15 best Water-type Pokemon ranked: Primal Kyogre, Palkia, Greninja & more

Daniel Megarry
primal kyogre water type pokemon

Wondering what the best Water-type Pokemon are? Everyone has their own favorite, but some of them rise to the top when it comes to power, moves, and overall design.

With the likes of Legendary whale Kyogre and iconic Gen 1 starter Blastoise in their ranks, trainers have plenty to choose from when it comes to Water-type Pokemon. In fact, there are more of them than any other type across the entire Pokedex.

Not all of them are going to be worth a spot on your team, though, and often, the Pokemon that look the best aren’t always the most powerful. So, to make things easier for you, here are the 15 best Water-types you need if you want to wash away the competition.

Every Pokemon in the list appears in its standard form, except for those that change to receive a secondary typing that allows them to be a part of the ranking.

Contents

What is the best and strongest Water-type Pokemon?

Currently, the best Water-type Pokemon in the series is Primal Kyogre. 

15 best Water-type Pokemon of all time

Urshifu (Rapid Strike)

Urshifu in Pokemon
  • Debut: Pokemon Sword & Shield
  • Type: Fighting/Water
  • Weaknesses: Electric, Grass, Flying, Psychic, Fairy

Urshifu was first added in Pokemon Sword & Shield in the Isle of Armor DLC as one of the two final forms of Kubfu. The Rapid Strike version of Urshifu gains access to excellent physical attacks, like Surging Strikes and Close Combat, which are powered up by its 130 base Attack stat.

Rapid Strike Urshifu also has a Gigantamax form to make it an even more useful party member.

Urshifu (Rapid Strike) base stats:

HPATTACKDEFENSESP. ATKSP. DEFSPEEDTOTAL
100130100636097550

14. Ogerpon (Wellspring Mask)

Ogerpon Wellspring Mask version
  • Debut: Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
  • Type: Grass/Water
  • Weaknesses: Poison, Flying, Bug

Introduced in the Pokemon Scarlet & Violet DLC, Ogerpon has the ability to change its typing based on the mask it’s wearing. The Wellspring Mask version transforms Ogerpon into a Grass/Water-type to resist Poison, Flying, and Bug-type attacks.

For Ogerpon Wellspring Mask, we recommend teaching it moves like Ivy Cudgel and Horn Leech to keep its health restored.

Ogerpon (Wellspring Mask) base stats:

HPATTACKDEFENSESP. ATKSP. DEFSPEEDTOTAL
80120846096120550

13. Volcanion

An image of Volcanion one of the best water type Pokemon.
  • Debut: Pokemon X and Y
  • Type: Fire/Water
  • Weaknesses: Rock, Ground, Electric

The Mythical Volcanion is a dual Water/Fire-type Pokemon that is one of the best in the franchise. Volcanion shines with its high Defense (120) and Special Attack (130) stats. One particular standout ability it has is Water Absorb, which means that 1/4 of its HP will heal whenever it’s hit with water-type attacks.

Thanks to its dual typing, Volcanion has the ability to learn a variety of Fire, Water, and Ice-type moves throughout the Pokemon games. Its biggest weaknesses in terms of stats are low Speed (70) and HP (80) but this is made up for with powerful, high-damage attacks, as well as the Water Absorb ability.

Volcanion base stats:

HPATTACKDEFENSESP. ATKSP. DEFSPEEDTOTAL
801101201306070600

12. Inteleon

Inteleon in the Pokemon anime
  • Debut: Pokemon Sword & Shield
  • Type: Water
  • Weaknesses: Grass, Electric

Sobble’s final evolution, Inteleon, might not be anyone’s favorite Pokemon design-wise, but it makes up for that with great Special Attack (125) and Speed (120) stats. Combined with the ability Sniper, which boosts the damage of Critical Hits, you’ve got the potential for some major damage.

Inteleon’s biggest drawback is its lack of defense (65 Defense & 65 Special Defense) which makes it a bit of a glass cannon, but if you’re looking for a Water-type Pokemon that can deal huge damage at lightning speed, this Galar region starter might be the one for you.

Inteleon base stats:

HPATTACKDEFENSESP. ATKSP. DEFSPEEDTOTAL
70856512565120530

11. Tapu Fini

  • Debut: Pokemon Sun & Moon
  • Type: Water/Fairy
  • Weaknesses: Electric, Grass, Poison

The Legendary Tapu Fini is one of the best defensive Water-type Pokemon in the game, with an impressive 115 Defense stat and a huge 130 Special Defense stat. Having a secondary Fairy-typing means it has access to some great moves like Moonblast with the bonus of STAB damage.

Tapu Fini also has one of the most underrated abilities, Misty Surge, which protects it from status effects like Confusion or Paralysis, and also halves the damage done by Dragon-type moves. This, combined with a Fairy-type moveset, makes it a potent Dragon slayer.

