Playthrough tier listRuby & Sapphire

Best Water Pokémon in Ruby & Sapphire

Wallace's Sootopolis Gym, the eighth badge, is the Water gym, and Water is the biggest type in Ruby and Sapphire with 23 families. We graded 46 Water Pokémon you can get in Ruby & Sapphire, S to D, for beating the game. Swampert and Kyogre lead.

46gradedOct 18, 2026updated
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  • Trade-in
  • Trade to evolve
  • Starter: pick 1 of 3
  • Sapphire only
STop2 PokémonCarries a Ruby & Sapphire run against most of the bossesClick any Pokémon for its gradeTap a card for its grade
SwampertSwampertStarter: pick 1 of 3
KyogreKyogreSapphire only
Click any Pokémon for its gradeTap a card for its grade
AStrong13 PokémonA strong pick for most of the game
GyaradosGyarados
SharpedoSharpedo
PelipperPelipper
LaprasLaprasTrade-in only
PoliwrathPoliwrathTrade-in only
VaporeonVaporeonTrade-in only
FeraligatrFeraligatrTrade-in only
SlowkingSlowkingTrade-in only
PolitoedPolitoedTrade-in only
KinglerKinglerTrade-in only
SlowbroSlowbroTrade-in only
KabutopsKabutopsTrade-in only
OctilleryOctilleryTrade-in only
BSolid12 PokémonDoes the job with some help
CrawdauntCrawdaunt
TentacruelTentacruel
GolduckGolduck
StarmieStarmie
AzumarillAzumarill
CloysterCloysterTrade-in only
MantineMantineTrade-in only
QwilfishQwilfishTrade-in only
QuagsireQuagsireTrade-in only
BlastoiseBlastoiseTrade-in only
OmastarOmastarTrade-in only
SuicuneSuicuneTrade-in only
CSituational14 PokémonStruggles against several bosses
LudicoloLudicoloSapphire only
SeakingSeaking
WalreinWalrein
MarshtompMarshtompStarter: pick 1 of 3
MudkipMudkipStarter: pick 1 of 3
MagikarpMagikarp
CarvanhaCarvanha
WingullWingull
PoliwhirlPoliwhirlTrade-in only
CroconawCroconawTrade-in only
SlowpokeSlowpokeTrade-in only
KrabbyKrabbyTrade-in only
KabutoKabutoTrade-in only
RemoraidRemoraidTrade-in only
DBottom37 PokémonHard to use for beating the game
RelicanthRelicanth
MiloticMilotic
GorebyssGorebyssTrade to evolve
KingdraKingdraTrade to evolve
HuntailHuntailTrade to evolve
WailordWailord
LanturnLanturn
WhiscashWhiscash
CorsolaCorsola
LuvdiscLuvdisc
CorphishCorphish
TentacoolTentacool
PsyduckPsyduck
StaryuStaryu
MarillMarill
SurskitSurskit
LombreLombreSapphire only
LotadLotadSapphire only
GoldeenGoldeen
SealeoSealeo
SphealSpheal
FeebasFeebas
ClamperlClamperl
SeadraSeadra
HorseaHorsea
WailmerWailmer
ChinchouChinchou
BarboachBarboach
DewgongDewgongTrade-in only
PoliwagPoliwagTrade-in only
TotodileTotodileTrade-in only
ShellderShellderTrade-in only
WooperWooperTrade-in only
WartortleWartortleTrade-in only
SquirtleSquirtleTrade-in only
OmanyteOmanyteTrade-in only
SeelSeelTrade-in only

What each tier means

  • STop Carries a Ruby & Sapphire run against most of the bosses
  • AStrong A strong pick for most of the game
  • BSolid Does the job with some help
  • CSituational Struggles against several bosses
  • DBottom Hard to use for beating the game
2 reads blended into one listreblend in Showing78 46 in Ruby & Sapphire + 32 trade-ins

Board breakdown

Here each Water Pokémon you can get meets the 13 Ruby & Sapphire gym leader, Elite Four and Champion fights in order, Roxanne to Steven. Next to Swampert, Pelipper does well in 8 of them, 1 fight has no Water answer, and the versions differ in 6 fights.

Who should back up Swampert on a Water team?

