It seems like a lifetime ago since Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow's initial release. Red and Blue gave players their first look into the world of Pokémon, along with a 150-entry long Pokédex to fill out. Two years later, Yellow gave players the chance to relive the events of the television series, as well as their very own Pikachu to travel with them on their adventure.
Now, over two decades later, players will get a chance to experience a re-imagined Kanto on their TV screens for the first time (if you don't count the Game Tower mode in Pokémon Stadium 2). The recently-announced Pokémon Let's Go Pikachu/Eevee! will bring players back to where the series started, albeit with a lot more color and dimensions than the original title.
With players jumping back into Generation 1 of the series and all the original 150 Pokémon, it's a perfect time to get a refresher on what Pokémon should fill out your party. It's important to point out which Pokés are best left in the PC storage, as well as give a shout out to the underrated ones. For each entry that has any potential evolution, they're listed by their starting form as that's the likeliest form in which you'll encounter and catch them.
If you've got some specific Pokémon that you find to be overrated or underrated, be sure to let us know in the comments!
Here are 10 Gen I Pokémon No One Should Catch (And 10 That Are Totally Under-Appreciated).
Don't Catch: Ekans
They may be Jesse's go-to Pokémon in the show, but Ekans/Arbok shouldn't be yours. A large amount of Ekans' appeal comes from their look and speed, but outside of that speed, they don't really offer anything better over other poison types like Koffing and Grimer. While those two have half of the speed Ekans and Arbok have, they make up for it by having higher stats in almost every other category. Hit points, defense, special, all higher than Ekans in both their starting and evolved form.
Then there are the moves Ekans learns, which leaves much to be desired. Of all the moves Ekans/Arbok learn, Bite is the strongest. Their strongest poison-type move is Acid and it only does 40 damage. Even with the poison moves it can learn, its relatively-weak Special stat (in comparison to its Attack stat) makes that move not live up to its potential. Outside of that, they have two status-affecting moves: Glare (causes paralysis) and Screech, which weakens defense. TM-wise, outside of some ground-type moves, there are very little options to choose from. As you've likely noticed, there isn't a wide range of ground and poison moves to teach them. Once you take a look at the kind of moves Grimer and Koffing can offer (comprised of electric, fire, and ground type moves, among others), then you realize how Ekans simply can't offer as much as its fellow poison types.
Underrated: Clefairy
Clefairy's the best kind of normal type Pokémon: they've got strong base stats and can learn almost any TM you give them. Their base stats are all well-balanced, health and defense being the two high points. Speed is the weakest component, but doesn't dip below 60 points so it doesn't reach the level of a serious problem. This Pokémon, as you'll figure out, isn't exactly the type to coast off of moves they learn naturally. Quite frankly, once they learn Metronome, it's pretty safe to evolve them into Clefable. And once you do that, you'll then have the stats necessary to customize Clefable to suit your playstyle.
Whether it's hard-hitting special attacks or physical ones, Clefable will be able to learn them through the magic of TMs and HMs.
Their stats aren't the flashiest, but they are sufficiently suited for this practice. The fact that they learn Metronome naturally proves it as the beauty of that move is that ANY move could be done once used. Clefable's variability is much like Metronome: it can go any way without being stuck in a pre-designated path. It may not always be exactly what you want, but most of the time, it gets the job done.
With Clefable, anything from a Fire Blast to a simple Body Slam has an appropriate amount of oomph behind it. Keep an eye out for them around Mt. Moon.
Don't Catch: Venonat
Bug types in Gen 1 tended to be a bit of a mixed bag, and Venonat is no different. Sure, Venonat is a bit of a wildcard Bug/Poison type as they can learn moves like Psybeam and eventually Psychic at level 50, but it may not be enough. The low defense is killer, especially with many of the types strong against it having powerful attacks that can wipe them out in one hit. They're also one of those types that aren't really worth too much until they evolve, and that's not happening until level 31.
