DEXERTOThere’s no content shortage in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet. From taking on Gyms, defeating Titans, to collecting sandwich recipes and becoming the Champion, everything is a lot easier with a squad stacked with raw power.
Whether you’re blazing through the main story, facing off against the Elite Four, or just trying to wipe the floor with your friends in a Link Battle, your team needs serious bite.
From breakout stars like Gholdengo and Tinkaton to old favorites like Gallade, Scarlet & Violet’s Pokedex is packed with top-tier threats, and we’ve rounded up 12 of the best Pokemon with details on their stats and abilities.
Side note: We’ve limited Paradox Pokemon and Legendaries to just one of each to keep this list more accessible for all players, regardless of where you are in your journey.
12. Flutter Mane
DEXERTO- Type: Ghost/Fairy
- Weaknesses: Ghost and Steel
- Resistances: Bug
- Immunities: Normal, Fighting, and Dragon
Of all the Paradox Pokemon in Scarlet & Violet, the Scarlet-exclusive ancient Flutter Mane might just be the best one. It’s got incredibly high Sp. Attack, Sp. Defense and Speed, which makes it an absolute machine on the special side of things – even if its other stats are pitifully low as a result.
A Fairy/Ghost-typing is brilliant both offensively and defensively, with three immunities and only two weaknesses to watch out for. As long as you’re using it against special attackers, it’s easily one of the best Pokemon you can add to your team in Scarlet & Violet.
HP | ATTACK | DEFENSE | SP. ATTACK | SP. DEFENSE | SPEED |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
55 | 55 | 55 | 135 | 135 | 135 |
ABILITY | EFFECT |
|---|---|
Protosynthesis | Boosts the Pokemon’s most proficient stat in harsh sunlight or if it is holding Booster Energy. |
11. Gallade
DEXERTO- Type: Psychic/Fighting
- Weaknesses: Flying, Ghost, and Fairy
- Resistances: Fighting and Rock
- Immunities: –
This Psychic/Fighting-type is a great option for taking on Dark-type, Ice-type, and Steel-type opponents across Paldea, with a huge Attack stat and some brilliant moves. That’s not the main purpose, it’s on our list, though.
Unlike others featured on this list, the primary reason to use Gallade isn’t to take down your opponents – it’s to keep them alive! We’ve always got one on our team when out in the wild, as Gallade is one of the best creatures to use when catching Pokemon in Scarlet and Violet, thanks to the moves False Swipe and Hypnosis.
HP | ATTACK | DEFENSE | SP. ATTACK | SP. DEFENSE | SPEED |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
68 | 125 | 65 | 65 | 115 | 80 |
ABILITY | EFFECT |
|---|---|
Steadfast | Powers up slicing moves |
Sharpness | The Pokemon’s determination boosts its Speed stat every time it flinches |
Justified (Hidden) | When the Pokemon is hit by a Dark-type attack, its Attack stat is boosted by its sense of justice. |
10. Houndstone
DEXERTO- Type: Ghost
- Weaknesses: Ghost and Dark
- Resistances: Poison and Bug
- Immunities: Normal and Fighting
The adorable Ghost-type dog Greavard stole the hearts of fans around the world when it was first unveiled for Scarlet & Violet, but it turns into a fighter to be feared when it evolves into Houndstone thanks to one particular move: Last Respects.
This move has 50 base power and 100% accuracy, which is nothing fancy, but that power is increased by 50 every time a Pokemon on the user’s team faints. This means if Houndstone is your final fighter, the move will reach 300 power and be pretty much unstoppable against anything other than Normal-types.
HP | ATTACK | DEFENSE | SP. ATTACK | SP. DEFENSE | SPEED |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
72 | 101 | 100 | 50 | 97 | 68 |
ABILITY | EFFECT |
|---|---|
Sand Rush | Boosts the Pokemon’s Speed stat in a sandstorm |
Fluffly (Hidden) | Halves the damage taken from moves that make direct contact, but doubles that of Fire-type moves |
9. Grimmsnarl
DEXERTO- Type: Dark/Fairy
- Weaknesses: Poison, Steel, and Fairy
- Resistances: Ghost and Dark
- Immunities: Psychic and Dragon
The Dark/Fairy-type Grimmsnarl might not look like your typical competitive threat, but it’s one of the best support Pokemon thanks to its unique ability, Prankster.
This gives priority to status moves like Reflect, Light Screen, Thunder Wave, and Taunt, allowing Grimmsnarl to control the pace of the battle and protect its teammates before the opponent can even move. Its solid HP and Attack stats also mean it’s no slouch when it needs to hit back.
