good pokemon showdown blastoise build

3 min read 11-01-2025

Blastoise, the powerful Water-type starter from Generation I, remains a formidable force in Pokémon Showdown. Its high bulk and access to powerful Water-type moves make it a solid defensive wall and capable attacker. This guide explores effective Blastoise builds for various metagames, focusing on maximizing its strengths and mitigating its weaknesses. Let's dive into some optimal strategies for utilizing this classic Pokémon.

Understanding Blastoise's Strengths and Weaknesses

Before constructing any build, understanding Blastoise's inherent strengths and weaknesses is crucial.

Strengths:

High Defense and Special Defense: Blastoise boasts exceptional defensive stats, allowing it to withstand many physical and special attacks. This makes it a fantastic wall and pivot.
Access to Powerful Water-type Moves: Water-type moves are incredibly common and effective, particularly against Fire, Ground, and Rock-types.
Wide Movepool: Blastoise has access to several useful support moves, enabling different playstyles.

Weaknesses:

Electric-type Weakness: Electric-type attacks deal super effective damage. This is a significant weakness to consider.
Grass-type Weakness: Grass-type attacks also deal super effective damage, which needs to be carefully managed.
Moderate Speed: Blastoise isn't incredibly fast, making it vulnerable to faster threats.

Top Blastoise Builds for Pokémon Showdown

Here are a few popular and effective Blastoise builds you can use in Pokémon Showdown:

1. Defensive Wall Blastoise

This build focuses on maximizing Blastoise's defensive capabilities, making it a tough nut to crack.

Ability: Rain Dish (for passive HP recovery in rain) or Torrent (for boosted Water moves)
Item: Leftovers (for passive HP recovery) or Rocky Helmet (for damage to physical attackers)
Moves:
- Scald: A powerful STAB move with a burn chance.
- Waterfall: Another powerful STAB move.
- Rest: Recovers all HP and status conditions.
- Sleep Talk: Allows attacks while asleep. (Alternatively, consider Ice Beam or another coverage move)

Strategy: This build excels at setting up hazards and wearing down opponents. The combination of Rest and Sleep Talk keeps Blastoise in the battle for extended periods.

2. Offensive Rain Dance Blastoise

This build leverages Rain Dance to boost Blastoise's Water-type moves and take advantage of its bulk.

Ability: Torrent
Item: Choice Specs (for increased special attack) or Life Orb (for increased damage at the cost of health)
Moves:
- Rain Dance: Sets up rain, boosting Water moves' power and reducing Fire-type moves' power.
- Hydro Pump: A high-powered Water-type move.
- Ice Beam: Effective against Grass and Dragon types.
- Aura Sphere/Flash Cannon: Provides coverage against Fairy and Steel types.

Strategy: This build aims to sweep through opponents after setting up Rain Dance. The Choice Specs or Life Orb significantly increases the power of Blastoise’s attacks.

3. Support Blastoise

This build focuses on supporting the team rather than directly attacking.

Ability: Rain Dish or Torrent
Item: Leftovers or Black Sludge
Moves:
- Scald: For damage and burn chance.
- Rapid Spin: Removes entry hazards.
- Reflect: Reduces incoming physical damage.
- Light Screen: Reduces incoming special damage.

Strategy: Blastoise sets up crucial support moves to aid its teammates, bolstering their chances of success.

How to Choose the Best Blastoise Build

The best Blastoise build depends on your team composition and the metagame you're playing in. Consider the following:

Team Synergy: Does your team need a wall, a sweeper, or support?
Metagame Trends: Are there prevalent threats that Blastoise needs to counter?
Personal Playstyle: Do you prefer defensive or offensive strategies?

Experiment with different builds to find what works best for you. Pokémon Showdown's simulation environment allows you to try various strategies without consequences.

Conclusion

Blastoise remains a valuable asset in Pokémon Showdown. With its high bulk and versatile movepool, it can be adapted to various playstyles and team compositions. By understanding its strengths and weaknesses, and carefully choosing the right build and moveset, you can unleash the full potential of this classic Pokémon. Remember to practice and adapt your strategy based on your opponents. Good luck, and happy battling!