So you're starting a new Pokemon adventure and that water-type starter is calling your name? Smart choice. Water starters have been fan favorites since Gen 1, and I've picked them in more games than I can count. Let's dive into everything you need to know about these aquatic companions.
All Water Starters Through the Generations
Pokemon water starters have evolved (pun intended) dramatically since 1996. I still remember choosing Squirtle on my old Game Boy – that pixelated little turtle started it all. Here's the complete lineup:
Notice how later generations started adding secondary typings? That's Game Freak addressing water's weaknesses. Still, nothing beats the OG Squirtle squad for pure nostalgia.
Breaking Down Each Water Starter
Not all pokemon water starters are created equal. I've made some regrettable choices over the years (looking at you, Oshawott). Here's the real scoop:
Squirtle Line: The Classic Tank
Evolution: Squirtle → Wartortle (Lv 16) → Blastoise (Lv 36)
Oh man, Squirtle was my first ever starter back in '98. That little turtle packs serious defense - 100 base DEF in its final form! Rock types barely scratch it. But here's the thing: water gun gets boring after awhile. You'll need TMs for coverage moves. Still, mega evolution gave it those awesome cannons. Worth it for nostalgia alone.
Mudkip Line: The Earthquake King
Evolution: Mudkip → Marshtomp (Lv 16) → Swampert (Lv 36)
Look. I know everyone memes "I herd u liek mudkipz" but seriously? Best water starter for casual playthroughs. Ground typing makes it immune to electric attacks - total game changer. Earthquake at evolution? Yes please. Only downside is grass moves will wreck it. But in Hoenn? Dominates.
Fun story: My Swampert solo'd half of Emerald's Elite Four. No lie.
Froakie Line: The Speed Demon
Evolution: Froakie → Frogadier (Lv 16) → Greninja (Lv 36)
Protean ability changed competitive battling forever. Changes type to match whatever move you use? Insane. 122 base speed outspeeds almost everything. But hey, it's paper thin defensively. One good hit and it's toast. Still, Ash-Greninja form looks sick.
The Underperformers
Let's be real - some water starters disappointed me:
- Totodile: Slow evolution, mediocre moveset until late game
- Oshawott: That final evolution... why a quadruped? Felt clunky
- Sobble: Great design but Inteleon's stats felt underwhelming
Strategic Advantages of Water Starters
Why pick water over fire or grass? From my experience:
| Situation | Water Advantage | Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|
| Early Gym Leaders | Wrecks Rock/Ground types (Brock, Roark) | Electric/grass leaders later |
| HM Utility | Learn Surf/Waterfall/Dive naturally | Wastes moveslots if overused |
| Type Matchups | Resists Fire/Steel/Water itself | 2x weak to Grass/Electric |
| Competitive Play | Several OU-tier pokemon water starters | Require specific builds |
That early game advantage can't be overstated. Beating Brock with Squirtle felt like cheating compared to my friend struggling with Charmander.
Critical Move Timing
When do they learn key moves? This matters:
- Water Gun: All learn by Lv 7-10
- Aqua Jet (Priority): Totodile (Lv 21), Oshawott (Lv 35)
- Earthquake: Swampert (Lv 36 - HUGE advantage)
- Hydro Pump: Most learn around Lv 42-50
Swampert getting EQ at evolution is broken good. Meanwhile, poor Piplup doesn't get decent water moves until Bubblebeam at Lv 24.
Competitive Viability Rankings
Wanna battle online? Not all pokemon water starters are equal. Based on current Smogon metagame:
| Pokemon | Tier | Key Strength | Usage % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greninja | OU (OverUsed) | Protean + Speed | 12.3% |
| Swampert | UU (UnderUsed) | Typing + Bulk | 7.1% |
| Empoleon | RU (RarelyUsed) | Defiant Ability | 3.4% |
| Inteleon | NU (NeverUsed) | Sniper Crits | 1.9% |
Greninja's been Uber tier in past generations. Absolutely terrifying with Battle Bond ability. Meanwhile, poor Primarina never caught on despite great SpAtk.
Why no love for Blastoise? Without mega evolution, it's outclassed. Sad but true.
Choosing Your Perfect Water Starter
Your playstyle determines which water starter fits best:
For New Players
Pick Mudkip. Seriously. Water/Ground typing negates electric weakness, learns EQ naturally, and steamrolls early gyms. Only Gen 3 though.
For Competitive Battlers
Greninja is meta king. But requires precise play. Swampert is bulkier alternative.
For Challenge Runs
Squirtle in FireRed Nuzlockes. That defense saves lives when mistakes happen.
If you just want something cute? Popplio's final evolution has bubble beam opera singer vibes. Weird but charming.
Training Tips & Common Mistakes
I've trained dozens of these. Here's what actually works:
- Don't over-rely on Water moves: Coverage is key! Teach Ice Beam for grass types
- EV train properly: Most need SpAtk or Attack EVs, not both
- Watch ability synergy: Torrent boosts Water moves at low HP - risky but powerful
- Beware status conditions: Paralyze ruins Greninja, Toxic stalls Blastoise
Biggest mistake I made? Training Feraligatr as special attacker. Those base 79 SpAtk won't cut it. Physical moves only!
Essential Items
- Mystic Water: Boosts water moves by 20% - obvious choice
- Choice Specs/Scarf: Greninja destroys with these
- Leftovers: For tanky sets (Swampert/Blastoise)
Pokemon Water Starters in Spin-off Games
They behave differently outside main games:
Pokemon GO: Totodile Community Day was fantastic. Feraligatr with Hydro Cannon wrecks raids. Squirtle with sunglasses? Adorable.
Mystery Dungeon: Playing as Mudkip feels OP. Water Gun hits multiple enemies in corridors.
Pokken Tournament: Where's Greninja? Oh right - top tier fighter. Those shurikens are annoying to face.
Water Starter FAQs
Which water starter is strongest overall?
Competitively, Greninja. For casual playthroughs, Swampert. But Blastoise with Mega Launcher gives it a shot.
Are any water starters bad choices?
Oshawott struggles mid-game before evolution. Inteleon's frailty makes it tough for beginners. But none are truly "bad."
Can water starters learn non-Water moves?
Absolutely! Key coverage moves:
- Ice Beam (for Grass/Dragon)
- Earthquake (Swampert/Mega Blastoise)
- Dark Pulse (Greninja/Samurott)
Will future games add more water starters?
Guaranteed. The pattern holds since Gen 1. Legends: Arceus gave us Hisuian Samurott - expect regional variants!
Final Thoughts
After 25+ years of pokemon water starters, they're still my go-to choice. That perfect balance of offense and defense just works. Will Scarlet/Violet's DLC add another? Probably. But until then, my personal ranking:
- Swampert (biased? Maybe. Don't care)
- Greninja (competitive beast)
- Blastoise (OG perfection)
- Empoleon (underrated steel typing)
- Feraligatr (physical powerhouse)
Whatever you pick, just enjoy splashing through those early gyms. Water starters make every journey more fun. Now go catch 'em all!
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