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.
SQUIRTLE’s shell is not merely used for protection. The shell’s rounded shape and the grooves on its surface help minimize resistance in water, enabling this POKéMON to swim at high speeds.
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.
- Dark and Steel types added — Fairy does not exist yet
- Moves are Physical or Special based on type, not per move
Three stages ahead. Squirtle grows into Wartortle, then pushes on to Blastoise. Check the evolution methods below. For breeding, average hatch time with a decent partner pool via two egg groups. The evolved forms gain up to 216 total stats over Squirtle.
How to Evolve
Breed Squirtle easily with 49 breeding partners from the Monster and Water1 egg groups. Pass egg moves like Flail, Foresight, Haze and 5 more to offspring.
Best Build
No build content available for this Pokemon in Gen 3.
Try selecting a different game/generation filter, or check back later.
The natural movepool does the job, but Flail and Foresight from the egg pool give Squirtle something extra. Pair those with Hydro Pump and Surf for STAB and coverage across 7 types for reach, and the kit fills out nicely.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Squirtle can't be caught in Ruby & Sapphire. Bring it over from Red, Yellow, or Brilliant Diamond instead. The encounter info below covers the source games.
Squirtle is not available as a wild encounter in this game.
Receive as a gift in:
Then trade to Ruby & Sapphire.
Also found in:
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