With the release of Sword & Shield’s first expansion, the Isle of Armor DLC, many players may be thinking “what else is there for me to do?” For these bored trainers, starting a new file with a mono-type team will add the spice they are so desperately craving.

Mono-type runs have always been appealing to fans of the series, as solo-typing adds a new layer of difficulty. Add that to the optional rulesets of no switching out after defeating a Pokemon and the relative ease of Sword & Shield can pose quite the challenge. For any player considering an all-Water-type run, it is crucial to know the Pokemon they should have going into the game so that they don’t waste spots on their limited six Pokemon team.

Updated November 2, 2023, by Ben Painter: Pokemon Scarlet & Violet is the latest game in the franchise, but by now, gamers should have completed the game and its latest DLC, The Teal Mask. As players await the next DLC, The Indigo Disc, a good idea would be to go play the previous games once again, Sword & Shield. In any Pokemon game, players need a solid Water-type to take down Ground, Rock, Fire types with ease. There are several to chose from in Sword & Shield, and these are some of the best.

15 Vaporeon

Base Stat Total: 525

• Ability: Water Absorb
• Weaknesses:
  • Electric (2×)
  • Grass (2×)

• In-Game Locations:
  • Lake of Outrage (Wanderer)
  • Giant's Mirror (Max Raid Battles)
  • Evolve Eevee

Catching an Eevee can lead to several different options when it comes to its evolutions. One great way to go is Vaporeon, as it is an amazing Water-type to use in the games.

Vaporeon has unbelievable HP at 130 and a 110 special attack to back. This 'mon is a beast, and it will take a lot to take it down. It can learn Acid Armor and Aqua Ring, effective in stalling out its opponents and wearing them down slowly. It can strike hard with a Hydro Pump, while the enemy chips away slowly.

Vaporeon's Base Stats

14 Inteleon

Base Stat Total: 530

• Ability: Torrent
• Weaknesses:
  • Electric (2×)
  • Grass (2×)

• In-Game Location: Evolve Drizzile

As far as Pokemon starters go, Inteleon isn't the favorite among the Pokemon community. Nonetheless, it is an amazing Water-type 'mon to use in Sword & Shield. But, of course, it cannot be caught in the game. Players must choose Sobble as their starter to use its final evolution in the game.

What sets Inteleon aside is its ability to Gigantamax, which gives this Pokemon a new form when it Dynamaxes in certain battles. As this Pokemon is based on James Bond, its Giganatamax form is atop a sniper towe. Its best stat is its 125 special attack. With its signature move Snipe Shot, it can cause some real damage in the Galar region.

Inteleon's Base Stats

13 Golisopod

Base Stat Total: 530

• Ability: Emergency Exit
• Weaknesses:
  • Flying (2×)
  • Rock (2×)
  • Electric (2×)

• In-Game Locations:
  • Lake of Outrage
  • Rolling Fields
  • Dappled Grove
  • South Lake Miloch
  • Bridge Field (Max Raid Battle)
  • Evolve Wimpod

Golisopod was Pokemon: Sun and Moon’s new and improved Gyarados. Starting out as Wimpod, a frail little bug with a tendency to flee from danger, it evolves into the Goliath damage dealer Golisopod, a Bug/Water type.

With access to powerful improved Bug-type attacks in Leech Life and First Impression, and the powerful Physical Water-type attack, Liquidation, Golisopod is a physical staple for any Water team. Boasting solid stats with a 125 attack and a whopping 140 defense, this bug brings a much-needed physical presence for any trainer building a team full of Water-type Pokemon.

Golisopod's Base Stats:

12 Kingdra

Base Stat Total: 540

• Abilities:
  • Swift Swim
  • Sniper

• Weaknesses:
  • Dragon (2×)
  • Fairy (2×)

• In-Game Locations:
  • Honeycalm Sea (Wanderer)
  • Loop Lagoon (Max Raid Battle)
  • Evolve Seadra

With all the different Water-types introduced over the years, it's easy to overlook some of the older members of the roster. Kingdra is a Water/Dragon-type that can be an asset to any party. Aside from mediocre HP, Kingdra sports some impressive base stats.

Its Attack, Defense, and Specials all come in at 95, with its Speed stat being a little lower at 85. Kingdra's learnset leans heavily towards Special moves, though players can make up for the lack of diversity by tracking down the ideal TRs for it. Kingdra can learn some incredibly powerful Ice, Water, Dragon and Normal-type moves by TR. Any trainer wanting to add Kingdra to their party should be sure of just how they want to utilize it.

