Spanning nine generations and over 1000 kinds, <em>Pokémon</em> is a staple of Nintendo that continues to reel in players from all over the world. Pokémon is one of the most successful gaming franchises of all time, so it’s no surprise that there are so many Pokémon over the course of 38 core games. When it comes down to it, though, which Pokémon are the most powerful in the series?
Well, here is our ranking of the most powerful Pokémon of all time. When compiling this list, we took into consideration a combination of game stats and in-game Pokédex entries that give us a sense of the canon abilities these Pokémon have in the larger world of the shows and the video games. So, without further ado, here are the most powerful Pokémon.
30
Suicune
Introduced in Generation 2
Suicune is a Water-type Legendary and one of the three Legendary beasts resurrected by the Legendary Pokémon Ho-Oh. (Spoilers: Ho-Oh is also on this list.) Suicune is the most iconic of the three legendary beasts, with appearances in multiple games, both mainline and spinoff.
In the Pokémon Crystal lore, Suicune is the closest of the Legendary beasts to Ho-Oh and has the ability to purify water. Suicune is definitely one of the more mellow legendary Pokémon compared to the rest that will be found on this list, often portrayed as a serene, almost spiritual figure that glides across lakes and rivers as a symbol of rebirth and natural harmony.
29
Entei
Introduced in Generation 2
Image via The Pokémon Company
When the Brass Tower in Johto burned down, three Pokémon were trapped inside and killed. Ho-Oh resurrected them as beasts that represented the lightning that struck the tower, the fire that burned it, and the rain that put it out. The beast of fire, Entei, is identified by its distinct leonin appearance, which cuts a majestic figure as it races across the land.
Entei edges out Suicune because of how much more destructive its powers are. Whenever Entei roars, a random volcano in the world erupts, meaning that an angry Entei can cause untold levels of destruction via magma flows and volcanic ash. In direct battle, its flames are also said to be hotter than magma and capable of consuming anything they touch.
28
Zamazenta
Introduced in Generation 8
In the ancient history of the Galar region, two wolf-like Pokémon stood alongside two human heroes to avert a disaster called the Darkest Day. The younger wolf, Zamazenta, could absorb metal to change into a defensive form that could withstand any attack. After their job was completed, Zamazenta and its counterpart, Zacian, went into a dormant state until the time came when Galar needed them again.
While Zamazenta cannot compare to the destructive capabilities of Zacian, it’s more than deserving of its status as a heroic warrior of old. When it assumes its Crowned Shield form, Zamazenta’s defenses are impenetrable, made even better by its Dauntlet Shield ability, which further strengthens its defensive resolve when the battle begins. It’s also deceptively fast, unlike other defensive Pokémon, so while it might not hit as hard as others, it can outlast and outspeed most opponents.
27
Lugia
Introduced in Generation 2
Lugia’s ability to control Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres in the Gold and Silver games is enough reason alone for this Legendary Pokémon to be added to this list as one of the most powerful. Factor in its ability to create storms with its massive wings, and you have one impressive Legendary Pokémon.
It is a cover Legendary that rivals Ho-Oh and asserts dominance over other three Legendary birds. Its mere presence is said to calm raging storms, reinforcing its mythic status as the true guardian of seas. Impressive feats all around.
26
Ho-oh
Introduced in Generation 2
Ho-oh is an incredibly powerful and iconic Legendary Pokémon. Originally debuting on second generation games like celebratedPokémon Gold and Silver, Ho-oh gets place on this list thanks to incredible lore surrounding this Legendary Pokémon. Ho-oh is guardian skies and after terrible tragedy befell three other Pokémon used ability resurrect dead transform them into three other “Legendary Beasts”: Raikou Entei Suicune.
Its Pokédex entries across generations emphasize that it leaves behind shimmering trail rainbows only seen those pure hearts. In battles Ho-oh tanky powerhouse strong Fire Flying-type moves like Sacred Fire not only deals heavy damage but also has high chance burning opponents.
25Reshiram
Introduced in Generation 5
The legendary trio Unova Region three dragons once one but split when two princes fought war truths ideals. White dragon Reshiram represents truth exhale powerful fire blasts decimate kingdoms ignore truth greed. Most time Reshiram sleeps form Light Stone awaken fight alongside hero proves themselves worthy.
If destroying kingdoms wasn’t powerful enough,Reshiram’s Fire Dragon typing helps negate several common weaknesses both types such as Water Fairy Ice.
24Zekrom
Introduced in Generation 5
Zekrom sleek black Legendary Pokémon counterpart ReshiramPokémon Black White games.
23Lunala
Introduced in Generation 7
Pokémon long toyed withidea parallel universes, legendaries Alola Region great chance expand idea both begin adorable Cosmog if female final evolution Lunala Ghost Psychic-type can open wormholes leading other universes drain surrounding light increase power.
22Solgaleo
Introduced in Generation 7
Solgaleo Legendary Pokémon fromPokémon Sun Nintendo Switch Psychic Steel-type allows resistant nine different types giving those who capture quite advantage.
21Calyrex
Introduced in Generation 8
Calyrex introducedPokémon Sword Shield expansions list because inherent ability merge fellow Legendaries introduced expansion Nintendo Switch entry.
