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Turtle Pokemon have been a beloved part of the franchise since the very first generation, with Squirtle becoming one of the most iconic starter Pokemon of all time. These defensive powerhouses combine high durability with unique typing combinations, making them valuable additions to any team.
All 15 turtle Pokemon span across nine generations of games, featuring diverse types from the classic Water-type to unique combinations like Fire/Dragon and the legendary Normal-type Terapagos. Each brings distinct defensive capabilities and strategic advantages to competitive battles.
This comprehensive guide covers every turtle Pokemon with detailed stats, evolution requirements, competitive analysis, and availability across all games including Pokemon GO. Whether you’re building a defensive team or completing your Pokedex, you’ll find everything needed to master these shelled creatures.
Our turtle Pokemon list includes 7 Water-types, 3 Grass-types, 3 Fire-types, and 2 unique dual-types, with defensive abilities ranging from Shell Armor to the legendary Tera Shell.
Turtle Pokemon are classified by their turtle-like physical characteristics, including shells, reptilian features, and defensive abilities. The community generally accepts Pokemon with visible shells, turtle-like movement patterns, and defensive capabilities as part of this group.
Key characteristics include the presence of a shell or shell-like structure, reptilian appearance, and often defensive abilities like Shell Armor or Sturdy. These Pokemon typically have higher defense stats and focus on tank-oriented roles in battles.
Classification debates exist for Pokemon like Shelgon (which has a shell but appears more dragon-like) and Cloyster (which is shell-based but resembles a bivalve). Our guide follows community consensus and focuses on the most widely accepted turtle Pokemon.
Turtle Pokemon Classification: Pokemon species designed with turtle-like characteristics, featuring shells, defensive abilities, and often reptilian appearances that distinguish them from other Pokemon types.
Here are all 15 officially recognized turtle Pokemon across nine generations, organized by their introduction with detailed stats, abilities, and competitive analysis.
Squirtle started it all as one of the original three starter Pokemon from Generation 1. This Water-type turtle immediately captured fans’ hearts with its balanced stats and reliable evolution line. At just 0.5m tall and 9kg, Squirtle packs surprising defensive capabilities.
With base stats of 44 HP, 48 Attack, 65 Defense, 50 Special Attack, 64 Special Defense, and 43 Speed, Squirtle offers solid defensive foundations. Its ability Torrent boosts Water-type moves when HP drops below one-third, making it clutch in tight battles.
Squirtle evolves into Wartortle at level 16 and eventually Blastoise at level 36. Early-game availability in Kanto games and various remake versions makes it accessible for new players. Its balanced stat distribution and reliable typing make it an excellent starter choice.
Wartortle represents the perfect middle evolution in the Squirtle line, showing significant stat improvements over its pre-evolution. Growing to 1.0m and 22.5kg, Wartortle gains enhanced defensive capabilities while maintaining offensive potential.
The stat boost is notable: 59 HP, 63 Attack, 80 Defense, 65 Special Attack, 80 Special Defense, and 58 Speed. This makes Wartortle considerably more durable and capable of taking hits from both physical and special attackers.
Wartortle’s access to moves like Rapid Spin and Water-type STAB moves makes it valuable in mid-game progression. Its balanced stats allow for flexible battle strategies, whether played defensively or offensively depending on team needs.
Blastoise stands as one of the most recognizable final evolutions in Pokemon history. This Water-type powerhouse reaches 1.6m and 85.5kg, featuring impressive cannons that deliver devastating Water-type attacks with 85 base power.
With impressive base stats of 79 HP, 83 Attack, 100 Defense, 85 Special Attack, 105 Special Defense, and 78 Speed, Blastoise excels as a special attacker with solid defensive capabilities. Its access to Mega Evolution further enhances its special attacking prowess to 135 Special Attack.
Competitively, Blastoise finds success in various tiers thanks to its balanced stats, reliable typing, and access to moves like Hydro Pump, Ice Beam, and Rapid Spin. Mega Blastoise becomes even more formidable with the Mega Launcher ability, boosting pulse and aura moves by 50%.
