Water-type Pokémon have always held a dominant place in the competitive scene, and Pokémon Legends: Z-A is no exception. From bulky tanks that can absorb hits to swift attackers capable of sweeping entire teams, this type remains one of the most balanced and versatile choices in the game. In this guide, we’ll break down the best Water-type Pokémon ranked by power, explaining what makes each one worth adding to your roster.

1. Greninja – The Swift Assassin

Greninja continues to impress with its speed and versatility. Thanks to its high base Speed and Special Attack, it can outspeed most opponents while dealing devastating damage with moves like Hydro Pump and Ice Beam. Its ability to adapt through move customization also gives it an unpredictable edge in battle. For players who enjoy building unique strategies, some even choose to buy custom Pokémon like Greninja variants with tailored stats to maximize their performance.

2. Gyarados – The Classic Powerhouse

No list of Water-types would be complete without Gyarados. Its combination of high Attack and access to Dragon Dance makes it one of the most feared sweepers in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Mega Evolution further enhances its offensive capabilities, allowing it to break through even the toughest defenses. While it’s a bit fragile before setting up, a single boost can turn it into a game-winning monster.

3. Milotic – The Elegant Tank

Milotic’s beauty hides a resilient tank with excellent Special Defense and reliable recovery through Recover. It’s a great option for trainers who prefer endurance over brute strength. In battles where status conditions are common, Milotic’s Marvel Scale ability gives it an added layer of durability, letting it shrug off debuffs and stay in the fight. Many players customize their Milotic builds for different team compositions, sometimes exploring discounted custom Pokémon online options to fine-tune IVs and natures.

4. Empoleon – The Steel-Water Strategist

Empoleon’s dual typing makes it a unique defensive choice among Water-types. Its Steel attributes allow it to resist Fairy, Rock, and Dragon moves, giving it an edge in matchups where pure Water Pokémon might struggle. With moves like Flash Cannon and Surf, Empoleon provides both offensive pressure and utility. In competitive formats, it can also act as a solid Stealth Rock setter.

5. Palafin (Hero Form) – The Hidden Titan

Palafin may start out unimpressively, but once it transforms into Hero Form, it becomes one of the most powerful Water-types in the game. Its massive Attack stat and access to priority moves make it a late-game sweeper that can reverse losing situations. Timing its transformation and knowing when to re-enter battle are key to unlocking its full potential.

6. Blastoise – The Reliable Veteran

As one of the most iconic starters in Pokémon history, Blastoise still holds its ground in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. With access to moves like Aura Sphere, Ice Beam, and Hydro Cannon, it remains a dependable all-rounder. Mega Blastoise gains a boost to its Special Attack and gains the Mega Launcher ability, turning its pulse moves into heavy-hitting weapons.

7. Vaporeon – The Support Specialist

Vaporeon excels as a support Pokémon, with Wish and Heal Bell giving it strong utility in team battles. Its massive HP pool allows it to soak up damage while keeping allies alive. While it may not deal the most damage, its ability to sustain a team makes it a top pick for cooperative or long-duration fights.

Choosing the best Water-type Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Z-A depends on your playstyle—whether you favor raw offense, tactical endurance, or flexible team support. Each of the Pokémon listed above can perform exceptionally when trained and built correctly.

For players looking to experiment with unique builds or perfect IV spreads, some turn to trusted marketplaces like U4GM to buy custom Pokémon for their collections. While not essential, these options allow for creative team building and help competitive trainers fine-tune their strategies.

In any case, mastering your chosen Water-type will take practice and smart decision-making—but once you do, you’ll find that these aquatic powerhouses can dominate the battlefield like no other.