Even post-evolution, there are other bug types that are stronger choices. Pokémon like Pinsir (more on them later) offer the needed defense and attack against those types that have a definitive type advantage. While Psychic moves are almost universally good to have (as there aren't many types that are resistant to it in Gen 1 outside of other Psychic types), it doesn't offer Venonat/Venomoth much when facing off against a Fire or Rock type. If Venonat had the defense to go along with everything else, then maybe they'd be one to recommend. However, with their lack of resilience against strong opposing Pokémon, they won't be a strong supportive piece when you need them in the tougher fights later on.
Underrated: Psyduck
Psyduck may be the cause of Misty's headaches in the TV show, but they aren't a headache to handle when they're in your party. While admittedly there's no single area that Psyduck/Golduck dominates in stat-wise, however, it's in the strong sense of balance in their stats that Psyduck's greatest quality can be found. There's no glaring weakness to be found that can be exploited by an opponent outside of standard Super Effective attacks from Electric and Grass types.
All of Golduck's stats (after evolving at level 33) are above 80 with the exception of their 78 defense. Even with that, you've got a true jack-of-all-trades Water type Pokémon with the balanced stats that ensure no Pokémon is too much above any specific stat. The mix of both Water and Psychic also help give them an interesting move set without the baggage of extremely-low speed (sorry Slowpoke). Also, Golduck levels up quickly thanks to a medium fast XP growth, allowing the gradual stat grind to not feel too brutal. Considering they learn Hydro Pump at level 55, you definitely want to grind out XP to get to that point, and they thankfully make it a bit easier.
Psyduck/Golduck isn't the #1 Water type available, but that doesn't mean you should brush them off either. After all, multi-type hybrids like Golduck are hard to come by in the old game, and you could do a lot worse than go with a greatly-balanced Water type combined with a bit of Psychic.
Don't Catch: Diglett
Diglett will likely be one of the first ground types you find, but they shouldn't be the one you stick with. There are a couple different reasons, but the most important ones are their shockingly low HP and defense. One of those on their own can be worked out somehow, but together? It's a recipe for disaster. 10 HP for Diglett, 35 for Dugtrio, combined with 25/50 defense.
Diglett's speed may be high enough to guarantee they'll hit first, but there's no counting on them to survive any major attack.
It only gets worse when you realize how low their attack stat is compared to other Ground types. Sandshrew and Cubone, for instance, have an attack stat of 75 and 50 right off the bat. In addition, their defense is around the 85-95 range, and that's pre-evolution. All Diglett and Dugtrio have over other Ground types is speed, and that can only get you so far. Dugtrio's 80 attack stat is equal to Marowak evolved form attack stat, but Marowak at least has 110 defense and 60 HP.
On the positive, Dugtrio learns moves like Dig, Slash, and even Earthquake as they level up. Unfortunately, when the cripplingly-weak defense and HP stats are the only thing protecting them, then there's very little to keep Dugtrio from fainting when facing a capable opponent. Speed ensures that you get the first punch in, but if you don't knock them out, then Diglett may end up being the one getting KO'd.
Underrated: Sandshrew
Sandshrew is a ground type that is cute in appearance, but offers strong attack stats and speed to beat their competitors. As was previously discussed in the Diglett section, Sandshrew offers players the best overall Ground type Pokémon. They've got the highest attack stat, best HP, and can learn the greatest range of TM/HMs. Unlike the other two Ground types, Sandshrew/Sandslash offers triple digit attack and defense while maintaining above-average speed stats.
Another underrated component of Sandshrew/Sandslash is that both their pre-evolution and post-evolution forms are competent. You don't have to worry about struggling to get Sandshrew to level 22 so they can evolve as they can hold their own in battle. The evolution only then enhances the Ground moves, making them more than effective against all combatants. In addition, their XP growth is considered medium-fast, meaning that they will grow up and level up faster than other members of your party.
The attacks they learn certainly aren't the best, but if you've got the TMs to support them, then you've got a Ground type who can really hold its own. After all, the best offense is a good defense, but when you've got great offense AND defense, then there's little to worry about, is there?
