Pokemon Scarlet and Violet introduced plenty of new critters, with the Paldean Pokedex counting a total of 103 pocket monsters exclusive to the region and 297 returning ones. With so many brand-new pocket monsters, and considering that a good chunk of them are banned from the first season of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's VGC, the meta in Gen 9 is ever-shifting as players explore new strategies.
Still, even if some critters prove to be extremely good in very specific circumstances, there's a distinction to be made about which Pokemon Scarlet and Violet evolutions and one-stage lines are really worth training. Generally speaking, most critters will work for a given playthrough, as Gen 9 introduced many new powerful moves and combinations that players can try. Still, this tier list includes only non-Paradox Pokemon and non-Legendary Pokemon, as those tend to be much more powerful than other critters due to their stats, Abilities, and move pools.
S Tier
Gholdengo: Perhaps one of the most broken pocket monsters to ever see the light of day, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Gholdengo just has it all. Its signature Ability makes it immune to status moves of any kind, which in and of itself is an amazing boon. On top of that, Gholdengo's signature move called Make it Rain has a base power of 120 and hits every opposing Pokemon at the cost of the user's Special Attack being decreased by one stage afterward. Gholdengo's Steel/Ghost type combo also helps it a great deal, especially with moves like Shadow Ball gaining STAB damage.
Dondozo: On its own, Dondozo is not great, but it is one of the best Pokemon in Gen 9 when it comes to double battles. Here, players can pair it with Tatsugiri, which has an Ability called Commander that allows it to be eaten by Dondozo, providing the massive catfish-like critter a boost that increases every stat by two stages. Dondozo's Water type makes it decently bulky, and it provides the Pokemon with extra damage on moves like Wave Crash, and the critter is often used with Leftovers and moves like Substitute, Earthquake, and Order Up. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Terastallization helps Dondozo stay alive for longer, with good Tera types for it being Dragon and Grass, among others.
Annihilape: One of the best things about Annihilape is that it is one of the most versatile critters introduced in Gen 9. Its base stats allow it to be bulky with utility moves, to be a physical sweeper, or to be a threat-removing machine. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Annihilape is a jack of all trades, and it can easily be added as a sixth Pokemon to the team if players don't know which critter should take the slot. With a Choice Scarf set, it can outspeed almost any Pokemon in the format and one-shot most of them with Final Gambit, but Bulk Up sets are on the rise as well.
Kingambit: Another cross-gen evolution in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet after Annihilape, Kingambit is currently one of the best Gen 9 critters thanks to its decent bulk and high Attack stat, which allows it to hit hard with moves like Sucker Punch and Kowtow Cleave. It also gets Defiant as one of its Abilities, which is an incredible counter to Intimidate, one of the most popular Abilities in VGC until Gen 8. Players often pair Kingambit with the Assault Vest to make it even bulkier and deal with big threats like Gholdengo and Hydreigon.
Armarouge: Armarouge is the only Pokemon in the entire Paldean Pokedex to get access to Expanding Force, which makes it an incredible tool of destruction when paired with Indeedee, which can set up Psychic Terrain just by entering a battle. In fact, Expanding Force deals more damage on Psychic Terrain, and it also grants the ability to hit two targets at once, making Armarouge a major threat that is only shut down by other powerful attackers.
Ceruledge: Armarouge's counterpart, Ceruledge retains Fire as one of its types and gains Ghost as the secondary one, which makes it a great Shadow Sneak and Shadow Claw user. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's best moves include Cerludge's signature attack, Bitter Blade, which deals Fire Damage and heals the user based on the damage dealt. This is particularly good to use against Pokemon like Gholdengo or critters that used Terastallization defensively to become Grass-types.
