Top 10 Best Water Type Pokemon

Water Pokémon are a staple of any balanced team, offering a diverse array of offensive and defensive capabilities, as well as some of the most iconic designs in the franchise.

Take a moment to appreciate the sheer variety that Water Pokémon offer. From swift swimmers like Greninja to bulky behemoths like Kyogre, there's a Water Pokémon to suit every playstyle and strategy. Their typing grants them a natural advantage against Fire, Ground, and Rock types, making them a valuable asset in battles.

But what separates the good Water Pokémon from the truly great? Is it raw power, like that of Primal Kyogre? Or perhaps versatility, like that of Greninja, with its ability to transform into different forms? Maybe it's a combination of both, along with unique moves and abilities that give certain Water Pokémon an edge in battle.

Whatever your criteria, you're sure to find some of your favorites among the top contenders.

The Top Ten

Blastoise

Blastoise, known in Japan as Kamex, is a Water-type Pokémon and the final evolution of Squirtle. It evolves from Wartortle and is known for the powerful water cannons mounted on its shell. Blastoise is capable of shooting water with enough force to punch holes through steel.

Blastoise is the original water tank in Pokémon. He has excellent stats, a great move set, and has the potential to crush anything. Blastoise is so awesome that it remains to this day one of the most respected and beloved Pokémon of all time, and an absolute boss.
Just to show what kind of a powerhouse Blastoise is, let's look at people who actually have one. Trainer Red, the greatest Pokémon trainer of all time, and Gary Oak. People with Blastoise don't mess around, and you have to bring the strongest members of your team to have a shot at taking him down.

When something is perfect, it's perfect. You have a giant tortoise with mechanical water-pressurized cannons located within its shell to cause serious damage while behind a castle wall defense.
Train both his defenses. Give him Leftovers. Equip him with Iron Defense, Aqua Ring, Toxic, and Rapid Spin (or Surf), and just see how far you get with him in PvP.
The only reason they didn't make Blastoise a Steel type in Gen 2 was because he'd just be too overpowered, and we all know it.
Gyarados

Gyarados is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon franchise. It evolves from Magikarp, one of the weakest Pokémon. Gyarados has high attack power and strong special defense. Its typing is Water/Flying, or Water/Dark in its Mega Evolution form.

Let's examine some Water Pokémon (not including legendaries):
Blastoise: Has better stats than Venusaur but only has one type, even at its Mega Evolution.
Swampert: A great Pokémon, only one weakness, which is Grass, and can be destroyed with Ice Beam. But weaknesses aside, there are still Pokémon that can easily OHKO Swampert.
Gyarados: Has better stats than both Mega Swampert and Blastoise, becomes a Dark-type with Mega Evolution, and don't get me started on Flail. Guess what it evolves from? The most common fish Pokémon. It looks more like a Dragon than Charizard and Aerodactyl (also good Pokémon. Charizard's overrated though), and Lance has one.
Greninja

Greninja is a Water/Dark-type Pokémon introduced in Generation 6. It evolves from Frogadier and is the final evolution of the Water-type starter Froakie. In addition to the standard Torrent ability shared by Water-type starters, Greninja can have the Protean ability, which changes its type to match the... read more

This is a ninja frog with such amazing looks and speed. Even the best water Pokémon cannot match its speed. It has weaknesses, yes, but those Pokémon types that are strong against this Pokémon have to strike at it. They can't even strike at it because of its great speed. The battle between Ash and Sawyer, where Sawyer's Sceptile tried attacking Greninja with Frenzy Plant and how Greninja dodged all that and cut through it, was awesome. Plus, Greninja won against Sceptile. It can learn a move set like Grass Knot, Aerial Ace, Dig, Toxic, and Rock Slide, which can make up for its weaknesses. It's a Dark type Pokémon as well, which makes it resist psychic moves.
Swampert

Swampert, known in Japan as Laglarge, is a dual-type Water and Ground Pokémon. It evolves from Marshtomp and is the final form of Mudkip, first introduced in Generation III. Swampert is known for its strong physical stats and also has a Mega Evolution that boosts its power and speed.

