Squirtle Pokemon GO: Complete Guide, Best Moveset & Counters

Squirtle is a popular Water-type Pokemon in Pokemon GO. With a maximum CP of 946, Squirtle is a viable option for Great League PvP battles where its unique typing and moveset can shine.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Squirtle in Pokemon GO, including its stats, best moveset, counters, and tips for using it effectively in both PvE raids and PvP battles.

📊 Squirtle Base Stats & Overview

Squirtle (#007) is a Water-type Pokemon from Generation 1.

Base Stats
Attack	94
Defense	121
Stamina	127
Total Stats	342
Max CP	946
Buddy Distance	3 km

With 94 Attack, 121 Defense, and 127 Stamina, Squirtle has a total stat product of 342. While not the highest in any single stat, Squirtle’s balanced stats make it versatile in various battle situations.

⚔️ Best Moveset for Squirtle

Choosing the right moveset is crucial for maximizing Squirtle’s potential in Pokemon GO. The optimal moveset varies depending on whether you’re using Squirtle for raids, gym battles, or PvP.

Best Raid & Gym Moveset

For PvE content like raids and gym battles, you want moves that maximize DPS (Damage Per Second). The best Water-type moves will benefit from STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus), increasing damage by 20%.

Best PvP Moveset

In PvP battles, energy generation and coverage moves become more important. You’ll want a fast move that charges energy quickly and charged moves that provide good type coverage.

🎯 Squirtle Type Effectiveness

Understanding type effectiveness is crucial for both using Squirtle effectively and knowing how to counter it. As a Water-type Pokemon, Squirtle has specific strengths and weaknesses.

⚠️ Weaknesses (Takes Super Effective Damage From)

Squirtle is weak to: Electric, Grass-type moves. When battling against Squirtle, use Pokemon with these types to deal 1.6x (or 2.56x for double weaknesses) damage.

• Electric – Deals increased damage
• Grass – Deals increased damage

🛡️ Resistances (Takes Reduced Damage From)

Squirtle resists: Fire, Water, Ice, Steel-type moves. This means Squirtle takes reduced damage (0.625x or less) from these attack types.

• Fire – Reduced damage
• Water – Reduced damage
• Ice – Reduced damage
• Steel – Reduced damage

🏆 Squirtle PvP Analysis

Squirtle can be used in Pokemon GO’s GO Battle League PvP battles. Here’s how it performs in each league:

Great League (1500 CP Limit)

Squirtle can reach its full potential in Great League since its max CP (946) is at or below the 1500 CP limit. This makes it a viable option if its typing and moveset align with the current meta.

Ultra League (2500 CP Limit)

With a max CP of 946, Squirtle may struggle in Ultra League against bulkier opponents with higher stat products.

Master League (No CP Limit)

Squirtle is generally not recommended for Master League due to its lower max CP (946). Focus on other leagues instead.

⚔️ Squirtle Raid Guide

Squirtle is primarily used as a raid attacker rather than a raid boss. Here’s how to use it effectively in raids:

Using Squirtle in Raids

When using Squirtle as a raid attacker:

• Best against raid bosses weak to Water-type moves
• Power up to at least level 30-35 for decent performance
• Ensure you have the optimal moveset for maximum DPS

🎯 Best Counters for Squirtle

Whether you’re battling Squirtle in raids, gyms, or PvP, knowing the best counters is essential for victory. Here are the top Pokemon to use against Squirtle:

Top Counter Pokemon

The best counters exploit Squirtle’s weaknesses to Electric, Grass-type moves:

Pokemon	Type	Why It Works
Zekrom	Dragon/Electric	Top Electric DPS in the game
Electivire	Electric	Thunder Shock + Wild Charge deals high damage
Raikou	Electric	Consistent Electric damage dealer
Kartana	Grass/Steel	Highest Grass DPS available
Roserade	Grass/Poison	Razor Leaf + Grass Knot hits hard
Venusaur	Grass/Poison	Vine Whip + Frenzy Plant (Community Day)

