Pokemon is one of the most popular entertainment properties in the world. It is even the most profitable of all time. Fans the world over fawn over the animated creatures. Some love to collect them in games while others live to battle. Some fans only watch the series as well. There are multiples avenues for fans to enjoy this collection of nearly 1000 creatures.
With such an expansive roster behind the series, a few Pokemon are unfortunately forgotten. This is especially true for Grass-type Pokemon. Several familiar faces seem to dominate the franchise, obscuring other deserving members of the Pokedex.
10 Overrated: Trevanant
Trevanant became a series mainstay overnight. Introduced in Pokemon X and Y, this Ghost/Grass-type has found a home among the overworld of late-game exploration areas for several generations. Trevanant’s typing matchup does make him an enviable party member, but with such spotlight in both the games and anime, he has already started to overstay his welcome.
The design for the Elder Tree Pokemon may not be terrible, but it is far from perfect. There are several Grass Pokemon that outrank Trevanant in both power and versatility. They could serve as more effective members of a Pokemon Trainer Team.
9 Underrated: Breloom
Hailing from Generation III, Breloom is the final evolution of Shroomish. Despite what the mushroom-like appearance may indicate, Breloom is not a Grass/Poison type. Its body may have toxic properties, but Breloom is a Grass/Fighting-type.
It’s a wonder that Breloom has faded from public recognition. Not only does it have a rare and coveted dual typing, but it’s cute beyond compare. With an infant like-appearance, this Pokemon’s looks can be deceiving. This is a heavy hitter that trainers can rely on in a battle and cuddle afterward.
8 Overrated: Bellossom
Bellossom is one of the most recognizable Grass-types in Pokemon, even today. Dating back to Generation II, this is a Pokemon with staying power. Appearing in series like Super Smash Bros. via Pokeballs, even those unfamiliar with Pokemon know the Flower Pokemon.
The second evolution of Oddish is undeniably adorable but lacks effectiveness in battle. With the bulk of its EV yield being in Special Defense, it serves as a shield for other party members.
7 Underrated: Lurantis
Whether franchise veterans love it or hate it, it is undeniable that Generation VIII of Pokemon has been impactful. The most recent entry of the Pokemon series serves as the first main entry on a home console. Generation VII was not as memorable for most fans.
Pokemon Sun and Moon are the second mainline releases on the 3DS for Pokemon and brought regional variants into existence. These were the most exciting new Pokemon entries for many fans, and many entirely new residents from Alola went on to be forgotten. One such entry is Lurantis, the Bloom Sickle Pokemon. With a beautiful design and formidable attack, it’s a shame that this is one partner many rarely remember.
6 Overrated: Venusaur
The final evolution of Bulbasaur still reigns as an iconic Grass-type representative, even today. Venusaur is used as the face of Grass-types. Along with Charizard and Blastoise, this Pokemon fills out the original starting trio. While these three are seen as iconic, Venusaur pales in comparison to both Blastoise and Charizard. It is often seen as the least desirable of Generation I’s starters in battle.
Despite its shortcomings, Venusaur still sees consistent showcasing as a prominent franchise figure. The Pokemon even got a new Gigantamax form in Pokemon Sword and Shield. While this is one Pokemon that helped build the series, it may be time for Venusaur to take a back seat to more deserving Grass-types.
5 Underrated: Flapple
Pokemon Sword and Shield introduced several new Dragon-types. One of which is a strange little dragon that uses parts of an apple to form its body. This Pokemon is Flapple, the Pokemon Sword specific evolution of Applin. Pokemon Shield owners got another evolution in Appletun, which is far more popular among fans.
Appletun is an example of excellent design, but Flapple boasts an equally intriguing look. Because this entry is so new, there is still hope for Flapple to see the recognition it deserves. Its unique Gigantamax form has helped give it some spotlight in special events. Though the Gigantamax form is identical to Appletun’s, it does resemble Flapple more than its counterpart.
4 Overrated: Roserade
One of the many Grass/Poison-type Pokemon is Roserade. Introduced in Generation IV’s Diamond and Pearl, it’s one Grass-type that quickly became recognizable. Thanks to its anime spotlight and substantial Special Attack, it flew into Trainer teams rapidly.
While it is a strong party member for many trainers, it’s design and typing are where this Pokemon falls flat. Grass/Poison is a bountiful type. It isn’t unique to see other species with this pairing, and it comes with several serious shortcomings in type matchups. Not only this, but Roserade has a very unremarkable design.
3 Underrated: Ludicolo
Another smash hit from Generation III is the final evolution of the Lotad line, Ludicolo. One of the most insane hybrid Pokemon in the entire franchise is this wacky-looking Grass-type. Ludicolo is a Water/Grass-type combination. This effectively negates the Fire-type weakness that many Grass-types suffer from. Ludicolo only has three types of weaknesses and one of the funniest designs in the series. Opponents will have a tough time dealing with this tanky Pokemon if unprepared. It’s criminal that the Carefree Pokemon doesn’t get more appreciation from Pokemon Trainers.
2 Overrated: Whimsicott
A product of Generation 5, Whimsicott is a Grass-type somehow still sees screentime. With multiple appearances in the anime, this Pokemon rose to recognition based on cuteness alone. The Windveiled Pokemon is cutesy but unimpressive.
Whimsicott was once a plain Grass-type. That changed in Generation VI when Fairy-type was created. This Pokemon was further pushed when Fairy-type was introduced, as it was given a second type. Even after gaining a second type, Whimsicott has glaring weaknesses, including a 4x weakness to poison. Any prepared Pokemon Trainer will trounce a Whimsicott.
1 Underrated: Sceptile
One of Generation III’s starting lineup is consistently forgotten. That member is Sceptile. Initially, Sceptile was the only one of Gen III’s starters without a second typing. This changed when Omega Ruby and Alpha Saphire were released.
With Mega Evolutions, each of Gen III’s starters was further improved. The most notable change with these Mega Evolutions was the addition of a Dragon-typing for Sceptile. This gave a massive improvement to the formerly inferior starter. Sceptile is now powerful enough to stand with Swampert and Blaziken. Unfortunately, many have already written the Forest Pokemon off. This is one Pokemon that deserves a second look.
