No. 0007 · Generation I · Tiny Turtle Pokémon
ゼニガメZenigame · From 銭亀 zenigame, the everyday Japanese word for a baby pond turtle: zeni (an old word for coins or money) + kame (turtle)
The Tiny Turtle Pokémon · Water type · first seen in Pokémon Red & Green (1996)
01Overview
Meet Squirtle
Everything you need to know about the Tiny Turtle Pokémon — the creature behind the number.
Meet Squirtle, the Tiny Turtle Pokémon: a pale-blue, big-eyed little reptile that toddles about on two short legs, wears a brown shell over a cream-coloured belly and finishes the look with a wonderfully curly tail. As #0007 in the National Pokédex it is the very first Water type of them all – and, ever since 1996, one of the three faces waiting on Professor Oak's table.
Everything about Squirtle revolves around that shell. It is soft when Squirtle hatches, then swells and hardens so quickly that a prodding finger simply bounces off. Danger? Squirtle tucks its head and limbs inside and sits it out – it even sleeps that way, sealed up safe and sometimes rocking contentedly from side to side. The shell is built for speed, too: its rounded shape and grooved surface slip through the water, so this little turtle can really shift when it swims.
“When it retracts its long neck into its shell, it squirts out water with vigorous force.”
Pokédex · Pokémon Red (Japan), Green (Japan), FireRed & Sword · 1996
Its other trademark is its aim. From the safety of its shell, Squirtle strikes back with spouts of water or powerful blasts of foam, and it hunts by shooting water at prey while swimming. Wild Squirtle are scarce, keeping to small ponds, lakes and mountain rivers, and life is not always easy: Sharpedo prey on them, and youngsters that are still weak often lean on bigger friends such as Lapras to bail them out. Some even sunbathe – not just to dry off their shells, but to soak up nutrients that help them grow strong.
Squirtle has been a first partner since Pokémon Red and Green, offered by Professor Oak alongside Bulbasaur and Charmander, and it keeps turning up as a welcome gift: from Officer Jenny in Vermilion City in Yellow, from Professor Oak again in HeartGold and SoulSilver, from Professor Sycamore in X and Y and from Mable in Legends: Z-A. In Pokémon Pokopia it is the very first Pokémon you befriend. Raise one and it grows into the fluffy-tailed Wartortle at level 16 and the cannon-backed Blastoise at level 36.
For fans, Squirtle is pure charm with a cheeky streak. Much of that comes from the anime, where Ash's Squirtle started out as the sunglasses-wearing ringleader of the Squirtle Squad before becoming a firm favourite on his team – and those shades have been a favourite look ever since, right down to Pokémon GO's Community Day. Add its turn as a quick, scrappy fighter in Super Smash Bros., and it is easy to see why the little turtle with the curly tail has never gone out of style.
How big is Squirtle?
At 0.5 m (1′08″) Squirtle stands roughly knee-high to an adult, and at 9.0 kg (19.8 lb) it weighs exactly as much as nine litres of water – about one big, sloshing bucketful.
Evolution
02In the Pokédex's words
Squirtle's Pokédex entries
20 different entries across 44 games, from 1996 to 2023. Here is how the Pokédex has described Squirtle over the years, in the order the games came out.
Generation I
When it retracts its long neck into its shell, it squirts out water with vigorous force.
Kanto Pokédex
After birth, its back swells and hardens into a shell. Powerfully sprays foam from its mouth.
Kanto Pokédex
Shoots water at prey while in the water. Withdraws into its shell when in danger.
Kanto Pokédex
It takes time for the shell to form and harden after hatching. It sprays foam powerfully from its mouth.
Kanto Pokédex
Generation II
The shell is soft when it is born. It soon becomes so resilient, prodding fingers will bounce off it.
Johto Pokédex
The shell, which hardens soon after it is born, is resilient. If you poke it, it will bounce back out.
Johto Pokédex
When it feels threatened, it draws its legs inside its shell and sprays water from its mouth.
Johto Pokédex
Generation III
Squirtle's shell is not merely used for protection. The shell's rounded shape and the grooves on its surface help minimize resistance in water, enabling this Pokémon to swim at high speeds.
Hoenn Pokédex
After birth, its back swells and hardens into a shell. It powerfully sprays foam from its mouth.
FireRed & LeafGreen Pokédex
Its shell is not just for protection. Its rounded shape and the grooves on its surface minimize resistance in water, enabling Squirtle to swim at high speeds.
Hoenn Pokédex
Squirtle puffs its cheeks, then shoots water that can extinguish a small fire.
Capture Styler (Pokémon Ranger series)
Generation IV
It shelters itself in its shell, then strikes back with spouts of water at every opportunity.
Sinnoh Pokédex
It attacks by squirting water from its mouth.
Capture Styler (Pokémon Ranger series)
Generation V
It shelters itself in its shell then strikes back with spouts of water at every opportunity.
Unova Pokédex
Generation VIII
When it feels threatened, it draws its limbs inside its shell and sprays water from its mouth.
Rotom Phone (Sword & Shield)
Squirtle doesn't bask in the sun just to dry off its shell—it's also absorbing nutrients to help it grow strong. It's still weak for now, though, so it often needs friends like Lapras to rescue it.
Photodex (New Pokémon Snap)
It hides in its shell to protect itself, then strikes back with spouts of water at every opportunity.
Sinnoh Pokédex
Generation IX
After birth, its back swells and hardens into a shell. It sprays a potent foam from its mouth.
Rotom Phone (Scarlet & Violet)
Its shell is soft immediately after it is born. In no time at all, the shell becomes so resilient that a prodding finger will bounce right off it.
Rotom Phone (Scarlet & Violet)
It withdraws its limbs and head into its shell to sleep. It's said to do this to protect itself while sleeping when it's wary of threats. Apparently, it also sometimes rocks contentedly from side to side.
03Stats, moves & where to find it
Squirtle in the video games
Base stat total 314 · 24 core-series games · 35 spin-offs · every move it learns, generation by generation.
Base stats
Base stats have never changed: 44/48/65/50/64/43, a total of 314, with Defense as its best stat. In Generation I Squirtle had a single Special stat of 50; when Gold and Silver split Special in two, Sp. Atk stayed at 50 and Sp. Def rose to 64. Base experience yield was 66 until Generation V lowered it to 63, and base friendship was 70 in Generations II–VII and has been 50 since Generation VIII. It reaches level 100 at 1,059,860 Exp. (Medium Slow).
Abilities
- Torrentsince Gen III
Powers up Squirtle's Water-type moves when its HP is low (a third or less). - Rain DishHidden abilitysince Gen V
Squirtle recovers a little HP at the end of every turn while it is raining.
Type matchups
How hard each attacking type hits a Water Pokémon.
The Steel resistance applies from Generation II, when the Steel type was introduced; otherwise Squirtle's matchups have never changed.
Training & breeding
- Catch rate
- 45
- Base friendship
- 50
- Base experience
- 63
- Growth rate
- Medium Slow
- EV yield
- 1 Defense
- Egg groups
- Monster, Water 1
- Egg cycles
- 20
- Colour
- Blue
- Gender ratio
- 87.5% male
- Body shape
- bipedal, tailed
Where to find Squirtle
| Game | Year | How to get it |
|---|---|---|
| Red & Green | 1996 | First partner from Professor Oak in Pallet Town |
| Blue (Japan) | 1996 | First partner from Professor Oak in Pallet Town |
| Red & Blue | 1998 | First partner from Professor Oak in Pallet TownPick Charmander and your rival Blue takes Squirtle, using it in your first three battles before it evolves into Wartortle. |
| Yellow | 1998 | Gift (Lv. 10) from Officer Jenny in Vermilion CityShe only hands it over once you have earned the Thunder Badge. |
| Gold & Silver | 1999 | Not in the wild – trade from Red, Blue or Yellow via the Time Capsule, or eventThe US Gotta Catch 'Em All Station! event gave out a Squirtle knowing Zap Cannon (2001–2003); a Squirtle traded across from Red or Blue arrives holding a Bitter Berry. |
| Crystal | 2000 | Time Capsule trade or event |
| Ruby & Sapphire | 2002 | Trade (from FireRed/LeafGreen) or event |
| FireRed & LeafGreen | 2004 | First partner from Professor Oak in Pallet Town |
| Emerald | 2004 | Trade or event |
| Diamond & Pearl | 2006 | Not obtainable in Sinnoh – migrate it from a GBA game via Pal Park (Pond area) |
| Platinum | 2008 | Not obtainable in Sinnoh – Pal Park migration only |
| HeartGold & SoulSilver | 2009 | Gift from Professor Oak in Pallet Town after defeating RedOak offers a choice of Bulbasaur, Charmander or Squirtle. |
| Black & White | 2010 | Not found in Unova – Pokémon Global Link (Dream World) promotionsJapanese and Korean Global Link promotions handed out Squirtle with its Hidden Ability, Rain Dish. |
| Black 2 & White 2 | 2012 | Poké Transfer or event (Kanto first partner Egg promotions in Japan and South Korea) |
| X & Y | 2013 | Gift from Professor Sycamore at the Sycamore Pokémon Lab in Lumiose CitySycamore lets you choose one of the three Kanto first partners – pick Squirtle and his lab later gives you Blastoisinite too. |
| Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire | 2014 | Trade or eventThe 2016 World Championships Squirtle came holding Blastoisinite. |
| Sun & Moon | 2016 | Not obtainable in Alola – transfer only |
| Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon | 2017 | Island Scan in Seaward Cave (Melemele Island), on Mondays |
| Let's Go, Pikachu! & Let's Go, Eevee! | 2018 | Wild on Routes 24 and 25 and in the Seafoam Islands; one-off gift (Lv. 16) from Officer Jenny in Vermilion CityOfficer Jenny's gift needs at least 60 Pokémon caught. |
| Sword & Shield | 2019 | The Isle of Armor (2020): gift at the Master Dojo after Mustard's first trial – choose Bulbasaur or Squirtle, both with the Gigantamax FactorAlso via Wild Area News, Pokémon HOME gifts and trade (Version 1.2.0+). |
| Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl | 2021 | Grand Underground hideaways (Fountainspring Cave, Riverbank Cave, Still-Water Cavern) after obtaining the National Pokédex |
| Legends: Arceus | 2022 | Unobtainable |
| Scarlet & Violet | 2022 | The Indigo Disk (2023): Canyon Biome in the TerariumAppears after the Terarium Club's biodiversity request for the Canyon Biome; trade from Version 3.0.0. |
| Legends: Z-A | 2025 | Gift from Mable at the Pokémon Research Lab (Vert District) during Side Mission 22; wild in Wild Zone 20 (Centrico Plaza)Mega Dimension DLC: also in Hyperspace Lumiose's Water-type wild zones. |
Sprites through the ages
Spin-offs & cameos
Super Smash Bros.
Squirtle's Smash career started with a walk-on part: in Melee it is the first of the Poké Floats, with fighters starting out balanced on its head and arms before it sinks out of view, and it has a trophy too. Brawl made it a fighter as one third of the Pokémon Trainer's team with Ivysaur and Charizard, swapped in and out with Pokémon Change. Light, quick in the air and hard to combo, but the shortest-ranged of the trio, it fights with a chargeable Water Gun that shoves foes away, Withdraw (a water-powered shell slide), Waterfall to get back to the stage and Hydro Pump in the Triple Finish Final Smash – the one moment all three Pokémon share the screen. In the Subspace Emissary it is the Trainer's only Pokémon at first, coming to Lucas's aid at the Ruined Zoo, and it was tied with Olimar as Brawl's smallest fighter. Smash for 3DS and Wii U demoted it to a trophy, but Ultimate brought it back quicker on the ground, with a longer, more reliable Water Gun and a faster Withdraw – while in Palutena's Guidance, Viridi cracks a joke about 'tiny turtle stew'.
Pokémon GO
Squirtle has been in Pokémon GO since launch day in 2016. Evolving it takes 25 Candy, and as a buddy it earns Candy every 3 km. Its big day came on 8 July 2018: Community Day debuted Shiny Squirtle, Wartortle and Blastoise, Blastoise evolved during the event learned the exclusive Hydro Cannon, and event Field Research rewarded a Squirtle wearing Squirtle Squad-style sunglasses that keeps its shades as it evolves. A Community Day Classic on 9 July 2023 brought the sunglasses and Hydro Cannon back, with Squirtle photobombing Trainers' snapshots. Over the years it has also dressed up in a Yamask costume, a party hat and a Pikachu visor. When Mega Evolution arrived on 27 August 2020, Mega Blastoise was one of the first Megas in raids, alongside Mega Venusaur and Mega Charizard, and Gigantamax Blastoise later stomped into Max Battles during the GO Bigger event. You can also meet Squirtle as a Shadow Pokémon; purify it and it can learn Return.
Squirtle lives by the river on the Valley course – one more reason to keep your camera ready.
Flip your way to Viridian City on the Blue Field and Squirtle is up for grabs.
Has its own Stadium Pokédex entry, and clearing Gym Leader Castle can reward you with a Squirtle to send back to your Game Boy cartridge.
Ash's Squirtle is one of the Pokémon you can play as in this anime-flavoured block-swapping puzzler.
Its Pokédex entry changes with the cartridge you plug in: the Gold text for Red, Silver or Crystal, the Silver text for Blue, Gold or Yellow.
The very first of the Poké Floats – fighters start the stage standing on its head and arms – and it has a trophy too.
A common piece in Huge Storage 4, Endless mode, Trozei Battle and Mr. Who's Den.
You can become Squirtle through the personality quiz or pick it as your partner ('I'll knock them out with my Water Gun!'); wild ones wait in Waterfall Pond, and its friend area is Turtleshell Pond.
Fiore Browser #076 lurks at the Waterworks; once captured, it lends a hand with its Soak field move.
Back as a hero or partner choice, and recruitable in Lake Afar.
Almia Browser #011 shows up at the Ranger School and in Marine Cave, attacking by squirting water from its mouth.
Squirtle becomes a fighter at last, one third of the Pokémon Trainer's team alongside Ivysaur and Charizard.
The expanded Explorers adventure keeps Squirtle as a hero or partner option, with wild ones still in Lake Afar.
A First Friend in Let's Go! Stormy Adventure Squad, found on Storm Island and Final Island, and it can join the Blazing and Light teams through a linked save.
Squirtle came to the Iceberg Zone to see the Ice Tree, and its favourite attraction is Empoleon's Snow Slide.
Found in the Arcane Area – a shy Squirtle that cares deeply for its friends and grows less shy the more it makes.
Appears in the Dream Gate's Wet and Wild Battle and in the Variety Battle 'Get 1,000 Combos!'.
Not playable this time, but its trophy calls it a popular choice for being 'so gosh-darn adorable'.
Joins early, in Puerto Blanco Stage 3, with the Power of 4 skill – and a special Winking Squirtle starred as a Daily Pokémon, breaking up rock disruptions.
Another hero or partner option ('I'm proud of my tough shell!') – or chat to one in Noe Town to recruit it.
Solve Area 07, Stage 04 to catch it; its Blue Force skill turns hint numbers blue on rows with squares you can confirm.
In from launch day, with two Community Days, sunglasses-wearing Squirtle, Mega Blastoise raids and Gigantamax Blastoise Max Battles.
Back on the Pokémon Trainer's team, quicker on the ground and with a longer, more reliable Water Gun.
Turns up across many Seas, from the Charizard, Gengar and Mewtwo Seas to the Bulbasaur Sea.
Hatch it from an Egg to team up with your own player character.
The Switch remake keeps Squirtle as a hero or partner, with wild ones in Murky Cave and Waterfall Pond.