Shuckle represents one of the most unique Pokemon designs, featuring an Bug/Rock typing and the most extreme defensive stats in the game. This tiny Pokemon stands just 0.6m tall but packs incredible defensive capabilities that make it a competitive staple.
With base stats of 20 HP, 10 Attack, 230 Defense, 10 Special Attack, 230 Special Defense, and 5 Speed, Shuckle is a defensive wall that can withstand attacks from almost any opponent. Its abilities include Sturdy (prevents one-hit KOs), Gluttony (early Berry activation), and Contrary (stat reversal).
Shuckle’s competitive niche comes from support moves like Stealth Rock, Sticky Web, and Toxic, along with its ability to set up and sweep with moves like Shell Smash (when using Contrary to reverse stat drops). While extremely slow, its unparalleled defense makes it invaluable for specific team strategies.
Torkoal breaks the mold as a Fire-type turtle, offering unique typing and impressive defensive capabilities. Standing 0.5m tall and weighing 80.4kg, Torkoal brings the unusual combination of Fire typing with turtle-like defensive characteristics.
With base stats of 70 HP, 85 Attack, 140 Defense, 85 Special Attack, 70 Special Defense, and 20 Speed, Torkoal excels as a physical defender with solid offensive capabilities. Its abilities include White Smoke (prevents stat reduction), Shell Armor (prevents critical hits), and the rare Drought ability that creates sunlight.
Torkoal’s competitive value comes from its ability to set up sunlight for sun teams, lay Stealth Rock, and use Fire-type moves with boosted power. While slow, its high defense makes it surprisingly durable against physical attackers, and access to moves like Lava Plume and Rapid Spin gives it utility.
Turtwig expanded the turtle Pokemon roster as the Grass-type starter in Generation 4. This sturdy turtle grows to 0.4m and 102.5kg, offering excellent durability from the start of your journey through Sinnoh.
With base stats of 55 HP, 68 Attack, 64 Defense, 45 Special Attack, 55 Special Defense, and 31 Speed, Turtwig emphasizes defensive capabilities over speed. Its ability Overgrow boosts Grass-type moves when HP is low, while the hidden ability Shell Armor prevents critical hits.
Turtwig’s evolution line provides excellent early-game progression with consistent stat growth and reliable Grass-type moves. As a starter, it offers advantages against the first few gym leaders in Sinnoh and maintains usefulness throughout the game.
Grotle represents the middle stage of Turtwig’s evolution, showing significant growth to 1.1m and 97.0kg. This Grass-type gains enhanced defensive capabilities while developing its tree-like shell that becomes more pronounced in its final evolution.
With improved base stats of 75 HP, 89 Attack, 85 Defense, 55 Special Attack, 65 Special Defense, and 36 Speed, Grotle becomes noticeably more durable and physically imposing. It maintains the same abilities as Turtwig but with enhanced overall stats.
Grotle’s mid-game progression offers solid defensive capabilities and access to moves like Wood Hammer and Earthquake. Its increased HP and defense make it a reliable team member for taking hits while dealing solid damage with physical attacks.
Torterra completes the Turtwig line as a formidable Grass/Ground dual-type, featuring one of the most unique designs among final evolutions. This massive turtle reaches 2.2m and 310.0kg, with a small tree growing on its shell that creates a mobile ecosystem.
With impressive base stats of 95 HP, 109 Attack, 105 Defense, 75 Special Attack, 85 Special Defense, and 56 Speed, Torterra functions as a physical attacker with excellent durability. Its Grass/Ground typing provides unique advantages and resistances, though it creates a 4x weakness to Ice-type attacks.
Competitively, Torterra finds success in lower tiers where its unique typing and solid physical stats can shine. Access to moves like Wood Hammer, Earthquake, and Stone Edge gives it good coverage, while abilities like Overgrow and Shell Armor provide additional utility.
