turtwig #387
Type Matchups
Weak to (2x damage):
Resistant to (½x damage):
turtwig
Generation IV · #0387 — Tiny Leaf Pokémon
Turtwig is a Grass-type Pokémon introduced in Generation IV as the Tiny Leaf Pokémon and National Pokédex #387. Renowned as one of the three iconic first partner Pokémon of the Sinnoh region alongside Chimchar and Piplup, Turtwig occupies a special place in the hearts of trainers who began their journey in Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum. This diminutive creature measures just 0.4 meters in height and weighs a modest 10.2 kilograms, making it one of the smallest starter Pokémon available. With a base stat total of 318, Turtwig emphasizes physical prowess with respectable Attack and Defense statistics of 68 and 64 respectively, though its Special Attack of 45 and Speed of 31 reveal its earthbound, methodical nature. The Overgrow ability serves as Turtwig's trademark, amplifying Grass-type moves to 1.5× their normal damage when health drops to one-third or less, while its hidden ability Shell Armor provides protection against critical hits—a defensive trait befitting its protective shell.
Base Stats
Height
0.4m
Weight
10.2kg
Category
Tiny Leaf Pokémon
Gender
Male 87.5% / Female 12.5%
Color
green
Shape
quadruped
Abilities
Strengthens grass moves to inflict 1.5× damage at 1/3 max HP or less.
Protects against critical hits.
Turtwig Biology & Physical Characteristics
Turtwig's most distinctive feature is its earthen shell, composed entirely of soil and minerals hardened through exposure to water. This pale brown carapace is adorned with a thick black stripe running along its back and a dark rim, creating a striking visual contrast against its light green body. The Pokédex consistently emphasizes that a healthy Turtwig's shell should feel moist, indicating proper hydration and wellness—a fascinating parallel to real-world reptile care. Atop its head sits a single brown patch from which a small leaf emerges, functioning as both a sensory organ and a water-stress indicator; this leaf visibly wilts when the Pokémon becomes thirsty. The creature's yellow eyes, feet, and lower jaw provide warm accents to its predominantly green and brown coloration. Unlike many other plant-based Pokémon, Turtwig derives most of its energy from photosynthesis conducted across its entire body rather than through consuming nutrients from soil. This metabolic adaptation means that adequate sunlight exposure is essential for maintaining Turtwig's vigor and psychological well-being, making it fundamentally dependent on natural light cycles.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Turtwig Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Turtwig exhibits a pronounced sexual dimorphism in terms of population ratio, with approximately 87.5 percent of the species being male and only 12.5 percent female—a significantly skewed distribution that makes female Turtwig considerably rarer and more sought-after by collectors and breeders. Both male and female Turtwig belong to the Monster and Grass egg groups, facilitating diverse breeding possibilities with compatible Pokémon from these categories. The egg hatching process requires 20 cycles, translating to approximately 4,884 to 5,140 steps of travel before a Turtwig egg yields a healthy hatchling. Despite the gender ratio skew, breeding Turtwig is achievable with the right compatible partner, and Trainers seeking to establish breeding lineages should prioritize securing a female individual. The base friendship value of 70 for hatched eggs ensures that newly born Turtwig begin their relationship with trainers on a reasonably positive footing, developing stronger bonds through care and positive interactions. Competitive breeding strategies often leverage Turtwig's balanced base stats and evolutionary potential to create optimized movesets and nature distributions suitable for competitive play or in-game challenges.
Sprites
TMs & HMs
tm01
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm01
ultra sun ultra moon
tm01
sun moon
tm02
crystal
tm02
gold silver
tm03
yellow
tm03
crystal
tm03
gold silver
tm03
red blue
tm03
blue japan
tm03
red green japan
tm05
ruby sapphire
tm05
emerald
tm05
gold silver
tm05
crystal
tm05
diamond pearl
tm05
black white
tm05
platinum
tm05
heartgold soulsilver
tm05
firered leafgreen
+598 more TMs/HMs
turtwig's Evolution Chain
Turtwig Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Turtwig is the inaugural member of a three-stage evolutionary line that transforms it from a diminutive terrestrial creature into a formidable ground-and-grass hybrid. At level 18, Turtwig evolves into Grotle, a larger quadrupedal Pokémon that becomes more robust in both size and capability. The final evolution occurs at level 32, yielding Torterra, a powerful Grass/Ground-type Pokémon that emerges as one of the most competitive final-stage starters in the franchise. Torterra's dual typing transforms the evolutionary line's strengths and weaknesses entirely, shifting from pure Grass-type susceptibilities to a more balanced coverage of strengths and resistances. The evolution chain represents a thematic progression from seedling to sprouting tree to fully mature, earth-anchored giant—each stage reflecting increasing confidence, size, and environmental integration. Trainers who invest in raising Turtwig through its full evolution path are rewarded with a Pokémon possessing dramatically enhanced base stats, particularly in Attack (from 68 to 109) and Defense (from 64 to 105), alongside the acquisition of the valuable Ground typing that expands its offensive and defensive coverage. The evolutionary journey can be expedited through level-grinding, experience-sharing devices, or strategic level-up methodology familiar to most Pokémon trainers.