Swampert is the best starter Pokémon, period. Water and Ground with its base stats makes it strong in both attack and defense. It's completely resistant to electric types, which is incredibly good for a water type, akin to Zapdos' resistance to ground. Its only weakness is against grass types, which are quite rare, often paired with poison typing, and the type itself doesn't have many good moves anyway.
Grass types are also weak to ice attacks, and Swampert can learn them. Equip your Swampert with Surf, Earthquake, and Ice Beam or Punch, along with just about any fourth move, and it can easily handle any Pokémon that isn't a water type or something like Mew or Celebi. Even including legendaries, Swampert is the very best.
Empoleon

Empoleon, known in Japan as Emperte, is a Water and Steel-type Pokémon introduced in Generation IV. It is the final evolution of Piplup, the Water-type starter Pokémon from Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. Empoleon has a regal appearance and a trident-shaped beak that symbolizes its commanding presence.

Empoleon is a PERFECT Pokémon. He or she can learn very good moves that mitigate its weaknesses (even though you really do not need to do that, plus he or she doesn't even have that many), a lot of very good STAB (same type) moves like Flash Cannon, Hydro Pump, and Scald and can work with pretty much any strategy. Its typing is also very good. Its design is original and can be seen as either fancy or cute, depending on which form, and the abilities are pretty good.
Not to mention that it doesn't take forever to evolve him, despite him being a complete sweeper in any way. Plus, you can easily take care of the weaknesses. Just throw in Ice Beam!
Overall, Empoleon is literal perfection.
Lapras

Lapras was first introduced in the original Pokémon Red and Blue games released in 1996. It is a dual-type Water and Ice Pokémon that is known for its gentle nature and intelligence. Lapras is often depicted ferrying people across bodies of water and has appeared in multiple games and the animated series... read more

Lapras is a great Pokemon:
Let's start with the ability:
- Water Absorb gives Lapras immunity to Water-type moves.
- Hydration cures status problems with a Rain Dance.
- Shell Armor means no critical hits whatsoever.
Now, the attacks:
- Sing is a starter move, which gives you an upper hand in battles.
- It learns tons of Special moves, and STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) adds to this.
- Perish Song results in both Pokemon, Lapras and the foe, fainting. However, if used wisely, the move can be really beneficial.
- Sheer Cold is a one-hit KO move, which is valuable.
Breeding:
- Breeding Lapras with a Stunfisk will result in a baby Lapras that can learn Fissure. Train it up high and it learns Sheer Cold, giving it two one-hit KO moves.
- Lapras can learn some Dragon-type moves as well.
- Lapras can also learn a Psychic move, along with Sleep Talk and/or Curse (Ghost Type).
TMs:
- Lapras has the ability to learn Thunder and Thunderbolt. When battling a Water-type leader and using a Lapras with Water Absorb and Thunderbolt, you become almost invincible.
- Lapras can also learn some Ice-type moves, which gives you an upper hand against Grass-types.
- Rain Dance can be learned in case your Lapras has Hydration.
- Psychic, Bulldoze, and Giga Impact can also be learned. These are Special moves.
- Lapras can learn five HMs, which will help you through the game.
- With the help of a Move Tutor, Lapras can learn a wide set of moves: Ground, Steel, Psychic, Dragon, Water, Normal, Ice, and Bug.
Other:
Feraligatr

Feraligatr, known in Japan as Ordile, is a Water-type Pokémon introduced in Generation II. It first appeared in Pokémon Gold and Silver, which were released in 1999 for the Game Boy Color. Feraligatr is the final evolution of Totodile and evolves from Croconaw starting at level 30.

Feraligatr, able to learn a pretty good range of status-boosting, secondary effect, and generally high damage moves, has been my all-time personal favorite for over a decade. Along with its ability to quickly break the defensive backbones of balanced teams, it can also take some hits. Its reliability as a wallbreaker and potential hard carry (despite its primarily physical stats and dependence on teammates to take hits from any of its more dangerous threats) has made it my number one, even though it isn't in the top 3 of this list.

