Blastoise, the Shellfish Pokémon, is a formidable Water-type powerhouse known for its incredible defense and powerful water cannons. But a question that often surfaces among trainers is: Can Blastoise Learn Earthquake? This article from LEARNS.EDU.VN will provide a comprehensive exploration of Blastoise’s movepool, its capabilities, and whether it can indeed learn the Ground-type move Earthquake, offering valuable insights for both casual players and competitive battlers. This guide delves into compatible moves, strategic benefits, and Blastoise’s overall potential, enhancing your gameplay with advanced tactics and educational content.
1. Understanding Blastoise and Its Capabilities
Blastoise, evolving from Wartortle at level 36, stands out with its sturdy build and iconic water cannons. Before we dive into the specifics of Earthquake, let’s understand Blastoise’s strengths and weaknesses.
1.1. Blastoise’s Base Stats
Understanding Blastoise’s stats is crucial to grasp its role in battles.
| Stat | Value | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| HP | 79 | Decent health points allow it to withstand some damage. |
| Attack | 83 | Moderate physical attack stat, not its primary focus. |
| Defense | 100 | Excellent defense makes it a physical wall. |
| Special Attack | 85 | Respectable special attack, allowing for effective Water-type moves. |
| Special Defense | 105 | Very high special defense, making it resistant to special attacks. |
| Speed | 78 | Below average speed means it usually attacks second. |
| Total | 530 | Balanced stats make it a versatile Pokémon. |
1.2. Blastoise’s Type Matchups
As a Water-type Pokémon, Blastoise has specific type advantages and disadvantages.
| Effective Against | Weak Against |
|---|---|
| Fire, Ground, Rock | Electric, Grass |
Blastoise excels against Fire, Ground, and Rock-type Pokémon, making it a valuable asset in battles against these types. However, it struggles against Electric and Grass-type moves.
1.3. Key Abilities of Blastoise
Blastoise has two primary abilities that can influence its performance in battle.
- Torrent: Powers up Water-type moves when HP is low.
- Rain Dish (Hidden Ability): Gradually restores HP during rain.
Torrent is useful for delivering powerful Water-type attacks when Blastoise is in a pinch, while Rain Dish provides sustained healing in rain-based teams.
2. Earthquake: The Ground-Type Powerhouse
Earthquake is a powerful Ground-type move known for its high damage output and wide coverage.
2.1. Move Details
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Ground |
| Category | Physical |
| Power | 100 |
| Accuracy | 100% |
| Effect | Hits all adjacent Pokémon in double battles. |
2.2. Strategic Importance of Earthquake
Earthquake is strategically important for several reasons:
- High Damage: Its base power of 100 ensures significant damage to opponents.
- Type Coverage: Ground-type moves are effective against a variety of types, including Electric, Rock, Steel, Fire, and Poison.
- Double Battles: Earthquake hits all adjacent Pokémon, making it invaluable in double battles.
2.3. Pokémon That Commonly Learn Earthquake
Many Pokémon can learn Earthquake, especially those with strong physical attack stats and Ground-type affinity. Common examples include:
- Garchomp
- Excadrill
- Landorus
- Tyranitar
- Steelix
3. Can Blastoise Learn Earthquake?
The central question: Can Blastoise learn Earthquake? The answer is yes, Blastoise can learn Earthquake in many Pokémon games via Technical Machine (TM).
3.1. Availability via TM
In several generations of Pokémon games, Earthquake is available as a TM. This means Blastoise can learn Earthquake by using the corresponding TM.
| Game Generation | TM Number | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Generation 1 | TM26 | Yes |
| Generation 2 | TM26 | Yes |
| Generation 3 | TM26 | Yes |
| Generation 4 | TM26 | Yes |
| Generation 5 | TM26 | Yes |
| Generation 6 | TM26 | Yes |
| Generation 7 | TM26 | Yes |
| Generation 8 | TM26 | Yes |
| Generation 9 | TM149 | Yes |
3.2. How to Teach Blastoise Earthquake via TM
To teach Blastoise Earthquake, follow these steps:
- Obtain the TM: Find TM149 (or the corresponding TM in earlier generations) in the game. TMs can be found in various locations, purchased from shops, or received as rewards.
- Open Your Bag: Access your in-game bag and find the TM.
- Select Blastoise: Choose Blastoise from your party to teach it the move.
- Confirm: Confirm that you want Blastoise to learn Earthquake. If Blastoise already knows four moves, you’ll need to replace one.
3.3. Why Earthquake is a Viable Move for Blastoise
Earthquake provides Blastoise with crucial type coverage, allowing it to hit Electric and Grass-type Pokémon super effectively, which are otherwise major threats.
4. Strategic Advantages of Blastoise Using Earthquake
Adding Earthquake to Blastoise’s movepool offers several strategic advantages.
4.1. Enhanced Type Coverage
Blastoise, primarily a Water-type, struggles against Electric and Grass types. Earthquake provides super-effective coverage against these weaknesses, turning the tables on would-be counters.
4.2. Surprise Factor
Opponents often expect Blastoise to use Water or Ice-type moves. Earthquake can catch them off guard, leading to unexpected victories.
