The Johto region is home to a variety of creatures. As the generation in the Pokémon series following Kanto, this region had a lot to live up to. Fans have differing opinions about how Johto compared to its predecessor, but regardless, it introduced its share of great Pokémon that became fan favorites. However, there were some characters that were forced into the background, existing in relative obscurity even today.
While these underrated Pokémon are likely recognizable to dedicated fans, they are rarely used on teams. They deserve more attention than they receive, and if the Johto region receives Let's Go games, maybe these Pokémon will get more recognition.
Xatu
Along with Lugia, Xatu and its first evolutionary stage Natu were the first Pokémon to boast the Psychic/Flying dual-typing. Despite this connection to the box art Legendary of Pokémon Silver, Xatu is not as popular as it deserves to be.
With an interesting design and decent stats, it has earned a place among the more popular Johto Pokémon. While it still appears in games, it does not seem to be stirring up much interest, which is unfortunate due to how fascinating this Pokémon is.
Lanturn
Although Water/Electric may be one of the best dual-type combinations, Lanturn is one of the few Pokémon to sport it. While it is incredibly unique, Lanturn has not received much attention since its introduction into the franchise. It is not incredibly strong, but its typing helps it to get a Same Type Attack Bonus on moves that are super-effective against several types such as Fire. It is not clear why Lanturn is not popular, but it will hopefully be more appreciated moving forward.
Slowking
Though Slowking was introduced in the generation after Slowpoke and Slowbro, Slowking never seemed to garner the same as its brethren. While Slowbro received a Mega Evolution, Slowking was left without one. The entire Slowpoke family received Galarian forms, which increased their popularity a bit.
However, the Slowking from Johto has not received the royal treatment that its appearance and competent stats would suggest. If Let's Go games set in Johto ever get released, Slowking will hopefully receive more love than it has thus far.
Girafarig
The Pokémon with a palindrome for a name, Girafarig is one of the most unique creatures from the Johto region. However, as a Pokémon with only one stage, it did not receive much favor from fans who love to evolve creatures. While its stats are nothing special, it has the interesting typing of Normal/Psychic.
This is fascinating because Normal is immune to Ghost, one of Psychic's weaknesses, and Psychic resists Fighting, one of Normal's weaknesses. Its two types complement each other well, making Girafarig more viable. Many fans do not see this, though, and Girafarig is often disregarded as just another Pokédex entry.
Porygon2
The stage in between Generation I's Porygon and Generation IV's Porygon-Z, Porygon2 sits in an awkward spot. It is well-known, but it is usually considered only the middle stage evolution with little other utility.
As many competitive players know, though, Porygon2 can sur the power of Porygon-Z with help from an Eviolite, which is one of Pokémon's most useful items in battle. Although Porygon2 has the typing of Normal, which is not incredibly helpful while attacking, the Eviolite gives it a significant boost to its defenses, making it a wall against enemy attacks. Given the proper tools, Porygon2 can be astounding in battle and should be reconsidered by fans.
Forretress
Forretress is an example of a Pokémon that does not have extremely high stats but does have an excellent dual-typing. As one of the best dual-types combinations in Pokémon, this Bug/Steel-type can resist many different creatures, making it useful defensively.
However, Forretress is overshadowed by another Pokémon with the same typing: Scizor. Although Forretress is weaker than Scizor, it can still hold its own in battle. It can defend very well against certain types of attacks, but it does not appear that it will be appreciated fully anytime soon.
Ursaring
Perhaps one of the most intimidating Pokémon from the Johto region, Ursaring certainly has its fans. It is even one of the Pokémon featured heavily in the Legends: Arceus trailer. While it is appreciated in certain respects, it is not often utilized on players' teams. This is largely due to its Normal typing, which limits its viability by not having access to any super-effective moves that also have a Same Type Attack Bonus.
Even so, Ursaring is rather powerful, and it should not be disregarded simply because of its typing. Its fearsome design is justified by its offensive capabilities, so players should consider Ursaring when looking for a strong attacker.
Mantine
Mantine's biggest claim to fame is the unique evolution method that its first stage evolution Mantyke undergoes. This was not introduced until Generation IV, however, leaving Mantine relatively unknown for a period of time. Aside from this and the Mantine Surfing minigame in Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon, Mantine remains fairly obscure to general audiences.
While its stats are nothing spectacular, they are decent and can be utilized if players need a Water/Flying-type on their team. It has an interesting concept, incorporating Remoraid into Mantyke's evolution process. This makes it a unique Pokémon that should receive more attention.
Donphan
Phanpy may be beloved for its cuteness, but its evolution Donphan gets less acknowledgment from fans. With its amazing design and powerful attacks, though, it deserves to be appreciated more by Pokémon fans.
Its armor-like skin makes the Pokémon incredibly intimidating, and it has the stats to justify it. While not in pseudo-legendary range by any means, Donphan's stats allow it to take out many opponents in very few hits, while also being able to withstand many kinds of strikes from enemies. While not as strong as other dual-type Ground Pokémon like Golem, Donphan can be an offensive powerhouse in the right circumstances.
Octillery
Octillery is perhaps one of the most forgotten Pokémon from the Johto region. This is unearned, though, as it is a fairly powerful attacker. Its stats are not stellar, but it can get the job done effectively. The Pokémon's design is fairly simple, essentially just looking like a real-life octopus.
However, Octillery does not deserve to fade into obscurity for this reason. It only has access to a handful of powerful Water-type attacks, but these are enough for it to have a consistent damage output. While not the most visually appealing character, Octillery has enough notable qualities and attacks to warrant a place on any player's team.
