While many trainers may feel inclined to dominate their Pokémon journey with an over-leveled starter or a legendary Pokémon caught with a Master Ball, such an approach may overlook the potential of numerous Pokémon considered to be lesser or weak. The beauty of Pokémon lies in its flexibility; players can approach the game in any manner they prefer. However, it’s important to recognize that a Pokémon’s appearance or base stats do not inherently define its capability.
As the wise Karen of the Johto Elite Four once stated,
“Strong Pokémon. Weak Pokémon. That is only the selfish perception of people. Truly skilled trainers should try to win with their favorites.”
10.Linoone
Stats, Stats, and More Stats
At first glance, Linoone may appear as just another commonplace Normal-type Pokémon, quickly used for a gym challenge and then left to gather dust in the PC, akin to Raticate or Furret. However, trainers who have tackled a Nuzlocke challenge in the Hoenn region are aware of Linoone’s remarkable ability to surprise foes with its signature move.
Utilizing Belly Drum, this move comes with significant risk—reducing the user’s HP by half, but in return, it raises Linoone’s Attack by six stages. Therefore, even though Linoone’s base attack might seem unimpressive on its own, under optimal conditions it can achieve attack boosts of up to 300%.With a commendable speed stat to complement this, Linoone can potentially sweep through the Elite Four. Equip a Sitrus Berry, and it’s ready for action!
9.Klefki
Hazards Galore
At first sight, Klefki might seem like nothing more than a decorative set of keys, but this little Pokémon is a hidden gem. When trained effectively, it becomes an incredibly valuable team member while also posing a significant challenge to opponents.
In battle, Klefki shines from the outset, thanks to its ability Prankster, which grants priority to its status moves. This ensures that, provided the opponent does not also employ a priority move, Klefki always has the first turn. With its capacity to set traps using moves like Spikes, along with status effects from Thunder Wave and Toxic, Klefki can disrupt many strategies. Though it may not excel in one-on-one battles, its ability to dictate battle dynamics makes it a formidable support Pokémon.
8.Dugtrio
Don’t Try to Run
Dugtrio has had an interesting evolution in gameplay. Initially regarded as fragile and lacking the stats necessary to be a major threat, it experienced a renaissance during Generation 7 when its true potential was unveiled.
With excellent speed and attack stats, Dugtrio became a glass cannon with the highly irritating ability, Arena Trap, which traps foes and prevents them from switching out. This move can lead to a slow, debilitating defeat, rendering switching—a strategic component of competitive Pokémon—impossible. Arena Trap was so influential that it was ultimately banned from the Generation 7 Smogon competitive format.
7.Mimikyu
My Eyes Are Down Here
Despite its Pikachu-like appearance, Mimikyu stands in a category of its own. While its base stats might not seem compelling, Mimikyu’s unique ability is what sets it apart in battle.
With Disguise, Mimikyu can absorb damage from the first attack it faces in any battle, allowing it a free turn to set up. This tactical advantage is profound, especially compared to riskier options like Linoone with Belly Drum. Mimikyu gains access to Swords Dance, providing it the opportunity to significantly enhance its physical attack without fear of reprisal.
Utilizing moves such as Shadow Sneak to strike first, or Play Rough to achieve substantial damage, Mimikyu becomes a daunting opponent, especially when holding a Life Orb to boost its offensive output even further.
6.Rotom
That’s One Scary Washing Machine
When Rotom materializes in Sinnoh’s Old Chateau, it introduces a unique twist to gameplay. While Rotom may appear unthreatening initially, its variations, particularly the Wash Form, have become competitive staples.
Rotom’s dual Water/Electric typing along with the Levitate ability neutralizes its ground weakness, making it a versatile asset in battles. With a notable special attack stat, it can launch formidable moves such as Hydro Pump and Volt Switch, or utilize Pain Split for a sustainable strategy.
5.On the beach
Looks Can Be Deceiving
Pachirisu may look like just a cute electric rodent similar to Pikachu, but appearances can be misleading. This little Pokémon made unforgettable waves during the 2014 Pokémon World Championship, playing an integral role in gameplay strategies that left opponents stunned.
With its moveset, Pachirisu can deal fixed damage using Super Fang, which effectively halves an opponent’s HP despite its unimpressive attack stat. Furthermore, it can paralyze adversaries with Nuzzle and support teammates through Follow Me in double battles, demonstrating that even the most unassuming Pokémon can dominate the battlefield when utilized creatively.
4.Azumarill
With Huge Power Comes Huge Responsibility
Azumarill, often dismissed as another Pikachu clone, possesses some of the most intimidating capabilities, particularly with its ability Huge Power, which doubles its attack stat. Initially underwhelming, Azumarill experienced a transformation upon the introduction of Fairy typing in Generation 6, gaining access to dominant moves like Play Rough.
With moves such as Belly Drum amplifying its attack further and Priority Aqua Jet providing reliable finishing power, Azumarill has become a regular face in high-tier competitive play. It’s proof that base stats can be misleading, as that’s often not the ultimate measure of a Pokémon’s effectiveness in combat.
3.Smeargle
A Myriad of Colors
Pikachu’s quirky little painter buddy, Smeargle, is infamous for having one of the lowest base stats in the game, making it seem unusable at first glance. However, the true value of Smeargle lies in its unique ability to learn any move via its signature move, Sketch.
This potential gained notoriety when Smeargle could duplicate Darkrai’s Dark Void, leading to widespread disapproval among players. The move was ultimately adjusted for balance, but this doesn’t diminish Smeargle’s capacity to execute quirky and surprising strategies such as Shell Smash Baton Pass, keeping opponents on their toes.
2.Porygon 2
Cyber-Duck Warriors!
Porygon 2 stands as a testament to how a single item can redefine a Pokémon’s viability. While its base without evolution wouldn’t warrant much attention, the introduction of Eviolite—a held item that boosts defenses for Pokémon able to evolve—unlocks Porygon 2’s true potential.
This transformed Porygon into a special-attack tank, rounding out its capabilities with powerful moves like Ice Beam, Thunderbolt, and Recover. With substantial HP and incredible defensive ratings, Porygon 2 can keep pace against formidable opponents and even outlast extended battles.
1.Bidoof
And The World Knelt Before Him
Why is Bidoof ranked first in our list? Contrary to popular belief, Bidoof is more than just a comedic Pokémon; it possesses one of the most perplexing abilities in the game—Moody. This ability allows Bidoof to randomly increase two stat stages by two while decreasing another by one, creating unpredictable battles.
Through tactics like using Protect or Substitute, Bidoof can significantly ramp up its evasiveness and speed while delivering unpredictable stats boosts with each successive turn. Ultimately, the potential for creating a seemingly eternal threat on the battleground led to the banning of the ability from Smogon’s competitive rules.
In essence, Bidoof exemplifies how a Pokémon’s initial perception can be entirely transformed with the right ability, showing that even the most unassuming creatures can wield power beyond measure.
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