Catching your own Pokemon is a core enjoyable part of the journey, but then there are the Pokemon that are gifted to you that feel extra meaningful.
Some of them are cute, while some of them are broken beasts that feel like cheat codes. But all of them? Iconic and appreciated.
What Are Gift Pokemon & What Are the Most Memorable Ones?
Gift Pokemon are given to you by NPCs throughout the games, and some of these gifts are unforgettable. Think of Riolu in Generation 4, and when you hatch it, you realize you're raising a really strong Lucario or the classic Lapras in Generation 1, handed to you as a thank you gift. Even the weird but lovable Castform in Generation 3 is here.
These Pokemon aren’t just handouts but legends in their own right. Keep reading and relive some of the best freebies in Pokemon video games.
Riolu
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+ 11In Generation 4, after helping out Riley on Iron Island, he gifts you an egg. And when it hatches, you get a Riolu. A speedy, offensive brawler with one of the most epic evolutions in the game.
Fighting/Steel typing? Yes please. Bonus points for the fact that Champion Cynthia herself has one on her team, so that's saying something.
Castform
click to enlarge+ 11Castform may not be dominating any damage charts, but it sure is trying. In Generation 3, you get this weather-shifting cutie as a gift after saving the Weather Institute before battling Winona in Fortree.
Yes, its stats aren't remarkable, but its ability to change types based on the weather makes it a Pokejack-of-all-trades. It also changes forms mid-battle depending on conditions, which is a clever gimmick that makes Castform worth bringing.
Totem Pokemon
click to enlarge+ 11Pokemon Ultra Sun and Moon added a fun collectible quest with Totem Stickers, and the rewards are Giant Totem Pokemon you can bring as your own. These oversized versions of regular Pokemon are chunky, powerful, and often come with hidden abilities.
Claiming them from Samson Oak feels like winning a prize at a theme park, except instead of a giant bear, you get a battle-ready Salazzle or Gumshoos ready to lay the hurt.
Lapras
click to enlarge+ 11In Generation I, during the chaos of Silph Co, a terrified employee hands you a Lapras as a thank-you gift for being their hero. It’s a heartwarming moment in the middle of all the Team Tocket nonsense. But more importantly, Lapras is a strong Pokemon.
Ice and Water coverage before fighting Blaine, Giovanni, and Lance? Thanks for the sure win. Tanky stats and a great movepool? Absolutely appreciated!
Alolan Vulpix
click to enlarge+ 11In Pokemon Legends: Arceus, completing a quest rewards you with an Alolan Vulpix, and it’s cooler, pun intended, than it looks. This chill variant of the lore-deep fox brings cold stats, great typing, and a sleek design to your team.
It's a perfect example of how regional forms can turn a nostalgic favorite into something brand new.
Sinnoh Starters In Kitakami
click to enlarge+ 11The Scarlet and Violet DLC took fan service to the next level by gifting fans a random Sinnoh starter egg in Kitakami. It's a win no matter which you get. These starters have stood the test of time with powerful final forms and wide type coverage.
My vote? Team Torterra all day. But let’s be honest, the other two are equally loved by the community.
Zorua
click to enlarge+ 11Black 2 and White 2 feature one of the most memorable gift Pokemon in the franchise. Given to you by a reformed Team Plasma member, this Zorua once belonged to N, the charismatic king of Unova.
This Pokemon is a piece of a bigger story, and mechanically, Zorua’s Illusion ability gives it one of the coolest tricks in the video games.
Lucario
click to enlarge+ 11In X and Y, after beating Gym Leader Korrina, she gives you her Lucario, and this Lucario also comes with a Mega Stone. That means you now have a Mega Evolution-capable beatstick with a ridiculous 145 base Attack and 140 Special Attack.
This Lucario can punch holes through the whole story and sweep the game almost single-handedly. It’s the kind of gift that makes you say, “Is this even legal?”
The Kanto Starters In Pokemon Yellow
click to enlarge+ 11Without a doubt, Pokemon Yellow is nostalgia bait. Not only do you get Pikachu as your starter, but through your journey, you can also receive Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle as gifts.
This was the ultimate fan reward that let you build a dream team of the original starters. Fully evolved, these Pokemon could solo the game if you really wanted.
Kubfu
click to enlarge+ 11Cute and scrappy at first, Kubfu evolves into Urshifu and, depending on your chosen path, becomes a competitive powerhouse. Wicked Blow and Surging Strikes are moves that crit every time.
This Pokemon doesn't know the word balance or fair. But if you like winning, Kubfu is the ultimate gift from the devs.
click to enlarge+ 11Gift Pokemon are fan-favorite moments. They are bookmarks in your journey that remind you of how far you've come and how much someone in the game world believes in you.
These Pokemon hold a special place in every trainer's heart, and come on, who doesn’t love a freebie?
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