The Water-type in Pokémon GO includes some of the Pokémon with the highest offensive and defensive stats in the game, but the strongest ones of this typing are mainstays of any team. A powerful Water-type can be exactly what you need for Raids, Battle Leagues, or various special events. To wash away the competition, you need Water-types that have overwhelming stats alongside some versatility.

Unlike the strongest Fire-types in Pokémon GO, the best Water-type Pokémon specialize in bulk and attacking power beyond all else. Water-types typically have high Stamina and Attack stats compared to most Pokémon. Although they don't have as much raw Defense as Steel or Rock-types, Water-types are notoriously hard to take down throughout a battle.

10 Mega Slowbro

Overwhelming Health To Stay In Battle

Mega Slowbro has arguably the highest defensive stats out of any Water-type on this list. While it has multiple weaknesses that hold it back somewhat, the pure bulk of this Pokémon is not to be underestimated. You can easily have this Pokémon on your team to endure hits from opponents and win wars of attrition, especially against Pokémon weak against its typings.

Like many Water-type Pokémon, Mega Slowbro's attacks are boosted in the Windy and Rain weather conditions. Make sure to check other Water-type Pokémon you collect to see if they also receive specific weather bonuses.

As a Water and Psychic-type Pokémon in Pokémon GO, Mega Slowbro has the ability to win unorthodox match-ups. With moves like Confusion and Psychic combined with Water Gun, Surf, or Ice Beam, Mega Slowbro can target a wide array of vulnerabilities you may see in Raids or Battle Leagues. The extremely high Defense and Stamina stats on this Pokémon allow it to last longer and use its decent Attack stat to score wins.

9 Primarina

Good All-Rounder With A Unique Type Advantage

While Primarina may not have as much bulk as Mega Slowbro, the unique Water and Fairy-types this Pokémon sports make them more versatile. Fast Attacks like Charm and Waterfall pair excellently with Hydro Cannon or Sparking Aria as Charged Moves to deal devastating damage to opponents. The overall DPS (Damage Per Second) stat of Primarina is stronger than Mega Slowbros to a more offensive playstyle.

As the final evolution of a starter Pokémon, Primarina's other stats are fairy impressive as well. From an above-average Defense and Stamina to a great Attack strength, Primarina can deal heavy damage while enduring at least a few hits. Although it takes longer than other Pokémon to fully charge some attacks, Primarina's limited weaknesses give it enough time to strike enemy Pokémon without as many risks.

8 (Shadow) Kingler

Pure Offensive Powerhouse

Shadow Kingler is a rare example of a glass cannon among Water-types, making it an off-meta pick that can be useful in the right situations. When its attacks like Crabhammer and Bubble are boosted during the Rain, Shadow Kingler's DPS can rise to absurd levels. With single strikes, Shadow Kingler can make quick work against enemies weak against Water-type Pokémon.

There are a few Fast and Charged Moves Shadow Kingler can learn outside the Water-type. From the Steel-type move Metal Claw, the Ground-type Mud Shot, and the Bug-type X-Scissor, Shadow Kingler can use its high attack with these moves to target a ton of weaknesses.

While Shadow Kingler does have low Total Damage Output (TDO), Defense, and Stamina, the Pokémon's base Attack sures many other Water-types. Shadow variants of Pokémon are much stronger than their normal versions, but they are much harder to catch. You can find a Shadow Krabby to evolve into Shadow Kingler by completing Special Research, which may involve fighting Team Rocket in Pokémon GO.

7 (Shadow) Samurott

Power And Speed To Overcome Challenges

Another Water-type starter final evolution on this list is Shadow Samurott, who functions similarly to Shadow Kingler. Offense is this Pokémon's specialty, but Shadow Samurott's true potential comes from a very fast dodge speed compared to other Water-types. Even with subpar Defense, Shadow Samurott can avoid taking damage when you learn how to masterfully dodge with its extra speed.

Even as a pure Water-type, Shadow Samurott has good moves in the form of Fury Cutter and Hydro Cannon. Fury Cutter is a Bug-type move, allowing Shadow Samurott to target Dark and Ghost-types that other Water-types may struggle to take down. With strong DPS, Attack, and enough Stamina to stay alive, Shadow Samurott can be great in Raids and counter some options seen in Battle Leagues.

6 (Shadow) Empoleon

Master Of Damage Nullification

Shadow Empoleon might be the best defensive Water-type in Pokémon GO, but not in the same way as Mega Slowbro. While Mega Slowbro's sheer Defense stat was high, Shadow Empoleon has resistance to 12 different kinds of damage. Shadow Empoleon takes reduced damage from Bug, Dragon, Fairy, Flying, Normal, Psychic, Rock, and Water-type moves, while having extra resistance against Ice, Poison, and Steel attacks as well.

To make the most of Shadow Empoleon's surprising attack power, you need to use an Elite Charge TM to teach it Hydro Cannon. This is one of the best moves among Water-types, so you may need to do this with other Pokémon of the same typing.

