With nearly two years since the release of Pokémon Sun and Moon, now is the perfect time for a recap of the seventh generation. The Alola region has provided us with a plentiful assortment of new and exotic ‘Mons since we first visited it back in 2016. Since then, we’ve had the chance to catch, train, and learn all there is to know about them. This generation definitely came up with some creatures that will be loved and remembered by fans for years to come, but as with every new Pokémon environment, some of them aren’t all they’re cracked up to be.
With this list, we’ve selected what we believe to be the ten most overrated Pokémon of the current generation. Whether because of their lackluster abilities, their poor design, or their abysmal battling capabilities, these are the ones who simply don’t live up to an average trainer’s standards. Some are common, some are rare, but what they all share is a disappointing result for the player.
Not wanting to be too pessimistic though, we also have ten Pokémon that absolutely every player will want to find and capture for themselves! These are the ones that will take all the patience and effort you have to obtain, but will be most worth it. On this list we’ll find dragons, guardian spirits, Elder Beasts, and the most exotic Pokémon the islands of Alola have to offer!
20 Overrated: This Bug-Type Is Too Much!
A fairly common bug type Pokémon, Grubbin is likely to be crossed numerous times in the early stages of your time on Alola. While every Pokémon may be unique, not every one is entirely separated from it’s predecessors. What gives Grubbin a place on this list is simply that they don’t stand out much from other bug type Pokémon from previous generations.
If you’ve ever caught a Caterpie or a Wurmple, then you’ve pretty much had a Grubbin already.
One saving grace for the Grubbin is that its evolved forms gain electric abilities, in addition to their standard bug attacks. For trainers with a fondness for the insect variety, Grubbin isn’t necessarily bad, but there are definitely better bug types out there. With a standard 300 stat total though, there just isn’t much for the average trainer worth pursuing.
Grubbin is one more entry for the Pokédex, but unfortunately not much else.
19 Underrated: Creepy But Powerful
Mimikyu is a mysterious shape shifting Pokémon that changes its appearance with every hit that it takes. The design that we see here is actually only a Pikachu shaped rag that it wears to conceal its true form. According to Pokédex entries, no one has seen what the Mimikyu really looks like without going completely insane. It uses its disguise as a way to get close to people and make friends, but will become enraged if anyone tries to remove it.
Mimikyu only appears 5% of the time.
What makes this Pokémon a rare gem is its incredibly isolated habitat. It only appears in the Sun and Moon games inside the thrifty mart on Ula Ula island. You could walk around the store for several hours or more without ever even seeing it. If you’re determined or just lucky, you’ll have a versatile and mysterious Pokémon to add to your team.
18 Overrated: We’ve Seen Too Much Of This Cuddly ‘Mon
Litten is a beautiful kitten creature, as we can see in this cool piece by artist General-Mudkip, but it also happens to be the weakest of the three starter Pokémon for Sun and Moon. This fire type Pokémon has low leveling speed and a base stat total of only 320, meaning you’ll have to work hard to get it into a fit battling state by the late game.
While not a bad choice per say, as a trainer you’re likely to have a harder time with this Pokémon.
Another concern is that Litten is a solitary creature, preferring to be alone and slow to trust. While this is a great addition in terms of personality, it’s also a further challenge for the trainer. You’ll have that much more to go through if you’re trying to create a close bond than you would with the other starters.
If you’re a cat person like me however, you’ll probably feel it worth the effort.
17 Underrated: Fire-breathers?
All dragon types in the Pokémon world are rare finds, and this one is no exception. Dwelling exclusively in the Poni Canyon, you’ll have to be quite far along in either game before you’ll be able to find a Jangmo-o. Along with Mimikyu, this Pokémon also only has a 5% chance of appearing. The rewards for this ordeal are well worth the effort however, as the potential of this Pokémon along with its evolved forms, are some of the most powerful in the game as we can see in this great piece by artist Siplick.