Besides Swampert, the best Water helper is Pelipper: 8 of 13 fights, starting with Roxanne.

The board grades Kyogre higher, but Pelipper helps in 2 more fights and joins 7 badges sooner.

Each row is one Water pick and its 13 boxes are the fights in order. A filled box means it does well there: Pelipper has 8, first at Roxanne.

Gym 1, RoxanneGym 2, BrawlyGym 3, WattsonGym 4, FlanneryGym 5, NormanGym 6, WinonaGym 7, Tate & LizaGym 8, WallaceElite Four, SidneyElite Four, PhoebeElite Four, GlaciaElite Four, DrakeChampion, Steven
  • SwampertGym 1 Roxanne: does wellGym 2 Brawly: does wellGym 3 Wattson: does wellGym 4 Flannery: does wellGym 5 Norman: no clear edgeGym 6 Winona: no clear edgeGym 7 Tate & Liza: no clear edgeGym 8 Wallace: no clear edgeSidney: does wellPhoebe: does wellGlacia: does wellDrake: does wellSteven: does wellStarterMudkipRoute 101#007MudkipLevel 16#008MarshtompLevel 36#009Swampertfinal form by Tate & Liza
    Does wellRoxanneBrawlyWattsonFlannerySidneyPhoebeGlaciaDrakeStevenNo clear edgeNorman, Winona, Tate & Liza, Wallace
  • PelipperGym 1 Roxanne: does wellGym 2 Brawly: does wellGym 3 Wattson: has troubleGym 4 Flannery: does wellGym 5 Norman: has troubleGym 6 Winona: does wellGym 7 Tate & Liza: does wellGym 8 Wallace: no clear edgeSidney: no clear edgePhoebe: does wellGlacia: no clear edgeDrake: does wellSteven: does wellFrom the startWingullRoute 10310% of encounters#027WingullLevel 25#028Pelipperfinal form by Flannery
    Does wellRoxanneBrawlyFlanneryWinonaTate & LizaPhoebeDrakeStevenHas troubleWattson, NormanNo clear edgeWallace, Sidney, Glacia
  • SharpedoGym 1 Roxanne: not on your team yetGym 2 Brawly: not on your team yetGym 3 Wattson: not on your team yetGym 4 Flannery: not on your team yetGym 5 Norman: not on your team yetGym 6 Winona: does wellGym 7 Tate & Liza: does wellGym 8 Wallace: no clear edgeSidney: no clear edgePhoebe: does wellGlacia: does wellDrake: does wellSteven: does wellAfter badge 5CarvanhaRoute 118Good Rod20% of encounters#097CarvanhaLevel 30#098Sharpedofinal form by Winona
    Not yet: Roxanne to NormanDoes wellWinonaTate & LizaPhoebeGlaciaDrakeStevenNo clear edgeWallace, Sidney
  • GolduckGym 1 Roxanne: not on your team yetGym 2 Brawly: not on your team yetGym 3 Wattson: not on your team yetGym 4 Flannery: not on your team yetGym 5 Norman: not on your team yetGym 6 Winona: not on your team yetGym 7 Tate & Liza: does wellGym 8 Wallace: no clear edgeSidney: does wellPhoebe: does wellGlacia: does wellDrake: does wellSteven: does wellAfter badge 6PsyduckSafari Zone southwestSurf100% of encounters#158PsyduckLevel 33#159Golduckfinal form by Tate & Liza
    Not yet: Roxanne to WinonaDoes wellTate & LizaSidneyPhoebeGlaciaDrakeStevenNo clear edgeWallace
  • KyogreGym 1 Roxanne: not on your team yetGym 2 Brawly: not on your team yetGym 3 Wattson: not on your team yetGym 4 Flannery: not on your team yetGym 5 Norman: not on your team yetGym 6 Winona: not on your team yetGym 7 Tate & Liza: not on your team yetGym 8 Wallace: does wellSidney: does wellPhoebe: does wellGlacia: does wellDrake: does wellSteven: does wellAfter badge 7Cave of OriginLv 45
    Not yet: Roxanne to Tate & LizaDoes wellWallaceSidneyPhoebeGlaciaDrakeSteven
  • LudicoloGym 1 Roxanne: not on your team yetGym 2 Brawly: not on your team yetGym 3 Wattson: not on your team yetGym 4 Flannery: not on your team yetGym 5 Norman: not on your team yetGym 6 Winona: not on your team yetGym 7 Tate & Liza: not on your team yetGym 8 Wallace: does wellSidney: does wellPhoebe: does wellGlacia: does wellDrake: does wellSteven: does wellLudicolo after badge 7LotadFrom the startRoute 10220% of encounters#019LotadLevel 14#020LombreWater Stone#021LudicoloWater Stone in the Abandoned Shipneeds Dive
    Not yet: Roxanne to Tate & LizaDoes wellWallaceSidneyPhoebeGlaciaDrakeSteven
  • GyaradosGym 1 Roxanne: not on your team yetGym 2 Brawly: has troubleGym 3 Wattson: no clear edgeGym 4 Flannery: no clear edgeGym 5 Norman: no clear edgeGym 6 Winona: does wellGym 7 Tate & Liza: does wellGym 8 Wallace: no clear edgeSidney: no clear edgePhoebe: does wellGlacia: no clear edgeDrake: does wellSteven: does wellAfter badge 1MagikarpRoute 104Old Rod100% of encounters#052MagikarpLevel 20#053Gyaradosfinal form by Wattson
    Not yet: RoxanneDoes wellWinonaTate & LizaPhoebeDrakeStevenHas troubleBrawlyNo clear edgeWattson, Flannery, Norman, Wallace, Sidney, Glacia
NextTentacruel 5Crawdaunt 4Starmie 4