Tapu Fini base stats:

HPATTACKDEFENSESP. ATKSP. DEFSPEEDTOTAL
70751159513085570

10. Empoleon

Empoleon in Pokemon anime
  • Debut: Pokemon Diamond & Pearl
  • Type: Water/Steel
  • Weaknesses: Electric, Ground, Fighting

As the only Water/Steel-type in the franchise, Empoleon not only has good Defense and Special Defense stats but can also deal Special Attack damage. We recommend teaching Empoleon moves like Swords Dance and Brine. Additionally, Metal Claw will be a good addition to its moveset, considering it’s the only Steel-type move learned by level up.

Empoleon base stats:

HPATTACKDEFENSESP. ATKSP. DEFSPEEDTOTAL
84868811110160530

9. Gyarados

Gyarados in the Pokemon anime
  • Debut: Pokemon Red & Blue
  • Type: Water/Flying
  • Weaknesses: Rock, Electric

Any trainer worth their salt knows that despite how long and arduous the process of evolving Magikarp into Gyarados can be, it’s a challenge that’s more than worth following through with in every new generation of games.

Gyarados is commonly used as a powerful sweeper thanks to its solid 125 Attack stat, a range of powerful attacks like Hydro Pump and Thrash, and the status move Dragon Dance, which boosts Attack and Speed when used.

The final move Gyarados learns by leveling up, Hyper Beam, has an astonishing 150 Power, and its Intimidate ability lowers the Attack of opponents, making it a powerful addition to your lineup.

Gyarados base stats:

HPATTACKDEFENSESP. ATKSP. DEFSPEEDTOTAL
95125796010081540

8. Swampert

Swampert appearing in the Pokemon anime
  • Debut: Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire
  • Type: Water/Ground
  • Weaknesses: Grass

As far as starter evolutions go, Swampert is often considered to be one of the best out there. It made its debut in Gen 3 as the final evolution of the beloved Mudkip, and quickly became a favorite among trainers.

It has the highest base total stats (535) of any starter Pokemon, but Swampert’s standout quality is, without a doubt, its dual Water/Ground typing, which renders it immune to Electricity and resistant to Poison, Rock, Steel, and Fire.

The only weakness it has is Grass, although it should be noted that this is a x4 weakness, so trainers will want to avoid using it in battle when facing Grass-type opponents.

Swampert base stats:

HPATTACKDEFENSESP. ATKSP. DEFSPEEDTOTAL
10011090859060535

7. Dracovish

Dracovish in the Pokemon anime
  • Debut: Pokemon Sword & Shield
  • Type: Water/Dragon
  • Weaknesses: Dragon, Fairy

The creepy fossil-based Dracovish may seem like an unusual choice for this list, as its stats are largely unimpressive. It has a total of 505 base stats and struggles, particularly with Special Attack (70) and Special Defense (80).

But where it stands out is Fishious Rend, one of the most powerful attacks in the history of Pokemon. It has an immense 170 Power when it moves first, and that’s not to mention any boosts that come into play with STAB or Dracovish’s Strong Jaw ability, which powers up the move even more.

Fishious Rend alone arguably makes Dracovish one of the best Water-type Pokemon choices for any offensive-based team, particularly when taking on slower opponents.

Dracovish base stats:

HPATTACKDEFENSESP. ATKSP. DEFSPEEDTOTAL
9090100708075505

6. Blastoise

blastoise card father's day
  • Debut: Pokemon Red & Blue
  • Type: Water
  • Weaknesses: Electric, Grass

Being a Gen 1 starter evolution, Blastoise remains one of the most popular Pokemon in the ever-growing Pokedex. But it’s not just nostalgia that keeps players coming back, as this pure Water-type got the power to back up its popularity, even if it’s not the best overall stats-wise.

As of Sword and Shield, Blastoise now has the Shell Smash move, which lowers its Defense and Special Defense, but significantly raises its Attack, Special Attack, and Speed stats. This turns it into a potent offensive choice, making already-solid moves like Hydro Pump, Surf, Liquidation, and Scald even stronger.

Blastoise is also one of the few Water-types to have both Mega Evolution and Gigantamax forms, meaning there are ways to power it up across generations significantly. It also benefits from the Rain Dish ability, which allows it to heal slowly when it’s raining.

Blastoise base stats:

HPATTACKDEFENSESP. ATKSP. DEFSPEEDTOTAL
79831008510578530

5. Toxapex

Toxapex
  • Debut: Pokemon Sun & Moon
  • Type: Poison/Water
  • Weaknesses: Electric, Ground, Psychic

It’s not the most appealing-looking Pokemon, we’ll admit, but Toxapex is here to do one thing, and do that thing incredibly well: Defend.

Toxapex is one of the best defensive walls in the game and can learn a number of moves to help it stay in battle for ages. Recover can be used to restore 1/2 of its HP, while Haze can eliminate all stat changes of Pokemon engaged in battle, which is great for eliminating an opponent’s setup.

Offense-wise it benefits from Toxic, which poisons its opponent and cannot miss thanks to its typing, and the popular Scald, which has a not-too-shabby 80 Power and a 30% chance of burning its opponent.

