Pokemon Scarlet & Violetadded over 100 new Pokemon to the franchise, bringing the grand total of Pokemon to well over 1000. But, despite these new additions, hardcore competitivePokemonfans continue touse Pokemon from previous generationsin PVP battles. For the casualPokemon Scarlet & Violetplayer, Gen-9 Pokemon are quite useful in both PVE and PVP battles.
But, even then, there are some Gen-9 Pokemon that are often overlooked. And it’s not always because they lack power or versatility, but sometimes they aren’t as appealing visually. As a result, someScarlet & VioletPokemon are underrated and cast aside. These are the ones that deserve more credit.
6Pawmot
At first glance, Pawmot seems like another Pikachu clone due to its mouse/rabbit demeanor (especially of its first evolution, Pawmi). Not to mention, it’s also an Electric-type Pokemon. Because of these similarities, mostPokemon Scarlet & Violetfans disregard it. But, upon closer inspection, final evolution Pawmot is more than a “Pikachu clone,” since it’s also a Fighting-type Pokemon.
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Furthermore, Pawmot has a chance of having the ability “Natural Cure,” which cures all of its active status effects when switched out. That ability alone makes it a desirable Pokemon to include in any team, especially if a player isattempting the Nuzlocke Challenge inPokemon Scarlet & Violet. Sadly, this Pokemon may continue to be a serially underrated since players must walk 1000 steps with Pawmo before it evolves into Pawmot.
5Espathra
InPokemon Scarlet & Violetplayers have abundant options when it comes to Psychic-type Pokemon, especially considering that several old-gen Pokemon are also present. That’s one reason why Espathra is often underrated and flies under most players' radar. Additionally, Flittle (the first evolution of Espathra) isn’t an easy Pokemon to work with since it has notoriously low HP/Defense, making it a chore to level it up.
But, Espathra is the only Pokemon that can learn Lumina Crash. This signature attack has 80 base power, and lowers the target’s Special Defense drastically. On top of that, Espathra can potentially have the ability “Opportunist,” which boosts the same stat an opponent does during the battle (with no limit). These attributes can significantly turn the tide in both a PVE and PVP battle, especially against team compositions that rely on stat boosting.
4Quaquaval
Once playerscomplete the main story ofPokemon ScarletorPokemon Violet, they often ditch their old Pokemon in favor of new ones. One Pokemon that players often substitute is Quaquaval, even if it’s one of the three starter Pokemon. Players replace Quaquaval because they believe other Pokemon can get the job far more efficiently.
While that may be true, Quaquaval does have certain Abilities that make using it more than worthwhile. For example, Swift Swim doubles Quaquaval’s Speed during Rain, while Moxie increases Attack upon fainting an opponent Pokemon.Quaquaval can become even stronger if its Nature is Naughty(+10% Attack), creating a Pokemon that can easily take out opponents in a single hit.
3Sandy Shocks (Paradox Magneton)
Paradox Pokemon is a new Pokemon Form (similar to Ultra Beasts) and they bring unique aspects onto the Pokemon battlefield. Whilemost Paradox Pokemonhave cool designs (like Roaring Moon or Iron Thorns), some are more lackluster. Sandy Shocks (Paradox Magneton) suffers from a less-than-stellar design, possibly one reason why it’s underrated inPokemon Scarlet & Violet.
Another reason may be that Magneton rarely was seen as a top-tier Pokemon in the competitive scene, meaning that players would ignoreits Paradox version. But Sandy Shocks (which is exclusive toScarlet) carries a Secret Ability that can potentially push it up in the competitive scene. The Protosynthesis ability boosts Sandy Shock’s strongest stat in harsh sunlight or while holding Booster Energy. And since Booster Energy is an easy Battle Item to obtain, players can exploit this ability without breaking a sweat.
2Scovillain
Undoubtedly, Scovillain is among the strangest new designs inPokemon Scarlet & Violet,with some players even referring to it as aDragon Questmonster. But, aside from its odd design, Scovillian can potentially be one of the fastest Pokemon inScarlet & Violet.That’s thanks to its ability “Chlorophyll,” which doubles Scovillain’s Speed in harsh sunlight.
Furthermore, even thoughits first evolution is only a Grass-type Pokemon, it gains the dual-type tag once it evolves into Scovillain (Grass/Fire-type). While this dual type is quite odd, it allows Scovillain to learn moves like Solar Beam, Leaf Storm, Overheat, and Fire Blast. These are all highly valuable moves in the completive realm.
1Garganacl
Most players choose Pokemon that are known to destroy the competition,like Chi-Yu, a mysterious Pokemonthat can take out Pokemon with a single attack. That’s why most players ignore bulkier Pokemon, as they usually don’t bring much to the table in terms of knockout capabilities. But, that’s where the underrated Garganacl comes into play, as it’s a walking tank that can scrap off most attacks.
All three of Garganacl’s potential abilities can negate damage or status effects, and even heal it during a battle. For example, Purifying Salt protects Garganacl from any status effect, while halving damage taken from Ghost-type Pokemon. And if it has the “Sturdy” ability, it prevents it from being one-shot — even by self-inflicted moces, like Explosion. Undoubtedly, Garganacl is one of the most underrated Pokemon inScarlet & Violet,even though it canpotentially be one of the best in Gen 9.
