Summary
Since the release ofSword & Shield’sfirst expansion, theIsle of ArmorDLC, many players may be thinking “What else is there to do?” For these bored trainers, startinga new file with a mono-type teamwill addthe spice they desperately crave.
Mono-type runs have always appealed to the series' fans, 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 ofSword & Shieldcan pose quite the challenge. For any player consideringan 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 August 04, 2025 by Ben Painter:Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, its DLCThe Hidden Treasures of Area Zero, and its two parts,The Teal MaskandThe Indigo Disk, have been out for some time now. So, it makes sense for players to return to a previous entry and give that game another playthrough while they patiently await the release of the next main entry in the franchise,Pokemon Legends Z-A.
Gamers can also switch things up and add a twist to their playthrough. An example of this could be a monotype run, and because of the abundance of Water types, the aqua ‘mons are a perfect example. Even if this is not the case, every team needs a Water-type Pokemon, so here are the best ones that gamers can use in Pokemon Sword & Shield.
The Tadpole Pokemon was one of the original 151, and it made the jump from the Game Boy to the Switch forPokemon Sword & Shield. It is a great option for mono-Water runs due to its dual Fighting type. Normal Pokemon are common and are only weak to Fighting, so having a STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) option to deal Super Effective damage will be key.
The Damp ability willbe useful for Nuzlocke runsas it prevents moves like Self-Destruct and Explosion from being effective, a potential run-ender. A moveset of Belly Drum, Rain Dance, Liquidation, and Dynamic Punch will be lethal with Poliwrath’s high attack stat.
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Fairy types are always useful to have in a Pokemon team, and there aren’t too many to choose from when it comes to them also being a Water-type. This is where Azumarill comes in clutch to have neutrality to Dragon-type attacks, perfect for the final Gym and Elite Four battle.
Its shining stat is its 100 HP. It will take a lot to rock the Aqua Rabbit, but with the Huge Power ability, it can gain a massive boost to its attack, making moves like Waterfall and Play Rough a force to be reckoned with. It also can learn a wide variety of Ice-type moves, a perfect counter to the weakness of Grass types.
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One of Water’s biggest weaknesses in the game is Electric, so countering this with a Water/Electric type in Lanturn could be a way to go, especially with its Volt Absorb ability, which renders it completely useless.
With a staggering 125 HP stat, Lanturncan be used as an effective wall, absorbing attacks and even healing some HP back with Aqua Ring or a Stockpile and Swallow combination. The Light Pokemon has a decent Special Attack stat, too, so Hydro Pump and Thunderbolt will do some serious damage against the enemy Pokemon.
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A weird Pokemon here, Arctovish, is one of the four fossil Pokemon ofSword & Shield, which switched things up and had the fossils mixed up. This leads to some interesting designs, and this Water/Ice-type is no different.
Regardless of its appearance, the Fossil Pokemon is potent to use in the game, with a base stat total of 505. Its only weakness is Speed. With the Slush Rush ability, this is an easy fix when in a Hailstorm, as it will gain a boost. Teaching it Hail by TM is a must if this ability is present. Other moves Arctovish should have are the Physical Fishious Rend and Icicle Crash to make use of its massive 90-attack stat. One of thebest options for a Water-type inSword & Shield.
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Kingler is another Pokemon that was part of that illustrious original 151 ofPokemon Red & Blueand is famed among fans forits use by Ash Ketchumin the anime in his Indigo League battles. When it comes to the games, it is a superb choice. 130 Attack will be deadly in moves such as Crabhammer and Hammer Arm.
The Pincer Pokemon has access to Guillotine, a one-hit KO, although it only has a 30% accuracy. Kingler also has the fact that it can Gigantamax. Becoming the bearded giant, which can deal more damage during Dynamax battles that are present a lot inSword & Shield.
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Drednaw was a brand-new Pokemon forSword & Shield, and it is a decent option to use in the game, being able to be found early on as it’s pre-evolved form Chewtle. It has a fantastic Attack stat, so it will benefit from physical Water-type moves such as Razor Shell, Liquidation, or Waterfall. It can also benefit from STABRock-type attacks, which will help to deal with any Ice, Flying, Fire, or Bug enemies.
This Pokemon does have a 4x weakness to Grass, so it is best to avoid the type at all costs, although it can learn Ice-type moves by TM or Poison Jab. Ability-wise, this ‘mon has three great ones. Strong Jaw increases the attack of its biting moves (Bite, Crunch, Ice Fang, & Jaw Lock). Shell Armor protects it from Critical Hits (vital for a nuzlocke), and Swift Swim will make it faster in the rain.
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AnotherPokemon that is new for Generation 8, Barraskewda, is the evolved form of Arrokuda, and it is another Pokemon that is a star Water-type in the game. With breathtaking Speed and Attack, this Pokemon can hit hard and fast, leaving any opposing Ground, Rock, or Fire types in ruins.
Its hidden ability is the signature ability of this evolution line, and Propeller Tail will ignore the effects of abilities and moves that draw in the target, such as Follow Me or Storm Drain. It is lacking in the defensive department, but if the Pokemon it is facing is weak enough, it won’t get a chance to attack.
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The behemoth of a Pokemon that is known as Wailord was introduced inPokemon Ruby & Sapphirein Generation 3 and later made the jump up toPokemon Sword & Shield. Where this whale excels isbeing an effective wall. Its staggering 170 HP stat means that it will take a lot to get this ‘mon down.
Its Attack and Special Attack are also pretty decent, but a move that should be taught to this Pokemon is Rest, which will allow it to gain its HP back fully. This is an awesome strategy for Pokemon with high HP. It will take a lot to chip that HP down, and it will be so annoying for opponents to get their HP back up.
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Known for its exploits in the anime as part of Ash’s final Pokemon team, which won him the Master’s Eight Tournament, Dracovish is still an awesome Pokemon to use in-game. It comes with all-around decent stats and an emphasis on Defense, HP, and Attack.
As a Water/Dragon-type Pokemon, it has both of Water’s weaknesses countered by the Dragon typing, but it does leave it with a weakness to Dragon and Fairy. Its signature move, Fishious Rend, can be boosted by the Strong Jaw ability, which will make for a powerful move to use in battle. Gamers will have to get past the hideous design (although it is intentional) and be prepared to use a very solid Water-type Pokemon inSword & Shield.
Starmie was a Pokemon that was introduced in the Expansion Pass forPokemon Sword & Shield, so gamers will have tohead over to the Isle of Armorto pick up a Starmie (or its pre-evolution, Staryu) to use in a playthrough of Galar. It will be worth the extra work, as it is one of the best Water-type Pokemon.
The Water/Psychic type has an amazing and diverse movepool, capable of learning Thunderbolt, Dazzling Gleam, and Grass Knot, moves not normally found on Water types. With STAB, Psychic-type moves, like Psychic and Psycho Cut, also in its arsenal, it is an offensive beast and definitely one to try out in a playthrough.
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