The 10 Best Pokémon In Emerald: Hands Down

Alright. Maybe “hands down” is a bit hyperbolic. Instead of just listing the 10-most-OP-Legendaries-to-annihilate-the-endgame, we’re going to address some sleepers and more well-rounded Pokémon found in 2004’s Pokémon Emerald. The franchise highlight thrusts players into the diverse Hoenn region. This whimsical slice of every-town is teeming with Pokémon, each brandishing a unique arsenal of skills, abilities, and lore. Yet, amidst this vast sea of creatures, there are a few that stand out from the rest, either because of their narrative allure, combat prowess, or a combination of both. Once you’ve outgrown your starter, what Pokémon should you consider for your end-game march?

Gardevoir

Gardevoir, akin to a guardian angel in the world of Pokémon, is often pictured in the lore as a selfless protector. It is know to both be able to see the future and risk its own existence to safeguard its trainer. Yet, in the realm of Pokémon Emerald, this Psychic-type entity (later classified as Psychic/Fairy in subsequent iterations) manifests as a formidable force on the battleground. Endowed with remarkable Special Attack and Special Defense faculties, Gardevoir is adept at both enduring and unleashing special assaults. Its arsenal of moves is as vast as it is varied, encompassing the signature Psychic to the unexpected Thunderbolt, equipping it to neutralize an array of adversaries.

Groudon

Groudon is one of the most formidable Pokémon in the roster of Pokémon Emerald. A title it earns not just by its status as a Legendary Pokémon, but through its exceptional battle capabilities. This Ground-type colossus boasts an impressive array of base stats. Its formidable Attack and Defense enable it to inflict substantial damage while withstanding assaults. Additionally, Groudon’s access to a diverse move pool, including the potent Earthquake and Solar Beam, allows it to counter a wide variety of foes. The strategic versatility offered by its move set and ability – combined with its robust stats – make Groudon an absolute house of a Pokémon.

Manectric

Manectric, the Lightning Pokémon, is renowned for its speed and ability to summon thunderclouds. Legend has it that Manectric was born from lightning. This Electric-type beast-of-an-evolved-Electrike embodies that myth with its electrifying performance in battle. In Pokémon Emerald, Manectric is beloved by trainers for its exceptional base Speed and Special Attack stats. These attributes, combined with access to powerful Electric-type moves like Thunderbolt and Spark, enable Manectric to overwhelm and outmaneuver many opponents. Additionally, Manectric has the capacity to learn Flamethrower, providing coverage against Grass and Bug-types that might otherwise pose a threat.

Rayquaza

Possibly the strongest of the super-ancient Pokémon, Rayquaza rightfully holds its own against even the best of the power-saturated Dragon/Flying-type field. Possessing astronomical base stats across the board, Rayquaza excels in every aspect, making it a versatile and deadly adversary. Its ability, Air Lock, neutralizes weather effects, leveling the playing field against opponents like Kyogre and Groudon, who rely on weather to maximize their potential. Its access to the move Fly provides not only a strong STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) move but also a convenient mode of transportation across the Hoenn region. Overall, Pokémon Emerald cover model Rayquaza is the perfect combination of raw power and strategic versatility.

Flygon

Flygon is often called the “Mystery Dragon” because it’s said to be the spirit of the desert, a creature that creates sandstorms just by flapping its wings. This cool bit of lore makes Flygon a fascinating addition to your team in Pokémon Emerald. But it’s not just the mythology that makes Flygon a star player; it’s a Ground/Dragon-type Pokémon with balanced stats and a versatile movepool. An available moveset that includes Dragon, Ground, and even some Fire-type moves, makes it Swiss-army Pokémon. It’s one of the best Pokémon to have ready when going into a blind battle. So, while its desert spirit backstory is intriguing, Flygon’s real value lies in its well-rounded capabilities.

Kyogre

In the lore of Pokémon Emerald, Kyogre is said to have the power to expand the seas and it feels about right. The Sea Basin Pokémon commands respect not merely as a Legendary Pokémon but as a dominant force on the battlefield. This Water-type leviathan features a remarkable set of base stats, with its Special Attack and Defense being particularly noteworthy. The Drizzle ability automatically triggers heavy rainfall upon its entrance to the battlefield, enhancing the potency of its Water-type moves while hampering the effectiveness of Fire-type attacks directed against it. The strategic adaptability afforded by its move set, ability, and formidable stats renders Kyogre a water-bound juggernaut.

Crobat

Crobat is often overshadowed by the meh takes on its pre-evolutions, Zubat and Golbat. The earlier versions are as infamous for their ubiquity in caves across the Pokémon world as they are for their lack of versatility and power. However, in the landscape of Pokémon Emerald, Crobat soars above its predecessors as a force to be reckoned with. Crobat’s speed is what earns its place on a list filled with Legendary and traditionally OP Pokémon. Its impressive base stat can outpace many adversaries and deliver swift strikes with moves like Aerial Ace and Sludge Bomb.

Moreover, its Poison/Flying typing grants it resistances to key types like Grass and Fighting, providing valuable tactical advantages. Additionally, Crobat’s ability to learn Haze, a move that negates stat changes, can be a game-changer in battles that hinge on strategy. The evolution from the maligned Zubat to the formidable Crobat serves as a testament to its growth and a symbol of its underestimated prowess in Pokémon Emerald.

Salamence

Salamence is known in the Pokémon world as the “Dragon Pokémon”. It’s said to have dreamt of flying its entire life. This longing results in its transformation and the growth of its magnificent wings as it evolves from Shelgon at level 50. The incredible offensive capabilities of this Dragon/Flying-type Pokémon makes it a staple in many teams in Pokémon Emerald. With a shocking base Attack stat and access to a variety of powerful moves such as Dragon Claw and Flamethrower, Salamence can decimate opponents before they have a chance to react. A Pokémon with lore as whimsical as its battlefield presence is formidable.

Slaking

Slaking – colloquially known as the “Lazy Pokémon” – is often dismissed due to its seemingly lethargic nature, a trait that belies its true potential. In the wilds of Pokémon Emerald, this Normal-type behemoth emerges as an unlikely hero on the battlefield. Armed with an astronomical base Attack stat, Slaking possesses the raw power to decimate foes with moves like Hyper Beam and Giga Impact. However, its unique ability, Truant, which allows it to only move every other turn, is often seen as a drawback. Yet, for the astute tactician, this quirk can be transformed into a strategic advantage, orchestrating attacks with precision timing. The juxtaposition of Slaking’s indolent demeanor with its capacity for strategic devastation reinforces its status as a sleeper hit in the Pokémon Emerald roster.

Metagross

Metagross is nothing short of a metal-clad monster on the battlefield. In the world of Pokémon Emerald, this Psychic/Steel-type titan is a force that commands attention – think Tetsuo: The Iron Pokémon. With sky-high Attack and Defense stats, Metagross can dish out some serious damage with moves like Meteor Mash while shrugging off hits like they’re nothing. Plus, its Clear Body ability prevents its stats from being lowered by the opponent, keeping it in top fighting shape. Metagross’ cognitive capacity is unparalleled, with four brains collaborating to devise intricate strategies in real-time. Four brains, massive stats, and an impressive moveset make this semi-Legendary Pokémon an easy include on any bench.