As the Pokémon franchise continues to thrive, with over 1,000 unique Pokémon cataloged in the National Pokédex, a discussion has emerged regarding the least impressive entries in this expansive universe. While many Pokémon captivate fans with their charm and abilities, others have earned a reputation for being remarkably forgettable or outright disappointing. This article takes a closer look at the ten Pokémon that have been deemed the worst by fans and critics alike.
10 Unown
Unown stands out as a particularly contentious choice for the bottom tier. The concept of having 28 different forms representing letters and punctuation is intriguing; however, in practice, collecting them becomes a cumbersome task. The need to locate each form in various locations across multiple games, often requiring tedious trading or completing intricate puzzles, detracts from the gaming experience. Furthermore, Unown is almost entirely ineffective in battle, boasting minimal stats and a lackluster moveset.
9 Lopunny
Lopunny makes its debut on this list largely due to its controversial fanbase. While its design may appeal to some, its performance in battle is mediocre at best. As a Normal-type Pokémon, it struggles to stand out in a competitive environment, leaving many fans questioning its viability.
8 Starly
Starly is often considered the least interesting of the starter bird Pokémon, a category traditionally filled with low-powered flying types. Unlike its predecessors such as Pidgey or successors like Fletchling, Starly lacks any unique traits or evolution that could redeem its uninspired design. In a game where players are introduced to numerous exciting characters, Starly’s dullness becomes painfully evident.
7 Lickilicky
Although Lickitung has its charm, its evolution into Lickilicky raises numerous questions. With an oddly rigid tongue and a peculiar design that includes an Elvis-style quiff, Lickilicky appears more comical than powerful. Its design deviates too far from the original concept, leaving fans puzzled about its purpose.
6 Miltank
Miltank is primarily remembered for its role in the Pokémon games, particularly as the formidable Pokémon used by Whitney, the third gym leader in Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal. Players often recall the frustration of battling Whitney’s Miltank, which boasted high stats and an overwhelming moveset. This specific Miltank has overshadowed the species as a whole, leading many to associate it with an unpleasant experience.
5 Guzzlord
While visually intriguing, Guzzlord suffers from a lack of a compelling name. The term “Guzzlord” is more suited for a light-hearted nickname among friends than for a serious Pokémon. Its design may catch the eye, yet it fails to inspire confidence in battle scenarios.
4 Bruxish
Bruxish stands out as a particularly bizarre fish Pokémon. While other aquatic Pokémon boast impressive designs, Bruxish resembles a chaotic blend of colors, reminiscent of a paint spill. Its uniqueness does not translate into appeal, as many players find it lacks the charm of its counterparts.
3 Klefki
Klefki serves as a prime example of the “household items as Pokémon” trend that has emerged over the years. Although it performs decently in battle, its design feels uninspired. The notion of a Pokémon that steals keys does little to excite players, and its absence of evolution further diminishes its appeal.
2 Noibat
Noibat has drawn comparisons to Zubat, another Pokémon notorious for its frequent appearances in earlier games. Many players question the necessity of introducing another bat Pokémon, especially when Noibat requires a significant investment of time to evolve into a more competent version, Noivern.
1 Gholdengo
Finally, the top spot on this list goes to Gholdengo, which has been described as resembling a string cheese with disproportionate features. This design choice has puzzled many fans and raises questions about the creative direction of the franchise.
As Pokémon continues to evolve, the conversation around its many characters remains vibrant. While the franchise celebrates its successes, recognizing its less favorable entries helps inform the ongoing dialogue among fans. Whether you agree with this list or defend your favorites, one thing is clear: the world of Pokémon is vast, and not all creatures are created equal.
