Water-type Pokémon are making waves these days, and it’s never been a better time to look back at some of the coolest, strongest, and most iconic Water-type Pokémon to appear in the Pokémon TCG! Between revolutionary gameplay mechanics, gorgeous artwork, and flat-out cool appearances, there’s plenty to appreciate. Well…water we waiting for—let’s dive in!
Blastoise
It doesn’t get more iconic than Blastoise. This fully evolved first partner Pokémon is marked as the second Pokémon in Base Set, technically making it the first Water-type Pokémon to be represented in the Pokémon TCG. Its Rain Dance Pokémon Power was the first of many Energy-accelerating Poké-Powers, Poké-Bodies, and Abilities with similar effects, setting a trend for numerous Water-type Pokémon, including the future meta-defining Blastoise ex and Blastoise.
Shining Gyarados
There might not be a Shiny Pokémon more recognizable than Shiny Gyarados, with its bright red scales striking even more fear into the hearts of its opponents. Gyarados was one of the first Water-type Pokémon to have its Shiny form represented in the Pokémon TCG, and Shining Gyarados remains one of the most fabled Pokémon TCG cards ever released. Its pre-evolution, Shiny Magikarp, is no less famous, even making its return in the special anniversary set Celebrations.
Squirtle?
This Squirtle looks funny… Did you fall for it? It’s actually a Ditto! Let’s ignore that the card itself has the name of its true subject perfectly positioned in the top left corner. Ditto may not be a Water-type Pokémon, but this Squirtle transformation brilliantly represented by artist Yuka Morii continues to make a splash in the hearts of fans everywhere.
Feraligatr
As a fully evolved first partner Pokémon, Feraligatr is another classic Water-type Pokémon with plenty of representation in the Pokémon TCG. This card featuring artwork by Mitsuhiro Arita is one of the first though, showcasing Feraligatr’s awesome scale as it traverses through a swamp. The line split between Feraligatr’s head above water and its body below remains one of the most compelling illustrations of the Big Jaw Pokémon.
Lugia LEGEND
Lugia isn’t a Water-type Pokémon, but we thought it’d be a shame if we didn’t mention the Pokémon that is said to be the guardian of the seas. During the HeartGold & SoulSilver era of the Pokémon TCG, Lugia was represented as a Water type four different times—this two-part Lugia LEGEND being among the most unique with its frame-shattering and text-warping artwork.
Greninja BREAK
The gilded Pokémon BREAK debuted in the Pokémon X and Pokémon Y era of the Pokémon TCG and introduced a new type of Evolution where Pokémon BREAK retained all the previous text (except for HP) of its previous Evolution, allowing for unique gameplay combinations. Greninja BREAK was arguably the most powerful of these cards, spreading damage with its Giant Water Shuriken Ability while locking out its opponent’s Abilities with Greninja’s Shadow Stitching.
Team Aqua’s Kyogre-EX
Who loves Water-type Pokémon more than Team Aqua? If you believe in a world where the ocean should rule above all else, look no further than Team Aqua’s Kyogre-EX. This card from the Double Crisis expansion features classic Water-type Pokémon from the Hoenn region, Seviper (to represent their rivalry with those landlubbers, Team Magma), and Team Aqua’s admins, Shelly and Matt.
Magikarp & Wailord-GX
Thar she blows! Friends can be found in all shapes and sizes. That sentiment couldn’t be more well represented than by the mini Magikarp and the mighty Wailord schooling up to have some fun in the Pokémon TCG as a TAG TEAM. Illustrator OOYAMA is known for their whimsical illustrations, and this artwork not only showcases the silly nature of Magikarp and Wailord, but it also uses perspective to turn the size difference of these two Pokémon on its head.
Starmie V
Sit back with an artwork that screams relaxation, refreshment, and recreation as the Water-type specialist Misty lounges on a Poké Ball float next to her iconic partner, Starmie. Even when it’s not summertime, this card from Sword & Shield—Astral Radiance’s Trainer Gallery provides all the vibes of a warm day by—or in—the pool.
Dondozo
Dondozo may be a newly discovered Water-type Pokémon, but it’s already making a splash in this artwork by AKIRA EGAWA. Between a mix of beautiful sunset-fueled colors, the majesty of Dondozo arcing out of the sea, and a Curly Form Tatsugiri comically getting caught in the cross water, this illustration rare from the Scarlet & Violet expansion has it all.
We hope this wave of Water-type Pokémon cards has inspired you to take a deep dive through your own Pokémon TCG collection to find more of your favorites. More Water-type Pokémon fun is in the cards this June! In the meantime, check out the Water-type Month kickoff, a Water-type quiz, and our tribute to Surfing Pikachu.
