The Best Pokemon (Based On Our Very Extensive Research)

Somehow, Pokemon is officially 30 years old. We don’t know if this is a fun fact as much as a rude awakening, but regardless, it is worthy of celebration. After all, for many of us at GameSpot, the Pokemon series has been a fundamental part of our gaming history. More so than most game series, which are often less frequent with new releases, the Pokemon series has remained a constant in our lives—forever evolving (get it?) alongside us and acting as a sort of companion through all the various stages of our lives. As much as we’ve grown and changed, so has the iconic series–in some ways, we’d argue parts of it are unrecognizable. In light of this momentous occasion (and with a new generation just around the corner), we’ve decided to round up–quite scientifically, mind you–a definitive list of the best Pokemon.

So, you might be wondering what our guidelines were for this list. We’re we looking for the best Pokemon statistically? Perhaps the most popular, or the most criminally underrated? When it comes to parameters, I gave absolutely none to my colleagues; I merely asked them what they think the best Pokemon is. Is this list nothing more than a compilation of GameSpot’s personal favorite Pokemon? Maybe (yes). But that’s the joy of Pokemon–every one of these little guys is the best to someone.

Exeggutor (Alolan version)

Many Pokemon’s appearance can grab your attention, but Alolan Exeggutor is one of those ones that really makes your eyes widen. And why not? Such majesty, such lack of grace. A range of emotions conveyed by those faces. Alolan Exeggutor is spectacular, and at least one of those faces suggest it’s just incredibly happy to be here. Because of that, no other Pokemon feels me with such delight every time I see it. — Chris Pereira

Dragapult

Following its introduction in Sword and Shield, Dragapult quickly gained an enthusiastic fanbase thanks to its incredible speed and immunity to both Fighting- and Normal-type attacks. However, if you think that’s the only reason why I can’t get enough of this cool little guy (yes, I know he’s 9′ 11″, but spiritually), you’re sorely mistaken. I am obsessed with Dragapult’s design and the layers of reasoning behind it.

According to Dreepy’s–Dragapult’s pre-evolution–Pokedex entry, Dreepy was reborn as a Ghost-type Pokemon and is often called to wander the seas it used to inhabit during prehistoric times. Based on this descriptor and shape, it seems safe to say Dragapult is then based on the real-life ancient amphibian Diplocaulus. Adding fuel to this theory is the fact that we’ve never found the ending vertebrae of a Diplocaulus tail, hence why Dragapult turns invisible at the end. Brilliant, right? Dragapult also shares notable similarities with alligators, which have been known to carry their children on their heads. Though, as far as I know, alligators don’t also use their babies as ammo, so plus one cool point for Dragapult there.

Oh and have you ever wondered why it’s the “Stealth Pokemon,” or why its head is shaped like, well, that? Turns out, this Ghost pokemon is based on the ghost bomber jet, the Northrop B-2 Spirit. From its runway-esque chevron detailing and overall shape, which is designed with real-life aerodynamics in mind, to its eyes, which resemble the semaphore flags used during military drills, a lot of its design harkens to this fun fact.

Anyways, I am putting way too much thought into what was supposed to be a short and silly entry, so I’ll end it with this: Just look at him. He’s sleek as hell and a Dragon-Ghost type, two of the coolest things. What a legend. — Jessica Cogswell

Squirtle

I was there, 30 years ago, when the series started. I heard the now-iconic chiptune battle music and met Professor Oak. I picked Squirtle because he was cute, and my own actual pet turtle had recently passed away. There have been hundreds more Pokemon since then, but Squirtle is still the one that first gave me that feeling: come on, little guy, let’s go on an adventure. — Steve Watts

Sprigatito

Cats are awesome because they’re essentially the perfect killing machine trapped in a tiny body and with a personality determined by a random-number generator that makes absolutely no sense. Naturally, I gravitate towards anything that resembles a feline in Pokemon games, and while Litten held a special place in my heart, I dumped that little pyromaniac like a spent match once Sprigatito arrived on the scene.

