Blastoise

Blastoise, The Shellfish Pokémon. Once it takes aim at its enemy, it blasts out water with even more force than a fire hose. The water spouts are very accurate. They can shoot bullets of water with enough accuracy to strike empty cans from a distance of over 160 feet. It crushes its foe under its heavy body to cause fainting. In a pinch, it will withdraw inside its shell.

Overview

Blastoise is one of the Kanto starters, and unfortunately it is still the most ignored out of the three. While Charizard has become one of the most commonly used of the three due to its Mega Evolution, and Venusaur has had its boost thanks to its Hidden Ability, Blastoise still struggles to get out of the gate. While its Rain Dish ability does help on rain teams, and its Mega Evolution can be used very well, standard Blastoise is just a bit of a non-starter. It can be used well in the right scenario, but it's just not the best at what it does.
Positives
+Original Starter Pokémon
+Ungodly Bulk sporting a 100+ Base Defense and Special Defense in both its regular stage and its Mega Evolution
+Much needed power boost with Mega Evolution bringing Blastoise's below average Base Special Attack up from 85 to 135
+Its Mega Evolution existing has given it a wider range of moves
+It can Rapid Spin
+Awesome Design!

Negatives
-Lack of reliable recovery of any kind outside of the passive one Leftovers can provide it in its regular stage
-Anything it can do, something else can do better.

Abilities

Torrent: When HP is below 1/3rd its maximum, power of Water-type moves is increased by 50%.
Hidden Ability (Available)
Rain Dish: If Heavy Rain weather is in effect, recovers 1/16th max Hit Points at the end of the turn. You really only want to use this on sets where you're holding Blastoisinite to be honest. Otherwise Torrent is just way more reliable.

Movesets

Hero in a Half Shell

- Scald
- Rapid Spin
- Roar
- Toxic
Item Attached: Leftovers
Ability: Torrent
EVs and Nature:
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
Bold Nature

Scald should always be your STAB attack of choice on any bulky water type, and this is no exception. It has awesome consistency, and that burn chance should never be ignored. Rapid Spin allows Blastoise to remove entry hazards that would otherwise wear down its squadmates over time. Roar phazes the opposing Pokemon in order ensure our Blastoise doesn't become instant setup bait. Toxic is used to weaken the enemy's walls. Especially the likes Jellicent, which is immune to both Scald and Rapid Spin, as well as Pokemon that either resist or are immune to Scald. Like Heliolisk for example.

This set is basically the only reason to even use regular Blastoise because it's almost entirely outclassed by its Mega Evolution's noticeably better bulk and power. The only thing it lacks is the reliable passive recovery that lefies provides..which is essential on a defensive set like this.

Double & Triple Options

Blastoise seems to be part of the unfortunate bunch of Pokemon with Megas that don't really impact the metagame, so with time it may be an obscure tactic to go Mega. Luckily there's a Choice Scarf lying around

Hero in a Half Shell

- Water Spout
- Ice Beam
- Dark Pulse / Aura Sphere
- Muddy Water
Item Attached: Choice Scarf
Ability: Torrent
EVs and Nature:
EVs: 252 SAtk , 252 Speed, 4 HP
Modest / Jolly Nature

This set takes many players by surprise as they expect Blastoise to Mega Evolve, AND move slower. By doing neither of these things we've a potent surprise strategy the opponent will only understand when it's too late. Water Spout can be used until Blastoise gets hit. Muddy Water will be your back up STAB with that nasty accuracy drop rate. Not to mention in tandem with Torrent, Water Spout and Muddy Water work well with Full HP and Low HP respectively. Ice Beam is great coverage and Dark Pulse is there to get nasty flinches. Aura Sphere is stronger coverage though without the flinch rate.

Countering Blastoise

How do you counter Blastoise? Well, it has significant bulk, that's for sure, but as it can't do too much damage as standard, your best bet is to switch into a Grass-type Pokémon to absorb any Water hits and go for the Giga Drain/Solar Beam or any other Grass-type move. Though of course you have to be careful for the Ice Punches, so in situation like that, Magnezone could be a decent counter. It resists the hits and can hit hard with super effective Electric-type moves

Mega Corner

Overview

Ah Mega Blastoise, now you are starting to live to your potential, although you do still miss the mark a little. With X & Y came the Mega Blastoise with cannons coming out of its back and wrists and with that came the Mega Launcher ability. Due to that, Blastoise started to get access to even more moves like Aura Sphere that are boosted by the ability and can do decent damage thanks to its increased strengths. It is a far more useable Pokémon now and you will see it in many competitive teams, but some Pokémon can still do what it does better due to hold items.
Positives
+79/120/115 bulk is just beastly. It'd be near impossible to OHKO this Pokémon
+Special Attack of 135 is just awesome
+Did I mention the cannon on its back?

