Introduced in generation three, with the Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire games, Surskit is a dual type bug and water Pokemon. It evolves into Masquerain once it reaches the level threshold and this ends its evolution line as Masquerain does not evolve further. Surskit is classified by the Pokedex as the “Pond Skater Pokemon” which is likely a reference to its general design. This guide will showcase Surskit’s capabilities in battle, its appearances in the anime, as well as other general facts about Surskit.
About Surskit
As a generation three Pokemon, Surskit first appeared in the Ruby and Sapphire season of the anime in the episode Maxxed Out!. In this episode, a boy who looks suspiciously like May’s little brother uses a Surskit. The Pokedex mentions that Surskit will gather on the surface of ponds after it rains.
| First appearance in anime | Pokemon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire Maxxed Out! |
| First appearance in game | Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire |
| Region | Hoenn |
| Evolution | Evolves into Masquerain, not known to evolve from another Pokemon |
| 1st Evo level | 22 |
| 2nd Evo level | N/A |
| Pokedex Entry | From the tips of its feet, Surskit secretes an oil that enables it to walk on water as if it were skating. This Pokémon feeds on microscopic organisms in ponds and lakes. |
Surskit Base Stats
| HP | 40 |
| ATTACK | 30 |
| DEFENCE | 32 |
| SP. ATTACK | 50 |
| SP. DEFENCE | 52 |
| SPEED | 65 |
| TOTAL | 269 |
Appearance
Surskit is a small blue Pokemon that resembles a water strider in real life. Most of its body is blue, but the top of its head is yellow and it also has rosy pink cheeks. There are four long thin legs stretching underneath Surskit’s body. There is a long horn on the top of its head that can secrete a sweet smelling honey. It has two black eyes with white pupils. Surskit is a small Pokemon at only 1 feet and 8 inches, or 0.5 meters, tall.
Behavior
Surskit are a timid Pokemon that can be found commonly near ponds. They will typically only appear after it rains, dancing across the water’s surface in large numbers. Surskit can seem to walk on water by secreting an oil that keeps its legs from falling through the water. When Surskit is threatened it will secrete a sweet smelling honey to dissuade its opponent from attacking it. The smell can also lure prey to Surskit and the Pokedex mentions how common Surskit is to see after it rains.
Strengths and Weaknesses
As the base evolution Pokemon of its evolution line, Surskit is a weak Pokemon. All of its base stats are below average and while its speed stat is decent, there is little way to capitalize on this. It can function as a disruptive Pokemon by setting up hazards and inflicting status effects on your opponent’s Pokemon. As a dual type bug and water Pokemon, Surskit takes 2x damage from flying, rock, and electric type moves. It has no immunities but is resistant to fighting, ground, steel, water, and ice type moves.
Best Moveset
In competitive play, Surskit is typically reserved for the LC (Little Cup) format. In this format, Surskit can function as a powerful disruptor. It can set up hazards and inflict status effects on your opponent’s Pokemon. Surskit will perform best if another Pokemon on your team can set up rain with its Swift Swim ability. A Focus Sash, as a held item, can ensure that Surskit gets its important moves out before fainting. Consider running Sticky Web, Scald/Hydro Pump, Giga Drain, and Protect/Haze. This set aims to get hazards set up on your opponent’s side of the field while using Scald or Hydro Pump to wear your opponents down. You can use Giga Drain to keep your Surskit healthy and Protect/Haze as a way to keep your Surskit alive longer.
| Sticky Web | Scald/Hydro Pump |
| Giga Drain | Protect/Haze |
How to Catch Surskit in Pokemon Go?
If you would like to obtain a Surskit in Pokemon Go, you will need to find one spawning in the wild naturally. While it is a base evolution Pokemon, Surskit has yet to be available from hatching eggs and it also has yet to appear as a raid boss. But Masquerain has been a tier three raid boss at Pokemon Gyms. You can find Surskit spawning in the wild, at a boosted rate, near canals, harbors, parks, rivers, oceans, lakes, and other grassy or watery areas. To evolve Surskit into a Masquerain you will need 50 candies.
Trivia
- Surskit and Dewpider share many similarities. Both are bug and water type Pokemon, both evolve at the same level, and both can be found at the same location (although at different times of the day).
- The inspiration for Surskit’s design is likely based on a water strider.
- The name Surskit is a combination of the words surface and skitter.
FAQ
What bug is Surskit?
A Surskit most closely resembles a water strider or a water skeeter. Both of these bugs are known for being able to skate across the surface of water. The flat stone-shaped design of Surskit could also be referencing pond stones that are skipped across the surface of water. Surskit is also much larger than their real-life counterparts.
What does Surskit evolve into?
Surskit will evolve into Masquerain once it reaches level 22. There are no unique conditions for this evolution and Surskit will evolve as long as you level it. This finishes the Pokemon’s evolution line and Masquerain does not evolve again. Once your Surskit evolves into Masquerain, you can move on to collecting other Pokemon.
What bug is Masquerain based on?
While there is no direct real-life comparison to Masquerain, its closest real-life counterpart is a water strider or a water skeeter. It could be a fantasy representation of what a water strider could metamorphose into, but Masquerain is also shown to land on the surface of water in the anime. As some water skeeters and water striders can have wings, this is likely meant to resemble the same.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you now know just about everything there is to know about this “Pond Skater Pokemon”. While Surskit’s impact on competitive play is limited to a unique format, it can still be a menacing Pokemon. Thanks to its access to hazards and disruptive moves, Surskit can be useful in battle. Even with many weaknesses, Surskit can win a battle by slowing down your opponent’s Pokemon enough. Reserve a slot on your team for Surskit if you want a disruptive bug and water type Pokemon.
