Wartortle
Often hides in water to stalk unwary prey. For swimming fast, it moves its ears to maintain balance.
Base Stats
Best Moveset
Move Breakdown
Surf serves as Wartortle's main Water-type STAB attack. The same-type bonus increases its effective power by 50%, and with Wartortle's Special Attack of 65, it can threaten significant damage against anything weak to Water.
Ice Beam rounds out the moveset with Ice-type coverage. Use this move when Wartortle's STAB attacks would be resisted, as it can hit targets that would otherwise wall Wartortle's primary attacks.
Rapid Spin adds Normal coverage to Wartortle's arsenal. This move catches opponents off guard who switch in expecting only Water damage, providing neutral coverage.
Aqua Jet rounds out the moveset with Normal-type coverage. Use this move when Wartortle's STAB attacks would be resisted, as it can hit targets that would otherwise wall Wartortle's primary attacks.
Strengths
- ▸Wartortle capitalizes on its Water STAB moves—particularly Surf—to threaten opponents who share type weaknesses
- ▸Type resistances to Fire, Ice, Steel allow Wartortle to switch in safely against these attack types
- ▸Wartortle can fulfill multiple roles depending on how it's built and what team supports it
Weaknesses
- ▸The Electric, Grass weakness is the primary reason Wartortle requires careful team building around it
- ▸The low speed of 58 is a significant liability that opponents can exploit
- ▸Slow speed (58) forces Wartortle to rely on bulk or priority moves to compete
- ▸The 405 BST means Wartortle needs significant team support to overcome its raw stat deficiency
Pro Tips
Special Attack should be Wartortle's primary VP investment given its higher special stat. Equip Wartortle with Life Orb for a damage boost, or Focus Sash for survivability. Predict Electric moves and double-switch to preserve Wartortle for later. Pair Wartortle with stronger teammates that can cover its weaknesses and clean up after it weakens opponents.
Competitive Role
As a Tier C Pokemon, Wartortle serves as a balanced utility Pokemon in team compositions. Stat-wise, Wartortle brings 405 total points with defense as its standout stat at 80. 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. Success with Wartortle depends on leveraging its strengths while minimizing exposure to its weaknesses.
Detailed Strategy Analysis
At 405 BST, Wartortle sits below the competitive average. The recommended moveset combines STAB options (Surf) with coverage moves (Ice Beam, Rapid Spin), giving Wartortle answers to a wide range of opponents. Type weaknesses to Electric, Grass mean Wartortle must be played carefully against these matchups. Resistances to Fire, Ice, Steel provide safe switch-in opportunities. At Tier C, Wartortle is best used in specific niche strategies or lower-tier formats. Special Attack should be the primary investment for Wartortle, with a Modest or Timid nature to maximize its special damage potential.
Key Matchup Notes
Against Electric-type opponents: Wartortle is at a severe disadvantage. Never leave Wartortle 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: Wartortle has the advantage here. Its Water typing reduces incoming Fire damage, allowing Wartortle to tank hits and retaliate with Surf. Use these matchups to gain momentum. Speed matchups: Wartortle's 58 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: Wartortle has the offensive advantage. Its STAB Water moves deal super-effective damage to Electric types, making these favorable matchups. Lead with Wartortle when you expect Electric types on the opponent's team.
Battle Strategy Guide
In the opening turns, Use Wartortle when you anticipate the opponent leading with something Wartortle can threaten with its Water STAB moves.
With a defense stat of 80, Wartortle functions best as a supportive role player.
The key is to identify matchups where Wartortle can either deal damage safely or force the opponent to switch, giving you tempo advantage.
Avoid leading with it against Electric types, as they can punish Wartortle heavily.
Mid-game is where Wartortle needs to make its biggest impact.
With moves like Ice Beam and Rapid Spin, Wartortle can adapt to different threats.
If the opponent brings out a Electric type, immediately switch to a teammate that resists it.
Remember that Wartortle's defense of 80 is its greatest asset—play to that strength.
In the final stages of battle, Wartortle can contribute by softening up the opponent's last Pokemon.
Don't expect Wartortle to sweep—it should set up the KO for a stronger teammate.
Use resistances to Fire, Ice to tank a hit, then strike with Surf before switching out.
Evolution Chain
Team Synergy
- ▸Pair Wartortle with a Electric-type partner to absorb Electric attacks that Wartortle is weak to
- ▸Pair Wartortle with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses and benefit from its resistances
- ▸Pair Wartortle with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses and benefit from its resistances
How to Counter
- ▸Send in a Electric-type Pokemon with STAB Electric moves to exploit Wartortle's type weakness for super-effective damage
- ▸Any Pokemon with base Speed above 68 will outspeed and KO Wartortle before it can respond
- ▸Wartortle's low HP (59) means even neutral hits can KO it—apply constant offensive pressure
- ▸Burn cuts Wartortle's Attack in half, significantly reducing its physical damage output
Team Composition Ideas
Balance Core: Pair Wartortle with a Electric-type Pokemon that can switch into Electric attacks. This defensive core covers Wartortle's primary weakness while Wartortle handles the matchups its partner struggles with.
Support Core: Use Wartortle alongside a heavy hitter that benefits from Wartortle's defensive typing. Switch Wartortle in to absorb hits with its Fire, Ice resistances, then pivot to your attacker for damage.
VoltTurn Core: Wartortle works well in a Volt Switch/U-turn core, allowing safe pivoting. Pair with other pivot users to maintain momentum and control the battle tempo, bringing Wartortle in only when it has a favorable matchup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Is Wartortle good in Pokemon Champions?
A:Wartortle is rated Tier C in Pokemon Champions, making it a lower-tier option. With 405 total stats, it faces stiff competition from stronger alternatives. However, Wartortle can still work in casual play or specific niche strategies with the right team support.
Q:What's the best item for Wartortle?
A:Wartortle benefits from Focus Sash (to survive a hit), Expert Belt (for coverage damage), or Life Orb (for a general power boost). Since Wartortle has balanced stats, the item should fill whatever gap your team needs—damage, survivability, or utility.
Q:What nature should I use for Wartortle?
A:Modest (+Special Attack, -Attack) is recommended for Wartortle, boosting its stronger special stat. Timid (+Speed, -Attack) is an alternative if speed is critical. With Special Attack at 65 vs Attack at 63, special builds are clearly superior for Wartortle.
Q:How do I counter Wartortle?
A:Wartortle's biggest counters are Electric-type Pokemon, who exploit its typing weakness for super-effective damage. Other threats include faster Pokemon that can KO Wartortle before it acts, especially given its 58 Speed. To beat Wartortle, use Electric STAB moves or priority attacks to bypass its speed.