Best pair

Swampert + Pelipper11/13 togetherall Water picks: 12

Which fights from Roxanne to Steven leave a Water team with no answer?

Only Norman, though Swampert is your only Water answer to Wattson, so keep it healthy.

One row per fight, Roxanne to Steven, with the best Water pick you can have by then. Tap a fight for its team and every pick. First with none: Norman.

Gyms

  1. Pelipperas Wingull+1 more

    Team

    1. GeodudeLv 14RockGround
    2. NosepassLv 15RockAce

    Does well (2)Pelipperas WingullMoves: Water GunSwampert Starter: pick 1 of 3as MudkipMoves: Water Gun

    Full fight

  2. Pelipperas Wingull+2 more

    Team

    1. MachopLv 17Fighting
    2. MakuhitaLv 18FightingAce

    Does well (3)Pelipperas WingullMoves: Wing AttackSeakingas GoldeenMoves: PeckSwampert Starter: pick 1 of 3as MarshtompMoves: Mud Shot

    No clear edge (1)Tentacruelas Tentacool

    Has trouble (1)Gyaradosas Magikarp

    Full fight

  3. Swampertas Marshtompstarter only

    Team

    1. MagnemiteLv 22ElectricSteel
    2. VoltorbLv 20Electric
    3. MagnetonLv 23ElectricSteelAce

    Does well (1)Swampert Starter: pick 1 of 3as MarshtompMoves: Mud Shot

    No clear edge (2)GyaradosAzumarill

    Has trouble (3)Pelipperas WingullTentacruelas TentacoolSeakingas Goldeen

    Full fight

  4. Pelipper+3 more

    Team

    1. SlugmaLv 26Fire
    2. SlugmaLv 26Fire
    3. TorkoalLv 28FireAce

    Does well (4)PelipperMoves: Water GunSwampert Starter: pick 1 of 3as MarshtompMoves: DigAzumarillMoves: Bubble BeamTentacruelas TentacoolMoves: Bubble Beam

    No clear edge (2)GyaradosSeakingas Goldeen

    Full fight

  5. Closest: Gyarados

    Team

    1. SlakingLv 28Normal
    2. VigorothLv 30Normal
    3. SlakingLv 31NormalAce

    No clear edge (3)GyaradosSwampert Starter: pick 1 of 3as MarshtompAzumarill

    Has trouble (3)PelipperTentacruelas TentacoolSeakingas Goldeen

    Full fight

  6. Pelipper+2 more

    Team

    1. SwellowLv 31NormalFlying
    2. PelipperLv 30WaterFlying
    3. SkarmoryLv 32SteelFlying
    4. AltariaLv 33DragonFlyingAce

