Squirtle Squad
Squirtle gets all the love — and honestly, it deserves it — but if you're serious about the Squirtle line, you need to appreciate the full picture: Squirtle evolves into Wartortle at level 16, and Wartortle evolves into Blastoise at level 36, and each stage brings something completely different to the table. Whether you're collecting cards, hunting down figures, or building out a display shelf dedicated to Water-type royalty, understanding the whole evolution line changes how you approach it.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Squirtle's evolution chain — from the lore and design philosophy behind each form to the best merchandise, cards, and collectibles available for Wartortle and Blastoise specifically. Squirtle has plenty of content elsewhere on this site; this one is for the fans ready to go deeper.
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The Squirtle Evolution Line: A Quick Overview
The Squirtle line is one of the original Kanto starters, and it's aged remarkably well. The design progression is satisfying: a small, innocent turtle with a curled shell grows into a more serious, muscular form with a bushy tail and ear fins, then finally into a bipedal powerhouse with twin water cannons mounted on its back.
Each stage has distinct design language:
- **Squirtle (#7):** Compact, wide-eyed, shell is smooth and simple. Represents youth and potential.
- **Wartortle (#8):** Longer ears, flowing tail, ear fins that fan out — it looks wise and a little mysterious. This is the most underrated design in the line.
- **Blastoise (#9):** Stands upright, shell is now a weapons platform, exudes authority. The water cannons can fire at 50 meters with enough force to punch through steel (per the Pokédex). It's not subtle.
In the games, all three have seen consistent use across generations. Blastoise in particular has been a competitive staple, and its Mega Evolution and Gigantamax form have given it renewed attention in recent years.
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Wartortle: The Most Underrated Middle Evolution in Pokémon
Wartortle is genuinely one of the most overlooked Pokémon in serious collecting circles, and that's a mistake. It sits in the middle of one of the most iconic lines in the franchise, has a design that's aged beautifully, and is significantly rarer in high-quality merch than either Squirtle or Blastoise.
For TCG collectors, Wartortle cards are interesting specifically because they're scarce — most sets don't include a full evolutionary line, so Wartortle often gets skipped. When it does appear, as in the original Base Set (Base Set Wartortle, #42) or in more recent expansions like Scarlet & Violet's specialty sets, it tends to attract less bidding competition than its more famous evolutions.
If you want to represent all three stages in your collection — and you should — Wartortle merchandise is the hardest piece to find at quality. The [→ Shop Wartortle plush on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=wartortle+plush+pokemon&tag=squirtlesquad0d-20) selection is thin but worth hunting. The Takara Tomy A.R.T.S. figures that include Wartortle are some of the best representations of the design in 3D form.
[→ Shop Wartortle figures on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=wartortle+pokemon+figure&tag=squirtlesquad0d-20)
One key tip: if you're buying Wartortle cards, prioritize condition above all. Since fewer are graded (PSA/CGC volumes are lower compared to Blastoise), a PSA 9 or 10 Wartortle from Base Set has real upside as a collectible.
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Blastoise: The Crown Jewel of the Line
If you've spent any time in Pokémon card collecting, you already know Blastoise occupies a tier of its own. The Base Set Blastoise Holo (#2) is one of the most recognizable cards in the hobby, full stop. It's not as valuable as the shadowless 1st Edition Charizard, but among Water-type collectors and Squirtle fans, it's the centerpiece of any serious collection.
For a deep dive on the most valuable Blastoise cards specifically, check out our [complete Blastoise card collection guide](/blog/complete-blastoise-card-collection-guide) — it covers the Base Set variants, the Wizards of the Coast era promos, and into the modern era EX/V/VMAX cards.
As a collectible figure, Blastoise has received some genuinely excellent treatment over the years:
- **Kotobukiya ARTFX J Blastoise** — A high-detail painted resin figure that captures the cannon-ready pose perfectly. It's a display piece, not a toy.
- **Bandai S.H. Figuarts** — Articulated, battle-ready, and accurate to the anime design.
- **Funko POP! Blastoise** — More accessible price point, iconic silhouette, good for casual fans and gift shopping.
[→ Shop Blastoise figures on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=blastoise+figure+pokemon&tag=squirtlesquad0d-20)
For plush, Blastoise gets a solid selection from Pokémon Center and third-party manufacturers. The shells are always the design challenge — good Blastoise plush get the cannon detail right. Cheap ones flatten the cannons into lumps.
[→ Shop Blastoise plush on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=blastoise+plush+pokemon&tag=squirtlesquad0d-20)
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Building the Full Evolution Display
For collectors who want all three — Squirtle, Wartortle, Blastoise — on display together, the challenge is finding consistent scale and aesthetic across figures from different manufacturers. Here's the approach that works:
For figures: The Takara Tomy Monster Collection (MC) lineup is your best bet. They're inexpensive, consistently scaled, and have released figures for all three in the line. The paint isn't museum-quality, but they look cohesive together and are durable enough to handle without anxiety.
For high-end display: Combine a Kotobukiya or Wicked Cool Toys Blastoise with matching Jazwares or Tomy action figure Squirtle and Wartortle. The scale won't be perfect, but you can stage them at different heights to work with it.