Feraligatr is a beast. It has awesome Attack and Defense, and good Special Attack. It can learn Dark, Dragon, and Ice-type moves, which are awesome. It should be in the Top 10, not Cloyster. It's probably up there because everyone (except a few people) picked Cyndaquil and didn't give Totodile a chance.
With Feraligatr (and Croconaw and Totodile, for that matter), I could easily take out my rival's Chikorita, Bayleef, and Meganium. I defeated practically the whole Elite Four with my Feraligatr and beat Lt. Surge and Erika with ease.
Milotic

Milotic, known in Japan as Milokaross, was introduced in Generation III. It is celebrated for its graceful appearance and powerful Water-type moves. Milotic evolves from the seemingly unremarkable Feebas, which has a rough and unattractive appearance prior to evolution.... read more

Milotic would be number one if people were actually capable of catching it. It is extremely rare, and its first evolution is subpar. However, when you evolve it (which is a difficult task in whichever game you play), it becomes one of the most powerful Pokemon I have ever owned. I defeated the entire Elite Four with Milotic in my Emerald game.
She can learn Ice Beam, which mitigates its grass weakness, and her special ability increases her defense when suffering (i.e., when she is hit with Thunderbolt, it doesn't even defeat her). In my opinion, it's one of the finest additions Pokemon has ever made to the game and should be number one. I dislike Blastoise.

Milotic is both the most powerful and beautiful Water Pokemon ever! The combination of water, ice, and dragon moves makes it strong against almost all other Pokemon!
The fact that it takes a lot of effort to acquire one makes them even more valuable and amazing. No ordinary starter Pokemon can possibly be the best Water Pokemon!
Kingdra

Kingdra, known in Japan as Kingdra, is a dual-type Water and Dragon Pokémon. It evolves from Seadra when traded while holding a Dragon Scale. Kingdra was introduced in Generation II and is known for its balanced stats and strong special attack.

Excellent dual STABs in Waterfall and Outrage, coupled with Dragon Dance, make Kingdra a top threat capable of sweeping unprepared teams. Kingdra's excellent defensive typing, along with its deceptively bulky stats, allows it to take strong special hits and Dragon Dance with a comfortable amount of HP remaining.
Suicune and Starmie, two excellent checks to other Dragon-types, usually hope to bait Outrage, only to find themselves unable to stop Kingdra from setting up two or three Dragon Dances, then Rest, and restore itself to full health thanks to Chesto Berry. Chesto Berry will not cure anything but sleep, so Pokémon relying on Will-O-Wisp or Toxic might think that they have beaten or crippled Kingdra, only to find they have given it an opportunity to gain more boosts before healing off status with Rest.
With its boosted Waterfall, Kingdra is able to beat many Pokémon without locking itself into Outrage and becomes very difficult to stop if the opponent no longer has a defensive wall such as Skarmory or Forretress.
Vaporeon

Vaporeon, known in Japan as Showers, is a Water-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I. It evolves from Eevee when exposed to a Water Stone. Vaporeon is known for its mermaid-like appearance and its unique ability to become invisible in water.

Vaporeon is really bulky and can cover its two weaknesses with Dig and Ice Beam. Not that it needs to, because it is insanely bulky. My brother has a level 100 Torterra who used Frenzy Plant on my level 100 Vaporeon. Guess who survived? Vaporeon. Guess who took out Torterra with an Ice Beam immediately after this? Vaporeon. Vaporeon is awesome.
On a side note, look at how regal it looks? It looks like it's about to give you a royal whooping with its base 110 Special Attack. Good luck beating this guy/girl.

