Pokémon Scarlet & Violet are fast approaching, and they have already revealed many additions to the franchise. The Water Starter, Quaxly, is the cutest duck with a hat ever and a worthy entry to the beloved and respected Water-type pantheon.
Water is the most common type in the franchise, home to many of Pokémon‘s most iconic creatures like Gyarados, Piplup, Squirtle, and more. As one of the most popular types in the series, Water has a considerable place in fans’ hearts, and these memes are the perfect proof. They not only perfectly describe the type but also cement it as one of the best in Pokémon.
Shinies For Everyone
Gyarados is one of the most iconic Water-type Pokémon in the franchise. It is also one of the strongest in Kanto, explaining why it’s become such a legend throughout the generations. Gyarados’ distinctive shiny coloring, a bright and flaming shade of red, has become a fan favorite for two reasons: it’s significantly different from Gyarados’ original color and is very easy to find.
In the Johto games, there’s a fairly accessible shiny Gyrados in the Lake of Rage. Future games would keep including the red variation, cementing Gyarados as one of the if not the easiest shiny to find in the franchise. No one’s complaining because a red Gyarados is possibly scarier than a blue one.
Growing Pains
Feebas is one of the ugliest Water-type Pokémon in the franchise. However, it evolves into one of the most beautiful, Milotic, a fan favorite and one of the best creatures in the Hoenn region. However, it is one-of-a-kind, because not all Water-type Pokémon overcome their growing pains.
This funny meme Redditor xXDCTCXx uses poor Goldeen as an example. Indeed, the red and round Kantonian fish evolves into an even redder and rounder fish with a slightly larger horn. However, it maintains a somewhat boring and forgettable design, like so many other fish Pokémon that barely register. Not everyone can turn into a Milotic, but some Water-types did get the short end of the evolution stick.
Is He A Joke To You?
Greninja is the most popular Pokémon, according to the Pokémon of the Year annual poll. The Gen VI dual Water/Dark-type Starter is a superstar thanks to its design and alternate form, known as Ash Greninja. Its presence in the Super Smash Bros. franchise cemented it as an icon in the Pokémon franchise.
And yet, Greninja has been MIA from the games since Gen VI. The most popular Pokémon in the franchise should have a more prominent role, but Game Freak doesn’t seem to think so. Redditor SSafx5000 summarized Greninja’s struggle in this hilarious meme, blending Greninja with meme superstar Pepe the Frog.
Water Gun!
Water Gun is arguably the most recognizable of the Water-type moves. Most Water-types can learn it at reasonable levels, and although it has many more powerful variations, like Water Cannon, the original is still the best. Sentimental value, perhaps, but it certainly has a place of honor in the pantheon of great Pokémon moves.
Most Water-types in the anime use it as a default move, and the animation always involves them shooting out a disturbing amount of water out of their mouths. Instagram user @americanmemeofficial posted this funny meme about the Water Gun animation, and it’s honestly an accurate depiction.
The Non-Problematic Starters
The Water-type has some of the best Starters in Pokémon. From Squirtle to Piplup and Popplio, every new addition keeps fans of the type happy. On the contrary, Fire and Grass fans are always arguing about their Starters, whether because of their designs or their supposed inspirations.
The Gen IX Starters proved this thesis right. Grass fans wonder if Sprigatito will change designs upon evolution and Fire fans are wreck trying to decide if Fuecoco fits the theory that Fire Starters draw inspiration from the Chinese Zodiac. Meanwhile, Water fans are happy their Pokémon is a cute duck wearing a hat. Redditor AsexualPlantMain put it all into a meme, and it’s hilarious.
How Does THAT Fit In HERE?
Some Pokémon have truly outrageous sizes that defy any sense of logic. True, this is a franchise where creatures shoot elements out of their mouths, but it should still have some sense of respect for the mechanics within its world. Water-type Pokémon are among the worst offenders, considering they draw inspiration from some of the largest animals in the real world.
Case in point, Wailord, a creature that supposedly weighs 877 pounds and has a height of 47 feet. In fact, Wailord is the second-largest Pokémon in the franchise; how does that thing fit in the average Pokémon battle? The same goes for other large Water-types like Gyarados and Whishiwashi, and this meme by the aptly titled @pokemonmeme_com account on Twitter is the perfect representation.
Would Someone Think Of The Water-Types?
Trainers love having Water-types in their teams because they can access the water-based HMs like Surf, Waterfall, and Whirlpool. The animation implies that the Trainer is riding the Water-type across the water, which makes it unclear how they can switch to a Flying-type and fly away.
This meme by Instagram account @lapras.love is a perfect and funny depiction of how it would feel for an average Water-type Pokémon to see their Trainer fly away before getting them back in their Poké Ball. That poor Lapras never saw it coming.
Shells All-Around
Pokémon can draw inspiration from different sources. However, each type has a prevalent motif that carries throughout the generations. Grass-types have plants, Fire-types have flames, and Water-types have shells.
Indeed, multiple Water-types have shells somewhere on their body. They can be large or small, but they are prominent enough to be easily distinguishable. This meme by @lapras.love pokes fun at the homogeneity of Water-types’ designs, pointing to the many, many examples that have a shell. It’s true that Water-types are not the most original design-wise, but they make up for it in other departments.