HP | ATTACK | DEFENSE | SP. ATTACK | SP. DEFENSE | SPEED |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
95 | 120 | 65 | 95 | 75 | 60 |
ABILITY | EFFECT |
|---|---|
Prankster | Gives priority to the Pokemon's status moves |
Frisk | When it enters a battle, the Pokémon can check an opposing Pokemon's held item |
Pickpocket (Hidden) | The Pokemon steals the held item from attackers that make direct contact with it |
8. Tinkaton
DEXERTO- Type: Fairy/Steel
- Weaknesses: Ground and Fire
- Resistances: Normal, Flying, Rock, Bug, Grass, Psychic, Ice, Dark, and Fairy
- Immunities: Poison and Dragon
A Fairy/Steel-type would always be a nightmare to deal with. Tinkaton has only two weaknesses to worry about (Fire and Ground), with a whopping nine type resistances and immunity to both Dragon and Poison-type attacks. It’s no surprise it’s a solid fan favorite.
If that wasn’t enough, Tinkaton also has one of the best signature moves we’ve ever seen: Gigaton Hammer. This devastating Steel-type attack utilizes that huge hammer to dish out 160 damage with 100% accuracy, so even Pokemon resistant to Steel types will struggle to deal with it.
HP | ATTACK | DEFENSE | SP. ATTACK | SP. DEFENSE | SPEED |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
85 | 75 | 77 | 70 | 105 | 94 |
ABILITY | EFFECT |
|---|---|
Mold Breaker | The Pokemon's moves are unimpeded by the Ability of the target |
Own Tempo | The Pokemon sticks to its own tempo, preventing it from becoming confused or being affected by Intimidate |
Pickpocket (Hidden) | The Pokemon steals the held item from attackers that make direct contact with it |
7. Garchomp
DEXERTO- Type: Dragon/Ground
- Weaknesses: Ice, Dragon, and Fairy
- Resistances: Poison, Rock, and Fire
- Immunities: Electric
This pseudo-Legendary is one of the most beloved Pokemon of all time, thanks to its memorable design and huge power in battle – so it’s definitely worth searching caves to catch a Gible before evolving it into its final form.
Garchomp has access to some of the best moves in the franchise, like Earthquake, Draco Meteor, and Dragon Rush, with impressive Attack and Defense stats, plus an above-average Speed to back all of that up. Finally, its dual Dragon/Ground-typing makes it a perfect counter to other Dragons.
HP | ATTACK | DEFENSE | SP. ATTACK | SP. DEFENSE | SPEED |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
108 | 130 | 95 | 80 | 85 | 102 |
ABILITY | EFFECT |
|---|---|
Sand Veil | Boosts the Pokemon's evasiveness in a sandstorm |
Rough Skin (Hidden) | The Pokemon's rough skin damages attackers who make direct contact with it |
More helpful guides
- All level caps
- All trade codes
- All trade evolutions
- Best Pokemon for your team
- Best starter to choose
- Biology class midterm and final answers
- Gym order and post-game walkthrough
- How to find Applin, Appleton, and Flapple
- How to find every mythical Pokemon
- How to get Rare Candy
- How to get Salazzle & Salandit
- How to level up fast
- Mystery Gift codes
- Shiny sandwich recipes
- Type chart, strengths, and weaknesses
6. Palafin (Hero Form)
DEXERTO- Type: Water
- Weaknesses: Grass and Electric
- Resistances: Steel, Fire, Water, and Ice
- Immunities: –
If you’ve evolved a Finizen into Palafin, you might be a little confused about what’s changed. It looks almost exactly the same, and it’s still not that powerful, right? Well, what makes Palafin such a standout in Scarlet & Violet is the ability Zero To Hero, which activates its Hero Form when switched out of battle.
Hero Form Palafin gets a massive boost to its base stats, going from 457 to 650 – all of which are nicely distributed across the board, with the obvious standout being its jaw-dropping Attack stat. With moves like Bulk Up and Jet Punch, it’s extremely powerful.
HP | ATTACK | DEFENSE | SP. ATTACK | SP. DEFENSE | SPEED |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
100 | 160 | 97 | 106 | 87 | 100 |
ABILITY | EFFECT |
|---|---|
Zero to Hero | The Pokemon transforms into its Hero Form when it switches out |
5. Baxcalibur
DEXERTO- Type: Dragon/Ice
- Weaknesses: Fighting, Rock, Steel, Dragon, and Fairy
- Resistances: Water, Grass, and Electric
- Immunities: –
Baxcalibur may have looked like just another pseudo-Legendary when it was first revealed, but it quickly carved out its place as one of the most dominant physical attackers in Scarlet & Violet.
What really sets Baxcalibur apart is its ability, Thermal Exchange, which not only makes it immune to burn (a common weakness for physical attackers) but also boosts its Attack every time it’s hit with a Fire-type move.
With a unique Dragon/Ice typing and a massive Attack stat, this titan brings serious firepower to any team. Plus, when combined with the proper moves, it becomes a snowballing threat that can shred through teams with brutal efficiency.
