Legendary Pokemon Tier List

Game ZXC

By Zackari Greif

Published Jun 21, 2022

Ever since the series' second generation, players have been invited to try and catch incredibly rare Pokemon that match the version of the game they own. These creatures, known as Legendary Pokemon, are given stats and powers that vastly outclass every other critter in the wild. However, all of these powerful Pocket Monsters vary in terms of stats and coverage against opponents. Those aiming to make great teams need to take that into account before deciding which Legendary to put on their teams.

Among the rarest Pokemon in the series, there are different subcategories that define what "Legendary" Pokemon are. To some fans, these categories mean that they aren't considered "Legendary," but something else entirely - notably "Mythical" Pokemon being similar but unique entities. For the sake of this list, all the creatures that can only be caught once - even through events - will be counted. They'll be judged on their stats and what types they're weak against among all 18 types, as well as how they compare to the other creatures they're paired with in their respective games.

S Tier

The Pokemon in this tier offer great stats with vital coverage over their weaker stats, along great protection against plenty of types. Even if there are some notable weaknesses with these creatures, they have more advantages than weaknesses, and their stats in general make up for what they lack.

Cobalion
Heatran
Mewtwo
Mega Mewtwo X and Y
Ho-oh
Primal Kyogre
Celesteela
Moltres
Rayquaza
Dialga (Note: Origin Forme doesn't have many notable differences)
Giratina Origin Forme
Zekrom
Primal Groudon
Eternamax Eternatus
White Kyurem and Black Kyurem
Zygarde Complete Forme
Solgaleo
Zacian Crowned Sword Forme
Zamazenta Crowned Shield Forme
Arceus
Genesect
Zapdos
Magearna
Melmetal

A Tier

Xerneas appearing at the end of New Pokemon Snap

The creatures found in this tier either have good stats but several weaknesses, or vice versa. They're still powerful in their own right, but not as great as the Pokemon found in S Tier. Some of them might not have either benefit, rather an ability of some kind that makes for a good, versatile strategy with the right team.

Zygarde 50 Percent Forme
Groudon
Zeraora
Urshifu (Note: Rapid Strike Style Urshifu is stronger against more types than Single Strike Style)
Palkia
Giratina Altered Forme
Reshiram
Kyogre
Tornadus Therian Forme
Suicune
Kyurem
Xerneas
Yveltal
Registeel
Lunala
Ultra Necrozma
Galarian Moltres
Eternatus
Jirachi
Deoxys Speed Forme
Tapu Bulu

B Tier

Pokemon Brilliant Diamond Pokemon Shining Pearl Mew Connectivity

Pokemon ranked in B Tier either have relatively lower stats or are held down by their weaknesses. These creatures might be good for fans who wish to support what they lack with other team members, but otherwise they can't stack up to the Pocket Monsters in higher tiers.

Thundurus Therian Forme
Volcanion
Lugia
Marshadow
Regigigas
Necrozma
Galarian Zapdos
Dusk Mane Necrozma
Raikou
Zacian Hero of Many Battles Forme
Zamazenta Hero of Many Battles Forme
Stakataka
Kubfu
Tornadus Incarnate Forme
Mew
Regieleki
Deoxys Normal Forme
Palkia Origin Forme
Enamorous Therian Forme
Deoxys Defense Forme
Regidraco
Cresselia
Thundurus Incarnate Forme
Mega Latios
Mega Latias
Manaphy
Tapu Koko
Tapu Fini
Tapu Lele
Darkrai
Landorus (Note: The stats between both forms don't make much of a difference.)

C Tier

C-Tier Legendary Pokemon may look like they would stand up to the others, but they're either tied down by their type weaknesses or have questionable stats. These creatures may benefit from being on a team designed around them, but it would take some serious work to get around their flaws.

Latias
Latios
Victini
Keldeo (Note: Both forms have the same type match ups and stats)
Meloetta Aria Forme
Mega Diancie
Hoopa (Note: Hoopa's Unbound form has only weaknesses and no advantages, whereas Hoopa Confined has more protection against type match ups)
Articuno
Regirock
Nihilego
Galarian Articuno
Meltan
Dawn Wings Necrozma
Entei
Zarude
Buzzwole
Pheromosa
Celebi
Deoxys Attack Forme
Blacephalon
Spectrider
Shaymin Gratitude Forme
Virizion

D Tier

These creatures not only suffer from a fair amount of type disadvantages, but also confusing or low stats that make them a poor choice for player's teams when stacked against the other Legendaries. While those who adore these Pokemon are free to still use them, they may be bested easily.