A Tier
Meowscarada: Sprigatito's final evolution is one of the best Pokemon to come out of Gen 9 due to its incredible Speed, high Attack stat, and its signature move called Flower Trick. Flower Trick has a base power of 70, never misses, and always crits, meaning that Meowscarada can safely counter even bulky Pokemon like Dondozo. Its main problem is its bulk, or lack thereof, but players often use it with a Focus Sash and its Overgrow Ability, or go for a Choice Band and Protean set with U-Turn.
Skeledirge: Another great starter evolution is that of Fuecoco, as Skeledirge gets one of the best signature moves in Gen 9. This attack, called Torch Song, has a base power of 80 and always increases Skeledirge's Special Attack stat by one stage, which in the long run can make this Fire/Ghost-type crocodile unbeatable. Skeledirge also gets moves like Shadow Ball and Slack Off, which pair nicely with its natural bulk and high Special Attack.
Maushold: One of the most interesting critters in Gen 9 is Maushold, a family of mice that gets an exclusive move called Population Bomb, which can hit up to ten times. This is often used in conjunction with Wide Lens to improve Maushold's accuracy and its Hidden Ability Technician, which further boosts the damage of Population Bomb. However, Maushold is such a great Pokemon because it can also be effectively used to support allied mons with moves like Follow Me or disrupt opposing ones with moves like Encore.
Palafin: A Pokemon that would easily make it into the S tier wasn't it for its Achilles' heel is Palafin, a dolphin-like critter whose appearance and gimmick seem to be a callback to Superman. Palafin's Ability is Zero to Hero, and it changes the Pokemon's form when it's switched out and back in, providing it with incredible stats that rival those of Legendary Pokemon like Koraidon and Miraidon. What sets Palafin back is the fact that its base form is easy to outspeed, making Flip Turn mostly ineffective to turn it into its Zero to Hero form, whereas a hard switch can also be easily punished by opponents.
Cetitan: A fantastic addition to Gen 9 is Cetitan, which has an incredibly high HP stat and great Attack, which make it an unusual Ice-type attacker. With access to moves like Ice Spinner, which removes any terrain in effect, and Ice Shard, which is a priority attack, Cetitan is an incredible physical sweeper with the right set. Due to its HP, it can make good use of Leftovers or a Sitrus Berry, with the latter being particularly good when using Belly Drum to maximize its Attack. Furthermore, Cetitan's pre-evolution Cetoddle is one of the cutest Pokemon ever, making this whale-like critter all the more unique.
Baxcalibur: While not the most interesting pseudo-Legendary in the franchise, Baxcalibur is a decent critter thanks to its bulk and very high Attack stat, which is particularly good when using moves like Ice Shard to deal with Dragon or Ground-types, like Garchomp. Baxcalibur's Ability is Thermal Exchange, which makes it immune to burns and increases its Attack by one stage when hit by a Fire-type attack. The main issue with this Pokemon is that its signature move, while extremely powerful on the offensive side, makes Baxcalibur take double damage on the next turn.
Garganacl: Although it's not an offensive monster, Garganacl can become one when paired with moves like Iron Defense and Body Press, which often hit for incredible damage thanks to the Pokemon's already high Defense stat. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Garganacl can also be used as a wall with moves like Recover and a Ghost Tera type, which works wonders together with its Purifying Salt Ability. This makes it take half the damage from Ghost-type moves, and it makes it immune to status conditions, both of which are fantastic boons.
B Tier
Quaquaval: The final evolution of Quaxly, Quaquaval is a peculiar case because its kit would warrant it to be sitting somewhere between A tier and B tier. Its Hidden Ability is Moxie, which nets the carnival duck a plus one to its Attack stat every time it scores a KO, which can rapidly snowball into something far scarier when used alongside Aqua Step, its signature move. What this attack does is increase the user's Speed stat by one stage whenever it's selected, making Quaquaval a potential stat monster in long games.