Counter Strategy Tips

1. Prioritize Type Advantage: Use Pokemon with moves that are super effective against Squirtle
2. Consider Bulk: Tankier counters can survive longer and deal more total damage
3. Watch for Coverage Moves: Squirtle may have moves that counter its own counters
4. Weather Boost: Take advantage of weather conditions that boost your counter’s attacks

📍 How to Get Squirtle in Pokemon GO

There are several ways to obtain Squirtle in Pokemon GO:

• Wild Encounters: Squirtle can spawn in the wild, especially in areas matching its type
• Eggs: May hatch from 3km eggs
• Evolution: Evolve from its pre-evolution using Candy
• Raids: Occasionally appears in raid battles
• Research Tasks: Complete field research for a chance to encounter
• Trading: Trade with friends

Shiny Squirtle

Yes, Shiny Squirtle is available in Pokemon GO! The shiny variant has a different coloration and is highly sought after by collectors. The shiny rate for wild encounters is approximately 1 in 500, though this can be boosted during special events like Community Days or Spotlight Hours.

Squirtle Evolution

Squirtle is a starter Pokemon that evolves twice:

• First evolution: 25 Candy
• Second evolution: 100 Candy

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

💡 Pro Tips for Using Squirtle

Here are some advanced strategies and tips to maximize Squirtle’s potential in Pokemon GO:

1. IV Optimization

For raids and gym battles, prioritize Squirtle with high Attack IVs (15 Attack is ideal). The Attack stat contributes most to damage output in PvE content.

For PvP battles, the ideal IVs depend on the league:

• Great League: Look for low Attack, high Defense and HP (0/15/15 is often ideal)
• Ultra League: Similar to Great League, optimize for stat product under 2500 CP
• Master League: Perfect 15/15/15 IVs are best since there’s no CP cap

2. Power Up Priority

Before investing Stardust and Candy into Squirtle, consider:

• Do you have enough resources? (Powering to level 50 costs 296,000 Stardust and 296 Candy)
• Will this Pokemon fill a gap in your battle team?
• Are there better alternatives for the same role?
• Do you have the optimal moveset or need Elite TMs?

3. Team Composition

Squirtle works best when paired with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses. As a Water type weak to Electric, Grass, consider adding team members that resist these types.

4. Weather Considerations

Take advantage of weather boosts:

• When catching: Weather-boosted Squirtle spawns at higher levels (up to 35)
• When battling: Weather that boosts Water moves increases your damage output
• When raiding: Spawn weather-boosted counters by raiding in appropriate weather

📚 Squirtle in the Pokemon Franchise

Squirtle first appeared in Generation 1 of the main Pokemon series. For more detailed lore and information about Squirtle’s origins, check out Bulbapedia.

In Pokemon GO, Squirtle was introduced as part of the Generation 1 Pokemon rollout. Being a Generation 1 Pokemon, Squirtle has been available since the game’s launch in July 2016.

📊 How Squirtle Compares

Let’s see how Squirtle stacks up against other Water-type Pokemon:

Stat	Squirtle	Type Average	Rating
Attack	94	~180	⭐
Defense	121	~160	⭐
Stamina	127	~170	⭐
Max CP	946	~2,500	⭐

🎯 Conclusion

Squirtle is a versatile Water-type Pokemon that can be a valuable addition to your Pokemon GO roster. With a max CP of 946 and solid base stats (94/121/127), it can shine in Great League PvP where its unique typing and moveset options provide interesting strategic possibilities.

Remember to:

• Optimize IVs based on your intended use (PvP vs PvE)
• Use the recommended moveset for maximum effectiveness
• Build a team that covers Squirtle’s weaknesses
• Take advantage of weather boosts when possible

For more Pokemon guides and the complete Pokedex, visit our Pokemon GO Database. Check out our PvP Rankings for the current meta and Raid Guides for battle strategies.

Last updated: January 2026. Information based on the latest Pokemon GO game data.

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