Pokemon Scarlet & Violetis being praised by many fans for the slew of newPokemonthat have been introduced in the ninth generation of the games. Their designs and typing are all significantly stronger than past generations, making the new additions to thePaldea regionsomething for players to seek out along theirPokemonjourney.
Normally, new generations of Pokemon don’t receive too many new Ice-types. The underrated typing doesn’t usually receive as much attention and new additions as other, more common and popular, typings such as Dragon or Normal. All that said,Pokemon Scarlet & Violetintroduced a handful of new ice-types, including a new Dragon/Ice evolution line and an Ice/Dark-type legendary Pokemon.
7Frigibax
Like most first-stage Dragon-type evolutions,Frigibax isn’t the strongest standalone Dragon/Ice-typePokemon. Its defense and attack stats are relatively weak, making it the type of Pokemon that players will keep in the back of their party to level up until it evolves and becomes tougher.
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The tiny, cute Dragon/Ice-type Pokemon is certainly one coveted by fans, especially since its face resembles that of the grass starter Treecko’s from Generation III. It’s adorable, but not powerful — at least not yet.
6Arctibax
Once Frigibax reaches level 35, it will evolve into its second-stage evolution, Arctibax. Design-wise, Arctibax looks very similar to Galarian Sandslash, with the same style of pointy ice pillars protruding from its back.
Since Arctibax is the second-stage evolution of Frigibax, it ranks slightly higher due to its increased HP and attack stats. All that said, its defense and speed still aren’t what they will become when Arctibax evolves into its final third-stage evolution. Although players can use this Pokemon in battles without it fainting easily, as compared to Frigibax, it may not be the best Ice-type for a perfectly balanced team.
5Cetoddle
Although Cetoddle is a first-stage evolution, its stats hold up better than most first-stage evolutions. Similar to the first-stage Water-type whale Pokemon, Wailmer, Cetoddle’s HP is incredibly high compared to even some second-stage evolutions. That said, Cetoddle’s low speed and defense stats keep it from being a fully reliable Pokemon in battle.
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Another downside of the adorable ice whale Pokemon is that it can only be evolved by using an Ice Stone. Since finding stones inPokemon Scarlet & Violetis somewhat left up to chance, it’s a gamble whether players would be willing to keep this first-stage evolution in their party into the later parts of the game if they haven’t come upon the stone to evolve Cetoddle into Cetitan.
4Cetitan
If players do manage to get their hands on an Ice Stone, they can add the powerful behemoth that is Cititan to their team. Design-wise, Cititan is a bit odd looking. Its mouth takes up almost the entirety of its face, with two beady eyes on each side of the ice whale’s head, but it’s an interesting and visually pleasing design nonetheless.
True to how the strong, sturdy Pokemon looks, Cetitan hasincredibly high HPand defense stats. This Ice-type can certainly take hits while trainers heal up the rest of their party, or scramble through the wild in search of a Pokemon Center.
3Iron Bundle
Iron Bundle is certainly a unique addition toPokemon Scarlet & Violet.The dual Ice-Water type is made to resemble the Gen 2 Pokemon, Delibird, but more futuristic and robotic. Similar to its close cousin, Iron Bundle has no evolutions and isn’t known to evolve from any Pokemon.
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Since it’s a standalone Pokemon, Iron Bundle’s stats are naturally higher than a first-stage evolution Pokemon. Its HP isn’t the highest, but what it lacks in HP itmakes up for in high speed, defense, and special attack. Iron Bundle is a unique and powerful addition to any team that seems lacking in a fast or sturdy Pokemon.
2Baxcalibur
At level 54, Arctibax will evolve into its final stage evolution, Baxcalibur. Thepseudo-legendary Dragon/Ice-typeis the final form of that evolution line, and its strength is nothing to scoff at. Although its typing makes it weak against Fairy, Dragon, Fighting, Rock, and Steel-type attacks, Baxcalibur is still a sturdy enough Pokemon to take even a super-effective hit from any of those five types.
Its Attack stat is naturally very high, with none of the remaining five stats being considered below average. For as bulky of a Pokemon as Baxcalibur is, it doesn’t have the worst Speed stat, which tends to be where a lot of final-stage Dragon evolutions fall short. Its design is slightly reminiscent of Duraludon, the steel-dragon type Pokemonintroduced inPokemon Sword & Shield,but Baxcalibur’s unique and lovable pre-evolutions and powerful stats make the final stage dragon worth adding to any team.
1Chien-Pao
Chien-Pao is one of the four legendary Pokemonintroduced as a member of the Treasures Of Ruin, alongside Chi-Yu, Wo-Chien, and Ting-Lu. Naturally, since it’s a legendary Pokemon, it doesn’t evolve from or into any other Pokemon. That said, Chien-Pao’s design and stats make it easily one of the best ice-types inPokemon Scarlet & Violet.
The dual Ice/Dark-type Pokemon excels in its Speed stat, making it one of the fastest Ice-types in the game. Chien-Pao is also a heavy-hitting physical attacker, meaning that it can attack first and hit the player’s opponent hard. Although its dual typing makes it weak to six different Pokemon types, Chien-Pao’s sleek and powerful design, typing, and stats make it aworthy addition to Gen 9.
