It's time to take a look at some of the unsung heroes of the Pokedex: the Pokemon who always seem to get overshadowed - but not anymore! Sure, you pick the cool fire starter or cute water starter, but they won't get you to the end of the game alone.
It's time to stop talking about Charizard and start appreciating some hidden gems, because every Pokemon is someone's favourite!
This feature will discuss the top 10 most underrated Pokemon, with specific reference to the games.
1. Ampharos
The Electric type has long been dominated by Pikachu, but there are so many interesting and cool Pokemon within this type, like Ampharos.
Ampharos is an electric type Pokemon introduced in Generation 2. It is the final evolution of Mareep, and evolves from Flaaffy at level 30. It's Pokedex entry states that it's 'tail’s tip shines brightly and can be seen from far away. It acts as a beacon for lost people' from the Heart Gold/ Soul Silver era.
Ampharos is usually glazed over due to it being the final evolution of Mareep, and due to its base 55 speed. However, it's Mega Evolution evolves into an Electric/Dragon type with a huge 165 Special Attack (plus it actually looks cool - I'm looking at you Mega Starmie...)
2. Bagon
This next Pokemon is a diamond in the rough, and is often underrated due to an early game grind that can drain some players. Bagon is a Dragon-type Pokemon introduced in Generation 3 and evolves into Salamence at level 50.
It's fair to say, Bagon and it's evolution line takes a fair bit of work and determination, but the result is definitely worth it. What puts a lot of players off is the rarity of encountering Bagon in the wild, for example, in X & Y, Bagon has a 5% encounter rate, and a 1% encounter rate in Sun and Moon!
Those players who find Bagon and raise him up to evolve into Salamence will be glad of it, as Salamence is a pseudo-legendary Pokemon. This fan-coined term describes a Pokemon that has stats akin to a legendary, making Salamence and incredibly powerful Pokemon to have in your team. However, don't forget where it came from!
3. Politoed
Everyone knows Poliwag, Poliwhirl, and Poliwrath, but what about Politoed?! Poliwag's general evoltuion line takes the final form of Poliwrath using a Water Stone, however, a lot of players forget (or don't even know) that trading Poliwhirl holding a King's Rock will evolve it into a Politoed!
Arguably a much cooler and cuter design, Politoed is a water type frog Pokemon with a special hidden ability called Drizzle (a weather-generating ability). This ability automatically summons rain upon Politoed entering battle. It's safe to say Politoed deserves more attention for it's design and it's automatic boost for Water-type moves by 50%.
4. Raichu
This one seems fairly obvious, as the icon of Pokemon usually takes the centre stage over it's final evolution. Pikachu is one of the most popular Pokemon without a doubt, but this often means it's final evolution, Riachu, is left as an afterthought.
Raichu has high attack stats, as well as a 110 base speed. It's hidden Lightning Rod ability is a great competitive asset. This move redirects all single-target Electric-type moves into Raichu. It then absorbs the power and negates the damage completely.
5. Trubbish
Perhaps a more controversial take on an underrated Pokemon is Trubbish. Many players dislilke the Pokemon due to it's low stats and design based around human trash. However, allow me to attempt to change your mind.
Trubbish is a Poison-type introduced in Generation 5, and is usually a Pokemon used by the "bad guys" in the games, such as Team Skull. Trubbish is designed to resemble a full garbage bag, and was created when "a mixture of domestic and chemical waste underwent a chemical reaction of some sort."
It consumes human waste, actually helping keep areas clean. What makes Trubbish's backstory so sad and meaningful, is that it is perceived as a living creature discarded by society. It's defined by loneliness and abandonment, and in this way is often disregarded. However, Trubbish does evolve into Garbador, a strong Pokemon with good attack stats and defense.
In my opinon, Trubbish deserves a lot more love and appreciation!
6. Lanturn
Lanturn is widely considered to be an underrated Pokemon, often due to its baste stats which look weak at first glance. However, Lanturn has a very powrful combination of Water and Electric-types, meaning it only has two weaknesses, Grass and Ground.
Lanturn has a huge HP pool, and has "Volt Absorb", meaning it is immune to Electric moves and is able to heal itself when hit by them. It is undoubtedly a very strong Water-type and would benefit in a trainer's party.
7. Zekrom
This list had to include at least one underrated legendary Pokemon, which is Zekrom. Introduced in the Black and White Era (Generation 5), Zekrom is Pokemon White's legendary at the end of the game, and is a Dragon/Electric-type.
Zekrom should be more highly regarded due to it's incredible base stats, like a 150 Attack, and 120 Sp. Atk. Zekrom's signature move, Bolt Strike can one-shot even Lugia. It's unique type parring make it further stand out amongst legondaries, and it is one of the coolest Pokemon designs made.
8. Seismitoad
Whilst it's often overshadowed by other powerful Water/Ground-types, Seismitoad is a Pokemon that hits like a truck, and is considered a very strong Pokemon.
Some players may dislike the design of Seismitoad, especially as it evolves from humble and cute beginnings with Tympole. Seismitoad can learn a wide variety of moves, such as Toxic to poison opponents, and is unaffected by Water-type moves.
9. Celebi
One of my personal favourites, so I may be a bit biased, but Celebi is a Mythical Pokemon which cannot be caught through normal gameplay. Celebi was introduced in Generation 2, and is adored for its adorable fairy-like design. Visually, it is a cute and likeable Pokemon, that packs a punch despite its small stature.
Celebi was introduced shortly after Mew, and unfortunately was overshadowed by the fan favourite. However, I think it has a similarly visually appealing design, cute artwork (especially on cards from the TCG) and should get more attention from players.
10. Aurorus
Last but not least, is one of the most beautifully designed Pokemon throughout the games and TCG: Aurorus.
Aurorus, introduced in Generation 6, is a fossil Pokemon that begins as Amaura, before evolving into Aurorus at level 39. It is a Rock/Ice-type that can be found in Pokemon X and Y.
It has a big health pool, alongside incredibly powerful moves as it levels up. The only lower stat is its speed, due to its size, so it places this Pokemon in amazing stead to be part of a team.
