ThePokemonseries is an expansive wonder spanning eight generations of lore and fan-favorite creatures. Some of the most engaging things about the Pokemon series arethe abilities of each Pokemon and how their design showcases them. An ever-evolving series, Pokemon shows no signs of slowing down, and the most recent addition,Pokemon: SwordandShieldfeaturing generation eight, presents an all-new roster of pocket monsters.
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There are usually many new and cool Pokemon introduced every generation, and ever sincePokemon SunandMoon, regional variances have become part of those introductions. Inspired by the real-world United Kingdom, the Galar region is no exception to the formula. Beyond the core game, players can compete online against other actual trainers using their strongest and coolest Pokemon. A balanced team that can defeat and counter the strategies of one’s opponents should be assembled by anyone who hopes to succeed in online combat. To win battles, it will be essential to consider a Pokemon’s stats, typing, moves, and other characteristics.
Updated Jun 29, 2025, by Kirkland Fortner:Both Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra included some unique and extremely powerful Pokemon that deserve to be recognized. Though there were plenty of great Pokemon added in the DLC expansions, many of which are worthy of a place in any player’s team, a few are significantly better than others. They are used regularly in the competitive game too, proving their power and versatility, and fully deserve their place among the best Generation 8 Pokemon.
18Spectrier
About Spectrier
This majestic Ghost-type equine was introduced inThe Crown Tundra DLCforPokemon Sword and Shieldas not only a legendary Pokemon but a potential fusion partner for the wise Calyrex. Withhuge base stats that focus primarily on Special Attack power and Speed, this spectral horse would be a great lead in battles against an adversary with physically defensive pocket monsters. Their design also makes them desirable as they encompass equal parts of mystery and beauty.
Spectrier’s Base Stats
Spectrier’s Competitive Viability
Due to Spectrier’s Speed, they are a good Generation 8 Pokemon to lead one’s team into battleand can become a great one thanks to their unique ability. Grim Neigh will automatically raise Spectrier’s Special Attack by one stage each time they knock out a pokemon, so if players give them great ways to take down targets, like using the always-handy Will-o-Wisp and Hex combo, Spectrier can potentially becomea deadly sweeper.
17Hatterene
About Hatterene
Like many expect from their magical appearance, Hatterene boasts an insane Special Attack stat.Its witch-like hat and dual Psychic and Fairy-typing give it a suitable aesthetic that goes over well with many fans, making it one of the most popular Generation 8 Pokemon in certain online communities.With heavy-hitting moves, it can decimate foes that underestimate it, though, if it is having trouble, its trainer can activate its Gigantimax form for even more magical might. To top it all off, Hatterene’s ability “Magic Bounce” can reflect an adversary’s status moves right back at them as both a great defense and counterattack in one.
Hatterene’s Base Stats
Hatterene’s Competitive Viability
With very low Speed, most of the time, Hatterenes will have to tank incoming hits from opponentsbefore they’ll be able to unleash their own powerhouse moves. This can be a bit risky, however, if players can buff themselves with Calm Mind, they can shrug off most incoming Special moves while also boosting their already high Special Attack to hit back with greater force.
16Dracovish
About Dracovish
Although this fossil Pokemon appears like a scientific abomination, it holds many draws for trainers. Firstly, beingboth Water and Dragon-type grants this beast of the battlefield some great resistancesto many kinds of incoming attacks as well as offensive boosts to moves that share its type.Their Water-type signature attack, Fishious Rend, can allow it to take out some foes with ease as its power doubles if Dracovish goes first or if the enemy switches Pokemon on the same battle turn it is used.
Dracovish’s Base Stats
Dracovish’s Competitive Viability
With some other great moves and a solid ability in Strong Jaw that boosts bite-based ones, Dracovish is one of the best Generation 8 Pokemon to have hold a Choice Band in battle.A few coverage moves that would allow this dual-type pocket monster to be especially dangerous are Crunch and Psychic Fangs.
15Alcremie
About Alcremie
Alcremie is one of the sweetest Pokemon to ever be released. Butdo not be fooled by their cute appearance, as this species has an excellent Special Defense stat that can make it a great tank against offensive foes wielding Special attacks.
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This sugary sidekick is also the Pokemon with one of the most forms ever! There are 64 variants of it, which also gives it the most Pokédex entries out of all Pokemon as well. If a pint-sized snack of a pocket monster is not enough for a trainer, this creamy pal has a Gigantamax form that is literally a colossal tower of cakes.
Alcremie’s Base Stats
Alcremie’s Competitive Viability
With some excellent status moves geared towards survivability,Alcremie can be surprisingly hard to take down. Not only does this species get Calm Mind to boost their Special stats, but they also get Recover for easy HP restoration as well as Acid Armor to bulk up their physical Defense.
14Dragapult
About Dragapult
Almost more fighter jet than Pokemon, Dragapult can assault an opponent at break-neck speeds thanks to its high stat in this area. While it strikes fast, it can also strike hard with excellent attack stats for both physical and special damage. It also has great offensive typing as it is both Ghost and Dragon-type with devastating moves such as “Dragon Rush” and “Phantom Force”.It should also be mentioned that Dragapult combines aspects of aircraft, dragons, and ghosts forone of the coolest designsto be seen so far in a Generation 8 Pokemon.
