The 11 Worst Pokémon In Scarlet & Violet: Hands Down

It’s easy to focus on the positives of Pokémon: Scarlet and Violet. The new, powerful Pokémon, the deep story, the clean style and graphics, there’s just so much to love. But that doesn’t quite manage to overshadow the possibility of filling your team with duds. There are a number of Pokémon that stand out for their less-than-stellar performance on the battlefield. Whether due to subpar base stats, lackluster move pools, or simply being outclassed by others in similar roles, these are the Pokémon that lose battles; creatures that remind the player that not every Magikarp has a Gyarados.

Wiglett

Diving into the world of Pokémon: Scarlet and Violet, Wiglett often finds itself at the bottom of many trainers’ lists. Despite its quirky design and beachfront real estate, its subpar base stats, especially that underwhelming defense of 25, make it less than desirable in high-stakes battles. Moreover, while its move set, boasting attacks like Liquidation and Throat Chop, hints at potential, the overall synergy feels lackluster. For those aiming for both style and power in the Pokémon arena, Wiglett might be a charming diversion, but hardly a top-tier choice.

Charcadet

Despite its fiery appearance, Charcadet frequently underwhelms in battles. With a base HP of merely 40 and a speed that barely reaches 35, it often struggles to maintain its stance against faster, more robust opponents. Its moves, while diverse, are capped at modest power levels—Ember at 40 and Lava Plume at 80—limiting the impact it can have in combat scenarios. Furthermore, while its passion is evident, particularly when facing stronger foes, its vulnerability due to its lower defense stats makes it a liability in high-stakes matchups. And while it may enjoy fatty Berries, unfortunately, that diet doesn’t translate to improved performance.

Brambleghast

For all its tumbleweed-inspired aesthetic, Brambleghast leaves much to be desired on the battlefield. Living in arid regions, it depends heavily on the unpredictable wind for mobility. That lack of forethought translates directly to its utility. While it boasts an impressive attack stat of 115, its average defensive stats (both at 70) leave it susceptible to hard-hitting opponents. The creature’s moveset, though varied, lacks a consistent high-power flow. Relying on Astonish with just a 30 power at its base isn’t going to unsettle many adversaries. While it has the advantage of Power Whip in the later levels with a substantial 120 power, its 85% accuracy could be a gamble in critical situations. Plus, the unsettling manner in which it drains life energy from its prey makes it not the most likable companion for a Pokémon trainer.

Flittle

Flittle, with its chick-like appearance, might seem deceivingly endearing at first glance. Yet, its stats suggest that it might not be a top choice for battling enthusiasts. Possessing a meager HP of 30, it’s evident that this Pokémon will be vulnerable to any powerful hits. The defense and special defense stats, both sitting at 30, do little to provide any assurance against offensive threats. While it boasts a decent special attack of 55 and a commendable speed of 75, relying on base moves like Peck, with a mere 35 power, isn’t going to make much of an impact. Its move ‘Uproar’ does come as a saving grace in later levels with a power of 90, but by then, many trainers might have already swapped Flittle for a more formidable team member. This Pokémon’s vengeful nature, especially when its berries are stolen, might make it a memorable companion, but its utility in battles remains questionable.

Shroodle

The primary reason Shroodle is one of the lesser choices for your team is due to its underwhelming base stats, particularly its frail defense and special defense at a meager 35. This puts it at a significant disadvantage. It is unable to withstand potent attacks from adversaries, even when they are at a similar level. Moreover, while Shroodle’s venomous bite offers a unique edge, many trainers find that the early moves it learns, like Scratch, lack the firepower to make an impact in battles. Its redeeming qualities, such as its respectable speed and Poison-type moves, are overshadowed by other Pokémon that bring similar attributes to the table, but with a more balanced and robust set of stats.