Negatives
-It still lacks Speed
-While Mega Launcher does boost some moves, it's not the best ability
-Lack of hold items does limit what Mega Blastoise can do a bit

Abilities

Mega Launcher: Increases the power of Aura and Pulse moves by 50%. It provides a much needed offensive power boost for our Blastoise to go along with its ungodly bulk.

Movesets

Turtle Power

- Rapid Spin
- Scald
- Dark Pulse
- Ice Beam
Item Attached: Blastoisinite
Ability: Mega Launcher (Rain Dish on regular Blastoise)
EVs and Nature:
EVs: 184 HP / 252 SpA / 72 Spe
Modest Nature

I don't like running all out attack sets with Blastoise ever. Even on Mega sets just because it doesn't quite have enough raw power to pull it off as well as other mons since it can only hold its mega stone, and it just functions way better in a supportive wallbreaker role.

Anyways though you know the drill by now. Rapid Spin is for clearing entry hazards on your side of the field. Scald applies defensive pressure to the opponent's team with its 30% chance to burn. Dark Pulse provides Mega Blastoise with some decent Mega Launcher boosted coverage and offers near perfect neutral coverage in conjunction with Blastoise's main STAB move Scald. The last slot is up to you. Use whatever coverage move best suits your squad's needs. Ice Beam is the best option for dealing with the many Dragon types and Flying types. Whereas Aura Sphere is a decent Mega Launcher boosted option for taking out Dark and Steel types.

Other Options

-Hydro Pump: Extremely High Powered Water Stab Move. Unfortunately it's just not accurate enough for my taste. If you do opt for turning Mega Blastoise into an all out attacker over what I've suggested you'll definitely want Hydro Pump though.
-Water Pulse: People love to mention Water Pulse on its Mega set because of the boost from Mega Launcher , but the power difference just isn't enough to justify taking it over Scald and that Burn chance is way more helpful.
-Dragon Pulse: It's worth mentioning , but overall Ice Beam is just superior coverage wise. Ice Beam is way better suited for dealing for mons like Salamence and it makes the likes of Chesnaught and Sceptile too scared to even consider switching into this thing.
-Water Spout: It's just not worth it outside of Choice Scarf sets.

Double & Triple Battle Options

Adamantoise

Fake Out
Water Spout / Hydro Pump / Water Pulse
Aura Sphere
Ice Beam
Item Attached: Blastoisinite
Ability: Mega Launcher
EVs and Nature:
EVs: 252 SAtk, 252 Speed, 4 HP
Modest Nature

Hitting hard is the name of the game here. Mega Launcher essentially means Blastoise gets STAB on Aura Sphere and Dark Pulse. Redirection support is preferred for Water Spout sets to keep Blastoise healthy. Blastoise partners well with Dragons as a means to switch out safely, though Salamence is neutral to Electric and enjoys Mega Evolving in Blastoise's place. Blastoise doesn't get the most out of its ability with not many "Pulse" moves to take advantage of for obscene power. This COULD be remedied if Blastoise just learned Origin Pulse too, but that seems a ways off. Blastoise's speed makes it slower that the popular Megas like Kang and Salamence will go first and risk getting the KO first. Blastoises will find it's home on a team that isn't totally dedicated to it, it's a popular choice. Dual Mega teams should give Blastoise a shot!

Countering Mega Blastoise

Electric Types will give this mon all sorts of trouble regardless of your coverage and your bulk. Especially Mega Ampharos and Heliolisk. It also really isn't a fan of your pesky Grass Types like Roserade and Shaymin, and it's going to run into a lot of trouble getting around super bulky special walls. Especially Blissey , Vaporeon, Umbreon, and Florges..so be on the look out.


Locations in Games

Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald:
Trade from FireRed/LeafGreen

FireRed/LeafGreen:
Evolve Wartortle

Colosseum/XD:
Trade from FireRed/LeafGreen

Diamond/Pearl/Platinum:
Trade from HeartGold/SoulSilver

HeartGold/SoulSilver:
Evolve Wartortle

Black/White:
Transfer from Generation IV

Black 2/White 2:
Transfer from Generation IV

X/Y:
Evolve Wartortle

Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire:
Trade from X/Y

Animé Appearences

Blastoise has made a few appearances in the anime. Most of which were in the control of Gary, as it evolved from his starter Pokémon, and under the control of Elite Four Member Siebold

