While the Pokédexs of Paldea show great promise, how have the Pokédexs of the other eight regions performed? From Kanto to Hisui, we think we’ll look back at both the more striking and forgettable winds added to each – a lofty quest with over 900 creatures to date.
Keeping in mind that liking a Pokémon or not is completely subjective (except like Bruxish and Greedent, right? They’re awful), we’ve analyzed each Pokédex based on what they have in common: Starters, rodents cute rodent like Pikachu, fossil, pseudo-Legendary, trio of Legends, etc. Then we look at the standout designs from that Generation and compare them to the number of completely unremarkable Pokémon that fill up full of that particular ‘dex.
Remember, we are ranking (generally) new Pokémon added to each game, Not the game itself. Also, there’s a poll at the end, so feel free to speak up and vote for your ‘personal best dex’ there.
Ready? Read on to find out where our Pokédex infallible methods are located, from worst to best.
8. Johto’s Pokédex (Generation II)
We love the Johto region for many reasons, but its Pokédex isn’t one of them. We argue that out of the 100 new Pokémon added to Johto, 3/4 of them leave no impression. Ledian, Stantler, Pineco, and Sunflora felt as if Kanto had been tediously rejected. Some, such as Murkrow and Piloswine, will not receive viable evolution until two generations later. Baby Pokémon, while cute, attract as much excitement as a low-level Sentret.
Before you get off your playing field and storm Nintendo Life HQ like a bunch of angry Miltanks, the starters (yes, Chikorita included) and their developments aren’t bad, and Johto’s Legendaries – Raikou, Entei, Suicune, Ho-Oh, and Lugia – ranked near the top. Johto also deserves credit for introducing Espeon and Umbreon and the Tyranitar line, the latter of which is one of only two fake Legendaries that aren’t Dragons.
However, aside from these and a few more Pokémon (like Scizor), the unfortunate truth remains: compared to other regions, the majority of the new Pokémon introduced in Johto are disappointing.
7. Kalos’ Pokédex (Generation VI)
The Kalos Pokédex gives us as little as 72 new additions, mainly because Mega Evolutions has stuffed everything out. While this smaller sample size shouldn’t be an issue, it does become an issue when the forgetful wind fills the Pokédex along with the faint Starters outside of the Greninja line. In fact, we’d argue that Kalos has the worst Starter lineup of all Pokémon. The likes of Malamar, Carbink and Aromatisse didn’t help.
Xerneas and Yvetal serve as Kalos’ Legend duo, and while their designs still impress, Zygarde, Diancie, Hoopa, and Volcanion have never received enough attention to cement them as worthy Legendaries. mind. Others, such as Noivern, Hawlucha, and Sylveon we would like to see included in later games, but the fact remains that, like Johto, much of the addition to Kalos is forgettable.
6. Unova’s Pokédex (Generation V)
We have to credit the Unova Pokédex as 156 new Pokémon set its record, and we also have to credit some for introducing the second worst starting lineup. While Oshawott isn’t as bad, the Snivy and Tepig lines (more Fire/Fight!) don’t match the earlier Fire and Grass types. Likewise, recurring themes, such as the rodent Patrat, the mere bird Pidove, and even the mythical pseudo-dragon Haxorus, all fall short of their counterparts in the Pokédexes other.
The Unova Pokédex reinvents itself with some excellent designs. Lilligant, Darmantian, Minccino, and the regal Volcarona, made an impression. Unova contracted what we call ‘Legend of Bulging’ for a total of 12 people. Furthermore, the Legendaries, Reshiram, and Zekrom boxes feel pretty plain compared to their counterparts, though the Forces of Nature – Tornadus, Thundurus and Landorous – make up for this with a unique genie-like design of them. However, the more they have, the less legendary they feel.
5. Alola’s Pokédex (Generation VII)
The Alola Pokédex introduced the first regional variations, but Game Freak still managed to pack a venerable 88 brand new Pokémon along with 18 Alola forms of the Kantonian Pokémon. Starters of Rowlet, Litten and Popplio, we’re just above average because Rowlet is the best. He’s just that ring.
The rest of the Pokédex stands out for having a high percentage of memorable Pokémon like Mimikyu, Lycanroc, and Tsareena. Some quirky designs also add to the character of the Pokédex – one remembers Gumshoes, Crabomworthy and Sandyghast – but the less that is said about Bruxish and Komala, the better.
Unfortunately, Alola ran into the worst Legendary fill of all Pokédexes with the inclusion of Ultra Beasts, which while we appreciate the creativity, it’s a bit odd for our tastes. . Along with traditional Legendaries, including the well-designed Solgaleo and Lunala, Alola hit a total of 18, cutting its Pokédex down to 70 ‘the occasional wind’. We’re glad Game Freak has cut back on the Legendaries after This Generation.
4. Galar’s Pokédex (Generation VIII)
Surprised to see Pokédex took our Dexit very high? As we go through and review all the Pokémon added in Galar, so do we. Let’s say what you’ll see about Starters’ human-like evolution, the rest of this Pokédex is filled with awesome designs. The sinister designs of Corviknight, Toxtricity and Coalossal go well with the adorable looks of Morpeko, Wooloo and Snom. Yes, Greedent’s stupid berry-eating face should be erased from existence, and most hate the three chimeric fossil Pokémon, but then we have the Dragapult lineage, which we argue gives Dragonite and Garchomp a race for the title of Best Fake Legend with how it shot Dreepy off its horns.
Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra The DLC introduced the excellent Kubfu and Urshifu. We don’t care about Calyrex’s giant noggin, but the horses it rides, Glastier and Spectrier, have grown us up quickly. We appreciate how the Galar Pokédex keeps Legendary bloat to a minimum even with the DLC, although we can’t say Zacian, Zamazenta, and Eternatus stack up well with other Legendary trios like Groudon, Kyogre, and Rayquaza.
A handful of uninteresting Galarian forms – Stunfisk, really? – rounding this Pokédex could have ranked higher if the top three were stronger.
