The Pokémon franchise is getting closer to releasing the official roster of new Pokémon that will come with Gen IX. The new game, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, already has fans excited about their starters, so there is lots of excitement to see what will come of this new generation.
Looking back at some of the old generations, looking around the halfway point at Gen V can really show the growth that Pokémon have had. Gen V not only produced some incredibly strong Pokémon, but it also introduced some that became iconic
Bisharp
This unique dual-type is iconic for a variety of reasons. For one, it is the only Pokémon to have the dual-type of Dark/Steel. This combination allows it to be immune to Poison and Psychic moves, and resistant to many more. Bisharp is incredibly strong and utilizes its blades (as it is also known as the Sword Blade Pokémon) often in battle.
It is one of the bipedal Pokémon and looks similar to that of a samurai warrior. Its unique appearance and dual-type help to make it a rather unforgettable Pokémon. Bisharp is also known to be very protective of its group, whether that be other Pokémon of people.
Oshawott
Pokémon fans of the anime shows are more than familiar with Oshawott who ended up being one of the many Pokémon to join Ash's team. Oshawott took a liking to Ash, and eventually saved him and Iris from Team Rocket. While the starter Pokémon from Gen V might not be ranked highly compared to the other generation starters, Oshawott is easily the most well-known and liked from the Unova region.
That being said, it's just Oshawott and not really its evolutions. Its popularity is probably entirely due to the fact that it joined Ash's team, as well as its adorable look and nature. Oshawott looks a lot like Piplup who was a fan favorite from the previous generation.
Keldeo
Keldeo is an incredibly rare Mythical Pokémon. It is technically a part of the Swords of Justice group but is often seen alone. While it does not evolve, it has a second form that it can take on if it learns the move Secret Sword.
Its jovial attitude, combined with its small-horse-like appearance makes it very easy to like. Keldeo is also one of the Pokémon that can speak with humans using telepathy. It is incredibly hard to find in any game without there being an event or using the Pokémon Bank.
Victini
Victini made a statement by being the only Pokémon in a generation to be registered before the starters. The Psychic/Fire-type is one of the strongest Mythical Pokémon as well, making it extremely powerful. It is also the only Mythical Pokémon to not have an evolution.
This small Pokémon can be very timid but will fight for its friends if they are in danger. It is not a Pokémon that should be based on its size as its stats are pretty equal all around. It is also iconic due to being one of the base Pokémon in the movies Black- Victini and Reshiram and White - Victini and Zekrom.
Chandelure
Chandelure is one of the few Pokémon that looks like a human object throughout all of its evolutions. From a candle to a chandelier, this Ghost/Fire-type only grows to be stronger with each evolution.
This chandelier-like creature has been a fan favorite from the start and was even selected as the Pokémon of the Year from Gen V by the poll held by the Pokémon Company in 2020. Between being able to use moves like Will-O-Wisp, Inferno, and Shadow Ball, it's no wonder Chandelure is such a popular Pokémon from Gen V.
Axew/Fraxure/Haxorus
Dragon-types have a tendency to be unforgettable within each generation, and Axew is no exception. Axew starts off as a small, and even cute, little creature, that eventually evolves into the very large and intimidating-looking Haxorous.
Not only is Axew well known due to Iris having one as an iconic Pokémon companion, but in Pokémon Sword and Shield there is a whole island named after the little guy. Axew's Eye is a small island located in the middle of Lake Axwell in the Wild Area. Haxorus is one of the Pokémon that regularly wanders around the island, appropriately enough.
Volcarona
One type that is slowly becoming more popular and loved by fans is Bug/Fire. Volcarona falls under this dual-type and is one of the most iconic Pokémon from Gen V. As a moth-type Pokémon, it has a variety of skills that can make it strong. It is also referred to as a "Sun Pokémon" due to being able to use its flames to provide light in dark places.
It made an appearance in the anime show but is a little more rare in the games. Many of the games require a trade to be made to receive this Bug/Fire-type, and there is even a handful where it is not available. Regardless, this Pokémon seems to be one fans will not soon forget, and will always associate with the greats from Gen V.
Zorua/Zoroark
Debuting in the movie Zoroark: Master of Illusions, these two Pokémon became an essential and iconic part of Gen V. The fox-like Pokémon has the ability to create illusions that can confuse its opponents. This incredible ability allowed them to cause lots of chaos in the movie.
Both Zorua and Zozoark are often believed to be Mythical or Legendary Pokémon since they got their own movie, but they are not. It may have similar traits to those types of Pokémon, like being able to shape-shift and talk, but they are among the ranks of the regular Pokémon.
Reshiram
One of the Legendary Pokémon to come from Gen V is Reshiram who is a member of the Tao trio along with Zekrom and Kyurem. Besides having a movie where it is one of the main Pokémon, it is also the game mascot of the game Pokémon Black.
Its stark all-white appearance, along with the elegance of its large wings and flowing tail make it sort of hard to forget. Similar to Keldeo, it is hard to find in the games and is primarily available in the games through trading.
The Swords of Justice
Terrakion, Cobalion, and Virizion complete the Legendary trio known as the Swords of Justice, and they later take in Keldeo who joins their group. Their raising of this Mythical Pokémon is seen in the movie Kyurem VS. The Sword of Justice. These three are also referred to as the Legendary musketeers as they were loosely based on The Three Musketeers.
This iconic trio is known for their unique looks and moves. They all look like they are wearing boots of some type, and each appearance seems to match their primary type. While they are all part Fighting-type, they each have a primary type that is alluded to by their coloring and appearance.