4.3. Dealing with Specific Threats
Earthquake is particularly useful against Pokémon like:
- Electric Types: Pokémon such as Raichu and Jolteon.
- Steel Types: Pokémon such as Steelix and Ferrothorn.
- Rock Types: Pokémon such as Tyranitar and Golem.
- Fire Types: Pokémon such as Arcanine and Charizard.
- Poison Types: Pokémon such as Toxapex and Nidoking.
4.4. Synergistic Teammates
Blastoise can work well in teams with Pokémon that cover its weaknesses. Examples include:
- Grass Types: Pokémon like Venusaur can handle Water and Ground types that threaten Blastoise.
- Electric Types: Pokémon like Raikou can cover Water and Flying types.
5. Potential Drawbacks of Using Earthquake on Blastoise
Despite the advantages, there are some potential drawbacks to consider.
5.1. Lower Attack Stat
Blastoise’s Attack stat is lower than its Special Attack. While Earthquake is a powerful move, it may not hit as hard as it would on a Pokémon with higher Attack.
5.2. Alternative Move Options
Blastoise has access to many other useful moves, and choosing Earthquake might mean sacrificing another potentially valuable move.
5.3. Risk in Double Battles
In double battles, Earthquake hits all adjacent Pokémon, including allies. This can be a significant drawback if your teammate is vulnerable to Ground-type moves.
6. Optimizing Blastoise’s Movepool
To make the most of Blastoise, consider a balanced movepool that complements Earthquake.
6.1. Recommended Moveset
A well-rounded moveset for Blastoise might include:
- Hydro Pump: A powerful Water-type move for significant damage.
- Ice Beam: Provides coverage against Grass-type Pokémon.
- Earthquake: Hits Electric, Steel, Rock, Fire, and Poison types effectively.
- Rapid Spin/Protect: Rapid Spin removes hazards, while Protect provides defensive utility.
6.2. Item Recommendations
Choosing the right item can further enhance Blastoise’s capabilities.
- Leftovers: Provides passive healing each turn.
- Life Orb: Boosts move power at the cost of HP.
- Choice Specs: Increases Special Attack but locks into one move.
- Assault Vest: Boosts Special Defense but prevents the use of status moves.
6.3. EV Training
Effective EV (Effort Value) training can maximize Blastoise’s strengths.
- HP and Defense: Maximizes its ability to withstand physical attacks.
- Special Attack and Special Defense: Enhances its offensive and defensive capabilities against special attackers.
- Attack and Speed: Improves damage with Earthquake and allows to attack first.
6.4. Terastallizing with Blastoise
Terastallizing can significantly alter Blastoise’s type, providing strategic advantages and changing its weaknesses and resistances.
- Tera Ground: This amplifies the power of Earthquake, turning Blastoise into a formidable Ground-type attacker. It also eliminates Blastoise’s weaknesses to Electric-type attacks.
- Tera Steel: This eliminates Blastoise’s weakness to Grass-type attacks.
- Tera Fire: This eliminates Blastoise’s weakness to Grass and Electric-type attacks.
7. Blastoise in Competitive Battles
Blastoise can be a valuable asset in competitive Pokémon battles, given the right strategy and team composition.
7.1. Role in Team Composition
Blastoise often serves as a defensive pivot or a special wall in competitive teams. Its ability to take hits and retaliate with powerful moves makes it a reliable choice.
7.2. Common Strategies
- Hazard Control: Using Rapid Spin to clear entry hazards like Stealth Rock, Spikes, and Toxic Spikes.
- Defensive Pivot: Switching in to absorb hits and then switching out to a more favorable matchup.
- Special Wall: Tanking special attacks and retaliating with strong Water or Ice-type moves.
7.3. Potential Counters
- Strong Electric-type Attackers: Pokémon like Tapu Koko or Zeraora can exploit Blastoise’s weakness with powerful Electric-type moves.
- Powerful Grass-type Attackers: Pokémon like Kartana or Tapu Bulu can overwhelm Blastoise with strong Grass-type moves.
- Pokémon with High Special Defense: Pokémon like Chansey or Blissey can stall Blastoise out with their high Special Defense and recovery moves.
8. Blastoise’s Evolution and Forms
Blastoise has an intriguing evolution line and several unique forms, each offering different strengths and strategic possibilities.
8.1. Evolution Line
- Squirtle: The base form, a small Water-type Pokémon.
- Wartortle: Evolves from Squirtle at level 16, gaining increased stats and learning new moves.
- Blastoise: Evolves from Wartortle at level 36, becoming a powerful Water-type Pokémon with access to strong moves.
8.2. Mega Blastoise
Mega Blastoise is a Mega Evolution that enhances Blastoise’s stats and abilities.
| Stat | Base Value | Mega Value |
|---|---|---|
| HP | 79 | 79 |
| Attack | 83 | 103 |
| Defense | 100 | 120 |
| Special Attack | 85 | 135 |
| Special Defense | 105 | 115 |
| Speed | 78 | 78 |
| Total | 530 | 630 |
Mega Blastoise also gains the ability Mega Launcher, which boosts the power of Aura and Pulse moves.
