Throughout the Pokemon anime series, Ash has shown how versatile Squirtle, Dracovish, Greninja, and other Water-type Pokemon mates can be in terms of their strength, personality, and character arcs. With over 150 Water-type Pokemon species, it’s no surprise that Ash Ketchum has a diverse collection of Water-type comrades.
We take a closer look at Ash’s own personal Pokemon fleet that features some of the top Water-type Pokemon out there and determine why Greninja is the strongest Ash’s Water-type Pokemon companion. No matter how unique they are in their own ways, other Pokemon in Ash’s Water-type ranks are simply no match for Greninja in its powerful blend of strength, pushing boundaries, and eye-catching moments. As we get to know from the anime, Ash’s penchant for challenging the status quo stands out in his choice of aquatic Pokemon friends as well. From unusual move combos to trope-breaking feats, each Water-type Pokemon in Ash’s collection conquers a place in the hearts of Pokemon fans in its own special way.
Pokemon: Ash’s Weakest Pokemon, Ranked
The following Pokemon among Ash’s roster consistently struggled to impress.
Lapras
The Power of Compassionionate Leadership
- Region: Orange Islands, Kanto
- Battle Record: 0 Wins, 1 Loss, and 1 Tie
- Ability: Water Absorb
- Appearances: 35 Episodes
While not the strongest in terms of wins, Lapras teaches us something far more important than battle victories – trust, compassion, and the power of friendship. Lapras comes with a story marked by tragedy that has a tear-jerking ending that deserves a Pokemon Champion’s trophy. What makes Lapras powerful in its own way is its ability to show us that Pokemon are more than tools for battle – they are also our friends who deserve care, patience, and respect.
Lapras challenges the battle partnership trope by showcasing its capacity to aid Ash in ways that go beyond battles until its release. Just like Ash isn’t the strongest Pokemon trainer, neither is Lapras the toughest of its kind. And yet this Water-type companion guides us toward understanding that a Pokemon can still lead and gain power in more ways than one, as Lapras eventually takes over as the leader of its herd.
Besides challenging the show’s statue quo, the wonder of this Water-type Pokemon is packed with its own fair share of memorable moments. Perhaps the most iconic among them is the scene where Lapras reunites with Ash as an adult. This moment lets us learn that Lapras not only remembers Ash as a friend but also trusts him to help its friend Wailmer.
Palpitoad
An Underrated Tank Toad
- Region: Unova
- Battle Record: 2 Wins, 1 Loss, and 1 Tie
- Ability: Unknown
- Appearances: 16 Episodes
Ash’s Palpitoad is a fairly decent Pokemon in terms of strength, especially when it comes to the Ground/Water-type advantage that he can leverage. With his aggressive nature and a knack for going the dirty route in battle, Palpitoad stands out from the rest of Ash’s Pokemon companions. This swamp-grade powerhouse has left his imprint on the hearts of many Pokemon fans, and many wish his nature got more screen time to flourish.
With that said, manipulating the status conditions of his opponents isn’t the only way in which Palpitoad challenges the status quo. His very capture feels unique. Ash is typically known for capturing Pokemon based on his attachment to the Pokemon, whereas Palpitoad gets captured because his strength makeup is perfect for battling. No doubt, being an almost indomitable tank has its perks.
There is more to this feisty toad Pokemon than meets the eye, though. While his distinct battle style, inherent aggression, and superior strength are intrinsic to Palpitoad’s identity, this Pokemon is also a natural leader that fiercely protects his own territory. Despite his modest screen time, Palpitoad is known for quite a few memorable moments including his battles with Ash’s Oshawott, Elesa’s little sparky Emolga, and Stephan’s Zebstrika – one of the top horse-like Pokemon.
Oshawott
The Charming Scalchop King
- Region: Unova
- Battle Record: 6 Wins, 10 Losses, and 1 Tie
- Ability: Torrent
- Appearances: Over 140 Episodes
When it’s time to let sparks fly, Oshawott shows that he is more of a vain lover than a ruthless fighter. Though he loses quite a bit on the battlefield, defeats never stop him from volunteering to fight some more. As we can observe, Oshawott’s attention-seeking behavior is a challenge to the status quo, but that is not the only way in which he rattles boundaries.