Don't Catch: Jigglypuff
Jigglypuff may be an underdog candidate in Super Smash Bros and a fan favorite in the show, but they're not a suitable candidate for your team of six. The positive side of Jigglypuff? They have great HP and can learn almost any TM. Everything beyond that is below average and not very appealing. It's substandard attack, defense, special, and speed for Jigglypuff and the moves they learn aren't much better. Much like other Normal types, they only learn moves of that same type, and Body Slam is the only notable one of their entire move list.
Wigglytuff isn't much of an improvement either. Since the evolution has no level requirement, necessitating only a Moon Stone, you may be tempted to do it immediately after catching Jigglypuff. But, if you do that, then there aren't any additional moves they can learn, leaving it up to you to find TM's to replace any non-preferred moves. Unfortunately, if it isn't a physical attack (Normal/Fighting type move), then the move relies on Wigglytuff's subpar special stat, which won't do a whole lot of damage.
If it's a Normal type Pokémon you want that can learn any TM with a massive health bar, then Chansey should be your pick.
Their physical attack and defense may be weak, but at least their special stat is in the 100s, while Wigglytuff's is half of that. Also, Chansey has more than a hundred more HP than Wigglytuff as well, just in case you were still conflicted.
Underrated: Vulpix
This fire type gives you something impressive to go along with its eye-catching sprite. You get the move set and a greatly-balanced fire type with stats that turn Vulpix into a jack-of-all-trades. Middling HP and attack, but worthy special and speed, which a Fire type sorely needs. Add in that they automatically know the move Ember when you catch them and learn Flamethrower at level 35, it's clear why they're a solid choice for a resident Fire Pokémon.
With the evolution being tied to simply using a Fire Stone, it's totally up to you when they take the next step. Whether you want to wait until they learn Flamethrower or before, it's on you to decide what time is right. Once you do evolve Vulpix into Ninetales, everything is impressively heightened, and they become that worthy starter you were hoping they'd be. Their special and speed are heightened to triple digit numbers, with all other stats not lagging far behind in the mid-70's range.
Compare this to another Fire type like Rapidash who evolves relatively late (level 40), doesn't learn high-caliber moves naturally, and confusingly has high attack stats, but lower special. When it comes to a Fire type with the special stats needed to make moves like Fire Blast and Flamethrower effective, Ninetales is the best of the best.
Don't Catch: Ponyta
Ponyta may look promising, but don't let their fiery mane fool you; there are better fire types that belong in your party. Now, it's not like Ponyta is a terrible initial choice for a Fire type, particularly if you need one for a gym or want to evolve them to fill out the Pokédex. However, it's when you compare learned moves, primary stats, and availability that you realize there are better Fire types available.
Obviously, if you pick Charmander as a starter, then Charizard offers a stronger option with great moves and stats. Nonstarter-wise, Vulpix/Ninetales (who we just discussed) is a viable alternative that offers significantly higher special stats (which means stronger Fire type attacks), with mildly higher HP and defense as well. Ponyta/Rapidash certainly have decent stats, but with overall stats that prioritize physical attacks over special stats, they're simply not as powerful a Fire type as you'd likely need. The fact that Ponyta doesn't evolve until level 40 isn't exactly a plus either.
The problem with Ponyta isn't that they're a bad option overall. It's more about the better alternative Fire types that make Ponyta's value decrease. Rapidash may have a place in your party as a decent back-up Fire type, but there are others that deserve the primary spot more.
Underrated: Tauros
A bull-like Normal type Pokémon? What does that offer anyone outside of attack and maybe speed? A lot more than you might think. Tauros can only be found in the Safari Zone, so automatically you associate that exclusivity with some assumed worthiness. This assumption is accurate as Tauros is impressively-balanced, with notable triple-digit peaks in their speed and attack. Defense doesn't trail far behind either, reaching approximately 95 points in that area.
