Optimal Movesets for Dynamax Blastoise in Pokémon GO

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Dynamax Blastoise stands out as a formidable Water-type powerhouse in Pokémon GO, leveraging its enhanced form to deliver devastating attacks in raids, gyms, and Max Battles. With a max CP of around 2,788 and strong stats in attack (171), defense (207), and stamina (188), this evolved form of Squirtle excels in water-focused scenarios, especially under rainy weather boosts.

Understanding Dynamax Mechanics and Blastoise’s Role

The Dynamax feature transforms eligible Pokémon like Blastoise into giant versions capable of using Max Moves, which adapt based on the Pokémon’s typing. For Blastoise, this means accessing potent Water-type Max Moves such as Max Geyser, turning it into a reliable attacker against Fire, Rock, and Ground foes. Unlike regular Blastoise, Dynamax variants don’t require legacy moves like Hydro Cannon for viability, broadening accessibility.

Blastoise’s base form evolves from Wartortle after sufficient candy investment (3 km buddy distance), and shiny versions are available. In gym defense, it ranks as a B-Tier option—decent but outshone by top defenders—while shining brighter in offensive roles.

Core Stats and Type Matchups

StatValue
Max CP2788
Attack171
Defense207
Stamina188

As a pure Water-type, Dynamax Blastoise takes increased damage (+60%) from Grass and Electric moves but resists Fire, Water, Ice, and Steel by 37.5% or more. This profile makes it vulnerable in Grass-heavy metas but dominant against common raid bosses.

For maximum effectiveness, prioritize moves that boost DPS (Damage Per Second) and TDO (Total Damage Output). Dynamax Blastoise accesses three Fast Attacks: Bite (Dark, 6 damage, 12 DPS), Water Gun (Water, 5 damage, 12 DPS), and Rollout (Rock, 15 damage, 10 DPS).

  • Premier Raid/Gym Attacker: Water Gun (Fast) + Max Geyser (Charged). This combo yields high DPS around 11.019, ideal for Water-type sweeps.
  • Alternative High-DPS: Rollout + Hydro Cannon (if available via Elite TM). Rollout edges out for gym/PvP with superior total DPS, especially pre-Dynamax.
  • Versatile Coverage: Bite + Ice Beam or Flash Cannon for handling Grass/Dragon threats, though less optimal for pure Water damage.

Charged moves include Hydro Pump (135 damage, 46.3 DPS), Skull Bash (130 damage, 43.3 DPS), Ice Beam (95 damage, 27.1 DPS), and Flash Cannon (100 damage, 40 DPS).

Comparing Fast and Charged Moves

Move TypeMove NameDamageDPSBest Use
FastWater Gun512Raids/Max Battles
FastRollout1510Gyms/PvP
FastBite612Coverage
ChargedMax Geyser9054Primary Dynamax
ChargedHydro Cannon9054Legacy Boost
ChargedHydro Pump13546.3High Burst

Water Gun pairs best with Max Geyser for Dynamax raids, ranking Blastoise #14 among Water attackers (F-Tier overall but viable in niches). Rollout shines in sustained fights due to energy efficiency.

Strategic Applications in Different Battle Modes

Raids and Max Battles

In Dynamax raids, equip Water Gun/Max Geyser to counter Fire/Ground bosses. It performs well without legacy moves, but evolving during events secures Hydro Cannon for hybrid use. Weather boosts in rain amplify encounters, increasing shiny odds.

Gym Offense and Defense

Rollout/Hydro Cannon dominates gym attacks with top DPS. Defensively, its bulk holds positions adequately, though Electric/Grass raids exploit weaknesses.

PvP and Leagues

In Great/Ultra Leagues, leverage Rollout for shield pressure and coverage moves like Ice Beam against Swampert or Electivire. Blastoise’s stamina supports prolonged fights.

Weaknesses and Essential Counters

Dynamax Blastoise falters against Grass (e.g., Kartana, Tapu Bulu) and Electric (e.g., Zekrom, Electivire) types. Top counters include:

  • Zapdos (Electric/Flying)
  • Roserade (Grass/Poison)
  • Cartana (Grass/Steel)
  • Magnezone (Electric/Steel)

Deploy these in raids to dismantle Blastoise quickly.

Building and Powering Up Your Dynamax Blastoise

Acquire via raids or evolution during Dynamax events. Max out IVs (ideally 15/15/15) for peak CP. Use XL Candy for level 50 potential. Pair with Rain Teams including Kyogre or Pelipper for synergy.

IV spreads: Prioritize Attack/Defense for raids (e.g., 15/14/15). Purified Shadow variants boost Return but dilute Water focus.

Advanced Tips for Competitive Play

In Max Battles, switch Fast Moves via Dynamax Energy to adapt (e.g., Rollout to Water Gun). Combine with Mega Blastoise for double Water boosts. For PvP, farm Second Charge Moves via TMs during events.

Experiment with hybrid sets: Bite/Skull Bash for Dark/Rock coverage, enhancing versatility beyond mono-Water.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Hydro Cannon necessary for Dynamax Blastoise?

No, Max Geyser suffices, but it enhances non-Dynamax utility.

What weather boosts Blastoise encounters?

Rainy weather.

Can Shiny Dynamax Blastoise be obtained?

Yes, through boosted shiny encounters.

Best PvP moveset?

Rollout/Ice Beam/Hydro Cannon for shield baiting.

How does Dynamax Blastoise rank as a defender?

B-Tier in gyms; better offensively.

Conclusion

Mastering Dynamax Blastoise involves selecting Water Gun/Max Geyser for raids while adapting Rollout for gyms/PvP. Its balanced stats and Max Move access make it a staple in Water lineups, despite Grass/Electric vulnerabilities. Evolve strategically and raid often to unleash this shell-shocking titan.

References

  1. Blastoise (Pokémon GO) – Best Movesets, Counters, Evolutions — pokemon.gameinfo.io. 2023. https://pokemon.gameinfo.io/en/pokemon/9-blastoise
  2. Blastoise (Pokémon GO) – Best Moveset, Counters, Max CP & Stats — pokemongohub.net. 2024-01-15. https://db.pokemongohub.net/pokemon/9
  3. Dynamax Blastoise (Pokémon GO) – Best Moveset, Counters, Max — pokemongohub.net. 2024-02-20. https://db.pokemongohub.net/pokemon/9-Dynamax
  4. What is a good moveset for Blastoise? — pokemondb.net. 2023-05-10. https://pokemondb.net/pokebase/4913/what-is-a-good-moveset-for-blastoise
  5. Using Dynamax Venusaur, Charizard And Blastoise — YouTube (Niantic/Pokémon GO official channel reference). 2024-03-01.
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