Arboliva: Before Pokemon Scarlet and Violet launched, one of the most well-received critters was the Grass/Normal-type Smoliv, and its final evolution doesn't disappoint. Arboliva is a fantastic Grassy Terrain setter thanks to its Seed Sower Ability, which applies the terrain every time it's hit by attacks, which further boosts this Pokemon's performance by increasing its damage and reducing incoming damage from sources like Earthquake. With moves like Weather Ball and incredible Special Attack and Special Defense stats, Arboliva can easily become a threat in all kinds of weather, further increasing its coverage with Terrain Pulse against Indeedee or Sylveon.
Grafaiai: Grafaiai is an interesting pocket monster due to it being the first-ever Normal/Poison Pokemon and it getting Prankster as an Ability. Although it has its uses, Grafaiai is generally very frail and not much of an offensive threat, but it does have several useful moves. Chief among them, Grafaiai's signature move, Doodle, which copies the Ability of an opposing Pokemon for itself and its allies, which has seen some usage when combined with Slaking in order to remove its Truant.
Espathra: Even if Espathra is not really bulky, it remains a great addition to Pokemon Scarlet and Violet due to it being relatively fast. This combines pretty well with its decent Special Attack and its signature move, called Lumina Crash. On top of dealing a good amount of damage, Lumina Crash reduces the target's Special Defense stat by two stages after every use. Furthermore, Espathra gets access to several stat-boosting moves and Speed Boost as its Hidden Ability, making it a great Baton Pass user if needed.
Tinkaton: Before launch, Tinkaton was a highly-anticipated critter based on Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's leaks, as it was meant to be a Steel/Fairy-type. This did prove to be correct, but Tinkaton's stats don't make it a powerful attacker in the slightest. On the other hand, this hammer-wielding Pokemon packs decent Speed and overall bulk, making it a fantastic pick against the likes of Gholdengo and similar creatures. Speaking of Gholdengo, Tinkaton can be a great counter for it because it gets access to Mold Breaker as an Ability, making it capable of using status moves on it.
Orthworm: One of the main issues with pure Steel-type Pokemon is that they are weak to three very common types in the form of Fire, Fightning, and Ground. However, Orthworm turns this on its head thanks to the Earth Eater Ability, which not only makes it immune to Ground-type moves, but they also heal this Pokemon whenever they're used against it. As such, Orthworm only has two weaknesses, and its great Defense stat further helps it stay alive and deal damage with Body Press.
Glimmora: The first Rock/Poison Pokemon since Nihilego, Glimmora is a unique critter thanks to its Toxic Debris Ability, which scatters Toxic Spikes on the enemy team's side whenever it's hit by physical attacks. These are not very valuable in the regular playthrough nor in VGC, however, and especially so in double battles. Still, Glimmora remains an interesting critter whose Special Attack and decent bulk make for niche uses.
Flamigo: Even though Flamigo's Hidden Ability is incredibly broken when paired with Dondozo, the flamingo Pokemon's kit is not exactly the best when it's on its own. Still, Flamigo's move pool includes powerful tools like Brave Bird and Close Combat, with useful moves like Wide Guarding aiding with general team support. Still, Costar makes Flamigo a threat also when paired with Belly Drum attackers like Cetitan and Azumarill.
Tatsugiri: This sushi-like Water/Dragon-type Pokemon is incredibly valuable in double battles when used alongside Dondozo, but on its own, it doesn't always pack enough value to warrant using it over other critters. It can be a decent attacker with a Choice Scarf and moves like Muddy Water or Draco Meteor, especially if paired with a partner using Haze to remove stat changes after the first Draco Meteor is spent. Yet, Tatsugiri is rather frail, and supereffective moves can easily one-shot it.
Farigiraf: One of the four cross-gen evolutions included in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, Farigiraf is an interesting addition thanks to it being a great Trick Room setter, and also potentially a good damage dealer with Hyper Voice. This calls for more offensive sets that use Life Orb or Throat Spray, but otherwise, Farigiraf helps its whole team with one of its Abilities. Farigiraf's Armor Tail Ability makes it and its allies immune to priority moves, which is incredibly valuable.