8.3. Gigantamax Blastoise
Gigantamax Blastoise is a unique form available in Pokémon Sword and Shield. It features an exclusive G-Max move called G-Max Cannonade.
G-Max Cannonade: A powerful Water-type move that deals damage and inflicts a trapping effect, causing additional damage at the end of each turn for four to five turns.
9. Training Tips for Blastoise
To maximize Blastoise’s potential, consider the following training tips.
9.1. Early Game Training
- Focus on Water-type Moves: In the early stages, prioritize learning and using strong Water-type moves like Water Gun and Water Pulse.
- Utilize TMs: Teach Blastoise useful TMs as soon as they become available to enhance its movepool.
9.2. Mid-Game Training
- EV Training: Start EV training to boost specific stats like HP, Defense, and Special Defense.
- Team Synergy: Build a team that covers Blastoise’s weaknesses and complements its strengths.
9.3. Late-Game and Competitive Training
- Perfect IVs: Aim for perfect IVs (Individual Values) through breeding or hyper training.
- Strategic Movepool: Refine Blastoise’s movepool to include a mix of offensive and utility moves.
- Competitive Battling: Practice in competitive battles to understand Blastoise’s matchups and optimal strategies.
10. Alternative Moves for Blastoise
While Earthquake is a great addition, Blastoise has access to several other powerful moves that can be strategically valuable.
10.1. Water-Type Moves
- Hydro Pump: High-power, high-risk Water-type move.
- Surf: Reliable and consistent Water-type damage.
- Scald: Chance to burn the opponent.
10.2. Ice-Type Moves
- Ice Beam: Solid damage with a chance to freeze.
- Blizzard: High power, lower accuracy.
10.3. Dark-Type Moves
- Dark Pulse: Useful for coverage against Psychic-type Pokémon.
10.4. Steel-Type Moves
- Flash Cannon: Provides coverage against Fairy-type Pokémon.
11. User Experiences and Community Insights
Many Pokémon trainers have shared their experiences using Blastoise in various battles.
11.1. Forum Discussions
Online forums often feature discussions about Blastoise’s viability and optimal movesets. Many players recommend Earthquake for its coverage against Electric and Grass types.
11.2. Expert Opinions
Competitive players often highlight Blastoise’s defensive capabilities and strategic potential. Earthquake is frequently mentioned as a surprise move that can turn the tide of battle.
11.3. Success Stories
Trainers have shared stories of using Blastoise with Earthquake to defeat tough opponents and win competitive matches, emphasizing its versatility and strategic value.
12. Blastoise’s Legacy in Pokémon History
Blastoise has been a prominent figure in the Pokémon franchise since its introduction in Generation 1.
12.1. Notable Appearances
Blastoise has appeared in numerous Pokémon games, anime episodes, and movies, solidifying its status as a beloved and iconic Pokémon.
12.2. Fan Popularity
Blastoise consistently ranks high in fan polls and popularity contests, thanks to its cool design, strong stats, and memorable role in the original Pokémon games.
12.3. Cultural Impact
Blastoise has made a significant cultural impact, appearing in merchandise, artwork, and fan creations, further cementing its place in Pokémon history.
13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can Blastoise learn Earthquake in all Pokémon games?
Yes, in many Pokémon games, Blastoise can learn Earthquake via TM.
2. Is Earthquake a good move for Blastoise?
Yes, Earthquake provides valuable type coverage against Electric, Steel, Rock, Fire, and Poison types, addressing some of Blastoise’s weaknesses.
3. What are the best moves to pair with Earthquake on Blastoise?
Hydro Pump, Ice Beam, and Rapid Spin/Protect are excellent choices.
4. How do I teach Blastoise Earthquake?
Find the corresponding TM in the game, open your bag, select Blastoise, and teach it the move.
5. What item should I give Blastoise to hold?
Leftovers, Life Orb, Choice Specs, or Assault Vest are all viable options, depending on your strategy.
6. What is the best nature for Blastoise?
Modest (increases Special Attack, decreases Attack) or Calm (increases Special Defense, decreases Attack) are good choices.
7. How should I EV train my Blastoise?
Focus on HP, Defense, and Special Defense to maximize its defensive capabilities.
8. Is Mega Blastoise better than regular Blastoise?
Mega Blastoise has higher stats and the Mega Launcher ability, making it a powerful choice in battles where Mega Evolution is allowed.
9. What are Blastoise’s weaknesses?
Blastoise is weak against Electric and Grass-type moves.
10. Can Blastoise be used in competitive battles?
Yes, Blastoise can be a valuable asset in competitive battles, especially as a defensive pivot or special wall.
14. Conclusion: Mastering Blastoise with Earthquake
In conclusion, Blastoise can indeed learn Earthquake, making it a versatile and strategically valuable addition to any Pokémon team. By understanding its strengths, weaknesses, and optimal movepool, you can harness Blastoise’s full potential and achieve victory in battles. Incorporating Earthquake into Blastoise’s moveset addresses key weaknesses and provides crucial type coverage, enhancing its overall effectiveness.
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