Pokémon is a beloved franchise worldwide. With record-breaking numbers of games sold, the most valuable franchise of all time also entails animated series, movies, cards, and all types of other merchandise. Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year with a music album, game remakes, and new games, we will look back at one of the most famous aspects of the franchise: the Pokémon themselves.
With 893 Pokémon in the Pokémon Universe, many characters have made their mark. Pokémon are separated through different categories such as Generation, Region, Starter, Legendary, etc. Out of all the categories, a Pokémon’s type will usually come up first as their identifying mark. Pokémon are separated into 18 different types such as Normal, Fire, Water, Grass, Psychic, Electric, Steel, Ghost, etc. Out of all these, the Water-type represents some of the most well-known and strong Pokémon in the Universe. On this 25th anniversary, we are going to take a look at the best 25 Water-type Pokémon, with regard to strength and notoriety.
First, Water-type Pokémon are 1/3rd of the three basic starter elemental types: Fire, Water, Grass. As such, they are one of the first types of Pokémon that players/viewers see and therefore have a special place in the Universe.
We will be rating the best 25 Water-type Pokémon based on factors such as Strength, use-case, adaptability, etc.
There are 145 Water-type Pokemon. It is the most common type out of all 18 types.
Every Water Type Pokémon:
Squirtle
#007 / Water
Wartortle
#008 / Water
Blastoise
#009 / Water
Blastoise
Mega Blastoise
#009 / Water
Psyduck
#054 / Water
Golduck
#055 / Water
Poliwag
#060 / Water
Poliwhirl
#061 / Water
Poliwrath
#062 / Water · Fighting
Tentacool
#072 / Water · Poison
Tentacruel
#073 / Water · Poison
Slowpoke
#079 / Water · Psychic
Slowbro
#080 / Water · Psychic
Slowbro
Mega Slowbro
#080 / Water · Psychic
Seel
#086 / Water
Dewgong
#087 / Water · Ice
Shellder
#090 / Water
Cloyster
#091 / Water · Ice
Krabby
#098 / Water
Kingler
#099 / Water
Horsea
#116 / Water
Seadra
#117 / Water
Goldeen
#118 / Water
Seaking
#119 / Water
Staryu
#120 / Water
Starmie
#121 / Water · Psychic
Magikarp
#129 / Water
Gyarados
#130 / Water · Flying
Gyarados
Mega Gyarados
#130 / Water · Dark
Lapras
#131 / Water · Ice
Vaporeon
#134 / Water
Omanyte
#138 / Rock · Water
Omastar
#139 / Rock · Water
Kabuto
#140 / Rock · Water
Kabutops
#141 / Rock · Water
Totodile
#158 / Water
Croconaw
#159 / Water
Feraligatr
#160 / Water
Chinchou
#170 / Water · Electric
Lanturn
#171 / Water · Electric
Marill
#183 / Water · Fairy
Azumarill
#184 / Water · Fairy
Politoed
#186 / Water
Wooper
#194 / Water · Ground
Quagsire
#195 / Water · Ground
Slowking
#199 / Water · Psychic
Qwilfish
#211 / Water · Poison
Corsola
#222 / Water · Rock
Remoraid
#223 / Water
Octillery
#224 / Water
Mantine
#226 / Water · Flying
Kingdra
#230 / Water · Dragon
Suicune
#245 / Water
Mudkip
#258 / Water
Marshtomp
#259 / Water · Ground
Swampert
#260 / Water · Ground
Swampert
Mega Swampert
#260 / Water · Ground
Lotad
#270 / Water · Grass
Lombre
#271 / Water · Grass
Ludicolo
#272 / Water · Grass
Wingull
#278 / Water · Flying
Pelipper
#279 / Water · Flying
Surskit
#283 / Bug · Water
Carvanha
#318 / Water · Dark
Sharpedo
#319 / Water · Dark
Sharpedo
Mega Sharpedo
#319 / Water · Dark
Wailmer
#320 / Water
Wailord
#321 / Water
Barboach
#339 / Water · Ground
Whiscash
#340 / Water · Ground
Corphish
#341 / Water
Crawdaunt
#342 / Water · Dark
Feebas
#349 / Water
Milotic
#350 / Water
Castform
Rainy Form
#351 / Water
Spheal
#363 / Ice · Water
Sealeo
#364 / Ice · Water
Walrein
#365 / Ice · Water
Clamperl
#366 / Water
Huntail
#367 / Water
Gorebyss
#368 / Water
Relicanth
#369 / Water · Rock
Luvdisc
#370 / Water
Kyogre
#382 / Water
Kyogre
Primal Kyogre
#382 / Water
Piplup
#393 / Water
Prinplup
#394 / Water
Empoleon
#395 / Water · Steel
Bibarel
#400 / Normal · Water
Buizel
#418 / Water
Floatzel
#419 / Water
Shellos
#422 / Water
Gastrodon
#423 / Water · Ground
