Hey there, fellow Pokémon trainers! Let's dive deep – pun intended – into the wonderful world of Water-type starter Pokémon. These aquatic allies are often the first companions we choose on our epic journeys, and some definitely make bigger splashes than others. So, which Water starter reigns supreme? Let's break it down and rank some of the very best, exploring what makes them so awesome and why they might just be the perfect pick for your next adventure. Ready to make a splash? Let's get started!

Why Choose a Water Starter?

Before we even start ranking, let's talk about why choosing a Water-type starter is a solid strategy. First off, Water is a fantastic type offensively. It's super effective against common types like Fire, Ground, and Rock. That means early gym battles and tough opponents often become a lot easier with a Water-type by your side. Think about those pesky Rock-type Gym Leaders that are always there to gatekeep your progress – a Water starter laughs in their face!

Defensively, Water is also pretty good. It only has two weaknesses: Electric and Grass. While those can be tricky, they're far less common early on than the types Water resists, like Steel, Fire, Water, and Ice. This makes a Water-type Pokémon a reliable tank, able to take a beating while dishing out some serious damage. Plus, many Water-type Pokémon have access to powerful moves like Surf, Hydro Pump, and Scald, making them forces to be reckoned with in both the main game and competitive battling.

Beyond the strategic advantages, there's also the sheer coolness factor. Who doesn't love a Pokémon that can control water? From adorable little tadpoles to majestic sea serpents, Water-types have some of the most creative and visually appealing designs in the entire franchise. A well-designed Water starter can be a source of pride and joy throughout your entire playthrough, making the experience even more memorable.

Top Water Starter Pokemon

Alright, now for the main event! Let's get into the rankings of some of the best Water starter Pokémon, based on a mix of factors including their stats, movepools, design, and overall impact on the game. Keep in mind this is all subjective, so feel free to disagree and let me know your own favorites!

1. Greninja (Froakie Line)

Come on, you knew this was coming! Greninja isn't just a great Water starter; it's one of the most popular Pokémon ever. And for good reason! This ninja frog is sleek, powerful, and has a killer design that appeals to so many trainers. Froakie is undeniably adorable, Frogadier is the awkward teenager phase done right, and Greninja is the ultimate evolution: a smooth, stealthy assassin with water powers. Ash-Greninja? Chef's kiss.

Stat-wise, Greninja excels in Speed and Special Attack, making it a blazing-fast special sweeper. Its Protean ability, which changes its type to the type of the move it's using, is insanely versatile. This allows Greninja to hit opponents with super-effective damage almost every time, making it a nightmare to deal with in competitive battles. The only downside is that Protean was nerfed in recent generations, so it's not quite as broken as it used to be. Still, Greninja remains a top-tier threat.

In terms of movepool, Greninja has access to a wide variety of powerful moves, including Hydro Pump, Ice Beam, Dark Pulse, and even coverage moves like U-Turn and Gunk Shot. This makes it incredibly adaptable to different team compositions and battle strategies. Whether you want to use it as a fast special attacker, a physical sweeper, or even a mixed attacker, Greninja can do it all. Plus, its signature move, Water Shuriken, is a priority move that allows it to pick off weakened opponents before they can even move.

Beyond its competitive prowess, Greninja also plays a significant role in the Pokémon anime. As Ash's Greninja, it formed a deep bond with the protagonist and showcased the power of friendship and determination. This cemented Greninja's place in Pokémon history and made it a fan favorite for years to come. If you're looking for a Water starter that's both powerful and iconic, Greninja is the perfect choice.

2. Swampert (Mudkip Line)

Swampert is the definition of a tank. This Water/Ground-type Pokémon is bulky, powerful, and has excellent coverage, making it a fantastic choice for both the main game and competitive battles. Mudkip is undeniably cute, Marshtomp is a solid middle stage, and Swampert is a beast. Its mega evolution is even more imposing, with massive arms and a powerful presence.

Stat-wise, Swampert boasts high Attack and HP, with decent Special Attack and Defense. This makes it a well-rounded Pokémon that can take a hit and dish out some serious damage. Its typing gives it a unique advantage, as it's immune to Electric-type moves, which are a common threat to Water-types. However, it also has a glaring weakness to Grass-type moves, so you'll need to be careful when facing those opponents.