I admit, I chose Bulbasaur over Squirtle back in the days when I played the first three versions of Fire, Water, and Grass. However, when I stumbled upon an Eevee, which could evolve into one of the three tiers of evolutions, I decided to change it into Vaporeon to make up for not choosing Blastoise, and I'm glad to have done so. Because Mega-Blastoise is too much. Its new kick-ass appearance is cool, but the overall base stat is not cool.
I mean, if everyone is going to choose either Blastoise or Gyarados for the Mega evolutions in the long run, other Water Pokémon will lose their uniqueness, and that's just sad. But what am I talking about?! This is Vaporeon, a water cat that jets with bubbles! I like it. With an HP stat starting at 130, similar to Lapras, which is a true contender to Vaporeon itself, I can respect both of them because of the reasonable move pool and their fantastic, yet cute cuddly designs. And let's not forget the anime.
The only reason I chose Vaporeon over Lapras is that Lapras unfortunately has four type weaknesses. If Lapras encountered one or, worse, two of its weaknesses, its back shell is screwed. But Vaporeon can counter Grass or Electric types with Ice Beam and Dig, and it would be more awesome if there were more Ice and Ground skills applied to Vaporeon.
What else can I say? I love Vaporeon because it's my favorite Water Pokémon when the first generation came out.

The Newcomers

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Ogerpon (Wellspring Mask)

Ogerpon is a perfect Pokemon. While this might not be my favorite mask form, I still absolutely love Ogerpon to bits.
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Paldean Tauros (Aqua Breed)

The Contenders

Kyogre

Kyogre, known in Japan by the same name, is a Legendary Pokémon species. It first appeared in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, released in 2002. Kyogre is associated with rain and the sea, and it is part of the weather trio along with Groudon and Rayquaza.

This Pokemon is a true force of nature. Even though I had Groudon and Rayquaza, I still trembled when my cousin brought this monster onto the field during our link battles. Groudon would be finished off with Water Spout or Hydro Pump, and Rayquaza would suffer death by Ice Beam! The rest of my arsenal was no match for this beast. STAB plus rain made its water attacks extremely powerful, and high special defense meant that even super effective grass and electric attacks barely had any effect. Truly, Kyogre is the greatest of all water Pokemon.

Kyogre is so much stronger than all the others, and when Kyogre and Groudon fight, they are so powerful that they can basically destroy the world.
Starmie

Starmie is not only the best-designed Pokémon, but it is also an amazing special sweeper with a great type for both attacking and defending, decent bulk, huge speed, and massive special attack. Top that off with impressive type coverage (Surf, Thunderbolt, Psychic, Ice Beam, Grass Knot, etc.), and Starmie is an absolute force to be reckoned with.
Moreover, it is really useful as a fast Rapid Spin user, making it even more versatile! If you can't tell, Starmie is my favorite Pokémon both for its design and its in-game usefulness. For the record, I love Staryu as well.

Starmie is by far the best water type of the first two gens. With its high speed and special attack, you could play through the entire game using only this guy. Its ability to learn Thunderbolt, Rapid Spin, and Recover, along with a powerful water move like Surf, also makes it an almost impossible-to-defeat force in PvP for the first two gens.
Samurott

Samurott, known in Japan as Daikenki, is a Water-type Pokémon introduced in Generation V. It evolves from Dewott starting at level 36 and is the final evolution of Oshawott. Samurott is known for its armor-like shell and the blade it draws from its foreleg.

I used a Lv. 100 Samurott to single-handedly defeat the Pokémon League twice and to destroy the Black Tower. Why is he way down here? Plus, he is a starter Pokémon, so you can obtain him without having to go through the trouble of catching him. Also, his Torrent ability powers up water-type moves when he is at low HP, and he can be taught Hydro Cannon, Hydro Pump, and Waterfall. Hydro Cannon and Pump are very powerful, and Waterfall often makes the target flinch.

