best water pokemon in pokemon go

The title of "best" is always fiercely contested in Pokémon GO. While raw power is a primary metric, the true "best" Water-type often depends on the context: sheer raid performance, accessibility, utility in Player-vs-Player (PvP) battles, or a blend of these factors. This analysis will delve into the top contenders, examining their strengths across different game facets to crown the most worthy champions.

Contenders for Raid Supremacy: The Damage Dealers

In raids, where defeating powerful bosses quickly is paramount, the crown belongs to those with the highest Damage Per Second (DPS). Here, two Pokémon stand above the rest. Kyogre, the Sea Basin Pokémon, remains the quintessential Water-type attacker. Its signature move, Origin Pulse, is devastatingly powerful. When paired with the fast move Waterfall, a Kyogre with Origin Pulse sets the benchmark for Water-type raid damage. Its massive Attack stat and bulk ensure it is not only powerful but also durable. A team of high-level Kyogre is the gold standard for taking on Fire, Ground, and Rock-type raid bosses like Moltres, Groudon, and Entei.

Challenging Kyogre's throne is the newer, more ferocious Primarina. As a starter Pokémon final evolution, its Community Day exclusive move, Hydro Cannon, is arguably the best Water-type charged move in the game due to its low energy cost and high damage. When a Primarina wields Hydro Cannon alongside the fast move Waterfall, its DPS can surpass even that of Kyogre. However, Primarina's lower bulk compared to Kyogre means it may faint faster, requiring more relobbies. Therefore, while Primarina can output more damage in a short window, Kyogre often provides more sustained damage over a full raid timer, making them a potent one-two punch.

Shadow Swampert deserves a special mention in this category. A Shadow Swampert with Hydro Cannon achieves astronomical DPS, potentially outclassing both regular Kyogre and Primarina. The 20% shadow damage boost amplifies Hydro Cannon's potency to incredible levels. The trade-off is a significant decrease in defense, making it extremely glassy. For trainers seeking the absolute fastest clears, a team of Shadow Swamperts is the ultimate high-risk, high-reward investment.

Masters of the League: PvP Dominance

The "best" Water-type shifts dramatically when entering the PvP arena. Here, typing, bulk, and move coverage are as critical as pure power. In the Master League, Kyogre once again asserts its dominance. Its bulk allows it to withstand charged moves, while its fast move, Waterfall, generates energy steadily and deals significant damage. The threat of a closing Origin Pulse or the coverage of Thunder to hit other Water-types makes it a central pillar of many top-tier teams. It consistently pressures top meta picks like Groudon, Dialga, and Landorus.

For the Great and Ultra Leagues, the title often goes to Azumarill and Swampert, respectively. Azumarill's unique Water/Fairy typing gives it key resistances to Dark, Fighting, and Bug moves, while its Fairy attacks threaten Dragon and Dark-types prevalent in Great League. Its high bulk and access to moves like Bubble, Ice Beam, and Play Rough make it a versatile and enduring threat. Swampert, particularly with its Community Day move Hydro Cannon, is a menace in the Ultra League. Its Water/Ground typing grants it a crucial immunity to Electric attacks. The fast move Mud Shot generates energy incredibly quickly, allowing Swampert to spam Hydro Cannons and shield-bait with Sludge Wave. This pressure is often overwhelming for opponents.

Another exceptional PvP specialist is Jellicent. Its Ghost/Water typing provides a unique defensive profile, including a Fighting-type immunity and resistance to common moves like Counter. Access to the fast move Hex and charged moves like Shadow Ball and Bubble Beam (for baiting and attack debuffing) makes it a tricky and potent controller in both Great and Ultra League formats.

The Accessible All-Stars: Value for Every Trainer

Legendaries like Kyogre are not always accessible. Therefore, the "best" can also mean the most reliable and obtainable. Swampert is arguably the king of accessibility. Mudkip is a common spawn, its evolution path is straightforward, and obtaining the elite Hydro Cannon requires patience for a Community Day event or an Elite Charged TM. The payoff is a Pokémon that excels in raids, Gym battles, and PvP, offering immense value for minimal investment.

Gyarados is another classic, accessible choice. Magikarp is famously common near water, and 400 candies, while a grind, is a long-term goal most trainers achieve. Gyarados boasts a high Attack stat, a useful Water/Dark typing, and a solid moveset with Waterfall and Hydro Pump. It can also learn the legacy move Aqua Tail for PvP, making it serviceable in certain leagues. For new and veteran players alike, a powerful Gyarados is a rite of passage and a consistently useful Water-type.

The Verdict: Defining "Best"

There is no single "best" Water Pokémon in Pokémon GO. The title is shared based on the battlefield. For pure, uncompromising raid damage against a Fire-type boss, a team of Kyogre and Primarina with their exclusive moves is the optimal choice, with Shadow Swampert offering a glass-cannon alternative.

In PvP, the crown is divided: Kyogre reigns in Master League, Azumarill and Swampert dominate the lower leagues, and Jellicent provides unique tactical value. From a practical and accessible standpoint, Swampert and Gyarados offer the best balance of power and attainability for the average trainer.

Ultimately, the best Water Pokémon is the one that most effectively fulfills your specific need. Whether you are short-manning a raid, climbing the PvP ranks, or simply building a reliable team for Gym offense, the diverse strengths of Pokémon GO's Water-type roster ensure there is a perfect "best" choice for every scenario. The true power of a Trainer lies not in having one supreme Pokémon, but in understanding and deploying the right specialist for the job.

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