A regular customer who can join the staff, with Turtle Print and Rainy Day outfits (2022) and a 3rd-anniversary look (2023).
Photodex #099, snapped at Maricopia Reef and on the Lental Seafloor.
Blastoise, a Defender, starts every match as Squirtle, evolving into Wartortle at Lv. 5 and Blastoise at Lv. 7.
A Slumbering-type ingredient specialist that gathers Moomoo Milk, Soothing Cacao and Bean Sausage, with sleep styles like Sheltered Sleep and Overturned Sleep.
The very first Pokémon Ditto befriends: found on the ground in need of water, so Ditto learns Water Gun and gives it a splash.
Moves
Squirtle started out with a refreshingly short list in Red and Green: eight level-up moves, running from Tackle and Tail Whip through Bubble, Water Gun, Bite and Withdraw to Skull Bash and a level-42 Hydro Pump. Its 24 TMs and HMs let the little turtle throw a Mega Punch, freeze foes with Ice Beam and ride the waves with Surf. Gold and Silver added Rapid Spin, Protect and Rain Dance plus the first egg moves, and Diamond and Pearl brought Water Pulse and Aqua Tail into the level-up list.
The modern games are in more of a hurry. Since Sword and Shield, Water Gun arrives at level 3, Rapid Spin hits for 50 and the daring Shell Smash turns up at 27, while Scarlet and Violet swap the closing Skull Bash for the 120-power Wave Crash. Legends: Z-A rewrites the script again with Bubble Beam, Icy Wind, Aqua Ring and Aqua Jet before a level-45 Liquidation. And a Generation V event Egg once hatched a Squirtle that already knew Hydro Cannon.
Signature moves
Squirtle's very first Water attack, blown at level 8 in Red and Green. It doubled to 40 power in X and Y, then floated out of the level-up list for good with Sword and Shield.
A level-15 squirt in Red and Blue that keeps arriving earlier: level 7 from X and Y, and level 3 since Sword and Shield and in Legends: Z-A.
The classic duck into the shell. It moved from level 28 in Red and Blue to level 10 in Gold and Silver and level 6 today, and it sits in every level-up list from Red and Green to Scarlet and Violet.
Squirtle's spinning-top trick arrived in Gold and Silver at level 23 as a feeble 20-power move; Sword and Shield moved it to level 9 and boosted it to 50 power.
A head-first charge that has been there since Red and Blue (level 35, and TM40 too). It climbed from 100 to 130 power in X and Y, closed the level-up list in Let's Go and Sword and Shield, gave way to Wave Crash in Scarlet and Violet and returns as a 150-power TM in Legends: Z-A.
The big finish in Red and Blue: 120 power at level 42. It was trimmed to 110 power in X and Y, now arrives at level 33, and is a TM-only move in Legends: Z-A.
Sword and Shield's daring new trick at level 27: Squirtle cracks open its own defences for a burst of power and speed, and it is still there in Scarlet and Violet.
Complete learnsets
Generation I · Red, Green, Blue & Yellow8 level-up · 24 TM/HM
Squirtle is one of the three first partners from Professor Oak in Pallet Town in Red, Green and Blue; in Yellow, Officer Jenny hands one over in Vermilion City once you have the Thunder Badge. The levels are the same in all four games. In Generations I to III a move's category depends on its type, so every Water-type attack is special and every Normal-type attack is physical. Bite is still a Normal-type move here, and move names use the old spellings (BubbleBeam). The transfer list shows Generation II moves that a Squirtle can carry back to Red, Blue or Yellow through the Time Capsule.
By level-up
| RGBY | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tackle | Normal | Physical | 35 | 95 | 35 |
| 1 | Tail Whip | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| 8 | Bubble | Water | Special | 20 | 100 | 30 |
| 15 | Water Gun | Water | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| 22 | Bite | Normal | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| 28 | Withdraw | Water | Status | — | — | 40 |
| 35 | Skull Bash | Normal | Physical | 100 | 100 | 15 |
| 42 | Hydro Pump | Water | Special | 120 | 80 | 5 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM01 | Mega Punch | Normal | Physical | 80 | 85 | 20 |
| TM05 | Mega Kick | Normal | Physical | 120 | 75 | 5 |
| TM06 | Toxic | Poison | Status | — | 85 | 10 |
| TM08 | Body Slam | Normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| TM09 | Take Down | Normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| TM10 | Double-Edge | Normal | Physical | 100 | 100 | 15 |
| TM11 | BubbleBeam | Water | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| TM12 | Water Gun | Water | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| TM13 | Ice Beam | Ice | Special | 95 | 100 | 10 |
| TM14 | Blizzard | Ice | Special | 120 | 90 | 5 |
| TM17 | Submission | Fighting | Physical | 80 | 80 | 25 |
| TM18 | Counter | Fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM19 | Seismic Toss | Fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM20 | Rage | Normal | Physical | 20 | 100 | 20 |
| TM28 | Dig | Ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| TM31 | Mimic | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| TM32 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| TM33 | Reflect | Psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| TM34 | Bide | Normal | Physical | — | — | 10 |
| TM40 | Skull Bash | Normal | Physical | 100 | 100 | 15 |
| TM44 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM50 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| HM03 | Surf | Water | Special | 95 | 100 | 15 |
| HM04 | Strength | Normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
By transfer
| Move | From |
|---|---|
| Confusion | Gen II (breeding) |
| Defense Curl | Gen II (TM) |
| Haze | Gen II (breeding) |
| Headbutt | Gen II (TM) |
| Ice Punch | Gen II (TM) |
| Mist | Gen II (breeding) |
| Waterfall | Gen II (TM) |
Generation II · Gold, Silver & Crystal11 level-up · 29 TM/HM · 6 egg · 1 tutor · 1 event
Squirtle has no home in Gold, Silver or Crystal: it arrives by Time Capsule trade from the Kanto games or through events. Bite becomes a Dark-type move from this generation on. Breeding arrives too, bringing Squirtle's first egg moves; Flail and Foresight have to be chain-bred, passed down from a father that inherited them itself. Crystal's move tutor can teach it Ice Beam, and the Pokémon Center New York handed out a Squirtle that knew Zap Cannon.
By level-up
| GSC | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tackle | Normal | Physical | 35 | 95 | 35 |
| 4 | Tail Whip | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| 7 | Bubble | Water | Special | 20 | 100 | 30 |
| 10 | Withdraw | Water | Status | — | — | 40 |
| 13 | Water Gun | Water | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| 18 | Bite | Dark | Special | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| 23 | Rapid Spin | Normal | Physical | 20 | 100 | 40 |
| 28 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| 33 | Rain Dance | Water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| 40 | Skull Bash | Normal | Physical | 100 | 100 | 15 |
| 47 | Hydro Pump | Water | Special | 120 | 80 | 5 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM01 | DynamicPunch | Fighting | Physical | 100 | 50 | 5 |
| TM02 | Headbutt | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| TM03 | Curse | ??? | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM04 | Rollout | Rock | Physical | 30 | 90 | 20 |
| TM06 | Toxic | Poison | Status | — | 85 | 10 |
| TM08 | Rock Smash | Fighting | Physical | 20 | 100 | 15 |
| TM10 | Hidden Power | Normal | Varies | — | 100 | 15 |
| TM13 | Snore | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| TM14 | Blizzard | Ice | Special | 120 | 70 | 5 |
| TM16 | Icy Wind | Ice | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| TM17 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM18 | Rain Dance | Water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| TM20 | Endure | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM21 | Frustration | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM23 | Iron Tail | Steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 |
| TM27 | Return | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM28 | Dig | Ground | Physical | 60 | 100 | 10 |
| TM31 | Mud-Slap | Ground | Physical | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| TM32 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| TM33 | Ice Punch | Ice | Special | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| TM34 | Swagger | Normal | Status | — | 90 | 15 |
| TM35 | Sleep Talk | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM40 | Defense Curl | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| TM44 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM45 | Attract | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| HM03 | Surf | Water | Special | 95 | 100 | 15 |
| HM04 | Strength | Normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| HM06 | Whirlpool | Water | Special | 15 | 70 | 15 |
| HM07 | Waterfall | Water | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
By breeding (egg moves)
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Confusion | Psychic | Special | 50 | 100 | 25 | Psyduck, Golduck, Slowpoke, Slowbro, Slowking |
| Flail | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 | Horsea, Seadra, Kingdra (chain breeding: the father must itself have learned it as an egg move) |
| Foresight | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 40 | Psyduck, Golduck, Marill, Azumarill (chain breeding: the father must itself have learned it as an egg move) |
| Haze | Ice | Status | — | — | 30 | Wooper, Quagsire |
| Mirror Coat | Psychic | Special | — | 100 | 20 | Corsola |
| Mist | Ice | Status | — | — | 30 | Lapras, Wooper, Quagsire |
By move tutor
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ice Beam | Ice | Special | 95 | 100 | 10 | Crystal |
Event moves
| Move | Event |
|---|---|
| Zap Cannon | Pokémon Center New York |
By transfer
| Move | From |
|---|---|
| Bide | Gen I (TM) |
| Body Slam | Gen I (TM) |
| BubbleBeam | Gen I (TM) |
| Counter | Gen I (TM) |
| Double-Edge | Gen I (TM) |
| Mega Kick | Gen I (TM) |
| Mega Punch | Gen I (TM) |
| Mimic | Gen I (TM) |
| Rage | Gen I (TM) |
| Reflect | Gen I (TM) |
| Seismic Toss | Gen I (TM) |
| Submission | Gen I (TM) |
| Substitute | Gen I (TM) |
| Take Down | Gen I (TM) |
Generation III · Ruby, Sapphire, FireRed, LeafGreen, Emerald & XD11 level-up · 24 TM/HM · 8 egg · 18 tutor
Squirtle is a first partner again in FireRed and LeafGreen, received from Professor Oak in Pallet Town; in Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald it comes only by trade or events. Categories still follow the move's type, so Dive and Waterfall count as special attacks here. The tutor list covers FireRed and LeafGreen, Emerald and Pokémon XD.
By level-up
| RSE/FRLG | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tackle | Normal | Physical | 35 | 95 | 35 |
| 4 | Tail Whip | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| 7 | Bubble | Water | Special | 20 | 100 | 30 |
| 10 | Withdraw | Water | Status | — | — | 40 |
| 13 | Water Gun | Water | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| 18 | Bite | Dark | Special | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| 23 | Rapid Spin | Normal | Physical | 20 | 100 | 40 |
| 28 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| 33 | Rain Dance | Water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| 40 | Skull Bash | Normal | Physical | 100 | 100 | 15 |
| 47 | Hydro Pump | Water | Special | 120 | 80 | 5 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM01 | Focus Punch | Fighting | Physical | 150 | 100 | 20 |
| TM03 | Water Pulse | Water | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| TM06 | Toxic | Poison | Status | — | 85 | 10 |
| TM07 | Hail | Ice | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM10 | Hidden Power | Normal | Varies | — | 100 | 15 |
| TM13 | Ice Beam | Ice | Special | 95 | 100 | 10 |
| TM14 | Blizzard | Ice | Special | 120 | 70 | 5 |
| TM17 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM18 | Rain Dance | Water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| TM21 | Frustration | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM23 | Iron Tail | Steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 |
| TM27 | Return | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM28 | Dig | Ground | Physical | 60 | 100 | 10 |
| TM31 | Brick Break | Fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| TM32 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| TM42 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| TM43 | Secret Power | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| TM44 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM45 | Attract | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| HM03 | Surf | Water | Special | 95 | 100 | 15 |
| HM04 | Strength | Normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| HM06 | Rock Smash | Fighting | Physical | 20 | 100 | 15 |
| HM07 | Waterfall | Water | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| HM08 | Dive | Water | Special | 60 | 100 | 10 |
By breeding (egg moves)
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flail | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 | Feebas |
| Foresight | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 40 | Mudkip, Marshtomp, Swampert |
| Haze | Ice | Status | — | — | 30 | Wooper, Quagsire, Surskit |
| Mirror Coat | Psychic | Special | — | 100 | 20 | Corsola |
| Mist | Ice | Status | — | — | 30 | Lapras, Wooper, Quagsire, Lotad, Wingull, Pelipper, Surskit |
| Mud Sport | Ground | Status | — | — | 15 | Mudkip, Marshtomp, Swampert, Relicanth |
| Refresh | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 | Lickitung, Corsola, Milotic |
| Yawn | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | Slowpoke, Slowbro, Slowking, Snorlax, Wooper, Quagsire, Relicanth |
By move tutor
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body Slam | Normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 | FRLG, Emerald, XD |
| Counter | Fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 | FRLG, Emerald |
| Defense Curl | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 | Emerald |
| Double-Edge | Normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 | FRLG, Emerald, XD |
| DynamicPunch | Fighting | Physical | 100 | 50 | 5 | Emerald |
| Endure | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | Emerald |
| Ice Punch | Ice | Special | 75 | 100 | 15 | Emerald |
| Icy Wind | Ice | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 | Emerald, XD |
| Mega Kick | Normal | Physical | 120 | 75 | 5 | FRLG, Emerald |
| Mega Punch | Normal | Physical | 80 | 85 | 20 | FRLG, Emerald |
| Mimic | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | FRLG, Emerald, XD |
| Mud-Slap | Ground | Physical | 20 | 100 | 10 | Emerald |
| Rollout | Rock | Physical | 30 | 90 | 20 | Emerald |
| Seismic Toss | Fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 | FRLG, Emerald, XD |
| Sleep Talk | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | Emerald |
| Snore | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 | Emerald |
| Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | FRLG, Emerald, XD |
| Swagger | Normal | Status | — | 90 | 15 | Emerald, XD |
Generation IV · Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold & SoulSilver14 level-up · 34 TM/HM · 13 egg · 10 tutor
From this generation every move has its own physical or special category. In HeartGold and SoulSilver, Professor Oak gives you Squirtle in Pallet Town after you defeat Red. Platinum, HeartGold and SoulSilver add Iron Defense at level 34 and push Rain Dance and Hydro Pump back three levels each. Whirlpool is HM05 in HeartGold and SoulSilver only, and Water Spout is an egg move there only, chain-bred through Remoraid. The transfer list shows tutor moves that can only be brought over from Generation III.