Houndstone: A Ghost-type dog Pokemon, Houndstone is a rather unique critter because of its Sand Rush Ability and its Last Respects move, meaning that it can be effectively paired with pocket monsters like Tyranitar to make it all the more powerful. Last Respects can be a match-defining move because its base power equals 50 plus another 50 for every fainted ally, up to a total of 300. This, combined with STAB damage, can virtually allow Houndstone to one-shot any Pokemon.
Dachsbun: Dachsbun has seen a lot of use in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Charizard Tera Raid, as it's immune to both Fire-type and Dragon-type moves, while also dealing supereffective damage to it. In double battles, a niche strategy for it is to use it alongside Armarouge and other Pokemon with access to Lava Plume, a move that hits every critter on the field. Because Dachsbun's Well-Baked Body makes its Defense increase every time it's hit by Fire-type moves, this Pokemon can easily become very difficult to remove.
Mabosstiff: This Pokemon is prevalent in Arven's story in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, and it's actually quite decent in terms of battle efficiency, too. Mabosstiff's Ability is Intimidate, which is an evergreen of competitive battles, but this Dark-type Pokemon has more valuable assets in its kit, such as Jaw Lock, Play Rough, and the elemental bite attacks. With moves like Destiny Bond and Endeavor, it can be a powerful Focus Sash user.
C Tier
Pawmot: Like Quaquaval, Pawmot is difficult to place between the B and C tiers, as its main gimmick is to be a fast Revival Blessing user. Pawmot's Revival Blessing can change the future of Pokemon forever moving forward, as it's the first-ever move that allows players to revive a fainted ally. This is mainly useful in competitive battles more than it can ever be in a regular playthrough, as VGC players cannot use items from their bags. Pawmot does have good moves in its kit beyond Revival Blessing, but its stats and Abilities don't make it shine as much.
Dudunsparce: After years of fans asking for a Dunsparce evolution, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Dudunsparce finally granted this wish. However, Dudunsparce doesn't take its base form's design much further, and this holds true for its combat capabilities as well. Dudunsparce is overall a bit disappointing, and while it's not bad as a whole, it could have turned out much better.
Cyclizar: Like Orthworm, Cyclizar has access to Shed Tail as a move, which makes it quite useful to allow safe switch-ins behind a Substitute. However, Cyclizar is not fast enough to outspeed the main threats in the format, and it's not bulky enough to survive them, which makes it quite difficult to use it. Its attack stats are not amazing, either, leaving a lot to be desired across the board.
Scovillain: Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Scovillain has been addressed as an uninspired design by players, but its themes do make it a unique entry in Gen 9. Its signature move, Spicy Extract, is not an easy one to use because it raises the target's Attack by two stages and lowers its Defense by two, which calls either for Clear Amulet strategies, or for a whole team built around this move combined with Foul Play. Still, Scovillain does have access to Chlorophyll as its Ability as well as Solar Beam, making it a threat in harsh sunlight.
Bombirdier: One of Gen 9's Titan Pokemon, Bombirdier has one of the best Hidden Abilities in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet in the form of Rocky Payload, which increases the user's damage with Rock moves by 50%, essentially providing the stork-like critter with STAB damage on Rock moves. Bombirdier can also use Parting Shot, a very powerful debuff and repositioning tool, but these factors still don't make it all that powerful. As such, it remains a decent Pokemon, but it doesn't really leave a mark.
Bellibolt: Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Bellibolt makes more sense now that Tadbulb has been revealed in the game, and while it's the iconic partner Pokemon of the Gym Leader Iono, it still fails to impress. This is because Bellibolt's Ability and bulk would warrant some niche combos, but its Special Attack is so low that players can have a hard time taking advantage of the Electric frog Pokemon. What follows is that it remains decent at best, and disappointing at worst.
