Is Squirtle in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?

Pokémon fans are wondering whether or not they can catch the fan-favorite Water-type, Squirtle, in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

This is a good question, as all of the previous Pokémon games have included Squirtle in some way, shape, or form. It and the other starter Pokémon available in the Kanto region — Charmander and Bulbasaur — have made homes for themselves in trainers’ hearts since their release. However, it appears that they may have gone missing in the latest franchise release, Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

Is Squirtle in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?

At the time of writing, Squirtle is not in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

This marks a major departure from the rest of the franchise, as well as other spin-offs. Pokémon Legends: Arceus is the first Pokémon game to not include the Kanto trio. Even with eight generations of Pokémon released at the time of writing, each main installment has managed to fit them all in —typically as part of the post-game content.

They aren’t the only ones left out, however. There are no other starters available in Hisui aside from the ones offered in Sinnoh: Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup. It appears that these missing Pokemon are simply not native to the Hisui region. This does raise the question of how Rowlet, Cyndaquil, and Oshawott managed to get to Hisui.

Were they once common in the region as well, and simply migrated over time?

For those wondering, the following starter Pokémon are also not available in Pokémon Legends: Arceus:

• Charmander
• Bulbasaur
• Totodile
• Chikorita
• Torchic
• Treecko
• Mudkip
• Snivy
• Tepig
• Chespin
• Fennekin
• Froakie
• Litten
• Popplio
• Grookey
• Scorbunny
• Sobble

While not strictly considered "starter Pokémon," in the traditional sense, two other beginner Kanto species, Eevee and Pikachu, are available in Hisui.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus is now available on the Nintendo Switch. Trainers who purchase the game before May 9 will have the option to claim pre-order bonuses before they expire.