The Jangmo-o is the first evolved form of the Kommo-o dragon Pokémon. They are said to be humble creatures who nevertheless take pride in their training as warriors. They only reside in places far from the reach of humans where they can train in isolation. They are prized by trainers as one of the most valiant Pokémon in battle.
16 Overrated: One Fish, Bruxish
Very possibly the most disliked Pokémon of generation seven, Bruxish is a fish type every bit as feeble and unappealing as your common Magikarp. Unlike Magikarp however, Bruxish does not eventually evolve into a terrifying and awesome serpent lord of the ocean. In fact, it doesn’t evolve into anything.
Bruxish does have psychic abilities and quite a few more moves than Magikarp.
Despite being useful, what really makes Bruxish so unlikeable to many fans is its genuinely ugly appearance. Known as the “gnash teeth” Pokémon according to the Pokédex, its looks may very well be deliberate. It’s said to make an excruciating sound like grinding teeth with the psychic appendage on its head, driving away most other water types of Pokémon.
15 Underrated: Eeny Mareanie Mo
Possibly the most difficult Pokémon to find in the wild, Mareanie only appears when summoned by the Pokémon Corsola, which itself only appears 1-5% of the time. After engaging the Corsola in battle, it MUST use its “call for help” ability in order for Mareanie to appear, and even then it only shows up 20% of the time.
As far as random encounters go, there is almost no chance of stumbling upon this creature in the wild.
The only good things about the Mareanie are its poison abilities. Aside from the obvious advantages that poison types have, there isn’t much else to get excited about for this Pokémon. As it is in the Pokémon world, if you’re absolutely determined to fill your Pokédex, you will have to endure some bitter hours of searching.
Mareanie is just one more splendid rarity for you to collect on your travels.
14 Overrated: Dark Horse
The lone equine of the Alola islands, Mudsdale is a tough Pokémon with base 500 stats that can take a hit and return one in kind. What makes it a qualifier for this list is that despite its incredible strength, it’s just incredibly slow! With a measly 35 speed stat, it’s one of the slowest Pokémon of the islands. According to the Pokédex, it’s already a heavy creature.
Plain and simply, its a beast of burden.
The other downside to Mudsdale is its battling capabilities. Sure, it’s a tough creature, but its move set is terribly limited. The amount of status abilities for a ground type Pokémon are unusually large, while its special attacks are severally limited. The good news is that it does have some decent physical attacks, but as slow as it is, you’re likely to take as much damage as its capable of giving.
13 Underrated: Wim-ner!
A small and skittish water bug type Pokémon, Wimpod included in this list for its relative rarity and difficulty to catch. Simply put, this Pokémon is cowardly and will run away at the first sign of danger. It hides itself in its burrow, beyond the reach of your pokéballs, and once hidden will not return for at least an hour in-game.
One cannot catch a Wimpod easily on foot, and is most commonly caught using another faster Pokémon to intercept it before it can get away.
If you’re clever, you might be able to get between the Wimpod and its burrow before it spots you, but otherwise you’ll have no choice but to run it down. The reward for your efforts may not be stellar, Wimpod being a brittle and weak Pokémon with minimal abilities. The only real reward for this elusive creature is in the satisfaction of adding another entry into your Pokedex.
12 Overrated: This One Is Reaching Too High
The vibrantly-colored final evolution of a common bird family, Toucannon loses points for its less than stellar speed. With a base speed stat of just 60, it’s one of the slowest birds in all of Pokémon history. While perhaps not a big deal for the average Pokémon, being a bird type and being slow is a combination sure to frustrate any trainer hoping for a swift flying advantage.
The moves list for Toucannon is also less than spectacular. While its attack stat is quite high, its flying type and special type moves are fewer than would be expected. The number of physical attacks are a lot higher, but the majority of them barely have an attack power above 40.
As a trainer, this make Toucannon a nice sight to look at, but not the greatest companion in battle.
