So, let's talk about the sad, crying lizard. When the first trailers for Pokémon Sword and Shield dropped, the internet basically had a collective meltdown over Sobble, the Gen 8 water starter. It’s been years since we first stepped foot into the Galar region, and honestly, people are still arguing about whether this little guy was a masterpiece of character design or a total letdown by the time it reached its final evolution.
Sobble started as a meme. It was the "anxiety Pokémon." Everyone related to its constant sobbing and its ability to turn invisible when it gets wet. But the journey from a timid tadpole-like creature to a secret agent is one of the weirdest developmental arcs Game Freak has ever pulled off. If you’re looking at the Gen 8 water starter from a competitive or purely aesthetic lens, there is a lot to unpack that most casual players totally missed.
The Design Logic: From Tears to Telescopes
Most people see Sobble and just see a blue lizard. But the inspiration is actually pretty specific. It’s based on the veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus). That’s why it has the little fin on its head and the ability to "disappear." In the game, this is explained by a chemical reaction with water, but in reality, it's a nod to the camouflage mastery of real-world reptiles.
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When it evolves into Drizzile at level 16, things get awkward. This is the "emo phase." It’s a trope Pokémon uses a lot—think Quilladin or Dartrix—but Drizzile feels particularly moody. It uses green orbs that it keeps in its palms, which are actually decomposed leaves used as "water bombs." It’s a tactical shift. It stops crying and starts planning.
Then you hit level 35.
Inteleon is the final form of the Gen 8 water starter, and this is where the fan base fractured. The "James Bond" theme became undeniable. It’s thin, it’s lanky, and it has a literal finger gun. Some fans hated how humanoid it looked. They wanted a giant sea monster or a sleek leviathan. Instead, they got a secret agent with a "Sniper" ability. It’s a polarizing design, but from a lore perspective, it fits the UK-inspired Galar region perfectly.
Competitive Reality: Is Inteleon Actually Good?
If you're playing VGC (Video Game Championships) or even just high-level Smogon singles, the Gen 8 water starter has a very specific niche. It’s a glass cannon. You don’t send Inteleon out to take a hit. You send it out to delete something before it can move.
Its base Speed is 120. That's fast. Its Special Attack is 125. That's scary.
- The Sniper Ability: This is the bread and butter. If you land a critical hit, it deals 2.25x damage instead of the usual 1.5x.
- Snipe Shot: This is its signature move. It ignores "follow me" or "rage powder" effects. In doubles, this is huge. You can’t redirect Inteleon’s focus. It hits what it wants to hit.
- Gigantamax Factor: G-Max Hydrosnipe is one of the hardest-hitting moves in the Galar-era meta because it bypasses the opponent's abilities. Mimikyu’s Disguise? Doesn't matter. Sturdy? Ignored.
The problem? It has the defensive utility of a wet paper bag. If a strong physical attacker breaths on Inteleon, it’s over. Compared to Cinderace (the fire starter) which got the broken "Libero" ability, or Rillaboom (the grass starter) with "Grassy Surge," Inteleon often felt like the middle child. It’s capable of greatness, but it requires much more setup and protection.
What Most People Get Wrong About Galar's Water Type
There’s a common misconception that Sobble was the "weakest" starter choice for a casual playthrough. Honestly, that’s just not true. If you look at the gym leaders in Sword and Shield, the Gen 8 water starter actually has a pretty decent run.
Early game is rough against Milo’s grass types, sure. But by the time you hit Nessa (the water gym), you’re neutral. Once you get to Kabu’s fire gym, Sobble (or Drizzile by then) carries the entire team. The late-game gyms like Raihan’s dragon-themed team are where Inteleon’s speed really shines. If you teach it Ice Beam—which you absolutely should—it becomes a dragon-slayer that outspeeds almost everything Raihan throws at you.
Another thing people forget is the sheer utility of its move pool. It can learn U-turn. For a fast special attacker, being able to hit hard and then pivot out of a bad matchup is vital. It’s not just a "hit A to win" Pokémon; it’s a "think three steps ahead" Pokémon.
The Cultural Impact: Why the "Sobble Squad" Still Exists
Even though Cinderace usually wins the popularity contests because of its soccer-playing aesthetic, Sobble has a weirdly loyal cult following. Maybe it’s the relatability. In a world of aggressive, "cool" starters like Incineroar or Greninja, a Pokémon that just wants to cry in a corner felt refreshing.
In the anime, Ash’s Sobble was a focal point for a long time. It showed growth. It didn't just get stronger; it learned to manage its fear. That’s a better message than most Pokémon arcs give us. It translated the Gen 8 water starter from a digital sprite into a character with actual personality.
But let’s be real for a second—the design of Inteleon is still the sticking point. The "Intelleon-shaming" on Reddit and Twitter back in 2019 was brutal. People compared it to a Gex character or a "slenderman" lizard. But if you look at the concept art, the wings (patagia) it uses to glide are based on real-life Draco lizards. It’s a mix of high-concept spy gadgets and actual herpetology. You have to respect the depth, even if you don't like the lanky limbs.
How to Actually Use Inteleon Today
If you're booting up a new save or transferring one to a newer game via Pokémon HOME, you need to build it right. Stop trying to make it a bulky pivot. It's not going to happen.
- Item Choice: Life Orb is the standard for a reason. You need that extra "oomph" to ensure one-hit KOs. If you're feeling risky, Scope Lens plus the Sniper ability turns every hit into a potential game-ender.
- Nature: Timid. Always Timid. You cannot afford to be outsped. You have to maximize that 120 Base Speed.
- The Move Set: Snipe Shot is mandatory. Ice Beam is mandatory for coverage. Dark Pulse or Shadow Ball for the third slot, and U-turn for the escape.
The Gen 8 water starter isn't the easiest to pilot. It’s punishing. If you mispredict a switch, you lose your lead. But there is something incredibly satisfying about clicking Snipe Shot and watching a "threat" disappear before it even takes a turn.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Galar Run
If you are planning to jump back into Galar, don't sleep on the blue lizard just because people on the internet complained about its "hands." Here is how to make the most of it:
- Bridge the Early Game Gap: Catch a Rookidee or a Blipbug early. You need something to handle the Grass gym so Sobble doesn't get wrecked by Milo's Eldegoss.
- Focus on EVs: If you're into the technical side, dump every single point into Special Attack and Speed. Don't bother with HP or Defenses. Inteleon lives by the "glass cannon" code.
- Utilize the Move Tutor: In Sword and Shield, make sure you visit the move tutor in Wyndon to get those high-tier special moves once you're approaching the endgame.
- Try the Hidden Ability: If you can get a Sobble with "Sniper" through an event or a patch, do it. The standard "Torrent" ability is okay, but Sniper is what makes this Pokémon unique.
The Gen 8 water starter might not be the most "balanced" in terms of public opinion, but it’s arguably the most unique tactical choice Game Freak has offered in the last three generations. It’s a specialist. It’s a sniper. And honestly, it’s a lot more fun to use than a generic "strong" monster once you learn the rhythm of its playstyle.