Best Water-type Pokemon in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

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Water is one of the most versatile types in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, with plenty of different species to choose from, and some interesting type combinations. There’s also a huge number of them around, so knowing which ones are worth using and which ones aren’t can be tough if you’re not familiar with some of them. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the best Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Water-types.

Top 10 best Water-types in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

Here is our list of the 10 best Water Types in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet:

  1. Palafin
  2. Quaquaval
  3. Gyarados
  4. Vaporeon
  5. Veluza
  6. Gastrodon
  7. Dondozo
  8. Slowbro
  9. Wugtrio
  10. Aqua-breed Tauros

10. Aqua Breed Tauros

Tauros has been a powerful Pokemon since all the way back in Generation I, but this time Tauros has been changed and comes in a cool charcoal black colour with three different variations including a Water Type. Even though the Paldean version loses a bit of Speed, this version makes up for it by having increased Attack and Defense stats.

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Paldean Aqua Tauros is a physical attack powerhouse that we can use in technical ways to deal severe damage to its opponents. Most physical attacks it learns are a dual-edged sword, but when they work well, they sweep. The power of Tauros coupled with either Intimidate, a remarkable ability to get the upper hand in challenging battles, or Anger Point, which might be a bit rare to activate. Still, when it does, it’s impressive to witness. Tauros Aqua is an excellent pick for your journey across the region.

Tauros Aqua Abilities

  • Anger Point
  • Cud Chew
  • Intimidate

Tauros Aqua Stats

StatTauros
HP75
Attack110
Defense105
Special Attack30
Special Defense70
Speed100
Sub Total490


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9. Wugtrio

Wugtrio looks suspiciously similar to Dugtrio. Captured by VideoGamer

Wugtrio, at first glance, seems like the Paldean variation of Dugtrio, but surprisingly it’s not; it is part of the new convergent evolutions of Pokémon. This means that certain Pokémon adapted to various conditions similar to other Pokémon. Still, they are inherently different, even though they display many similarities. It seems weak and goofy, but Wugtrio can come in handy when the moment needs him to be. Even though it doesn’t have the best abilities, Wugtrio is still capable.

It has low basic stats, mainly HP and Defense, but he makes up for it in Speed and Attack. This Pokémon can pack a quick punch since it can learn priority moves like Sucker Punch. The excellent speed stat keeps it up on this list, and even though its way of battling is hit or miss, it’s still a fun addition to the Pokémon roster.

Wugtrio Abilities

  • Gooey
  • Rattled
  • Sand Veil

Wugtrio Stats

StatWugtrio
HP35
Attack100
Defense50
Special Attack50
Special Defense70
Speed120
Sub Total425

8. Slowbro

A water and psychic Pokémon that’s reliable enough to take a few hits and strong enough to dish them out. Slowbro is extremely slow, as its name suggests. Still, you can use its Special Attack and Defensive stats to create a sustainable Pokémon. The best way to use Slowbro is by going slow and steady for an attack that would take the opponent by surprise.

Slowbro is best utilised with the Regenerator ability that allows it to restore its health. By giving this Psychic/Water-type Pokémon Future sight and teleport, you can use him to the max by supporting your team and dealing damage. This bulky heavy hitter can’t be trounced since it learns moves like Slack Off, which are devastating in long battles. The player should focus all of his moves on Special Attack, and even though the play might be technical, Slowbro is a great Pokémon to have on your team.

Slowbro Abilities

  • Oblivious
  • Own Tempo
  • Regenerator

Slowbro Stats

StatsSlowbro
HP95
Attack75
Defense110
Special Attack100
Special Defense80
Speed30
Sub Total390

7. Dondozo

One of the newest additions to the Pokémon roster, maybe one of the best ones for the competitive scene, but there is a catch. Before that, Dondozo is a bulky damage sponge that could also take hits and deal with them. With low Speed, Special Attack, and Defense, Dondozo can still last a while in battle and truly take on the opponent since Dondozo has the Unaware ability, which would allow it to ignore all of its stat buffs in battle. The smart way to utilize it would be playing into its Attack stat, but that’s not the best way.

What makes this Pokémon truly shine are double battles and its combination with Tatsugiri, whose commander ability makes it unable to be involved in the battle. Still, Dondozo’s stats get a +2 which increases the Special Attack and Defense. This makes Dondozo a powerhouse able to take out entire teams. You should create its move set for double battles, and even though it’s fascinating, it caters to this specific niche which is why it’s lower on the list.

Dondozo Abilities

  • Oblivious
  • Unaware
  • Water Veil

Dondozo Stats

StatsDondozo
HP150
Attack100
Defense115
Special Attack65
Special Defense65
Speed35
Sub Total530

6. Gastrodon

Gastrodon excels in a defensive role. Captured by VideoGamer

The Water/Ground-type combo that we believe is a powerhouse on its own; this is another defensive Water-type Pokémon. Despite its slow speed, Gastrodon is well-balanced until a Grass-type Pokémon appears on the field. That doesn’t stop this great Pokémon from being practical, and it can be the defensive pillar your team needs with ease.

So how can Gastrodon manage, by an intelligent move set that would be effective? Ice Beam to deal with the straight attacks or sweepers and toxic to keep the opponents’ team on their toes. Having Storm Drain also helps Gastrodon since water type Pokémon are almost rendered immobile against it. Despite the threats it faces, Gastrodon can hold its own in battles, making it a great addition to the list.

