes on to Blastoise. Check the evolution methods below. For breeding, average hatch time with no compatible partners via two egg groups. The evolved forms gain up to 216 total stats over Squirtle.
How to Evolve
Breed Squirtle easily from the Monster and Water1 egg groups.
Bulk and offense in one package. Squirtle runs Leftovers for passive recovery each turn with a Rash nature, so it survives long enough to threaten with Waterspout. Max Attack and Speed EVs and the remaining moves make it hard to safely switch into.
Best Build
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee uses different battle mechanics.
Competitive build content is not applicable for this game. Select a main series game for builds.
Level-up moves are just the starting point for Squirtle. TMs unlock coverage across 8 types and turn a straightforward STAB kit around Hydro Pump and Surf into something with actual range.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Squirtle appears at moderate rates across 8 spots in early-game routes. Sort by Best below if you want the highest rate, or Earliest if you want the quickest access point in your playthrough.
Best Locations
Squirtle appears in 8 walking and gift locations at Lv. 7-44 across Let's Go Eevee and Let's Go Pikachu. Not all encounters show up in every version, so check which ones match your game.
Squirtle is meant to evolve into Wartortle. At 314 BST, the stats aren't there for competitive play yet. Pre-evolution Pokemon rarely hold up against fully evolved threats.
Squirtle evolves into Wartortle at level 16. Squirtle is the base form in a 3-stage evolutionary line.
Torrent strengthens water moves to inflict 1.5× damage at 1/3 max HP or less — that's the one you want on Squirtle. Rain Dish is the hidden ability. Niche, but it has its uses.
Base 43 Speed is low. Priority moves or Trick Room are the way to go. On offense, Squirtle is leaning toward the special side (base 50 Sp. Atk).
Squirtle appears in 21 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
One of the original 151, Squirtle has appeared in 21 games — nearly every mainline game. From Red & Blue through the latest titles, it's rarely been left out of a regional Pokedex.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen IIGS
Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen IIIFRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen IIIE
Emerald - Gen IVPt
Platinum - Gen IVHGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen IVDP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen VBW
Black & White - Gen VB2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen VIXY
X & Y - Gen VIORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen VIIUSUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen VIISM
Sun & Moon - Gen VIILGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen VIIISwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A