It is perfection ruined by evolution, as allowing the adorable Grass-type Pokemon to power up by evolving into a new form is still one of my greatest regrets to this day–well, that and being convinced to waste money on an NFT by techbros. All I can say is, if you ever get a Sprigatito gifted to you in a Pokemon game, or you choose it as your starter in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, do not evolve it. Cherish its sassy face and marvel at its toe beans. Once it starts taking on more human-like proportions? All the magic is lost.

Sprigatito hits the mark for perfectly fusing real-world inspiration with the unique visual stylings of Pokemon, and while it sadly doesn’t exist in real life, that’s a problem that can easily be rectified with a bottle of organic green hair dye while my own cat is catching a few Zs. — Darryn Bonthuys

Reuniclus

“A blob that is semi-developed? I can relate to that,” I said to myself as I was ambushed by a Solosis along Route 9 in Pokémon White. It was love at first sight. I decided to make the awkward pipsqueak a member of my squad, and watched them grow and evolve into their eventual final form, which still does not look like the finished product (again, relatable content). My Reuniclus was a heavy-hitting glass cannon Psychic/Hugging-type that I would bring out to nuke opponents and stow away before anyone even dared to squish their adorable exterior. I’m still not convinced we’ve seen the last of its evolutions. — David McCutcheon

Gengar

For the most part, Pokemon are cute and charming, which makes them very easy to love the moment you lay eyes on them. But Gengar… his expression makes people unnerved. It’s not quite clear whether Gengar is going to be your best bud for life, or spend all hours terrorizing you and everyone you come into contact with. That is why Gengar is so much fun. Behind the mischievous exterior is a ghost Pokemon that just wants to have fun and be loved. That smile is one of joy, and Gengar can’t help that its eyes are red and kinda scary–it’s up all night doing Gengar stuff. If you have a heart, I encourage you to watch Pokémon Journeys: The Series (Season 23), Episode 16, “A Chilling Curse!”, and by the time you’re done, you’ll also agree that Gengar is the best and deserves everything. — Tamoor Hussain

Gulpin

Picking a favorite Pokemon is nearly impossible for me. I love Charizard (like almost everyone), Umbreon, Toxapex, Metagross, Tinkaton, Tyranitar, and I could literally go on for hours. But there’s one that plops above the rest for me, and it’s Gulpin. Yes, the round Poison-type with a leaf on its head. I don’t really know why Gulpin has such a special place in my heart, but here we are. While I’ve always loved Gulpin, what really solidified him as my favorite was Pokemon Legends: Z-A. Game Freak decided to make him the donut dumpster, and he hangs out in your base for the entire story. Funny enough, I’ve never actually used him in a game because I don’t like his evolution. — Jake Dekker

Snorlax

If you ask me, Pokémon peaked with the original 151, and out of that line up of iconic mons, I always come back to my big boy Snorlax. He is truly aspirational: an unbothered sleepy king who eats a bunch and gets woken up by gentle flute music. He’s a nice reminder to listen to your body: slow things down and rest when you need to, eat when you want, and tackle people who get in your way. — Lucy James

Rapidash

Really, with a lower leg tattoo dedicated to the Eeveelutions and a social media handle closely related to them for as long as I can remember, I should be dedicating this slot to one of them. But no. From my early childhood, using the streetlamps to light up my copy of Pokemon Yellow on my Game Boy in the car since it didn’t have a backlight, I have been not only disappointed, but nearing existential crisis levels of upset that I cannot ever have my own Rapidash. Sure, Ponyta was cool, but what’s cooler than a pony with a fire mane? A horse with a bigger one! Don’t even get me started on their Galarian variants. I’ve lost hours daydreaming about their existence, hoping beyond hope that some clever scientist would find a way to make Pokemon real–and that’s just this morning. — Cheri Faulkner