Like many other Normal types, Tauros learns similar moves as others in that group. However, they learn the highly-effective move Stomp (up there with Body Slam for best Normal type move) early on in their progression and can learn almost any manner of TM/HM. Unlike most other Normal types, Tauros has a special of 70+, meaning their special attacks can still have considerable effect. This means that Tauros could easily become an absolute powerhouse with potential moves you give them and they'd use them effectively.
Other moves obtained through natural progression aren't too notable, but when you can learn almost any other move, it's not a big deal. Overall, Tauros has very few legitimate problems and could serve as a matchup nightmare for player's opponents. After all, when you can learn any move ranging from Fire type to Ice, it's almost impossible to strategize against.
Don't Catch: Lickitung
Lickitung's appeal begins and ends with his undoubtedly-unique appearance. Much like many of their Normal type brethren, all Lickitung has going for them is their ability to learn. While an appreciated quality, their stats point to a party member with a harshly-limited future. They've got a crushingly-slow speed level of 30 (on the same level as Slowbro), an unimpressive 55 attack and 60 special level, and an above-average defense (75).
The only saving grace is their HP, ranging around 95 points. Outside of that, there's really nothing left to Lickitung. They have no evolution, so there's no significant (and immediate) sequence of progression that occurs. Outside of the moves Stomp and Body Slam, they don't really learn any moves worthy of merit. Instead, they too count on the TMs and HMs to pick up the slack. Yet, unlike other Normal types, their attack statistics are so average that there's very little that can actually be done with them.
Put simply, whatever role you're looking for Lickitung to fill, there are others better suited for the role.
Normal types like Clefable and Chansey bring so much more value to the table, along with their ability to learn any TM. Unfortunately, Lickitung doesn't serve much of a purpose outside of filling out a spot in your Pokédex. They're best left in the PC and out of your main party.
Underrated: Voltorb
They may just look like a Pokéball, but don't underestimate this one. They've got speed and special attack that'll blow you away. Found on Route 10 and at the Powerplant, Voltorb is one of the few Electric types Gen 1 Pokémon and is a highly underrated one at that. Starting off, you're not getting a faster Pokémon than Voltorb/Electrode, as his base speed stat pre-evolution is already 100. Along with that, Voltorb has pretty solid defense and special stats, well-suited to the Electric type moves.
Post-evolution, Electrode's got the expected enhancements to each stat, enhancing speed to 140, surpassing Jolteon's 130 to be the fastest Pokémon in Gen 1. In addition, unlike other Electric types, Electrode can learn moves like Self-Destruct and Explosion. These moves can drastically change the direction of a battle and can take down a far-superior opponent potentially due to its power level. This ability, combined with the fastest speed level in the game, allows you to almost have a guaranteed takedown of whomever Electrode ends up facing off with.
Pikachu/Raichu and Jolteon are the main picks for most people's Electric types, but that's still no reason to ignore Voltorb/Electrode's many legitimate qualities. If you're looking for every possible advantage in battle, having the fastest Pokémon in the game isn't a bad start.
Don't Catch: Scyther
Easily a fan favorite on appearance alone, Scyther unfortunately doesn't have enough substance to really be more than a cool looking sprite. While Scyther has great speed and attack, they have a unique problem that not many others have: limited move options. Between the moves they learn from levelling up and moves they can learn through TMs, there really aren't many to choose from. The move Slash is the peak of moves Scyther can learn, with attack and speed boosts making up the only worthy strategy.
Scyther's defense is fine, as is their HP. It simply boils down to the lack of flexibility in their moveset. What if they face off against a Rock type enemy and there's no swapping out another party member? Scyther's got no chance. No moves of varied types for some extra wiggle room, no chance anywhere. All Scyther has is their attack and speed. If all they can get is "Not very effective" responses, then there's nothing they can do.
Without a varied moveset, Scyther simply isn't a reliable option for players, particularly in late-game sections. The lack of strong non-Normal type moves for them to learn reinforces the lack of any future potential. Their usefulness is immediately apparent and isn't likely to improve over time.