I am such a lover of offensive special attackers! I mean, like, Samurott and Charizard are my favorites! Yeah, I know, Samurott can crush Charizard. This was actually the first water starter I ever got. I plan on getting Delphox or Greninja in X and Y. Samurott's got really high Special Attack (man, am I crazy with Special Attackers), and that made me get an A+ on defeating the Elite Four. Let's go Samurott!
Primarina

Primarina is a Water and Fairy-type Pokémon introduced in Generation VII, specifically in Pokémon Sun and Moon (2016). It evolves from Brionne, which itself evolves from Popplio. Primarina's singing-based battle style is characterized by sea lion-inspired fluid movements. It has appeared in the animated... read more

I always pick Primarina when playing Sun and Moon. Honestly, Greninja is the most overrated starter in Pokémon history, and Primarina destroys it. With the right moveset, this Pokémon can sweep most of the Elite Four in Sun and Moon.

Primarina is the best! It's the best Water/Fairy Pokémon ever! With great special attacks like Moonblast, Ice Beam, Sparkling Aria, Surf, Scald, and Shadow Ball, it could defeat a whole team of strong dragons.

Primarina is an absolute beast in competitive play. Or, it used to be, before the power creep of the newer gens.
Palkia

Palkia, known in Japan by the same name, is a Legendary Pokémon species that debuted in the 2006 games Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. It represents space and serves as the mascot for Pokémon Pearl. Palkia is part of the creation trio with Dialga and Giratina and is associated with spatial manipulation.

I give my vote to Palkia. I assume that Palkia should be classified as Psychic/Dragon. You guys might know me. I did mention in the best Steel type votes that I voted for Dialga. You can find me on that page. I couldn't write much about Palkia then because it was about Steel types. By the way, I love Palkia!

The beast of the sea! It defeats Kyogre, Blastoise, and Gyarados, smashes Swampert, kills Empoleon, slashes Vaporeon, and shoots Wailord to death! Palkia was the king of the sea. As Kyogre was surrendering, the king of the sea was released. Arceus, beware. You are not the king of the sea.
Suicune

Suicune is a pure Water-type Legendary Pokémon introduced in Generation II with the release of Pokémon Gold and Silver. It serves as the version mascot for Pokémon Crystal. According to the Pokédex, Suicune has the power to purify dirty water wherever it travels.... read more

Suicune is no joke when it comes to stalling. Equip it with Calm Mind, Toxic, Rest, and Sleep Talk, and you have a force to be reckoned with. Don't forget its appearance in Celebi: Voice of the Forest, where it can purify and walk on water. So, please reconsider using your favorite starter, because usually there is a Pokémon that can do the same job but better.

Suicune, my favorite Pokémon, is just so beautiful and elegant yet strong and bulky. His access to Calm Mind, Ice Beam, etc., makes him a force to be reckoned with.
Azumarill

Azumarill is a dual-type Water and Fairy Pokémon introduced in Generation II. It originally appeared as a pure Water type, but the Fairy type was added beginning with Generation VI. Its shiny form has a golden coloration, which makes it especially popular among collectors.

Azumarill is basically Chansey 2.0, but instead of healing, it can dish out some massive Physical Attack using its ability, Huge Power.

Azumarill, the second-best physical Water-type (behind Swampert, obviously...), has now gained Fairy typing. This makes it better. Equipped with Play Rough and Waterfall, along with Huge Power and Belly Drum, defeating this with a Grass/Steel type would be very impressive. By the way, Brick Break can take those down! No Electric types can stand up to this, so this Pokémon shouldn't be ranked at 16.

I can't believe you people! I'm not trying to be mean, but have you ever used this beast?! In the remakes of Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, this guy is a destroyer! With the Fairy typing, he can wipe out the Dragon type Elite Four member! Beast!
Squirtle

Squirtle, known as Zenigame in Japan, is a Water-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I. It resembles a hybrid between a squirrel and a turtle and was created by Game Freak's character design team. It is one of the original starter Pokémon available to players in the early games.... read more

Squirtle rules. He is one of my favorite Water Pokémon and can become a badass with the moves Hydro Pump and Hydro Cannon.

I think Squirtle looks cute and cool with his sunglasses because he looks like a rock star.

