Blastoise is one of the first fully-evolved starter Pokemon to get a Mega Evolution in Generation VI, along with Venusaur and the ever-popular Charizard. However, just because that Charizard is getting the limelight in competitive battling doesn't mean it's no longer that useful. It's recent Mega Evolution has caused Blastoise to rise up in the competitive field, and for a variety of good reasons; power, durability, and versatility.
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Subject No.6
Name: Blastoise
Species: The Shellfish Pokemon
Height: 5'3"
Weight: 188.5 lbs.
Type: Water
Possible Abilities: Torrent, Rain Dish
Mega Abilities: Mega Launcher
Smogon Tier: UnderUsed
Insights: Ummm... what a blue, bulky tortoise. That's what this creature is; a blue, bulky tortoise. Other than that, it's a bulky Special Attacker with decent bulk, a large array of special moves, and Rapid Spin. Seriously, its just one of the main reasons to use Blastoise in this Stealth-Rock ridden meta. In addition, Generation VI blessed this particular turtle with a Mega Evolution which gives it additional arm cannons and whole lot of firepower! Man, so many bulks, so little time.
Recommended Abilities: Mega Launcher (Torrent/Rain Dish in base)
There's really no reason to use base form Blastoise in competitive battles unless you already have a Mega Pokemon in mind. Mega Launcher increases the power of all "pulse" and "aura" moves by 20% which is a very big boost for Blastoise. But wait! How on Blastoise can utilize Mega Launcher if it doesn't have any moves, other than Water Pulse, that it can learn to maximize its purpose? Fortunately, this is where Clawitzer, another Mega Launcher user, hops in. It gives up Aura Sphere as an Egg move for Blastoise to use, which is simply an amazing move all throughout. However, if you are a Trainer who would rather use another Mega Evolution, then pick Torrent. It's more consistent than Rain Dish, but the latter has more use in mono-Water teams that gathers strength under the rain.
Recommended moves:
1. Hydro Pump - Blastoise's strongest STAB move that can pump up the volume under the rain. It has high base power even without the rain but the accuracy is something to watch out.
2. Surf - practically a more accurate version of Hydro Pump, but it doesn't have the strength to take down certain key targets that Hydro Pump do. Regardless, it''s still a solid move to consider.
3. Ice Beam - a coverage move that also freezes opponents. Pretty reliable in any battle and that's about it.
4. Dragon Pulse - another useful coverage move that deals decent damage and it benefits Mega Launcher's boost.
5. Flash Cannon - only a few Pokemon that are not Steels can benefit from Flash Cannon and Blastoise is one of them. It does not only has decent power, but it has a chance to reduce the opponent's Special Defense by one level. This makes Blastoise a powerful glass-cannon against Ice types.
6. Rapid Spin - this is a crucial move for support Blastoise; allowing it to remove entry hazards with ease (specifically Stealth Rock). Never leave this move behind if your Blastoise will go full support.
Other recommended moves:
1. Dark Pulse - another move which can benefit from the Mega Launcher boost. The flinch rate is also a plus.
2. Water Pulse - with many Water-type moves already in its arsenal, it's very unnecessary to include this move on Blastoise. But because of Mega Launcher and its decent confuse chance, it has a degree of usefulness.
3. Rain Dance - support Blastoise is rarely seen in competitive battles, but its bulk is more than enough to successfully set up rain in battle.
4. Heal Pulse - not really a beneficial move against your opponents, but it increases the heal rate of this move through Mega Launcher. Use it only on double battles.
5. Skull Bash - Blastoise's Attack is pretty decent but what is the point on building it physically if it can already deal tons of damage in its Mega form? Nevertheless, it has a nice effect on increasing your Defense the first turn then attacking the foe on the second turn. It's basically a physical Solar Beam without the STAB.
6. Earthquake - use it on a physical build for obvious reasons.
7. Waterfall - another good physical move for Blastoise. It might not benefit from Mega Launcher's boosts, but it can still benefit from STAB and it also has a good flinch rate.
Recommended Nature: Modest or Bold or Calm or Adamant
To fully maximize the damage of Blastoise's special moves, pick a Modest nature with 252 Special Attack, 252 HP, and 4 on a defensive stat of your choice. If you are going support, however, get Bold or Calm nature with 252 HP, 252 on the beneficial stat for those natures and 4 on Special Attack so that you can still have a fighting chance even while supporting teammates. An Adamant nature is ideal for any Blastoise users who wants to utilize its nice array of physical moves and to catch enemies off-guard.
Overall: Blastoise is a well-rounded Water Pokemon with a wide array of moves that can allow it to be a supporter, a special nuke, and a wall, all at the same time. Just be sure to have the right team composition along the way to maximize its use.
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