By level-up
| DP | Pt/HGSS | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Tackle | Normal | Physical | 35 | 95 | 35 |
| 4 | 4 | Tail Whip | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| 7 | 7 | Bubble | Water | Special | 20 | 100 | 30 |
| 10 | 10 | Withdraw | Water | Status | — | — | 40 |
| 13 | 13 | Water Gun | Water | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| 16 | 16 | Bite | Dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| 19 | 19 | Rapid Spin | Normal | Physical | 20 | 100 | 40 |
| 22 | 22 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| 25 | 25 | Water Pulse | Water | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| 28 | 28 | Aqua Tail | Water | Physical | 90 | 90 | 10 |
| 31 | 31 | Skull Bash | Normal | Physical | 100 | 100 | 15 |
| — | 34 | Iron Defense | Steel | Status | — | — | 15 |
| 34 | 37 | Rain Dance | Water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| 37 | 40 | Hydro Pump | Water | Special | 120 | 80 | 5 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM01 | Focus Punch | Fighting | Physical | 150 | 100 | 20 | |
| TM03 | Water Pulse | Water | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 | |
| TM06 | Toxic | Poison | Status | — | 85 | 10 | |
| TM07 | Hail | Ice | Status | — | — | 10 | |
| TM10 | Hidden Power | Normal | Special | — | 100 | 15 | |
| TM13 | Ice Beam | Ice | Special | 95 | 100 | 10 | |
| TM14 | Blizzard | Ice | Special | 120 | 70 | 5 | |
| TM17 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | |
| TM18 | Rain Dance | Water | Status | — | — | 5 | |
| TM21 | Frustration | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 | |
| TM23 | Iron Tail | Steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 | |
| TM27 | Return | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 | |
| TM28 | Dig | Ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 | |
| TM31 | Brick Break | Fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 | |
| TM32 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 | |
| TM39 | Rock Tomb | Rock | Physical | 50 | 80 | 10 | |
| TM42 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 | |
| TM43 | Secret Power | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 | |
| TM44 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 | |
| TM45 | Attract | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 | |
| TM55 | Brine | Water | Special | 65 | 100 | 10 | |
| TM56 | Fling | Dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 | |
| TM58 | Endure | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | |
| TM74 | Gyro Ball | Steel | Physical | — | 100 | 5 | |
| TM78 | Captivate | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 | |
| TM82 | Sleep Talk | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | |
| TM83 | Natural Gift | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 | |
| TM87 | Swagger | Normal | Status | — | 90 | 15 | |
| TM90 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | |
| HM03 | Surf | Water | Special | 95 | 100 | 15 | |
| HM04 | Strength | Normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 | |
| HM05 | Whirlpool | Water | Special | 15 | 70 | 15 | HGSS |
| HM06 | Rock Smash | Fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 | |
| HM07 | Waterfall | Water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
By breeding (egg moves)
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aqua Jet | Water | Physical | 40 | 100 | 20 | Golduck, Seel, Dewgong, Kabuto, Kabutops, Empoleon, Buizel, Floatzel |
| Aqua Ring | Water | Status | — | — | 20 | Seel, Dewgong, Marill, Azumarill, Corsola, Mantine, Milotic, Gorebyss and 3 more |
| Fake Out | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 10 | Lombre |
| Flail | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 | Totodile, Croconaw, Feraligatr, Feebas |
| Foresight | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 | Mudkip, Marshtomp, Swampert |
| Haze | Ice | Status | — | — | 30 | Wooper, Quagsire, Surskit |
| Mirror Coat | Psychic | Special | — | 100 | 20 | Corsola |
| Mist | Ice | Status | — | — | 30 | Lapras, Wooper, Quagsire, Lotad, Wingull, Pelipper, Surskit, Piplup and 4 more |
| Mud Sport | Ground | Status | — | — | 15 | Wooper, Quagsire, Mudkip, Relicanth, Shellos, Gastrodon |
| Muddy Water | Water | Special | 95 | 85 | 10 | Wooper, Quagsire, Marshtomp, Swampert, Shellos, Gastrodon |
| Refresh | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 | Lickitung, Lickilicky, Corsola, Milotic |
| Water Spout | Water | Special | 150 | 100 | 5 | HeartGold & SoulSilver only: Remoraid (chain breeding: the father must itself have learned it as an egg move) |
| Yawn | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | Slowpoke, Slowbro, Slowking, Wooper, Quagsire, Kingdra, Relicanth, Bidoof and 1 more |
By move tutor
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aqua Tail | Water | Physical | 90 | 90 | 10 | Pt, HGSS |
| Dive | Water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 | Pt, HGSS |
| Headbutt | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 | HGSS |
| Ice Punch | Ice | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 | Pt, HGSS |
| Icy Wind | Ice | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 | Pt, HGSS |
| Iron Defense | Steel | Status | — | — | 15 | Pt, HGSS |
| Mud-Slap | Ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 | Pt, HGSS |
| Rollout | Rock | Physical | 30 | 90 | 20 | Pt, HGSS |
| Snore | Normal | Special | 40 | 100 | 15 | Pt, HGSS |
| Zen Headbutt | Psychic | Physical | 80 | 90 | 15 | Pt, HGSS |
By transfer
| Move | From |
|---|---|
| Body Slam | Gen III (tutor) |
| Counter | Gen III (tutor) |
| Defense Curl | Gen III (tutor) |
| Double-Edge | Gen III (tutor) |
| DynamicPunch | Gen III (tutor) |
| Mega Kick | Gen III (tutor) |
| Mega Punch | Gen III (tutor) |
| Mimic | Gen III (tutor) |
| Seismic Toss | Gen III (tutor) |
Generation V · Black, White, Black 2 & White 214 level-up · 27 TM/HM · 14 egg · 9 tutor · 4 event
Black and White: a Global Link event only; Black 2 and White 2: Poké Transfer and events. Water Pledge is taught in all four games, while Black 2 and White 2 add a long list of tutor moves. Event Eggs handed out in Japan and Korea hatched a Squirtle knowing False Swipe, Block, Hydro Cannon and Follow Me. Water Spout still needs chain breeding.
By level-up
| BW/B2W2 | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tackle | Normal | Physical | 50 | 100 | 35 |
| 4 | Tail Whip | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| 7 | Bubble | Water | Special | 20 | 100 | 30 |
| 10 | Withdraw | Water | Status | — | — | 40 |
| 13 | Water Gun | Water | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| 16 | Bite | Dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| 19 | Rapid Spin | Normal | Physical | 20 | 100 | 40 |
| 22 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| 25 | Water Pulse | Water | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| 28 | Aqua Tail | Water | Physical | 90 | 90 | 10 |
| 31 | Skull Bash | Normal | Physical | 100 | 100 | 15 |
| 34 | Iron Defense | Steel | Status | — | — | 15 |
| 37 | Rain Dance | Water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| 40 | Hydro Pump | Water | Special | 120 | 80 | 5 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM06 | Toxic | Poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| TM07 | Hail | Ice | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM10 | Hidden Power | Normal | Special | — | 100 | 15 |
| TM13 | Ice Beam | Ice | Special | 95 | 100 | 10 |
| TM14 | Blizzard | Ice | Special | 120 | 70 | 5 |
| TM17 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM18 | Rain Dance | Water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| TM21 | Frustration | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM27 | Return | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM28 | Dig | Ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| TM31 | Brick Break | Fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| TM32 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| TM39 | Rock Tomb | Rock | Physical | 50 | 80 | 10 |
| TM42 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| TM44 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM45 | Attract | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| TM48 | Round | Normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| TM55 | Scald | Water | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| TM56 | Fling | Dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| TM74 | Gyro Ball | Steel | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| TM87 | Swagger | Normal | Status | — | 90 | 15 |
| TM90 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM94 | Rock Smash | Fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| HM03 | Surf | Water | Special | 95 | 100 | 15 |
| HM04 | Strength | Normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| HM05 | Waterfall | Water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| HM06 | Dive | Water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
By breeding (egg moves)
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aqua Jet | Water | Physical | 40 | 100 | 20 | Golduck, Seel, Dewgong, Kabuto, Kabutops, Empoleon, Buizel, Floatzel and 3 more |
| Aqua Ring | Water | Status | — | — | 20 | Seel, Dewgong, Marill, Azumarill, Corsola, Mantine, Milotic, Gorebyss and 6 more |
| Brine | Water | Special | 65 | 100 | 10 | Seel, Dewgong, Horsea, Seadra, Kingdra, Lapras, Omanyte, Omastar and 8 more |
| Fake Out | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 10 | Lombre |
| Flail | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 | Totodile, Croconaw, Feraligatr, Corsola, Feebas, Tympole, Palpitoad, Seismitoad and 1 more |
| Foresight | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 | Mudkip, Marshtomp, Swampert |
| Haze | Ice | Status | — | — | 30 | Wooper, Quagsire, Surskit |
| Mirror Coat | Psychic | Special | — | 100 | 20 | Corsola |
| Mist | Ice | Status | — | — | 30 | Lapras, Wooper, Quagsire, Lotad, Wingull, Pelipper, Surskit, Piplup and 4 more |
| Mud Sport | Ground | Status | — | — | 15 | Wooper, Quagsire, Mudkip, Relicanth, Shellos, Gastrodon, Stunfisk |
| Muddy Water | Water | Special | 95 | 85 | 10 | Wooper, Quagsire, Marshtomp, Swampert, Shellos, Gastrodon, Tympole, Palpitoad and 2 more |
| Refresh | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 | Lickitung, Lickilicky, Corsola, Milotic |
| Water Spout | Water | Special | 150 | 100 | 5 | Remoraid (chain breeding: the father must itself have learned it as an egg move) |
| Yawn | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | Slowpoke, Slowbro, Slowking, Snorlax, Wooper, Quagsire, Kingdra, Relicanth and 2 more |
By move tutor
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aqua Tail | Water | Physical | 90 | 90 | 10 | B2W2 |
| Ice Punch | Ice | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 | B2W2 |
| Icy Wind | Ice | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 | B2W2 |
| Iron Defense | Steel | Status | — | — | 15 | B2W2 |
| Iron Tail | Steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 | B2W2 |
| Sleep Talk | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | B2W2 |
| Snore | Normal | Special | 40 | 100 | 15 | B2W2 |
| Water Pledge | Water | Special | 50 | 100 | 10 | BW, B2W2 |
| Zen Headbutt | Psychic | Physical | 80 | 90 | 15 | B2W2 |
Event moves
| Move | Event |
|---|---|
| False Swipe | Sticker Promotional Egg Squirtle (Japan); Korean Egg Squirtle |
| Block | Sticker Promotional Egg Squirtle (Japan); Korean Egg Squirtle |
| Hydro Cannon | Sticker Promotional Egg Squirtle (Japan); Korean Egg Squirtle |
| Follow Me | Sticker Promotional Egg Squirtle (Japan); Korean Egg Squirtle |
By transfer
| Move | From |
|---|---|
| Body Slam | Gen III (tutor) |
| Captivate | Gen IV (TM) |
| Counter | Gen III (tutor) |
| Defense Curl | Gen III (tutor) |
| Double-Edge | Gen III (tutor) |
| DynamicPunch | Gen III (tutor) |
| Endure | Gen III (tutor), Gen IV (TM) |
| Focus Punch | Gen III (TM), Gen IV (TM) |
| Headbutt | Gen IV (tutor) |
| Mega Kick | Gen III (tutor) |
| Mega Punch | Gen III (tutor) |
| Mimic | Gen III (tutor) |
| Mud-Slap | Gen III (tutor), Gen IV (tutor) |
| Natural Gift | Gen IV (TM) |
| Rollout | Gen III (tutor), Gen IV (tutor) |
| Secret Power | Gen III (TM), Gen IV (TM) |
| Seismic Toss | Gen III (tutor) |
| Whirlpool | Gen IV (TM) |
Generation VI · X, Y, Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire14 level-up · 32 TM/HM · 16 egg · 11 tutor · 1 event
X and Y: Professor Sycamore gives you Squirtle at his lab in Lumiose City; Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire: trade or events only. Water Gun now comes at level 7 and Bubble (boosted to 40 power) at 13, and Skull Bash hits for 130. TM94 is Rock Smash in X and Y but Secret Power in Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, where Rock Smash becomes HM06 and Dive returns as HM07. The tutor list adds Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire's tutors to Water Pledge.
By level-up
| XY/ORAS | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tackle | Normal | Physical | 50 | 100 | 35 |
| 4 | Tail Whip | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| 7 | Water Gun | Water | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| 10 | Withdraw | Water | Status | — | — | 40 |
| 13 | Bubble | Water | Special | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| 16 | Bite | Dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| 19 | Rapid Spin | Normal | Physical | 20 | 100 | 40 |
| 22 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| 25 | Water Pulse | Water | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| 28 | Aqua Tail | Water | Physical | 90 | 90 | 10 |
| 31 | Skull Bash | Normal | Physical | 130 | 100 | 10 |
| 34 | Iron Defense | Steel | Status | — | — | 15 |
| 37 | Rain Dance | Water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| 40 | Hydro Pump | Water | Special | 110 | 80 | 5 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM06 | Toxic | Poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 | |
| TM07 | Hail | Ice | Status | — | — | 10 | |
| TM10 | Hidden Power | Normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 | |
| TM13 | Ice Beam | Ice | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 | |
| TM14 | Blizzard | Ice | Special | 110 | 70 | 5 | |
| TM17 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | |
| TM18 | Rain Dance | Water | Status | — | — | 5 | |
| TM21 | Frustration | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 | |
| TM27 | Return | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 | |
| TM28 | Dig | Ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 | |
| TM31 | Brick Break | Fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 | |
| TM32 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 | |
| TM39 | Rock Tomb | Rock | Physical | 60 | 95 | 15 | |
| TM42 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 | |
| TM44 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 | |
| TM45 | Attract | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 | |
| TM48 | Round | Normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 | |
| TM55 | Scald | Water | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 | |
| TM56 | Fling | Dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 | |
| TM74 | Gyro Ball | Steel | Physical | — | 100 | 5 | |
| TM87 | Swagger | Normal | Status | — | 90 | 15 | |
| TM88 | Sleep Talk | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | |
| TM90 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | |
| TM94 | Rock Smash | Fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 | XY |
| TM94 | Secret Power | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 | ORAS |
| TM98 | Power-Up Punch | Fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 20 | |
| TM100 | Confide | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 | |
| HM03 | Surf | Water | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 | |
| HM04 | Strength | Normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 | |
| HM05 | Waterfall | Water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 | |
| HM06 | Rock Smash | Fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 | ORAS |
| HM07 | Dive | Water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 | ORAS |
By breeding (egg moves)
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aqua Jet | Water | Physical | 40 | 100 | 20 | Golduck, Seel, Dewgong, Kabuto, Kabutops, Surskit, Empoleon, Buizel and 6 more |
| Aqua Ring | Water | Status | — | — | 20 | Seel, Dewgong, Marill, Azumarill, Corsola, Mantine, Milotic, Gorebyss and 6 more |
| Aura Sphere | Fighting | Special | 80 | — | 20 | Clawitzer |
| Brine | Water | Special | 65 | 100 | 10 | Seel, Dewgong, Horsea, Seadra, Kingdra, Lapras, Omanyte, Omastar and 12 more |
| Dragon Pulse | Dragon | Special | 85 | 100 | 10 | Horsea, Seadra, Kingdra, Ampharos, Axew, Fraxure, Haxorus, Skrelp and 2 more |
| Fake Out | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 10 | Lombre |
| Flail | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 | Totodile, Croconaw, Feraligatr, Corsola, Feebas, Tympole, Palpitoad, Seismitoad and 3 more |
| Foresight | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 | Mudkip, Marshtomp, Swampert |
| Haze | Ice | Status | — | — | 30 | Wooper, Quagsire, Surskit, Greninja |
| Mirror Coat | Psychic | Special | — | 100 | 20 | Corsola |
| Mist | Ice | Status | — | — | 30 | Lapras, Wooper, Quagsire, Lotad, Wingull, Pelipper, Surskit, Piplup and 6 more |
| Mud Sport | Ground | Status | — | — | 15 | Wooper, Quagsire, Mudkip, Relicanth, Shellos, Gastrodon, Stunfisk |
| Muddy Water | Water | Special | 90 | 85 | 10 | Wooper, Quagsire, Marshtomp, Swampert, Shellos, Gastrodon, Tympole, Palpitoad and 4 more |
| Refresh | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 | Lickitung, Lickilicky, Corsola, Milotic |
| Water Spout | Water | Special | 150 | 100 | 5 | Remoraid (chain breeding: the father must itself have learned it as an egg move) |
| Yawn | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | Slowpoke, Slowbro, Slowking, Snorlax, Wooper, Quagsire, Kingdra, Relicanth and 2 more |
By move tutor
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aqua Tail | Water | Physical | 90 | 90 | 10 | ORAS |
| Dragon Pulse | Dragon | Special | 85 | 100 | 10 | ORAS |
| Focus Punch | Fighting | Physical | 150 | 100 | 20 | ORAS |
| Ice Punch | Ice | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 | ORAS |
| Icy Wind | Ice | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 | ORAS |
| Iron Defense | Steel | Status | — | — | 15 | ORAS |
| Iron Tail | Steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 | ORAS |
| Snore | Normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 | ORAS |
| Water Pledge | Water | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 | XY, ORAS |
| Water Pulse | Water | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 | ORAS |
| Zen Headbutt | Psychic | Physical | 80 | 90 | 15 | ORAS |
Event moves
| Move | Event |
|---|---|
| Celebrate | 2016 World Championships Squirtle |
By transfer
| Move | From |
|---|---|
| Block | Gen V (event) |
| Body Slam | Gen III (tutor) |
| Captivate | Gen IV (TM) |
| Counter | Gen III (tutor) |
| Defense Curl | Gen III (tutor) |
| Double-Edge | Gen III (tutor) |
| Dynamic Punch | Gen III (tutor) |
| Endure | Gen III (tutor), Gen IV (TM) |
| False Swipe | Gen V (event) |
| Follow Me | Gen V (event) |
| Headbutt | Gen IV (tutor) |
| Hydro Cannon | Gen V (event) |
| Mega Kick | Gen III (tutor) |
| Mega Punch | Gen III (tutor) |
| Mimic | Gen III (tutor) |
| Mud-Slap | Gen III (tutor), Gen IV (tutor) |
| Natural Gift | Gen IV (TM) |
| Rollout | Gen III (tutor), Gen IV (tutor) |
| Seismic Toss | Gen III (tutor) |
| Whirlpool | Gen IV (TM) |
Generation VII · Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon14 level-up · 26 TM/HM · 16 egg · 11 tutor · 1 event
The level-up list is the same in all four games. In Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, Island Scan can turn up a Squirtle in Seaward Cave on Mondays, and that Squirtle knows Aqua Jet. Water Pledge is taught in all four games; the other tutor moves are Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon only. The transfer list gathers moves from Generations I to VI that Squirtle can no longer learn here.
