Pokemon is a franchise that has been dominant in gaming for decades. This revolutionary series released in the US over 20 years ago. It has since become the most profitable entertainment property of all time. Pokemon has an estimated gross of over 100 billion worldwide. It is a mainstay in pop culture thanks to its memorable creatures that the series is named for.
Though there are almost 1000 Pokemon spanning over eight generations, several of these creatures are often forgotten. Several popular faces often dominate in both party composition and public recognition. This is true for every type in the series, including Water-types.
10 Overrated: Gyrados
Gyrados is one of the most recognizable Water-types in the entire Pokemon franchise. This Water/Flying-type is an intimidating and powerful Pokemon for any team. While Gyrados is indeed impressive, his previous evolution is not.
Magikarp is famous for being one of, if not the weakest water type in the entire series. To reach Gyrados, players will have to grind level this useless fish. Though it does evolve at level 20, it takes up a useful slot that could otherwise use a Water-type that is useful from the beginning.
9 Underrated: Empoleon
While each iteration in Pokemon has a traditional starter lineup, Generation IV introduced an impressive dual type in the final evolution of Piplup. At level 36, Prinplup evolves into Empoleon, a Water/Steel-type Emporer penguin. Not only is the design and typing immaculate, but this starter has impressive matchup effectiveness.
With resistances to 10 separate move types that halves their power and an immunity to poison, this is a Pokemon with few weaknesses. Few elements impact Empoleon, but its real strength is its incredible special attack value with a yield far outpacing other Water-types.
8 Overrated: Wishiwashi
One of Generation VII’s most intriguing Pokemon is also one of its weakest. This is one Pokemon that doesn’t evolve at all. In its single form, it resembles a helpless guppy. Once the Small Fry Pokemon hits level 20, Wishiwashi gets its own special ability called Schooling. This allows it to form a massive body with a school of Wishiwashi.
Unfortunately, this does little to boost Wishiwashi’s effectiveness in battle. With abysmal stats, this is one Water-type that’s far more popular than it has any right to be. It is a newer entry to the series, so hopefully, this Pokemon relinquishes its foothold in the franchise to a more worthy contender with time.
7 Underrated: Kabutops
One of the first Fossil Pokemon was Kabuto. Introduced in Generation I, the initial evolution of this Rock/Water type is often underestimated. While the introductory phase of this Pokemon is unremarkable, its evolution is another story. Kabutops boasts an impressive attack value to compliment its incredible design. This pokemon flaunts gargantuan scythes for hands. A sleek form with an impressive typing matchup makes for a reliable party member, though many of the other Fossil types from the following generations often overshadow this excellent Pokemon.
6 Overrated: Milotic
Generation V was another to yield significant entries in the franchise. The evolution of Feebas has become synonymous with Water-types due to its beautiful design and popularity within the fanbase.
It may be a fan favorite but is not without its own shortcomings. Falling victim to a sporadic leveling rate, progression is inconsistent. Its best attribute is Special Defense, meaning it is best utilized against specific enemy types as a defender more than anything. There are several well-rounded alternatives to this Pokemon that serve as a great replacement.
5 Underrated: Kingdra
An underappreciated contender from Pokemon Gold and Silver is Kingdra. This Generation II evolution is the final form of Seadra. Kingdra is a Pokemon that melds excellent design with flexibility. The menacing appearance of this Pokemon is a notable tweak from Kingdra. The biggest change from the previous evolution is the introduction of the Dragon-type to this Pokemon.
Those who trade Seadra with a Dragon Scale will gain a well-rounded Pokemon capable of solid physical attack, special attack, and special defense. The choice is up to the trainer. Versatility is an excellent attribute for any member of a Pokemon team.
4 Overrated: Wailord
One of the largest Pokemon in the entire Pokedex is Wailord. This Pokemon was originally introduced in Generation III of the Pokemon game series. Wailord is known for its immense stature and colossal weight. Trainers would be hard-pressed to go through a franchise entry without seeing the Float Whale Pokemon.
While its design teeters between simple and comical, Wailord has risen to be one of the most recognizable Water-types in the series. Apart from a sizable health point pool, Wailord has little besides a ridiculous design that helps it stand out.
3 Underrated: Poliwrath
One of the final evolution of Poliwag is another Generation I entry that is often forgotten. When Poliwhil is exposed to a Water Stone, users will gain a Poliwrath. One of a handful of Water/Fighting-type Pokemon, Poliwrath’s dual-type is one of the rarest in the entire franchise.
On top of this Pokemon’s rare typing, it is a phenomenal defender. Poliwrath often serves as a bastion between their team and substantial damage. Any trainers looking to grab a team member with impressive typing and stats to match will need to look no further than Poliwrath.
2 Overrated: Inteleon
Generation VIII introduced trainers to three new starters with Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble. While each starter Pokemon had a promising first phase, only Sobble’s final iteration misses the mark. Where Rillaboom and Cinderace succeed in design, Inteleon falls flat. Lying somewhere between human and lizard, Inteleon is more creepy than anything else.
Inteleon does have impressive speed stats and a powerful Hidden Ability called Sniper that ups critical hit rage. Cinderace outperforms Inteleon overall by matching its speed while using its own unique move: Libero. With a superior pick in Scorbunny, this is one Water Pokemon that fails in design and utility.
1 Underrated: Swampert
One of the starters from Generation III, Swampert is a criminally underrated starter. Swampert debuted alongside Blaziken as one of the first dual-type starter Pokemon. Sporting a Water/Ground typing and devastating physical attack. Swampert is debatably one of the most powerful starters in the entire series.
After almost 20 years between Ruby and Sapphire’s original release, it’s understandable that this starter has become an afterthought for newer franchise fans. Thankfully, with the introduction of Mega Evolutions in Omega Ruby and Alpha Saphire, Swampert has seen a sort of resurgence in the public eye.