    Does well (3)PelipperMoves: Shock Wave and Ice BeamGyaradosMoves: Thunderbolt and Ice BeamSharpedoMoves: Ice Beam, Rock Tomb and Surf

    No clear edge (8)CrawdauntTentacruelMiloticWhiscashAzumarillWailordas WailmerSwampert Starter: pick 1 of 3as MarshtompSeakingas Goldeen

    Full fight

  7. Pelipper+10 more

    Team

    1. LunatoneLv 42RockPsychicAce
    2. SolrockLv 42RockPsychic

    Does well (11)PelipperMoves: SurfMiloticMoves: Hydro PumpGolduckMoves: SurfSharpedoMoves: CrunchGyaradosMoves: Hydro PumpTentacruelMoves: SurfSeakingMoves: SurfWailordMoves: SurfWalreinas SealeoMoves: SurfAzumarillMoves: SurfCrawdauntMoves: Knock Off

    No clear edge (2)Swampert Starter: pick 1 of 3Whiscash

    Full fight

  8. TentacruelRuby +2 moreSapphire +4 more

    TeamWater-type team

    1. LuvdiscLv 40Water
    2. WhiscashLv 42WaterGround
    3. SealeoLv 40IceWater
    4. SeakingLv 42Water
    5. MiloticLv 43WaterAce

    Does well (5)TentacruelMoves: Giga DrainLudicoloSapphire onlyMoves: Solar BeamKyogreSapphire onlyMoves: Thunder and Hydro PumpStarmieMoves: Thunder and PsychicLanturnMoves: Thunder and Surf

    No clear edge (13)Swampert Starter: pick 1 of 3SharpedoPelipperRelicanthGolduckWhiscashGyaradosCrawdauntMiloticHuntail Trade to evolveSeakingGorebyss Trade to evolveCorsola

    Has trouble (4)Walreinas SealeoAzumarillWailordLuvdisc

    Full fight

League

  1. GolduckRuby +2 moreSapphire +4 more

    Team

    1. MightyenaLv 46Dark
    2. ShiftryLv 48GrassDark
    3. CacturneLv 46GrassDark
    4. SharpedoLv 48WaterDark
    5. AbsolLv 49DarkAce

    Does well (5)GolduckMoves: Focus PunchLudicoloSapphire onlyMoves: Focus Punch and Solar BeamTentacruelMoves: Sludge Bomb and Giga DrainSwampert Starter: pick 1 of 3Moves: Focus PunchKyogreSapphire onlyMoves: Brick Break and Thunder

    No clear edge (17)WalreinKingdra Trade to evolveRelicanthGyaradosStarmieMiloticPelipperLanturnCrawdauntGorebyss Trade to evolveAzumarillHuntail Trade to evolveSharpedoWhiscashCorsolaSeakingWailord

    Has trouble (1)Luvdisc

    Full fight

  2. PelipperRuby +8 moreSapphire +10 more

    Team

    1. DusclopsLv 48Ghost
    2. BanetteLv 49Ghost
    3. SableyeLv 50DarkGhost
    4. BanetteLv 49Ghost
    5. DusclopsLv 51GhostAce

    Does well (11)PelipperMoves: Thief and FlySharpedoMoves: CrunchCrawdauntMoves: Knock OffKyogreSapphire onlyMoves: Hydro PumpHuntail Trade to evolveMoves: Crunch and SurfLudicoloSapphire onlyMoves: Thief and Solar BeamGorebyss Trade to evolveMoves: Shadow Ball and SurfGyaradosMoves: Bite and Hydro PumpGolduckMoves: SurfMiloticMoves: Hydro PumpSwampert Starter: pick 1 of 3Moves: Earthquake

    No clear edge (12)Kingdra Trade to evolveWalreinRelicanthWailordStarmieWhiscashCorsolaTentacruelSeakingLanturnLuvdiscAzumarill

    Full fight

  3. SharpedoRuby +6 moreSapphire +8 more

    Team

    1. GlalieLv 50Ice
    2. SealeoLv 50IceWater
    3. SealeoLv 52IceWater
    4. GlalieLv 52Ice
    5. WalreinLv 53IceWaterAce