By level-up
| SM/USUM | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tackle | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| 4 | Tail Whip | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| 7 | Water Gun | Water | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| 10 | Withdraw | Water | Status | — | — | 40 |
| 13 | Bubble | Water | Special | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| 16 | Bite | Dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| 19 | Rapid Spin | Normal | Physical | 20 | 100 | 40 |
| 22 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| 25 | Water Pulse | Water | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| 28 | Aqua Tail | Water | Physical | 90 | 90 | 10 |
| 31 | Skull Bash | Normal | Physical | 130 | 100 | 10 |
| 34 | Iron Defense | Steel | Status | — | — | 15 |
| 37 | Rain Dance | Water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| 40 | Hydro Pump | Water | Special | 110 | 80 | 5 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM01 | Work Up | Normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| TM06 | Toxic | Poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| TM07 | Hail | Ice | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM10 | Hidden Power | Normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| TM13 | Ice Beam | Ice | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| TM14 | Blizzard | Ice | Special | 110 | 70 | 5 |
| TM17 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM18 | Rain Dance | Water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| TM21 | Frustration | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM27 | Return | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM31 | Brick Break | Fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| TM32 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| TM39 | Rock Tomb | Rock | Physical | 60 | 95 | 15 |
| TM42 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| TM44 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM45 | Attract | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| TM48 | Round | Normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| TM55 | Scald | Water | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| TM56 | Fling | Dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| TM74 | Gyro Ball | Steel | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| TM87 | Swagger | Normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| TM88 | Sleep Talk | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM90 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM94 | Surf | Water | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| TM98 | Waterfall | Water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| TM100 | Confide | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
By breeding (egg moves)
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aqua Jet | Water | Physical | 40 | 100 | 20 | Golduck, Seel, Dewgong, Kabuto, Kabutops, Surskit, Empoleon, Bibarel and 10 more |
| Aqua Ring | Water | Status | — | — | 20 | Seel, Dewgong, Marill, Azumarill, Corsola, Mantine, Milotic, Gorebyss and 8 more |
| Aura Sphere | Fighting | Special | 80 | — | 20 | Clawitzer |
| Brine | Water | Special | 65 | 100 | 10 | Seel, Dewgong, Horsea, Seadra, Kingdra, Lapras, Omanyte, Omastar and 12 more |
| Dragon Pulse | Dragon | Special | 85 | 100 | 10 | Horsea, Seadra, Kingdra, Ampharos, Axew, Fraxure, Haxorus, Skrelp and 5 more |
| Fake Out | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 10 | Lombre |
| Flail | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 | Totodile, Croconaw, Feraligatr, Corsola, Feebas, Relicanth, Tympole, Palpitoad and 5 more |
| Foresight | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 | Mudkip, Marshtomp, Swampert |
| Haze | Ice | Status | — | — | 30 | Wooper, Quagsire, Surskit, Greninja |
| Mirror Coat | Psychic | Special | — | 100 | 20 | Corsola, Dewpider, Araquanid |
| Mist | Ice | Status | — | — | 30 | Lapras, Wooper, Quagsire, Lotad, Wingull, Pelipper, Surskit, Piplup and 6 more |
| Mud Sport | Ground | Status | — | — | 15 | Wooper, Quagsire, Mudkip, Relicanth, Shellos, Gastrodon, Stunfisk, Pyukumuku |
| Muddy Water | Water | Special | 90 | 85 | 10 | Wooper, Quagsire, Marshtomp, Swampert, Shellos, Gastrodon, Tympole, Palpitoad and 4 more |
| Refresh | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 | Lickitung, Lickilicky, Corsola, Milotic |
| Water Spout | Water | Special | 150 | 100 | 5 | Remoraid (chain breeding: the father must itself have learned it as an egg move) |
| Yawn | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | Slowpoke, Slowbro, Slowking, Snorlax, Wooper, Quagsire, Kingdra, Relicanth and 2 more |
By move tutor
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aqua Tail | Water | Physical | 90 | 90 | 10 | USUM |
| Dragon Pulse | Dragon | Special | 85 | 100 | 10 | USUM |
| Focus Punch | Fighting | Physical | 150 | 100 | 20 | USUM |
| Ice Punch | Ice | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 | USUM |
| Icy Wind | Ice | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 | USUM |
| Iron Defense | Steel | Status | — | — | 15 | USUM |
| Iron Tail | Steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 | USUM |
| Snore | Normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 | USUM |
| Water Pledge | Water | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 | SM, USUM |
| Water Pulse | Water | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 | USUM |
| Zen Headbutt | Psychic | Physical | 80 | 90 | 15 | USUM |
Event moves
| Move | Event |
|---|---|
| Aqua Jet | Island Scan (Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon) |
By transfer
| Move | From |
|---|---|
| Bide | Gen I (TM) |
| Block | Gen V (event) |
| Body Slam | Gen I (TM), Gen III (tutor) |
| Captivate | Gen IV (TM) |
| Celebrate | Gen VI (event) |
| Confusion | Gen II (breeding) |
| Counter | Gen I (TM), Gen III (tutor) |
| Curse | Gen II (TM) |
| Defense Curl | Gen II (TM), Gen III (tutor) |
| Dig | Gen I (TM), Gen II (TM), Gen III (TM), Gen IV (TM), Gen V (TM), Gen VI (TM) |
| Dive | Gen III (TM), Gen IV (tutor), Gen V (TM), Gen VI (TM) |
| Double-Edge | Gen I (TM), Gen III (tutor) |
| Dynamic Punch | Gen II (TM), Gen III (tutor) |
| Endure | Gen II (TM), Gen III (tutor), Gen IV (TM) |
| False Swipe | Gen V (event) |
| Follow Me | Gen V (event) |
| Headbutt | Gen II (TM), Gen IV (tutor) |
| Hydro Cannon | Gen V (event) |
| Mega Kick | Gen I (TM), Gen III (tutor) |
| Mega Punch | Gen I (TM), Gen III (tutor) |
| Mimic | Gen I (TM), Gen III (tutor) |
| Mud-Slap | Gen II (TM), Gen III (tutor), Gen IV (tutor) |
| Natural Gift | Gen IV (TM) |
| Power-Up Punch | Gen VI (TM) |
| Rage | Gen I (TM) |
| Reflect | Gen I (TM) |
| Rock Smash | Gen II (TM), Gen V (TM), Gen VI (TM) |
| Rollout | Gen II (TM), Gen III (tutor), Gen IV (tutor) |
| Secret Power | Gen III (TM), Gen IV (TM), Gen VI (TM) |
| Seismic Toss | Gen I (TM), Gen III (tutor) |
| Strength | Gen I (TM), Gen II (TM), Gen V (TM), Gen VI (TM) |
| Submission | Gen I (TM) |
| Take Down | Gen I (TM) |
| Whirlpool | Gen II (TM), Gen IV (TM) |
Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! · Let's Go, Pikachu! & Let's Go, Eevee!11 level-up · 20 TM/HM
Wild Squirtle appear on Routes 24 and 25 and in the Seafoam Islands, and there is a one-off Squirtle to collect in Vermilion City. These games have no breeding and no move tutors, and the level-up list is quite different: Bubble Beam at 27, Headbutt at 36 and Skull Bash as the finale at 45.
By level-up
| LGPE | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tackle | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| 5 | Tail Whip | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| 9 | Bubble | Water | Special | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| 14 | Withdraw | Water | Status | — | — | 40 |
| 18 | Water Gun | Water | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| 23 | Bite | Dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| 27 | Bubble Beam | Water | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| 32 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| 36 | Headbutt | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| 41 | Hydro Pump | Water | Special | 110 | 80 | 5 |
| 45 | Skull Bash | Normal | Physical | 130 | 100 | 10 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM01 | Headbutt | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| TM05 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM07 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM08 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM09 | Reflect | Psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| TM10 | Dig | Ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| TM12 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| TM13 | Brick Break | Fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| TM15 | Seismic Toss | Fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM19 | Iron Tail | Steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 |
| TM22 | Rock Slide | Rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 |
| TM25 | Waterfall | Water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| TM27 | Toxic | Poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| TM29 | Scald | Water | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| TM34 | Dragon Pulse | Dragon | Special | 85 | 100 | 10 |
| TM35 | Ice Punch | Ice | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| TM39 | Outrage | Dragon | Physical | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| TM47 | Surf | Water | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| TM51 | Blizzard | Ice | Special | 110 | 70 | 5 |
| TM55 | Ice Beam | Ice | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
Generation VIII · Sword & Shield (incl. Expansion Pass), Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl14 level-up · 70 TM/HM · 22 egg · 2 tutor
Sword and Shield: from Version 1.2.0 Squirtle arrives through Wild Area News, a Pokémon HOME event or trade, and the Expansion Pass gives you one with the Gigantamax Factor at the Master Dojo. Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl: wild in the Grand Underground (Fountainspring Cave, Riverbank Cave and Still-Water Cavern) once you have the National Pokédex. One level-up table covers both pairs of games, while the TM and egg lists say which pair each entry belongs to. Shell Smash joins at level 27, Bubble is gone, and Rapid Spin now hits for 50. Water Pledge is a Sword and Shield tutor move, and Flip Turn comes from the Expansion Pass tutor. Squirtle does not appear in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
By level-up
| SwSh/BDSP | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tackle | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| 1 | Tail Whip | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| 3 | Water Gun | Water | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| 6 | Withdraw | Water | Status | — | — | 40 |
| 9 | Rapid Spin | Normal | Physical | 50 | 100 | 40 |
| 12 | Bite | Dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| 15 | Water Pulse | Water | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| 18 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| 21 | Rain Dance | Water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| 24 | Aqua Tail | Water | Physical | 90 | 90 | 10 |
| 27 | Shell Smash | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| 30 | Iron Defense | Steel | Status | — | — | 15 |
| 33 | Hydro Pump | Water | Special | 110 | 80 | 5 |
| 36 | Skull Bash | Normal | Physical | 130 | 100 | 10 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM00 | Mega Punch | Normal | Physical | 80 | 85 | 20 | SwSh |
| TM01 | Mega Kick | Normal | Physical | 120 | 75 | 5 | SwSh |
| TM04 | Ice Punch | Ice | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 | SwSh |
| TM15 | Dig | Ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 | SwSh |
| TM21 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 | SwSh |
| TM24 | Snore | Normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 | SwSh |
| TM25 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | SwSh |
| TM27 | Icy Wind | Ice | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 | SwSh |
| TM31 | Attract | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 | SwSh |
| TM33 | Rain Dance | Water | Status | — | — | 5 | SwSh |
| TM35 | Hail | Ice | Status | — | — | 10 | SwSh |
| TM36 | Whirlpool | Water | Special | 35 | 85 | 15 | SwSh |
| TM39 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 | SwSh |
| TM41 | Helping Hand | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 | SwSh |
| TM43 | Brick Break | Fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 | SwSh |
| TM45 | Dive | Water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 | SwSh |
| TM46 | Weather Ball | Normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 10 | SwSh |
| TM48 | Rock Tomb | Rock | Physical | 60 | 95 | 15 | SwSh |
| TM55 | Brine | Water | Special | 65 | 100 | 10 | SwSh |
| TM59 | Fling | Dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 | SwSh |
| TM76 | Round | Normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 | SwSh |
| TM94 | False Swipe | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 40 | SwSh |
| TR01 | Body Slam | Normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 | SwSh |
| TR03 | Hydro Pump | Water | Special | 110 | 80 | 5 | SwSh |
| TR04 | Surf | Water | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 | SwSh |
| TR05 | Ice Beam | Ice | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 | SwSh |
| TR06 | Blizzard | Ice | Special | 110 | 70 | 5 | SwSh |
| TR16 | Waterfall | Water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 | SwSh |
| TR20 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | SwSh |
| TR26 | Endure | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | SwSh |
| TR27 | Sleep Talk | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | SwSh |
| TR31 | Iron Tail | Steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 | SwSh |
| TR45 | Muddy Water | Water | Special | 90 | 85 | 10 | SwSh |
| TR46 | Iron Defense | Steel | Status | — | — | 15 | SwSh |
| TR52 | Gyro Ball | Steel | Physical | — | 100 | 5 | SwSh |
| TR56 | Aura Sphere | Fighting | Special | 80 | — | 20 | SwSh |
| TR62 | Dragon Pulse | Dragon | Special | 85 | 100 | 10 | SwSh |
| TR69 | Zen Headbutt | Psychic | Physical | 80 | 90 | 15 | SwSh |
| TR84 | Scald | Water | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 | SwSh |
| TR85 | Work Up | Normal | Status | — | — | 30 | SwSh |
| TM01 | Focus Punch | Fighting | Physical | 150 | 100 | 20 | BDSP |
| TM03 | Water Pulse | Water | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 | BDSP |
| TM07 | Hail | Ice | Status | — | — | 10 | BDSP |
| TM10 | Work Up | Normal | Status | — | — | 30 | BDSP |
| TM13 | Ice Beam | Ice | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 | BDSP |
| TM14 | Blizzard | Ice | Special | 110 | 70 | 5 | BDSP |
| TM17 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | BDSP |
| TM18 | Rain Dance | Water | Status | — | — | 5 | BDSP |
| TM23 | Iron Tail | Steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 | BDSP |
| TM28 | Dig | Ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 | BDSP |
| TM31 | Brick Break | Fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 | BDSP |
| TM32 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 | BDSP |
| TM39 | Rock Tomb | Rock | Physical | 60 | 95 | 15 | BDSP |
| TM42 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 | BDSP |