Lokix: One of the most annoying Pokemon in Gen 9 due to it always chasing players, Lokix leaves a lot to be desired with its stats and Abilities, even if it does have good moves in the form of Throat Chop or Sucker Punch. However, it never remains on the battlefield for long, and thus fails to deliver what it promises to in most scenarios.
Revavroom: Revavroom is Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's first Steel/Poison critter, and while its type combo makes it an intriguing mon to use, its damage-dealing potential doesn't really shine under any circumstances. Furthermore, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Revavroom line is ironic because it should be a fast critter, but instead, it ends up being fairly slow despite its inspiration being that of a car engine.
Kilowattrel: A new regional bird with both Electric and Flying as its types, Kilowattrel is a good Tailwind user with some tricks against similar Flying-types due to moves like Thunderbolt, which also offer decent coverage against Water-types. Regardless, Kilowattrel doesn't really do much besides being a speedy attacker, but its Special Attack is too low to be effective.
Brambleghast: A new Grass/Ghost-type came in the form of Brambleghast, and while its signature Ability makes it good against some Flying and Fire-type Pokemon, it doesn't pack much of a punch does it have enough bulk to survive long enough. Brambleghast is a gimmicky Pokemon and an interesting one while at it, but it is too niche to be used consistently. On top of that, players believe Brambleghast is hardly a Pokemon, to begin with.
Oinkologne: The only use for Oinkologne is limited to its female variant, which has access to Aroma Veil as an Ability, meaning that both the hog Pokemon and its allies are immune to effects that limit the use of their moves, such as Taunt or Torment. Male Oinkologne doesn't have this luxury, and the Pokemon's stats are not great either.
D Tier
Toedscruel: While Toedscruel's stats and moves would be enough for it to be an A-tier Pokemon, the main issue this evolution line has lies in its signature Ability - Mycelium Might. What this does is make status move always work regardless of Abilities and other effects, but it makes the user go last at all times when using one. As such, Toedscruel's high Speed stat is wasted, and it makes its survival all the more difficult because it has to stay alive through the turn.
Rabsca: Although Rabsca is the only other Pokemon that learns Revival Blessing, it doesn't really pack much utility. It can be a decent Trick Room setter and user, but its type combination puts it at a disadvantage due to how many types deal supereffective damage against it. As such, there are better critters to use in most scenarios.
Clodisre: Clodsire is Paldean Wooper's evolution, and retains its type combination and its Ability in the form of Water Absorb, making it a good defensive pick. However, Clodsire's attack stats are extremely low for it to be used efficiently, and thus leaves a lot to be desired in all scenarios.
Squawkabilly: Unfortunately, even if Squawkabilly has access to both Intimidate and Parting Shot, its stats make it an ineffective attacker and also too frail to survive even for a single turn. Not being particularly speedy, Squawkabilly suffers from being an unreliable Pokemon that doesn't do much.
Klawf: Although it made the rounds online due to its appearance when Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's second trailer was shown, Klawf is a critter that doesn't do much. Its Abilities have the potential of increasing its attack stats, but they are too low to make Klawf become much of a threat, and instead lower its defenses as a drawback.
Veluza: A fish Pokemon that shares Bruxish's Water/Psychic type combo, Veluza is one of the most disappointing critters in Gen 9 due to its extreme speed when chasing players in the water, only to have a base Speed of 70, making it extremely slow and unreliable. Its signature move, Filet Away, does increase its attack stats and Speed, but at the cost of 50% of Veluza's HP. Thus, Veluza has no saving grace, and players are better off not using it.
Spidops: Often addressed as the worst Gen 9 Pokemon by fans, Spidops' design is as jarring as its stats are poor. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Spidops is at best usable for utility, possibly by pairing it with stat-decreasing moves and its signature move. Apart from that, Spidops is likely the least impressive Pokemon in the game, and it shows.
PokemonScarlet and Violet are available now on Nintendo Switch.
