Should I Evolve Squirtle? A Comprehensive Guide for Pokémon Trainers

Evolving your Pokémon is a cornerstone of the Pokémon experience, a rite of passage for both trainer and creature. But with Squirtle, the adorable Water-type starter from the Kanto region, the decision of when to evolve isn’t always straightforward. The short answer? Yes, you should evolve Squirtle eventually. However, when you pull the trigger depends entirely on your strategy, play style, and which game you’re playing. Let’s dive deep into the pros, cons, and all the factors that influence this crucial decision.

The Evolution Line: Squirtle, Wartortle, and Blastoise

Before we proceed, let’s recap Squirtle’s evolutionary stages:

• Squirtle: The starting form, a cute and relatively balanced Water-type.
• Wartortle: Evolves from Squirtle at Level 16. Wartortle gains slightly better stats and access to new moves.
• Blastoise: Evolves from Wartortle at Level 36. Blastoise is the final form, boasting impressive stats and access to powerful moves like Hydro Cannon.

Why the Hesitation? Movepools and Level-Up Learning

The primary reason trainers might delay evolving Squirtle boils down to movepools. In many Pokémon games, Pokémon learn moves at different levels depending on their evolutionary stage. Often, the unevolved form learns moves earlier. This means a Squirtle might learn a key Water-type move like Water Pulse or Aqua Tail at a lower level than a Wartortle would.

The tradeoff is this: Delaying evolution means sticking with weaker stats for a longer period. Evolving early grants access to the higher stats that Wartortle and Blastoise offer, making battles easier, but you might miss out on those early move learning opportunities.

Game-Specific Considerations

The optimal evolution strategy can vary wildly depending on the specific Pokémon game you’re playing.

Leaf Green and Fire Red

In the classic Leaf Green and Fire Red, holding off on evolving Squirtle until Level 42 is often cited, as it’s believed to be the level Squirtle learns a powerful move. However, this is not correct. It is important to consider what moves will be learned at the next evolutionary stages and weigh the pros and cons.

Sword and Shield

In Sword and Shield, the level at which Squirtle evolves remains the same (Level 16 to Wartortle, Level 36 to Blastoise). The ease of access to TMs (Technical Machines) and TRs (Technical Records) that teach moves mitigates the movepool issue significantly. You can teach your Blastoise most of the moves it would have learned as a Squirtle, and the greater availability of powerful movesets early on is a game changer. This makes evolving sooner much less risky.

General Rule of Thumb

As a general rule of thumb, if a Pokémon’s highest attacking stat matches the type of its level-up moves, then it’s usually better to evolve it as soon as possible. This is because the STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) will boost damage for any Water type move that Squirtle learns, making the power difference between Squirtle’s damage and Wartortle’s negligible.

Competitive Battling vs. In-Game Adventure

The decision to evolve Squirtle also depends on your objectives:

• In-Game Adventure: If you’re primarily playing for the story and to collect badges, evolving earlier is generally beneficial. The stat boost will make your journey smoother and faster. While movepools matter, the availability of TMs and the forgiving nature of most in-game battles mean you can usually work around any potential move-learning gaps.
• Competitive Battling: In competitive battling, every edge matters. You need to carefully consider your team composition, strategy, and the specific ruleset of the battle format. Sometimes, an unevolved or mid-stage Pokémon like Wartortle can be surprisingly effective thanks to the Eviolite item, which boosts Defense and Special Defense.

The Eviolite Strategy: Is Wartortle Worth It?

The Eviolite is a held item that significantly boosts the Defense and Special Defense of a Pokémon that can still evolve. This can make Wartortle surprisingly bulky. This strategy works best if you’re aiming for a defensive, stall-oriented playstyle. But remember, you are sacrificing the raw power of a Blastoise for this extra bulk. Whether that’s a worthwhile trade depends entirely on your team composition and the metagame.

Weighing the Pros and Cons: A Summary

Ultimately, the decision to evolve Squirtle involves weighing several factors:

Pros of Evolving Early:

• Higher stats for easier battles
• Access to potentially stronger moves sooner

Cons of Evolving Early:

• Potentially missing out on certain moves learned at earlier levels
• Sacrificing the Eviolite strategy for Wartortle

Final Recommendation

For most players, especially those focusing on the in-game adventure, evolving Squirtle at the standard levels (16 and 36) is the optimal strategy. The stat boost and access to stronger moves generally outweigh the potential downsides. However, for competitive players or those seeking a unique challenge, exploring the Wartortle-Eviolite strategy might be worthwhile.

