In Pokemon, Water-types fall into place offensively or defensively on any team. As one of the starter Pokemon types in the game, they only have two weaknesses, Grass and Electric, and there are some reliable Water-type recovery moves. Additionally, Water-types can learn many Ice-type attacks. With this in mind, it is unsurprising that they are a popular choice in the competitive scene.

RELATED: Pokemon VGC: How To Build The Best Sun Team

While online Pokemon battles are available for players at any time, there are official competitive tournaments they can also enter called the Pokemon Video Game Championships (VGC). Particular Water-type Pokemon battle well in these matches, especially in the Double Battle format. These are a few of the best Water-type Pokemon used in the VGC.

Updated May 9, 2023, by Taylor Pittman: Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are now available and have infiltrated the Pokemon VGC. The meta-game has shifted to include many of the new Generation 9 Pokemon, including some interesting Water-types with new gimmicks and abilities. Water-types are versatile Pokemon in the competitive Pokemon realm, so are common team choices for many trainers. As a result, several Pokemon from Scarlet and Violet now rank among the best Water-type Pokemon for competitive battling in the Pokemon VGC.

Dondozo

Dondozo is a giant, whale-like Pokemon from Generation 9. In competitive battles, its main function is to be a wall for the team and flex its high HP and Defense stats. For a more offensive push, Dondozo also has quite a few Water-type STAB (same type attack bonus) moves, such as Liquidation, Waterfall, and Wave Crash, although the latter has a small recoil.

Dondozo does have some significant merit as a solo Pokemon, but there's a specific strategy using Tatsugiri and its ability Commander to boost all of Dondozo's base stats. However, this essentially removes Tatsugiri from the field and leaves Dondozo exposed. This can be remedied by having Tasugiri faint fast using a held item like a Toxic Org that inflicts damage gradually.

Palafin

Palafin is a unique Pokemon due to its Zero and Hero forms. Aside from the heart design on its chest, its Zero form looks almost like a normal dolphin, but Hero form makes it bipedal and significantly boosts most of its stats. Palafin must enter the field and return to the party without fainting to activate the Hero form. This transformation takes advantage of its pivot move Flip Turn.

Once in Hero form, Palafin becomes a serious offensive threat. Both its Attack and Sp. Atk stats are boosted, so moves like Jet Punch and Hydro Pump yield better results. Jet Punch actually takes priority, so it's almost unavoidable outside of certain type matchups and protection abilities.

Iron Bundle

Iron Bundle is said to be a far-off relative of Delibird and is classified as a Paradox Pokemon. Even though it has a robotic and steel-like appearance, it's got a dual Ice/Water-typing. Of course, this gives it several Ice and Water-type STAB moves to use against opponents. Iron Bundle has a little bit of bulk to it with a High Defense, but players must still keep an eye out for Special Attackers.

Iron Bundle works well as a lead on many teams because of its speedy nature and the pivot move Flip Turn in its arsenal. Pokemon VGC competitors can stretch its use in battle further than one might think with the right moveset and companion Pokemon.

Primarina

Primarina is a later addition to the Pokedex first introduced in Gen VII. Its Water/Fairy-typing gives it a unique moveset, and its stats make it a powerful Special Attacker. It's got two excellent STAB moves to choose from, Sparkling Aria and Moonblast. Its ability Torrent activates whenever its HP is low and boosts Water-type moves by 50%, so if players can get off one more move before all HP has depleted, its potential to OHKO is high.

Being a Fairy-type Pokemon means that it has an added weakness to Poison-types. Therefore, players will benefit from ensuring that it gets defensive support from somewhere. It can also try and gain passive damage from moves like Scald and Ice Beam depending on the circumstances.

Vaporeon

Vaporeon is an excellent support Pokemon due to its massive HP and excellent selection of recovery moves. It's considered a rather bulky Pokemon, even with a lower Defense stat, so it manages to hold its own on the field. Vaporeon's most vital asset is the move Wish, and it also has the stall move Protect in its support arsenal.

Offensively, Vaporeon has Ice Beam to choose from or even Surf for a STAB move. Top these off with the ability Water Absorb, and it's a borderline tank. Water Absorb restores HP to the user every time a Water-type move is used against them. As a result, it's very hard to take out, and its Special Attack should not be underestimated either.

Pelipper

Pelipper is a good Rain setter. Rain on the field boosts Water-type moves and cuts Fire's power. Pelipper has access to the move Rain Dance and the ability Drizzle and so getting it to Rain is easy. Its dual Water/Flying-typing means that Grass-types are no longer an issue, but players will still need to watch out for speedy Electric-types.

With Rain active, Pelipper's STAB moves hit a lot harder, and it also has access to Hurricane, which is one of the best Flying-type moves. Because of the move Roost, recovery isn't an issue either, so players will generally have a lot more time with Pelipper in battle.

Gyarados

Gyarados has been around since the first generation of Pokemon games. It's seen a lot in competitive battles because of its impressive Attack stat, and its Mega form makes it an undeniable offensive bulldozer. Its STAB moves include things like Waterfall, Hydro Pump, and Hurricane. In addition, its Mega form introduces a Dark-typing, so Crunch joins the STAB roster.

Still, players will still need to prepare for the Electric-type weakness that knocks out Water/Flying types with minimal effort. A Ground-type ally would therefore be an excellent way to work around this, so players should keep this in mind when they are choosing which Pokemon to pair with their Gyarados.

Kyogre

Kyogre's stats are why this Pokemon makes such an outstanding ally. Kyogre is very popular in VGC Meta and a front-runner for Rain teams. It is the Water-type counterpart to Groudon and one of the many great Gen 3 Legendary Pokemon. Its stats are well-balanced, and its 100/90/140 defensive bulk can take hit after hit against its opponents.

This is doubled down with its impressive Attack and Special Attack stats, which effectively turn it into a water cannon that's capable of tearing through its targets with ease. It is best known for its STAB moves, Water Spout and Origin Pulse, but it also has the recovery option of Aqua Ring. Removing it from the field takes dedication that only bulkier Grass-types might be able to pull off.

MORE: Pokemon: The Best Physical Attackers For Competitive Play