As a rule breaker, Oshawott has a taste for comedy in more ways than one. He volunteers to go with Ash despite being Professor Juniper’s Pokemon, and he develops a new fighting style to overcome his dependence on his Scalchop. In the end, his journey leads him toward becoming a decent fighter after all.
Oshawott helps us make the same realization that the franchise-changing release of Pokemon Champions does – everyone can embrace the competitive side of their nature in their own way. That’s precisely what Oshawott does as he wins the Scalchop King competition. This makes for a memorable moment for the endearing otter Pokemon, although he ends up losing the title and the object of his momentary affection.
Totodile
A Sharp-Toothed Dancer
Pokemon
- Region: Johto
- Battle Record: 4 Wins, 7 Losses, and 1 Tie
- Ability: Unknown
- Appearances: Over 30 Episodes
With his mighty jaw and decent moveset, Totodile makes for a solid battler. Though his battle record may not be the most impressive, his desire to move and groove most certainly is.
For a fiercely loyal Pokemon, Totodile may seem disproportionately reckless, dancing right in the heat of the fight. This mischievous Pokemon defies the status quo by never evolving and being the undisputed comedic support that so many Pokemon fans instantly recognize and adore. Not surprisingly, the idea of Totodile being a starter in Pokemon Legends: Z-A sits very well with many fans.
In fact, Totodile has about as many memorable moments as he does dance numbers. His definite highlight, however, would have to be his romantic arc where he tries to win over the affection of Azumarill.
Kingler
The King of the Sweep
- Region: Kanto
- Battle Record: 4 Wins, 1 Loss, and 0 Ties
- Ability: Unknown
- Appearances: 3 Episodes
Despite his status as a reserve Pokemon and his lack of proper training, Kingler proves to be quite the battler. His battle record includes only one official loss, and that is to Arcanine. What adds to his strength in the Pokemon world at large is his capacity for the Crabhammer move that happens to be among the strongest Water-type Pokemon moves.
Out of all Ash’s Pokemon, Kingler bucks the status quo by making every second of his screen time count. He evolves in his debut episode, showcases a large number of moves, and displays battle prowess befitting a crab Pokemon.
Being the humble Pokemon that he is, Kingler will forever be known for his three-match sweep in the Indigo League. Many of us in the Pokemon fan community wish he got extra treats and pats for this achievement.
Buizel
The Coolest Striker Around
- Region: Sinnoh
- Battle Record: 6 Wins, 8 Losses, and 3 Ties
- Ability: Swift Swim
- Appearances: Over 100 Episodes
Buizel shines as one of Ash’s toughest Pokemon during his Sinnoh adventures. He shows his might by creatively blending his contest moves with battle moves and being an all-around scrappy Pokemon mate.
With Buizel’s contribution to Ice Aqua Jet, one of Ash’s top cheat moves, not to mention his Aqua Pulse and a fun spin involving Water Gun moves, Buizel breaks from traditional Pokemon movesets. With that said, creative battle tactics aren’t the only way in which Buizel goes against Pokemon norms. He is determined in his choice of the battler path instead of ending up as yet another cute contest Pokemon.
Essentially, the most memorable moment associated with Ash’s Buizel is his decision to stay true to himself. Buizel stays dedicated to what he wants to do.
Corphish
An Unmatched Battle Bruiser
- Region: Hoenn
- Battle Record: 12 Wins, 7 Losses, and 1 Tie
- Ability: Hyper Cutter
- Appearances: Over 170 Episodes
Corphish is one of those Pokemon that is cute but lethal when it comes to battling. This brash crawfish Pokemon knows how to throw down and endure hits like a true champion.
When challenging the status quo, Corphish seems to never run out of ideas and reminds us that he is among the wittiest Pokemon in Ash’s collection. From using the defensive move Harden as an offensive move to conquering opponents with type advantages, Corphish doesn’t hesitate to take on any challenge.
As a case in point, one of Corphish’s memorable moments involves him beating Ash’s strongest Pokemon Pikachu before Ash captures him.
Squirtle
The Coolest Squirtle in the Squad
- Region: Kanto
- Battle Record: 6 Wins, 3 Losses, and 0 Ties
- Ability: Unknown
- Appearances: Over 146 Episodes
Squirtle needs no windy introduction as a longstanding fan favorite with his cool shades and his prominent part in Pokemon’s own turtle gang story worthy of a film adaptation. Among his many surprises is Squirtle’s comedic nature paired with a solid battle record. While not the strongest compared with Ash’s other Water-type Pokemon, Squirtle is definitely a decent battler when he needs to be.
