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 Pokémon 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 Pokémon they should have going into the game so that they don’t waste spots on their limited 6 Pokémon team.
11 Golisopod (Best)
Golisopod was Pokémon: Sun and Moon’s new and improved Gyrados. Starting out as Wimpod, a frail little bug with a tendency to flee from danger, it evolves into the goliath damage dealer Golisopod. 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 Pokémon .
10 Drednaw (Avoid)
Another turtle that just isn’t turtley enough for the turtle club, Drednaw fails to live up to its Gigantamax potential. Additionally, its access to powerful moves and a high attack stat of 115 do not bring anything new to the table.
Drednaw falls flat when compared to other powerful water-types. With a worse typing, similar moves to the water/ground-types, and the lackluster stats of a route 1 Pokémon, Drednaw just doesn’t make the cut. It wants to find its niche as a physical attacker but unfortunately, it doesn’t quite get there. Unless trainers really love turtles, this Pokémon has no place on a water-type team.
9 Toxapex (Best)
The poison-type pincushion Toxapex is one of the best walls in Pokémon: Sword and Shield. Toxapex is so effective because of the way it utilizes the game’s core mechanics to its advantage. With great defensive typing in water and poison and an incredible hidden ability in Regenerator, Toxapex becomes almost unkillable. 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.
8 Quagsire (Avoid)
In the unfortunate position of being a less effective stall than Toxapex, and a lower overall quality water/ground-type, Quagsire falls into the all-too-common category of outdated Pokemon. A staple for many teams back in the earlier generation days, Quagsire just didn’t hold up as newer and more powerful Pokemon rose up to fill the roles it once held. In this case, it’s out with the old and in with the new.
7 Seismitoad (Best)
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 in Swift Swim, Poison Touch, and Water Absorb, trainers will be singing the praises of their powerful new Siesmitoad. What sets this frog apart from other water/ground-types is its decent speed stat. Most Pokémon with the same typing simply lack the speed to remain a viable option throughout the game. While Siesmitoad is no speed demon, it certainly will get the job done.
6 Gastrodon (Avoid)
Another water/ground-type that just doesn’t live up to its potential. With an atrocious speed stat of 39, Gastrodon is always going to take a hit. Despite its very solid defenses and access to Recover, its abysmal speed means it will always be susceptible to status effects like taunt and encore which sets Gastrodon up for immediate failure. Additionally, with weather focused abilities in Storm Drain and Sand Force, Gastrodon depends on a whole lot of team support to truly remain viable.
5 Sharpedo (Best)
Here is the speed demon that every trainer’s water-type team has been waiting for. Recently added into the game through the Isle of Armor DLC, Sharpedo reclaims its old title of “papa shark.” With 120 base attack, Sharpedo is another physical force that every water-type team desperately needs. Its high attack stat makes Aqua Jet an incredibly powerful attack with speed 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!
4 Blastoise (Avoid)
Oh, how the mighty have fallen. The classic water-type starter has always held a place in the hearts of many many Pokémon fans. Since Generation 1 players have been able to sail the seas, climb mountains, and defeat evil teams, all with the help of their trusted cannon turtle, Blastoise. Unfortunately, in Sword & Shield Blastoise just doesn’t live up to the hype.
With no real recovery options outside of its hidden ability, Rain Dish, Blastoise just doesn’t have the staying power of other defensive water-types. Additionally, its lackluster attack stats (even with the boosts from Shell Smash) leave much to be desired. Overall, Blastoise just isn’t anything special.
3 Ludicolo (Best)
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 Ludicolo 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. All the while 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.
2 Inteleon (Avoid)
Many fans were looking forward to the release of Sword & Shield and the new water-type starter, Inteleon. The secret agent Pokémon was the subject of fan art, and much debate, as its pitiful introduction left many trainers rushing to Sobble’s aid. Ultimately, their support was all for naught, as Inteleon failed to make any dent in the vast pool of powerful water-types in Sword & Shield. Despite its high speed and even higher special attack, Inteleon’s lackluster defenses and shallow movepool make this Pokémon into one water-type trainers should avoid.
1 Slowking (Best)
The very difficult to obtain classic Pokémon 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 well 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.
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