Hey everyone! Choosing your first Pokemon is a big deal. It sets the tone for your entire adventure! And if you're like me and love the water types, then picking the best water starter Pokemon is crucial. So, let's dive deep (pun intended!) and rank the top water starter Pokemon based on a few key factors: design, stats, movepool, and overall usefulness throughout the game.

Criteria for Ranking

Before we get started, let's quickly touch on how these water starters are being judged. It's not just about which one can spam Hydro Pump the most effectively, okay? We're looking at a well-rounded package:

• Design: Let's be honest, some Pokemon just look cooler than others. Design is subjective, sure, but a memorable and visually appealing Pokemon gets bonus points.
• Stats: Base stats are important for determining how well a Pokemon performs in battle. We'll consider their overall stat distribution and how it suits their role.
• Movepool: A diverse movepool allows a Pokemon to handle a variety of threats. Having access to different types of moves is a huge advantage.
• Overall Usefulness: How useful is the Pokemon throughout the entire game? Can it carry you through tough battles and help you overcome challenging obstacles? A Pokemon that's only good in the early game isn't as valuable as one that remains relevant later on.

Remember, this is all in good fun and based on my own experiences and opinions. Your mileage may vary! But I hope this ranking provides some helpful insights when you're choosing your next water starter Pokemon.

Ranking the Water Starter Pokemon

Alright, let's get to the good stuff! Here’s my ranking of the top water starter Pokemon, starting from the bottom and working our way up to the best of the best. Prepare for some hot takes!

8. Sobble (and its evolutions: Drizzile, Inteleon)

Sorry, Sobble fans, but someone had to be last. Look, I get the appeal – the shy, anxious little lizard is kind of endearing. But its evolutions, especially Inteleon, just don't quite hit the mark for me. Inteleon's design feels a bit too humanoid and its stats, while decent, don't make it stand out from other special attackers.

Let's talk about Sobble's design. While the crying-underwater thing is a fun concept, it doesn't exactly scream power or confidence. Drizzile is just an awkward middle stage, and Inteleon, while sleek, loses some of the charm that Sobble had. Stat-wise, Inteleon is a fast special attacker, but it's also quite frail. It can dish out damage, but it can't take much in return.

Movepool-wise, Inteleon has access to a decent range of water, ice, and dark moves, but it doesn't really excel in any particular area. It's a jack-of-all-trades, master of none. And in terms of overall usefulness, Inteleon can be helpful in certain situations, but it's not a Pokemon that you can consistently rely on throughout the entire game. It struggles against bulkier opponents and can be easily taken out by faster threats.

Overall, Sobble and its evolutions are not bad Pokemon, but they just don't measure up to the other water starters on this list. They lack the impactful design, impressive stats, and versatile movepool that would make them truly stand out. Sorry, Sobble squad!

7. Totodile (and its evolutions: Croconaw, Feraligatr)

Okay, this might be controversial, but hear me out! Totodile is undeniably adorable, and Feraligatr is a powerful physical attacker. But compared to some of the other water starters, it's a bit one-dimensional.

Totodile's design is classic Gen 2. It's a chunky little crocodile with a lot of personality. Croconaw is an awkward middle stage, but Feraligatr is a beast. It's a massive, intimidating crocodile that looks like it can crush anything in its path. Stat-wise, Feraligatr is a physical powerhouse. It has high attack and decent defenses, but its speed is lacking.

Movepool-wise, Feraligatr is mostly limited to physical water and dark moves. It can learn some ice moves, but it doesn't have the same versatility as some of the other water starters. In terms of overall usefulness, Feraligatr is a strong Pokemon in the early and mid-game, but it can struggle against faster, more specialized opponents later on. It's a reliable physical attacker, but it doesn't offer much in terms of strategic depth.

Overall, Totodile and its evolutions are solid Pokemon, but they're not the most exciting or versatile. Feraligatr is a powerful physical attacker, but it lacks the speed and movepool to truly dominate. It's a good choice for a straightforward, hard-hitting water type, but it's not the best water starter out there.

6. Oshawott (and its evolutions: Dewott, Samurott)

Oshawott is cute, Dewott is cool, and Samurott is… interesting. Samurott's design is a bit divisive. Some people love the samurai otter, while others find it a bit too busy. Personally, I think it's a decent design, but it doesn't quite reach the same level as some of the other water starters.

Oshawott's design is simple and appealing. It's a small, friendly otter with a scallop shell on its belly. Dewott is a cool middle stage, but Samurott is where things get interesting. It's a samurai otter with a sword and armor. It's a unique and memorable design, but it's not for everyone. Stat-wise, Samurott is a mixed attacker. It has decent attack and special attack, but its speed is lacking.

Movepool-wise, Samurott has access to a decent range of water, dark, and bug moves. It can learn some fighting moves as well, making it a versatile attacker. In terms of overall usefulness, Samurott is a solid Pokemon throughout the entire game. It can handle a variety of threats and is a reliable choice for a water type.

Overall, Oshawott and its evolutions are good Pokemon, but they don't quite reach the same level as some of the top water starters. Samurott's design is a bit divisive, and its stats are not particularly impressive. However, its versatile movepool and overall usefulness make it a solid choice.

5. Froakie (and its evolutions: Frogadier, Greninja)

Greninja is undeniably popular, and for good reason. Its design is sleek and cool, and it's a fast and powerful special attacker. However, its popularity also makes it a bit overrated. Plus, its shiny form is amazing!

