When the Pokémon franchise launched in North America in 1998, the series' first RPG Pokémon Red and Blue introduced the stater Pokémon mechanic. At the beginning of every Pokémon game, players are given a choice between a Fire, Water, and Grass-type starter. Despite the three choices offered in every title, the Water-type starters have become massively popular with many fans of the Nintendo series. From Johto to Galar, this franchise from Game Freak has seen a wide range of Water-type starter Pokémon with incredible designs.
The first Water-type starter to be introduced into the Pokémon series was Squirtle in the Kanto region. The blue turtle was many players' introduction to Water-types, as the starter was strong against Fire, Ground, and Rock-type Pokémon. Squirtle and its evolution line was particularly an excellent counter to Kanto Gym Leader Brock and his towering Rock-type Pokémon Onix. The Pokémon series has undergone massive changes since Generation 1 though, with the introduction of additional Pokémon types and new mechanics.
With Pokémon Scarlet and Violet announced to be released at the end of 2022, players will now have a total of nine Water-type starters to choose from. While each Pokémon in this category has its own unique design and spin on the Water element, some Generations have had starter Pokémon that have made more of a splash in the series than others. Below is a list of every Water-type starter Pokémon ranked from worst to best.
#9 - Sobble From Pokémon Sword & Shield Is The Worst Water-Type
Introduced in the Galar region of Pokémon Sword and Shield in 2019, Sobble made its first trailer appearance in tears as the timid Lizard cries uncontrollably when it feels scared or threatened. While it's later revealed that the move is a defense tactic so the Pokémon can make an escape from its foes, it's easily one of the weakest designs for a Pokémon starter. Living up to its personality, Sobble also has one of the lowest Defense stats in the Galar region, making it an easy pushover. Although the Water-type starter eventually turns into the fierce sniper Inteleon with its final evolution form, Sobble isn't nearly as impressive, especially when compared to the other Gen 8 starter Pokémon.
#8 - Froakie From Pokémon X & Y
Similar to Gen 8 starter Sobble, Pokémon X and Y's Froakie is undone by its small stature and safe design. Compared to other generations, Froakie seems like a missed opportunity by Game Freak to come up with a unique take on the ninja-inspired amphibious Pokémon. Its bubble-throwing attacks don't help its case either, as it comes off as underwhelming in both the Generation 6 RPG and the Pokémon anime. The Kalos starter is by no means a bad Pokémon, it just fails to live up to its incredible evolution Greninja and its fellow Water-type starters.
#7 - Oshawott From Pokémon Black & White
Making its debut in Pokémon Black and White, Oshawott has become a fan favorite among players obsessed with the Unova region. The Water-type starter is a great example of a Pokémon with a perfect balance between being cute and fierce with its blue fur and sharp fangs. Another cool feature about the Generation 5 Pokémon is that the shell on its stomach is not only made from the same materials as its claws, but Oshawott can actually detach it and swing it like a blade at opponents. The adorable otter is deceptively aggressive and hard-hitting. The Water-type was so beloved that it made its return as a starter in Pokémon Legends: Arceus in January 2022.
#6 - Popplio From Pokémon Sun and Moon
Released in 2016's Pokémon Sun and Moon, Water-type starter Popplio is deceptively strong. Behind its adorable eyes and cute smile, the Gen 7 Pokémon has one of the highest total stats out of any Water-type starter. Unlike other Pokémon on this list, the Sea-Lion Pokémon is incredibly balanced and only has one weakness with its Speed stat. Its powerful Attack and Defense easily make up for that flaw though, as Popplio is one of the stronger Water-type Pokémon in the series.
Although the Pokémon Generation 7 starter has an undeniably cute design, Popplio actually snorts fluids from its nose and creates large balloons to explode on its foes. The Pokémon also uses the snot-like bubbles to bounce on to be an acrobatic fighter. These disgusting and weird facts are a good example of why the adorable Popplio is also one of the most interesting Water-type starters in the Pokémon franchise.
#5 - Piplup From Pokémon Diamond and Pearl
While not the strongest starter in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, Piplup has since become one of the series' most popular Pokémon due to its adorable design. The Water-type starter's look is actually a clever take on a Penguin, with its blue feathers turning into a cape that runs down its back. Similar to the Pokémon series mascot Pikachu, Piplup also has a stubborn side to it and puffs its chest up when angry, which gives it another dimension to its personality. The Generation 4 Water-type starter is also iconic for many fans of the series, after starring in the Pokémon anime as Trainer Dawn's partner for many adventures.
#4 - Quaxly From Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
In February, Game Freak surprised fans around the world when Pokémon Generation 9 was announced to be launching in 2022. The Nintendo developer gave players their first look at the upcoming game by also revealing the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet starters as well, including Water-type Quaxly. Although there is still a lot that fans don't know about the new Pokémon, Quaxly has already become a massive hit with fans due to its adorable design. The Water-type starter features a big cap on its head made of blue feathers, which is easily one of the coolest Water-type starter Pokémon designs ever made. Since so much about Quaxly is still unknown, it seems fair to place it about halfway through the ranking for now.
#3 - Squirtle From Pokémon Red and Blue
The first Water-type starter in the Pokémon series, Squirtle continues to top many players' lists as one of the best Pokémon of all time. The Kanto Starter's design is classic and is a perfect mixture between cute and cool. The Gen 1 Pokémon is able to retreat into its shell and spit pressurized water back at its opponents. Unlike a lot of Pokémon, many players like Squirtle's design just as much as its final evolution Blastoise, which is a testament to how iconic the Water-type starter has become.
#2 - Totodile From Pokémon Gold and Silver
Considering how beloved the Pokémon in Red and Blue were, it's impressive that Game Freak was able to pull off Totodile from the 1999 sequel Pokémon Gold and Silver. Across nine generations of games, the blue crocodile Pokémon still has the most fierce look out of any Water-type starter. From the red spikes that run on its back to its giant mouth full of sharp teeth, the Gen 2 Starter was easily one of the coolest Pokémon for players to have on their team in Gold and Silver.
Although the Water-typer starter is tiny in size, the Johto Pokédex reveals that its actual power isn't just strong but is actually pretty terrifying. In its Gold and Silver summary, it's stated that Totodile's abilities are so dangerous that "even trainers must be careful" to not get bitten. The vicious little Pokémon is both powerful and fierce, making it one of the more epic designs to come out of Generation 2.
#1 - Mudkip From Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire Is The Best Water-Type Starter
Topping the list is Mudkip from Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire. The amphibious Mud Fish isn't just adorable, but it has a really cool design with its orange star-shaped gills and blue mohawk-like fin. The Generation 3 Pokémon can actually use its fin as radar and detect foes on both land and air. As if that wasn't cool enough, Mudkip can also smash giant rocks with its immense power. The Ruby and Sapphire Pokémon pretty much has it all with its unique design, incredible lore, and its epic evolution with Swampert. The Water-type starter is so beloved in Pokémon that it's almost become a second series mascot and even got its own Community Day in Pokémon GO.