When you start your journey in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, it’s easy to get caught up in choosing which Pokémon to focus on early. Squirtle, the classic Water-type starter, is one of those Pokémon that makes players wonder: is it really worth the effort to train early on? Let’s break down how Squirtle performs in the early game, how it evolves, and whether it deserves a permanent spot on your team as you progress through Lumiose City and beyond.

Squirtle’s Early Strengths and Weaknesses

Squirtle starts off as a fairly balanced Pokémon — not particularly fast, but durable and reliable. Its main strength lies in its solid Defense and respectable Special Attack stats, which make it a tanky choice for handling Rock-, Ground-, and Fire-type opponents. Moves like Water Gun, Withdraw, and Bubble help it stay relevant through the first few zones.

However, compared to other early-game Pokémon like Froakie or Mudkip, Squirtle can feel a bit slow-paced. You might find battles taking slightly longer due to its limited offensive coverage early on. Still, its defensive playstyle can be helpful when you’re trying to catch new Pokémon without knocking them out too fast.

Some players who like collecting unique forms or rare variants tend to level up multiple Pokémon at once. If you’re one of them and you’re looking to buy shiny pokemon, Squirtle’s shiny form — with its greenish shell — is a popular collector’s favorite. Of course, obtaining one naturally takes patience, so that kind of option can be appealing if you’re building a themed team early.

Evolution Payoff: Wartortle and Blastoise

Once Squirtle evolves into Wartortle around level 16, it gains better overall stats and becomes much more effective in both offense and defense. The real turning point, however, is when it reaches Blastoise at level 36. With Blastoise, you get a powerhouse that can handle a variety of mid- to late-game encounters thanks to its balanced stat spread and access to strong moves like Hydro Pump, Ice Beam, and Flash Cannon.

In Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the environments often require flexibility in team composition. Having a Water-type with reliable durability can make exploration and certain missions smoother. Blastoise’s typing also provides crucial coverage when facing Fire-type bosses or when your team lacks another strong ranged attacker.

Still, some players prefer to hold off on training Squirtle until they have access to better move tutors or TMs later in the story. This can make your investment more efficient, especially if you’re planning for competitive or post-game content.

Team Synergy and Battle Performance

Building around Squirtle means focusing on support and coverage. Pairing it with Electric- or Grass-type Pokémon can help counter its weaknesses to Electric moves, while Fairy-types can handle the Dragon-types that Water Pokémon sometimes struggle against.

In early-game raids or double battles, Squirtle can serve as a sturdy partner that keeps the field balanced. Moves like Rain Dance can also boost Water-type moves for your entire team. If you’re the kind of player who enjoys careful setup strategies rather than pure speed, Squirtle fits right in.

Some players who are experimenting with advanced team compositions use rare or special variants like Alpha Pokémon. For those interested in unique collections, options like buy alpha shiny pokemon za can make it easier to experience those exclusive forms. Alpha versions of Squirtle’s line, if available in Z-A, offer boosted stats and sometimes unique move sets that can make a big difference in challenging battles.

Comparing Squirtle to Other Early Pokémon

If you’re deciding between several starters or early-game Pokémon, Squirtle’s biggest competition is usually among other Water-types like Piplup or Totodile. Piplup tends to offer stronger offense earlier, while Totodile has a mix of physical attack potential. Squirtle, on the other hand, stands out for its balanced nature and consistency — it’s less about raw power and more about steady reliability.

It’s also worth noting that Squirtle’s evolutions have a strong legacy in competitive play. Blastoise has long been valued for its access to support moves like Rapid Spin, as well as Mega Evolution potential in past games. While Pokémon Legends: Z-A takes a slightly different approach to battle mechanics, that same strategic mindset carries over — meaning a well-trained Blastoise will always have value on a flexible roster.

Final Thoughts: Should You Train Squirtle Early?

If you prefer a defensive playstyle and don’t mind a slower start, Squirtle is absolutely worth training early in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. It might not dominate in the first few hours, but its long-term reliability and strong evolution line make it a solid investment.

Players who like experimenting with different team builds will find Squirtle adaptable and dependable. Just be ready to commit to training — its potential truly shines only after a few evolutions.

And if you’re the kind of player who enjoys collecting or customizing your squad, exploring platforms like U4GM can be useful for learning about various community trading trends or gameplay insights. Whether you’re chasing shinies, alphas, or just looking for balanced team options, Squirtle remains a timeless and worthwhile companion in Pokémon Legends: Z-A.