The magical world of Pokemon provides players with numerous ways to play the game. Fans may simply wish to complete the story or the Pokedex but hardened trainers will test their skill in competitive play. Battling in competitive is an entirely different atmosphere than the base game. Every Pokemon on a trainer's team must fit a specific role in battle and perform exceptionally. There are many different positions that Pokemon can take depending on their stats and abilities. One of the most rewarding yet complicated roles for trainers to use is the Glass Cannon.
Glass Cannons are Pokemon that boast devastatingly high Attack and Speed but also lackluster Defense. Pokemon that possess these attributes are immensely powerful but difficult to manage. In the hands of an experienced player, Glass Cannons can sweep entire teams without fail. The skill of the trainer is not the only factor to consider because, without a good Glass Cannon, players are doomed to fail. With a selection of 898 Pokemon, the choice may seem difficult but there are many notable Glass Cannons for trainers should use.
10 Gengar
Gengar the Shadow Pokemon is one of the most popular Ghost-types in the franchise. Its frightening appearance and sinister smile encapsulate everything that a Ghost-type Pokemon should be. Gengar's appearance is not its only memorable feature as it is an excellent Pokemon and an exceptional Glass Cannon. It has good Speed (110) and exceptional Special Attack (130) that makes it a formidable force even against the most defensive foes.
Gengar has access to an expansive movepool consisting of powerful moves like Shadow Ball that can easily knock out opponents. Gengar's Ghost/Poison-typing grants it immunity from Normal and Fighting-type moves as well as being Poisoned. This offers Gengar protection from popular Pokemon like Hawlucha or Porygon 2. Gengar can also Mega Evolve or Gigantamax further enhancing its destructive potential. Overall Gengar is an outstanding Ghost-type Glass Cannon that proves to be an amazing addition to any team.
9 Alakazam
Alakazam the Psi Pokemon is one of the best Psychic-type Pokemon for trainers to use. Its overwhelming intelligence and amazing telekinetic abilities make it a very impressive Pokemon. Alakazam uses its astonishing Psychic abilities in battle striking opponents with immense speed and power. Its outstanding Speed (120) and Special Attack (135) make it a powerful Psychic Glass Cannon.
Alakazam has a wide variety of awesome moves such as Psychic that can one-shot foes. Its Psychic-typing makes it susceptible to Ghost, Dark, and Bug-types but Alakazam can easily counter these Pokemon. Alakazam's amazing Speed allows it to beat many fast competitive Pokemon like Garchomp and Hawlucha. Alakazam can also Mega Evolve which greatly increases its Speed and Special Attack furthering its viability as a Glass Cannon. Alakazam is an amazing Psychic-type Glass Cannon that can defeat the most difficult opponents.
8 Darmanitan (Galarian)
Darmanitan the Blazing Pokemon was given a new form in Pokemon Sword and Shield. The once fiery gorilla-like Pokemon was transformed into a much cooler state. Galarian Darmanitan has two new abilities that can make it an exceedingly fast Pokemon. Each ability offers a different boost but each is perfect for Darmanitan's role. Its new Speed (95) boosting abilities and insane Attack (140) make Darmanitan one of generation 8's best Glass Cannons.
Galarian Darmanitan has an extensive movepool that consists of many powerful Ice and Fire-type attacks like Flare Blitz and Icicle Crash. Darmanitan's Ice-typing makes it weak against Fire, Steel, Rock, and Fighting-types but with its abilities, it can easily overcome notable foes like Incineroar and Aegislash. Darmanitan has two unique abilities: Gorilla Tactics which greatly enhances Speed (functions like a Choice Scarf) and Zen Mode which changes it into an Ice/Fire-type while boosting Attack and Speed. Regardless of which ability Darmanitan has, it is an exceptional Glass Cannon that trainers should use.
7 Sharpedo
Sharpedo the Brutal Pokemon is a ferocious Water-type that strikes fear in opponents. Its frightening appearance and extraordinary potential make this Pokemon a popular choice. Sharpedo's amazing ability Speed Boost enhances its Speed with each passing turn giving it unmatchable Speed. Its great Attack (120) and Speed (95) boosting ability make Sharpedo a rewarding Glass Cannon.
Sharpedo's vast movepool gives trainers the freedom to build its moveset however they see fit. Sharpedo's Dark typing makes it immune to Psychic attacks protecting it from threats like Alakazam. Sharpedo can Mega Evolve which enhances its Attack and Speed while strengthening bite attacks. Sharpedo is an amazing Glass Cannon that continues to grow stronger with each turn.