Kingdra's Base Stats

11 Gyarados

Base Stat Total: 540

• Ability: Intimidate
• Weaknesses:
  • Rock (2×)
  • Electric (4×)

• In-Game Locations:
  • Axew's Eye
  • Bridge Field
  • Dusty Bowl
  • Giant's Cap
  • Giant's Mirror
  • Giant's Seat
  • Lake of Outrage
  • Route 2 (Surfing)
  • East Lake Axewell
  • North Lake Miloch
  • South Lake Miloch
  • West Lake Axewell
    • Max Raid Battle

  • Giant's Bed
  • Snowslide Slope
  • Giant's Foot
  • Frigid Sea
  • Ballimere Lake (fishing)
  • Workout Sea
  • Stepping-Stone Sea
  • Insular Sea
  • Honeycalm Island
  • Honeycalm Sea
    • Max Raid Battle

  • Challenge Beach
  • Loop Lagoon
  • Evolve Magikarp

Any trainer attempting a Water-type exclusive run should at least consider getting themselves a Gyarados. Training and evolving Magikarp can be a tedious task, but is a quick process that pays off almost immediately with this Water/Flying type.

Sadly, Mega Gyarados isn't a factor in Gen 8. Even so, Gyarados is too good of a Water-type to ignore. Special Attack is its lone weak point, with the rest of Gyarados' stats holding up well. A diverse learnset gives players tons of different ways to build up their ideal Gyarados, and its various resistances will put trainers at ease with most matchups.

Gyarados' Base Stats

10 Milotic

Base Stat Total: 540

• Abilities:
  • Marvel Scale
  • Competitive

• Weaknesses:
  • Grass (2×)
  • Electric (2×)

• In-Game Locations:
  • Lake of Outrage,
  • South Lake Miloch (Wanderer)
  • Bridge Field
  • East Lake Axewell
  • Lake of Outrage
  • West Lake Axewell (Max Raid Battle)
  • Giant's Bed (Wanderer)
  • Evolve Feebas

One of the best Water Pokemon in Sword and Shield, players can find Milotic roaming around quite a few areas in the Galar region, which is great for those looking to add powerful Water-types to their party. If Milotic proves to be too hard to find, trainers can rest assured that Feebas is even more common and not all that hard to evolve, either.

Trainers would do well to take advantage of Milotic's high Special Attack stat. Any physical move in its move pool is wasted with its low base Attack. Finding a Milotic with the Competitive Ability and teaching it a couple of choice Special Moves can take some of the pressure off of any Water-type exclusive run.

Milotic's Base Stats

9 Lapras

Base Stat Total: 535

• Abilities:
  • Water Absorb
  • Shell Armor

• Weaknesses:
  • ​​​​​​​Fighting (2×)
  • Rock (2×)
  • Grass (2×)
  • Electric (2×)

• In-Game Locations:
  • Route 9 (fishing)
  • Route 2 (one)
  • Lake of Outrage
  • North Lake Miloch
  • West Lake Axewell (Wanderer, Max Raid Battle)
  • Bridge Field
  • Dusty Bowl
  • East Lake Axewell
  • Giant's Cap
  • Giant's Mirror
  • South Lake Miloch
  • Stony Wilderness
  • Wild Area News
    • Gigantamax Factor
    • Sword Only

  • Giant's Seat
    • Max Raid Battle
    • Gigantamax Factor
    • Shield Only

  • Frigid Sea (Surfing)

When looking for the best Water Pokemon in Sword and Shield, trainers can't overlook this Gen I Water/Ice-type standout. Lapras has been a longtime series favorite, and its popularity isn't solely credited to its design or its role in the anime.

As far as Water-type Pokemon go, Lapras is an underrated option that players can find roaming all around the Galar region. Its four type weaknesses do raise a few red flags, but Lapras would still serve most trainers well in any Water-type exclusive party. The fact that it has a Gigantamax Form makes it an especially savvy choice for trainers traversing through the Galar region.

Lapras' Base Stats

8 Toxapex

Base Stat Total: 495

• Abilities:
  • ​​​​​​​Merciless
  • Limber

• Weaknesses:
  • ​​​​​​​Ground (2×)
  • Electric (2×)
  • Psychic (2×)

• In-Game Locations:
  • ​​​​​​​Route 9
  • Motostoke Riverbank (Sword Only)
  • East Lake Axewell
  • West Lake Axewell
  • South Lake Miloch
  • North Lake Miloch
  • Bridge Field
  • Giant's Mirror
  • Giant's Cap (Sword Only)
  • Lake of Outrage (Max Raid Battle)
  • Fields of Honor
  • Loop Lagoon (Wanderer, Max Raid Battle)
  • Evolve Mareanie

The Water/Poison-type pincushion Toxapex is one of the best walls in Pokemon: Sword and Shield. Toxapex is effective because of the way it utilizes the game's core mechanics to its advantage. With great defensive typing and an incredible hidden ability in Regenerator, Toxapex becomes almost unbeatable.

