10 Best Pokémon From the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Pokédex

Pokémon Violet and Pokémon Scarlet hit stores in November 2022 and just received a massive DLC, “The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero.” On September 13th, trainers had access to the first part of the DLC, “Part 1: The Teal Mask.” “Part 2: The Indigo Dark” is expected to hit the Nintendo Switch on April 4, 2024. Although more Pokémon games are in development, Pokémon Violet and Scarlet are the most current games on the market. These games are also special because they introduced Pokémon fans to the brand new 9th Pokémon Generation. This means that the game features a whole generation of new Pokémon never before seen.

That said, Pokémon Violet and Scarlet also have a wide range of classic Pokémon to choose from. Many Pokémon from previous generations are available for capture and training. Some Pokémon aren’t available in-game, but can still be obtained through other methods. For example, long-term fan favorites like Charmander can be obtained in the game by transferring or trading. With so many possibilities, trainers are spoiled for choice. So spoiled that many players have a difficult time narrowing down the best Pokémon to go after.

There isn’t a right or wrong answer here. With around 400 Pokémon to choose from in Pokémon Violet and Scarlet, there are hundreds of team comps worth running. That poses an interesting dilemma of naming the best Pokémon the game has to offer. While there are so many Pokémon worth building, some just stand out from the rest. This guide will look into 10 Pokémon that are generally agreed on to be some of the strongest and/or best Pokémon in the games. It’s important to keep in mind that while all of these Pokémon are great picks, they aren’t the only Pokémon worth building.

10. Slaking

Slaking (National Pokédex entry #0289/Pokémon Violet & Scarlet Pokédex entry #0080) is a 3rd Generation “Lazy Pokémon” available in Pokémon Violet and Scarlet. As a normal-type Pokémon, Slaking possesses few true weaknesses or counters. While most of this guide will discuss Pokémon that are part of the new generation, there are a few older Pokémon that simply dominate.

Slaking is one such Pokémon because its base stats equal 670. This sort of stats total is unheard of in any other Pokémon except for, maybe, legendaries. Slaking has a good distribution of its stats too, making it an extremely hard-hitting Pokémon that can tank damage. Slaking also has a decently high-speed stat, meaning that it can move and dodge in a way other defensive Pokémon can’t. The only stat that Slaking suffers in is its special defense. Every other stat is good or excellent.

Slaking also has the Traunt ability and is relatively easy to level up. Slaking is the final evolution of the Slakoth line. Players need to play and battle with Slakoth until Slakoth reaches level 18. It will evolve into Vigoroth upon leveling up. From there, players need to keep using Vigoroth until it reaches level 36, where it will evolve again, this time into Slaking.

Weak Against: Fighting

Pokémon With 0 Effect on Slaking: Ghost

Slaking’s Base Stats:

Slaking’s Pokédex Entries In Pokémon Scarlet & Violet:

How to Obtain Slaking: Players can find Slakoth in South Province (Area Three) and South Province (Area Five). Once captured, the trainer can evolve Slakoth by leveling it up. Players can also find Slaking at Casseroya Lake and skip the manual evolution.

9. Dragapult

Dragapult (National Pokédex entry #0887/Pokémon Violet & Scarlet Pokédex entry #0112) is an 8th Generation “Stealth Pokémon” and it’s a dragon and ghost-type. Dragon and ghost are both incredibly powerful types on their own, so mixing the two is a recipe for an incredibly powerful Pokémon.

Like Slaking, Dragapult has some impressively high stats. Totaling 600 base stats, Dragapul has a very high speed and attack. Its special attack is also relatively high. Its defense and special defense are where it takes the most hits to its stats. Low defense is often the tradeoff for fast, hard-hitting Pokémon. Dragapult has several abilities including Clear Body, Infiltrator, and the hidden ability, Cursed Body.

Dragapult is best known for catapulting Dreepy at its enemy. Dreepy is the first Pokémon in this evolution line. This evolution chain doesn’t require a special item to evolve, but it does take a little more work to evolve. Rather than hitting at lower levels, the trainer will need to battle with Dreepy enough to reach level 50. At level 50, it will evolve into a Drakloak. Trainers need to continue playing with Drakloak until it reaches level 60, and then it will evolve into Dragapult. This Pokémon may take a bit more work to evolve, but if trainers put in the work, it’ll be worth it.

