Squirtle
After birth, its back swells and hardens into a shell. Powerfully sprays foam from its mouth.
Base Stats
Best Moveset
Move Breakdown
Surf serves as Squirtle's main Water-type STAB attack. The same-type bonus increases its effective power by 50%, and with Squirtle's Special Attack of 50, it can threaten significant damage against anything weak to Water.
Ice Beam provides essential Ice-type coverage, super-effective against Fire, Fighting, Rock. This move fills gaps in Squirtle's otherwise Water-focused moveset, allowing it to handle matchups that its STAB moves cannot.
Rapid Spin provides essential Normal-type coverage, neutral coverage. This move fills gaps in Squirtle's otherwise Water-focused moveset, allowing it to handle matchups that its STAB moves cannot.
Fake Out rounds out the moveset with Normal-type coverage. Use this move when Squirtle's STAB attacks would be resisted, as it can hit targets that would otherwise wall Squirtle's primary attacks.
Strengths
- ▸The Water typing provides Squirtle with offensive tools like Surf that deal amplified damage to vulnerable targets
- ▸Type resistances to Fire, Ice, Steel allow Squirtle to switch in safely against these attack types
- ▸The combination of typing and stats gives Squirtle a unique niche in team composition
Weaknesses
- ▸The Electric, Grass weakness is the primary reason Squirtle requires careful team building around it
- ▸An below-average speed (43) means Squirtle is vulnerable when facing attacks targeting this stat
- ▸The 43 Speed stat leaves Squirtle outsped by most offensive threats, limiting its offensive potential
- ▸The 314 BST means Squirtle needs significant team support to overcome its raw stat deficiency
Pro Tips
Build Squirtle with Special Attack VP investment and a Modest nature for optimal damage. Equip Squirtle with Life Orb for a damage boost, or Focus Sash for survivability. Predict Electric moves and double-switch to preserve Squirtle for later. Squirtle works best as a support or niche pick rather than a primary win condition.
Competitive Role
Squirtle's competitive identity is that of a balanced utility Pokemon. The 314 BST distribution, highlighted by 65 defense, defines how Squirtle should be built and deployed. Its Water typing creates vulnerabilities to Electric, Grass types, requiring careful team support to cover these gaps. Conversely, resistances to Fire, Ice, Steel provide switch-in opportunities. Overall, Squirtle is a niche choice that rewards players who understand its strengths and limitations.
Detailed Strategy Analysis
Squirtle brings a 314 base stat total to the battlefield, with its stat distribution favoring a defense-focused build. The recommended moveset combines STAB options (Surf) with coverage moves (Ice Beam, Rapid Spin), giving Squirtle answers to a wide range of opponents. Type weaknesses to Electric, Grass mean Squirtle must be played carefully against these matchups. Resistances to Fire, Ice, Steel provide safe switch-in opportunities. At Tier C, Squirtle is best used in specific niche strategies or lower-tier formats. Special Attack should be the primary investment for Squirtle, with a Modest or Timid nature to maximize its special damage potential.
Key Matchup Notes
Against Electric-type opponents: Squirtle is at a severe disadvantage. Never leave Squirtle in against Electric types—switch immediately to a teammate that resists Electric. If forced to fight, use Surf and hope for a KO before taking a hit. Against Fire-type opponents: Squirtle has the advantage here. Its Water typing reduces incoming Fire damage, allowing Squirtle to tank hits and retaliate with Surf. Use these matchups to gain momentum. Speed matchups: Squirtle's 43 Speed means it will move second against most offensive Pokemon. Plan around this by using priority moves, switching predictions, or pairing with Trick Room support to reverse the speed order. Against Electric-type opponents: Squirtle has the offensive advantage. Its STAB Water moves deal super-effective damage to Electric types, making these favorable matchups. Lead with Squirtle when you expect Electric types on the opponent's team.
Battle Strategy Guide
When starting a battle with Squirtle, your first priority is establishing board position.
As a supportive role player with 314 total base stats, Squirtle should be brought in when you can predict a favorable matchup.
If the opponent has Electric coverage, save Squirtle for later in the match.
The opening moves should focus on dealing damage with Surf and Ice Beam while assessing the opponent's team composition.
As the battle progresses, Squirtle should be used strategically rather than recklessly.
The Water typing means Squirtle has specific matchups it wins and loses—identify these early and play accordingly.
Against Electric types, switch out immediately.
Against opponents weak to Water, stay in and attack.
Surf should be your primary attack, with Ice Beam for coverage when needed.
By the endgame, Squirtle should be used as a support piece rather than a primary finisher.
With 314 total stats, it's best deployed to weaken the last opponent Pokemon for a teammate to finish.
Use Surf to chip damage, then switch to your win condition.
The tier C rating indicates Squirtle needs team support to succeed.
Evolution Chain
Team Synergy
- ▸Pair Squirtle with a Electric-type partner to absorb Electric attacks that Squirtle is weak to
- ▸Pair Squirtle with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses and benefit from its resistances
- ▸Pair Squirtle with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses and benefit from its resistances
How to Counter
- ▸Opponents with Electric coverage moves should target Squirtle immediately for a guaranteed KO
- ▸Any Pokemon with base Speed above 53 will outspeed and KO Squirtle before it can respond
- ▸Strong physical attackers can exploit Squirtle's low Defense (65) for quick KOs with neutral physical moves
- ▸Special attackers target Squirtle's weak Special Defense (64) for guaranteed damage
Team Composition Ideas
Balance Core: Pair Squirtle with a Electric-type Pokemon that can switch into Electric attacks. This defensive core covers Squirtle's primary weakness while Squirtle handles the matchups its partner struggles with.
Support Core: Use Squirtle alongside a heavy hitter that benefits from Squirtle's defensive typing. Switch Squirtle in to absorb hits with its Fire, Ice resistances, then pivot to your attacker for damage.
Weather Team: If building a weather team, Squirtle's Water typing synergizes with weather conditions that boost Water moves. Add a weather setter and Pokemon that benefit from the same conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Is Squirtle good in Pokemon Champions?
A:Squirtle is rated Tier C in Pokemon Champions, making it a lower-tier option. With 314 total stats, it faces stiff competition from stronger alternatives. However, Squirtle can still work in casual play or specific niche strategies with the right team support.
Q:What's the best item for Squirtle?
A:Squirtle benefits from Focus Sash (to survive a hit), Expert Belt (for coverage damage), or Life Orb (for a general power boost). Since Squirtle has balanced stats, the item should fill whatever gap your team needs—damage, survivability, or utility.
Q:What nature should I use for Squirtle?
A:Modest (+Special Attack, -Attack) is recommended for Squirtle, boosting its stronger special stat. Timid (+Speed, -Attack) is an alternative if speed is critical. With Special Attack at 50 vs Attack at 48, special builds are clearly superior for Squirtle.
Q:How do I counter Squirtle?
A:Squirtle's biggest counters are Electric-type Pokemon, who exploit its typing weakness for super-effective damage. Other threats include faster Pokemon that can KO Squirtle before it acts, especially given its 43 Speed. To beat Squirtle, use Electric STAB moves or priority attacks to bypass its speed.