Squirtle in Pokémon Legends: Z-A: Catch, Buy, Location, How to Get, Stats, Evolution

Where can Squirtle be found in Pokemon Legends: Z-A?

To put it simply, Squirtle becomes catchable once Wild Zone 20 is unlocked. This zone only opens after Main Mission 38: The Future of Lumiose City, so you won't see Squirtle in regular early-game exploration. Once the area is accessible, you can encounter Squirtle naturally in the wild. It isn't overly rare, but you might need a couple of loops around the zone for it to spawn.

Is there an earlier way to obtain Squirtle without catching it?

Yes—this is actually the easiest and fastest way to add Squirtle to your team. During Side Mission 22: A Call from Mable, you'll be offered a choice between Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle. This mission automatically begins once you reach Main Mission 10: The Secrets of Mega Evolution, and all you need to do is visit the Pokemon Research Lab in the south of Lumiose City. After talking to Mable, you can simply pick Squirtle as your research partner with no RNG at all. If you prefer having Squirtle early for story progression, this is the best option.

How do players get a Shiny Squirtle?

Shiny Squirtle is absolutely obtainable, though patience is required. The classic way is to hunt it in Wild Zone 20 after the zone unlocks. By resetting spawns, checking clusters, and using any available shiny-boosting tools, players can gradually improve their odds. The starter offered by Mable cannot be shiny, so the wild zone is the only natural method. 
For players who prefer skipping the grind, Shiny Squirtle can also be purchased, and U4GM is a safe place to buy Shiny Pokemon Legends ZA, with Shiny Squirtle priced at $2.49.

Can Squirtle appear as an Alpha Pokemon?

Yes, Squirtle has an Alpha variant in the game. Alpha Squirtle spawns in the same Wild Zone 20 pool, but its appearance rate is much lower than the standard version. Alpha encounters are more aggressive and hit harder, so be ready before approaching one. Weather changes in the zone tend to refresh Alpha spawns, so re-entering during different weather conditions is a useful trick for hunters.

What stats does Squirtle have in Pokemon Legends: Z-A?

Squirtle specializes in defense and steady survivability, making it excellent for players who like tanky Water-types. Its base stats are:

• HP: 44
• Attack: 48
• Defense: 65
• Special Attack: 50
• Special Defense: 64
• Speed: 43
• Total: 314

It won't sweep opponents early on, but it's extremely reliable in sustained fights. The moment it evolves, its defensive value grows even more.

How does Squirtle evolve into Wartortle and Blastoise?

The evolution path stays true to the classic games:

• Level 16 → Wartortle
• Level 36 → Blastoise

No special items or conditions are needed. If you grab Squirtle early from Mable, you'll likely evolve it naturally just by progressing through missions.

Is Squirtle worth using on a main team?

Squirtle fits perfectly into defensive or balanced teams. It doesn't overpower early content, but it grows into a solid Water-type that can tank hits and support the team in difficult boss encounters. Its reliable move pool, simple evolution path, and overall safety make it a great choice for new and experienced players alike.