HP | ATTACK | DEFENSE | SP. ATTACK | SP. DEFENSE | SPEED |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
115 | 145 | 92 | 75 | 86 | 87 |
ABILITY | EFFECT |
|---|---|
Thermal Exchange | Boosts the Attack stat when the Pokemon is hit by a Fire-type move. The Pokémon also cannot be burned |
Ice Body (Hidden) | The Pokemon gradually regains HP in snow |
4. Kingambit
DEXERTO- Type: Dark/Steel
- Weaknesses: Fighting, Ground, and Fire
- Resistances: Normal, Flying, Rock, Ghost, Steel, Grass, Ice, Dragon, and Dark
- Immunities: Poison and Psychic
Kingambit might be one of the most intimidating evolutions introduced in Scarlet & Violet, taking Bisharp’s already fearsome design and cranking it up with a throne and a massive blade to match.
But it’s not just the aesthetic that commands respect – Kingambit’s secret weapon is its signature ability, Supreme Overlord, which boosts its Attack and Sp. Attack stats for every fallen ally. Send it in as a late-game cleaner, and it can sweep through weakened teams with ease.
Its Dark/Steel typing grants it nine resistances and two immunities, making it deceptively bulky, especially with high base Attack and Defense stats.
HP | ATTACK | DEFENSE | SP. ATTACK | SP. DEFENSE | SPEED |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
100 | 135 | 120 | 60 | 85 | 50 |
ABILITY | EFFECT |
|---|---|
Defiant | If the Pokemon has any stat lowered by an opposing creature, its Attack stat will be boosted sharply |
Supreme Overlord | When it enters the battle, its Attack and Sp. Attack stats are slightly boosted for each of the allies in its party that have already been defeated |
Pressure (Hidden) | Puts other Pokemon under pressure, causing them to expend more PP to use their moves |
3. Annihilape
DEXERTO- Type: Fighting/Ghost
- Weaknesses: Flying, Ghost, Psychic, and Fairy
- Resistances: Poison, Rock, and Bug
- Immunities: Normal and Fighting
Annihilape took the community by storm when it debuted in Scarlet & Violet, evolving from the familiar Primeape and gaining a Ghost typing that completely changed its role in battle.
What makes this angry creature truly terrifying is its signature move, Rage Fist, which starts with 50 base power but increases by 50 every time the user is hit. After just a few hits, it turns into an unstoppable force that can one-shot even the bulkiest of opponents.
With balanced stats, an incredible type combo, powerful moves, good resistances, and immunities, Annihilape is one of the most consistent and threatening Pokemon in the entire Scarlet & Violet meta.
HP | ATTACK | DEFENSE | SP. ATTACK | SP. DEFENSE | SPEED |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
110 | 115 | 80 | 50 | 90 | 90 |
ABILITY | EFFECT |
|---|---|
Vital Spirit | The Pokemon is full of vitality, and that prevents it from falling asleep |
Inner Focus | The Pokemon's intense focus prevents it from flinching or being affected by Intimidate |
Defiant (Hidden) | If the Pokemon has any stat lowered by an opposing creature, its Attack stat will be boosted sharply |
2. Gholdengo
DEXERTO- Type: Steel/Ghost
- Weaknesses: Ground, Ghost, Fire, and Dark
- Resistances: Flying, Rock, Bug, Steel, Grass, Psychic, Ice, Dragon, and Fairy
- Immunities: Normal, Fighting, and Poison
If you thought Legendaries were difficult to obtain in Scarlet & Violet, wait until you try and evolve a Gholdengo. This bizarre monster requires you to find 999 Gimmighoul Coins hidden around the Paldea region, either by locating tiny Roaming Gimmighoul or by defeating Chest Form Gimmighoul.
It’s a ridiculous task, but once you’ve done it, you’ll have one of the best competitive creatures in the game. It’s got an incredible Special Attack (as well as Nasty Plot to boost that further) and decent defense stats, while the Good as Gold ability gives it immunity to any status moves.
HP | ATTACK | DEFENSE | SP. ATTACK | SP. DEFENSE | SPEED |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
87 | 60 | 95 | 133 | 91 | 84 |
ABILITY | EFFECT |
|---|---|
Good as Gold | A body of pure, solid gold gives this creature full immunity to other Pokemon's status moves |
1. Ogerpon (Hearthflame Mask)
DEXERTO- Type: Grass/Fire
- Weaknesses: Flying, Poison, and Rock
- Resistances: Steel, Grass, Electric, and Fairy
- Immunities: –
The first part of The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC, The Teal Mask, introduced several new Legendaries, including Ogerpon.
This cute creature is a Grass-type, but thanks to its three different masks (Cornerstone, Wellspring, and Hearthflame), it can double its typing to Grass/Rock, Grass/Water, or Grass/Fire, respectively.
With the Hearthflame Mask being the best out of them all, Ogerpon is definitely the most versatile Pokemon in the whole game, clearly giving it first place on our list.
HP | ATTACK | DEFENSE | SP. ATTACK | SP. DEFENSE | SPEED |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
80 | 120 | 84 | 60 | 96 | 110 |
ABILITY | EFFECT |
|---|---|
Mold Breaker | The Pokemon's moves are unimpeded by the Ability of the target |
Those are the best Pokemon in Scarlet & Violet. For more on the games, check out Mystery Gift codes, Shiny sandwiches, trade codes to get you every starter, and every exclusive Pokemon you can get.
