Every Water-type Starter Pokemon in the Anime, Ranked

For many years, up through the seventh generation of Pokémon games, having a Water-type Pokémon was essential. Players needed moves like Surf, Dive, and Waterfall to get through the game. While newer games don’t require it, many players still like to include a Water-type on their team.

Water-type Pokémon are often a popular choice for new trainers, especially the starter Pokémon like Swampert and Feraligatr. Since Blastoise first appeared, many trainers in both the games and the anime have relied on Water-types as their strongest Pokémon. While each fully evolved Water-type starter gets its moment in the spotlight, some become more well-known and memorable than others.

Quaquaval Is Renowned for Its Dancing

The Dancer Pokémon Can Use Powerful Kicking Moves

Quaxly is the newest Water-type starter Pokémon, originating from the Paldea region. The Pokédex reveals it comes from somewhere else and is very concerned with how it looks. When Quaxly evolves into Quaxwell, it continues to groom itself, but dedicates even more time to practicing both dancing and fighting. Finally, Quaquaval, the fully evolved form, showcases all of Quaxly’s hard work. Through dedicated training, this Water/Fighting-type Pokémon uses its graceful dance moves to perform stunning kicks in battle.

In Pokémon Horizons: The Series, Dot’s Quaxly has evolved into a Quaxwell, but hasn’t yet become a Quaquaval. Currently, the main focus for the Quaquaval evolution line is Yūto, who eventually trains a strong Amarouge. With Skeledirge and Meowscarada already appearing in the series, it seems likely that Quaquaval will have a significant role to play soon.

Feraligatr’s Jaws Are a Force To Be Reckoned With

A Popular Starter From the Johto Region

Totodile is a cute and lively Pokémon often chosen by new Trainers, but experienced Trainers should be cautious. Totodile loves to bite things with its powerful jaws, and those jaws only get stronger as it evolves into Croconaw and then Feraligatr. As the Big Jaw Pokémon, Feraligatr likes to display its sharp teeth to scare opponents. While generally slow-moving, Feraligatr can suddenly speed up and charge at enemies, particularly when in the water, taking them by surprise.

Ash’s Totodile never evolved into Croconaw or Feraligatr during his journey. As a result, Feraligatr’s most significant appearance in the anime is in Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl. Previously, Marina, the anime version of the character Kris from Pokémon Crystal, owned a Totodile. By the time she reached the Sinnoh region, her Totodile, nicknamed Wani-Wani, had evolved into a powerful Feraligatr. Wani-Wani is a skilled battler and Contest Pokémon, demonstrating both speed and powerful moves like Aqua Tail.

Samurott Works With a Unique Sword Art

The Formidable Pokémon Is a Strict Leader

Oshawott has been a beloved starter Pokémon ever since it first appeared in Pokémon Black and White. It’s easily recognized by the scalchop—a shell-like blade—that’s attached to its chest. Oshawott continues to improve its battle skills as it evolves into Dewott and then Samurott. Samurott is a particularly strong and focused fighter, and it’s a strict leader who won’t hesitate to discipline those under its command.

Cameron, one of Ash’s opponents in the Unova region, is famous for his Lucario, but he also travels with a very strong female Samurott. This Samurott is particularly effective in battle, especially against Bianca’s Pokémon like Emboar and Escavalier. As a Samurott, she can use powerful attacks such as Megahorn, Hydro Pump, and Razor Shell.

Swampert’s Strength Has Brought It Fame

Mega Swampert Was Introduced in Generation VI

Image via the Pokémon Company

I’ve always been fascinated by Mudkip. From the moment it’s born, it uses the fin on its head to sense vibrations in the air – almost like a natural radar. As it evolves into Marshtomp and then Swampert, this ability gets even stronger, alongside its physical power. People say it’s an incredible swimmer, easily outpacing a jet ski, and strong enough to tow huge ships! But it really gets impressive when it Mega Evolves into Mega Swampert; its arm muscles become unbelievably powerful, taking its strength to a whole new level.

Brock, a well-known former friend of Ash, once trained a Mudkip that became a Marshtomp, but it never reached its final evolution into Swampert. Because of this, Swampert hasn’t been a major Pokémon in the series, despite being used by skilled Trainers. Besides Tommy and Morrison, the Water/Ground-type Pokémon has battled alongside Wallace, a famous Water-type expert. A Swampert belonging to May also appeared in the preview for Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire, demonstrating its power as Mega Swampert.