Underrated: Shellder
Water/Ice types have their uses and Shellder/Cloyster offer a great moveset and stats to make them extra appealing. Not only that, but they offer you the Pokémon with the game's highest defense. Amounting to over 180 points, Cloyster's defense isn't an easy thing to fight against. There are certainly tough Pokémon listed on here, but none of them come close to matching this level of fortitude. This, combined with nearly triple-digit attack and its not-far-behind special stats, amounts to an Ice type Pokémon worthy of standing out on its own.
Shellder even stacks up to Articuno in numerous areas, although its health is the big Achilles Heel that holds it back.
However, even then, its other stats are too prominent to be overpowered by low HP. It can learn all of the standard Water and Ice TM/HMs, and even learns effective moves like Aurora Beam, Ice Beam and Clamp through natural progression. Both Shellder and Cloyster can roll with the punches, then dish it back in many different ways.
Thankfully, they're also relatively common in the sense they can be found in multiple areas. If players search Routes 6, 11, 19, 20 & 21, Vermilion City, Cinnabar Island, and/or the Seafoam Islands, you may see a tough little clam around those parts. Make sure to thoroughly explore those areas until you find one, as it's best to fight with them rather than against them.
Don't Catch: Spearow
Everyone picks Pidgey as their starting bird, but why not Spearow? They're relatively common, appearing in the single-digit Routes near the beginning of the game, as well as near the later sections. Their stats seem somewhat well-suited to the Flying type, including a notably-high speed stat and above-average attack. Well, while areas like attack and speed are closely-contested with Pidgey and their evolved forms, it's in the other areas where Pidgey and their evolved forms simply outrank Spearow/Fearow.
Yes, Fearow is slightly faster and has moderately higher attack. Yet, in every other area, Pidgeot is the superior Pokémon. TM-wise, they both can learn largely the exact same list of potential moves. The only advantage Fearow has over Pidgeot is that they learn the move Drill Peck, which is one of the strongest Flying type moves in the game, through natural progression. Beyond that, the moves they both learn as they level up are also roughly the same, simply in different order.
Overall, the two closely contest the other. Both in stats, commonality, and even in the moves they learn. However, through the distribution of stats, Pidgeot comes out on top with the higher point totals in important areas where Fearow falls slightly behind. Pidgey is the fan favorite pick, and it seems it's for good reason.
Underrated: Mankey
The Machop family tree may have defense and a bit of extra power, but Mankey/Primeape have something they don't: speed. Main Fighting types typically focus solely on attack and defense, leaving little else in the way of stats. Speed is usually the first to go, as you'll see with Machamp who has considerable attack, but notably low quickness. Not quite on the level of Slowpoke by any means, but it's enough to recognize it as a potential problem for battles.
Mankey/Primeape doesn't have Machamp's attack or defense, but it has considerably more speed. Because of this, you're far likelier to hit first with a Primeape than anyone out of the Machop family tree. As previously discussed in other sections, this could be the big difference maker in battles. Your opponent only has a little sliver of health left and you need a Fighting type move to finish the job. Primeape's got the highest speed out of any Fighting Pokémon, so they may be the only one able to pull it off.
Even with their considerable speed stats, Primeape has strong attack stats and decent HP, considering their small size and quickness. In addition, they get quality moves like Karate Chop, Seismic Toss, and Thrash all through natural progression. The Machops and Hitmonchans may hit harder, but Mankey/Primeape has the speed to punch first, which could end up making all the difference.
Don't Catch: Slowpoke
Their defining trait is their slowness, so you automatically assume they've got to make up for it somewhere, right? Well, while they've got considerable defense and near-triple digit health, Slowpoke/Slowbro's extremely low speed and slightly above-average special limit their ability to be especially useful for you. The high defense and health serve as requirements due to the deficient speed stat, but since their attack level isn't more than other Water types, it's difficult not to just recommend going to other Water types.