Strong Against: Fire, Water, Electric, Grass, Poison, and Bug

Weak Against: Ice, Ghost, Dark, Dragon, and Fairy

Pokémon With 0 Effect on Dragapult: Normal, Fighting

Dragapult’s Base Stats:

Dragapult’s Pokédex Entries In Pokémon Scarlet & Violet:

How to Obtain Dragapult:

8. Annihilape

Annihilape (National Pokédex entry #0979/Pokémon Violet & Scarlet Pokédex entry #0160) is a 9th Generation “Rage Monkey Pokémon.” This Pokémon is a fighting and ghost-type Pokémon, and is a new evolution of the Mankey family introduced in Pokémon Violet and Scarlet. Traditionally, Mankey is a fighting-type Pokémon that evolves into Primeape. These two Pokémon were never particularly popular among fans, so many trainers often forgot about them.

Annihilape changed all that. After playing with Mankey for some time, it will evolve into Primeape at level 28. After that, Primeape needs to use the move Rage Fist 20 times so it can evolve into Annihilape. Annihilape has three abilities, Vital Spirit, Inner Focus, and the hidden ability, Defiant. Its base stats total 535. In comparison to some other Pokémon, who hit way over 600 (similar to Slaking and Dragapult), this doesn’t seem particularly high, but Annihilape packs a powerful punch and has high HP. The only stat it suffers with is its special attack, but the rest are solid across the board.

Many trainers like to utilize Annihilape in Tera Raids. Many guides will suggest that players utilize this Pokémon for Tera Raids, especially for those who decide to run the raid on their own.

Strong Against: Poison and Rock

Extremely Strong Against: Bug

Weak Against: Flying, Psychic, Ghost, and Fairy

Pokémon With 0 Effect on Annihilape: Normal and Fighting

Annihilape’s Base Stats:

Annihilape’s Pokédex Entries In Pokémon Scarlet & Violet:

How to Obtain Annihilape: Trainers can find Mankey in South Province (Area Five) and West Province (Area One). From there, trainers will need to play with Mankey to evolve it into Primeape. Once they have Primeape, they need to make sure it has the move Rage Fist. Once Primeape has used this move 20 times, it’ll evolve into Annihilape.

7. Kingambit

Kingambit (National Pokédex entry #0983/Pokémon Violet & Scarlet Pokédex entry #0188) is a 9th Generation “Big Blade Pokémon.” As a dark and steel-type Pokémon, Kingambit is capable of doing some extremely high damage. At the same time, Kingambit acts as a tank for incoming damage. It takes a lot of firepower to put this Pokémon down. Kingambit also has the abilities Defiant, Supreme Overlord, and the hidden ability, Pressure.

With a base stat total of 550, Kingambit throws most of its potential into its HP, attack, and defense. With a whopping 135 attack, this Pokémon guarantees a hard hit. Its defense sits at 120, with an HP of 100. Unfortunately, where this Pokémon will always struggle most is its speed. Most tanky Pokémon have the fair trade-off of being slow and Kingambit is no exception. Its special attack is also rather low, but that hardly matters when its normal attack stat sits as high as it does.

What makes Kingambit stand out the most is how many Pokémon types are weak against it. With 9 different elements proving ineffective to Kingambit, its defense stat makes it even harder to tank through. The best hope an enemy trainer has is to use a powerful fighting-type Pokémon against Kingambit.

Unfortunately, obtaining Kingambit is a bit of a grind. First, trainers must catch a Pawniard and train it. Once Pawniard hits level 52, it will automatically evolve into a Bisharp. In order for Bisharp to evolve into Kingambit, it will need to defeat 3 other Bisharps in possession of a Leader’s Crest. These special requirements are a bit cumbersome, but Kingambit is worth the effort.

Strong Against: Normal, Grass, Ice, Flying, Rock, Ghost, Dragon, Dark, and Steel

Weak Against: Fire and Ground

Extremely Weak Against: Fighting

Pokémon With 0 Effect on Kingambit: Poison and Psychic

Kingambit’s Base Stats:

Kingambit’s Pokédex Entries In Pokémon Scarlet & Violet:

How to Obtain Kingambit: Trainers will need to catch a Pawniard. Pawniard can be found in Tagtree Thicket, North Province (Area Two), East Province (Area Three), South Province (Area Five), and The Great Crater of Paldea. Once the trainer has Pawniard, it can begin the evolution process detailed above.

6. Iron Valiant

Iron Valiant (National Pokédex entry #1006/Pokémon Violet & Scarlet Pokédex entry #0398) is a 9th Generation “Paradox Pokémon” and it does not have an evolution line. Based on appearance, Iron Valiant seems to belong to a family similar to Gallade and Gardevoir, but it’s a completely independent Pokémon. Iron Valiant is a fairy and fighting-type Pokémon, which means it’s capable of some seriously powerful moves. It possesses the ability Quark Drive.