| TM44 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 | BDSP |
| TM45 | Attract | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 | BDSP |
| TM49 | Scald | Water | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 | BDSP |
| TM54 | False Swipe | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 40 | BDSP |
| TM55 | Brine | Water | Special | 65 | 100 | 10 | BDSP |
| TM56 | Fling | Dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 | BDSP |
| TM58 | Endure | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | BDSP |
| TM59 | Dragon Pulse | Dragon | Special | 85 | 100 | 10 | BDSP |
| TM74 | Gyro Ball | Steel | Physical | — | 100 | 5 | BDSP |
| TM82 | Sleep Talk | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | BDSP |
| TM87 | Swagger | Normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 | BDSP |
| TM90 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | BDSP |
| TM95 | Surf | Water | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 | BDSP |
| TM96 | Strength | Normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 | BDSP |
| TM98 | Rock Smash | Fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 | BDSP |
| TM99 | Waterfall | Water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 | BDSP |
By breeding (egg moves)
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aqua Jet | Water | Physical | 40 | 100 | 20 | Sword & Shield: Golduck, Kabuto, Kabutops, Tirtouga, Carracosta, Clauncher, Clawitzer, Popplio and 2 more |
| Aqua Ring | Water | Status | — | — | 20 | Sword & Shield: Marill, Azumarill, Corsola, Mantine, Milotic, Tympole, Palpitoad, Seismitoad and 2 more |
| Fake Out | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 10 | Sword & Shield: Lombre, Ludicolo |
| Flail | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 | Sword & Shield: Snorlax, Corsola, Lotad, Lombre, Ludicolo, Feebas, Milotic, Tympole and 7 more |
| Haze | Ice | Status | — | — | 30 | Sword & Shield: Wooper, Quagsire |
| Life Dew | Water | Status | — | — | 10 | Sword & Shield: Lapras, Corsola, Milotic |
| Mirror Coat | Psychic | Special | — | 100 | 20 | Sword & Shield: Corsola, Corsola (Galarian), Cursola, Dewpider, Araquanid |
| Mist | Ice | Status | — | — | 30 | Sword & Shield: Lapras, Wooper, Quagsire, Lotad, Lombre, Ludicolo, Wingull, Pelipper and 5 more |
| Water Spout | Water | Special | 150 | 100 | 5 | Sword & Shield: Remoraid, Octillery (chain breeding: the father must itself have learned it as an egg move) |
| Yawn | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | Sword & Shield: Slowpoke, Slowpoke (Galarian), Slowbro, Slowbro (Galarian), Slowking, Slowking (Galarian), Snorlax, Wooper and 3 more |
| Aqua Jet | Water | Physical | 40 | 100 | 20 | Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl: Golduck, Seel, Dewgong, Kabuto, Kabutops, Surskit, Masquerain, Empoleon and 3 more |
| Aqua Ring | Water | Status | — | — | 20 | Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl: Seel, Dewgong, Marill, Azumarill, Corsola, Mantine, Milotic, Gorebyss |
| Aura Sphere | Fighting | Special | 80 | — | 20 | Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl: Squirtle, Wartortle, Blastoise (Grand Underground) |
| Fake Out | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 10 | Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl: Lombre, Ludicolo |
| Flail | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 | Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl: Snorlax, Totodile, Croconaw, Feraligatr, Corsola, Lotad, Lombre, Ludicolo and 3 more |
| Haze | Ice | Status | — | — | 30 | Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl: Wooper, Quagsire, Surskit, Masquerain |
| Life Dew | Water | Status | — | — | 10 | Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl: Lapras, Corsola, Milotic |
| Mirror Coat | Psychic | Special | — | 100 | 20 | Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl: Corsola |
| Mist | Ice | Status | — | — | 30 | Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl: Lapras, Wooper, Quagsire, Lotad, Lombre, Ludicolo, Wingull, Pelipper and 7 more |
| Muddy Water | Water | Special | 90 | 85 | 10 | Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl: Wooper, Quagsire, Marshtomp, Swampert, Shellos, Gastrodon |
| Water Spout | Water | Special | 150 | 100 | 5 | Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl: Remoraid, Octillery (chain breeding: the father must itself have learned it as an egg move) |
| Yawn | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl: Slowpoke, Slowbro, Slowking, Snorlax, Wooper, Quagsire, Kingdra, Relicanth and 2 more |
By move tutor
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flip Turn | Water | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 | Expansion Pass |
| Water Pledge | Water | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 | SwSh |
By transfer
| Move | From |
|---|---|
| Bide | Gen I (TM) |
| Block | Gen V (event) |
| Bubble | Gen I (level-up), Gen II (level-up), Gen III (level-up), Gen IV (level-up), Gen V (level-up), Gen VI (level-up), Gen VII (level-up) |
| Bubble Beam | Gen I (TM), Gen VII (level-up) |
| Captivate | Gen IV (TM) |
| Celebrate | Gen VI (event) |
| Confide | Gen VI (TM), Gen VII (TM) |
| Confusion | Gen II (breeding) |
| Counter | Gen I (TM), Gen III (tutor) |
| Curse | Gen II (TM) |
| Defense Curl | Gen II (TM), Gen III (tutor) |
| Double Team | Gen I (TM), Gen II (TM), Gen III (TM), Gen IV (TM), Gen V (TM), Gen VI (TM), Gen VII (TM) |
| Double-Edge | Gen I (TM), Gen III (tutor) |
| Dynamic Punch | Gen II (TM), Gen III (tutor) |
| Focus Punch | Gen III (TM), Gen IV (TM), Gen VI (tutor), Gen VII (tutor) |
| Follow Me | Gen V (event) |
| Foresight | Gen II (breeding), Gen III (breeding), Gen IV (breeding), Gen V (breeding), Gen VI (breeding), Gen VII (breeding) |
| Frustration | Gen II (TM), Gen III (TM), Gen IV (TM), Gen V (TM), Gen VI (TM), Gen VII (TM) |
| Headbutt | Gen II (TM), Gen IV (tutor), Gen VII (level-up, TM) |
| Hidden Power | Gen II (TM), Gen III (TM), Gen IV (TM), Gen V (TM), Gen VI (TM), Gen VII (TM) |
| Hydro Cannon | Gen V (event) |
| Mimic | Gen I (TM), Gen III (tutor) |
| Mud Sport | Gen III (breeding), Gen IV (breeding), Gen V (breeding), Gen VI (breeding), Gen VII (breeding) |
| Mud-Slap | Gen II (TM), Gen III (tutor), Gen IV (tutor) |
| Natural Gift | Gen IV (TM) |
| Outrage | Gen VII (TM) |
| Power-Up Punch | Gen VI (TM) |
| Rage | Gen I (TM) |
| Reflect | Gen I (TM), Gen VII (TM) |
| Refresh | Gen III (breeding), Gen IV (breeding), Gen V (breeding), Gen VI (breeding), Gen VII (breeding) |
| Return | Gen II (TM), Gen III (TM), Gen IV (TM), Gen V (TM), Gen VI (TM), Gen VII (TM) |
| Rock Slide | Gen VII (TM) |
| Rock Smash | Gen II (TM), Gen V (TM), Gen VI (TM) |
| Rollout | Gen II (TM), Gen III (tutor), Gen IV (tutor) |
| Secret Power | Gen III (TM), Gen IV (TM), Gen VI (TM) |
| Seismic Toss | Gen I (TM), Gen III (tutor), Gen VII (TM) |
| Strength | Gen I (TM), Gen II (TM), Gen V (TM), Gen VI (TM) |
| Submission | Gen I (TM) |
| Swagger | Gen II (TM), Gen III (tutor), Gen IV (TM), Gen V (TM), Gen VI (TM), Gen VII (TM) |
| Take Down | Gen I (TM) |
| Toxic | Gen I (TM), Gen II (TM), Gen III (TM), Gen IV (TM), Gen V (TM), Gen VI (TM), Gen VII (TM) |
Generation IX · Scarlet & Violet (Version 3.0.0+ / The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero)14 level-up · 36 TM/HM · 9 egg
Scarlet and Violet: trade from Version 3.0.0; in The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero it lives wild in the Canyon Biome once the Terarium Club has boosted biodiversity there. The level-up list follows Sword and Shield, except that the 120-power Wave Crash replaces Skull Bash at level 36. There are no move tutors in these games. Water Spout has no breeding partner here and has to be passed on with a Mirror Herb.
By level-up
| SV | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tackle | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| 1 | Tail Whip | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| 3 | Water Gun | Water | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| 6 | Withdraw | Water | Status | — | — | 40 |
| 9 | Rapid Spin | Normal | Physical | 50 | 100 | 40 |
| 12 | Bite | Dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| 15 | Water Pulse | Water | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| 18 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| 21 | Rain Dance | Water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| 24 | Aqua Tail | Water | Physical | 90 | 90 | 10 |
| 27 | Shell Smash | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| 30 | Iron Defense | Steel | Status | — | — | 15 |
| 33 | Hydro Pump | Water | Special | 110 | 80 | 5 |
| 36 | Wave Crash | Water | Physical | 120 | 100 | 10 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM001 | Take Down | Normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| TM007 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM011 | Water Pulse | Water | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| TM022 | Chilling Water | Water | Special | 50 | 100 | 20 |
| TM025 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| TM034 | Icy Wind | Ice | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| TM035 | Mud Shot | Ground | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| TM043 | Fling | Dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| TM047 | Endure | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM050 | Rain Dance | Water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| TM055 | Dig | Ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| TM058 | Brick Break | Fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| TM059 | Zen Headbutt | Psychic | Physical | 80 | 90 | 15 |
| TM066 | Body Slam | Normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| TM069 | Ice Punch | Ice | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| TM070 | Sleep Talk | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM085 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| TM103 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM104 | Iron Defense | Steel | Status | — | — | 15 |
| TM110 | Liquidation | Water | Physical | 85 | 100 | 10 |
| TM123 | Surf | Water | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| TM124 | Ice Spinner | Ice | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| TM130 | Helping Hand | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| TM135 | Ice Beam | Ice | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| TM142 | Hydro Pump | Water | Special | 110 | 80 | 5 |
| TM143 | Blizzard | Ice | Special | 110 | 70 | 5 |
| TM145 | Water Pledge | Water | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| TM171 | Tera Blast | Normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| TM174 | Haze | Ice | Status | — | — | 30 |
| TM180 | Gyro Ball | Steel | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| TM192 | Focus Punch | Fighting | Physical | 150 | 100 | 20 |
| TM193 | Weather Ball | Normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 10 |
| TM196 | Flip Turn | Water | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| TM204 | Double-Edge | Normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| TM208 | Whirlpool | Water | Special | 35 | 85 | 15 |
| TM209 | Muddy Water | Water | Special | 90 | 85 | 10 |
By breeding (egg moves)
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aqua Jet | Water | Physical | 40 | 100 | 20 | Golduck, Seel, Dewgong, Empoleon, Buizel, Floatzel, Alomomola, Clauncher and 7 more |
| Aqua Ring | Water | Status | — | — | 20 | Seel, Dewgong, Marill, Azumarill, Milotic, Ducklett, Swanna, Alomomola and 2 more |
| Fake Out | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 10 | Lombre, Ludicolo |
| Flail | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 | Snorlax, Totodile, Croconaw, Feraligatr, Lotad, Lombre, Ludicolo, Feebas and 5 more |
| Life Dew | Water | Status | — | — | 10 | Lapras, Milotic |
| Mirror Coat | Psychic | Special | — | 100 | 20 | Dewpider, Araquanid |
| Mist | Ice | Status | — | — | 30 | Lapras, Wooper, Quagsire, Lotad, Lombre, Ludicolo, Wingull, Pelipper and 7 more |
| Water Spout | Water | Special | 150 | 100 | 5 | Mirror Herb only |
| Yawn | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | Slowpoke, Slowpoke (Galarian), Slowbro, Slowbro (Galarian), Slowking, Slowking (Galarian), Snorlax, Wooper and 4 more |
Pokémon Legends: Z-A · Legends: Z-A10 level-up · 33 TM/HM
Mable at the Pokémon Research Lab in the Vert District gives you a Squirtle during Side Mission 22, and wild ones live in Wild Zone 20 (Centrico Plaza); in the Mega Dimension expansion they also appear in Water-type wild zones of Hyperspace Lumiose. Battles here work differently, so the tables show the level at which a move is learnt, the level at which it becomes a Plus Move, its power and its cooldown instead of accuracy and PP. Several moves have new numbers: Skull Bash hits for 150, Aqua Jet for 30 and Whirlpool for 20. Hydro Pump is a TM only, and Liquidation closes the level-up list at 45. No breeding or tutors.
By level-up
| Learn | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tackle | Normal | Physical | 40 | — | — |
| 1 | Tail Whip | Normal | Status | — | — | — |
| 3 | Water Gun | Water | Special | 40 | — | — |
| 12 | Bite | Dark | Physical | 60 | — | — |
| 15 | Bubble Beam | Water | Special | 65 | — | — |
| 20 | Icy Wind | Ice | Special | 55 | — | — |
| 30 | Aqua Ring | Water | Status | — | — | — |
| 35 | Aqua Jet | Water | Physical | 30 | — | — |
| 40 | Iron Defense | Steel | Status | — | — | — |
| 45 | Liquidation | Water | Physical | 85 | — | — |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM001 | Headbutt | Normal | Physical | 70 | — | — |
| TM009 | Flip Turn | Water | Physical | 60 | — | — |
| TM010 | Brick Break | Fighting | Physical | 75 | — | — |
| TM013 | Ice Beam | Ice | Special | 90 | — | — |
| TM017 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | — |
| TM024 | Ice Punch | Ice | Physical | 75 | — | — |
| TM028 | Dig | Ground | Physical | 80 | — | — |
| TM033 | Body Slam | Normal | Physical | 85 | — | — |
| TM035 | Endure | Normal | Status | — | — | — |
| TM036 | Rock Tomb | Rock | Physical | 60 | — | — |
| TM041 | Water Pulse | Water | Special | 60 | — | — |
| TM046 | Mud Shot | Ground | Special | 55 | — | — |
| TM049 | Icy Wind | Ice | Special | 55 | — | — |
| TM056 | Double-Edge | Normal | Physical | 120 | — | — |
| TM058 | Iron Head | Steel | Physical | 80 | — | — |
| TM059 | Zen Headbutt | Psychic | Physical | 80 | — | — |
| TM070 | Whirlpool | Water | Special | 20 | — | — |
| TM073 | Surf | Water | Special | 90 | — | — |
| TM075 | Dragon Pulse | Dragon | Special | 85 | — | — |
| TM076 | Liquidation | Water | Physical | 85 | — | — |
| TM080 | Iron Defense | Steel | Status | — | — | — |
| TM085 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | — |
| TM087 | Iron Tail | Steel | Physical | 100 | — | — |
| TM096 | Hydro Pump | Water | Special | 110 | — | — |
| TM098 | Waterfall | Water | Physical | 80 | — | — |
| TM103 | Work Up | Normal | Status | — | — | — |
| TM105 | Blizzard | Ice | Special | 110 | — | — |
| TM109 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | — | — |
| TM110 | Chilling Water | Water | Special | 50 | — | — |
| TM140 | Muddy Water | Water | Special | 90 | — | — |
| TM141 | Fake Out | Normal | Physical | 40 | — | — |
| TM146 | Skull Bash | Normal | Physical | 150 | — | — |
| TM148 | Scald | Water | Special | 80 | — | — |
04Ash's Squirtle & friends
Squirtle in the anime
Debut EP001Pokémon – I Choose You! · First major role EP012Here Comes the Squirtle Squad · Ash’s loyal Squirtle, its battle record, and 5 other trainers who raised one.