In terms of movepool, Swampert has access to a wide variety of powerful moves, including Earthquake, Waterfall, Stone Edge, and Ice Punch. This allows it to hit a wide range of opponents for super-effective damage. Its ability, Torrent, boosts the power of its Water-type moves when its HP is low, making it an even more dangerous threat. Mega Swampert's ability, Swift Swim, doubles its Speed in rain, turning it into a terrifyingly fast sweeper.

Swampert is also a popular choice for playthroughs, as it can easily sweep through many of the early gyms and Elite Four members. Its Ground typing is particularly useful against Electric-type trainers, and its Water typing gives it an advantage against Fire-type trainers. With its combination of power, bulk, and coverage, Swampert is a reliable and consistent Water starter that will carry you through thick and thin.

3. Blastoise (Squirtle Line)

The OG Water starter! Blastoise is a classic for a reason. This turtle Pokémon is known for its iconic cannons and its sturdy defenses. Squirtle is undeniably adorable, Wartortle is a cool middle stage, and Blastoise is a tank. Its mega evolution is even more impressive, with massive cannons on its back that can blast through anything.

Stat-wise, Blastoise boasts high Defense and Special Defense, with decent Attack and Special Attack. This makes it a resilient Pokémon that can take a beating and still dish out some damage. Its ability, Torrent, boosts the power of its Water-type moves when its HP is low, making it a dangerous threat. Mega Blastoise's ability, Mega Launcher, boosts the power of its pulse-based moves, such as Water Pulse and Dark Pulse.

In terms of movepool, Blastoise has access to a wide variety of powerful moves, including Hydro Pump, Ice Beam, Earthquake, and Rapid Spin. This allows it to hit a wide range of opponents for super-effective damage. Its signature move, Hydro Cannon, is a powerful Water-type move that can deal massive damage, but it requires a recharge turn.

Blastoise is also a popular choice for playthroughs, as it can easily take on many of the early gyms and Elite Four members. Its Water typing is particularly useful against Fire-type trainers, and its access to moves like Ice Beam gives it an advantage against Grass-type trainers. With its combination of bulk, power, and coverage, Blastoise is a reliable and consistent Water starter that will always have a special place in the hearts of Pokémon fans.

4. Empoleon (Piplup Line)

Empoleon, the Water/Steel-type starter, brings a unique twist to the table! This regal penguin Pokémon boasts a sophisticated design and a powerful presence. Piplup is undeniably cute, Prinplup is a classy middle stage, and Empoleon is the emperor of the sea. Its typing gives it a unique set of resistances, making it a formidable opponent.

Stat-wise, Empoleon excels in Special Attack and Special Defense, with decent Attack and Defense. This makes it a bulky special attacker that can take a hit and dish out some serious damage. Its typing gives it a unique advantage, as it resists a whopping ten types, including Dragon, Fairy, and Ice. However, it also has a weakness to Fighting, Ground, and Electric-type moves, so you'll need to be careful when facing those opponents.

In terms of movepool, Empoleon has access to a wide variety of powerful moves, including Hydro Pump, Flash Cannon, Ice Beam, and Drill Peck. This allows it to hit a wide range of opponents for super-effective damage. Its ability, Torrent, boosts the power of its Water-type moves when its HP is low, making it an even more dangerous threat.

Empoleon is also a popular choice for playthroughs, as it can easily take on many of the early gyms and Elite Four members. Its Steel typing is particularly useful against Fairy-type trainers, and its Water typing gives it an advantage against Fire-type trainers. With its combination of bulk, power, and coverage, Empoleon is a reliable and consistent Water starter that will always have a special place in the hearts of Pokémon fans.

Honorable Mentions

Of course, there are other fantastic Water starter Pokémon that deserve a shout-out:

• Samurott (Oshawott Line): This samurai-inspired Pokémon is a powerful attacker with a unique design.
• Inteleon (Sobble Line): This secret agent Pokémon is a fast special attacker with a sleek and modern design.
• Primarina (Popplio Line): This beautiful siren Pokémon is a powerful special attacker with a unique typing (Water/Fairy).

Final Thoughts

Choosing a Water starter Pokémon is a big decision, as it will be your companion throughout your journey. Each of these Pokémon brings something unique to the table, so it's important to choose one that fits your playstyle and preferences. Whether you prefer a fast and agile attacker like Greninja, a bulky tank like Swampert, or a versatile all-rounder like Blastoise, there's a Water starter out there for you. So, go out there and catch 'em all!