This sea critter's defensive stats are unmatched at 152 Defense and 142 Special Defense. On top of that, with moves like Recover, an unfailing Toxic, and Haze, Toxapex becomes a mainstay for any Water-type team. As far as stalls go, Toxapex just can’t be beaten.

Toxapex's Base Stats

7 Seismitoad

Base Stat Total: 499

• Abilities:
  • ​​​​​​​Swift Swim
  • Poison Touch

• Weakness: Grass (4×)
• In-Game Locations:
  • ​​​​​​​Route 7
  • Axew's Eye
  • Lake of Outrage
  • Rolling Fields
  • West Lake Axewell
  • South Lake Miloch
  • North Lake Miloch
  • Dusty Bowl (Max Raid Battle)
  • Max Lair (Dynamax Adventure)
  • Evolve Palpitoad

Now here’s a Water/Ground-type trainers should use. With overall decent stats, Seismitoad outclasses other Water/Ground-types in nearly every way. With Stealth Rock, access to both Physical and Special Attack options, and solid abilities, trainers will be singing the praises of their powerful new Seismitoad.

What sets this frog apart from other Water/Ground-types is its decent Speed stat. Most Pokemon with the same typing simply lack the speed to remain a viable option throughout the game. While Seismitoad is no speed demon, it certainly will get the job done.

Seismitoad's Base Stats

6 Sharpedo

Base Stat Total: 460

• Ability: Rough Skin
• Weaknesses:
  • ​​​​​​​Fighting (2×)
  • Bug (2×)
  • Grass (2×)
  • Electric (2×)
  • Fairy (2×)

• In-Game Locations:
  • ​​​​​​​Workout Sea
  • Honeycalm Sea
  • Insular Sea
  • Stepping-Stone Sea
  • Training Lowlands (Fishing)
  • Max Lair (Dynamax Adventure)
  • Evolve Carvanha

Here is the speed demon that every trainer’s Water-type team has been waiting for. Added into the game through the Isle of Armor DLC, Sharpedo reclaims its old title of “papa shark.” With 120 base Attack, the Water/Dark type Sharpedo is a physical force that every Water-type team desperately needs. Its high Attack stat makes Aqua Jet an incredibly powerful attack with Priority to boot.

Furthermore, its Speed Boost ability means that for every turn Sharpedo can stay alive out on the field, its speed will increase by 1 tier. It’s everything a trainer could want from a shark that acts like a torpedo.

Sharpedo's Base Stats

5 Ludicolo

Base Stat Total: 480

• Abilities:
  • ​​​​​​​Swift Swim
  • Rain Dish

• Weaknesses:
  • Flying (2×)
  • Poison (2×)
  • Bug (2×)

• In-Game Locations:
  • ​​​​​​​Dappled Grove
  • Bridge Field
  • Stony Wilderness (Max Raid Battle)
  • Evolve Lombre

With decent all-around stats and a smile to dazzle a thousand cameras, Ludicolo is the lovable lunatic every Water-type trainer hates to love. An all-Water-type team can certainly use some rain on the battlefield, and this Water/Grass type is happy to provide. With Rain Dance, Swift Swim, and a plethora of powerful attacks in Hydro Pump and Giga Drain, Ludicolo is ready to drag its enemies through the mud.

Dancing across the battlefield, Ludicolo warrants a position on any trainer’s team based on its animations alone. The joy Ludicolo brings to any team is unparalleled.

Ludicolo's Base Stats

4 Slowking

Base Stat Total: 490

• Abilities:
  • ​​​​​​​Curious Medicine
  • Own Tempo

• Weaknesses
  • ​​​​​​​Ground (2×)
  • Ghost (2×)
  • Dark (2×)

• In-Game Locations:
  • Evolve Slowpoke (Galarian Form)
  • Max Lair (Dynamax Adventure) (Johtonian Form)

The difficult-to-obtain classic Pokemon remains relevant in Sword & Shield. With Kantonian Slowpoke only obtainable from the missing Diglett side-quest, getting a Slowking might prove difficult for inexperienced trainers, but it is worth the effort. With access to Regenerator, solid defensive stats, and a great supportive movepool, Slowking will be a royal pain for all of its opponents.

A Slack-Off, Toxic, Scald, and Teleport will leave all the other trainers weeping as Slowking slides into battle, sponges a big hit, sets up for its teammates, and teleports away, recovering 1/3rd of its max health back. Slowking is a must-have for any Water-type trainer.