Tirtouga brings prehistoric appeal as a Water/Rock fossil Pokemon from Generation 5. Revived from Cover Fossils, this ancient turtle reaches 0.7m and 16.5kg, representing an ancestor of many modern turtle Pokemon.
With base stats of 54 HP, 78 Attack, 103 Defense, 53 Special Attack, 45 Special Defense, and 22 Speed, Tirtouga emphasizes physical defense and attack power. Its abilities include Solid Rock (reduces super-effective damage), Sturdy (prevents one-hit KOs), and Swift Swim (speed boost in rain).
As a fossil Pokemon, Tirtouga offers unique lore and typing that combines Water’s offensive power with Rock’s defensive capabilities. Its evolution into Carracosta makes it a valuable addition to teams needing Water-type coverage with extra durability.
Carracosta evolves from Tirtouga at level 37, becoming a formidable Water/Rock tank with impressive offensive capabilities. This revived fossil Pokemon grows to 1.2m and 81.0kg, combining ancient power with modern battle effectiveness.
With base stats of 74 HP, 108 Attack, 133 Defense, 83 Special Attack, 65 Special Defense, and 32 Speed, Carracosta excels as a physical attacker with exceptional defense. It maintains the same abilities as Tirtouga but with significantly enhanced offensive power.
Carracosta’s competitive niche comes from its unique typing and powerful physical attacks. Access to moves like Waterfall, Stone Edge, and Head Smash makes it a threatening physical attacker, while its high defense allows it to take hits from physical opponents effectively.
Turtonator introduces one of the rarest type combinations as a Fire/Dragon turtle Pokemon from Generation 7. This explosive Pokemon reaches 1.7m and 190.5kg, featuring a unique shell design that can detonate when struck.
With base stats of 60 HP, 78 Attack, 135 Defense, 91 Special Attack, 85 Special Defense, and 36 Speed, Turtonator emphasizes defense and special attack power. Its signature abilities include Shell Trap (sets up an explosion when hit) and Bulletproof (blocks ballistic moves).
Turtonator’s Fire/Dragon typing provides unique advantages and resistances, making it valuable against various opponent types. Its access to moves like Dragon Pulse, Flamethrower, and the signature Shell Trap creates unpredictable battle scenarios that can catch opponents off guard.
Chewtle represents Generation 8’s addition to the turtle Pokemon roster as a pure Water-type with an aggressive personality. This feisty turtle reaches 0.6m and 11.5kg, known for its powerful jaws and territorial nature.
With base stats of 50 HP, 64 Attack, 50 Defense, 38 Special Attack, 38 Special Defense, and 44 Speed, Chewtle emphasizes physical attack power with moderate overall stats. Its abilities include Strong Jaw (boosts biting moves) and Shell Armor (prevents critical hits).
Chewtle’s early availability in Galar games makes it accessible for team building early in your journey. Its Strong Jaw ability synergizes perfectly with biting moves like Crunch and Jaw Lock, providing solid offensive capabilities from the start.
Drednaw evolves from Chewtle at level 22, becoming a powerful Water/Rock physical attacker with impressive offensive capabilities. This aggressive turtle reaches 1.0m and 115.5kg, featuring enhanced biting power and rock-hard durability.
With base stats of 90 HP, 115 Attack, 90 Defense, 48 Special Attack, 70 Special Defense, and 74 Speed, Drednaw excels as a physical attacker with solid HP and defense. It maintains Strong Jaw and Shell Armor abilities but with significantly enhanced offensive stats.
Drednaw’s competitive value comes from its unique typing and powerful physical attacks. Access to moves like Waterfall, Stone Edge, and Jaw Lock makes it a threatening physical attacker that can trap opponents while dealing significant damage.
Terapagos represents the newest addition to the turtle Pokemon roster as a legendary Normal-type from Generation 9. This mysterious Pokemon reaches 1.5m and 320.5kg, featuring a unique hexagonal shell that connects to the Terastal phenomenon.