11 Underrated: Dusky Lycanroc
The Lycanroc is a Pokémon with the three different varieties. After level 25, the original Rockruff will evolve three possible ways. In the Sun and Ultra Sun versions, the creature will evolve into a Lycanroc in midday form, and only when leveled up during the day. In the Moon and Ultra Moon versions, it will take its midnight form when leveled during the night. What makes the last version so unique, is that it can only be obtained by leveling a Rockruff in one of the Ultra versions, and only during the five to six o’clock hour pm.
This is the Dusk Form.
The dusk form is significantly faster than the other two, and it also has a slightly higher defense. Apart from that it shares the same base stats as that of the midday form. It stands out with a unique coat of hair and several unique moves.
10 Overrated: A Little Invasive
The rodent scourge of Alola, Gumshoos is a pesky Pokémon found all throughout the islands in the mid-to late-game stage of Sun and Moon. You’re likely to encounter more of these than almost any other Pokémon in either game. What makes them particularly annoying though: they have a fairly high attack stat, but much lower defense and next to no speed!
They’ll get in your way but they won’t do you much help as a trainer in battle.
What makes these Pokémon even worse though, is that they are actually an invasive species! According to the Pokédex they were brought to the islands in order to control an outbreak of Rattata, and have since then taken over. Even if you’re fond of the little guys, there’s no getting around the fact that they are a problem.
Also, the hair. Couldn’t help mentioning the hair.
9 Underrated: Marshadow Of The Moon
The gloom walker Pokémon, Marshadow is a mythical creature with a catch rate of only 0.4%. It lurks in the shadows of humans and other Pokémon, where it can understand their feelings and learn their powers.
It’s rarely ever seen by those it follows, and is commonly thought of as a myth in the Pokémon world.
As a fighter, Marshadow is a powerful attacker with solid defense capabilities. It is the only known Pokémon capable of learning the “Special Thief” move, as well as its exclusive “Z-move”, transforming it into a form called “Zenith Marshadow.” As a fighting type, it knows a number of impressive moves such as “Copycat,” and “Close Combat.” It also knows a handful of dark type and ghost type moves.
All in all, Marshadow is a rare prize well worth the effort.
8 Overrated: Sparkly Salazzle
Named the “Toxic Lizard” Pokémon, Salazzle is an incredibly fast creature with a fairly decent special attack, but it’s also insufferably delicate. The base defense and special defense are equal to a puny 60. She may be swift, and she may have a few clever tricks up her sleeve.
She’ll break like glass if you’re not careful with her.
According to the Pokédex, the only known gender for these Pokémon are female. They apparently form a reverse harem in order to breed with Salandits, or the lower evolved male form of Salazzle. While interesting and also pretty beautifully designed, there just isn’t very much worth in them for trainers. Perhaps they’re better left on their own to deal with their family of reptilian male suitors.
7 Underrated: The Mysterious Blacephalon
One of the Ultra Beasts, exclusive to the Ultra editions of Sun and Moon, Blacephalon is known as the Fireworks Pokémon. With only two individuals in the game located in Poni Grove and a catch rate of 4%, this beast is a one-of-a-kind Pokémon well worth getting your hands on. It boasts a significant amount of speed and special attack, and it also uses a combination of psychic, fire, and ghost type moves.
As one of the Ultra Beasts, the Blacephalon came from the opening of an ultra wormhole into the world of Pokémon.
The Pokédex states that it uses fireworks from its head to startle opponents and uses their surprise to drain their vitality. Additionally it can move its head around easily, and can even regenerate a new one should it accidentally be blown up.
6 Overrated: Bewear The Hugs
Bewear is exactly what he looks like: a boxy teddybear. According to the Pokédex, it may appear to be friendly, spreading its arms wide open for an affectionate hug. The problem is that this is actually a warning, as its hug is so powerful that its capable of crushing you to a pulp. Sounds like a pretty decent Pokémon to take into battle doesn’t it?
Maybe, but there are some drawbacks.