While Squirtle’s knack for disobeying the rules is not exactly breaking news, this natural inclination never stops him from growing to be a better, more mature Pokemon. From not evolving to turning into a good leader and friend, Squirtle has a reputation both as the underdog and as the champion of our hearts.
Arguably, Squirtle’s return to the Squirtle Squad would rank the highest on the list of his top Pokemon moments. He proves to everyone that even a band of troublemaker turtles can become heroes given the opportunity.
Dracovish
A Comedic Champion Nibbler
- Region: Galar
- Battle Record: 6 Wins, 2 Losses, and 0 Ties
- Ability: Strong Jaw
- Appearances: 14 Episodes
Dracovish is the top fossil Pokemon whose ancient essence is full of surprises that include being a powerhouse in terms of strength. The reason many Pokemon fans find Dracovish amazing is because of its capacity to beat champion-level Pokemon like Iris’s Dragonite and go toe-to-toe with Cynthia’s Garchomp.
Compared with other Pokemon in Ash’s collection, Dracovish breaks away from the norm in a few unorthodox ways. Unlike other Pokemon, Dracovish awakens an unknown dormant power during the clash. More so, this Pokemon’s battle style along with its Strong Jaw ability gives Dracovish a significant power boost considering how late Ash has it in the series.
Nothing, however, breaks the status quo more than Dracovish’s memorable moments. Its uncanny ability to switch from a hilarious head-chomping comedian to a super serious battler is why lots of Pokemon fans adore Mr. Fish.
Greninja
An Unbreakable Battle Bond
- Region: Kalos
- Battle Record: 15 Wins, 7 Losses, 1 Tie
- Ability: Battle Bond
- Appearances: Over 100 Episodes
The top Water-type Pokemon in Ash’s collection is naturally one of his strongest companions – Greninja. This frog ninja teaches us what kind of combat magic a deep bond between the Pokemon and the trainer can set in motion. What impresses so many Pokemon fans about Greninja is this reptile shinobi’s transformation path from being a troubled Froakie to his final form as Greninja.
Being the ultimate embodiment of the ninja way, Greninja is a certain breaker of norms in that he manages to beat Diantha’s Mega Gardevoir, Sawyer’s Mega Sceptile, and Alain’s Mega Charizard X. This one feat is actually so impressive that his Ash-Greninja form is considered to be on par with Mega Evolution. It’s no wonder that Greninja forms have sneaked into Pokemon Legends: Z-A so effortlessly.
By and large, Greninja’s strength, skills, and trustworthiness aren’t the most remarkable observations that we can make about him. The biggest break from expectations that Pokemon fans get to see is in Greninja’s most memorable moment. Instead of sticking around with Ash’s other Pokemon, Greninja chooses the ninja path once more and becomes a protector alongside Zygarde.
- Release Date
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1997 – 2023
- Network
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TV Tokyo, TV Osaka, TV Aichi, TVh, TVQ, TSC
- Directors
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Shigeru Omachi, Koji Ogawa, Fumihiro Ueno, Hideki Hiroshima, Maki Kodaira, Makoto Ooga, Ayumi Moriyama, Keitaro Motonaga, Shigeru Ueda, Fumihiro Yoshimura, Minoru Ohara, Yoshitaka Makino, Kiyoshi Egami, Makoto Sokuza, Bjarne Heuser, Naoki Murata, Kenichi Nishida, Tomoe Makino, Masahiko Watanabe, Hiroaki Takagi, Tazumi Mukaiyama, Ryohei Horiuchi, Yoshihiro Oda, Hiromichi Matano
- Writers
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Junki Takegami, Atsuhiro Tomioka, Hideki Sonoda, Yukiyoshi Ôhashi, Yuka Miyata, Takeshi Shudo, Shouji Yonemura, Shinzo Fujita, Michihiro Tsuchiya, Deko Akao, Reiko Yoshida, Aya Matsui, Junichi Fujisaku
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Rica Matsumoto
Satoshi (voice)
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Ikue Otani
Pikachu (voice)