Squirtle swaggered into the anime in sunglasses. Ash's Squirtle started out as the boss of the Squirtle Squad, a gang of abandoned Squirtle causing chaos in a Kanto town, and joined Ash after he risked his life to protect it. It became one of his original stalwarts – a cocky, fun-loving teammate with a spinning Hydro Pump and a Skull Bash finisher – and helped him win the Orange League before leaving in Johto to lead the Squad as firefighters. Even then it kept coming back when it counted most, from the Silver Conference to the last battle of the Battle Frontier and one more reunion in Pokémon Journeys.
Ash is far from the only Trainer with a soft spot for the Tiny Turtle Pokémon. It was Gary's secret first partner, revealed as a mighty Blastoise only at the end of Johto; May raised a timid Squirtle into a Contest winner; and Tierno's dancing Squirtle grew into a Blastoise that reached the Lumiose Conference. Blue picks one in Pokémon Origins, a boy becomes one in the Mystery Dungeon special, and wild Squirtle crop up everywhere from a Blastoise kingdom to Indigo Academy.
Ash's Squirtle
Trainer profile
Ash Ketchum
- Caught in
- EP012Here Comes the Squirtle Squad
- First aired
- 17 June 1997 (Japan) · 23 September 1998 (US)
- Where
- A small Kanto town on Route 25 that the Squirtle Squad had been terrorising
- Status
- With Officer Jenny, leading the Squirtle Squad as the town's firefighters – last reunited with Ash in JN141
- Japanese name
- サトシのゼニガメ
- Moves used
- Water GunSkull BashTackleBubble BeamWithdrawHydro PumpBubbleRapid Spin
- How it joined
- No capture battle: after Ash shielded it from Team Rocket's bombs, the Squad's leader carried him to safety, burst Team Rocket's balloon with Water Gun and then chose to join him – taking off its sunglasses and leaping into his arms.
Personality
Ash's Squirtle is a born leader with mischief to spare. As boss of the Squirtle Squad it masterminded pranks and ambushes, and even on Ash's team it stayed the class clown – proud, quick to pick a fight and a touch cynical: stranded on the Island of the Giant Pokémon, it wondered whether the missing humans had been eaten by the local wildlife. When things get serious, though, on go the black sunglasses: the shades from its delinquent days are its signal that it means business, whether it is rallying a colony of frightened Turtle Pokémon or squaring up to the proud firefighters of Team Wartortle. Its fiercest loyalty is to Ash, who risked his life for it, and its closest friend is the level-headed Bulbasaur, who more than once has had to hold it back from a scrap. Time on the road made it a far more mature leader, and it prefers teamwork to rivalry – exactly the qualities the leaderless Squad badly needed.
Squirtle began its anime career on the wrong side of the law. Abandoned by its Trainer, it led the Squirtle Squad – a gang of shades-wearing Squirtle who dug pit traps, sprayed passers-by and fell in with Team Rocket, helping them grab Ash's injured Pikachu. When Team Rocket repaid the favour with a hail of bombs, Ash threw himself over the stranded leader. Moved to tears, Squirtle carried him to safety, popped Team Rocket's balloon with Water Gun and, with the Squad turned firefighters under Officer Jenny, chose to travel with Ash (EP012).
It settled in fast as one of Ash's most trusted Pokémon, alongside Pikachu and Bulbasaur. It helped Ash escape the sinking St. Anne (EP016), teamed up with Team Rocket's Pokémon when it was stranded on the Island of the Giant Pokémon (EP017), stayed in its Poké Ball rather than fight the Diglett (EP031) and partnered Pikachu in the Big P Pokémon Race until Arbok's Glare froze them both (EP033). Its first Skull Bash bounced harmlessly off Team Rocket's robot Kangaskhan (EP034) – but the move would become its trademark finisher.
Gym battles were a sore point. Squirtle's Gym debut came against Blaine, whose Ninetales smothered its Water Gun with Fire Spin and knocked it out in one shot (EP058), and at the Viridian Gym it took a pounding from Giovanni's Machamp, commanded by Jessie (EP063). Between the two came one of its finest hours: putting on its Squirtle Squad sunglasses, it calmed a panicking colony of Squirtle and Wartortle and helped wake their sleeping Blastoise king (EP060).
At the Indigo Plateau Conference it waited in reserve on the Water Field (EP075), then won its round on the Rock Field, absorbing a Nidorino's charge with Withdraw before flattening it with Skull Bash (EP076). In the Victory Tournament against Ritchie it was Ash's opener – and fell straight asleep under Happy's Sleep Powder (EP079).
The Orange Islands were Squirtle's golden age. It matched Cissy's Seadra target for target in the Mikan Gym's Water Gun shoot-out (EP085), and at the Trovita Gym it turned the tables on Rudy's Starmie by suddenly unleashing Hydro Pump from inside its shell, then Skull Bashing its way to the only Gym win of its career (EP103). Its pride was stung when Captain Aidan's Team Wartortle extinguished a blaze it could not, sparking a fierce rivalry (EP106). In the Orange League final it beat Drake's Onix before Dragonite's tail finally floored it, and it entered the Hall of Fame with the rest of the champion team (EP111–EP112).
In Johto it joined Pikachu, Bulbasaur and Charizard in a four-way elemental combination against Team Rocket (EP117) and fought a water duel with a GS Ball-stealing Quagsire (EP127). Then came the Fire and Rescue Grand Prix. Reunited with the Squirtle Squad – and with its rivals Team Wartortle – Squirtle found its old gang falling apart without a leader; it took charge, beat Team Rocket's mecha and drove the Squad to victory by about a second. Realising where it was needed, it stayed behind to lead them – shaking Bulbasaur's outstretched vine as they said goodbye (EP147).
Squirtle came back whenever Ash needed it most. When Kingler was injured just before Ash's Silver Conference match with Macy, Officer Jenny rode in with Squirtle as a last-minute entry, and it beat Macy's Electabuzz and Quilava to win the match – escaping from being stuck on its back with a whirling Hydro Pump (EP267). Outside the Pokémon Center, Bulbasaur twice held it back from a scrap with an Azumarill and a Meganium – until all four ended up brawling (EP268). After the tournament it went home to the Squad (EP272).
For the final battle of the Battle Frontier it rode in on Officer Jenny's motorcycle, kept May's much smaller Squirtle aloft on a jet of Water Gun before the pair danced together, and soaked Charizard's forehead with Water Gun when the Fire-type flattened the bed of leaves the team had built (AG189). In the Battle Pyramid it knocked out Brandon's Ninjask before Solrock's Solar Beam stopped it (AG190).
Later series kept the flame alive. Squirtle featured in Ash's memory of the night his Pokémon kept him warm in a blizzard (BW116), Squirtle and its squad-mates were photographed by Rotom on Ash's visit to Kanto (SM042), and Squirtle appeared in Pikachu's vision during the Masters Eight final against Leon (JN132). Its last big reunion came in A Squad's Worth of Passion! (JN141): with Team Rocket secretly managing the Squad as performers, Squirtle believed Ash no longer cared and squared up to Bulbasaur and Charizard – until a warehouse fire put Ash and Squirtle side by side again. Officer Jenny took the Squad back, and Squirtle shared one last hug with its old Trainer.
Battle record
| Episode | Opponent | Context | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP012Here Comes the Squirtle Squad | Team Rocketvs Balloon | Team Rocket (as leader of the Squirtle Squad)Its Water Gun bursts Team Rocket's balloon and rescues Pikachu. | Won |
| EP019Tentacool & Tentacruel | Wildvs Giant Tentacruel | Wild (with Brock's Zubat)Both are knocked out by the colossal Tentacruel. | Lost |
| EP025Primeape Goes Bananas | Wildvs Primeape | WildIts Water Gun only makes the furious Primeape angrier. | Unknown |
| EP033The Flame Pokémon-athon! | Team Rocketvs Jessie's Arbok | Team Rocket (Big P Pokémon Race)Arbok's Glare paralyses it and Pikachu. | Lost |
| EP034The Kangaskhan Kid | Team Rocketvs Robot Kangaskhan | Team RocketIts first Skull Bash makes no impression on the robot. | Unknown |
| EP044The Problem with Paras | Cassandravs Paras | Practice battleEven a held-back Water Gun knocks out Cassandra's Paras. | Won |
| EP058Riddle Me This | Blainevs Ninetales | Gym battle (Cinnabar Gym)Its Gym debut: Fire Spin overpowers Water Gun and knocks it out in one shot. | Lost |
| EP063The Battle of the Badge | Jessie (standing in for Giovanni)vs Machamp | Gym battle (Viridian Gym)Battered by Karate Chops from Giovanni's Machamp and recalled. | Lost |
| EP076Fire and Ice | A Trainervs Nidorino | Indigo Plateau Conference, round two (Rock Field)Withdraw soaks up a Tackle and Skull Bash wins the round. | Won |
| EP079Friend and Foe Alike | Ritchievs Butterfree (Happy) | Indigo Plateau Conference, Victory TournamentSent to sleep by Sleep Powder; Ash goes on to lose the match. | Lost |
| EP085Fit to Be Tide | Cissyvs Seadra | Gym challenge (Mikan Gym) – Water Gun target shootShot for shot with Seadra; both hit the final target together. | Draw |
| EP096Meowth Rules! | Team Rocketvs Magikarp submarine | Team RocketA Water Gun sends the trio blasting off. | Won |
| EP098A Way Off Day Off | Team Rocketvs Arbok and Weezing | Team Rocket (with Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charizard and Tracey's Scyther)Its Water Gun joins the barrage that blasts Team Rocket off. | Won |
| EP099The Mandarin Island Miss Match | A young Trainervs Persian | Casual battlePops out of its shell for a Skull Bash knockout. | Won |
| EP099The Mandarin Island Miss Match | A young Trainervs Tauros | Casual battleKnocked out by a single Tackle. | Lost |
| EP103Misty Meets Her Match | Rudyvs Starmie | Gym battle (Trovita Gym)Learns Hydro Pump mid-battle and finishes with Skull Bash to clinch the Spike Shell Badge. | Won |
| EP107Pokémon Food Fight! | Gulzarvs Gloom | Casual battleSent out by mistake; its Water Gun only refreshes Gloom and Ash recalls it. | Unknown |
| EP111Hello, Pummelo! | Drakevs Onix | Orange League final (Pummelo Stadium)Escapes Bind with Withdraw, then Hydro Pump and Skull Bash. | Won |
| EP112Enter the Dragonite | Drakevs Dragonite | Orange League final (Pummelo Stadium)Bubble Beam stops a Body Slam, but Dragonite's tail knocks it out. | Lost |
| EP113Viva Las Lapras | Pirate poachersvs Pirate ship | Rescuing a Lapras familyJoins Misty's Water-types in a Water Gun barrage that wrecks the ship's cannons and masts. | Won |
| EP117Don't Touch That 'dile | Team Rocketvs Lickitung, Arbok and co. | Team RocketA four-way combination with Pikachu, Bulbasaur and Charizard sends Team Rocket's Pokémon flying. | Won |
| EP127Once in a Blue Moon | Wildvs Quagsire | WildIts Water Gun knocks the GS Ball loose; Officer Jenny breaks up the water fight. | Interrupted |
| EP147The Fire-ing Squad! | Team Rocketvs Torcher Scorcher mecha | Team Rocket (Fire and Rescue Grand Prix)Leads the Squad's fightback; its Water Gun and Pikachu's electricity wreck the mecha. | Won |
| EP147The Fire-ing Squad! | Captain Aidanvs Team Wartortle | Fire and Rescue Grand Prix finalLeads the Squirtle Squad to victory by about a second. | Won |
| EP267Love, Pokémon Style | Macyvs Electabuzz | Silver Conference preliminaries (three-on-three)A last-minute call-up: rapid Water Guns, then Skull Bash meets Thunderbolt for the knockout. | Won |
| EP267Love, Pokémon Style | Macyvs Quilava | Silver Conference preliminaries (three-on-three)Flipped onto its back, it spins out with Hydro Pump to win the match. | Won |
| AG189Gathering the Gang of Four! | Team Rocketvs Steel balloon | Team RocketTakes turns with Charizard to heat and cool the steel until it weakens; the four friends' combined attack blasts Team Rocket off. | Won |
| AG190Pace – The Final Frontier! | Brandonvs Ninjask | Battle Pyramid (Brave Symbol)Rapid Spin deflects Aerial Ace, and Skull Bash ends it. | Won |
| AG190Pace – The Final Frontier! | Brandonvs Solrock | Battle Pyramid (Brave Symbol)Psychic power blunts every attack; Solar Beam knocks it out. | Lost |
Why didn’t it evolve?
Squirtle is the odd one out among Ash's original six. Butterfree, Pidgeot and Charizard all evolved, while Pikachu and Bulbasaur famously turned evolution down. Squirtle, by contrast, has never evolved and never refused to; the series has simply never made its evolution a storyline. The anime surrounded it with its evolved relatives instead: a colony ruled by a mighty Blastoise (EP060), Captain Aidan's elite firefighting Team Wartortle (EP106, EP147) and, eventually, Gary's Blastoise. Yet Squirtle's own story was always about leadership rather than growth into a bigger body – it went from gang boss to firefighting chief while staying exactly the same size.
Key episodes
Ash’s Squirtle trivia
- Squirtle was the first Water-type Pokémon Ash ever owned.
- Of Ash's original six Pokémon, it is the only one that has neither evolved nor refused to evolve.
- Its Kanto Gym record was two losses; its only Gym victory came against Rudy's Starmie at the Trovita Gym (EP103).
- It is the only one of Ash's Pokémon to use a move for the first time in a film: Bubble Beam, in Mewtwo Strikes Back. In EP112 the English dub mistakenly calls the same move 'Bubble'.
- It was the first of Ash's Pokémon to be put into a Poké Ball off-screen.
- Unlike Ash's other long-serving first partner Pokémon, it has never been left in a Professor's care – between adventures, home is with Officer Jenny and the Squirtle Squad.
- Its signature Hydro Pump, fired while spinning inside its shell, recalls the jet-powered spin of the giant flying turtle Gamera.
- It was inducted into the Orange League Hall of Fame alongside Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charizard, Lapras and Tauros (EP112).
Other trainers’ Squirtle
First seen: EP004Challenge of the Samurai
Evolved: EP269The Ties That Bind
Gary collected his first partner from Professor Oak on the morning Ash overslept, boasting that he had 'the best one' – but never saying which. The answer stayed a mystery for almost the whole original series, apart from a fleeting flashback of a Squirtle beating Samurai's Metapod (EP004). It finally came out at the Silver Conference, where Gary unleashed a fully evolved Blastoise, his strongest Pokémon (EP269). Blastoise swept aside Ash's Heracross and Bayleef before Charizard brought it down with Seismic Toss (EP270), and when Gary chose to become a researcher it was the one Pokémon he kept at his side (EP272). It has since helped Gary take on Pokémon Hunter J in Sinnoh (DP045) and teamed up with Goh's Cinderace on a Project Mew mission (JN113).
- EP004Challenge of the Samurai · vs Metapod Won
- EP270Can't Beat the Heat! · vs Heracross Won
- EP270Can't Beat the Heat! · vs Charizard Lost
First seen: AG133The Right Place and the Right Mime
Evolved: DP077Staging a Heroes' Welcome!
