Mythical Pokemon are some of the rarest that the series has to offer. In the games, Mythical Pokemon are often referred to in legends and rumors, but are seldom interacted with directly. Players obtain these fabled forces of nature by mystery gifts or post-game interactions. Mythical Pokemon often have their own movies to introduce them to the anime world too, instead of just appearing in a standard episode.
There are currently 22 Pokemon that are considered mythical. Many of these Pokemon have outrageous stats, with the average stat total among them being 612 (excluding Phione). Naturally, some of these Pokemon outshine others, and a select few are arguably the strongest that the franchise has to offer.
Updated September 4, 2021 by Tom Bowen: With so many Pokemon to choose from, building a team for competitive play can be a pretty daunting task for those new to the Pokemon series. Most players will instinctively turn to Legendary Pokemon due to their rarity and high base stats, though there are plenty of other options for those looking to build a well-balanced team. A decent amount of the series' regular Pokemon can be just as effective as legendaries given the right circumstances, as too can some of the franchise's many Mythical Pokemon. In fact, with all but a few of them boasting base stat totals of 600 or higher, the best Mythical Pokemon can strengthen just about any Pokemon team.
15 Volcanion - 600
Though Volcanion comes up a little short in the speed, HP and, special defense departments, the rest of its stats are fairly impressive. Its Fire/Water typing makes it incredibly unique as well and its Water Absorb ability allows it to regain health when hit with Water-type attacks.
In addition to some great Fire-type moves, Volcanion also has access to some devastating Water-type attacks like Steam Eruption and Hydro Pump. For its versatility alone, it's a solid pick for any bulky offensive team, though its weakness to Stealth Rock may cause issues in certain battles.
14 Manaphy - 600
When it comes to stallbreakers, they don't get much better than Manaphy. The Pokemon's Hydration ability effectively makes it immune to Toxic in rain, while Tail Glow provides a huge boost to its special attack stat. This allows the Pokemon to deal a ridiculous amount of damage with Surf, particularly if it's holding some Waterium Z.
Manaphy can be set up in a number of different ways, allowing trainers to tweak and tailor the Pokemon to their specific playstyle and needs. Most tend to teach it Rest and Psychic though, as this makes the Pokemon incredibly difficult to deal with while rain is active.
13 Celebi - 600
Celebi was the second Mythical Pokemon to be introduced to the series and is a solid pick for those looking for a sweeper or a stallbreaker. This is not only because of its well-balanced stats, but also its somewhat uncommon Psychic/Grass typing, which can often force rival trainers to alter their battle plan.
Nasty Plot allows users to get the absolute most out of moves like Psychic and Leaf Storm, particularly if the Pokemon happens to be holding Psychium or Grassium Z. It also has access to powerful Ghost, Fairy, and Ground-type moves like Shadow Ball, Dazzling Gleam, and Earth Power, all of which pair well with Nasty Plot.
12 Mew - 600
It's a little crazy to think that Mew still has a place in competitive Pokemon battles more than two and a half decades on from its late-nineties debut. It's great as a stallbreaker or utility Pokemon, thanks in large to its varied learn-set and well-balanced stats.
Taunt is arguably one of the most useful moves in the game, but is just one of many useful abilities in Mew's arsenal. Stealth Rock and Defog are pretty handy too, while Soft-Boiled provides a great option for those looking to keep their Pokemon alive. It's not the best Pokemon for dealing damage, but Seismic Toss can still be pretty effective.
11 Jirachi - 600
Though Jirachi's base stats are tied with most of the other Mythical Pokemon, its solid type combination and access to Healing Wish make it a useful addition to any team. The latter allows trainers to sacrifice Jirachi to completely heal another Pokemon in the party, effectively providing a second chance to sweep.
This isn't to say that Jirachi isn't useful in its own right though: far from it, in fact. Iron Head can dish out some great damage and - thanks to the Pokemon's Serene Grace ability - has a 60% chance to cause the opposition Pokemon to flinch. Its mediocre speed does let it down a little though and will likely cause trainers to U-Turn ahead of schedule when up against bulkier foes.
10 Zeraora - 600
Zeraora was first introduced in Pokemon Sun & Moon and can fly through the air at the speed of lightning thanks to the magnetic field it can generate with its paws. This ferocious feline boasts a base speed stat of 143, giving it the ability to outspeed the majority of other Pokemon.
Unfortunately, Zeraora is a little lacking in the bulk department, with low stats in special defense and defense. With a stout attack stat of 112 though, this elite electric type can deal massive damage rather quickly, even if its defenses hold it back from becoming truly great.
