30 Best Water Pokemon, Ranked

Water-type Pokemon are just an absolute joy. With their usual blue color schemes or aquatic tendencies, the Water types tip the scales and stand apart as more than "just some fish." Since there are so many out there, a full ocean of options, boiling it down to just a few is a hard feat. That said, certain Pokemon naturally float to the top, rising so far above the competition that they make their rivals almost obsolete in the process. Countless Water-types are worthy of recognition, but are arguably more deserving than others for a variety of different reasons.

March 2026 Update Notes:

• Streamlined selection down to a top 30
• Added Psyduck Line
• Added galleries for each Pokemon
• Added a quick picks section

Water-Type Top Picks That Elevate Any Team

30 Psyduck Line

Loved By Many, Used By A Few

• First Game Introduced: Pokemon Red & Blue
• Generation: 1
• Weaknesses: Grass (4x), Electric (2x)
• Best Stat: 95 Special Attack (Golduck)

While far from one of the strongest Water-types, Psyduck is one of the most famous, although its reputation stems from the anime rather than the games. During the Kanto saga, Misty had this Pokemon as part of her team, and she would regularly use it with unfortunate results. Simply put, Psyduck served as a running gag, with its uselessness being the punchline. Fortunately, the Pokemon still came across as kind of adorable.

In the games, Psyduck's Generation 1 status elevates its popularity to an extent, which can be said for every member of the original 151. Although its stats aren't amazing by any stretch of the imagination, they are quite well-rounded, and Golduck is a solid mid-tier option for the single-player campaigns. Its access to Psychic moves also helps.

Golduck's Best Learned Moves

For the most part, Golduck just has a standard moveset, at least when it comes to Water-types. It unlocks Hydro Pump at a fairly late point, which will be its heavy hitter. However, it also learns Psychic moves like Confusion, Zen Headbutt, Amnesia, and Wonder Room, adding some variety to its selection.

Golduck's Base Stats:

29 Binacle Line

Physically A Monster But 4x Weak To Grass

• Dual Type: Rock
• First Game Introduced: Pokemon X & Y
• Generation: 6
• Weaknesses: Fighting (2x), Ground (2x), Grass (4x), Electric (2x)
• Best Stat: 115 Defense

In Pokemon X & Y, there are some odd designs, which is basically customary. Every title has its fair share of oddities, after all. However, it's hard to really beat Binacle and Barbaracle in the "weird" category. Binacle is a two-headed barnacle Pokemon where each head is an independent soul, like Doduo. Its evolution, Barbaracle, looks like a hand boss that Nintendo rejected from a Legend of Zelda title.

Binacle is a grumpy-looking Pokemon with a weird color palette, and the fact that it can surprise unsuspecting trainers just makes it all the more wonderful.

Barbaracle's Best Learned Moves

In a change of pace, Barbaracle's best attacks are not Water-based; Cross Chop and Stone Edge are powerful Fighting and Rock-type moves, respectively. In the right hands, Shell Smash can also be devastating as it boosts Barbaracle's Attack, Special Attack, and Speed. However, this comes at the cost of the Pokemon's Defense and Special Defense. Luckily, Barbaracle has respectable stats in both of those areas, so this move will not transform it into a glass cannon.

Barbaracle's Base Stats:

28 Wishiwashi

Its Ability Makes It Amazing, But It Must Be Level 20

• First Game Introduced: Pokemon Sun & Moon
• Generation: 7
• Weaknesses: Grass (2x), Electric (2x)
• Best Stat: 140 Attack & Special Attack

Wishiwashi was first discovered in the Alolan Region, and it made a real impact. When Wishiwashi was originally revealed for Pokemon Sun & Moon, fans speculated on whether its School Form was an entirely separate evolution or not. It turned out that all came from its unique ability, Schooling.

This ability not only made the tiny fish look like an underwater terror, but also gave many boons to the Pokemon in battle.

Wishiwashi has to be trained to level 20 to use this ability, but it's entirely worth it to bring this massive swarm of fish along as a Water-type threat to the team.

