The best gen 9 Pokémon

Pokémon has always spoiled players for choice, as the Pokédex continues to fill up all manner of new species – over 1,000 of them, actually. But choosing your ideal picks can be hard, so we’re here to make that easier with our rundown of the best gen 9 Pokémon that you can discover in the Paldea region, and why we’ve chosen them. We’ve only included one Legendary on this list, but that’s only because we’ve got something better for you below.

You can check out our handy Pokémon Scarlet and Violet legendaries guide for a compressive list. Furthermore, we can provide you with knowledge on all the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Elite Four, and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet gym leaders. Oh, and here are the working Pokémon Scarlet and Violet mystery gift codes, too.

The best generation 9 Pokémon

Koraidon

Koraidon, oh Koraidon. Sure, it is cheating a little to include this Legendary Fighting/Dragon type Pokémon here, but Koraidon is just too good not to mention. Able to dominate in both offensive and defensive situations, this creature’s packs on the damage hard but with a supreme speed that is hard to match. Awesome moves like Close Combat, Low Kick, and Outrage play their part as you watch Koraidon seal the deal for you. You can stick this guy in just about roster.

Ogerpon

This green bundle of joy makes proceedings a little grassy, and hella moldy – in a good way. Ogerpon’s arrival after The Teal Mask expansion had us initially unsure where the creature’s potential could go, but after tinkering away with him in our roster, Ogerpon is a certified bad boy. Depending on what mask Ogerpon is using, Ogerpon’s abilities can stem from four different types.

In this Pokémon’s default Teal mask form, you’ll be looking at a Grass type creature, but we’ve found great success by using Ogerpon’s Grass/Rock type form, and the powerful Grass/Fire type form from the Cornerstone mask and Hearthflame masks respectively.

Gholdengo

Coming in at Pokedex number 1,000 is Gholdengo, the evolution of Gimmighoul for those lucky enough to earn enough coins. While the design of Gholdengo is divisive, it has one of the best abilities in the game: Good As Gold. This ability prevents Gholdengo from fainting, taking damage from Curse, and Strength Sap. Coupled with the Make It Rain move that not only damages opponents but leaves behind a hefty amount of coins to pick up!

Glimmora

Have you noticed those tiny, bulb-like things on cave walls as you venture around Paldea? They’re likely Glimmets, which evolve into Glimmora. It’s a dual rock and poison-type, known as an ‘Ore Pokémon’. Plus, it resembles the Deadly Nightshade flower, which is cool. Glimmora’s ‘petals’ are formed of crystallised poison, so you don’t want to get close – but you definitely do want it on your team. Glimmora can learn the new move Mortal Spin, which can remove binding effects placed on the Pokémon while also doing some damage.

Greavard

Paldea seemed to give us quite a few dog Pokémon to choose from, but while they’re all good boys, Greavard stands out above some others. The Ghost Dog Pokémon hides in the snow for passers-by to come close and then pops out to scare them. The spookiness doesn’t stop there, though – Greavard is allegedly the ghost of a dog that died alone in the wild, and as such, they are very friendly towards people… though it can drain one’s life force. Like a lot of other generation nine entries, Greavard is a nod to Spain’s culture, specifically the dog-shaped spirits in Spanish mythology that threaten human life.

Dachsbun

The evolution to Fidough, the doughy dog of Paldea, is Dachsbun. A dog, and vaguely a bread product? Ideal. But that’s not all – despite having a fairy-type, Dachsbun can learn ghost and dark type moves, and is even immune to any fire-type attacks due to its ability, ‘Well-Baked Body’. What’s not to love about this pure bread Pokémon? 

Annihilape

Another surprise evolution in the Paldea region is Annihilape, a gothic, third-stage evolution to Mankey. The story of its evolution is as follows: as a Primeape, it got so angry that it transcended its physical form and became a ghost. In this state, it continues to use Rage Fist and is a very strong Pokémon – anyone who’s battled the Fighting Crew’s leader Eri knows its true strength. Annihilape is a great addition, not only for its quirky lore and robust abilities but for the name itself. 

Raging Bolt

Raging Bolt was added to Scarlet and Violet thanks to The Indigo Disk DLC, and has become a staple for Pokémon players since then. Believed t be an ancient relative of Raikou, this mysterious creature harness electric/dragon type abilities in the field. Geared toward making offensive plays in the middle of a fight, Raging Bolt’s collection of attacks like the highly devastating Thunderclap make them a powerful addition to your collection.

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