With the release of the luxurious Nintendo Switch 2, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have been given a much-needed breath of revival fresh air. A free software update now offers higher resolution, smoother performance, and relatively better loading times.
Fewer dips and more trips across Paldea for everybody! For many players, this upgrade is the push they needed to finish the game or finally dive in after being scared off by the technical issues.
If you're on to make your return (or debut), this list has you covered with the best non-legendary Pokemon to use in your next journey through the region.
What Are The Best Pokemon to Use In Pokemon Scarlet and Violet?
Do you want power, technique, or style? Why choose when you can have all three? Glimmora scatters poison like deadly confetti at an opponent's parade. Palafin transforms into a superhero with stats that would make Arceus nervous. And then there’s Kingambit, a steel warlord who gets stronger the more his allies are beat. These are just a few of the heavy hitters waiting for their turn in your team. Curious who else dominated the games? Keep reading.
Glimmora
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+ 11Let’s kick rocks off with Glimmora. This mysterious Rock and Poison-type looks like it belongs in an alien cave, but don't let the weird floral vibe fool you.
Glimmora may be slow, but that’s exactly what makes it so perilous. Thanks to its Toxic Debris ability, every time it takes a physical hit, it scatters poison spikes on your opponent’s side of the field poisoning every Pokemon the opponent brings out.
It’s a brilliant and strong lead Pokemon as you don’t even need to attack to start wearing down the other team.
Clodsire
click to enlarge+ 11Clodsire might look like it just woke up but this derpy-faced terra-amphibian is a chemical tank in disguise. As it boasts a unique Ground and Poison typing, Clodsire excels in battle by being nearly impossible to take down.
Its high Special Defense shrugs off many of its weaknesses, especially those that rely on special moves like Water and Psychic.
And while enemies are busy chipping away at its chubby build, Clodsire is busy poisoning them and setting up traps and hazards. This is the type of Pokemon that wins wars by being unbothered.
Houndstone
click to enlarge+ 11On the opposite end of the living, the strong Houndstone is not here to rest in peace. It's here for vengeance. This ghostly mutt may not seem threatening at first, but its signature move, Last Respects, turns defeat into raw power.
The more of your teammates faint, the stronger this Pokemon move becomes. By the time Houndstone hits the field late in a match, it can sweep anything in its path. Save this man's dead best friend for the finale and watch it rewrite the fight with one single move.
Gargancl
click to enlarge+ 11Next up is Garganacl and no, that’s not a typo error. This Pokemon is literally a walking golem of Paldean salt. With its massive 130 Defense and 90 Special Defense, Garganacl couldn't care less about your strategy. It’s going to stand there and outlast everything.
Its signature move, Salt Cure, not only does damage every turn but deals double the damage to its weakness types, Steel and Water-types. That makes it both a wall and a salty brawler. Your opponents may break their skins and bones while barely making any damage to it.
Annihilape
click to enlarge+ 11If you're shopping for something a bit more wild and spectral, Annihilape is your best bet. This angry soul ape is a spinoff evolution of Primeape in Paldea and it's the definition of unleashed potential, albeit at the price of its life.
With 115 Attack and 90 Speed, Annihilape can already hit hard and fast, but things get really spooky with Rage Fist. Every time Annihilape is hit, Rage Fist’s power elevates by 50. After a few hits, you’re looking at a violent move that can one-shot just about anything.
Palafin
click to enlarge+ 11Palafin is the rare example of a Pokemon that goes from zero to literal superhero. Its Zero to Hero ability allows it to transform after switching out once and the change is comic-worthy.
Its base form is a cute little dolphin but once it returns in Hero mode, you're looking at an aquatic strongman with 160 Attack, 106 Special Attack, and 100 Speed. Flip Turn lets it tag out early then it comes back like an H2O-verpowered Pokemon.
It’s easily one of the hardest-hitting and best non-legendary Pokemon ever made. The only downside? You need Nintendo Switch Online to evolve Finizen, which others call Pay To Win in disguise.
Cetitan
click to enlarge+ 11Cetitan might not be getting all the attention, but this huge snow whale deserves some love. It has a massive 170 HP and 113 Attack, making it both a ice wall and a snow ball machine.
It also works well with Ice-type moves and can decimate most Elite Four members in Paldea. Whether you’re battling against Larry's Flying-types, Hassel's Dragons, or Rika's Ground types, Cetitan's got you covered. It’s one of the most reliable options for late-game battles, and honestly, it looks cool, pun intended.
Arboliva
click to enlarge+ 11Then there’s the Paldean flora Arboliva. At first look, it looks like a peaceful plant you might see in the background of a Studio Ghibli film. But get it angry and it becomes a battlefield expert.
Its Seed Sower ability automatically fills the battleground with Grassy Terrain when it’s hit, which boosts Grass-type moves and heals your Pokemon each turn. Pair that with the move Terrain Pulse at level 46, and suddenly this olive tree is dropping nuclear fruit.
The synergy between its ability and movepool makes Arboliva a sneaky green powerhouse.
Baxcalibur
click to enlarge+ 11Baxcalibur is the Ice and Dragon-typed Pokemon you just knew you needed to have. Every generation has a pseudo-legendary and this one looks like it walked out of a Godzilla flick.
With 145 Attack and a uniquely strong type combo, Baxcalibur is pure brute force. Yes, that typing gives adds a few more weaknesses, but with Terastallization, those can be ignored or be brought to your advantage.
Kingambit
click to enlarge+ 11And finally, let us kneel before the king himself, Kingambit. This Dark and Steel royalty radiates presence and danger. Its signature ability, Supreme Overlord, increases its Attack stat based on how many of your Pokemon have fainted.
That makes Kingambit an incredible late-game revenger. Teach it Kowtow Cleave, Night Slash, or Iron Head and you’ve got yourself a trump card that will secure your win. It’s got the stats, the typing, the design, and the atmosphere. Long live the Kingambit!
click to enlarge+ 11With the new update breathing another opportunity of life into Scarlet and Violet, there’s no better time to jump back into Paldea. These ten non-legendary Pokemon prove that you don’t need a myth on your team to dominate.
Whether you want to poison your way into triumph, avenge your team, or smack everything with sheer power, this list has is your bible. So grab your Poke Balls, rethink that team composition, and step into Paldea with confidence!
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