The release of Pokémon games and a brand-new generation of pocket monsters for fans to either embrace or reject. Pokémon unites players of the franchise through their nostalgia, enjoyment, and criticism, as each new gen opens up a forum of discussion for fans of all preferences.
As with every new release, generation 9’s new Pokémon has fans in a deep discussion which new monsters are the best and worst (a topic eliciting players' ion). Generation 9 has already presented some standout starters and regional exclusives, not to mention this gen’s newest gimmicks, terastallizing, and paradox Pokémon. The best and brightest of the new gen are those that impress statistically and visually, inspiring players new and old to immerse themselves in the Paldea region.
18 Normal-Type: Maushold
The charm of Maushold is in its quirky design, which makes it look like several tiny mice rather than a singular being. Interestingly, when evolved from Tandemaus, it can appear as a family of three or four (a unique variation not previously seen in Pokémon).
Its appearance isn't the only unique element of Maushold as it's the only known Pokémon able to learn the new move, Population Bomb, which can strike opponents up to ten times. Small but mighty, Maushold is the most interesting and powerful new normal type Pokémon gen 9 has to offer, despite weighing under 7 pounds and only standing a foot tall. Maushold and its pre-evolution Tandemaus are a fresh take on mouse Pokémon and a cute addition to the normal type family that have been well-received by fans.
17 Grass-Type: Smolive
Smolive is another Pokémon featured in the promotional art for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, with good reason. Fans have been fawning over this adorable grass-type since long before the release of the game, where its dynamic evolutionary tree is revealed.
Smolive’s stats are that of a baby Pokémon, so its skills in battle are nothing remarkable. However, when heading to one of the first intended gyms in the game, players realize this Pokémon's cultural influence in the Paldea. Cortando is a town that hosts an olive festival celebrating the legume, which can be found in the grass all over the region. Sure to be the inspiration for many Pokémon memes that sum up grass-types, Smolive is the predictable but worthy best grass type of gen 9.
16 Flying-Type: Flamigo
Flamigo is making the world of Pokémon more colorful, vibrant, and tropical than ever before. Across Paldea, this flamingo-inspired being dots the landscape and is a fun new addition to generation 9, with a design that’s more creative than the average bird Pokémon.
Unlike a real flamingo, Flamigo ties its neck in a knot to contain its excess energy (according to the Pokédex). Like a real flamingo, this Pokémon prefers to stay in flocks so it can synchronize attacks (and works perfectly in Scarlet and Violet, which reintroduces double battles). It’s a fresh take on flying-types that so often look like ordinary birds, making Flamigo the best new flying type of gen 9.
15 Dragon-Type: Cyclizar
Across Paldea, NPCs can be seen sitting atop this new dragon-type Pokémon who seems to be a handy replacement for bicycles in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Cyclizar’s design, while similar, doesn't hold a candle to legendaries Koraidon and Miraidon, but it's a fun new dragon-type Pokémon introduced in generation 9 that players are likely to see as a ride Pokémon in future games.
According to the Pokédex, Cyclizar is a mild-tempered Pokémon that has been utilized by humans for over 10,000 years. As a dual-typing dragon, this monster is given a versatile move set that is only strengthened by its naturally high base stats in attack and speed. Cyclizar’s design and interesting history make it the best new dragon-type addition in Scarlet and Violet and the cutest dragon-type Pokémon of this gen.
14 Ground-Type: Clodsire
Paldean Wooper is one of the few regional Pokémon introduced in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, so it comes as no surprise that its evolution, Clodsire, is the best new ground-type Pokémon of gen 9. Not only is watching Clodsire flop alongside the player entertaining, but its strength in battle makes adventuring with it that much more fun.
Considering the slow pace at which Clodsire moves in the overworld, it is fitting that its speed stat is incredibly low. But where it lacks in speed Clodsire overcompensates in physical attack, making great use of the best move in its move set, Earthquake. This ground-type shakes up its opponents with its strength while charming its trainer with its aloof appearance (a win-win for players who build their party based on looks and strength, making it the best new ground-type Pokémon of gen 9).
13 Poison-Type: Grafiai
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet presented some of the most original and exciting promotional trailers yet, one of which Grafiai was the focus. In the cinematic trailers, a Pokémon professor is investigating a tree covered in graffiti-like markings, which is revealed to be the work of Grafiai, generation 9's best poison-type Pokémon.
Grafiai's artistic ability comes out at night when it marks trees with its sweet-smelling poison to draw in bug-type Pokémon to prey upon. It has an exclusive move called Doodle, which captures the target in a sketch, changing it and the 's abilities to make the battle more advantageous for Grafiai. Other than Smeargle, there aren't many artistic Pokémon, especially not with poison-type abilities, so Grafiai is a welcomed addition to the new generation.
12 Rock-Type: Klawf
Perched upon the rocks and cliffs of Paldea, Klawf awaits. This new rock-type crustacean Pokémon is a tank, with high defense and a special new ability that’s both useful and annoying to players.
When Klawf's HP falls below 50% its exclusive ability, Anger Shell, begins, which involves 5 stat changes, and their battle animations also slow the battle significantly as Klawfs’s stats shift about. It’s irritating but it gives Klawf a boost in its attack stats that helps it finish off the battle strong. Featured as one of the titan Pokémon of gen 9, Klawf is the best-in-show as the newest rock-type.
11 Bug-Type: Lokix
Constantly running into Lokix’s pre-evolution Nymble in the grass can be maddening for players exploring Paldea. However, those who stick with this Pokémon long term will be able to enjoy its powerful evolution with a modern design.
Lokix is designed after a locust but has the appearance of a mech suit and the power to back up the appearance. With the ability to extend the legs normally folded on its back to enter Showdown Mode, Lokix can make the most of its powerful move set with includes Axe Kick, a 120-damage-dealing physical attack. A powerful new Pokémon taking bug types into the world of mechs, Lokix is the best of his type in gen 9.
10 Psychic-Type: Firaigiraf
Generation 9 introduced a well overdue evolution for beloved Pokemon Girafirig who has introduced long ago in generation two. The evolution was well worth the wait, featuring a stylish design that resembles a black hoodie covering the Pokémon’s head and neck and an updated eye shape that gives it a more mature appearance.
Firigiraf’s base stats for HP and special attack are nearly equal, making it a strong special attacker that can take on a lot of damage. A little shorter than a real giraffe, this Pokémon stands ten feet tall, looming well above its trainer. With a modern design and powerful exclusive move Twin Beam, it’s no question that Firigiraf is the best new psychic-type and overall one of the most interesting new Pokémon of gen 9.
9 Ghost-Type: Grevard
Greavard had an early start in developing a fan base, as it was used in promotional art for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (which even included a ghost-type Pokémon filter and TikTok trend). This lovable ghost-type good boy is a new fan favorite and a great asset in battle too.
The Pokédex entries for Greavard reveal the macabre nature of this sweet but spooky Pokémon, who unwittingly drains the life force of anyone who spends time with it for too long. Heartbreaking as his story is, thankfully, it doesn’t affect trainers in-game as Greavard is a strong partner in battle. A physical attacker with strong moves like Phantom Force, this Pokémon is the best new ghost-type gen 9 has to offer.