Inteleon Is Swift and Possesses a Keen Eye

The Water-type Is Also Able To Glide Through the Air

Sobble is a sweet but easily frightened Pokémon. When scared, it cries large tears that are surprisingly similar to onions, often making those around it cry too! Sobble might then use the distraction to run away. But as it evolves into Drizzile and finally Inteleon, it becomes a skilled and stealthy Pokémon, focusing on precise attacks, camouflage, and quick movements.

Inteleon sometimes tends to be a bit lazy, but it will always fight for a Trainer it’s close to. This is especially true for Goh’s Inteleon, which he’s raised from when it was a Sobble. Since evolving, Goh’s Inteleon has become one of his strongest Pokémon, known for its sharp senses and skillful dodging. Notably, Leon also uses an Inteleon in battle, as seen during his fight against Ash’s Gengar in the Masters Eight Tournament finals.

Empoleon Will Fiercely Guard Its Home in the Wild

The Emperor Pokémon Is Known for Its Speed

The original Pokémon starters from regions like Kanto and Hoenn are still loved by many fans, but the Sinnoh starters are also incredibly popular. Piplup, the cute penguin Pokémon, often stands out as a favorite. Piplup and its evolutions are known for being proud and wanting to do things on their own, which can make it a bit challenging to train at first. It doesn’t immediately take to teamwork with its Trainer. But with patience, Piplup becomes a truly loyal and powerful partner.

Dawn is famous for having a Piplup, but her rival Barry owns an Empoleon. Despite sometimes being frustrated by Barry’s energetic personality, Empoleon is a steadfast friend. Thanks to its impressive battle skills, Empoleon helped Barry win most of his Gym Badges. Like other Empoleon, it can use powerful moves like Hydro Pump, Metal Claw, and Drill Peck.

Primarina Coined the Sparkling Aria Attack

A Compassionate Pokémon That Loves To Sing

While Rowlet and Litten often get more attention, Popplio is still a fantastic Pokémon to start your journey with. This cute and playful Pokémon loves being the star and puts a lot of effort into making impressive water bubbles. As Popplio evolves into Brionne and then Primarina, it becomes much better at using its Water-type attacks. Primarina, known as the Soloist Pokémon, is famous for its special move, Sparkling Aria, which is based on a beautiful song that has been passed down through generations of its kind.

Lana, a friend of Ash from the Alola region, has a Primarina that’s become quite famous. Lana rescued Primarina when it was a Popplio and was attacked by Team Skull, and she decided to care for it ever since. Popplio grew into a powerful Pokémon, especially after evolving into Primarina. It even evolved from Brionne during a battle to protect Lana while she fought against the Legendary Pokémon Kyogre.

Blastoise’s Water Jets Are Powerful Enough To Destroy Concrete

The Shellfish Pokémon Can Also Mega Evolve and Gigantamax

Squirtle is one of the most well-known starter Pokémon, just like Charmander and Bulbasaur. It gained a lot of popularity through the original Pokémon anime, particularly because of the memorable Squirtle Squad. The leader of this fun group eventually joined Ash’s team and, despite not evolving, became a key member. Of course, Squirtle’s final evolved form, Blastoise, is also a powerful and respected Pokémon with a great history.

Blastoise has the ability to Mega Evolve, as demonstrated by Pokémon owned by characters like Green and Tierno. However, the most famous Blastoise belong to the animated versions of Blue Oak, particularly Gary Oak. His Blastoise has been a loyal companion, even after he chose to become a Pokémon Researcher instead of a traditional Trainer. Additionally, in the Pokémon Origins and Pokémon Generations series, both versions of Blue rely on a powerful and difficult-to-defeat Blastoise as their strongest Pokémon.

Only Greninja Can Work With the Bond Phenomenon

The Rise and Fall of Ash-Greninja

Throughout his adventures, Ash has been joined by incredible Pokémon like Charizard and Infernape. More recently, his bond with Greninja stands out as particularly special. Greninja started as a lonely Froakie, abandoned by its group and determined to improve its abilities on its own. Meeting Ash and Pikachu helped it learn to trust others again. Their connection grew stronger as Froakie evolved into Frogadier and finally, the powerful Greninja.

This Greninja is unique – it’s the only Pokémon known to have experienced the special connection called the Bond Phenomenon. At first, it and its trainer, Ash, had trouble controlling this ability. But through teamwork and building trust, they learned to harness its power, which proved crucial during Team Flare’s attempt to take over the Kalos region. Now, Greninja lives freely in the Kalos wilderness, using its abilities to protect its home. Interestingly, no other Pokémon have displayed the Bond Phenomenon since Ash and Greninja, despite its significance in the anime.

2026-01-24 01:36