Where to Find
lake verity
sinnoh
sinnoh route 201
sinnoh
hoenn route 101
hoenn
Turtwig Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Turtwig is naturally drawn to aquatic environments, with the Pokédex noting its preference for living along lakes where it can access both the water necessary to harden its shell and the sunlight required for photosynthetic energy production. The species exhibits a dual dependency on its environment—water hardens and maintains its soil-based shell, while sunlight energizes its body and prevents wilting of its crown leaf. Turtwig's calm, methodical demeanor reflects its nature as a slow-growing Pokémon with a medium-slow experience curve, suggesting a patient, deliberate approach to life. Wild Turtwig sightings are exceptionally rare due to its status as a starter Pokémon, with most individuals existing under the care of trainers. The creature's base happiness value of 70 indicates it bonds readily with compassionate trainers who provide appropriate care. Turtwig becomes noticeably more energetic and content when exposed to adequate sunlight, and maintaining proper hydration is critical to its health—trainers must ensure their Turtwig has access to fresh water and sunny locations to prevent the distressing sight of its head leaf withering. Its gentle disposition and straightforward needs make Turtwig an excellent choice for beginning trainers learning to understand Pokémon care mechanics.
Pokedex Entries
Generation IV
Made from soil, the shell on its back hardens when it drinks water. It lives along lakes.
It undertakes photosynthesis with its body, making oxygen. The leaf on its head wilts if it is thirsty.
The shell on its back is made of soil. On a very healthy TURTWIG, the shell should feel moist.
Photosynthesis occurs across its body under the sun. The shell on its back is actually hardened soil.
Generation V
The shell on its back is made of soil. On a very healthy Turtwig, the shell should feel moist.
The shell on its back is made of soil. On a very healthy Turtwig, the shell should feel moist.
Generation VI
Photosynthesis occurs across its body under the sun. The shell on its back is actually hardened soil.
It undertakes photosynthesis with its body, making oxygen. The leaf on its head wilts if it is thirsty.
Photosynthesis occurs across its body under the sun. The shell on its back is actually hardened soil.
It undertakes photosynthesis with its body, making oxygen. The leaf on its head wilts if it is thirsty.
Generation VIII
This Pokémon becomes more energetic the more sunlight there is. The part resembling a shell is similar to silt and is slightly damp and warm to the touch.
Turtwig Name Origin & Design Inspiration
Turtwig's name elegantly combines 'turtle' with 'twig,' perfectly encapsulating its nature as a small, turtle-like Pokémon adorned with a leafy sprout. The Japanese designation 'Naetle' merges 'naetate' (the Japanese word for seedling) with 'turtle,' creating a poetic translation that emphasizes its role as a young, developing creature. The design itself draws inspiration from real-world juvenile reptiles, particularly aquatic and semi-aquatic turtles, while its earth-shell composition introduces botanical elements that distinguish it from conventional turtle-based Pokémon. The leaf atop its head serves as both a practical design element—indicating hydration status through wilting—and a symbolic representation of growth potential, suggesting that Turtwig is merely beginning its development. The yellow accents on its eyes, feet, and jaw create visual warmth despite the creature's earthy, muted palette, making it visually appealing to younger players while maintaining ecological verisimilitude. The brown patch supporting the crown leaf mirrors real plant growth patterns, where new foliage emerges from a concentrated growth node. This thoughtful design philosophy ensures Turtwig feels simultaneously realistic, fantastical, and emotionally resonant as a starter Pokémon.