9 Shaymin - 600
Shaymin's Sky Form is a speedy special attacker with decent HP and lackluster defenses. Its Serene Grace ability can become super powerful when paired with moves like air slash, as it increases the chance for a move's extra effects to occur.
Shaymin does suffer from several weaknesses in Sky Form, however, including a 4x weakness to ice. Additionally, Shaymin has a 75 in both defense and special defense, making it a fragile technician that has the potential to really annoy the opponent with repeated flinches and defense lowering moves.
8 Darkrai - 600
Arguably the most powerful Dark-type Pokemon in the franchise, Darkrai has massive special attack and speed. The Pokemon also has access to some interesting moves as well. Its Bad Dreams ability makes moves like Hypnosis viable, especially when paired with Dream Eater, which Darkrai learns at level 84.
A move set of Hypnosis, Nasty Plot, and Dark Pulse can turn Darkrai into a threatening offensive sweeper and a pivotal member of any trainer's team. Its fragility, however, causes the Pokemon to rely heavily on Hypnosis landing, which may not always be the case.
7 Melmetal - 600
With supreme HP and defense bolstered by a walloping 143 Attack stat, Melmetal is a mythical macho machine. Its Iron Fist ability increases the damage of all punch-based moves, except for Sucker Punch, which allows Melmetal to power through tanks with relative ease.
Melmetal does have exceptionally low speed, and its special defense pales in comparison to its physical defense. Even so, most physical sweepers will be stopped in their tracks when they go one on one with this punching powerhouse.
6 Marshadow - 600
Marshadow is an ace clean-up artist and outstanding at breaking through enemy defensive setups. Spectral Thief and the fighting-type move Close Combat are Marshadow's primary STAB moves and its 125 base attack stat ensures that the opposing team feels each of them significantly.
Unfortunately, Marshadow has poor one-shot potential, unless it's using its Z-Move. This means that Marshadow is often reserved for taking down already weakened Pokemon, as its low defenses make it very susceptible to being KOd in a single hit.
5 Magearna - 600
When Magearna's Soul-Heart ability is paired with the move Shift Gear, it has the potential to become incredibly dangerous in late-game play. The Pokemon's other moves can be a mixture of hard-hitting coverage attacks, like Thunder and Ice Beam.
Magearna relies largely on surviving until the late stages of the battle, which is unfortunate since it's missing a solid form of recovery. With well-timed switches though, Magearna has the potential to end battles in a pinch.
4 Genesect - 600
Another Choice Band sporting hero, Genesect can utilize its Download ability to make the move U-Turn a One-Hit KO on even the largest of offensive threats. U-Turn also allows Genesect to escape from unfavorable match-ups, which can be worth its weight in gold in closely fought battles.
Genesect does suffer the same fate as many other Steel types: there are simply too many good options for competitive play. Genesect could easily be replaced with Bronzong for a support slot or Excadrill for a more reliable sweeper, neither of which would be seen as a downgrade.
3 Deoxys - 600
Deoxys' different forms allow it to become an incredibly dangerous wall-breaker, or one of the fastest Pokemon in the game. Form A sees Deoxys' attack and special attack sky-rocket to frankly absurd amounts. This is the most used form of Deoxys, and even the bulkiest walls don't stand a chance.
Form S has the highest base speed in the game and is a fantastic lead for setting up spikes and stealth rock. Form D is the defensive form of Deoxys, but it's hardly used in competitive play. Deoxys is a versatile space entity, excelling at almost everything it does.
2 Hoopa Unbound - 680
Hoopa Unbound is a masterpiece in both design and performance. This Pokemon benefits from incredible typing and a deep well of powerful STAB moves. Hoopa Unbound has ridiculous attack and special attack stats, though they do come at the expense of some of the Pokemon's HP.
That being said, Hoopa U has enough special defense to act as a decent check to the typical special attack sweepers that trainers encounter in competitive play. Choice Band and Hyperspace Fury make Hoopa Unbound one of the best wall breakers anyone could ask for.
1 Arceus - 720
It's perhaps unsurprising that the creator of the Pokemon world also happens to be the most powerful mythical Pokemon based on stats. With 120 across the board, Arceus is a great opening option, though relies a lot on Extreme Speed and Swords Dance to make up for its somewhat lackluster attack power.
This deity of the Pokemon universe does have the ability to become any typing the user desires, meaning that trainers can manipulate its strengths and weakness at will. While Arceus' versatility can be useful though, it's not exceptional at anything in particular.