There is no other type in the Pokemon series that appears as aplenty as Water Type Pokemon. On top of being one of the first choices players can pick from with their first partner Pokemon, nearly every region within the series boasts large bodies of water that these Pokemon call their home, creating large ecosystems of diverse creatures that rival those which players encounter on land. And with how common Water Type Pokemon are, they're often utilized by a myriad of trainers that players encounter on their journeys, whether that be an early-route newbie, a late-game Gym Leader, or even a Champion.
Though many Water Type Pokemon reside in similar locations, the Pokemon of this type could not be more different from one another. From tiny fish struggling to survive amongst bigger creatures, to massive dragons spoken about in legends, each Water Type Pokemon possesses unique capabilities that make them useful in battle, whether that be casually or competitively. Even the most basic Water Type Pokemon can thrive in the right conditions, allowing them to mesh with nearly any combination of team.
Unlike other types, the Water Type in general is not known to boast any one specific strength. While some may be capable of dealing immense damage, others use their surroundings to outspeed their opponents and some prefer to assist their allies by soaking up damage and using supportive attacks. Most Water Type Pokemon can fill a variety of niches depending on how players train them—that is, if they stay out of the harsh sunlight.
Here's a breakdown of the slippery tactics these aquatic Pokemon can unleash, as well as ways to diminish their power.
Pokemon Water Type Weaknesses and Counters
With the sheer number of Water Type Pokemon currently available within the Pokemon series, it's important to note that their counters are almost equally as common. Water Type Pokemon take super-effective damage from Grass and Electric Type attacks, many of which can be learned by Pokemon that aren't necessarily one of these types.
| Attacking Type | Super Effective Against | Weak To |
|---|---|---|
| Water | Fire Ground Rock | Electric Grass |
Grass
As one of the three types that first partner Pokemon can have, Grass joins Water and Fire as part of the original type triangle. Therefore, Grass Type attacks will deal super-effective damage to Water Type Pokemon (not taking into account secondary types and Abilities), while receiving reduced damage from Water Type attacks. This makes Grass Type Pokemon the most efficient option to take down most Water Type Pokemon, though players should be aware of tricks their opponents may have, such as Ice or Poison Type attacks—which, unfortunately for Grass Type Pokemon, are quite common among Water Types. Regardless, Pokemon like Sceptile, Lilligant, Trevanant, Tapu Bulu, and Ogerpon are great choices to face Water Types head-on, though should be accompanied by sufficient support. Players can also look for moves like Solar Beam, Energy Ball, and Trailblaze, which many non-Grass Type Pokemon can learn.
Electric
Much like in real life, electricity does not mix well with water in the Pokemon series. Electric Type Pokemon including Thundurus, Iron Hands, Tapu Koko, and Raging Bolt continue to spark conversation within the competitive community for their strengths—one of those being how quickly they can fell nearly any Water Type Pokemon. Electric Type attacks like Thunderbolt and Volt Switch often appear in the arsenals of non-Electric Type Pokemon as well, creating even more opportunities for players to catch their opponents off-guard.
Harsh Sunlight
The Water Type is one of several types that struggles immensely in battle when the conditions aren't in their favor. When harsh sunlight is on the field, which can be created through the use of the move Sunny Day or automatically summoned with the Ability Drought, not only will Fire Type attacks have their power boosted, but Water Type attacks will have their power halved.
Freeze-Dry
Interestingly, there is one Ice Type attack that deviates from the standard type chart and should be utilized against Water Type Pokemon whenever possible: Freeze-Dry. This attack, first introduced in Pokemon X and Y, deals super-effective damage to Water Type Pokemon rather than reduced damage that Ice Type attacks normally do. No other attack in the series can pull off this feat normally, making it a bizarre yet unique case that can give players a further edge in battle.
Pokemon Water Type Strengths
Fortunately, where Water Type Pokemon may struggle, they can topple some of the strongest Pokemon within the series with not only super-effective damage, but maneuvers that will force opponents to answer accordingly or be washed away.
Water Type attacks will deal significant damage against Fire, Rock, and Ground Type Pokemon, which are rather common primary or secondary types among powerful Pokemon. Some of the most common attacks players use to take down these Pokemon in casual playthroughs are Surf, Aqua Tail, and Hydro Pump, while competitive players look to other moves with secondary or supportive effects, such as Scald, Waterfall, and Aqua Jet.
The power of Water Type Pokemon and attacks can be boosted even further if they battle within the rain, which can be summoned with Rain Dance or the Ability Drizzle. While this weather effect persists, Water Type attacks from both sides of the field will deal increased damage. Though rain will normally only exist for five turns and then subside, players can extend its duration if their Pokemon holds the Damp Rock item.
Like with other weather and terrain effects, certain moves and Abilities synergize with rain and unlock even more potential within Pokemon. For example, the Flying Type attack Hurricane and Electric Type Attack Thunder will be guaranteed to make contact with opponents under rainy conditions. The Abilities Dry Skin, Hydration, Rain Dish, and Swift Swim will also activate while rain persists, providing additional assistance to Pokemon such as healing at the end of every turn or doubled speed.
Best Water Type Pokemon in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
Regardless of the situation, Water Type Pokemon are almost always viable options as team members in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, not only fairing well against a number of the most elite trainers that players will stumble upon, but a fair amount of pesky Pokemon encounters as well.
With the Paldea region being entirely surrounded by water, there are Water Type Pokemon inhabiting almost every area of the region. Scarlet and Violet introduced a number of new Water Type Pokemon into the series that became instant favorites among fans, whether that be due to their resemblance to other Pokemon like Wiglett and Wugtrio, or the unorthodox appearances they take—looking at you, Finizen and Palafin.
Fortunately, with the complete release of The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC, nearly all of the strongest Water Type Pokemon from the series are now obtainable in the Paldea region either normally or via transfer through Pokemon HOME, as well as a few new Water Types that quickly became meta-defining in the competitive scene.
These are the Water Type Pokemon that boast the highest Attack and Special Attack stats in these Nintendo Switch titles.
- Palafin (Hero Form) (160 base Attack)
- Palkia and Origin Forme Palkia (150 base Special Attack)
- Kyogre (150 base Special Attack)
- Urshifu (Rapid Strike Form) (130 base Attack)
- Volcanion (130 base Special Attack)
Best Water Type Pokemon in Pokemon GO
Meanwhile in Pokemon GO, new and existing Water Type Pokemon gain more ways to succeed in battles and Raids all the time thanks to inconsistent updates to their movepools.
As always, a number of the strongest Water Type Pokemon in the mobile title are either Legendary or Mythical Pokemon, meaning that, outside of specific event or Raid periods, players will not be able to obtain them. Yet this shouldn't stop players from investing in other Water Type Pokemon they have in their collection, as whether it be in Raids or PvP, Water Type Pokemon continue to be useful in countering a number of commonly-seen opponents.
Here are the five Pokemon in Pokemon GO with the highest-possible Combat Power (CP) values, which factors in perfect IVs and Candy XLs, among other things. This list will only include forms that these Pokemon can take permanently, not Mega Evolutions or Primal Reversions.
- Kyogre (5,624 max CP)
- Palkia and Palkia Origin Forme (5,262 max CP)
- Gyarados (3,798 max CP)
- Vaporeon (3,655 max CP)
- Primarina (3,583 max CP)
