Water-type Pokemon are often some of the most popular, with plenty of different standouts for trainers to choose them. A big part of why they’re so beloved is their usefulness in battle. Over the years, Game Freak has introduced a whopping 53 different Water-type moves to the mainline Pokemon games. While some of those aren’t all that remarkable, others really manage to standout.

RELATED: Non-Water Pokemon That Can Learn Water-Type Moves

Every generation has introduced a variety of Water-type moves to the mix. You can always count on there being at least one extraordinary move attributed to each generation, with some generations having multiple. If you have any Water-types in your party, you’re going to want them to know at least one of these great moves.

8 Gen II – Octazooka

Initially Octillery’s signature move, Octazooka was later made more accessible by the time the Gen VIII games released. Now, both Octillery and Grapploct can learn this useful but short of spectacular move.

Dealing a mediocre 65 damage, Octazooka has 85% accuracy and comes with an additional chance of lowering an opposing Pokemon’s accuracy. Pokemon with the Bulletproof ability won’t be affected by it however, adding to the list of reasons why it doesn’t standout outside of the Water-type moves introduced in Gen II.

7 Gen V – Scald

Scald is one of the more unique Water-type moves in the franchise, and comes with some interesting quirks. Coming in with 100% accuracy and 80 damage, Scald is decent enough on its own, but becomes a much more enticing option when you learn that it also has a 30% chance to inflict the opposing Pokemon with the Burn status condition.

RELATED: Pokemon: Water-Types That Most Fans Forgot Existed

Only Panpour, Simipour and Volcanion can learn the move through levelling. Other Water-types can learn the move through either TM55, TN29 or TR84.

6 Gen IV – Aqua Tail

Aqua Tail is as straightforward a move as there is. There are no secondary effects or stratus ailments dealt when it lands. It does its job quick and effectively, and what it lacks in flash it makes up for in practicality. 

Dealing 90 damage and coming in with 90% accuracy, Aqua Tail might not be as flashy as some other Water-type moves but it’s still an incredibly useful tool to add to any applicable Water-type’s arsenal of moves.

5 Gen VI – Steam Eruption

As the signature move of Volcanion, Steam Eruption is an exclusive move that won’t be of much use to trainers should they choose not to have the aforementioned Pokemon in their party. With 110 damage and 95% accuracy, Steam Eruption can turn the tide of any battle.

Given its additional effects, you can think of Steam Eruption as s super powered Scald. It has a 30% chance or causing the Burn status ailment and can that the user if they’ve been frozen – regardless of whether or not it hits the target.

4 Gen I – Hydro Pump

Aside from being one of the strongest, Hydro Pump is probably the most well-known Water-type move in all of Pokemon. Introduced in Gen I, Hydro Pump doesn’t have any secondary effects but manages to makeup for that in power.

RELATED: Pokemon That Can Learn Hydro Pump That Aren't Water-Types

It used to deal 120 damage but was reduced to 110 from Gen V onward. Despite the nerf, Hydro Pump has maintained its status as one of the stronger Water-type moves available. It was made available as TR03 in Gen VIII.

3 Gen III – Hydro Cannon

Gen III introduced a number of Water-type moves, with Hydro Cannon being the most notable. Though Water Spout is just as strong, Hydro Cannon is much more consistent. The only catch with it is that it’s exclusive to fully evolved Water-type starters.

With 90% accuracy and 150 damage, Hydro Cannon is guaranteed to do some sizable damage. Once it hits, the Pokemon that used it will have to wait a turn and charge before being able to attack again. So while it comes with great upside, it should be utilized wisely.

2 Gen VIII – G-Max Hydrosnipe

G-Max moves are some of the strongest moves introduced in the Pokemon franchise, though they can only be utilized by Gigantamax Pokemon. G-Max Hydrosnipe is exclusive to Gigantamax Inteleon, and makes the Water-type starter one of the best if its type in the game.

Unlike other G-Max moves, Hydrosnipe will always do 160 damage regardless of the base move. The only thing the base move really affects is whether it’s a physical or special move.

1 Gen VII – Oceanic Operetta

Like Hydrosmipe, Oceanic Operetta is an exclusive move that packs quite the punch. Exclusive to Primarina, Oceanic Operetta is a Z-Move that serves as an upgrade to Sparkling Aria.

The move is only accessible if Primarina already knows Sparkling Aria, coming in with a whopping 195 damage. Having this in its moveset certainly makes Primarina an intriguing option when compared to other Water-types of its generation. Not only is it powerful, but it also serves to separate Primarina from other Water-types in a way that puts it in a class of its own.

NEXT: Sword & Shield: The Best Pokemon For Water-Type Runs (&  To Avoid)