Slowking's Base Stats (Johtonian/Galarian)

3 Gastrodon

Base Stat Total: 475

• Abilities:
  • ​​​​​​​Sticky Hold
  • Storm Drain

• Weakness: Grass (4×)
• In-Game Locations:
  • ​​​​​​​Pokemon HOME
  • Route 9
  • Galar Mine No. 2
  • Dusty Bowl
  • Giant's Mirror
  • Bridge Field
  • Giant's Cap
  • Lake of Outrage
  • Rolling Fields
  • South Lake Miloch
  • West Lake Axewell (Max Raid Battle)
  • Max Lair (Dynamax Adventure)
  • Evolve Shellos

The Water/Ground type Gastrodon makes for an excellent defensive Pokemon thanks to its high HP stat, singular weakness to Grass and resistances to Poison, Steel, Rock, Fire and an immunity to Electric. Storm Drain is an amazing Ability that not only gives Gastrodon another immunity to a type it normally takes neutral damage from, but it also gives it a Special Attack boost whenever it's hit by a Water-type Move.

All of this doesn't mean it's poor offensively, either. Water/Ground hits 6 unique types of super effective damage, and only Grass is capable of resisting both STABs at once. Gastrodon is also distinct in that it's one of very few Ground-types that actually has a decent Special Attack stat, allowing it make great use of Moves such as Earth Power, Scald, Surf, Sludge Bomb and Ice Beam.

Gastrodon's Base Stats

2 Jellicent

Base Stat Total: 480

• Abilities:
  • ​​​​​​​Water Absorb
  • Cursed Body

• Weaknesses:
  • ​​​​​​​Ghost (2×)
  • Grass (2×)
  • Electric (2x)
  • Dark (2×)

• In-Game Locations:
  • ​​​​​​​Route 9
  • Lake of Outrage
  • Watchtower Ruins
  • West Lake Axewell
  • Stony Wilderness
  • Giant's Mirror (Max Raid Battle)
  • Workout Sea
  • Stepping-Stone Sea
  • Insular Sea
  • Honeycalm Island
  • Honeycalm Sea Max Lair (Dynamax Adventure)
  • Evolve Frillish

One of the best Water-type Pokemon, Jellicent's typing in Water/Ghost is fantastic in that in only has 4 weaknesses, 6 resistances, and 2 immunities. Blend that together with its high HP and Special Defense stats, and it's very difficult to take down. Moves like Giga Drain and Will-O-Wisp can be used to further increase its defensive prowess. Both Water Absorb and Cursed Body are viable Abilities, Water Absorb adds another immunity to Water-type moves (and restores HP if hit by one), while Cursed Body has a 30% chance of disabling the last move Jellicent was hit with for 4 turns.

Offensively, this combination hits 5 different types, and there is no single type that can resist both STABs simultaneously. The damaging move options aren't bad either, Shadow Ball, Scald, Surf, Water Spout, Energy Ball, Ice Beam, Sludge Bomb, Dazzling Gleam, and Psychic are all make for good attacking Moves.

Jellicent's Base Stats

1 Pelipper

Base Stat Total: 440

• Abilities:
  • ​​​​​​​Keen Eye
  • Drizzle

• Weaknesses:
  • ​​​​​​​Rock (2×)
  • Electric (4×)

• In-Game Locations:
  • ​​​​​​​Route 9
  • Axew's Eye
  • Bridge Field
  • Dusty Bowl
  • Lake of Outrage
  • North Lake Miloch
  • Rolling Fields
  • Hammerlocke Hills
  • East Lake Axewell
  • Giant's Cap
  • Fields of Honor
  • Challenge Beach
  • Workout Sea
  • Loop Lagoon
  • Stepping-Stone Sea
  • Insular Sea
  • Honeycalm Island
  • Honeycalm Sea
  • Training Lowlands
  • Evolve Wingull

Pelipper fits perfectly onto any Water-type team. First, its typing of Water/Flying is great, giving it 2 weaknesses, 5 resistances and an immunity to Ground. Defense and Special Attack are its only good stats, but it can absolutely take good advantage of them thanks to its phenomenal Ability, Drizzle, the reason it's on this list. Drizzle instantly and automatically sets Rain whenever Pelipper is sent in.

Rain has many effects, but the important ones to know are that it boosts the Power of Water-type moves by 50%, makes the Moves Hurricane and Thunder never miss, activates Abilities like Swift Swim and Rain Dish and reduces the Power of Fire-type moves by 50%. This alone gives Pelipper wonderful synergy with any Water-type team, but it gets even better. Pelipper has access to the Move Weather Ball. This is normally a Special Norma-type Move with 50 base Power and 100% Accuracy, but in any weather, its Power Doubles to 100, and it becomes the type that matches the current weather (Water in Rain, Fire in Sun, Rock in Sandstorm and Ice in Hail). Combine this with STAB and the Water-type Power boost from Rain, and this is a ludicrously powerful Move that has zero drawbacks. Pelipper is one of the best water Pokemon for players to use.

Pelipper's Base Stats

MORE: Sword And Shield: The Best Pokemon To Use For An All Dark-Type Run (And Ones To Avoid)