The Ultimate Guide to Unveiling the Top Pokémon of Scarlet and Violet

Highlights

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet introduced 114 new critters to the Pokedex, including Paradox Pokemon and regional fakes.

The standout critters in Gen 9 are Armarouge, Ceruledge, Tinkaton, Mabosstiff, Clodsire, Dondozo, Roaring Moon, Gholdengo, and Ogerpon. They are known for their exceptional designs, significant role in the story, and strong presence in the games.

In every generation, a few new Pokemon are added to the series that embody the essence of that particular era. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, from Generation 9, are no exception. This installment introduced 114 new Pokemon to the Pokedex, including unique Paradox Pokemon, regional fakes, and the milestone 1000th critter of the series. With such a wide array of new additions, it can be challenging to narrow down the best of Generation 9. However, among this multitude, nine Pokemon truly stand out for their memorable qualities and exceptional design.

The standout Pokemon of Generation 9 may not necessarily be the most powerful creatures, but they are the epitome of well-crafted design. Their significance within the broader world of Pokemon and their impact on the narrative of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet also play a crucial role in their selection. While it is understandable that the starter trio and the box art Legendaries garner the most attention due to their prominent presence in the games' marketing, the fact that some Pokemon can leave a lasting impression even without extensive promotion speaks volumes about their excellence. These exceptional Pokemon embody the essence of Generation 9 and deserve to be the ones that come to mind when thinking about Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.

The 9 Best New Pokemon of Gen 9

Armarouge

Ceruledge

Mabosstiff

Tinkaton

Clodsire

Dondozo

Roaring Moon

Gholdengo

Among the new Gen 9 critters revealed before the release of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, Armarouge and Ceruledge stood out as fan-favorite Fire types. Their sleek, armored designs and distinctive signature moves garnered immediate attention from fans, despite the potential controversy surrounding humanoid designs. Additionally, Tinkaton gained popularity for its adorable appearance and intriguing dark background, portraying this mon as a threat to Paldea's Corviknight population.

Clodsire may not be the strongest Pokémon in Generation 9, but its round shape and blank expression have captured the hearts of players. It serves as an excellent example of a new regional evolution for an existing Pokémon. On the other hand, Dondozo is memorable not only for its False Dragon Titan battle alongside its partner Tatsugiri, but also because this duo showcases Game Freak's exceptional design decisions for competitive battles in Generation 9. Dondozo and Tatsugiri were specifically designed for the double battle format of Pokémon VGC, as their abilities shine when they are both on the field together. This results in one of the most powerful combinations in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

Paradox Pokémon played a significant role in the roster of new creatures in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. They are known for being both past and future forms of previously introduced Pokémon, and as a result, they have inspired many fan artists. Among all the Paradox Pokémon, Roaring Moon from Pokémon Scarlet stands out as the best. It features an intimidating prehistoric redesign of the already popular Pokémon Salamence. While there may have been stronger Pokémon, such as Flutter Mane and Iron Bundle, Roaring Moon still packs a punch and boasts an awesome design.

Additionally, another great Pokémon from Generation 9 is none other than the 1000th entry in the Pokédex - Gholdengo. This Steel/Ghost creature is both powerful and unique in terms of its design and methods of obtaining it.

The storyline of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet is one of the series' best in recent years, largely due to the impactful role of Mabosstiff. Throughout the Path of Legends storyline, players are taken on a heartfelt journey with Arven as he searches for the Herba Mystica to heal his ailing Mabosstiff. This narrative has resonated with many players, creating a strong attachment to this new creature. In a similar vein, The Teal Mask DLC centers around Ogerpon, presenting its tragic backstory, captivating design, and formidable battle potential. As a result, Ogerpon has gained recognition as one of the top Legendaries of Generation 9. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet can be enjoyed on the Nintendo Switch platform.