One of Professor Oak's Squirtle took such a shine to May in Pallet Town that the Professor let it travel with her (AG133). Small, timid and prone to tears – it cried after Drew's Flygon swatted it aside with one Steel Wing (AG139) – it found its feet in Contests, freezing Harley's Ariados's webs with Ice Beam to win the Saffron Contest in A Hurdle for Squirtle (AG144) and beating Jessie's borrowed Banette in sudden death at the Mulberry Contest (AG175). It battled alongside Combusken against Drew at the Kanto Grand Festival (AG181), then returned to Sinnoh's Wallace Cup as a Wartortle, debuting Aqua Tail in the Performance Stage (DP077).
- AG139On Cloud Arcanine · vs Flygon Lost
- AG144A Hurdle for Squirtle · vs Ariados Won
- AG175Going for Choke! · vs Banette (borrowed from Harley) Won
First seen: XY039Summer of Discovery!
Evolved: XY065Good Friends, Great Training!
Tierno's first partner, received from Professor Sycamore, is a Squirtle that battles the way its Trainer dances: at the Pokémon Summer Camp it danced clean past a Conkeldurr's attacks before finishing with Skull Bash, then out-manoeuvred Ash's Froakie in the camp's opening one-on-one battles (XY039). It fought for Team Squirtle alongside Shauna's Bulbasaur and Trevor's Charmander, and knocked out Serena's Fennekin with Aqua Tail in the team-battle final before Pikachu's Thunderbolt ended its run (XY042). It was a Wartortle by the time it lost a tag battle to Ash's Pikachu and Goodra (XY065), a Blastoise when it danced through another alongside Pikachu (XY090), and at the Lumiose Conference it sank Sawyer's Slurpuff with Hydro Cannon before Sceptile's Frenzy Plant knocked it out (XY126).
- XY039Summer of Discovery! · vs Conkeldurr Won
- XY039Summer of Discovery! · vs Froakie Won
- XY042Battling Into the Hall of Fame! · vs Pikachu, Fennekin and Chespin Lost
- XY126Valuable Experience for All! · vs Slurpuff Won
- XY126Valuable Experience for All! · vs Sceptile Lost
First seen: EP012Here Comes the Squirtle Squad
The Squirtle Squad are Squirtle who were abandoned by their Trainers and turned to mischief – stealing food, vandalising the town and wearing matching sunglasses. After they helped Ash douse the forest fire Team Rocket started, Officer Jenny made them the town's official firefighters (EP012). Without Ash's Squirtle they lost their nerve, until their old leader returned to win the Fire and Rescue Grand Prix and stay as their chief (EP147). They resurfaced in Pokémon Chronicles, were photographed by Rotom in Kanto (SM042) and, in Pokémon Journeys, were secretly hired as performers by Team Rocket before Jenny took them back to their real job (JN141).
- EP147The Fire-ing Squad! · vs Team Wartortle Won
First seen: File 1: Red
In Pokémon Origins, the retelling of Red and Blue, Blue takes Squirtle as his first partner and uses it to beat Red's Charmander with ease in their very first battle. By File 2 it has evolved into Wartortle, and in File 4 Blue's Blastoise faces Red's fully evolved Charizard.
- File 1: Red · vs Charmander Won
Featured episodes
- EP060Beach Blank-Out BlastoiseA colony of Squirtle and Wartortle is thrown into turmoil when their Blastoise king falls into a deep sleep on the beach. Ash's Squirtle calms them down, and the colony's Water attacks later push Team Rocket's mecha out to sea.
- M01Pokémon: The First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes BackMewtwo clones Ash's Squirtle, and the copy fights in the climactic clash of originals and clones.
- AG133The Right Place and the Right MimeOne of Professor Oak's Squirtle chooses May as its Trainer in Pallet Town.
- JN002Legend? Go! Friends? Go!Professor Cerise offers Goh a Squirtle as his first partner – and he turns it down.
More appearances
- EP015Battle Aboard the St. Anne A Gentleman and another Trainer each have a Squirtle aboard the St. Anne.
- EP028Pokémon Fashion Flash A Squirtle is spotted on Scissor Street.
- EP056The Ultimate Test The exam instructor's Squirtle appears during the Pokémon League Admissions Exam.
- EP080Friends to the End A Trainer's Squirtle attends the Indigo Plateau Conference closing ceremony.
- EP091Bye Bye Psyduck A Squirtle appears in Marina's fantasy.
- EP170A Better Pill to Swallow A Squirtle appears in Brock's fantasy.
- EP216Dueling Heroes A Trainer's Squirtle competes in the Whirl Cup.
- AG015Gonna Rule the School! The Pokémon Trainers' School lends its Squirtle to an underage student.
- AG071A Six Pack Attack! Professor Oak brings a Squirtle, a Bulbasaur and a Charmander on his trip to Hoenn.
- DP149Sticking With Who You Know! A Squirtle falls for a Raichu under the influence of Professor Kodama's machine.
- PK24Meloetta's Moonlight Serenade A Squirtle is in the audience for Meloetta's concert.
- BW116The Fires of a Red-Hot Reunion! A Squirtle joins Professor Oak's Kanto first partner demonstration at the Kanto Fair.
- M21Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us Four Trainers' Squirtle appear.
- JN001Enter Pikachu! A young Trainer uses her Squirtle to weaken a Caterpie she wants to catch.
- JN046Getting More Than You Battled For! A Squirtle appears in a fantasy alongside the other first partner Pokémon.
- JN058A Rollicking Roll… Eyes on the Goal! The Shell Sage has a Squirtle.
- HZ001The Pendant That Starts It All (Part One) A Trainer's Squirtle appears, and two more belong to Indigo Academy students.
- HZ090Eyes to the Skies Once Again (Part One) An Indigo Academy student's Squirtle appears in both parts of Eyes to the Skies Once Again (HZ090–HZ091).
Beyond the main series
Anime gallery
Anime trivia
- Gary's first partner was kept secret for almost the entire original series: he left Pallet Town boasting he had 'the best one', and only sent out his Blastoise at the Silver Conference (EP269).
- In the Japanese version the Squirtle Squad wear the character ゼ (from Zenigame, Squirtle's Japanese name) as their emblem; the English dub painted it out.
- In the English dub of EP012 the Squad threaten to dye Misty's hair purple if Ash is late – a much softer threat than in the original.
- The games return the favour: in Pokémon Yellow and Let's Go, Pikachu!/Let's Go, Eevee!, an Officer Jenny gives the player a mischievous Squirtle she has caught – a wink at the Squirtle Squad's leader.
- The Squad's trademark shades turned up in Pokémon GO's Community Day of 8 July 2018, when Squirtle could be caught wearing sunglasses.
- Professor Cerise offers Goh a Squirtle as his first partner in JN002 – and he turns it down.
- At Professor Sycamore's Summer Camp, Tierno, Shauna and Trevor competed as Team Squirtle (XY042).
“Squirtle. This Tiny Turtle Pokémon draws its long neck into its shell to launch incredible Water attacks with amazing range and accuracy. The blasts can be quite powerful.”
Ash's Pokédex (Dexter) · EP012
05On the big screen
Squirtle in the movies
9 films, 10 Pikachu shorts and 3 specials featuring Squirtle.
Squirtle has been part of Pokémon's film history from day one. Ash's Squirtle is one of his big three in Mewtwo Strikes Back, where it ferries the gang to New Island through a storm and comes face to face with its own clone, and in The Power of One its Water Gun helps spring Moltres from Lawrence III's cage. Once Ash's Squirtle had gone home to lead its Squad, May's Squirtle took over in Lucario and the Mystery of Mew and Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea. Later films keep it to cameos, from Gary collecting his first partner in I Choose You! to five live-action Squirtle in Detective Pikachu, until the CGI remake Mewtwo Strikes Back—Evolution hands Ash's Squirtle a Bubble Beam win over Raymond's Machamp. The real treasure, though, is the Pikachu shorts, where Squirtle is a cookie-swallowing, snowball-dodging, ice-skittling comedian, and the Mystery Dungeon special, in which a boy wakes up as a Squirtle and becomes the hero of his own rescue team.
Pokémon: The First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes Back
M01 · 1998
Ash's Squirtle; Mewtwo's clone of it; Neesha's Blastoise (Shellshocker) and a clone Blastoise; Squirtletwo in Dr. Fuji's lab (extended Japanese cut only)
Squirtle is one of Ash's big three from the very first scene. With Bulbasaur and Pikachu it helps him make short work of the Trainer Raymond, and when the storm capsizes the gang's boat, Squirtle and Misty's Staryu get everyone across the waves to New Island. Ash recalls it once Mewtwo's capture balls start flying, but they swallow its Poké Ball whole. It is freed when the cloning machine is wrecked, and the copy Mewtwo made of it joins the brawl between originals and clones. This is also the first time Ash's Squirtle shows that it knows Bubble Beam, and Japan's extended cut adds Squirtletwo, a cloned Squirtle in Dr. Fuji's lab and one of the young Mewtwo's first friends.
Pokémon the Movie 2000: The Power of One
M02 · 1999
Ash's Squirtle (Wartortle and Blastoise also appear)
With the legendary birds caged by the collector Lawrence III, Ash calls out Squirtle and Bulbasaur, and Squirtle's Water Gun, fired together with Pikachu's electricity and Charizard's Flamethrower, breaks Moltres free. In the Japanese version Tracey explains the reaction that does the trick; the English dub cuts his line. Squirtle then stays with Ash, Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charizard and Lugia as they head for Ice Island.
Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew
M08 · 2005
May's Squirtle; several Blastoise
With Ash's Squirtle back home leading its Squad, May's Squirtle takes over on the big screen. Deep inside the Tree of Beginning, the tree's red, blob-like defenders swallow up Max and then Brock, and May sends out Combusken, Munchlax and Squirtle just before they take her too. In English it is voiced by Eric Stuart, the original voice of Ash's Squirtle. Several Blastoise also appear in the film.
Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea
M09 · 2006
May's Squirtle
May's Squirtle is on her team again for the last film of the Hoenn era, though it doesn't get a scene of its own. It has a new English voice this time: Michele Knotz takes over from Eric Stuart.
M10 · 2007
Ash's Squirtle (montage of earlier films only)
Squirtle sits out the Alamos Town adventure, but Ash's Squirtle does pop up in the film's montage of earlier movie adventures.
Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You!
M20 · 2017
Gary's Squirtle (flashback); a Trainer's Squirtle and Wartortle; Neesha's Blastoise; Squirtle on Ash's first partner poster
This anniversary retelling rewrites Ash's early team, and Squirtle isn't on it: here he only ever has Pikachu, Butterfree and Charizard. Squirtle still gets its moments. A brand-new flashback shows Gary receiving his Squirtle from Professor Oak on the day Ash meets Pikachu, and after his crushing defeat by Cross, Ash grumbles to Pikachu that he wishes he'd been given Bulbasaur or Squirtle instead. There's a Squirtle on the Kanto first partner poster in Ash's bedroom, too. Tierno, whose partner in the TV series started out as a Squirtle, chooses Charmander in this version.
Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us
M21 · 2018
Four Trainers' Squirtle (background)
Four Trainers' Squirtle are among the crowds in this film, and one of them slipped past the animators: during the Pokémon Catch Race, as Risa watches Ash chase a Tyranitar, a Squirtle's shell is coloured the same blue as its body.
2019
Five Squirtle; a Blastoise
Squirtle's live-action debut. Five Squirtle and a Blastoise appear among the live-action Pokémon of Rob Letterman's film.
Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back—Evolution
M22 · 2019
Ash's Squirtle; Mewtwo's clone Squirtle; Neesha's Blastoise (Shellshocker) and a clone Blastoise
The CGI remake gives Ash's Squirtle a little more to do. The opening battle with Raymond is spelled out this time, and Squirtle's Bubble Beam overwhelms his Machamp. When the crossing goes wrong and Team Rocket's boat is flung into the air, Squirtle swims through the waves, dodging rocks, all the way to New Island. It's called out with Bulbasaur in the entrance hall, captured inside its Poké Ball by Mewtwo, and reunited with Ash when the cloning machine explodes. Neesha's Blastoise, Shellshocker, also puts up a longer fight against its clone than in 1998, trading a head-on Skull Bash with it before Rapid Spin knocks it out.
Pikachu shorts
- PK01Pikachu's Vacation (1998) · Ash's Squirtle (Wartortle and Blastoise also appear)
Squirtle is one of the four Pokémon left minding Togepi at the Pokémon park, and it is hopeless at it: the scary face it pulls to cheer the baby up only makes it cry harder. Later it has a row with a gang of bullies (Raichu, Snubbull, Marill and Cubone) alongside Bulbasaur, then races Marill across a packed swimming pool, gets tangled up on a Goldeen's back, breaks free and speeds to the finish, only to find Marill has already won. The short premiered with Mewtwo Strikes Back. - PK02Christmas Night (1998) · Ash's Squirtle
Squirtle is the one who finds the kitchen, and the one who tugs a party popper's string, making itself and Bulbasaur jump out of their skins. When Bulbasaur's cookie ends up in Squirtle's mouth, an apology won't do, and the chase goes round and round the Christmas tree until Squirtle's foot snags the fairy lights. The tree ends up on top of Pikachu, Squirtle and Bulbasaur can't stop laughing, and Pikachu's furious Thunderbolt blows the cabin's power, before everyone pitches in to stand the tree back up. It's the first of the Pikachu's Winter Vacation shorts. - PK03Kanga Games (1998) · Ash's Squirtle
A snow day, and the trail of footprints Togepi follows turns out to be Squirtle's. The snowball fight goes badly for it: its first throw hits a tree, Bulbasaur's knocks it sliding down the hill on its shell, and its own goading of a baby Kangaskhan ends with Pikachu getting one in the face. Then Bulbasaur grabs it with its vines and rides it like a sledge, sending them both flying off the snow ramps. By the end of the day Squirtle is dangling from the mother Kangaskhan's ears. - PK04Pikachu's Rescue Adventure (1999) · Ash's Squirtle
When Togepi tumbles away and ends up in an Exeggcute nest in a giant tree, it is sharp-eyed Squirtle who works out why the Exeggcute want to keep it: one of their eggs is missing. In the storm that follows, lightning sets the tree alight, and Squirtle and Marill put out the fire with Water Gun. The short was shown with The Power of One. - PK05Winter Games (1999) · Ash's Squirtle
Squirtle is a one-Pokémon comedy act on the ice. It fogs up the window and presses its face into the mist, makes a new note by head-butting an icicle, and nearly gets flattened by one when Chikorita's Razor Leaf brings it down. The big laugh comes when Bulbasaur gives it a shove while it is tucked in its shell: Squirtle skims across the ice, bowling through Poliwag, Psyduck, Heracross, Vulpix and Geodude before falling over dizzy. Later a head-on collision with a spinning Meowth sends Meowth flying. - PK06Stantler's Little Helpers (1999) · Ash's Squirtle
Squirtle pops out of its Poké Ball with Bulbasaur, Heracross, Vulpix, Poliwag and Psyduck when Togepi wakes up, but it gets no scene of its own this time. This is Ash's Squirtle's last Pikachu short. - PK15Pikachu's Ghost Carnival (2005) · May's Squirtle
May's Squirtle is the star crybaby of this short, first shown on ANA domestic flights in August 2005. Worn out by the climb up a hill with the picnic baskets, she has to be carried the rest of the way by Pikachu. When a gang of Ghost-type Pokémon jump out to scare everyone, she wails so loudly that the pranksters are ashamed of themselves, and only funny faces from Pikachu and Haunter dry her tears. She gets her own back by helping play a ghost-sheet prank on Meowth, and teams up with Mudkip to blow up a Pikachu balloon with Water Gun. The Japanese narrator calls this Squirtle 'she', the only time a main character's Water-type first partner has been confirmed as female. - PK16Pokémon 4D: Pikachu's Ocean Adventure (2006) · May's Squirtle (cameo)
May's Squirtle is in the cast of this 3D short, made to promote Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea, but doesn't get a scene of its own. - PK17Pikachu's Island Adventure (2006) · May's Squirtle
Another in-flight short, first shown on ANA domestic flights in August 2006. In its training montage, May's Squirtle and Brock's Marshtomp teach a Wynaut how to dodge Water Gun. - PK24Meloetta's Moonlight Serenade (2012) · A wild Squirtle
A wild Squirtle is one of the forest gang here. Pikachu quizzes it, Piplup and Psyduck about some missing Berries, and it dives into the lake with Oshawott and Piplup after the thief, a Corphish. The underwater showdown is pure slapstick: when Corphish jumps clear of Squirtle's Water Gun and Oshawott's scalchop, the pair hit each other and are blasted out of the lake. Later, in a gorge, Squirtle grabs on to Oshawott and Corphish grabs on to Squirtle, forming a chain of Pokémon climbing towards Drifblim. A Squirtle is also in the audience for Meloetta's concert. The short was shown with Kyurem vs. the Sword of Justice.