# -English Episode Name- -Jp. Episode Name- Pics
20 The Ghost at Maiden's Peak Phantom Pokémon and the Summer Festival Pics
25 Primeape Goes Bananas Don't Go Angry Primeape! Pics
60 Beach Blank-Out Blastoise Blastoise's Island Pics
M1 Mewtwo Strikes Back Mewtwo's Counterattack Pics
P1 Pikachu's Vacation Pikachu's Summer Vacation Pics
71 Lights, Camera, Quacktion! Pokémon: The Movie Pics
87 Fit to be Tide Orange League! Mikan Gym! Pics
M2 The Power of One Revelation Lugia Pics
108 Pokémon Water War Fire Extinguishing Showdown! Squirtle Vs. Wartortle! Pics
149 The Fire-ring Squad Burn Squirtle Squad! Like a Fire!! Pics
S2 Mewtwo Returns Mewtwo! I am Here Pics
196 The Ring Masters Feraligatr Vs. Blastoise! Sumo Match! Pics
247 Will the Real Oak Please Stand Up? Imposter Professor Oak!? Comic Haiku Showdown!! Pics
250 One Trick Phoney! Battle Park! Vs. Blastoise, Charizard and Venusaur! Pics
271 The Ties That Bind Tournament Finals! Full Battle 6 vs 6!! Pics
272 Can't Beat the Heat! Rival Confrontation! Charizard VS Blatoise! Pics
274 Johto Photo Finish To the End of the Full Battle! Each One's Way!! Pics
C5 A Family That Battles Together, Stays Together!! Brock! Save Pewter Gym! Pics
338 Disguise Da Limit! Verdanturf Town! Pokémon Contest Pics
M7 Destiny Deoxys Visitor of the Space Fissure - Deoxys Pics
368 Judgement Day! The Three Animal Appearence! The Referee School Island! Pics
372 Training Wrecks Muscle Battle! Double Battle! Pics
388 Eight Ain't Enough Sootopolis Gym! Juan, Artist of Water! (Part 2)! Pics
M8 Lucario & The Mystery of Mew Mew & The Wave-Guiding Hero - Lucario Pics
439 Spontaneous Combusken Pokémon Contest! Yuzuhira Convention! Pics
453 Grating Spaces Brock & Ash! Defend Pewter Gym in Tag Battle! Pics
513 Ill-Will Hunting Hunter J Again! Protect Shieldon! Pics
540 Pokémon Ranger and the Kidnapped Riolu (2) Pokémon Ranger! The Wave-Guiding Riolu! (Part Two) Pics
559 One Team, Two Team, Red Team, Blue Team! The Final Showdown! Pokémon Triathlon! Pics
777 Flames of a Red-Hot Reunion! Burn, Charizard! VS Dragonite! Pics
S35 Pokémon Mega Evolution Special I Strongest Mega Evolution ~Act 1~ Pics
M17 Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction The Cocoon of Destruction and Diancie Pics
893 Tag Team Battle Inspiration! A Tag Battle is a Friendship Battle! Eevee Fights for the First Time! Pics
929 Valuable Experience for All! Mega Sceptile VS Raichu! I Received Some EXP!! Pics
935 A Towering Takeover! Team Flare Attacks! The Zygarde at the Prism Tower!! Pics
936 Coming Apart at the Dreams! The Shocking Zygarde VS Zygarde! The Breaking World!! Pics
938 Rocking Kalos Defenses! The Megalith Advances! A Fight to Protect Kalos!! Pics
939 Forming a More Perfect Union! Zygarde Fights Back! The Final Battle for Kalos!! Pics
970 A Glaring Rivalry! Come Forth, Lycanroc with the Crimson Look!! Pics
M20 Pokémon I Choose You! Pokémon I Choose You! Pics
1043 Battling the Beast Within! The Lightning that Blocks Wind! Its name is Zeraora! Pics
1091 Legend? Go! Friends? Go! On Lugia They Go, Ash and Gho! Pics
1147 A Rollicking Roll... / Eyes on the Goal! Panic! The Gulpin Ball!!
Come On, Chewtle Turtle Race
Pics
1157 Advice for Goh! Rivals for Goh?! The Road to Mew!! Pics
1202 Chasing to the Finish! Last Mission! Get Regieleki & Regidrago!! Pics
1215 TBC Go for Dream! Goh's Road to Mew!! Pics
1223 In the Palms of our Hands! The Future I Seize Pics
1225 These Could be the Start of Something Big! Ash and Goh! Setting Off Anew!! Pics
1228 Must Be Our Heroes and the Witch! Brock, Cilan and the Forest Witch! Pics