Wishiwashi's Best Learned Moves

Hydro Pump is Wishiwashi's strongest Water-type attack. The Pokemon also learns Double-Edge, a Normal-type move that hits largely but also hurts its user in the process. This risk/reward system limits this attack's usage.

Wishiwashi's Base Stats (Solo Form/School Form):

27 Milotic

Fantastic Stats And Movepool, But It Is Just A Worse Gyarados

• First Game Introduced: Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire
• Generation: 3
• Weaknesses: Grass (2x), Electric (2x)
• Best Stat: 125 Special Defense

In Ruby and Sapphire, GameFreak introduced a new Magikarp-esque Water-type in the form of Feebas. Unlike Magikarp, Feebas was absurdly rare and evolved using cryptic methods. Without a guide, it's hard to imagine any kid having the patience to figure out how to evolve a Feebas. However, as it turns out, the effort is entirely worth it.

Milotic is one of the most elegantly designed Pokemon, and it is considered among the most beautiful in canon. It's an incredible defensive Pokemon as well. This sea serpent is more than just looks though; it's also one of the bulkiest Water types in the game. It has an incredible movepool and is just lovely in design. Feebas might be trash in a way that Magikarp isn't, but Milotic is absolutely worth the effort.

Milotic's Best Learned Moves

Milotic learns Hydro Pump and Surf, so it is well-covered when it comes to offensive moves. This Water-type Pokemon is also a valuable support option, with Recover and especially Life Dew having their uses. The latter heals Milotic and the rest of the team.

Milotic's Base Stats:

26 Tatsugiri

Appearances Can Be Deceiving; This Pokemon Is Superb In Battle

• Dual Type: Dragon
• First Game Introduced: Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
• Generation: 9
• Weaknesses: Dragon (2x), Fairy (2x)
• Best Stat: 120 Special Attack

It is extremely hard not to love a Water Pokemon that comes in the form of a small pink fish and constantly says "Sushi." Making its first appearance in Scarlet and Violet, Tatsugiri is a Water/Dragon-type Pokemon with high Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed. Water/Dragon is an incredible type. There are only two weaknesses: Dragon and Fairy. It provides three resistances to Steel, Water, and Fire. It also hits four different types in Fire, Ground, Dragon, and Rock.

It has access to a duo of very strong Abilities in Commander and Storm Drain. Commander makes Tatsugiri go inside a Dondozo if it's present in a Double Battle. This makes it unable to switch, but it has all of its stats doubled as a trade-off. Storm Drain not only makes the user immune to Water-type moves, but it also boosts their Special Attack if hit by one.

Tatsugiri's Best Learned Moves

The movepool is probably Tatsugiri's biggest flaw, as the coverage is painfully lacking. Surf/Hydro Pump and Dragon Pulse are must-haves for STABs, Draco Meteor is a good power move that pairs well with Eject Pack or White Herb, Nasty Plot lets its Special Attack become even better, Taunt is a useful support move, and Rapid Spin can get rid of Entry Hazard while also making it faster. That's really all it has.

Tatsugiri's Base Stats:

25 Jellicent

A Unique Design But Also An Effective Special Wall

• Dual Type: Ghost
• First Game Introduced: Pokemon Black & White
• Generation: 5
• Weaknesses: Grass (2x), Ghost (2x), Electric (2x), Dark (2x)
• Best Stat: 105 Special Defense

Black & White lived up to its name by introducing both awesomely- and horrifically-designed Pokemon. On one side, we had creatures like Trubbish, a Pokemon that is literally garbage. Conversely, we got memorable newcomers like Haxorus or Zebstrika.

Sitting more in the "weird" memorable category is Jellicent, the Water/Ghost-type jellyfish that's certainly regal. It has two separate designs based on its gender, and each of them has quirks that make them special. The male version has a large, goofy mustache, while the female version has red lipstick for reasons unknown. They're certainly a unique Water type to use in terms of design and typing, making them an excellent selection.

Jellicent's Best Learned Moves

When at full health, Jellicent's Water Sprout is deadly, as it has 150 base power and never misses. However, this move's effectiveness is inversely proportional to Jellicent's HP; therefore, the attack will worsen as the battle progresses. When that happens, Jellicent can always use Destiny Bond to ensure that defeat also spells doom for its opponent.