Pawmi

While every Pokémon has its fans, some find themselves at the bottom of tier lists time and time again. Sadly, Pawmi is one such Pokémon. The primary reason for this is its staggeringly low defenses, with its Defense and Special Defense at a meager 20 and 25 respectively. This makes Pawmi especially vulnerable to many attacks, even from Pokémon that aren’t particularly strong attackers. Its middling offensive stats also don’t make up for its frailty, meaning it often can’t dish out significant damage before getting knocked out itself. Most other Electric-type Pokémon in the game overshadow Pawmi, boasting better stats, broader moves, and more effective abilities. Being a bootleg Pikachu doesn’t exactly translate to a tangible in-battle advantage especially when compared to other Electric-types with a more potent moveset.

Tarountula

While there are many on this list who’s shortcomings can be discussed at length, Tarountula is just boring. There really isn’t anything going for it. Its mediocre base HP at a mere 35, makes it susceptible to being easily taken out by opponent. This vulnerability is further accentuated by its sluggish speed stat of 20, meaning many Pokémon will be making their moves before Tarountula has a chance to respond. Despite having a signature move, its attack power barely poses a threat to many adversaries. Taronutula is the beige wall of bad Pokémon.

Luvdisc

Luvdisc may have a charming design and a backstory steeped in the ideals of love and romance but its utility in battle often falls short. The heart-shaped fish’s primary limitation is its notably low HP, Defense, and Attack stats and has no evolution aid in its power. With a base Defense of 55, Luvdisc is unlikely to withstand powerful moves from opponents. Its lackluster Attack means it won’t be dishing out heavy damage either. While its lore paints a picture of romantic sentiments, with tales of its scales bringing lovers together and its symbolic representation in honeymoon destinations. Luvdisc’s value lies more in its sentimentality than its combative prowess. While it’s a Pokémon cherished for its association with love, in the heat of a battle, it might not always live up to expectations.

Delibird

Delibird, the cheerful, Santa-inspired avian Pokémon, certainly captures hearts with its festive appearance and unique gift-giving move. However, when it comes to competitive battles, this jolly bird often finds itself on the proverbial naughty list. First and foremost, Delibird’s stat distribution leaves much to be desired. With a base HP of 45, its survivability in battles is relatively low. Couple this with Defense and Special Defense stats of 45, and Delibird becomes particularly vulnerable. It lacks the necessary bulk to take even neutral hits, making it a liability in prolonged battles. Delibird’s moveset is another factor that hinders its competitive prowess. Its signature move, Present, is unpredictable by design. Sometimes it damages the opponent, and other times it heals them. While this unpredictability can occasionally lead to entertaining battles, relying on a move with such variability is far from ideal in competitive play. Granted, the introduction of Iron Bundle in Pokémon: Scarlet and Violet shines a spotlight on the its lineage, but the original Delibird, unfortunately, remains utterly useless.

Nymble

Is Nymble’s grasshopper-like appearance and third set of legs a unique design? Absolutely. Does it make up for the horrible stats and subpar moveset? Not in the slightest. Its base stats reveal a frail constitution. With an HP of just 33 and Defense and Special Defense stats hovering around 40 and 25 respectively, Nymble is exceptionally vulnerable in battles. In a metagame filled with powerful attackers, it finds itself frequently outmatched. It’s unable to endure even some neutral hits, let alone super effective ones. Its Attack and Special attack also look lackluster in comparison to many other Pokémon. The evolution into Lokix doesn’t make up for its lack of any real competitive edge in the early game. While Nymble may intrigue with its design, it never manages to assert itself. It finds itself overshadowed by many of the already sub-par Pokémon on this list.

Spidops

For a Pokémon that has supposedly carved a niche for itself as an ambush predator, Spidops’ abysmal base Speed stat renders it useless for competitive gameplay. In a meta where speed often determines the first strike – potentially a one-hit knockout – it lags woefully behind. Its low speed leaves it vulnerable to a wide range of Pokémon that can easily outpace and overpower it. Additionally, Spidops finds itself solely in the Bug-type category, a type notorious for its susceptibility to common attacking types, such as fire and flying. While its Defense and Attack stats are commendable, they mean nothing when Spidops is knocked out before it has the chance to even consider what move its going to make. Yes, on paper this spider-esque Pokémon has some solid stats and a decent moveset, they aren’t enough to salvage its standing among the meta-game heavyweights.