In the Pokémon series, Water-type starters (typically the first in their generation’s trio) are reliable choices with strong defensive typing, good early-game utility, and diverse evolutions. I’ll rank the mainline ones from best to worst based on competitive viability (e.g., Smogon tiers, stats, movepool depth), overall franchise impact, and versatility in battles and story playthroughs. This is subjective but grounded in meta trends—e.g., higher ranks go to those with broader roles in OU tiers or unique niches.
Here’s the ranking (focusing on fully evolved forms for fairness):
Rank
Pokémon
Key Strengths
Key Weaknesses
1 .Swampert (Mudkip line, Gen 3)
Excellent mixed bulk (100 HP/110 Def/90 SpD) and typing (Water/Ground resists 10 types, immune to Electric).- High Attack (110) for physical sweeping with Earthquake/Waterfall; access to Stealth Rock and Yawn support.- Top-tier in competitive (often OU viable); iconic in lore and memes.
– 4x Grass weakness is exploitable; middling Speed (60) makes it setup bait.- Lacks priority moves, vulnerable to faster Grass/Dragon threats.
2. Greninja (Froakie line, Gen 6)
– Insane Speed (103 base) and versatility as a revenge killer; Protean/Battle Bond abilities swap types for STAB coverage.- Strong special attacking movepool (Hydro Pump, Dark Pulse, Ice Beam); excels in rain teams.- High competitive presence (Uber in some formats due to Ash-Greninja); agile playstyle fits modern metas.
– Frail defenses (72 HP/67 Def/71 SpD) mean it crumples to priority or strong hits.- Relies on ability for full potential; base 95 SpA is solid but outpaced by special walls.
3. Primarina (Popplio line, Gen 7)
– Exceptional special bulk (80 HP/74 Def/116 SpD) and SpA (126) for Calm Mind sweeping; Fairy/Water resists Dark/Dragon.- Liquid Voice ability turns sound moves (e.g., Hyper Voice) into Water STAB; great in fairy stall teams.- Unique singer theme adds flavor; viable in lower OU.
4. Blastoise (Squirtle line, Gen 1)
– Mega form adds huge bulk (135 HP/115 SpA) and Rapid Spin for hazard control; solid Water typing early on.- Versatile support (e.g., Flip Turn in later gens); cultural icon with strong nostalgia factor.- Good for beginners; holds up in remakes and side games.
– Mediocre base stats outside Mega (79 Atk/85 SpA/105 Speed); weak to Grass/Electric.- Outdated movepool in modern competitive; rarely above RU tier without Mega.
5. Empoleon (Piplup line, Gen 4)
– Tanky Steel/Water typing (90/100 Def/110 SpD) resists 11 types; great pivot with Defog and Roar.- Balanced offenses (86 Atk/111 SpA) support mixed sets; Torrent boosts clutch Water moves.- Strong in doubles and VGC; elegant design boosts popularity.
– Slow (60 Speed) and 2x Fighting/Electric weaknesses hurt switching.- Movepool is shallow on physical side, limiting wallbreaking without setup.
6. Feraligatr (Totodile line, Gen 2)
– High Attack (105) and decent bulk (85 HP/100 Def/83 SpD) for Crunch/Waterfall mixed attacking.- Sheer Force boosts powered moves; early evo access helps in Johto.- Underdog appeal; Mega potential in fan content. – Slow (78 Speed) and pure Water typing exposes neutrals; weak to Grass/Electric.-
7. Inteleon (Sobble line, Gen 8)
– Blazing Speed (120 base) for sniping with Snipe Shot (ignores redirection); Torrent for late-game power.- Sniper ability crit-fishes effectively; slim design fits stealthy role.- Niche in speed control teams; evolves quickly for early pressure.
– Paper-thin defenses (70 HP/65 Def/65 SpD) make it a glass cannon.- Shallow movepool beyond Water; base 125 SpA shines but lacks bulk to stay in.
8. Quaquaval (Quaxly line, Gen 9)
– Dancer ability copies ally dance moves for setup chains; strong physical Atk (120) with Aqua Step.- Water/Fighting typing adds coverage (Close Combat); decent Speed (85) for mid-game sweeps.- Fun performer theme; potential in doubles with ally synergy.
– Inconsistent typing (2x Flying, Grass, Electric); middling bulk (85 HP/65 Def/75 SpD).- Newer gen means less optimization; struggles in high-level singles without support.
9. Samurott (Oshawott line, Gen 5)
– Solid bulk (95 HP/85 Def/70 SpD) and Attack (100) for Aqua Jet priority; Sharp Beak Mega boosts power.- Decent coverage (Megahorn, Swords Dance); evolves into versatile mid-game carry.- Underrated in casual play; Hisuian form adds Dark typing for niche bulk.
– Pure Water typing leaves it neutral to too many threats; low Speed (70) and SpA (65) limit options.- Rarely sees competitive use (NU at best); outclassed by faster Waters.