    Does well (9)SharpedoMoves: Rock SmashLudicoloSapphire onlyMoves: Focus Punch and Solar BeamRelicanthMoves: Ancient PowerSwampert Starter: pick 1 of 3Moves: Focus PunchKyogreSapphire onlyMoves: Brick Break and ThunderCrawdauntMoves: Brick BreakStarmieMoves: Psychic and ThunderGolduckMoves: Focus PunchLanturnMoves: Thunder

    No clear edge (13)TentacruelCorsolaGyaradosPelipperKingdra Trade to evolveHuntail Trade to evolveAzumarillWhiscashMiloticWalreinWailordGorebyss Trade to evolveSeaking

    Has trouble (1)Luvdisc

    Full fight

  4. PelipperRuby +18 moreSapphire +20 more

    Team

    1. ShelgonLv 52Dragon
    2. AltariaLv 54DragonFlying
    3. FlygonLv 53GroundDragon
    4. FlygonLv 53GroundDragon
    5. SalamenceLv 55DragonFlyingAce

    Does well (21)PelipperMoves: BlizzardWalreinMoves: BlizzardStarmieMoves: BlizzardKyogreSapphire onlyMoves: BlizzardKingdra Trade to evolveMoves: Twister and BlizzardSharpedoMoves: BlizzardCrawdauntMoves: BlizzardMiloticMoves: Twister and BlizzardGolduckMoves: BlizzardTentacruelMoves: BlizzardGorebyss Trade to evolveMoves: BlizzardLudicoloSapphire onlyMoves: BlizzardHuntail Trade to evolveMoves: BlizzardRelicanthMoves: BlizzardLanturnMoves: BlizzardSwampert Starter: pick 1 of 3Moves: BlizzardGyaradosMoves: Twister and BlizzardSeakingMoves: BlizzardCorsolaMoves: BlizzardWailordMoves: BlizzardLuvdiscMoves: Blizzard

    No clear edge (2)WhiscashAzumarill

    Full fight

  5. PelipperRuby +12 moreSapphire +14 more

    Team

    1. SkarmoryLv 57SteelFlying
    2. ClaydolLv 55GroundPsychic
    3. AggronLv 56SteelRock
    4. CradilyLv 56RockGrass
    5. ArmaldoLv 56RockBug
    6. MetagrossLv 58SteelPsychicAce

    Does well (15)PelipperMoves: Shock Wave, Surf and BlizzardKyogreSapphire onlyMoves: Thunder, Hydro Pump and Brick BreakMiloticMoves: Hydro Pump and BlizzardGolduckMoves: Surf, Focus Punch and DigStarmieMoves: Thunder, Surf and BlizzardKingdra Trade to evolveMoves: Hydro Pump and BlizzardGorebyss Trade to evolveMoves: Hydro Pump and BlizzardHuntail Trade to evolveMoves: Hydro Pump and BlizzardLudicoloSapphire onlyMoves: Surf, Solar Beam and Focus PunchGyaradosMoves: Thunder, Hydro Pump and Rock SmashSwampert Starter: pick 1 of 3Moves: Muddy Water, Earthquake and Focus PunchLanturnMoves: Thunder, Hydro Pump and BlizzardSeakingMoves: Surf and BlizzardWalreinMoves: Blizzard, Rock Smash and SurfSharpedoMoves: Surf, Crunch and Rock Smash

    No clear edge (8)LuvdiscWhiscashWailordAzumarillTentacruelCrawdauntRelicanthCorsola

    Full fight

What changes for a Water team because of Kyogre and move stats?

From Wallace on, Kyogre and Ludicolo give Sapphire 2 more answers per fight, yet Ruby still has 3 or more Water answers in each.

Each card is one thing that can change a Water team before you commit: the two versions, move stats and link trades.

  • 6 fights where versions differ
    RubySapphire
    Only hereKyogreLudicolo
    Same open fights in both versions
  • Water moves use Sp. Atk
    • SwampertAttack 110, used by Ground movesSp. Atk 85, used by Water moves
    • SharpedoAttack 120, not used by Water movesSp. Atk 95, used by Water moves
    • GyaradosAttack 125, used by Flying movesSp. Atk 60, used by Water moves
  • Needs a link tradeGorebyssClamperl, Deep Sea ScaleKingdraSeadra, Dragon ScaleHuntailClamperl, Deep Sea Tooth
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