Ground-type Pokémon are popular among players for many reasons. Some of the primary reasons for their popularity being that they are immune to Electric-type attacks, they usually have insanely high Attack ratings, and they are extremely durable. They are not going to win any races (as a whole Ground-types have low Speed ratings), but they are also not going to be defeated quickly unless facing Water, Grass, or Ice-types.

Catch rate in the main Pokémon games is determined by a score assigned to a Pokémon – a higher number indicates a higher catch rate. The range for catch rates is 0-255, and a Pokémon at full hit points and a 255 catch rate has a 33.3% chance of being caught with a regular Pokéball.

10 Donphan

Donphan is one of two elephant-like Pokémon on this list and has a catch rate of 60 (7.8%). This small (but fearsome-looking) Pokémon has a high enough Defense and more than enough hit points to outlast an opponent. It also has a high enough Attack to cause an opponent to faint after only two or three attacks.

Donphan has one of the best abilities in the series – Sturdy. This ability prevents instant-faint abilities (like Guillotine) and will leave Donphan with one hit point if struck by an attack that would cause it to faint and it has more than one hit point. Donphan learns some of the strongest physical attacks in the series, including Giga Impact and Earthquake.

9 Mudsdale

Mudsdale is an 8’ tall horse Pokémon that has a catch rate of 60 (7.8%). Like Donphan (and most Pokémon on this list), Mudsdale has a high enough Attack rating to one-hit many opponents. It also has phenomenal hit point maximums, Defense, and Special Defense. Being modeled after a Clydesdale, it is surprising to see such a low Speed rating for Mudsdale, but that’s kind of the status quo for Ground-types.

This Pokémon has the Stamina ability; which raises Mudsdale’s defense after every attack made against it. Mudsdale’s best three attacks are of the Ground, Fighting, and Normal-types. This variety in moves makes Mudsdale a much more versatile combatant.

8 Excadrill

Excadrill is like a mole version of Wolverine and has a catch rate of 60 (7.8%). The only stat of Excadrill’s that is below average is Special Attack; however, only one of its attacks uses Special Attack – making it not much of a drawback. The Attack rating of Excadrill is the highest of any Pokémon on this list.

Fissure, Earthquake, and Drill Run are its best attack moves. With Excadrill’s outstanding Attack rating these moves are capable of one-hit fainting nearly any opposing Pokémon. It also learns the move Sandstorm. This move works great with Excadrill’s abilities Sand Rush and Sand Force.

7 Rhydon

You know those moves in Pokémon that are a lot stronger than other attacks but cause recoil damage on the user? Rhydon can use those moves without suffering recoil damage. This bipedal rhino has a decent catch rate of 60 (7.8%).

This Pokémon also protects Water-type teammates from electrical attacks (to which it is immune) during multi-Pokémon battles. Rhydon does have its negative aspects too; with the worst being its weakness against Special attacks. It’s probably no surprise that Rhydon can learn most of the attacks that cause recoil damage.

6 Mamoswine

Mamoswine is a woolly mammoth Pokémon with a catch rate of 50 (6.5%), the lowest catch rate in the list. However, Mamoswine is one of the fastest Pokémon on this list. It has the highest Attack (tied for 1st) rating on this list.

Lastly, it is tied with Excadrill for the highest maximum hit point total. Mamoswine is the only Ground/Ice-type Pokémon, except for its lesser evolved forms Swinub and Piloswine. This type pairing is particularly potent and provides access moves like Thrash, Blizzard, Earthquake, Ancient Power, and Take Down.

5 Hippowdon

Hippowdon has a catch rate of 60 (7.8%), which is incredibly low considering how versatile this Pokémon is in battle. As a Ground-type, Hippowdon is weak against Water, Grass, and Ice-type attacks. Hippowdon can learn Thunder Fang for use against Water-types, and Fire Fang for Grass and Ice-types.

Adding Earthquake and Rest gives Hippowdon a move-list that is effective against nearly every type, and allows it to fully heal itself in battle. Sand Stream is Hippowdon’s ability; this causes a sandstorm at the start of a battle. Hippowdon is extremely slow but has a ton of hit points, and its Attack and Defense ratings are both in the top three out of the Pokémon this list.

4 Stunfisk

Stunfisk has a catch rate of 75 (9.8%) and is easily the sneakiest Pokémon on this list. What makes this Pokémon so sneaky? For starters, it has access to moves like Sucker Punch, Bounce, and Revenge. These moves are great for getting in cheap shots and for exciting come-from-behind victories.

Charge is another great move that raises Special Defense and doubles an Electric-type attack if used in the following turn. Combining Charge and Discharge turns Discharge into an attack with an incredible power of 160. Stunfisk can also learn Fissure; which is a one-hit-faint move with an accuracy of 30.

3 Sandslash

Sandslash has been around since Gen I, and throughout the years it has consistently been a decent combatant in the Pokémon series. It’s not as powerful as most of the other Pokémon on this list; although, it is one of the easiest to catch due to having a catch rate of 90 (11.8%).

This is called the “Mouse Pokémon,” but it more closely resembles a cross between an armadillo and a porcupine. Sandslash is great against Pokémon that rely on physical attack. It’s probably wise to switch Sandslash out against Pokémon that have high Special Attack though, as it will take a lot of damage from their attacks.

2 Claydol

Claydol is somewhat of an oddity among the Pokémon on this list. Instead of having a lot of hit points and strong offensive capabilities, it has high defensive stats and a good Speed rating. It is also the only Ground/Psychic-type Pokémon in the series. Claydol has a fairly high catch rate of 90 (11.8%), especially when one factors-in its stats and available moves.

This Pokémon is lacking in powerful attack moves a little. It can learn Self-Destruct and Explosion; which are super powerful but also cause the user to faint. Players might wish to use a TM or two on Claydol. On the plus side, Claydol is immune to both Electric and Ground-type attacks.

1 Camerupt

Camerupt gives players the best “bang for the buck” when one compares its combat strength to its catch rate of 150 (19.6%). This Fire/Ground-type has good Attack and Special Attack ratings, and enough hit points to survive against some fairly powerful opponents.

Camerupt learns some strong attacks as well as some useful status affecting moves. Eruption is by far its strongest attack with a power rating of 150, and it also gets Earthquake (of course). Yawn can also be learned by Camerupt. This move puts opponents to sleep, which helps minimize the impact of Camerupt’s low Speed.

NEXT: Pokémon: Which Ground-Type Are You, Based On Your D&D Alignment