This makes Shadow Empoleon a defensive bulwark with above-average attacking power due to its stats. With high DPS and TDO, Shadow Empoleon can tank a bit before dishing one back with twice the power. Moves like Metal Claw, Hydro Cannon, Drill Peck, Steel Wing, or even Blizzard give Shadow Empoleon the tools to take out opponents quickly, even those on strong Battle League teams in Pokémon GO.

5 (Shadow) Feraligatr

Strong And Versatile Move Pool

At first glance, Shadow Feraligatr's stats may not have anything that stands out. With average DPS and TDO along with good base stats, you may expect Shadow Feraligatr to hold the same utility as Shadow Empoleon or Shadow Kingler. However, Shadow Feraligatr gains access to more moves of different types than almost any other Water-type you'll come across in Pokémon GO.

While you could equip Shadow Feraligatr with the tried and true Water Gun and Hydro Cannon combo, it has access to many more versatile moves. For example, Shadow Feraligatr can learn Ice Fang, giving it a way to deal with Flying or Dragon-type Pokémon seen often in the PvP meta. Similar attacks like Ice Beam, Shadow Claw, or Bite combine with Shadow Feraligatr's great Attack stat to deal with opponents other Water-types typically lose against.

4 Mega Gyarados

Destructive Strength To Rival Legends

Mega Gyarados is among the strongest Water-types for a myriad of reasons, including but not limited to its extraordinary Attack stat. With moves like Bite and Hydro Pump, this Dark/Water-type can decimate some of the strongest Pokémon seen in Raids or Battle Leagues. The TDO of Mega Gyarados is insane, causing it to always put opponents on the brink of a K.O. even if an attack doesn't deal super-effective damage.

Mega Gyarados also gains access to Dragon-type moves like Dragon Tail and Outrage in its arsenal. These can be great additions to the Pokémon, as it can target Dragon-types while not having a weakness to the type like many Dragon-type Pokémon have.

Those who catch Mega Gyarados in Pokémon GO will have a creature that rivals even some Legendary Pokémon. However, this Pokemon does have more weaknesses than other Water-types, so it can be countered by opponents who expect it. That being said, Mega Gyarados also has some key resistances against strong types in the game, such as Psychic, Dark, Steel, and Ghost-types.

3 Mega Blastoise

Consistent Pressure On Any Opponent

Although Mega Blastoise may not outshine Mega Gyarados in stats, the pure Water-type Pokémon has the same strength with fewer weaknesses. Mega Blastoise has an incredible DPS, which s moves like Hydro Cannon and Water Gun in its offense. Like most Water-type Pokémon, Mega Blastoise gains a Same Type Attack Bonus (S.T.A.B.) when using Water-type moves, allowing it to deal unbelievable damage.

Mega Blastoise gains access to a unique Normal-type move as well; Skull Bash. This can help Mega Blastoise contend with Pokémon who resist Water-type moves, as this Kanto starter final evolution still sports a very high Attack stat. With great Defense too, Mega Blastoise has the versatility necessary to teams during Raids, PvP, or any other events.

2 Primal Kyogre

Unleash The Forbidden Strength Of The Ocean

The Water-type Pokémon in Pokémon GO with the strongest stats is Primal Kyogre, who undoubtedly has the greatest offensive potential of the type. As the improved form of an already strong Legendary Pokémon, this member of the Hoenn weather trio could be considered one of the strongest Pokémon, period. The DPS and TDO of Primal Kyogre are hardly rivaled by anyone but other Legendaries presented in the game.

Primal Kyogre is the only Water-type Pokémon that can learn an Electric-type move, Thunder. This makes it one of the rare Water-types who can actually have a direct counter to other Water-type Pokémon.

With access to Blizzard, Waterfall, Hydro Pump, and Surf, Primal Kyogre already has great moves. However, Primal Kyogre can also use Origin Pulse, a signature move that does more damage than any other Water-type move in Pokémon GO. With staggering Defense to add bulk to this Pokémon alongside above-average Stamina, Primal Kyogre will use its overwhelming offense to take out opponents before they can make a dent in its health.

1 Mega Swampert

Make A Key Weakness Insignificant

Mega Swampert may not have the sheer power of Primal Kyogre, but this Pokémon has the best dual typing you could ask for in a team member. Water/Ground-type Pokémon are special, as they nullify one of their biggest weaknesses against the Electric-type. As a result, Water/Ground Pokémon take extra damage from Grass-type moves, but lose one vulnerability altogether.

Having the Ground-type serves Mega Swampert well, as it gives the Pokémon access to Mud Shot and Earthquake in its arsenal. With exceptional Attack, DPS, and TDO stats, Mega Swampert is capable of demolishing Pokémon that would ordinarily be considered bulky. For example, the defensive powerhouse Metagross gets hard countered by Mega Swampert, making the Water/Ground-type excellent as a meta option.

Mega Swampert itself is also a defensive powerhouse, with higher Stamina than even Primal Kyogre. Great defense and offense come together to create the strongest Water-type Pokémon in Pokémon GO, with the skills to overcome any challenges the game might throw at you.