Blastoise is one of the most iconic Pokémon from the original Generation 1 games, known for its heavy armor-like shell and powerful water cannons. As the final evolutionary form of Squirtle, Blastoise represents strength and precision, making it a favorite for many Pokémon trainers. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover Blastoise’s abilities, stats, evolutions, competitive strategies, and Pokédex information to help you better understand this remarkable Water-type Pokémon.
What Is Blastoise?
Blastoise is a Water-type Pokémon that evolves from Wartortle at level 36. It is part of the original starter Pokémon family, alongside Venusaur and Charizard. Blastoise is known for its large cannons that protrude from its shell, which it uses to shoot water with enough force to punch through steel.
Blastoise also has access to both Mega Evolution and Gigantamax forms:
- Mega Blastoise: In its Mega Evolution, Blastoise’s water cannon grows even larger, gaining significant boosts in stats, particularly in Special Attack.
- Gigantamax Blastoise: This form, introduced in Pokémon Sword and Shield, features massive water cannons and the exclusive move G-Max Cannonade, which deals residual damage to opponents for four turns.
Blastoise’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Like all Pokémon, Blastoise has both strengths and weaknesses in battle. Its Water-typing gives it resistance to several common types, but it also has weaknesses trainers must watch out for.
Blastoise’s Type Advantages:
- Water-type Strengths: Blastoise is effective against Fire, Rock, and Ground Pokémon, making it a reliable choice against these types in battle.
- Defensive Resistances: As a Water-type, Blastoise takes half damage from Water, Fire, Ice, and Steel moves, adding to its tanky nature.
Blastoise’s Weaknesses:
- Weak to Electric and Grass Moves: Blastoise is particularly vulnerable to Electric and Grass-type Pokémon, which can deal double damage. Trainers need to be cautious when facing Pokémon with moves like Thunderbolt or Solar Beam.
Type Effectiveness Chart for Blastoise:
| Type | Damage Taken |
|---|---|
| Normal | ½ |
| Fire | ½ |
| Water | ½ |
| Electric | 2x |
| Grass | 2x |
| Ice | ½ |
| Flying | ½ |
Competitive Use of Blastoise
Blastoise is a versatile Pokémon that can serve multiple roles on your team, whether you’re playing in singles or doubles battles. Thanks to its strong defenses, balanced stats, and access to supportive and offensive moves, Blastoise can either be a tank or a powerful offensive threat.
Blastoise’s Stats:
- HP: 79
- Attack: 83
- Defense: 100
- Special Attack: 85
- Special Defense: 105
- Speed: 78
While Blastoise’s stats lean more towards defense, it still packs a decent punch, particularly when using Mega Blastoise. Its Special Defense of 105 allows it to take hits from Special Attackers, while its Defense of 100 ensures it can withstand physical moves as well.
Recommended Moveset for Blastoise:
- Hydro Pump – A strong Water-type move with high power, great for dishing out damage.
- Ice Beam – Excellent coverage against Dragon, Flying, and Grass-types.
- Rapid Spin – A utility move that clears entry hazards like Stealth Rock while boosting Blastoise’s speed.
- Scald – A Water-type move that not only deals damage but has a chance to burn the target, reducing their physical attack power.
With these moves, Blastoise can act both offensively and defensively. Scald is especially useful, as burning opponents can cripple physical attackers.
Blastoise’s Hidden Ability: Rain Dish
Blastoise’s hidden ability, Rain Dish, allows it to regain health in rain, making it a great addition to rain teams. When combined with moves like Protect or Toxic, Blastoise can stall out opponents while recovering HP every turn during rainy weather.
Blastoise’s Evolutionary Line
Blastoise evolves from Wartortle, which itself evolves from Squirtle, the beloved Water-type starter Pokémon from Generation 1. Here’s a breakdown of the evolutionary line:
- Squirtle (#007): Evolves into Wartortle at level 16.
- Wartortle (#008): Evolves into Blastoise at level 36.
- Blastoise (#009): Has Mega and Gigantamax forms, which further enhance its capabilities in battle.
Blastoise’s status as a final evolution of one of the original starters gives it a special place in the hearts of Pokémon fans worldwide.
Mega Evolution and Gigantamax Blastoise
Blastoise was given a Mega Evolution in Generation 6, boosting its base stats and granting it the Mega Launcher ability. This ability increases the power of moves like Aura Sphere and Dragon Pulse, making Mega Blastoise a fearsome special attacker.
In Pokémon Sword and Shield, Blastoise was also given a Gigantamax form. This form includes the G-Max Cannonade move, which deals Water-type damage and continues to damage the opponent for four additional turns. This makes Gigantamax Blastoise incredibly strong in battles where residual damage can turn the tide.
Blastoise in the Pokédex
Blastoise’s Pokédex entries highlight its destructive power and precise aim with its water cannons. In various games, the descriptions emphasize its ability to shoot water at extreme force, making it a terrifying opponent in battle.
Notable Pokédex Entries:
- Pokémon Red/Blue: “A brutal Pokémon with pressurized water jets on its shell. They are used for high-speed tackles.”
- Pokémon Emerald: “The waterspouts that protrude from its shell are highly accurate. Their bullets of water can precisely nail tin cans from a distance of over 160 feet.”
These entries consistently highlight Blastoise’s ability to control water with both power and precision, reflecting its design as a tank-like Pokémon.
Why Blastoise Deserves a Spot on Your Team
Blastoise remains a powerful and versatile Pokémon, capable of filling multiple roles in both competitive and casual battles. Its tanky stats, Mega Evolution, and Gigantamax form offer flexibility in team-building, allowing trainers to adapt Blastoise to different strategies.
Whether you’re building a rain team, need a solid defensive Pokémon, or want a reliable Mega Evolution, Blastoise is a great option to consider. Its Water-typing, resistances, and access to strong moves like Hydro Pump and Ice Beam make it a reliable and powerful addition to any team.