Remember, the best part of Pokémon is experimenting and finding what works best for you. So, evolve your Squirtle when you feel the time is right, and enjoy the journey! And if you’re interested in learning more about the educational applications of games, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What level does Squirtle evolve in Pokémon Red and Blue?

Squirtle evolves into Wartortle at Level 16 and Wartortle evolves into Blastoise at Level 36 in Pokémon Red and Blue. This holds true for most of the core Pokémon games.

2. Is Blastoise a good Pokémon?

Yes, Blastoise is generally considered a good Pokémon. It has high Defense and Special Defense stats, making it a bulky Water-type. It also has a decent Special Attack stat, allowing it to use powerful Water-type moves effectively. Blastoise is a solid choice for both in-game adventures and some competitive battling scenarios.

3. Does evolving Squirtle affect its ability?

No, evolving Squirtle does not change its ability. Squirtle has the ability Torrent, which increases the power of Water-type moves when the Pokémon is at low HP. Wartortle and Blastoise retain this ability.

4. Can Blastoise Mega Evolve?

Yes, Blastoise can Mega Evolve into Mega Blastoise. This requires holding the Blastoisinite Mega Stone. Mega Blastoise gains significant boosts to its stats, especially its Special Attack, and it also changes its ability to Mega Launcher, which increases the power of Aura and Pulse moves.

5. What are the best moves for Blastoise?

The best moves for Blastoise depend on whether you’re playing in-game or competitively. Some strong options include:

• Hydro Pump: A powerful Water-type move.
• Surf: A reliable and accurate Water-type move.
• Ice Beam: Provides coverage against Grass-type Pokémon.
• Rapid Spin: Removes entry hazards like Stealth Rock.
• Scald: Has a chance to burn the opponent.

6. Is Squirtle a rare Pokémon?

In the core Pokémon games, Squirtle is usually a starter Pokémon, making it relatively easy to obtain at the beginning of the game. However, in games where it’s not a starter, Squirtle can be rarer and require trading or special events to acquire.

7. Is Squirtle better than Charmander?

The “better” starter Pokémon depends entirely on your play style and the specific game. Squirtle is often considered more defensively oriented, while Charmander is more offensive. Both have their strengths and weaknesses. The best choice depends on your team composition and how you want to approach the game.

8. How do I get Hydro Cannon on Blastoise?

In some games, Blastoise can learn Hydro Cannon through a special move tutor event or through the use of a TM (Technical Machine). Check your specific game for the available methods. Usually, it requires interacting with a specific NPC in the game after Blastoise has reached a certain level or met certain criteria.

9. Is there a Shiny Squirtle?

Yes, there is a Shiny Squirtle. A Shiny Squirtle has a different color palette than the standard Squirtle. Its shell is typically green or turquoise instead of brown or amber. Shiny Pokémon are rare and highly sought after by collectors.

10. Does Squirtle perform well in the early game?

Yes, Squirtle performs exceptionally well in the early game. Its Water-typing gives it an advantage against the first Gym Leader in many games, who often specializes in Rock or Ground-type Pokémon. This makes it a reliable and effective starter choice.

11. What are Squirtle’s weaknesses?

Squirtle’s main weaknesses are Grass and Electric-type moves. These types of attacks will deal double damage to Squirtle due to its Water-typing.

12. Can Squirtle learn any non-Water-type moves?

Yes, Squirtle can learn a variety of non-Water-type moves through leveling up, TMs, and TRs. These moves can include Ice Beam, Dig, Protect, and more, providing versatility in battle.

13. Is the Squirtle Squad a thing in the games?

The Squirtle Squad is primarily associated with the Pokémon anime series, where they are a group of mischievous Squirtle who wear sunglasses. While not explicitly featured in the same way in the core games, the Squirtle Squad is a beloved part of Pokémon lore and culture.

14. How does Squirtle’s stats compare to other starters?

Squirtle’s stats are relatively balanced compared to other starters. It generally has good Defense and Special Defense, making it a sturdy option. While it might not have the highest Attack or Special Attack, its overall stats make it a reliable choice for both offense and defense.

15. What role does nature play in Squirtle’s evolution?

A Pokémon’s Nature affects which stats are boosted and lowered upon leveling up. For Squirtle, a Modest nature (increases Special Attack, decreases Attack) or a Calm nature (increases Special Defense, decreases Attack) are often preferred, as they enhance its strengths as a Special Attacker or a defensive wall. However, the best nature depends on your intended strategy and movepool.