Dragapult’s Base Stats
Dragapult’s Competitive Viability
Thanks to its great offensive stats and its ability, Infiltrator (which allows their attacks to ignore many defensive moves used by opponents),Dragapult can be an excellent wall-breakerthat can shut down tanky enemies. Interestingly, their Ghost-typing grants them access to Hex-related combos featuring Will-o-Wisp or Thunder Wave.
13Yamper
About Yamper
An Electric-type puppy Pokemon, Yamper is one of the cutest ‘mons in all of Galar. The Pokemon loves to run around and store up powerful electric current within its body as it does so. The great thing about this little puppy is thatit’s quite easy to find and catch, and it shows up in a number of grass patches within the earlier part of one’sSwordorShieldadventure. With a simplistic yet eye-catching design that seems like a take on a puppy-like version of Pikachu, Yamper isan adorable addition to the Pokemon world.
Yamper’s Base Stats
Yamper’s Competitive Viability
Firstly, if one wants a useful Electric-type dog Pokemon in their party,it is highly recommended to use Yamper’s evolved form, Boltund, at they are simply stronger in all regards compared to their unevolved form. Similar to Dracovish, Boltund gets the Strong Jaw ability and quite a few bite-based moves, however, the canine pocket monster can also learn the handy Volt Switch for quick escapes.
12Centiskorch
About Centiskorch
Centiskorch is a uniquely designedFire and Bug-type Pokemonthat evolves from the earlier Sizzlipede. Inspired by real-world centipedes, however, this Pokemon is tremendously larger in size.Centiskorch is hostile in nature but loyal to its trainer. It’s easy to see the hostility due to its intimidating leer and razor-sharp mandibles. This heated monster can reach blazing temperatures of up to 1,500 degrees. This Pokemon becomes even more powerful in its Gigantamax form and is a sizzling hot addition to the Galar region.
Centiskorch’s Base Stats
Centiskorch’s Competitive Viability
Despite having a cool design, solid attacking moves, and decent offensive potential due to its high Attack stat and inability to get burned, Centiskorch does not have much else going for it. Being both Bug and Fire-type meansit will get decimated by Rock-type moves that will deal x4 damage, and its defensive stats, as well as Speed, aren’t good enough to compensate by letting them tank hits or outspeed foes often.
11Toxtricity
About Toxtricity
Punk rocker inspired in design, the reptilian-looking Toxtricity is the first dual-type Pokemon centered around both Poison and Electric-type attacks. Evolving from the baby Pokemon Toxel, the stylish pocket monsterhas two variations of its evolved form depending on its personality, referred to in the game as its “nature”.
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The “Amped” form (pictured on the right), excels in physical moves and has a higher base Attack stat, whereas the “Low Key” form (left), is based around Special Attack power. Having both the option to poison or paralyze foes during battle makes Totricity an excellent strategic member of a Pokemon team in Galar. To top it off, Toxtricity even has a Gigantamax form!
Toxtricity’s Base Stats
Toxtricity’s Competitive Viability
Toxtricity’s unique ability, Punk Rock, allows it to receive less damage from sound-based moves as well as boosts its own by 30%. This,combined with the potential to learn the mighty Boomburst,grants this reptilian pocket monster the power to devastate all foes who aren’t immune or resistant to Normal-type attacks, even those behind Substitutes, as sound-based moves mostly ignore the stuffed animal shield.
10Galarian Ponyta
About Galarian Ponyta
Galarian Ponyta is a Generation 8 rendition of the original generation Pokemon Ponyta. Instead of the original Gen 1 pony with Fire-type abilities, the Galar version of Ponyta is a Psychic-type and resembles a mythical unicorn.This Pokemonquickly became one of the most popular in Generation 8 due to its adorable appearance, but it is also exclusive toPokemon Shield.Galarian Ponyta can later evolve into a Galarian Rapidash, becoming a dual Psychic and Fairy-type.
Galarian Ponyta’s Base Stats
Galarian Ponyta’s Competitive Viability
Like with Yamper, since this Pokemon is still not fully evolved,players are highly recommended to evolve them into Galarian Rapidashbefore taking them into any online battles. After doing so, players will have access to one of the fastest physically-oriented Psychic and Fairy-type Pokemon, which can be an excellent lead against many opponents, especially if one can set up with Sword Dance on turn 1.
9Grapploct
About Grapploct
Grapploct is an awesomely designed goon of a Pokemon, inspired by the real-world octopus. Although it predominantly lives in the ocean and within the waters of the Galar region,this rowdy pocket monster is not a Water-type! Grapploct is a Fighting-type that uses the martial art Jujitsu. By taking advantage of its many tentacle arms, it pummels its opponents. The Pokédex notes that its arms are extremely powerful because its body is made up of pure muscle. Due to its unique appearance and unexpected type, Grapploct is a unique addition to the Pokemon world and a great choice for a Fighting-type on a team.
Grapploct’s Base Stats
Grapploct’s Competitive Viability
As a pure Fighting-type, the only kinds of attacks that Grapploct should be concerned about are Flying, Fairy, and Psychic-type ones. Though, thanks todecent defensive stats and HP, this cephalopod can tank a hit or two from incoming attacks that deal neutral damage easily enough, meaning that they can set up with Bulk Up efficiently. Following this, players can use Drain Punch to hurt foes while healing for a stalwart build.