Unlike Slowpoke, many of the Water types have considerable speed. Tentacruel and Starmie offer a high-likelihood of attacking first alongside high special attack that will do serious damage against enemies. Golduck, another Water major with a Psychic minor offers a strongly balanced skill set with an equal special stat, much faster feet, higher attack, and a small gap between HPs. The only other "slow" Water Pokémon is Omastar, and even they have a notably-higher special stat, BETTER defense, and a more impressive move-set.
Omastar's a better Slowbro than Slowbro is.
The point is, regardless of if you want a speedy or slow but powerful Water type, Slowpoke/Slowbro is not the best one out there. Many of the other Pokémon in this group offer something more substantial, no matter what it is you're looking for.
Underrated: Pinsir
Here's a Bug type that's somewhat tough to find, but well worth searching for. Although they became a Bug/Fighting type hybrid in later games, Pinsir started out as a Bug type only. However, what makes Pinsir so special and different from other Bug types is that they're built like a Fighting type. High attack, even better defense, and pretty impressive speed. This makes Pinsir extremely durable without hindering their speed stats and gives them a 100 stat attack to defend themselves adequately.
Even with all of these great stats, Pinsir isn't as much of a regular inclusion as they should be. This may be due to a somewhat lacking moves list, forcing players to likely use TMs and HMs to make up for it. If you can work around that fact, then Pinsir is a great addition to any team. It can get difficult hunting them down in the Safari Zone, as they're one of the rarer finds in the area. Once you catch them though, you'll want to keep them around. Their Fighting type moves can help protect itself against Rock types, a type that typically crushes any other Bug Pokémon.
Their HP and special may leave something to be desired, but their other impressive stats more than make up for that. If you're looking for a Bug type that can hold its own in battle, then you can't do much better than Pinsir.
Don't Catch: Tangela
Tangela is a rare find in the game whose biggest problem isn't their stats, but rather their availability. Outside of Yellow version, where you can get them earlier on in the Safari Zone, your only chance at Tangela is in a trade on Cinnabar Island or on Route 21. Because of their availability being a bit closer to the late game sections, many players may feel it's too late. After all, once you reach Cinnabar Island, the only new starter you may be willing to add is one of the legendary birds.
Another component of Tangela that will definitely be up to the preference of players is their move-set. Although Tangela learns over four Grass type moves, status effect moves like Stun Spore and Sleep Powder make up half of them. They can also learn Vine Whip and Absorb, which are effective, albeit a bit lower-tier in comparison to other Grass-type attacks. Tangela does also have decent stats as well, but they're not quite superior enough to warrant a spot over a Victreebel or Vileplume that you've been raising since the game's beginning hours.
They've undoubtedly got potential, and some worthwhile qualities, but it's likely most players would rather hold onto their already-present Grass type before they'd swap them out for Tangela.
Underrated: Staryu
Misty uses them for a reason and it's not just for their look. Staryu/Starmie is one of many Water types that offer impressive speed, but with the addition of high special attack. Going perfectly with their special-focused move-set, this combination works quite well. Their defense (around 85 or so) ensures that they're no pushovers either. Their health leaves something to be desired, as does their attack, but their heightened stats elsewhere tip the scale considerably.
Found all over from Route 19-21, Cinnabar and Seafoam Island, Staryu is typically first seen in the second gym leader battle with Misty. Their XP progression is on the slower side, but their move-set is worth the grind. Similarly, to other notable Water Pokémon like Golduck and Gyarados, the last move they learn is the strongest Water move: Hydro Pump. It helps motivate you to keep leveling up Staryu before evolving them into Starmie with the Water Stone.
Still not convinced? How about the fact that Staryu can learn moves like Thunderbolt and Thunder if you have the TM? Starmie has many qualities, and its varied potential move list and useful stats are the biggest standouts. Add in possible Ice type moves for variety's sake, and you've got a Water type that is more impressive than you thought.
--
Which of these Pokémon do you also have on your team? Let us know in the comments!