Finneon
#456 / Water
Lumineon
#457 / Water
Mantyke
#458 / Water · Flying
Rotom
Wash Rotom
#479 / Electric · Water
Palkia
#484 / Water · Dragon
Phione
#489 / Water
Manaphy
#490 / Water
Oshawott
#501 / Water
Dewott
#502 / Water
Samurott
#503 / Water
Panpour
#515 / Water
Simipour
#516 / Water
Tympole
#535 / Water
Palpitoad
#536 / Water · Ground
Seismitoad
#537 / Water · Ground
Basculin
Red-Striped Form
#550 / Water
Basculin
Blue-Striped Form
#550 / Water
Tirtouga
#564 / Water · Rock
Carracosta
#565 / Water · Rock
Ducklett
#580 / Water · Flying
Swanna
#581 / Water · Flying
Frillish
#592 / Water · Ghost
Jellicent
#593 / Water · Ghost
Alomomola
#594 / Water
Keldeo
Ordinary Form
#647 / Water · Fighting
Keldeo
Resolute Form
#647 / Water · Fighting
Froakie
#656 / Water
Frogadier
#657 / Water
Greninja
#658 / Water · Dark
Greninja
Ash-Greninja
#658 / Water · Dark
Binacle
#688 / Rock · Water
Barbaracle
#689 / Rock · Water
Skrelp
#690 / Poison · Water
Clauncher
#692 / Water
Clawitzer
#693 / Water
Volcanion
#721 / Fire · Water
Popplio
#728 / Water
Brionne
#729 / Water
Primarina
#730 / Water · Fairy
Wishiwashi
Solo Form
#746 / Water
Wishiwashi
School Form
#746 / Water
Mareanie
#747 / Poison · Water
Toxapex
#748 / Poison · Water
Dewpider
#751 / Water · Bug
Araquanid
#752 / Water · Bug
Wimpod
#767 / Bug · Water
Golisopod
#768 / Bug · Water
Pyukumuku
#771 / Water
Bruxish
#779 / Water · Psychic
Tapu Fini
#788 / Water · Fairy
Sobble
#816 / Water
Drizzile
#817 / Water
Inteleon
#818 / Water
Chewtle
#833 / Water
Drednaw
#834 / Water · Rock
Cramorant
#845 / Flying · Water
Arrokuda
#846 / Water
Barraskewda
#847 / Water
Dracovish
#882 / Water · Dragon
Arctovish
#883 / Water · Ice
Urshifu
Rapid Strike Style
#892 / Fighting · Water
Water-type Pokémon are separated within their category into three sub-categories:
- Pure-type Pokémon,
- Primary-type Pokémon
- Secondary-type Pokémon
As with all types, Water-type Pokémon perform better against some types than others.
Water-type Pokémon perform well against:
- Fire types
- Ground types
- Rock types
They do not perform well against:
- Water types
- Grass types
- Dragon types
Their average stats can be seen below:
https://pokemondb.net/
pokémondb.net
It is worth noting that their powers increase by 50% during rain and decrease 50% during strong sunlight.
The 25 Best Water-Type Pokémon
We’ve explored the elemental type in general, now it’s time to dive into the best of the bunch. Without further ado, the best water-type Pokémon across the brand’s extensive universe.
Bulbapedia / The Pokémon Company
Wishiwashi is a water-type Pokémon. While its base form doesn’t make it a particular stand-out, through its schooling ability, it can evolve into a more powerful Pokémon. Its evolved form is feared enough to the point that even Pokémon such as Gyarados flee the scene when Wishiwashi transforms. With very well-balanced stats of 140 ATK, 130 Def, and a total of 620, schooling-form Wishiwashi is a formidable presence.
Bulbapedia / The Pokémon Company
Cloyster is a Water/Ice-type Pokémon. Introduced in Generation I, it evolves from Shellder. It has multiple layers of shells, the first one being gray and the second one being violet. Its shell and spikes are harder than diamond. What makes this Pokémon useful is its defensive power. Using the powerful shell it possesses, it is able to defend against enemies. It can also launch its spikes to attack and swim. With a base stat of Def. 180, this Pokémon can prove useful.
Bulbapedia / The Pokémon Company
Sharpedo is a dual Water/Dark-type Pokémon. It evolves from Carvanha and its final form is Mega Sharpedonite. This Pokémon has the ability to swim at 80 miles per hour, albeit not for long distances. It uses its fangs as weapons, which can cut through steel. It also uses its spikes to attack its opponents, including ships. Known as “The Brutal Pokémon” and “Bully Of The Sea”, Sharpedo possesses 120 ATK, making it a powerful one to have by your side.