Toxapex base stats:

HPATTACKDEFENSESP. ATKSP. DEFSPEEDTOTAL
50631525314235495

4. Walking Wake

walking wake vibing in area zero cave.
  • Debut: Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
  • Type: Water/Dragon
  • Weaknesses: Dragon, Fairy

Introduced in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, Walking Wake is the Paradox version of the Gen 2 Legendary Suicune. As a Water/Dragon dual-type, Walking Wake has access to powerful moves, which are boosted by its 125 Special Attack stat.

A few moves that Walking Wake can use include Hydro Pump, Outrage, and Flamethrower. It can even improve its stats even further with Hone Claws and Noble Roar. 

Walking Wake base stats:

HPATTACKDEFENSESP. ATKSP. DEFSPEEDTOTAL
99839112583109590

3. Greninja

Greninja
  • Debut: Pokemon X & Y
  • Type: Dark/Water
  • Weaknesses: Fairy, Fighting, Electric, Bug, Grass

Greninja has become a mascot for the Pokemon franchise since it debuted in Gen 6 games X and Y, and has even been voted the world’s favorite Pokemon. That’s not just because of how cool it looks – although that does help, of course.

The dual Water/Dark-type creature has very high Speed (122), which can help you sneak in a powerful blow before your opponent. Its new Ash-Greninja form, introduced in Sun and Moon, makes it even more powerful as its total stats boost to 640 with a significant increase in Attack and Special Attack.

Meanwhile, Greninja’s hidden ability Protean allows it to become the type of the last move it last used, giving it STAB for any move and changing its type resistances. This makes Greninja a unique and often unpredictable Pokemon to help lead you to success in competitive battles.

Greninja base stats:

HPATTACKDEFENSESP. ATKSP. DEFSPEEDTOTAL
72956710371122530

2. Palkia

Palkia Master League
  • Debut: Pokemon Diamond and Pearl
  • Type: Dragon/Water
  • Weaknesses: Fairy, Dragon

While Primal Kyogre may have the highest total stats of any Water-type Pokemon, Palkia has the highest of any standard form Water-type with 680 in total, making it a great alternative to our number one choice.

Palkia is a strong wallbreaker thanks to its 120 Attack and 150 Special Attack stats, as well as a relatively high 100 Speed stat. Spacial Rend is a standout signature move with 100 Power, a high chance of a critical hit, and, of course, that STAB bonus.

It doesn’t have many type resistances – only Steel, Water, and Fire – and has no immunities, but it is neutral to the majority of types, meaning it can withstand most hits without receiving particularly high damage, especially thanks to its bulky nature.

Like many other Legendaries, Palkia’s Pressure ability also comes in handy when dealing with opponents who spam overpowered moves. They’ll lose 2 PP instead of 1 every time a hit lands.

Palkia base stats:

HPATTACKDEFENSESP. ATKSP. DEFSPEEDTOTAL
90120100150120100680

1. Primal Kyogre

pokemon anime primal kyogre
  • Debut: Pokemon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire
  • Type: Water
  • Weaknesses: Electric, Grass

This shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise for long-time Pokemon fans. Kyogre is incredibly popular not only because of its Legendary origins, but also because it boasts some genuinely incredible stats.

When in its Primal Form, Kyogre has one of the highest total stats of any type, not just Water-types, with 770 to its name. In this form it also boasts a whopping 150 Attack and 180 Special Attack, ensuring it can wipe out any opponent with ease.

Even in its regular form, it’s still one of the most formidable additions to any trainer’s team, with 670 total base stats and access to wildly powerful moves like Water Spout, Giga Impact, and Hyper Beam, all of which have 150 Power.

As if that wasn’t enough, Kyogre’s Drizzle ability gives a 50% boost in Power to any Water-type moves, which makes it even more lethal on the battlefield, especially when going up against Fire, Ground, and Rock-type opponents.

Primal Kyogre base stats:

HPATTACKDEFENSESP. ATKSP. DEFSPEEDTOTAL
1001009015014090670

What are the worst Water-type Pokemon of all time?

While the Pokemon franchise has a huge roster of powerful Water-type creatures, some options didn’t quite make the cut.

pokemon anime magikarp

Before its evolution into Gyarados, Magikarp is one of the most useless Water-type Pokemon ever. With a base attack stat of 10 and an abysmal move pool, Magikarp is at the very bottom of the tier list.

Other options that give Magikarp a run for its money include Feebas and Finneon for their dreadful base stats.

So, there you have it, the best Water-type Pokemon of all time. For more lists and guides like this one, check out some of our other content below:

Best Fairy-typesBest Grass-typesBest Electric-types | Best Legendary Pokemon | All cat Pokemon | All dog Pokemon | Creepiest Pokemon ever | Cutest Pokemon ever | The rarest and most expensive Pokemon cards

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About The Author

Daniel graduated from university with a degree in Journalism and English Language, before spending five years at GAY TIMES covering LGBTQ+ news and entertainment. He then made the switch to video game journalism where he produces news, features, and guides for Pokemon, Fortnite, Nintendo, and PlayStation games. Daniel also has a passion for any games with queer representation.