For cards: Sleeve and display the full evolutionary line from the same set together. The Scarlet & Violet base set and Paldea Evolved both include all three stages. Frame three cards from the same print run for a clean wall display.
[→ Shop Squirtle evolution figure sets on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=squirtle+evolution+figure+set+pokemon&tag=squirtlesquad0d-20)
For card displays, we have a full breakdown of the best Squirtle cards in the TCG — see our [best Squirtle cards TCG history guide](/blog/best-squirtle-cards-tcg-history) for the specific prints worth tracking down.
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Best Cards to Collect Across the Full Line
Here's a curated breakdown of the standout TCG cards for each evolution stage, prioritizing collectibility and display value:
Squirtle - **Base Set Squirtle (1999):** The original. Common, but condition matters. - **Squirtle Cosmos Promo (Black Star #15):** The original Toys "R" Us era promo. Underrated. - **Squirtle 151 Set (2023):** Modern clean artwork, great reprint for collectors who missed the originals.
Wartortle - **Base Set Wartortle (#42):** Uncommon, but hard to find in gem mint condition. - **Fossil Set Wartortle:** The angry art variant that collectors often prefer for display. - **Wartortle ex (Scarlet & Violet era):** Modern pull with updated art style.
Blastoise - **Base Set Blastoise Holo (#2):** The grail. Any condition is worth owning. - **Blastoise VMAX (Champion's Path):** Gorgeous modern alternate art. Excellent pull rate chase. - **Blastoise ex (Scarlet & Violet base set):** Strong art, accessible price, great for newer collectors.
[→ Shop Blastoise ex cards on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=blastoise+ex+pokemon+card&tag=squirtlesquad0d-20)
[→ Shop Squirtle Wartortle Blastoise card collections on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=squirtle+wartortle+blastoise+pokemon+cards+lot&tag=squirtlesquad0d-20)
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Squirtle Line Evolution: Collector's Comparison Table
| Stage | Pokémon | Best Card to Own | Best Figure | Hardest to Find | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Squirtle | Base Set Common / 151 Reprint | Takara Tomy MC Squirtle | PSA 10 Base Set Squirtle | $5–$150+ |
| Stage 2 | Wartortle | Base Set Uncommon (#42) | Takara Tomy MC Wartortle | Quality plush | $8–$200+ |
| Stage 3 | Blastoise | Base Set Holo (#2) / VMAX Alt | Kotobukiya ARTFX J | 1st Ed. Shadowless Holo | $20–$500+ |
[→ Shop Squirtle evolution wall art and posters on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=squirtle+evolution+poster+pokemon&tag=squirtlesquad0d-20)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What level does Squirtle evolve into Wartortle? Squirtle evolves into Wartortle at level 16 in all main-series Pokémon games. No special item or friendship requirement — just level up. Wartortle then evolves into Blastoise at level 36. In Pokémon GO, evolution uses Candy: 25 Squirtle Candy for Wartortle, and 100 total for Blastoise.
Is Wartortle a good Pokémon to use in competitive battles? In official competitive play (VGC, Smogon), Wartortle is rarely used because players almost always evolve to Blastoise for better stats. However, in Little Cup format (where only Pokémon that haven't evolved are allowed), Wartortle isn't eligible since it's the middle stage. Squirtle is the Little Cup pick; Wartortle exists in the competitive middle ground. That said, it's a solid choice for in-game playthroughs, especially with access to moves like Rapid Spin and Scald.
Which Blastoise card is the most valuable? The most valuable Blastoise card is the 1st Edition Shadowless Base Set Blastoise Holo (#2). In PSA 10 condition, it has sold for thousands of dollars at auction. Even the Unlimited Base Set Holo in high grade commands strong prices. For modern cards, the Champion's Path Blastoise VMAX and the Blastoise ex from Scarlet & Violet both hold solid value. See our [complete Blastoise card collection guide](/blog/complete-blastoise-card-collection-guide) for the full breakdown.
Does Wartortle have any Mega or special evolution forms? No — Wartortle is a middle-stage evolution and doesn't receive Mega Evolution, Gigantamax, or regional variants. Only Blastoise has received these special forms: Mega Blastoise (introduced in Pokémon X and Y), Gigantamax Blastoise (Sword and Shield), and it appeared in Pokémon GO's Mega system. Wartortle stays as Wartortle unless it evolves further.
Where can I find Wartortle merchandise? It seems harder to get than Squirtle or Blastoise. You're not imagining it — Wartortle genuinely gets less shelf space in the Pokémon merchandise lineup. Pokémon Center restocks are inconsistent for Wartortle. Your best options are: Amazon (search for Takara Tomy or Jazwares Wartortle), specialty Pokémon import shops, and eBay for vintage pieces. Japanese import plush tend to have better Wartortle selection than North American retail. Check our [best Squirtle merchandise 2026 guide](/blog/best-squirtle-merchandise-2026) for current picks that often include evolution line coverage.
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Conclusion
The Squirtle evolution line is one of the most rewarding to collect in full because each stage genuinely stands on its own as a design. Squirtle is the beloved icon, Wartortle is the hidden gem that serious collectors appreciate more the longer they're in the hobby, and Blastoise is the statement centerpiece that anchors any Water-type display. Start with whichever stage resonates most, then build outward — and don't sleep on Wartortle. It's the one your shelf is missing.