The most unusual thing about Bewear is its weakness to fire, a very uncommon trait for fighting type Pokémon. Also, while its attack and defense are both decent enough, the amount of abilities it can learn aren’t very high. The amount of special attacks available are slim to none without TMs. You could definitely do a lot worse that Bewear, but with similar fighting types available you’re probably better off with something else.
5 Underrated: To The Cosmog!
Cosmog is a psychic type Legendary Pokémon found in all versions of the game, but Pokédex entries remain undetermined on its origin. It seems likely that the creature originated from somewhere in space, as seen in this piece by artist Floeff. Its body is made of gases similar to that of a nebula, and it is known to open wormholes when under distress.
Cosmog is a rather curious Pokémon.
Only one exists within each version of the game, making it an essential catch for those looking for the ultimate prize. The reason Cosmog makes this list is because without it, there is no chance of obtaining its evolved forms of Solgaleo or Lunala. The fact that it can evolve into two different legendary Pokémon depending on which version you have, makes it a completely unique and original creation for the Pokémon world across all generations.
4 Overrated: Definitely A Little Wishy-Washy
Wishiwashi is a fish type so timid, it literally cries under threat. Its base stats are all equally pretty low, and its abilities don’t bring much to the table either. The one thing that makes this Pokémon special is the fact that, unlike almost any other, this creature can transform into a much more powerful beast, as in this piece by tatanRG!
Using its “School Form” ability, it becomes what the people of Alola call the “Demon of the Sea.”
While definitely an improvement on its smaller self, the school form of Wishiwashi unfortunately has some pretty severe restrictions. It can only transform when it’s in danger of being knocked out, and even then it only lasts for long as its health remains low. While one of the most unique and interesting Pokémon of the seventh generation, it just doesn’t quite meet the standard of dedicated trainers.
3 Underrated: Are You Doing It On Poipole?
Another Ultra Beast that was exposed to the world of Pokémon, Poipole is a poison type common among the people of Ultra Megalopolis. A common starter in its native space city, this Pokémon is said to be quite friendly and intelligent enough to understand human speech. The trick to obtaining this Pokémon is to receive it as a gift from the people of Megalopolis in the Ultra versions of the game.
While not drastically overpowered, its real potential comes in its evolutionary prospects.
As a fighter, this Pokémon is adequate enough with the poison abilities that it can learn. You’ll need to obtain the Poipole first, but when you do make sure it knows the move “Dragon Pulse.” This will enable it to evolve into an Ultra Beast worthy of the name.
2 Overrated: Pass The Nectar
A versatile and beautiful bird type Pokémon, Oricorio is an attractive creature at first glance. Similar to the well loved Eevee, Oricorio has three different forms it can transform into using special nectars. These forms each retain their flying abilities while adding either fire, electric, or psychic abilities on the top.
It’s a special Pokémon without question, but the problem here is that not all its forms are equal.
Both the Pa’U style and Sensu style (fire and psychic) come with an unreasonably wide range of weaknesses to different types. These include taking twice as much damage from rock, electric, ghost, ice, and dark type Pokémon. But all this happens without getting any kind of equal advantage that would make it a useful trade. Like the Wishwashi, Oricorio has a place in Pokémon history for being unique, but without doing any favors for the trainers using it.
1 Underrated: Tapu Lele
Last but not least we have Tapu Lele, one of the four guardian deities of the Alola islands. This psychic fairy type Legendary Pokémon has an only 0.4% catch rate. It can only be seen in the ruins of life after becoming champion, and there is indeed only one to be found in the game.
In the Ultra Moon version, the Pokédex refers to her as Nature Incarnate, being completely devoid of guilt.
What separates Tapu Lele from the other guardian spirits is that she is a fairy type Pokémon with healing and flying abilities. Even though she does heal wounds, and is worshiped by the people of Alola, she is said to be mean tempered and even cruel at time. But she is certainly worth the chase!