Squirtle is the best Water Pokémon of all. He looks so cool with his stylish black glasses. He is the boss.
Piplup

Piplup, known in Japan as Pochama, is a Water-type Pokémon first introduced in Generation IV. It evolves into Prinplup at level 16 and then into Empoleon at level 36. Piplup is one of the three starter Pokémon in Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum and is notable for its high Special Attack and Defense... read more

Piplup is my absolute favorite Pokémon! He is so adorable and fairly powerful for a baby evolution. I loved him so much that I actually dressed as him for Halloween in first grade. Piplup is awesome, and I am so sad that he is ranked so low on this list. He should be number one!

Piplup is one cute, playful but feisty penguin Pokémon. He's a ton of fun to have on your team.
Piplup can learn ice attacks as well as water attacks. He can be a funny Pokémon to brighten up your day.

Penguins. Oh wait? You expected more? Well, just Empoleon's Water/Steel type can wreck Fire Types, and Steel can deal with Poison Types.
Wailord

Wailord, known in Japan as Whaloh, is a Water-type Pokémon that evolves from Wailmer. It was introduced in Generation III and is the largest known Pokémon by size. Wailord can dive to depths of 10,000 feet in one breath and travels in pods to find food, often feeding on schools of Wishiwashi.... read more

I like Wailord because of its high HP and also the damage of its attacks, which is pretty strong. It's also because of one of its moves. Water Spout is perfect for Wailord. It's unique and the largest Pokémon. Wailord can also learn Dive, Bounce, and Hydro Pump without any TM or HM.

I was about to choose Empoleon, but 1. I already voted for him for the best Steel type. 2. He is a Water/Steel type, so I wanted to give it to a true Water type. 3. Wailord has high HP.
Sharpedo

I love its rough skin. That gives the opposing foe damage when the opponent attacks with a physical attack. Then it can use Ice Fang to beat Grass-type Pokémon.
Cloyster

The Janitor is probably the best sweeper in the UU metagame. With Shell Smash and Focus Sash, it can get double Attack, Special Attack, and Speed, and sweep the opposition with Skill Link, Icicle Spear, and Rock Blast, plus Hydro Pump, Ice Shard, or something else you may want. Cloyster is a very strong force.

Because of his high Defense stat, his Skill Link ability, and the moves Shell Smash and Icicle Spear, Cloyster can be quite a useful Pokemon.

Give him a Choice Band and Ice Shard, and he will teach all Pokemon that don't counter Ice a lesson. Don't mess with this guy.
Dewott

Go Dewott! He rocks! I have a level 21 Dewott, and he crushes. If Dewott is this good, I can't wait until it evolves into Samurott!

Go Dewott! I have a level 22 Dewott, and I defeated the Bug Gym with him. That's how much he rocks.

Dewott can learn some cool moves like Razor Shell. Dewott is also my favorite Pokemon.
Mudkip

Mudkip, known in Japan as Mizugorou, is a Water-type starter Pokémon introduced in Generation III. It first appeared in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire. Mudkip evolves into Marshtomp at level 16, and Marshtomp then evolves into Swampert at level 36.

Mudkip is adorable, but Swampert is high on the list. You might want to consider evolving it. If you want the cutest one, it's Mudkip!

I love Mudkip. He's cute and strong. I love him.

He's better than any other one.
Kingler

Kingler, known in Japan as Kingler, is a Water-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I. It evolves from Krabby starting at level 28. Kingler is distinguished by its oversized pincer, which it uses for both offense and defense, and is capable of crushing even large boulders.

Kingler has a really high attack, good defense, and a cool move set. The only reason he should not be in the top five is because of his health. He has really low health. If that were different, he might be one of the top Pokémon in general.

He can outspeed a lot of Pokémon with his average speed, and he hits hard with super high attack. Plus, he evolves from Krabby at a low level (28), meaning you can have a hard hitter in just the 30s.

Kingler is possibly my favorite Water Pokémon of all time. All of its stats, except HP, are good, and even fighting with it online isn't a bad idea. It could have been higher on this list.