TV specials
- Pokémon: Mewtwo Returns (2000)
Ash's own Squirtle has gone back to lead its Squad by now, but its clone from the first film returns, one of the copied Pokémon living in hiding with Mewtwo. The clone Blastoise has a job too: Team Rocket's Meowth and Mewtwo's cloned Meowth ride on its back into battle. - The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon (2006)
This special about holographic Mirage Pokémon aired in the United States months before Japan. After seeing an explosion blast Team Rocket away, May hurries into the castle with her Squirtle, and arrives just in time to save Misty, who is left hanging over a long drop as a brick starts to give way. - Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Team Go-Getters Out of the Gate! (2006)
Squirtle gets top billing in this special based on Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team. A boy wakes up beside a river to find he has become a Squirtle, with no idea how, and Charmander and Chikorita sign him up for their rescue team, Team Go-Getters. He can breathe underwater, but every attempt at Water Gun comes out as Bubble. In the showdown with Skarmory he gulps down a Quick Seed to land a direct hit with a Corsola Twig, then finally learns Water Gun, and at the end he decides to stay with the team for as long as he's a Pokémon.
06Trading Card Game · every card
Squirtle in the Pokémon TCG
47 cards since 1999, oldest first. Tap any card to see it full size.
Squirtle has been splashing about on card tables since day one. It was in Japan's very first Expansion Pack in October 1996 and reached English players in Base Set in January 1999: a 40 HP Basic Water Pokémon with a Paralysing Bubble and a hide-in-your-shell Withdraw. Three decades on it is still a humble Basic, with no ex, V or Mega card of its own, but it has learned plenty of tricks. EX Crystal Guardians gave it a Solid Shell to shrug off damage, Boundaries Crossed made it untouchable on the Bench, Team Up let it retreat for free whenever you had a Stadium in play, and Expedition squeezed music data for the e-Reader into its dot codes. Its HP has crept up from 40 to 80, and for most of the 2010s, from Boundaries Crossed to Unbroken Bonds, it even swapped its Lightning Weakness for Grass.
The art tells its own story. Mitsuhiro Arita painted the original and kept coming back: once with a FireRed & LeafGreen card inspired by a rock album sleeve, then with a full-art Illustration Rare for 151 in 2023. Japan collected curiosities of its own, from Kagemaru Himeno's glossy vending-machine card and a McDonald's Happy Meal holo to a prize card made from a fan's Pokémon Snap photo and a promo that won its place in a fan vote. Recent years brought showpieces such as Saboteri's Stellar Crown Illustration Rare and the 2026 First Partner Illustration Collection, where Squirtle completes a Kanto panorama alongside Bulbasaur and Charmander. Pokémon TCG Pocket has joined in with fresh pieces, including a Shiny Squirtle, and brought back classic paper art by Kanako Eo and Naoki Saito.
Cards to know
- Base Set 63/102 — Mitsuhiro Arita's original: 40 HP, a Paralysing Bubble and a coin-flip Withdraw. The same art came back in Base Set 2, Legendary Collection, a 25th-anniversary Jumbo card and the 2023 TCG Classic box.
- EX FireRed & LeafGreen 83/112 — Arita counts it among his favourites, and the idea came from a rock classic: the sleeve of Nirvana's Nevermind.
- Pokémon Snap Best Photo Contest promo (Japan) — A fan's own Pokémon Snap photo turned into a real card, with a camera where the set symbol should be. One of the rarest Squirtle cards ever made.
- DPt-P 009 (Japan) — Squirtle earned this card by popular vote, beating Meowth in a fan survey, and arrived with the handy Selecting Souvenirs attack.
- 151 170/165 — More than a quarter of a century after his first Squirtle, Mitsuhiro Arita painted it again for a full-art Illustration Rare.
- MEP 039 — Saboteri's full art joins Bulbasaur and Charmander in one Kanto panorama, packed with Gen I nods: the S.S. Anne, Silph Co., the Seafoam Islands, a Bicycle over the Cycling Road and the Volcano, Earth and Marsh Badges.
Every English-language card
Promo cards
Japan-exclusive cards
Other regional releases
Pokémon TCG Pocket
Digital card games
- Pokémon Trading Card Game (Game Boy Color): Squirtle (Base Set 63 art, Mitsuhiro Arita), card B17, in the Evolution booster pack; two copies are in the Squirtle & Friends Deck, one of the starter decks Dr. Mason offers at the start (its Auto Deck Machine version also has two). Sprite: TCG1 B17 Squirtle.png.
- Pokémon Card GB2 (Japan only): Squirtle (Intro Pack Squirtle Deck art, Sumiyoshi Kizuki), card B17, Common, in the Legendary Power pack. Sprite: TCG2 B17 Squirtle.png.
- Pokémon Card GB2 (Japan only): Squirtle (Base Set 63 art, Mitsuhiro Arita), card C18, in the Island of Fossil pack. Sprite: TCG2 C18 Squirtle.png.
- Pokémon Card GB2 (Japan only): Squirtle (Vending Expansion Sheet 1 art, Kagemaru Himeno), card F10, Uncommon, in the Sky Flying Pokémon pack. Sprite: TCG2 F10 Squirtle.png.
- Pokémon Card GB2 (Japan only): Squirtle (Team Rocket 68 art, Atsuko Nishida), card G13, in the We Are Team Rocket pack. Sprite: TCG2 G13 Squirtle.png.
- Pokémon TCG Online / Pokémon TCG Live: no digital-exclusive Squirtle cards listed.
The artists behind the cards
- Mitsuhiro Arita — 3 artworks (Base Set, EX FireRed & LeafGreen 83, 151 Illustration Rare); his Base Set art also returned in Base Set 2, Legendary Collection and the TCG Classic box
- Atsuko Nishida — 2 (Team Rocket, POP Series 4)
- Kagemaru Himeno — 2 (Vending Expansion Sheet 1, Secret Wonders)
- Masakazu Fukuda — 2 (Platinum, Unleashed)
- Yuka Morii — 2 (Expedition 131, DPt-P 009)
- Saboteri — 2 (Stellar Crown Illustration Rare, MEP 039)
- Kanako Eo — 1 (Boundaries Crossed), reused for TCG Pocket's Promo-A 033
- Naoki Saito — 1 (Plasma Storm), reused for TCG Pocket's Crimson Blaze
- One artwork each: Sumiyoshi Kizuki, Kyoko Umemoto, Asuka Iwashita, Ken Sugimori, Toshinao Aoki, Kouki Saitou, Hajime Kusajima, Akira Komayama, sui, HYOGONOSUKE, tetsuya koizumi, sowsow, kurumitsu, kantaro, Gemi, ryoma uratsuka, Kurata So (China only), and a Pokémon Snap contest photo by Miyuki Ogino; TCG Pocket adds new pieces by Mizue, Taira Akitsu and Nisota Niso
07On the page & beyond
Squirtle in manga, books & other media
From the earliest manga to story books and songs.
Squirtle was in print before it was on TV. It appears in the very first chapter of Kosaku Anakubo's Pocket Monsters in March 1996, as the first partner nobody picks, and the same manga later gives it a story about a crybaby Squirtle whose tears can flood a house. In Pokémon Adventures it's the first partner that got stolen: Green swipes it from Professor Oak's lab and raises it into Blasty, a Blastoise that later Mega Evolves. The Electric Tale of Pikachu gives Ash a Squirtle that beats Rudy's Starmie, Zensho hands one to the rival Shigeru, and Magical Pokémon Journey turns it into a talking butler with five sisters. On the bookshelf it has its own Japanese picture book, Come Out, Squirtle!, plus a run of Scholastic titles from Save Our Squirtle! to Return of the Squirtle Squad. It gets a name-check in the English Pokérap, puts out a fire in Ed Sheeran's Celestial video, and in 2001 it even became money, on a $1 coin from Niue.
Manga
Books
Other media
More from the page
08Did you know?
Squirtle trivia
Name origins, design secrets and the facts that make Squirtle such a fan favourite.
What’s in a name?
Squirtle is a simple, splashy mash-up of 'squirt' and 'turtle' – a turtle that squirts water, named back when water pistols were the coolest toy in any playground. 'Squirt' is also a cheeky word for a little kid, which suits the Tiny Turtle Pokémon down to the ground. Its Japanese name, Zenigame, is a real word: 銭亀, 'coin turtle', the name for a baby Japanese pond turtle. Zeni is an old word for money, and a PokéQuiz segment from the Black and White anime era explained the name by pointing out that Squirtle's shell looks like old coins.
Design origins
Squirtle was designed by Atsuko Nishida, who also drew Wartortle, and it takes after a baby turtle – shaped with its grown-up form, Blastoise, in mind. Its anatomy and its life half in, half out of the water make it more of a terrapin – a semi-aquatic freshwater turtle – and its chunky proportions match the big-headed turtle of southern China and South-East Asia. Then there is that curly tail. Like Wartortle's fluffy one, it points to the minogame of Japanese legend, a turtle that lived for 10,000 years and grew a long, trailing tail of seaweed – a lucky symbol of long life, worn by a Pokémon that is only just getting started.
Names around the world
| Language | Name | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese | ゼニガメ Zenigame | From 銭亀 zenigame, a baby Japanese pond turtle (zeni, old coins or money, and kame, turtle) |
| French | Carapuce | From carapace (shell) and puce (flea, an affectionate word for a little one) |
| German | Schiggy | From Schildkröte (turtle) |
| Spanish | Squirtle | Same as the English name |
| Italian | Squirtle | Same as the English name |
| Brazilian Portuguese | Squirtle | Same as the English name |
| Korean | 꼬부기 Kkobugi | From kkoma (little kid) and geobugi (turtle) |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 傑尼龜 / 杰尼龟 Jiéníguī | Partly a transcription of the Japanese name, plus guī (turtle) |
| Chinese (Cantonese) | 傑尼龜 Gihtnèihgwāi | As in Mandarin; pre-Gen VII media used 車厘龜 Chēlèihgwāi, from chēlèihjí (cherry) and gwāi (turtle) |
| Thai | เซนิกาเมะ Senikame | Transcription of the Japanese name |
| Russian | Сквиртл Skvirtl | Transcription of the English name (the dub of the very first episode said Сквирл, Skvirl) |
| Greek | Σκουίρτλ Skouírtl | Transcription of the English name |
| Hebrew | סקווירטל Squirtel | Transcription of the English name |
| Hindi | स्क्वर्टल Skvarṭal | Transcription of the English name |
| Arabic | سكويرتل Squirtle | Transcription of the English name |
| Bulgarian | Скуиртъл Skuirtŭl | Transcription of the English name |
Did you know?
- Squirtle is the first Water-type Pokémon in National Pokédex order – #0001 to #0006 are all Grass, Poison, Fire or Flying.
- Its category was written as one word, 'TinyTurtle', until Generation III.
- Its original Japanese Red & Green Pokédex entry had no English version until FireRed borrowed it in 2004; Sword reused it again.
- In Gold, Silver and Crystal, Squirtle's family were the only Pokémon that learned Skull Bash naturally – everyone else had to inherit it through breeding.
- Pokémon Stadium 2 shows a different Squirtle Pokédex entry depending on which Game Boy cartridge is plugged in.
- In Pokémon Yellow, Squirtle is a gift from Officer Jenny in Vermilion City – and in the anime, the Squirtle Squad ended up as firefighters under an Officer Jenny.
- Choose Squirtle in X and Y and Professor Sycamore's lab later hands you Blastoisinite as well.
- Mega Blastoise is the only Mega-Evolved first partner Pokémon with just one type.
- Pokémon GO's first Squirtle Community Day, on 8 July 2018, put Squirtle in sunglasses just like the anime's Squirtle Squad – and brought Shiny Squirtle to the game.
- In The Isle of Armor you can only take one Gigantamax-capable first partner from the Master Dojo: Bulbasaur or Squirtle.
- In 2001 the Pacific nation of Niue issued a commemorative $1 silver coin featuring Squirtle.
- Squirtle and Wartortle were both designed by Atsuko Nishida.
- Its old Cantonese name, 車厘龜 (Chēlèihgwāi), means 'cherry turtle'.
- In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Squirtle was tied with Olimar as the smallest playable character.
- In Smash Ultimate's Palutena's Guidance, Viridi cracks a joke about 'tiny turtle stew'.
- New Pokémon Snap's Photodex admits Squirtle is still weak – it often needs friends like Lapras to come to its rescue.
- In Pokémon Pokopia, Squirtle is the very first Pokémon you befriend, and Ditto learns Water Gun just to help it.
- Five Squirtle can be spotted in the 2019 live-action film Pokémon Detective Pikachu, and one appears in the music video for Ed Sheeran's 'Celestial'.
09Quizzes, archive & further reading
More Squirtle
Test yourself
Professor Oak's Kanto Quiz: BeginnerProfessor Oak has a few questions before you set foot in the tall grass. How well do you know the region where it all began?Take the quiz →
Who's That Pokémon? Kanto: BeginnerIt's the classic challenge! Can you name these original 151 Pokémon from their silhouettes alone?Take the quiz →
Indigo League Anime: IntermediateGrab your cap and set off on Ash's very first adventure. How much do you remember from the Indigo League days?Take the quiz →Ash & Pikachu Anime: BeginnerFrom his first step out of Pallet Town to the top of the world, how well do you know Ash and Pikachu's legendary journey?Take the quiz →
Pokémon Horizons Anime: BeginnerAll aboard for a brand-new adventure! See how well you know Liko, Roy and the crew of Pokémon Horizons: The Series.Take the quiz →
Mewtwo Strikes Back: BeginnerThe film that brought Pokémon to cinemas everywhere! How well do you remember Pokémon: The First Movie?Take the quiz →From the archive: Gengar’s Online Pokédex
Before this page, Pokémon Dungeon was home to Gengar’s Online Pokédex, the classic fan Pokédex for Red, Blue, Yellow, Gold, Silver & Crystal by Curtis Alumbaugh (Gengar) with Ian Alumbaugh (Haunter). Its Squirtle entry is preserved in full, with its original art, moves and locations.
Further reading
Pokémon and all related names, artwork, sprites, screenshots and card images are © Nintendo, Creatures Inc., GAME FREAK inc. and The Pokémon Company, used here for fan commentary. Images via the Bulbagarden Archives. Page updated 24 October 2026.