Wartortle is a Water-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I and a middle stage of its evolution line, with a base stat total of 405.

Wartortle

Wartortle

Abilities

Torrent

Ups WATER moves in a pinch.

Rain Dish

Slight HP recovery in rain.

Hidden Ability

Base Stats

Total: 405
EV Yield: 1 Defense, 1 Sp. Def
HP: 59
Attack: 63
Defense: 80
Sp. Atk: 65
Sp. Def: 80
Speed: 58

Wartortle's Weaknesses and Resistances

Evolution Chain

Squirtle evolves into Wartortle at level 16, and Wartortle evolves into Blastoise at level 36.

#0007 Squirtle Squirtle water type
Lvl. upat level 16
#0008 Wartortle Wartortle water type
Lvl. upat level 36
#0009 Blastoise Blastoise water type

Wartortle Playthrough, Competitive, and Nuzlocke Usage

Using Wartortle in a Playthrough

The Squirtle line provides one of the most consistent starter experiences, combining good defenses with reliable Water STAB and relatively few exploitable weaknesses. Squirtle performs well against Brock in Kanto and remains dependable throughout the game rather than being heavily concentrated around particular matchups, while Blastoise's 100 Defense and 105 Special Defense allow it to survive attacks that would threaten more offensive starters. Surf provides powerful and reliable Water STAB in generations where it is available, and Ice coverage gives Blastoise valuable answers to several types, particularly late-game Dragons. Its main disadvantage is replaceability rather than weakness: Pokemon games frequently provide numerous excellent Water-types with stronger offenses, secondary typings, or additional utility.

Wartortle in Competitive Pokémon

Blastoise has historically used its balanced defenses and Water typing in defensive, utility, and offensive roles, with Rapid Spin giving it particular value as an entry-hazard remover in several generations. The addition of Shell Smash dramatically expanded its offensive potential by boosting both attacking stats and Speed, allowing modern Blastoise to function as a setup sweeper using Water STAB alongside broad special coverage. Mega Blastoise further emphasizes offense through increased Special Attack, improved defenses, and Mega Launcher-boosted pulse moves, allowing it to operate as a bulky wallbreaker or offensive spinner. Despite this flexibility, base Blastoise often faces substantial competition from other Water-types, and defensive sets can be limited by its lack of dependable recovery.

Wartortle in Nuzlockes

The Squirtle line is a reliable Nuzlocke choice because Water is defensively stable, Blastoise has strong physical and special bulk, and its weaknesses are limited primarily to Grass and Electric attacks. Squirtle provides immediate value against Brock in Kanto, while Blastoise remains useful throughout a run through dependable Water STAB and Ice coverage that can become especially valuable against late-game Dragon-types. Its bulk makes failed damage calculations and unexpected neutral attacks less likely to result in immediate death, giving Blastoise a larger margin for error than many offensive Pokemon. The principal drawback is opportunity cost, since Water-types are exceptionally common in many games and other strong Water encounters are often available.

Learnsets

59 moves · Scarlet Violet

Level Up

1 Tackle normal type 40 100 physical move
1 Tail Whip normal type --- 100 status move
1 Water Gun water type 40 100 special move
1 Withdraw water type --- --- status move
9 Rapid Spin normal type 50 100 physical move
12 Bite dark type 60 100 physical move
15 Water Pulse water type 60 100 special move
20 Protect normal type --- --- status move
25 Rain Dance water type --- --- status move
30 Aqua Tail water type 90 90 physical move
35 Shell Smash normal type --- --- status move
40 Iron Defense steel type --- --- status move
45 Hydro Pump water type 110 80 special move
50 Wave Crash water type 120 100 physical move

Machine

- Ice Punch ice type 75 100 physical move
- Body Slam normal type 85 100 physical move
- Take Down normal type 90 85 physical move
- Double-Edge normal type 120 100 physical move
- Hydro Pump water type 110 80 special move
- Surf water type 90 100 special move
- Ice Beam ice type 90 100 special move
- Blizzard ice type 110 70 special move
- Dig ground type 80 100 physical move
- Haze ice type --- --- status move
- Rest psychic type --- --- status move
- Substitute normal type --- --- status move
- Protect normal type --- --- status move
- Icy Wind ice type 55 95 special move
- Endure normal type --- --- status move
- Sleep Talk normal type --- --- status move
- Rain Dance water type --- --- status move
- Whirlpool water type 35 85 special move
- Facade normal type 70 100 physical move
- Focus Punch fighting type 150 100 physical move
- Helping Hand normal type --- --- status move
- Brick Break fighting type 75 100 physical move
- Weather Ball normal type 50 100 special move
- Muddy Water water type 90 85 special move
- Iron Defense steel type --- --- status move
- Mud Shot ground type 55 95 special move
- Water Pulse water type 60 100 special move
- Gyro Ball steel type --- 100 physical move
- Fling dark type --- 100 physical move
- Zen Headbutt psychic type 80 90 physical move
- Water Pledge water type 80 100 special move
- Liquidation water type 85 100 physical move
- Flip Turn water type 60 100 physical move
- Tera Blast normal type 80 100 special move
- Ice Spinner ice type 80 100 physical move
- Chilling Water water type 50 100 special move