Froakie's design is simple but effective. It's a small, bubble-wearing frog that's full of potential. Frogadier is a cool middle stage, and Greninja is where things really take off. It's a ninja frog with a tongue scarf. It's a unique and memorable design that has captured the hearts of many fans. Stat-wise, Greninja is a fast and powerful special attacker. It has high speed and special attack, but its defenses are lacking.

Movepool-wise, Greninja has access to a wide range of water, dark, ice, and grass moves. It can also learn some fighting moves, making it a versatile threat. In terms of overall usefulness, Greninja is a strong Pokemon throughout the entire game. It can handle a variety of threats and is a reliable choice for a water type. Its ability, Protean, is also incredibly powerful, allowing it to change its type to match the move it's using.

Overall, Froakie and its evolutions are excellent Pokemon. Greninja is a fan favorite for a reason. Its sleek design, impressive stats, and versatile movepool make it a top contender. However, its popularity also makes it a bit overrated, and its defenses are lacking. Still, it's a great choice for any trainer.

4. Squirtle (and its evolutions: Wartortle, Blastoise)

The OG water starter! Squirtle is a classic for a reason. Its design is iconic, and Blastoise is a powerful and reliable tank. While it might not be the flashiest Pokemon, it's a solid choice that will never let you down.

Squirtle's design is simple and iconic. It's a cute little turtle with a shell on its back. Wartortle is a cool middle stage, and Blastoise is a powerful and imposing turtle with cannons on its back. It's a classic design that has stood the test of time. Stat-wise, Blastoise is a bulky tank. It has high defense and special defense, but its attack and speed are lacking.

Movepool-wise, Blastoise has access to a decent range of water, ice, and dark moves. It can also learn some steel moves, making it a versatile defender. In terms of overall usefulness, Blastoise is a reliable Pokemon throughout the entire game. It can take a lot of hits and dish out decent damage. It's a solid choice for a water type.

Overall, Squirtle and its evolutions are classic Pokemon that are still relevant today. Blastoise is a reliable tank with a decent movepool. It might not be the most exciting choice, but it's a solid one that will never let you down.

3. Mudkip (and its evolutions: Marshtomp, Swampert)

"I herd u liek Mudkips." Okay, meme aside, Mudkip is a fantastic water starter. Swampert's ground/water typing is incredibly useful, giving it an immunity to electric attacks. Plus, it's a powerful physical attacker that can take a hit.

Mudkip's design is adorable. It's a small, orange mudfish with a friendly face. Marshtomp is an awkward middle stage, but Swampert is a powerful and imposing mudfish with a strong jaw. Its design is unique and memorable. Stat-wise, Swampert is a bulky physical attacker. It has high attack and decent defenses, but its speed is lacking.

Movepool-wise, Swampert has access to a wide range of water, ground, and fighting moves. It can also learn some ice moves, making it a versatile threat. In terms of overall usefulness, Swampert is a strong Pokemon throughout the entire game. Its ground/water typing gives it an immunity to electric attacks, which is incredibly useful. It's a reliable choice for a water type.

Overall, Mudkip and its evolutions are excellent Pokemon. Swampert's ground/water typing and powerful physical attack make it a top contender. It's a reliable choice for any trainer.

2. Popplio (and its evolutions: Brionne, Primarina)

Don't let the initial reactions fool you, Popplio is amazing. Primarina is a beautiful and powerful special attacker with a fantastic dual typing: water/fairy. This gives it a huge advantage against dragon types and makes it a formidable opponent.

Popplio's design is cute and endearing. It's a small, sea lion with a clown nose. Brionne is a graceful middle stage, and Primarina is a beautiful and elegant sea lion with a powerful voice. Its design is unique and memorable. Stat-wise, Primarina is a powerful special attacker. It has high special attack and special defense, but its speed is lacking.

Movepool-wise, Primarina has access to a wide range of water, fairy, and psychic moves. It can also learn some ice moves, making it a versatile threat. In terms of overall usefulness, Primarina is a strong Pokemon throughout the entire game. Its water/fairy typing gives it a huge advantage against dragon types and makes it a formidable opponent. It's a reliable choice for a water type.

Overall, Popplio and its evolutions are excellent Pokemon. Primarina's beautiful design, impressive stats, and versatile movepool make it a top contender. It's a reliable choice for any trainer.

1. Piplup (and its evolutions: Prinplup, Empoleon)

For me, Empoleon reigns supreme! Its water/steel typing is fantastic, giving it a ton of resistances. Plus, it has a great design and is a powerful special attacker. Empoleon is a reliable and versatile Pokemon that can handle a variety of threats.

Piplup's design is adorable. It's a small, penguin with a proud attitude. Prinplup is an awkward middle stage, but Empoleon is a majestic and imposing penguin with a steel crown. Its design is unique and memorable. Stat-wise, Empoleon is a powerful special attacker. It has high special attack and decent defenses.

Movepool-wise, Empoleon has access to a wide range of water, steel, ice, and electric moves. This diverse movepool allows it to handle a wide range of opponents effectively. In terms of overall usefulness, Empoleon is a strong Pokemon throughout the entire game. Its water/steel typing gives it a ton of resistances, making it a reliable and versatile choice for any trainer.

Overall, Piplup and its evolutions are the best water starter Pokemon, in my opinion. Empoleon's fantastic typing, great design, and powerful special attack make it the top choice. It's a reliable and versatile Pokemon that can handle a variety of threats and carry you through your adventure!

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it! My ranking of the top water starter Pokemon. Remember, this is just my opinion, and your own preferences may differ. The most important thing is to choose a Pokemon that you enjoy playing with. Whether you prefer a powerful attacker, a bulky tank, or a versatile support Pokemon, there's a water starter out there for you. Happy training, everyone!