Iron Valiant’s base stats add up to 590 and it has incredibly impressive attack, special attack, and speed. Its defense isn’t actually that bad either, considering how powerful and fast Iron Valiant is. When boiled down, Iron Valiant is capable of effective damage to all types of attacks. While its HP could be better, its speed and defense will help Iron Valiant stay alive during battle. All in all, it’s hard to go wrong with picking Iron Valiant. Since it has no evolution line, trainers won’t need to worry about any special items or bizarre challenges to achieve this Pokémon either.

Strong Against: Fighting and Rock

Extremely Strong Against: Bug and Dark

Weak Against: Poison, Flying, Psychic, Steel, and Fairy

Pokémon With 0 Effect on Iron Valiant: Dragon

Iron Valiant’s Base Stats:

Iron Valiant’s Pokédex Entries In Pokémon Scarlet & Violet:

How to Obtain Iron Valiant:

5. Koraidon

Koraidon (National Pokédex entry #1007/Pokémon Violet & Scarlet Pokédex entry #0399) is a 9th Generation Legendary “Paradox Pokémon” that has no evolution chain. Koraidon is a fighting and dragon-type Pokémon with extremely high stats across the board. Koraidon’s base stats equal 670, with particularly high stats in everything but special attack. Where this Pokémon really shines is in its 135 attack and 135 speed.

In addition to extremely high attack and speed stats, Koraidon also has 115 in defense and 100 HP, meaning it can act like a tank if it needs to. Its lowest stat is its special attack down at 85, and even that’s not half bad. Not only will this Pokémon hit hard, it’s well-rounded in just about everything a trainer could ask of its Pokémon. Koraidon has the Orichalcum Pulse ability and is strong against 7 different Pokémon types. Naturally, this Pokémon has a couple of weaknesses, but the biggest threat to it is a fairy-type Pokémon.

Strong Against: Fire, Water, Electric, Grass, Bug, Rock, and Dark

Weak Against: Ice, Flying, Psychic, and Dragon

Extremely Weak Against: Fairy

Koraidon’s Base Stats:

Koraidon’s Pokédex Entries In Pokémon Scarlet & Violet:

How to Obtain Koraidon:

4. Iron Thorns

Iron Thorns (National Pokédex entry #0995/Pokémon Violet & Scarlet Pokédex entry #0387) is, yet again, another 9th Generation “Paradox Pokémon.” This Pokémon seems to be a reimagined version of Tyranitar (another extremely powerful Pokémon that can also be used in Pokémon Violet and Scarlet). Like the other Paradox Pokémon mentioned on this list, Iron Thorns doesn’t have an evolution line for the trainer to worry about. Once the trainer has obtained Iron Thorns, they’ll never need to worry about evolving it, only leveling it up, and teaching it the moves that they want it to know.

Iron Thorns is an electric and rock-type Pokémon. It has the Quark Drive ability and a base stat total of 570. Its stats mostly focus on HP, attack, and defense, making this Pokémon a hard-hitting tank that can deal and take high damage. Unlike some of the more balanced Pokémon, however, Iron Thorns does have particularly low speed and special attack. This is often the trade-off for high-defense Pokémon. It’s unusual for them to be fast. Regardless of Iron Thorn’s slowness, it’s still an extremely powerful addition to any trainer’s team.

Strong Against: Normal, Fire, Electric, and Poison

Extremely Strong Against: Flying

Weak Against: Water, Grass, and Fighting

Extremely Weak Against: Ground

Iron Thorns’ Base Stats:

Iron Thorns’ Pokédex Entries In Pokémon Scarlet & Violet:

How to Obtain Iron Thorns:

3. Iron Hands

Iron Hands (National Pokédex entry #0992/Pokémon Violet & Scarlet Pokédex entry #0384) is a 9th Generation “Paradox Pokémon.” Like many other Pokémon on this list, Iron Hands has no evolution line but bears a striking resemblance to the 3rd Generation Pokémon Hariyama. Since Paradox Pokémon keep showing up in this guide, it’s safe to say that these are some of the best Pokémon a trainer can have in their Pokéballs in Pokémon Violet and Scarlet.

Iron Hands is a fighting and electric-type Pokémon that has the Quark Drive ability. This Pokémon’s base stats equal 570, and while its speed, special attack, and special defense are all incredibly low, its HP, attack, and defense are some of the highest base stats for each category. With 154 HP and 140 attack, this Pokémon is designed to deal high damage every time it attacks. Thanks to its incredibly high attack and its survivability, Iron Hands is favored by many trainers. It’s also weak to few elements, making Iron Hands a popular pick.

