Pokemon Go Blastoise: Evolution, moveset, counters, type, tier ranking

Being one of three original starter ‘mons, Blastoise is one of the most iconic Pokemon in the whole franchise. Despite this, the Shellfish Pokemon isn’t seen as often as you’d expect in Pokemon Go.

Squirtle is one of the very first Pokemon fans were introduced to back when the original games were first released. As such it was available from the get go when Pokemon Go released in July 2016, too.

The Squirtle line featured in its own Community Day in July of 2018. Naturally this made Blastoise a much more common Pokemon, at least for trainers who were playing the mobile game at the time.

Blastoise can be found in a few other forms: as a Shadow Pokemon, Clone Pokemon and a Shiny. It can also be Mega Evolved! Its max CP is a relatively low 2,466.

Bulbapedia

You’d be forgiven for thinking Blastoise should be more powerful than it is in Pokemon Go…

Evolution

As trainers of all experience levels will know, Blastoise evolves from Wartortle which evolves from Squirtle.

• Squirtle -> 25 Candy -> Wartortle -> 100 Candy -> Blastoise

Type

Blastoise is a pure water-type Pokemon. Its resistances and vulnerabilities are as follows:

Moveset

In Pokemon Go Blastoise can learn the following moves:

Fast Moves

• Bite (dark) – 4 DPT, 2 EPT
• Water Gun (water) – 3 DPT, 3 EPT

Charge Move

• Flash Cannon (steel) – 110 damage, 70 energy
• Hydro Pump (water) – 130 damage, 75 energy
• Ice Beam (ice) – 90 damage, 55 energy
• Skull Bash (normal) – 130 damage, 75 energy

Elite Charge Move

• Hydro Cannon (water) – 80 damage, 40 energy

Unfortunately neither of Blastoise Fast Moves are that impressive. This is probably why it isn’t a common sighting in Pokemon Go battles.

Of the two however, Water Gun is preferable. This is because its superior energy generation is better for PvP. Additionally, Water Gun also benefits from STAB.

• Read More: Every Fast Move in Pokemon Go – Matrix showing DPT/EPT

Hydro Cannon is a must if you want your Blastoise to be competitive when battling. A Second Charge Move for Blastoise costs a relatively small 25 Candy and 10,000 Stardust. Ice Beam is the way to go here as the energy requirement isn’t too high and gives you an out if you’re stuck with a grass-type Pokemon.

When it comes to PvE though, there are plenty of better options. Blastoise’s moves and average attack stat means it is nowhere near the meta.

Tier ranking

• PvE attacker: 2/10
• Great League: 6/10
• Ultra League: 7/10
• Master League: 2/10

Counters

Blastoise will dip in and out of Raid Battles in Pokemon Go depending on what events are happening. It will come as no surprise that electric and grass-types are the best way to defeat it.

• Read More: Legendary ‘mons you absolutely need in Pokemon Go

The best options are (when using electric and grass-type moves):

• Raikou
• Magnezone
• Tangrowth
• Venusaur
• Zapdos
• Electivire

Blastoise isn’t the powerhouse its notoriety or fame would suggest. Even the seemingly weaker Vaporeon is a better option. Hopefully Niantic will make a change to move Blastoise closer to its fellow Gen 1 starter Charizard down the line.