6 Barraskewda
Barraskewda the Skewer Pokemon is one of Galar's fastest additions. Its Baracuda and arrow-like appearance reflect this Pokemon's quick and deadly presence in battle. Barraskewda's insane ability Swift Swim doubles its already amazing Speed when it is raining. Its great Attack (123) and unmatched Speed (136) make Barraskewda a Glass Cannon without equal.
Barraskewda's movepool is not as expansive as other Glass Cannons but it still possesses powerful moves like Liquidation. Barraskewda's Water typing leaves it susceptible to only Electric and Grass-types that it can easily outspeed. Swift Swim makes Barraskewda one of the fastest sweepers in the game that can even beat Choice Scarf Pokemon. Barraskewda is an amazing Glass Cannon alone but on a Rain Offense team, it would be nearly unstoppable.
5 Aerodactyl
Aerodactyl the Fossil Pokemon is a prehistoric Flying-type that is more than a match for its descendants. This monstrous dinosaur is much quicker than its heavy appearance suggests. Aerodactyl's ability Rock Head allows it to use recoil moves without suffering any damage. Its amazing Speed (130) and good Attack (105) make Aerodactyl an exceptional Glass Cannon.
Aerodactyl's large movepool provides trainers with a variety of physical attacks to choose from. Its Flying-typing makes Aerodactyl immune to Ground-type attacks protecting it from competitive Pokemon like Garchomp. Aerodactyl is capable of Mega Evolution which greatly increases its Speed and Attack while also multiplying the power of contact moves. Aerodactyl is one of the best physical Glass Cannons that can take down high Defense Pokemon.
4 Blaziken
Blaziken the Blaze Pokemon is the renowned Fire-type starter of generation 3. Its fiery appearance and strong stance exude the power that Blaziken holds. With its ability Speed Boost, Blaziken is able to compensate for its lower Speed with a boost each round. Blaziken's great Attack (120) and Speed (80) boosting ability make this Fire-starter an awesome Glass Cannon.
Blaziken has an extensive moveset full of powerful moves that can counter any opponent. Blaziken's Fire/Fighting-typing makes it weak against Water, Flying, Psychic, and Ground-types but it is resistant to Ice, Dark, Fire, Steel, Bug, and Grass-types making it effective against a variety of competitive Pokemon. Blaziken can Mega Evolve which greatly enhances its Attack and Speed while retaining the ability Speed Boost. Without a doubt, Blaziken is an awesome Pokemon that can be a powerful Glass Cannon.
3 Espeon
Espeon the Sun Pokemon is the Psychic-type evolution of the adaptable Eevee. Its affinity for the day and its telekinetic abilities make this eeveelution stand out from the rest. Like the other eeveelutions, Espeon is proficient in two stats: Speed and Special Attack. Its amazing Special Attack (130) and Speed (110) only second to Jolteon make Espeon an outstanding Psychic Glass Cannon.
Espeon's movepool contains a variety of moves capable of dealing devastating damage or shifting the battle in its favor. Its Psychic-typing makes it susceptible to Bug, Ghost, and Dark-types but it has multiple moves to counter these threats. Espeon also has a variety of status moves that it can use to deter opponents or buff itself to wipe out foes. Espeon's capability to deal significant damage and create numerous effects makes it a versatile Glass Cannon.
2 Dragapult
Dragapult the Stealth Pokemon is the Galar region's new pseudo-legendary Pokemon. Its sleek plane-like appearance reflects Dragapult's affinity for Speed. Dragapult is one of the fastest Pokemon of the region easily being able to outspeed most opponents. Its insane Speed (142) along with its similar Attack (120) and Special Attack (100) stats make Dragapult a versatile Glass Cannon.
Dragapult has access to a variety of moves both special and normal attack which gives trainers much freedom in determining a moveset. Its Ghost-typing gives it immunity from Normal and Fighting-type attacks protecting it from threats like Porygon 2. Dragapult's unique ability Infiltrator allows it to bypass common defenses against Glass Cannons retaining its damage potential. Dragapult is Glass Cannon without a match that players should consider implementing in their teams.
1 Archeops
Archeops the First Bird Pokemon is a prehistoric Glass Cannon that gives its descendants a lot to live up to. It is a hard-hitting and fast Pokemon that can one-shot nearly any foe. While its ability Defeatist does hinder Archeops often it will faint from a single attack. Its incredible Attack (140) and good Speed (110) make Archeops a devastating Glass Cannon.
Archeops has a decent movepool with various powerful attacks such as Stone Edge. Its Flying-typing prevents it from being hit with Ground-type moves giving it protection from competitive Pokemon like Garchomp. Archeops also has access to a variety of status moves that it can use to hinder opponents or aid itself. This fossil Pokemon offers great support as a powerful Glass Cannon.