Pokemon Scarlet & Violet: The ten worst Pokemon of the ninth generation

OVER 100 new Pokémon have been introduced in Scarlet and Violet, and whether you like them or not is a matter of taste.

We’ve already talked about some of the Pokémon designs, types, and abilities that we love, but there are some that we’re not big fans of.

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We can celebrate the hits while acknowledging the failures.

Here’s our list of the ten worst new Pokemon introduced in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.

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When Lechonk was introduced to the world, she immediately fell in love with the chubby lad.

We could all identify as a plump, chubby friend who loves nothing more than to sleep.

Upon release, we could see its long-awaited development, and the sigh of disappointment was almost palpable.

Why The Pokémon Company thought we wanted a cheeky pig with a full face of makeup I’ll never know.

Belibolt

As part of the marketing for Scarlet and Violet, we were introduced to one of the Gym Managers Iono, who gave us a quiz about her partner Pokémon.

Many believed it must be linked to an earlier Pokemon – my personal hope is the Dunsparce evolution we finally got – since there’s no way to guess an entirely new mon.

Instead, we were greeted with the abomination Belibolt, who, aside from looking weird, has almost nothing to offer for combat.

It also constantly ruins our solo Tera Raid attempts with its slow ability and constant attempts to stun a shielded beast.

Spidops

It seems the law that you have to have some very disappointing early-game bug-types, but Spidops sets the bar very low.

We really didn’t need Spidops in an area that also has Spewpa, one of the game’s other worst bug types.

It evolves early enough, but it has a slow experience curve, meaning it’s a pain to get there.

Once you arrive you will be rewarded with this, which I can only assume is an attempt at trolling.

Espathra

Cute Flitter gave us a lot of hope. Looks like a cute bell that gave us Hatterene or Gardevoir vibes.

Then it inexplicably transforms into an ostrich with a Mystic Meg haircut, and that’s when we realized that Flittle wasn’t a bell, it was an egg in a skirt.

Just that realization felt great, but then you have Espathra’s ability, Opportunist.

Usually a great ability mimicking positive status changes, with the terrible pace and delay of fights, opportunist interactions alone can last 30 seconds.

Pawmi

Pawmi is another Pikachu. A cute Electric or Pikachu type monster that you will find at the beginning of your adventure.

It’s incredibly poor defensively in its first phase and difficult to keep alive in the early game. Yes, defensively it’s worse than Diglett.

When compared to Marill, Morpeko, or Mimikyu, Pawmi just doesn’t stack.

That being said, it just stands up more as development progresses, which is as lazy as adding an extra section to Dunsparce, but nowhere near as fun.

Maschiff

Mabosstiff is royal, proud, loyal and powerful, apart from his touching history as part of the Titans storyline.

Maschiff, on the other hand, appears sad and tired with a hanging head and a depressed face.

Did we need another dark guy who’s just a dog? Probably not.

Dark-type dogs are probably right on the “idea list” below electric mice and things with a face on them.

Crocalor

The only thing you can say about Crocalor is that it might be the only mid-launcher evolution that’s truly memorable.

For all the wrong reasons, however, as our cute, silly fellow Fuecoco is growing into a hideous monster.

After much discussion, we’re guessing she’s wearing a flaming sombrero, but it’s not exactly easy to tell.

Skeledirge is pretty weird too, but at least it has some character.

Veluza

He swims fast through the water, his metal body gleaming and hitting you before you see him.

Everyone’s favorite Water/Psychic type with very average speed Veluza.

Aside from being a thoroughly underwhelming one-tier mon, its looks have nothing to do with its abilities, stats, or type.

Pull it Veloser together. We need some consistency.

Scovillain

Words can’t really describe how much Scovillain upsets me with a face that rivals Maschiff in moodiness.

The funny pun for a name is decent, but it’s what we in the community call a MANS – a mixed attacker with no speed.

Being a MANS is a bad thing. That means you’re almost completely useless as a Pokémon.

Just take the first combat lesson at the academy of your choice, and you’ll learn that not choosing either physically or specifically does a disservice to Pokémon. And it’s hideous.

Armarouge/ Ceruledge

I love Mega Man. I love shooting my blaster. I love jumping on the platforms. I love using Rush Jet to cruise through levels.

That’s not Mega Man. This is Pokemon. And Pokémon usually have a unique look that sets them apart.

This isn’t Digimon, where there are thousands of beasts, many of which end their Digitation as just any type.

But I don’t want to play with any guy. I want to play with Amy Rose with a hammer from Corviknight.

Written by Georgina Young on behalf of GOOD LUCK AND HAVE FUN.

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