Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet are finally here, with Generation IX's first games introducing the region of Paldea, based on the Iberian Peninsula. The games feature many new Pokémon, and some are sure to become fan-favorites, especially those of the popular Water-type.
As the most common type in the franchise, Water already has noteworthy representatives, and some of the all-time best Pokémon are Water-types. A few of Gen IX's additions are good enough to stand among the most famous and beloved Water-types, whether because of their designs, stats or overall prominence in the games.
10 Quaquaval
Starters' final evolutions are a controversial topic in the fandom. Many complain about their humanoid appearance, with some declaring them "furry bait." Quaquaval fits this description, and while it might not be everyone's cup of tea, it is certainly a worthy Pokémon.
Ququaval's unique design draws inspiration from carnival dancers, incorporating dance motifs in its movements and attacks. Not every Pokémon can be as stylish or have as much flair as Quaquaval, but its strengths go beyond the design stage. Like other Starters, it has a 530 Stat Total, leaning heavily in Physical Attack. Its signature move, Aqua Step, is beautifully animated, adding to Quaquaval's considerable panache.
9 Wiglett
Since their debut in Gen VI, regional forms have been one of Pokémon's best gimmicks. They rescue old or forsaken Pokémon from oblivion by giving them an edge and making them cooler. Wiglett might look like a regional form of Diglett, but it's a separate species that happens to have overwhelming similarities with the Kantonian Ground-type.
Wiglett's stats are OK for an initial stage, but they have a terrible balance, making it a competitive liability. Still, its evolution is much more interesting, and its design is curious enough to be memorable, making it one of Paldea's quirkiest Pokémon.
8 Iron Bundle
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Delibird was never one of the all-time best Normal-type Pokémon. In fact, it was among the worst creations in the franchise's long history. Weak and uninspired, this Santa Claus ripoff was few players' first choice. Paldea gives Delibird's reputation a much-needed boost with Iron Bundle, a futuristic version that elevates its standing.
Iron Bundle is not Delibird's evolution, but the two share similarities. Design-wise, Iron Bundle is a metallic Delibird, but its stats are considerably stronger. Iron Bundle has a total of 570, dwarfing Delibird's weak 330. Now a dual Ice/Water-type, Iron Bundle makes up for its four weaknesses with a massive Speed and Special Attack combo that will hit enemies hard and fast.
7 Finizen
Incredibly, it took this long for a dolphin Pokémon to debut in the franchise, but Finizen is worth the wait. This cute Water-type lives up to its real-life inspiration with a charming personality that makes it instantly memorable.
Stat-wise, Finizen is good for an initial stage, with noteworthy HP and Speed stats. It has a limited move pool, but things improve upon evolving. It has a gimmick evolution, turning into Palafin at 38 while in the Union Circle. As far as gimmicky evolutions go, it's not so bad.
6 Wugtrio
Thank goodness it's cute, because Wugtrio doesn't have much going on for it otherwise. Evolving from Wiglett starting at level 26, Wugtrio is Dugtrio's Paldean pure Water-type cousin.
Wugtrio's charm relies entirely on its unique design that makes it stand out among a sea of fish-like Water-types. It looks striking and memorable, a one-of-a-kind creature in a type long criticized for uninspired designs. Wugtrio's stats are disappointing, although its remarkably high 120 Speed stat might make it a surprising choice for some Trainers looking for a challenge.
5 Veluza
Weird-looking fish are a staple of the franchise. Some of the ugliest Water-types in Pokémon resemble deep-dwelling creatures that would scare anyone with eyes. Veluza is Pokémon Scarlet & Violet's resident uggo fish, and it's a worthy addition to the ugly Water-types pantheon.
With a Stat Total of 478, Veluza is an above-average single-stage Pokémon. Physical Attack is its main strength, which helps, considering most of its natural move pool consists of Physical Attacks. Its dual Water/Psychic combo leaves it vulnerable to five types, which isn't ideal, but it also makes it resist six types, including the overpowered steel.
4 Dondozo
The second catfish-like Pokémon in the franchise after the overlooked Whiscash, Dondozo is yet another single-stage Water-type Pokémon. It is also a pure Water-type, which might make it forgettable in most circumstances. However, Dondozo works alongside Tatsugiri in double battles, with its signature move complementing Tatsugiri's signature ability.
Aside from its partnership with Tatsugiri, Dondozo has a remarkable Stat Total of 530. Its massive 150 HP stat makes it one of Paldea's bulkiest tanks, which is great, considering its pitiful 35 Speed. Dondozo might not be great for a playthrough, but it will certainly make a splash on the competitive scene.
3 Tatsugiri
Yet another single-stage Water-type in Paldea, Tatsugiri is a gimmicky Pókémon if ever there was one. It has three forms, each a different color, although there are no significant differences in stats or performance. Tatsugiri works in tandem with Dondozo in double battles, with its signature ability complementing Dondozo's signature move.
Depending on how Trainers use it, Tatsugiri's signature ability can be one of the worst in Pokémon. It only works alongside Dondozo. Without the right partner, the ability will be less than worthless. Still, Tatsugiri has a decent 475 Stat Total with remarkably high Special Attack, meaning it will do good for itself, even without a Dondozo on the field.
2 Palafin
Gimmicky abilities are a standard in Pokémon, and they reappear in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet with Palafin. Evolving from Finizen starting at level 38, Palafin can transform into its Hero Form thanks to its signature ability, the aptly named Zero to Hero.
In its average form, Palafin has an underwhelming 457 Stat Total. However, its Hero Form provides a considerable boost, increasing its Stat Total to a whopping 650, putting it on par with Mega Evolutions and even some Legendary Pokémon. With an emphasis on Physical Attack and Speed and a signature move that makes the most out of these two stats, Palafin is one of Paldea's best new arrivals.
1 Quaxly
Starter Pokémon are often the best part of a new generation, and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet didn't disappoint with their initial trio. The duck Pokémon Quaxly is everything a Starter should be: cute, memorable and capable. Above all, it has a unique and haughty personality that makes it stand above Sprigatito and Fuecoco.
Quaxly's evolutions are more divisive than the initial stage, but that isn't enough to make this blue duck any less iconic. Other than Quaxly's outstanding design, it has only OK stats, but players don't care about stats of a Starter's initial form anyway, and Quaxly is a star.