Mid-stage Pokemon like Turtwig rarely see competitive play outside of special formats. It's a waypoint on the road to Torterra, which is where the real potential kicks in. 5 type weaknesses to keep in mind. Known as the Tiny Leaf Pokemon.
Turtwig's spread isn't flashy. Attack leads, Speed trails, 0 stats clear the bar. Tough to catch and worth 1 Attack EV, on a 1.06M XP medium-slow curve.
This Pokémon becomes more energetic the more sunlight there is. The part resembling a shell is similar to silt and is slightly damp and warm to the touch.
Turtwig Weakness
FragileTurtwig's Grass typing leaves it vulnerable to Fire, Ice, Poison, Flying, and Bug moves. It resists 4 types, giving it decent defensive coverage.
Turtwig is the start of a three-stage chain. It evolves into Grotle first, then eventually reaches Torterra. For breeding, average hatch time with plenty of partners via two egg groups. The evolved forms gain up to 207 total stats over Turtwig.
How to Evolve
Breed Turtwig easily with 73 breeding partners from the Plant and Monster egg groups. Pass egg moves like Double-Edge, Growth, Shell Smash and 8 more to offspring.
Don't let the NFE status fool you. Turtwig with Eviolite hits bulk numbers that compete with final forms. A spread EV build EVs and Adamant nature maximize that, and Shellarmor handles the rest.
Best Build
Best Turtwig Moveset
- Shell Smash
- Substitute
- Seed Bomb
- Earth Power
Recommended Teammates
You'll want to breed for Double-Edge and Growth on Turtwig. These egg moves aren't just nice to have. Combined with STAB from Leaf Storm and Solar Beam, they expand what Turtwig can actually threaten in practice.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Turtwig can't be caught in Scarlet & Violet. Bring it over from Diamond, Platinum, or Legends: Arceus instead. The encounter info below covers the source games.
Turtwig is not available as a wild encounter in this game.
Also found in:
Turtwig isn't fully evolved, so it's not built for competitive play. You'll want to evolve it into Grotle to unlock its full potential. At 318 BST, it's a stepping stone rather than a team anchor.
Watch for Infernape (Fire), Lapras (Ice), and Nidoking (Poison) when using Turtwig. They all hit it super-effectively with STAB. Flying and Bug-type attackers are also a problem. With 5 weakness types, most competitive teams carry at least one counter. At base 31 Speed, Turtwig won't outrun any of these threats so switching to a resist is usually the safer play.
Turtwig evolves into Grotle at level 18. Turtwig is the base form in a 3-stage evolutionary line.
Overgrow strengthens grass moves to inflict 1.5× damage at 1/3 max HP or less — that's the one you want on Turtwig. Shell Armor is the hidden ability. Niche, but it has its uses.
Turtwig fills the balanced role. It's leaning toward the physical side (base 68 Attack). Base 31 Speed is low. Priority moves or Trick Room are the way to go.
Turtwig appears in 12 games, including Platinum, HeartGold & SoulSilver, and Diamond & Pearl.
Turtwig first appeared in Diamond & Pearl and has been available in 12 games across 6 generations. Obtainable through catching or hatching as a base form in most titles where it appears.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRB
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 IVDPDebut
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