Jellicent's Base Stats:

24 Omastar

Deserves A High Ranking Due To Its Meme Status

• Dual Type: Rock
• First Game Introduced: Pokemon Red & Blue
• Generation: 1
• Weaknesses: Fighting (2x), Ground (2x), Grass (4x), Electric (2x)
• Best Stat: 125 Defense

Omastar as a whole isn't too interesting. It's a fossil Pokemon from Gen 1 and is good, but it lacks anything to make it truly special. It's a fossil from Mt. Moon that players can revive later on in the game.

Enter "Twitch Plays Pokemon." During their community and chat-driven game of the original Pokemon games, they chose the Helix fossil. And thus, Lord Helix became a long-standing popular Pokemon meme that has continued to this day.

Omastar's Best Learned Moves

Quite a straightforward arsenal of moves, including Hydro Pump, Shell Smash, and Protect.

Omastar's Base Stats:

23 Toxapex

A Defensive Powerhouse

• Dual Type: Poison
• First Game Introduced: Pokemon Sun & Moon
• Generation: 7
• Weaknesses: Ground (2x), Electric (2x), Psychic (2x)
• Best Stat: 152 Defense

There are a lot of Pokemon to look at and say, "That's a mood right there." Mareanie is absolutely a mood. This depressed-looking sea urchin enjoys munching on delicious Corsola and being an absolute pain to find in the original Sun & Moon. Its evolution, Toxapex, is hated by competitive battlers for being a disgustingly effective wall, rivaling the likes of the Grass-type Ferrothorn.

As a Pokemon, Toxapex isn't one to attack directly, instead letting unsuspecting prey run into its poisonous embrace. Considering the potency of its poisons, it would be a terrifying Pokemon to find in the wild.

Toxapex's Best Learned Moves

Although it is half Water-type, Toxapex excels in its Poison-typing. All the Pokemon's best attacks fall within that category, including Poison Jab and Toxic. The latter eliminates a portion of the opponent's health per turn, so it should be the first move unleashed by Toxapex.

Toxapex's Base Stats:

22 Kingler

Iconic Anime Appearances And A True Classic

• First Game Introduced: Pokemon Red & Blue
• Generation: 1
• Weaknesses: Grass (2x), Electric (2x)
• Best Stat: 130 Attack

It has been a long time since Kingler got a bit of love. With Pokemon Sword & Shield, Kingler was finally given new life as it received a fantastic Gigantamax form inspired by Japanese spider crabs.

That bubble beard almost makes Kingler look like a mix of a crab and Santa Claus, but every Delibird had better be afraid, as those giant pincers can put any Pokemon in quite the pinch. Plus, any Pokemon on the receiving end of G-Max Foam Burst had better be ready to have their speed cranked down a few notches.

Kingler's Best Learned Moves

When not in its Gigantamax form, Kingler can utilize Crabhammer to get the job done. Kingler also has access to Guillotine, a move that will always defeat an opponent if it hits. Its low accuracy makes it a significant gamble, particularly against stronger opponents.

Kingler's Base Stats:

21 Vaporeon

Massive HP & Special Attack

• First Game Introduced: Pokemon Red & Blue
• Generation: 1
• Weaknesses: Grass (2x), Electric (2x)
• Best Stat: 130 HP

One of the best Eeveelutions is the fish-like Vaporeon. Eevee grows fins and scales when it evolves into the Water-type Vaporeon, and it is one of the more graceful of the evolution options. While it isn't necessarily the most powerful of Eevee's options, Vaporeon can hold its own in battle and learns some pretty devastating moves.

According to the Pokedex in multiple games, Vaporeon's molecules are very similar to actual water, which allows it to melt into water and become invisible. This works for its predatory behavior to find prey. It's almost like it evolved to be that way.

Vaporeon's Best Learned Moves

Hydro Pump and Muddy Water will be Vaporeon's main attacks once it is above level 50. Once Vaporeon uses those two attacks and its third move, presumably Aqua Ring, the Pokemon can then use Last Resort. This strong Normal-type attack will only hit when every other move has been used at least once.

Vaporeon's Base Stats: