Squirtle evolves into Wartortle at Level 16, and Wartortle then evolves into Blastoise at Level 36. This straightforward three-stage evolution chain requires no special items, trades, or conditions in the main series games”just leveling up through battles or experience. All three Pokémon in this line are pure Water-types, maintaining the same elemental typing from the tiny turtle beginnings through to the cannon-wielding powerhouse.
As one of the original starter Pokémon from Generation I in 1996, Squirtle holds a special place in the franchise. Players who chose Squirtle in Pokémon Red and Blue got a reliable Water-type partner that could eventually become Blastoise, one of the most recognizable Pokémon in the entire series. For collectors, understanding this evolution chain matters because cards featuring each stage carry different values, with fully evolved forms and special variants like Mega Blastoise often commanding premium prices. This article covers the specifics of each evolution stage, how the process differs in Pokémon GO, the Mega Evolution option for Blastoise, and what collectors should know about cards from this iconic evolution line.
Table of Contents
- How Does Squirtle Evolve Into Wartortle and Blastoise?
- Type Strengths and Weaknesses Across the Evolution Line
- Squirtle Evolution in Pokémon GO
- Mega Blastoise: The Fourth Stage Option
- Collecting Cards Across the Evolution Chain
- Shiny Variants and Special Forms
- The Future of the Squirtle Line in Collecting
- Conclusion
How Does Squirtle Evolve Into Wartortle and Blastoise?
The Squirtle evolution chain follows the classic leveling system that defined early Pokémon games. Squirtle, the Tiny Turtle Pokémon registered as National Pokédex number 007, evolves into Wartortle (number 008) upon reaching Level 16. Wartortle then evolves into Blastoise (number 009) at Level 36. This means a player starting with a Level 5 Squirtle needs to gain 31 levels total to reach the final evolution. Compared to other starter Pokémon from Generation I, Squirtle’s evolution levels are identical to Charmander’s line and Bulbasaur’s line.
All three Kanto starters evolve at Levels 16 and 36, giving them balanced progression throughout the main game. However, Squirtle’s pure Water typing means it faces consistent weaknesses to Grass and Electric types across all three stages, unlike Bulbasaur’s line which gains Poison typing or Charizard which becomes Fire/Flying. The simplicity of Squirtle’s evolution requirements makes it one of the most accessible evolution chains in the franchise. There are no friendship requirements like eevee evolving into Espeon, no held item needs like Onix requiring a Metal Coat, and no time-of-day restrictions. This straightforward approach has contributed to the line’s enduring popularity among both new players and longtime fans.
Type Strengths and Weaknesses Across the Evolution Line
All three members of the Squirtle family share identical type matchups as pure Water-type Pokémon. They resist Fire, Water, Ice, and Steel-type attacks, taking reduced damage from these moves. Conversely, they take super-effective damage from Grass and Electric-type attacks, making these the primary threats throughout the evolution chain. This consistency in typing means collectors and competitive players know exactly what they’re getting at each stage. A Squirtle card or a Blastoise card will have the same fundamental weaknesses on the trading card game battlefield.
However, the stat increases through evolution dramatically change how these Pokémon perform. Blastoise’s significantly higher Defense and Special Attack stats allow it to take hits and dish out damage that Squirtle simply cannot match. One limitation to consider is that this pure Water typing, while solid defensively, lacks the offensive coverage that dual-typed Pokémon enjoy. Blastoise cannot hit Grass-types for neutral damage with its STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) moves, making it reliant on Ice-type coverage moves like Ice Beam to handle these threats. For collectors interested in competitive viability, this is worth noting when evaluating cards with different move pools.
Squirtle Evolution in Pokémon GO
The evolution mechanics differ significantly in Pokémon GO compared to the main series games. Instead of leveling up, players need to collect Squirtle Candy to trigger evolutions. Evolving Squirtle into Wartortle costs 25 Candy, while evolving Wartortle into Blastoise requires 100 Candy. The total investment for a complete evolution chain is 125 Candy.
Candy is primarily obtained by catching Squirtle, Wartortle, or Blastoise in the wild, hatching eggs containing Squirtle, transferring duplicate Squirtle family Pokémon to Professor Willow, or walking with a Squirtle family Pokémon as your buddy. Community Day events featuring Squirtle have historically offered increased spawn rates and special moves, making these events valuable opportunities for players looking to evolve multiple Blastoise. For collectors who play both the mobile game and collect physical cards, understanding GO’s evolution system matters because special event Pokémon (like those wearing sunglasses from the Squirtle Squad Community Day) have become desirable. These variants cannot evolve in some cases, creating a tradeoff between keeping a rare costume Squirtle versus evolving a regular one for competitive use.
Mega Blastoise: The Fourth Stage Option
Blastoise gains access to Mega Evolution through the Mega Stone called Blastoisinite. Mega Blastoise represents a temporary power boost rather than a permanent evolution, transforming during battle and reverting afterward. This mechanic was introduced in Generation VI with Pokémon X and Y, giving Blastoise a significant competitive upgrade. Mega Blastoise features a dramatically different design, with the two shoulder cannons consolidating into a single massive cannon on its back and two smaller arm cannons appearing.
Its stats increase substantially, particularly its Special Attack, making it a formidable offensive threat. For trading card collectors, Mega Blastoise EX cards from the XY era represent some of the more sought-after modern Blastoise cards. The limitation with Mega Evolution is its temporary nature and the requirement to hold the Mega Stone, which prevents Blastoise from holding other useful items. In Pokémon GO, Mega Evolution works differently, requiring Mega Energy that depletes over time. Collectors should note that Mega Evolution cards follow different gameplay rules in the TCG compared to standard evolution cards, affecting both deck-building strategies and card valuations.
Collecting Cards Across the Evolution Chain
The Squirtle evolution line has appeared in nearly every Pokémon TCG set since the Base Set in 1999, giving collectors an extensive range of options. Base Set Blastoise, particularly the holographic version, remains one of the most iconic and valuable cards from the original print run. First Edition Base Set Blastoise in mint condition has sold for tens of thousands of dollars at auction. Each evolution stage offers different collecting opportunities.
Squirtle cards tend to be common or uncommon rarities, making complete collections accessible for budget-conscious collectors. Wartortle occupies the middle ground, with some notable cards but generally less demand than either Squirtle (for nostalgia and accessibility) or Blastoise (for power and prestige). Blastoise cards, especially holographic, full-art, and secret rare variants, typically command the highest prices in the line. A practical approach for new collectors is to focus on one set or era rather than trying to acquire every Squirtle family card ever printed. The Evolutions set from 2016, which reprinted Base Set designs with modern card stock, offers a more affordable entry point for those wanting that classic artwork without Base Set prices.
Shiny Variants and Special Forms
Shiny versions of Squirtle, Wartortle, and Blastoise feature a lighter, more purple-tinted blue compared to the standard coloration. These color variants are rare in both the video games and the trading card game, with shiny Pokémon cards (often called “shiny vault” cards in modern sets) carrying premium prices.
The Squirtle family has also appeared in various special forms throughout the franchise. The anime-famous Squirtle Squad featured Squirtle wearing pointed sunglasses, and this design has appeared in Pokémon GO events. While these variants primarily affect the video game side, promotional cards featuring unique artwork or special event tie-ins do appear in the TCG periodically.
The Future of the Squirtle Line in Collecting
As Pokémon approaches its 30th anniversary, early generation Pokémon like the Squirtle line continue to hold strong collector interest. The nostalgia factor for Generation I Pokémon shows no signs of diminishing, and Blastoise consistently ranks among the most popular Pokémon in official polls.
New card sets continue to feature the Squirtle evolution line with updated artwork and mechanics. Special anniversary sets, like the 25th anniversary Celebrations, included reprints of classic Blastoise cards, demonstrating the ongoing demand for this evolution chain among collectors. Whether the market continues to value vintage cards at current levels remains uncertain, but the Squirtle family’s status as a franchise cornerstone suggests enduring relevance.
Conclusion
The Squirtle evolution chain follows a simple but satisfying progression: Squirtle becomes Wartortle at Level 16, then Blastoise at Level 36, with no special requirements needed. In Pokémon GO, the same evolutions cost 25 and 100 Candy respectively. All three stages maintain pure Water typing with Grass and Electric weaknesses, and Blastoise gains access to a powerful Mega Evolution form.
For collectors, this evolution line offers entry points at every budget level, from common Squirtle cards to high-value vintage Blastoise holos. Understanding which stage you’re collecting and why”whether for nostalgia, competitive play, or investment”helps focus a collection strategy. The Squirtle family’s place as an original starter ensures these cards will remain relevant to the hobby for years to come.