Bulbapedia / The Pokémon Company
Starmie is a Water/Psychic Pokémon. It is the evolved form of Staryu. With an overall base stat of 520, it is well balanced. What makes it stand out is its ability to send electrical waves that are powerful enough to reach the furthest ends of the universe. While its 75 Def. and 85 Atk. are solid, the special attack it possesses makes it stand out. Its unique look has generated interest from fans of the series who’ve speculated that this Pokémon might be an alien.
Bulbapedia / The Pokémon Company
Omastar is a Rock/Water type Pokémon that evolves from Omanyte. It has multiple tentacles, which it uses to attack enemies. It waits for its enemies to get close, and then it wraps them with its tentacles, while using its fangs to crush them. Its fangs are strong enough to crush rocks. With a Defense base stat of 125 and a Special Attack of 115, there is more than meets the eye to this Pokémon.
Bulbapedia / The Pokémon Company
Tentacruel is a Water/Poison type Pokémon. It evolves from Tentacool. Tentacruel has red orbs that glow whenever it is excited or agitated, when it wants to communicate with its own kind, or when it attacks using ultrasonic waves. Tentacruel has 80 tentacles, which can be extended. It uses its tentacles to reach its target and then release poison. With a good Special Attack, this Pokémon surely lives up to its name.
Bulbapedia / The Pokémon Company
Wailord is a Water type Pokémon. Wailord is known for its huge size. It is a Wishiwashi predator, but it can only handle its normal form. When Wishiwashi is in its schooling form, Wailord doesn’t confront it. Due to its tremendous size however, it is a big task to ask for any Pokémon to handle this water giant. Its 170 HP is what stands out, while its ability to create huge waves and also defend with its huge size means this Pokémon is good to have on your side at all times.
Bulbapedia / The Pokémon Company
Kingdra is a Water/Dragon type. It is the final evolved form of Horsea and Seadra. Kingdra is a powerful water Pokémon, which can break entire ships just by the undercurrents created from its yawn. Kingdra’s immense power has one flaw: It needs to hibernate for periods of time under water. This Pokémon is said to come out and search for prey during storms, and is famous for having battles with its nemesis Dragonite. It very well balanced stats consist of 95 Attack, 95 Defense, 85 Speed, Special Attack 95 as well as 95 Special Defense.
Bulbapedia / The Pokémon Company
Manaphy is a Water type Mythical Pokémon. Manaphy does not evolve from another form. Together with Phione, it is a member of the Guardians of The Sea. What makes Manaphy special is its unique ability to make any Pokémon change its actions. Manaphy achieves this by using its Heart Swap Special Attack. It has an extremely well balanced base stat of 100 in all aspects with a total of 600.
Bulbapedia / The Pokémon Company
Milotic is a Water-type Pokémon that evolves from Feebas. Milotic is relatively well balanced with 95 HP, 81 Speed and 60 Attack. What sets it apart however is its defensive ability. With a 125 Special Defense—not affected by status condition changes—the “Tender Pokémon” can be a very rigid opponent to beat defensively. This Pokémon is also considered by many the most beautiful Pokémon in the series, so it instantly goes in the fan favorite category.
Bulbapedia / The Pokémon Company
Golisopod is a Bug/Water-type Pokémon. It evolves from Wimpod. Known as the “Hard Scale Pokémon” its shell is as strong as diamond. It’s a relentless Pokémon that will do anything to win a battle. With a total base stat of 530, what stands out is its Defense, which stands at 140. It has powerful claws that can rip almost every material in two. Regardless of its strength, it prefers to meditate deep in the water. Versatility in both attack and defense makes Golisopod a very powerful Pokémon to have in your side.
Bulbapedia / The Pokémon Company
Primarina is a dual Water/Fairy-type Pokémon. It is the final form of Brionne and Popplio. Primarina has the ability to launch water balloons and use its voice to trigger those balloons to explode. Known as the “Soloist Pokémon”, its strength is also is its weakness. If it repeatedly goes through battles, it can suffer loss of voice. With a Special ATK. of 126 and Special DEF. of 116, Primarina is a strong Pokémon with potent skills on the battlefield.
Bulbapedia / The Pokémon Company
Tapu Fini is a dual Water/Fairy-type. It is famous for being the guardian deity of Poni Island together with Tapu Koko, Tapu Lele, and Tapu Bulu being the deities of the other islands. This Pokémon has the ability to manipulate water and create a fog that puts its enemies in a trance, and the ability to bridge the worlds of the living and the dead. This bridge is dangerous however, as it can trap those who stay for too long. With a Special Def. of 130 that stands out, along with a 570 overall score, this Pokémon with mystical powers is a powerful ally to have in your side.
