Stats & Training
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.
When it retracts its long neck into its shell, it squirts out water with vigorous force.
When it feels threatened, it draws its limbs inside its shell and sprays water from its mouth.
Squirtle Weakness
Squirtle's Water typing leaves it vulnerable to Electric and Grass. 4 resistances help offset the weaknesses. Just 2 weak spots to worry about, which keeps teambuilding straightforward.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Electric, Grass |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Fire, Water, Ice, Steel |
In Sword & Shield, Zarude's Close Combat hits Squirtle for 52-61%. Regieleki threatens a KO with Thunderbolt (103-122%). Rillaboom's Wood Hammer also KOs at 175-206%.
 Zarude DarkGrass | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityLeafguard ItemChoice Scarf NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Squirtle View Zarude builds →U Turn30-36% Close Combat52-61% | ||
 Regieleki Electric | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityTransistor ItemMagnet NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Squirtle View Regieleki builds →Volt Switch 2x81-96% Electroweb 2x63-75% Thunderbolt 2x103-122%KO | ||
 Rillaboom Grass | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityGrassy Surge ItemAssault Vest NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Squirtle View Rillaboom builds →U Turn34-40% Wood Hammer 2x175-206%KO | ||
Sword & Shield Evolution
Three stages ahead. Squirtle grows into Wartortle, then pushes on to Blastoise. Check the evolution methods below. For breeding, average hatch time with plenty of partners via two egg groups. The evolved forms gain up to 216 total stats over Squirtle. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
Breed Squirtle easily with 64 breeding partners from the Monster and Water1 egg groups. Pass egg moves like Aqua Jet, Aqua Ring, Fake Out and 7 more to offspring.
Sword & Shield Squirtle Best Moveset
Squirtle hasn't fully evolved, but Eviolite's 50% bulk boost makes it viable anyway. Modest nature with max Sp. Atk and Speed EVs shapes the defensive spread, and Torrent adds utility.
Best Build
Squirtle best EVs are Sp. Atk and Speed
Special Sweeper Moveset
- Surf
- Ice Beam
- Shell Smash
- Rapid Spin
Recommended Teammates
Moves
The natural movepool does the job, but Aqua Jet and Aqua Ring from the egg pool give Squirtle something extra.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
How to Get Squirtle in Sword & Shield
No wild encounters for Squirtle in Sword & Shield. It's available in Red, Yellow, or Brilliant Diamond and can be transferred over. The details below show where to find it.
Squirtle Guide
Level 16 gets you Wartortle. Quick enough that Squirtle barely slows you down.
For Sword & Shield, you can run Squirtle through the first few routes without issues. 314 BST won't carry you far though. Get it to Wartortle as fast as you can.
You can find Squirtle in Sword & Shield. The Locations section has the full breakdown of routes and encounter details. It also appears in 20 other games across the series.
Game Availability
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.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 1RBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen 2GS
Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3FRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 4DP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen 5BW
Black & White - Gen 5B2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY
X & Y - Gen 6ORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7USUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7SM
Sun & Moon - Gen 7LGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 8BDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 9SV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW
Winds & Waves