With base stats of 95 HP, 95 Attack, 110 Defense, 105 Special Attack, 110 Special Defense, and 85 Speed, Terapagos boasts balanced stats across the board. Its unique abilities include Tera Shell (always survives first hit), Tera Shift (form change mechanic), and Tera Zero (signature move).
Terapagos can transform between Normal Form, Terastal Form, and Stellar Form, each with different typing and abilities. Its connection to the Terastal phenomenon makes it central to Pokemon Scarlet/Violet’s storyline and a valuable competitive addition with unique mechanics.
The diverse typing among turtle Pokemon creates interesting defensive synergies and offensive opportunities. Understanding these type matchups is crucial for effective team building and competitive success.
| Type Combination | Turtle Pokemon | Strengths Against | Weaknesses | Notable Resistances |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | Squirtle, Wartortle, Blastoise, Chewtle | Fire, Ground, Rock | Electric, Grass | Ice, Fire, Water, Steel |
| Bug/Rock | Shuckle | Ice, Flying, Bug, Fire | Water, Grass, Fighting, Ground, Steel | Normal, Poison |
| Fire | Torkoal | Grass, Ice, Bug, Steel | Water, Ground, Rock | Ice, Fairy, Fire, Steel, Bug |
| Grass | Turtwig, Grotle | Water, Ground, Rock | Fire, Ice, Poison, Flying, Bug | Water, Electric, Grass, Ground |
| Grass/Ground | Torterra | Water, Ground, Rock | Fire, Ice, Poison, Flying, Bug (4x Ice) | Rock, Ground |
| Water/Rock | Tirtouga, Carracosta, Drednaw | Fire, Ice, Flying, Bug | Water, Grass, Fighting, Ground, Steel | Fire, Ice, Flying, Bug, Normal, Poison |
| Fire/Dragon | Turtonator | Grass, Ice, Bug, Steel, Dragon | Water, Ground, Rock, Dragon (2x Dragon) | Fire, Grass, Electric, Steel, Bug |
| Normal | Terapagos | None | Fighting | Ghost immunity |
Water-type turtle Pokemon like Blastoise and Drednaw excel against Fire-type opponents but struggle against Electric and Grass types. The unique Grass/Ground typing of Torterra provides excellent coverage against Water and Rock types but creates a dangerous 4x weakness to Ice-type attacks.
Defensive abilities like Shell Armor (prevents critical hits) and Sturdy (prevents one-hit KOs) further enhance the survivability of turtle Pokemon. These abilities combined with naturally high defense stats make turtle Pokemon excellent choices for defensive team strategies.
Turtle Pokemon excel in competitive battles thanks to their defensive capabilities and unique typing combinations. Understanding their competitive tiers and optimal strategies can significantly improve your battle performance.
⚠️ Competitive Tip: Shuckle’s Contrary ability reverses stat drops from moves like Shell Smash, turning it into a setup sweeper that can boost its attack and special attack to incredible levels.
Effective team building with turtle Pokemon requires understanding their defensive synergies and offensive coverage. The best turtle Pokemon teams combine defensive walls with offensive threats that cover each other’s weaknesses.
Water-type turtle Pokemon like Blastoise pair excellently with Grass and Electric types to cover their weaknesses. Blastoise’s access to Ice Beam provides crucial coverage against Dragon and Grass types that threaten Water teams.
Torterra’s Grass/Ground typing creates interesting team building opportunities, pairing well with Fire and Water types that resist its Ice weakness. The unique typing also provides valuable switch-in opportunities against Water and Ground-type attacks.
Optimal movesets vary by Pokemon and team composition, but certain moves consistently prove valuable for turtle Pokemon in competitive battles.
