The dancing duck has finally arrived! With Quaxly Community Day behind us, trainers are buzzing about whether Quaquaval’s Pokemon Go exclusive moves make it a game-changer. Let’s dive deep into this Water/Fighting-type’s potential and see if it’s worth your investment.
Table of Contents
Quaquaval’s Pokémon GO New Moveset Overview
Quaxly Community Day took place on July 20, 2025, allowing trainers to evolve Quaxwell into Quaquaval with the exclusive Hydro Cannon. But there’s more – Quaquaval simultaneously gains Aqua Step, boosting its attack by one stage in trainer battles, making it a unique self-buffing Water-type starter.
Complete Moveset Analysis
| Move Type | Fast Moves | Charged Moves | Best Combination |
|---|---|---|---|
| PvE Optimal | Water Gun | Hydro Cannon/Liquidation | Water Gun + Liquidation |
| PvP Meta | Water Gun | Hydro Cannon + Close Combat | Water Gun + Hydro Cannon |
| Coverage | Wing Attack | Aerial Ace | Situational use only |
| Legacy | – | Aqua Step (Self-buff) | PvP utility move |
PvE Performance: Solid but Not Spectacular
In PvE content like raids and gym battles, Quaquaval’s best moveset of Water Gun and Liquidation delivers a DPS of 11.914 and TDO of 205.807. While respectable, its high Attack stat makes it effective against Raid Bosses weak to Water-type attacks.
PvE Verdict: Quaquaval performs well but doesn’t revolutionize the Water-type meta. It’s comparable to other Water starters but lacks the raw power to dethrone established champions like Kyogre or Swampert.
Raid Viability Breakdown
- Against Fire-types: Excellent damage output
- Against Ground/Rock-types: Strong secondary option
- Against Steel-types: Decent performance with Fighting moves
- Overall Ranking: Mid-tier Water attacker
PvP Performance: Where Quaquaval Shines
Here’s where things get interesting. Quaquaval relies heavily on Hydro Cannon, just like most Water-type starters, but it can perform nicely, even out-pacing select shadows. The addition of Aqua Step creates unique strategic opportunities.
Great League Analysis
Quaquaval’s bulk and typing create favorable matchups against popular meta picks. Close Combat benefits from STAB and has amazing DPE and low cost, but its harsh self-debuff requires careful use.
Key Advantages:
- Self-buffing with Aqua Step
- Excellent coverage with Water/Fighting moves
- Decent bulk for sustained battles
Ultra League Potential
The 2500 CP cap suits Quaquaval’s stat distribution well. Water Gun and Liquidation work effectively while waiting for Hydro Cannon opportunities, and the Fighting sub-typing adds valuable coverage against popular Steel and Dark-types.
Strategic Team Building Tips
Core Strategy: Use Aqua Step early to boost Attack, then sweep with powered-up Hydro Cannon. This self-buffing approach works exceptionally well in longer battles where setup time is available.
Best Partners: Pair with Pokémon that can handle Quaquaval’s weaknesses – Grass, Electric, Flying, Psychic, and Fairy-types.
For comprehensive team building strategies, check our Pokémon GO PvP team guide to maximize Quaquaval’s potential in competitive play.
Comparison with Other Water Starters
| Pokémon | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Swampert | Ground typing, Earthquake | Weak to Grass (4x) |
| Blastoise | Pure Water, excellent bulk | No secondary typing |
| Quaquaval | Self-buffing, Fighting coverage | Multiple weaknesses |
Quaquaval carves out a unique niche thanks to Aqua Step’s Attack boost and Fighting-type coverage. While not necessarily “better” than established options, it offers different strategic value.
Investment Recommendations
High Priority: If you need a versatile Water-type for PvP with unique self-buffing capabilities.
Medium Priority: For PvE content if you lack strong Water attackers.
Skip: If you already have well-invested Swampert or Blastoise and primarily focus on PvE.
The key is understanding Quaquaval’s role as a setup sweeper rather than a straightforward damage dealer. Liquidation’s 30% Defense debuff chance adds extra utility beyond raw damage.
For detailed IV calculations and optimal builds, explore our Pokémon GO IV calculator guide to ensure you’re investing in the right specimen.
Final Verdict
Quaquaval with Hydro Cannon and Aqua Step is definitely worth consideration, especially for PvP enthusiasts. The self-buffing mechanic creates unique gameplay opportunities that set it apart from other Water-types. While not a must-have for every trainer, it’s a solid addition that brings something new to the table.
For the latest Community Day updates and exclusive move analyses, check the official Pokémon GO blog to stay ahead of the meta.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I still get Hydro Cannon on Quaquaval after Community Day?
A: Currently, Hydro Cannon is exclusive to Quaquaval evolved during the July 2025 Community Day event. However, similar exclusive moves have returned during December Community Day events or through Elite Charged TMs, so future opportunities may arise.
Q: Is Quaquaval better than Swampert in PvP?
A: It depends on your team strategy. Swampert offers more raw power and the valuable Ground typing, while Quaquaval provides self-buffing capabilities with Aqua Step and Fighting coverage. Quaquaval excels in longer battles where it can set up, while Swampert is better for immediate impact and closing out matches quickly.
