In 2022, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet debuted on the Nintendo Switch and added over 114 new Pokemon to the long-running franchise. With the ninth generation finally coming to an end with the recent release of The Indigo Disk DLC, we wanted to discuss which Paldea Pokemon we like the best.
Paldean Wooper was already a cute variation, but Clodsire? Clodsire was inspired. Absolutely friend-shaped, a perfect little unit. 10 out of 10, no notes. — Elliot
I wanted to say Clodsire, too, because my ideal life in the Pokemon world would be just sitting in a room full of Clodsires. Honestly, this generation’s new Pokemon aren’t exactly my favorite. But if I had to choose one (that isn’t Clodsire), I’d pick Quaquaval. As a disclaimer, my starter was Sprigatito. To put it mildly, Quaquaval has a very strong presence, and it always makes me laugh when I see it running around the field after me. It puts a smile on my face in a way that Meowscarada could never. — Stephanie
Maybe it’s a cop-out answer, but can I pick more than one? As a lifelong Pokemon fan of over 23 years, I strongly believe that Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have some of the series’ best character designs. So there are almost too many to choose from. From Palfin’s epic transformation into its Hero Form to the irresistibly delicious cinnamon roll-themed doggo Dachsbun, I genuinely love the Paldea Pokedex. And let’s not even get into some of the incredibly neat Paradox Pokemon designs! If I absolutely have to pick one, I’m going to cheat and pick two. My favorite Kitakami Pokemon is, by far, the Teal Mask Legendary Ogerpon.
Game Freak not only crafted an emotional story that makes you have an actual bond with the adorable bonk hammer Pokemon, but its ability to switch battle typing with its masks is just awesome. The character is also just oozing with personality as it hops and skips around the overworld with joy. My favorite Paldea Pokemon, though, has to go with Terapagos. The Stellar-type turtle is the hidden treasure of Paldea for a reason. I just love its walking-gem design, which transforms into a gorgeous diamond-textured shell with all of the series’ battle types on it. Whatever criticisms fans may have about the Gen 9 games, I think Terapagos and Ogerpon are at least a strong argument that Game Freak has been delivering some of their best characters in years. — Brent
I love lil’ Fidough. This a peak Pokemon design, and I feel like it and Dachsbun are not only two of the best Pokemon in Paldea but also two of the best dog Pokemon period.
Also, shout out to Mabosstiff, as the storyline made me fall in love with that one too. — Jenni
My favorite is the feisty Tinkaton. It has such a personality and is much larger in-game than it looks from its model. I adore its backstory, such as having the Steel type because of the hammer it made from Corviknight. Its design isn’t perfect (as is the case for most of Gen 9), but I still love its imperfections. — Cody
I am a Fuecoco diehard fan all the way through. For reference, my favorite Pokemon is (or was) Totodile. So when I first saw the sleepy and empty-headed equivalent to my favorite water-type croc, I fell head over heels for it. It helps a lot that Crocalor and Skeledirge have a lot of personality as well. And now I have two favorite Pokemon!
Ps. I also wanted to join in on the Clodsire love train, though. — Daniel
Now that we’ve revealed who our favorites are, we want to know who you’re favorite Paldea Pokemon is. Let us know in the comments which Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Pokemon you will be keeping on your team in future generations!
