Though Pokémon Scarlet and Violet won't hit shelves until November, fans of the video game franchise are already clamoring over the game thanks to its trailer. Featuring an open-world setting, three cuddly starter Pokémon, and two imposing Legendaries, the game is looking to be another solid adventure in the series.
One of the things people have been asking since the trailer dropped is what Psychic-types the game will offer. Players aren't likely to get an answer anytime soon, but that hasn't done anything to quell their excitement, and for good reason. Psychic-types include some of the most powerful Pokémon in the franchise, and users at Ranker have picked which ones they think are the best of the best.
Note: Ranker lists are live and continue to accrue votes. As a result, some rankings may have changed since the publication of this piece.
Latias
A member of the eon duo along with its twin Latios, Latias is a Psychic/Dragon-type from generation 3. It might not look all that imposing, but Latias is a capable opponent in battle thanks to its speed and special attack.
What truly elevates Latias in the eyes of gamers is its status as both a dragon and Psychic-type. Already two of the strongest types in the Pokémon games, the combination makes Latias a tank against most special attack moves and capable of dishing out a far greater amount of damage than most Pokémon it will go up against.
Lunala
One of the two main Legendaries from generation 7, Lunala perfectly encapsulates the vibes of the moon. Beyond being shaped like a celestial body, the Pokémon stands out for its bat-like appearance and unique Ghost/Psychic typing.
Given Lunala's status as a Legendary Pokémon, it has the capability to learn moves from Normal, Fairy, Flying, Electric, Fire, Ice, Grass, and Fighting-types, making it a versatile choice in battle. Add on its ability to fuse with the Legendary Pokémon Necrozma to create Dark Wings Necrozma, and it makes sense that Lunala has caught on with fans.
Deoxys
From generation 3, Deoxys is a Mythical Pokémon who, like several Pokémon from the Hoenn region, deviates from the traditional aesthetic of the series. Instead of being based on something from nature or mythology, Deoxys' design is more influenced by science-fiction, given that it looks like an alien and a strand of DNA.
Beyond its distinct visual aesthetic, one of the Pokémon's defining features is its different forms. Though it doesn't evolve due to its status as a Mythical Pokémon, it does have the ability to alter its shape and stats based on its environment. This ability, while not wholly unique to Deoxys, is one of the reasons why the Pokemon sticks out from other Psychic-types.
Metagross
With a brain that can match the power of a supercomputer, Metagross is one of the most iconic Pokemon from generation 3. This is due in large part to its aesthetic which is imposing despite a rather untraditional design.
The other reason the Steel/Psychic-type is so beloved is due to its status as the pseudo-Legendary Pokémon with incredibly high base Attack and base Defense stats. This not only makes Metagross a great combatant in battle but also a valued representative of overpowered Psychic-types in the Pokémon games.
Lugia
Hailing from generation 2's Johto region, Lugia is one of a select few Pokémon that has been shown speaking to humans directly, albeit through its telepathic powers. Lugia's noble design compliments this humanlike quality, which is more suggestive of a Water/Dragon-type than a Psychic/Flying-type.
Related to Lugia's design are its stats. Given the heroic nature of Lugia, it makes sense that the Legendary has a strong Special Defense which is emblematic of a creature that chooses to protect others. All of this makes the Legendary stick out from other Psychic-types who have a more morally ambiguous aura.
Espeon
One of Eevee's many evolutions, Espeon is one of the more unassuming Psychic Pokémon at first glance, but players know that looks can be deceiving. Despite its unadorned aesthetic and diminutive size, the Psychic-type is a Special Attack beast and boasts a base Speed of 110.
Considering this combination of Special Attack and Speed, Espeon is one of the more powerful Psychic-Types from the video games, almost guaranteed to go first in almost any battle. Even if this weren't the case, the Pokémon would be beloved by fans as a sleek evolution of Eevee. The stats certainly add an extra bit of appeal though.
Alakazam
One of the first 151 Pokémon, Alakazam remains one of the most iconic Psychic-types for a number of reasons. Besides its distinct design with its signature spoons, the thing that makes Alakazam attractive is its power.
In the original Red, Blue, and Yellow games, Alakazam was only weak to Bug-Types and had a high Special stat. Even now, where Psychic-Types are no longer the most overpowered Pokémon, Alakazam still presents a threat in battle thanks to its Speed and wickedly high Special Attack. Combined with its status as one of the strongest Pokémon from generation 1, it makes sense that Alakazam remains popular.
Gardevoir
Boasting one of the most elegant designs of any Pokémon, Gardevoir was a pure Psychic-type for years before being given a Psychic/Fairy typing in generation 6. With this change came an upgrade in the Pokémon's combat capabilities.
Gardevoir boasts high Special Attack and Defense stats which make it a capable offensive and defensive choice in battle. Coupled with its Trace ability and advantage over Dragon types, the Pokémon proves a compelling choice to include on one's team, especially against Elite Four member Drake and generation 5 gym leader Iris.
Mew
The first-ever Psychic-type to be a mythical Pokémon, Mew is both one of the cutest Pokémon and one of the most powerful. In the video games, Mew is among a select few Pokémon that can learn any move (except for signature moves that only certain Pokémon know).
The other reason for Mew's popularity is its role in the first Pokémon movie. Though it plays second fiddle to the conniving Mewtwo, Mew still makes a significant impact on the plot, going toe to toe with its clone before making peace with it and flying off at the end. Since then, Mew has thankfully graced the franchise with appearances in Lucario and the Mystery of Mew and in Pokémon Journeys: The Series.
Mewtwo
One of the most iconic Pokémon of all time, Mewtwo is practically synonymous with the franchise. He was among the first Legendaries introduced in the game, and his status as a pure Psychic-type makes him fairly unique from the many dual-typed monsters in the franchise.
Perhaps the most appealing aspect of Mewtwo is not his stats but his backstory. Created as a clone of the mythical Mew, Mewtwo was one of the first Pokémon to play the role of a villain in the anime. It differentiated him from the other Pokémon who were portrayed as being akin to monosyllabic animals and even future Legendaries who have been depicted as forces of nature rather than cognizant beings. It's because of this distinction along with everything else that makes Mewtwo so endearing to fans.