Strong Against: Electric, Bug, Rock, Dark, and Steel

Weak Against: Ground, Psychic, and Fairy

Iron Hands’ Base Stats:

Iron Hands’ Pokédex Entries In Pokémon Scarlet & Violet:

How to Obtain Iron Hands:

2. Baxcalibur

Baxcalibur (National Pokédex entry #0998/Pokémon Violet & Scarlet Pokédex entry #0390) is a 9th Generation “Ice Dragon Pokémon” and as its species suggests, it’s an ice and dragon-type. Baxcalibur has the Thermal Exchange ability and the Ice Body hidden ability. This Pokémon is considered a Pseudo-legendary Pokémon, which essentially means that Baxcalibur has stats similar to that of a legendary, but isn’t considered a legendary Pokémon.

Baxcalibur has a base stat total of 600, with a huge emphasis on its attack power. Starting at 145 attack, few other Pokémon will ever match Baxcalibur’s raw potential. Its second highest stat is its HP, but when looking at Baxcalibur’s chart, it doesn’t really suffer in any department. Even its lowest stat (special attack at 75) isn’t really that low. With the stat distribution that Baxcalibur has, it’s a strong damaged dealer that has a pretty balanced kit. That means countering Baxcalibur will be difficult for many opponents. Unfortunately, this Pokémon does have a number of effective weaknesses that trainers should watch out for.

Fortunately for trainers, Baxcalibur will evolve by simply playing with the Pokémon. That’s the good news. The bad news is that the leveling-up process is a bit of a grind. Players will need to get ahold of a Frigibax. Once Frigibax hits level 35, it will evolve into Arctibax. Trainers will need to continue playing with Arctibax enough to level it up to 54 to evolve it into Baxcalibur. Another downside to this Pokémon is that it can be tricky to get.

Strong Against: Water, Electric, and Grass

Weak Against: Fighting, Rock, Dragon, Steel, and Fairy

Baxcalibur’s Base Stats:

Baxcalibur’s Pokédex Entries In Pokémon Scarlet & Violet:

How to Obtain Baxcalibur: The Pokémon Database’s page for Baxcalibur says that the only way to get it is to trade or migrate it from another game. This, however, is not true. Frigibax, Baxcalibur’s base evolution, is a rare spawn, but it’s not impossible to find. It will mostly spawn on and around Glaseado Mountain. This Eurogamer tutorial details an easy way to guarantee a Frigibax. This Techno Trainer YouTube video will also show trainers how to find an Arctibax spawn.

1. Palafin (Hero Form)

Palafin (National Pokédex entry #0964/Pokémon Violet & Scarlet Pokédex entry #0292) is a 9th Generation water-type Pokémon that uses its ability Zero to Hero to change forms. Palafin’s Hero Form is considered by many trainers to be one of the most powerful Pokémon in the entire game. Palafin has very few weaknesses and its Hero Form has a base stat pool of 650.

All of Palafin’s Hero Form stats are about equal, making it an incredibly balanced unit. The only real standout among the pool is Palafin’s base attack, which is equal to 160. This is one of the highest attacks that any Pokémon can reach, so not only are all of its other stats decent, but its attack promises that it’ll pack a serious punch. This isn’t surprising, since Palafin transforms into its Hero Form when it hears a call for help. This Pokémon specializes in running (or swimming) to the aid of allies in need. Palafin is quite literally a superhero.

Palafin is the evolution of Finizen. To evolve Finizen, players will need to train with it until it reaches level 38. Once Finizen reaches level 38, it will evolve into Palafin. For the trainer to successfully evolve Finizen, they will need to be playing with it in multiplayer. Playing solo won’t work. In order for Palafin to go from its Zero Form to its much more powerful Hero Form, it needs to use its ability, Zero to Hero.

Strong Against: Fire, Water, Ice, and Steel

Weak Against: Electric and Grass

Palafin’s (Hero Form) Base Stats:

Palafin’s Zero Form Pokédex Entries In Pokémon Scarlet & Violet:

Palafin’s Hero Form Pokédex Entries In Pokémon Scarlet & Violet:

How to Obtain Palafin: Players need to catch a Finizen from Casseroya Lake, North Province (Area One), North Province (Area Three), East Province (Area One), East Province (Area Two), East Province (Area Three), South Province (Area One), South Province (Area Four), South Province (Area Five), South Province (Area Six), West Province (Area One), West Province (Area Two), Glaseado Mountain, North Paldean Sea, East Paldean Sea, South Paldean Sea, or West Paldean Sea.

Once the player captures a Finizen, they need to play with it enough to reach level 38. While in multiplayer, once they reach level 38, Finizen will evolve into Palafin.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©IGN / The Pokémon Company / Nintendo / Game Freak.