As the water-type starter from Generation 1, Squirtle should be recognizable even by casual fans of the Pokemon series. In-game, Squirtle evolves at Level 16 and 36 into Wartortle and Blastoise respectively. The Squirtle line has great defensive stats and can learn powerful moves such as Rapid Spin or Hydro Pump. To bring the Tiny Turtle Pokemon into Generation 8, trainers can use one of several methods thanks to Pokemon Home.
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Free Starter From Pokemon Home
As a bonus for using Pokemon Home, the newest cloud storage app offers a free Generation 1 starter when first logging in on a phone or the Switch. Professor Grand Oak, the newest eccentric expert of Pokemon, give trainers a choice between Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. After picking Squirtle, the water-type will be waiting in the Pokemon Home box. From there, trainers only have to connect Sword or Shield to Pokemon Home on the Switch to transfer Squirtle over to Generation 8.
Move Squirtle From Pokemon Let’s Go
Squirtle can be acquired rather easily from Pokemon Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee in Vermillion City. After helping out, Officer Jenny will give trainers a Squirtle if they have caught over 60 Pokemon in-game. Along with the other Let’s Go Pokemon, this Squirtle can then be transferred over to Pokemon Home and then Sword or Shield. Be aware that this process is a one-way trip; once in Generation 8 there is no going back for Let’s Go Pokemon.
Migrate Squirtle From the Pokemon Bank
Chances are that trainers who have been playing for multiple generations have caught Squirtle in a previous game. Whether they chose it as their starting companion or acquired it through other means, there’s a chance to bring it over to Pokemon Home. To initiate this transfer, the Squirtle must be in the Pokemon Bank, which is only compatible with 3DS titles: X, Y, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire, Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, or Ultra Moon. With a 3DS and Switch on hand, trainers need to follow the instructions on both devices to move Squirtle from the Bank to Home and then to Pokemon Sword or Shield. This method, however, does require a premium subscription to Pokemon Home.
Trade With Someone Who Already Transferred Squirtle
Alternatively, there are many trainers who have already brought in Squirtle when Pokemon Home was first released on Wednesday, February 12. As such, using one of Pokemon Home’s several trading methods, can net a Squirtle through a specific trade or randomly if trainers are feeling adventurous. Note that some methods such as the Wonder Box will take much longer than searching on the GTS.
Pokemon GO in the Future
In a future update, Pokemon GO will also become compatible with Pokemon Home. At that point, Squirtle should be a much easier transfer into Sword and Shield because of its plentiful status in many real-world locations.
Pokemon Sword and Shield are available now for the Nintendo Switch.
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