Egg

- Mist ice type --- --- status move
- Flail normal type --- 100 physical move
- Mirror Coat psychic type --- 100 special move
- Fake Out normal type 40 100 physical move
- Yawn normal type --- --- status move
- Water Spout water type 150 100 special move
- Aqua Ring water type --- --- status move
- Aqua Jet water type 40 100 physical move
- Life Dew water type --- --- status move

Pokédex Entries

16 entries
Red / Blue

Often hides in water to stalk unwary prey. For swimming fast, it moves its ears to maintain balance.

Yellow

When tapped, this POKéMON will pull in its head, but its tail will still stick out a little bit.

Gold

It is recognized as a symbol of longevity. If its shell has algae on it, that WARTORTLE is very old.

Silver

It cleverly controls its furry ears and tail to maintain its balance while swimming.

Crystal

Its long, furry tail is a symbol of longevity, making it quite popular among older people.

Ruby / Sapphire

Its tail is large and covered with a rich, thick fur. The tail becomes increasingly deeper in color as WARTORTLE ages. The scratches on its shell are evidence of this POKéMON’s toughness as a battler.

Emerald

Its large tail is covered with rich, thick fur that deepens in color with age. The scratches on its shell are evidence of this POKéMON’s toughness in battle.

Firered

This POKéMON is very popular as a pet. Its fur-covered tail is a symbol of its longevity.

Leafgreen

It often hides in water to stalk unwary prey. For fast swimming, it moves its ears to maintain balance.

Diamond / Pearl / Platinum / Black / White / Black 2 / White 2 / Y

It is said to live 10,000 years. Its furry tail is popular as a symbol of longevity.

Heartgold

It is a well-established symbol of longevity. If its shell has algae on it, that WARTORTLE is very old.

Soulsilver / Shield

It cleverly controls its furry ears and tail to maintain its balance while swimming.

X

When tapped, this Pokémon will pull in its head, but its tail will still stick out a little bit.

Omega Ruby / Alpha Sapphire

Its tail is large and covered with a rich, thick fur. The tail becomes increasingly deeper in color as Wartortle ages. The scratches on its shell are evidence of this Pokémon’s toughness as a battler.

Lets Go Pikachu / Lets Go Eevee

When tapped on its head, this Pokémon will pull it in, but its tail will still stick out a little bit.

Sword

It is recognized as a symbol of longevity. If its shell has algae on it, that Wartortle is very old.

Where To Find Wartortle

1 locations
Friend Safari · KalosWalking · version details vary

Friend Safari (Water)

X max 33%
Walking · Lv. 30 · 33% · Friend Safari Slot 2
Y max 33%
Walking · Lv. 30 · 33% · Friend Safari Slot 2

Additional Images

PokeAPI sprites

Open this section to load extra PokeAPI sprite images.

Wartortle Biology and Behavior

Wartortle is adapted for prolonged aquatic activity, storing air in the fur of its ears and tail to remain underwater for extended periods. Its large shell makes balance more difficult than it is for Squirtle, so the furry ears and tail function as rudders and stabilizers while it swims at high speed. Wartortle hunts by concealing itself underwater and suddenly emerging to ambush prey, and even while sleeping it leaves part of its tail exposed to sense possible danger. Individuals are associated with exceptional longevity: the tail darkens with age, old shells may accumulate scars and algae, and the species' tail has become a cultural symbol of long life and good fortune.

Wartortle Biological Data

National Pokédex
#8
Species
Turtle Pokémon
Height
3' 3" (1.0 m)
Weight
49.6 lbs (22.5 kg)
Habitat
Waters Edge
Color
Blue
Body Style
Upright
Gender
12.5% female / 87.5% male

Misc

Catch Rate: 45

Base Experience: 142 Exp

Hatch Counter: 20

Wartortle Size Comparison: BETA

Wartortle is listed at 3' 3" (1.0 m); this chart uses a pose-adjusted visual scale.

7 ft6 ft5 ft4 ft3 ft2 ft1 ft0 ft
wartortle
Professor Oak
How is visual size determined?

Pokédex height is treated as the official listed measurement, but the chart uses pose-aware visual scaling so each sprite looks reasonable in a direct comparison.

For long or coiled Pokémon, the listed height may represent total body length rather than upright height. For Pokémon with floppy ears, leaves, feathers, antennae, wings, or other flexible features, the chart usually measures to the top of the solid, substantial part of the head or body instead of the tallest decorative feature.

The goal is not to replace the official height, but to make the artwork compare naturally at the size it appears to occupy.

Wartortle currently uses a pose-adjusted visual scale.