Bulbapedia / The Pokémon Company
Volcanion is a dual Fire/Water-type Pokémon. Its back expels steam, which helps it destroy objects. It is so strong that it can blow away an entire mountain. The fact that Volcanion can live for centuries, combined with the fact that this Pokémon is a Fire and Water-type, should let you know just how powerful and unconventional it is. Volcanion is surely unique and exceedingly strong.
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Empoleon is a Water/Steel-type Pokémon. It is the final form of Piplup and Prinplup. Empoleon is much larger and uses its wings to slice anything it believes is a target. Those wings can also be used as a powerful defense tool as Empoleon is also a Steel type. With a Special Attack of 111 and Special Defense of 101, and with a diverse set of skills, it represents a very strong Pokémon in the series.
Bulbapedia / The Pokémon Company
Samurott is a Water-type Pokémon and the final form of Dewott and Oshawott. This Pokémon has the ability to draw its blades to fight. It does so at a speed that is very hard for the opponent to see, and its slashing power is fatal. Also known as “The Formidable Pokémon”, it can attack very effectively by making its leg armor into a sword.
Bulbapedia / The Pokémon Company
Feraligatr is a Water-type Pokémon. It is the final form of Totodile and Croconaw. Feraligatr has the special ability to increase the effect of attacks with secondary effects, in exchange for neutralizing the second effect. This makes it very formidable in its offensive capabilities.
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Lapras is a dual Water/Ice-type Pokémon with a Giganmantax form, which increases its abilities. It is one of the most intelligent Pokémon, as it understands human speech. With its shell protecting a huge part of its body, and its strength to carry over 5000 people without breaking a sweat, Lapras makes for a great ally, especially in the defensive/HP aspect.
Bulbapedia / The Pokémon Company
Vaporeon is a Water-type Pokémon and one of the multiple evolved forms of Eevee. This Pokémon has body features that resemble both aquatic and land monsters. It is diverse in abilities too, since it has a very high stamina as well as the ability to become invisible in water. Vaporeon has an HP of 130, which can be useful in a battle.
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Blastoise is a water-type Pokémon and the final evolved form of Squirtle and Wartortle. With two water cannons on its shell at all times, it is said that Blastoise can shoot through a mountain and at a distance of 10km. While it cannot use precise shooting, it shoots water at a large density so that it can overpower enemies. With its legendary status in the Pok´mon fan-base, overwhelming water power, and high stats of attack and defense, this Pokémon is a huge help in battle and a popular choice.
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Swampert is a Water/Ground-type with extreme strength and speed. It is stronger than most Pokémon with strength as their main ATK and faster than Pokémon with speed as their main ability. Besides offensive ability, Swampert can be very useful defensively through its defensive walls. Swampert can also evolve into a mega form, which makes it even stronger, or 630 base stat to be exact. This Pokémon is simply one of the strongest around.
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This Pokémon is characterized by its ninja-like movement. With swift and unpredictable speed and accuracy, Greninja is considered one of the most lethal Pokémon you could battle, especially in its Ash’s Greninja form. The water/dark type has an attack of 223. This Pokémon is the final form of Froakie and Frogadier.
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Gyarados is a dual Water/Flying-type Pokémon. It evolves from Magikarp, while it further evolves into Mega Gyarados. Its fangs can crush stones and its body is very strong. When this Pokémon goes on the attack, its rampage can last a month’s time since it is known to have a very impulsive nature. Its overall base stat is 540. Gyarados is one of the most feared Pokémon for a good reason, since it has the ability to stay in both fresh and salty water, jump out of it and stay in the wild, as well as a mega form that increases its stats exponentially. With this Pokémon by your side, very few things can worry you.
Bulbapedia / The Pokémon Company
Kyogre is a whale-like Pokémon. It belongs to the water type, and if it has the blue orb, it can transform itself to have a whopping 770 base stat. Kyogre is considered the strongest water-type Pokémon, and therefore any Pokémon that has a weakness against water types is doomed to have a tough time with this sea ruler. It is most efficient against Fire, Rock and Ground types. Its power is so great that it can cause sea levels to rise. A part of the ancient-trio along with Groudon and Rayquaza, this Pokémon can expand oceans and cause chaos in the battlefield.
Bulbapedia / The Pokémon Company
Palkia is a Water/Dragon-type, and represents 1/3 of the Sinnoh Trio along with Dialga and Giratina. Palkia represents space and so naturally its ability is warping space and traveling through different dimensions. It is known that Palkia has battled with Dialga in the past. Its most famous attack is Spacial Rend. With a base stat of 680, its skills are balanced perfectly across all aspects. The ability to warp space and create new realities should be enough to let you know just how powerful this Pokémon is. Tack on its flying ability, and you have a terrifying enemy for any Pokémon, water-type or not.