Gastrodon Abilities

  • Sand Force
  • Sticky Hold
  • Storm Drain

Gastrodon Stats

StatsGastrodon
HP111
Attack83
Defense68
Special Attack92
Special Defense82
Speed39
Sub Total475

5. Veluza

A good Water-type physical attacker should be dealt with immediately; otherwise, its presence can be deadly. Veluza is a great Pokémon focusing on STAB moves. Its impressive Attack stat sets it apart from the rest, and decent speed helps it maintain its position. The builds used with Veluza can be made very effective with Sharpness, increasing its power.

Using moves like Aqua Cutter and Psycho Cut immediately becomes super effective in combat. Due to its typing, its broad coverage helps it stay on the list. Veluza is a cool Pokémon that can be utilized in fun and unique ways.

Veluza Abilities

  • Mold Breaker
  • Sharpness

Veluza Stats

StatsVeluza
HP90
Attack102
Defense73
Special Attack78
Special Defense65
Speed70
Sub Total478

4. Vaporeon

An all-time favourite Eeveelution that we love and adore, Vaporeon is a capable Pokémon and an excellent Water-type to add to your list. A fantastic all-rounder that can be utilized in many ways, Vaporeon boasts great stats and capable attacking abilities to be relevant in all battles. Water Absorb also allows it to stand against Water-type Pokémon.

Using Vaporeon as a reliable wall would prove effective; using its defensive stats and teaching it moves like Toxic and Wish helps to always deal severe damage to the opponent and keep your team safe. There are many ways Vaporeon can be utilized, and that’s what makes it such a desirable Water-type Pokémon.

Vaporeon Abilities

  • Hydration
  • Water Absorb

Vaporeon Stats

StatsVaporeon
HP130
Attack65
Defense60
Special Attack110
Special Defense95
Speed65
Sub Total525

3. Gyarados

One of the most prominently used Water-type Pokémon out there and for good reason, this terrifying powerhouse can sweep entire teams in minutes. Boasting impressive stats, well-balanced moves, and excellent coverage, Gyarados is a Pokémon that is highly recommended to keep on your team. Even its abilities are fantastic, with Intimidate lowering an opponent’s power and Moxie overtaking everything once Gyarados starts going.

Gyarados can sweep and use it; you need to focus on Physical attacks and make use of its Attack stat. Dragon Dance is a must-have for Gyarados, which, if set up, creates an even tougher attacker. As it downs opponents, it keeps getting stronger, and that’s why it’s one of the best and most consistent Water-type Pokémon to have on your team.

Gyarados Abilities        

  • Intimidate
  • Moxie

Gyarados Stats

StatsGyarados
HP95
Attack125
Defense79
Special Attack60
Special Defense100
Speed81
Sub Total540

2. Quaquaval

Quaquaval can deal with enemies that appear stronger on paper. Captured by VideoGamer

A remarkable evolution to the fun and cute starter, Quaxly, Quaquaval is an excellent addition to the well-balanced team that hits hard. Quaquaval is fast, and its Fighting typing helps it land a rush of attacks; even though it doesn’t work that well with defense, its unique move, Quick Step, does help add to its speed and defeat its opponents with efficiency.

Quaquaval follows the “hit hard and hit fast” motto. The best way to go with it would be using physical moves to take advantage of its Attack stat and teach it Swords Dance to make it even more viable in battle. Using this Pokémon is fun and an incredible journey, making it a fantastic choice for your team.

Quaquaval Abilities

  • Moxie
  • Torrent

Quaquaval Stats

StatsQuaquaval
HP85
Attack120
Defense80
Special Attack85
Special Defense75
Speed85
Sub Total530

1. Palafin

best water pokemon Palafin zero to hero
Palafin is among the strongest Water-types. Captured by VideoGamer

A good Pokémon with average stats and decisive moves, Palafin is an excellent addition to the Pokémon roster, but that’s not the only reason why it’s on this list. Palafin’s unique ability, Zero to Hero, which allows it to change into its Hero form, pushes it to the top of our list. A form that boasts impressive stats, excellent speed, and capabilities to become a sweeping powerhouse with great defense, but there is a catch.

Playing with Palafin can be very technical since activating this ability requires this Pokémon to be switched out and then put back into the battle. You could always teach it the move Flip Turn, which automatically switches it with another Pokémon of your choosing from your party and make use of the momentum. Palafin is a fun and quirky addition that can either be amazing or very ordinary; adding to that, its unique move, Jet Punch, is also a sight to behold, a Water-type priority move that quickly takes the cake. This particular Pokemon is fun, cute, and dangerous, which is why it reached the top of our list.

Palafin Abilities          

  • Zero to Hero

Palafin Base Form Stats

StatsPalafin base form
HP100
Attack70
Defense72
Special Attack53
Special Defense62
Speed100
Sub Total457

Palafin Hero Form Stats

StatsPaladin Hero form
HP100
Attack160
Defense97
Special Attack106
Special Defense87
Speed100
Sub Total650

Who is the best Water-type Pokemon in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet?

Though an array of Pokemon above have displayed that they deservedly should be placed in this list for best Water Pokemon, Palafin is by far the most versatile out of the crop. With the ability to switch Pokemon and use its momentum, it’s an excellent Pokemon to have in your array and acts as a good safeguard when battling other Pokemon in the arena which adds technical complexity to the Pokemon. Alongside strong base stats – Palafin is definitely the best Water-type Pokemon (as of yet!) in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.

Now that you know the best water-type Pokemon in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, you should check out the best Dragon-type Pokemon. Be sure to give your Pokemon plenty of Vitamins so you can enhance their abilities. And while you’re here, take a look at some of the Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s best Poison-type Pokemon and the best Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Psychic Type Pokemon.

About the Author

Si Yan

Si Yan is an editor on Videogamer.com, researching interesting topics, working with a team for content creation and then editing onto site. Game wise Si Yan loves Pokémon and Super Mario.

Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

  • Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
  • Genre(s): RPG
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