Generation III of Pokémon introduced the world to the Hoenn region, with Ruby and Sapphire releasing in Japan in 2002 and Emerald coming out in 2004. These games featured some Legendary and Mythical Pokémon that are not only still beloved today but are also among the strongest in the series.

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Several of these creatures received Mega Evolutions or Primal Reversions in Generation VI, but their power will be evaluated in their base forms. These Legendary and Mythical Pokémon are all strong in the main series games, but certain ones are better than others when used in a playthrough. Some can only be encountered late-game or through specific events, but if players can acquire them, they can benefit greatly from having these Pokémon on their team.

Regirock

Regirock in battle in the Pokémon anime

When compared to Mythicals and other Legendaries, Regirock's battling capabilities fall short, even though it is perhaps the strongest fully evolved Rock-type Pokémon. While its Speed is mediocre, its Defense is exceptional, and its Special Defense is reasonable.

Although it can often withstand a few strikes regardless of the damage category, Regirock's Attack stat, while capable, is not high enough to properly capitalize. Its Special Attack is also abysmal, so this is not a reliable option for it. In addition, Regirock's five weaknesses to some common types can be an issue for it.

Regice

Regice on an orange background

With the same stat spread as Regirock, but with the Special and Physical stats switched, Regice has similar stat-related strengths and weaknesses. As an Ice-type, Regice is weak to four types and is only resistant to one: Ice. This Legendary has access to some great Ice moves like Ice Beam and Blizzard, and while the former is reliable, the latter is not always accurate.

Its Hidden Ability Ice Body lets it recover some HP during hail, but this is situational and not usually helpful. Similar to Regirock, Regice is capable among other Ice-types, but it is disappointing when compared to others of its classification.

Registeel

Registeel in battle in the Pokémon anime

Registeel's even stat spread between both defensive categories lets it eliminate the defensive stat-based vulnerabilities shared by its Generation III counterparts, though it is equally as slow. Furthermore, as a pure Steel-type, it only has three type weaknesses and ten resistances.

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With its defensive capabilities keeping it in the battle, Registeel can then strike back. However, while it can use some great attacks, its offensive stats are lacking. Long battles can end in its favor, but with its underwhelming Attack and Special Attack, this is not guaranteed.

Jirachi

A smiling Jirachi Pokemon flying through the air

Jirachi may be a Pokémon with one of the most wholesome designs, but it is powerful enough to be a dangerous opponent.  Like many other Mythical Pokémon, its stats all have the same reasonably high value, which can help and hinder it. This makes it relatively fast and its attacks relatively strong, though not exceptionally so.

While its defensive stats could also be defined as only relatively good, Jirachi's typing of Steel/Psychic lets it resist many types. Its available moves are also quite impressive, though mostly limited to a few types. It cannot excel in a specific area, but it is fairly reliable in all areas.

Deoxys

Split image of all Deoxys forms

The ability to change forms is what makes Deoxys as viable as it is. This cannot be done during battle, but if players have a specific role they want Deoxys to fill, it can be exceptional. For example, its Attack Forme has incredible offensive stats and Speed, but its defensive stats suffer as a result.

Deoxys ranks as one of the strongest Psychic-type Pokémon, even in a franchise that is full of powerful creatures of this type. However, trainers should try to figure out the best role for Deoxys to fill before they use it on their team.

Latias

Latias smiling in the Pokemon anime

Latias is fairly fast and capable of doing decent damage. Its Special Attack is above average, but its Attack is mediocre. Latias is great at taking Special damage, but its Defense is only decent. In addition, its Ability, Levitate, completely negates Ground-type damage, which further helps it defensively.

Though its offensive stats are not as incredible as they could be, Latias, being a Dragon/Psychic-type, can use some incredible attacks, making it much more viable. It is slightly more vulnerable against Physical attackers, but it can usually hold its own for a while.

Latios

Latios preparing to attack in the Pokemon anime

While Latias is best at defending against Special damage, Latios is best at dealing it. Like its counterpart, Latios has a capable Speed stat, and with its high Special Attack stat, it can strike quickly and effectively. Its Attack is less impressive but still not terrible, giving it options if it needs them.

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Its Defense is unimpressive but its Special Defense is more than decent. As with Latias, it has access to some great Dragon and Psychic attacks, being the same type as its counterpart. Also, like its counterpart, it benefits from the Ability, Levitate.

Groudon

Groudon on a red background in Pokemon

Part of one of the best Legendary Pokémon trios, the Ground-type Groudon lives up to the reputation that surrounds it. It is decently fast, although it does not always out-speed opponents. Groudon can take a significant amount of damage, though, especially if it comes from Physical attacks. Its Special Defense is also reasonable, so Groudon rarely goes down in one hit, regardless of the damage category.

Its Ability, Drought, further aids it by establishing harsh sunlight, which reduces damage from Water-type attacks and increases damage from Fire-type attacks. Groudon's Attack stat is fantastic, and while its Special Attack is much lower, it is still decent.

Kyogre

Kyogre from the Pokemon franchise on a blue background

Kyogre has the same stat spread as Groudon, but the Physical and Special categories are switched. Its Ability, Drizzle, establishes rain, which powers up Water-type moves and reduces the power of Fire-type moves. This helps Kyogre more than Groudon's Ability helps it. This is because Kyogre is a Water-type, so it gains a Same Type Attack Bonus on top of the rain bonus.

In addition, Kyogre only has two type weaknesses: Grass and Electric, making it more capable defensively. Using its exceptional Special Attack stat, Kyogre can easily defeat a variety of teams.

Rayquaza

Pokémon Rayquaza flying next to a building

As the Legendary that was able to end the battle between Groudon and Kyogre, Rayquaza is the most powerful Pokémon from the Hoenn region. Its defensive stats are fair but not fantastic, but its offensive stats are where it truly shines. Both its Attack and Special Attack have the same incredible stat value, giving it opportunities to defeat opponents that specialize in either defensive category.

It is decently fast, but even if it cannot out-speed an opponent, it can usually take a few attacks, as long as they are not Ice-type. As it also has access to great attacks of several types, Rayquaza is dominant and worthy of its status.

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