Obtaining turtle Pokemon varies by game and generation, with some being readily available as starters while others require specific methods like fossil restoration or special events.
| Game/Generation | Turtle Pokemon Available | Acquisition Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red/Blue/Yellow (Gen 1) | Squirtle, Wartortle, Blastoise | Starter choice (Squirtle) | Original starter availability |
| Gold/Silver/Crystal (Gen 2) | Shuckle | Trade from Bill | Special event Pokemon |
| Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald (Gen 3) | Torkoal | Fiery Path (R/S), Meteor Falls (E) | Wild encounter in volcanic areas |
| Diamond/Pearl/Platinum (Gen 4) | Turtwig, Grotle, Torterra | Starter choice (Turtwig) | Sinnoh region starter |
| Black/White (Gen 5) | Tirtouga, Carracosta | Fossil restoration (Cover Fossil) | Relic Castle restoration |
| X/Y (Gen 6) | All previous generations | Various methods | Pokemon Bank transfer availability |
| Sun/Moon (Gen 7) | Turtonator | Blast Burn Beach (Ula’ula Island) | Alola region exclusive |
| Sword/Shield (Gen 8) | Chewtle, Drednaw | Wild encounters (Galar region) | Route 2, Axew’s Eye, Lake of Outrage |
| Scarlet/Violet (Gen 9) | Terapagos | Story progression (Area Zero) | Legendary Pokemon, post-game availability |
Pokemon GO features various turtle Pokemon with different availability methods and regional distributions. Understanding how to obtain each turtle Pokemon in Pokemon GO is essential for completing your collection.
✅ Pro Tip: Check Pokemon GO’s monthly event calendar for turtle Pokemon spotlight hours and research tasks that feature these creatures for easier collection.
There are 15 officially recognized turtle Pokemon across nine generations: Squirtle, Wartortle, Blastoise, Shuckle, Torkoal, Turtwig, Grotle, Torterra, Tirtouga, Carracosta, Turtonator, Chewtle, Drednaw, and Terapagos. These span Water, Grass, Fire, Rock, Bug, Dragon, and Normal types.
Turtle Pokemon are classified by their turtle-like physical characteristics including shells, reptilian features, and defensive abilities. The community generally accepts Pokemon with visible shells, turtle-like movement patterns, and often higher defense stats. Classification debates exist for Pokemon like Shelgon and Cloyster.
Blastoise is widely considered the best turtle Pokemon for competitive play due to its balanced stats, reliable Water typing, and access to useful moves like Rapid Spin and Ice Beam. Shuckle also excels in specific roles as a defensive support Pokemon with unmatched defensive stats.
Yes, Terapagos from Generation 9 is a legendary turtle Pokemon. This Normal-type legendary features unique mechanics related to the Terastal phenomenon and can transform between multiple forms, making it one of the most unique legendary Pokemon introduced in recent years.
Turtle Pokemon availability in Pokemon GO varies: Squirtle line is commonly available, Torkoal and Turtonator are regional exclusives, Turtwig and Chewtle lines appear during regional events, and Tirtouga requires fossil research tasks. Check monthly event schedules for increased spawn rates.
Turtle Pokemon feature diverse types including Water (7 Pokemon), Grass (3 Pokemon), Fire (3 Pokemon), and unique combinations like Bug/Rock (Shuckle), Grass/Ground (Torterra), Water/Rock (Tirtouga, Carracosta, Drednaw), Fire/Dragon (Turtonator), and Normal (Terapagos).
Turtle Pokemon offer diverse options for players of all styles, from defensive specialists to offensive threats. Their consistent presence across generations and reliable defensive capabilities make them valuable additions to any team.
For competitive players, Blastoise provides the best balance of offense and defense, while Shuckle offers unparalleled defensive capabilities for specific team strategies. Terapagos stands out as the most unique legendary Pokemon with its versatile typing and form-changing abilities.
Casual players will find turtle Pokemon accessible and reliable throughout their journeys, with multiple starter options and consistent availability across games. Their defensive nature makes them forgiving for new players while offering strategic depth for experienced trainers.
Whether you’re building a defensive team, completing your Pokedex, or just appreciate these shelled creatures, turtle Pokemon represent some of the most enduring and beloved creatures in the Pokemon universe. Their combination of defensive prowess, unique typing, and competitive viability ensures they’ll remain valuable additions to any team.
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