Learnable Moves
Turtwig can learn 84 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| absorb | grass | Special | 20 | 100 | 25 |
| amnesia | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| bite | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| bulldoze | ground | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| bullet seed | grass | Physical | 25 | 100 | 30 |
| captivate | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| crunch | dark | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| curse | ghost | Status | — | — | 10 |
| cut | normal | Physical | 50 | 95 | 30 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| earth power | ground | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| energy ball | grass | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| flash | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| giga drain | grass | Special | 75 | 100 | 10 |
| grass knot | grass | Special | — | 100 | 20 |
| grass pledge | grass | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| grassy glide | grass | Physical | 55 | 100 | 20 |
| grassy terrain | grass | Status | — | — | 10 |
| growth | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| headbutt | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| heavy slam | steel | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| iron head | steel | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| iron tail | steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 |
| leaf blade | grass | Physical | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| leaf storm | grass | Special | 130 | 90 | 5 |
| leafage | grass | Physical | 40 | 100 | 40 |
| leech seed | grass | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| light screen | psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| magical leaf | grass | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| mega drain | grass | Special | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| mud shot | ground | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| mud slap | ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| natural gift | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| nature power | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| razor leaf | grass | Physical | 55 | 95 | 25 |
| reflect | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| roar | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| rock climb | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| rock smash | fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| safeguard | normal | Status | — | — | 25 |
| sand tomb | ground | Physical | 35 | 85 | 15 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| seed bomb | grass | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| shell smash | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| sleep powder | grass | Status | — | 75 | 15 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| smack down | rock | Physical | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| solar beam | grass | Special | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| spit up | normal | Special | — | 100 | 10 |
| stealth rock | rock | Status | — | — | 20 |
| stockpile | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| strength | normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| superpower | fighting | Physical | 120 | 100 | 5 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| swallow | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| swords dance | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| synthesis | grass | Status | — | — | 5 |
| tackle | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| tera blast | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| thrash | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| tickle | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| trailblaze | grass | Physical | 50 | 100 | 20 |
| wide guard | rock | Status | — | — | 10 |
| withdraw | water | Status | — | — | 40 |
| work up | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| worry seed | grass | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| zen headbutt | psychic | Physical | 80 | 90 | 15 |
Turtwig Competitive Battle Guide
While Turtwig's own competitive viability is severely limited by its modest base stat total of 318 and particularly poor Speed tier of 31, its evolutionary line becomes increasingly relevant in competitive environments as it progresses toward Torterra. Turtwig's Attack stat of 68 represents its strongest offensive option in its base form, yet available physical Grass-type moves are limited and generally underwhelming. The Overgrow ability, while thematically appropriate, rarely provides sufficient damage output to secure knockouts in meaningful competitive scenarios. Most serious competitors recognize Turtwig as a stepping stone rather than a viable battler, quickly transitioning to Grotle and ultimately Torterra to access significantly superior stats and typing coverage. However, in Little Cup formats or casual play restricted to early-game Pokémon, Turtwig can function adequately with strategic move selections emphasizing its modest physical advantages. The hidden ability Shell Armor, preventing critical hits, offers marginal defensive utility but doesn't compensate for Turtwig's fundamental statistical limitations. Trainers in competitive environments should view Turtwig as a long-term investment, leveling it with an eye toward its final evolved form rather than relying on it for immediate competitive contributions. Proper nature selection, EV training, and move pool expansion become increasingly important as the evolutionary line progresses.
Commonly Asked Questions About Turtwig
What type is Turtwig?
Turtwig is a grass type Pokemon.
What does Turtwig evolve into?
Turtwig evolves into grotle, then into torterra.
What are Turtwig's weaknesses?
Turtwig is weak to flying, poison, bug, fire and ice type moves.
Where can I find Turtwig?
Turtwig can be found in lake verity (sinnoh), sinnoh route 201 (sinnoh) and hoenn route 101 (hoenn).
Turtwig Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Turtwig holds significant cultural importance within the Pokémon franchise as one of the iconic Generation IV starter Pokémon that introduced millions of players to the Sinnoh region. Its gentle, approachable design made it particularly appealing to younger audiences, while its starter status guaranteed significant screen time in the animated series, where Ash Ketchum's Turtwig became a memorable companion character demonstrating the emotional bonds trainers develop with their Pokémon. The species has appeared consistently across multiple generations of games, anime episodes, and trading card products, cementing its place in Pokémon cultural consciousness. Turtwig merchandise, including plushies, figures, and apparel, remains commercially popular nearly two decades after the Pokémon species' introduction. The Pokémon's approachable demeanor and thematic connection to environmental themes—emphasizing photosynthesis, water dependency, and natural growth cycles—aligned well with contemporary environmental awareness movements, potentially appealing to trainers with ecological interests. In competitive Pokémon communities, Turtwig represents the fundamental starter Pokémon experience, serving as a benchmark for evaluating starter viability across generations. Its presence in Pokémon Legends: Arceus and recent remakes like Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl ensures that new generations of players continue discovering Turtwig, maintaining its relevance in gaming culture.
Where to Find Turtwig in Every Pokémon Game
Turtwig is primarily available as a starter Pokémon at the beginning of Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, Brilliant Diamond, and Shining Pearl, positions it as one of the first creatures any trainer encounters in these games. Its status as a starter severely restricts wild availability, making natural encounters with untrained Turtwig extraordinarily rare in most game iterations. In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Turtwig maintains its starter role, accessible early in the player's journey through the Hisui region. The Pokémon has received occasional distribution through Pokémon Global Link promotions and Nintendo Events, particularly during anniversary celebrations or regional tournaments, offering opportunities for trainers to obtain additional specimens beyond their initial starter selection. In more recent games like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's DLC The Indigo Disk, Turtwig's availability expanded to include post-game encounters, allowing players in later-generation titles to capture this iconic starter. Trading between players remains the most reliable method for obtaining Turtwig outside of starter selection, with established trading communities facilitating exchanges across multiple gaming platforms. Pokémon GO has included Turtwig in seasonal rotations and special research events, introducing the species to mobile gaming audiences. The creature's consistent presence across Pokémon games spanning nearly two decades ensures accessibility for virtually any trainer determined to add this beloved starter to their collection.