The canon strengths of Legendary Pokémon are common in the community, but Legendary trios are iconic monsters and often the center of the debate. Since Kanto introduced Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres, the Pokémon world has continuously developed new monsters with similar themes and designs. The upcoming Pokémon Scarlet and Violet games have yet to reveal the new Legendary trio, but it's unlikely its additions will defeat the most powerful existing trio. Now that Nintendo and Game Freak have removed the National Pokédex mechanic from the core series, it's unlikely for fans to be able to pit every trio against one another, leaving several match-ups to become purely theoretical.
Most Pokémon generations feature a Legendary trio, usually reflecting some of the themes in the region or the story. A Legendary trio often shares similar typings, designs, and story origins, but these rules can vary depending on the region. For example, Pokémon Sword and Shield's Legendary trio includes Zacian, Zamazenta, and Eternatus, with the latter's design and abilities drastically different from the accompanying hounds. Pokémon Sapphire, Ruby, and Emerald also feature a unique trio that fails to provide many similarities, with Groudon, Kyogre, and Rayquaza sporting different inspirations, typings, and habitats. However, different designs and stories rarely contribute to the individual strength of a Pokémon.
There are many ways to determine which Pokémon are the strongest and which Pokémon are the weakest in each generation. Some players breed and train to max out IVs and EVs, or target species with the highest base stats. In many instances, Pokémon in the competitive meta aren't Legendaries, but these creatures can still carry players through the Elite Four challenges. Fans can also judge Legendary Pokémon's strengths and weaknesses on the story attached to their legacy, with some capable of manipulating time, space, reality, or the elements. While many are native to Earth, others originate from different dimensions and bring untold powers to the franchise.
The Strongest Pokémon Legendary Trio Based On Stats
When players begin building the best battle-ready team Pokémon has to offer, judging a Legendary trio's stats is a good place to start. One of the most notable trios is Pokémon Sword and Shield's Zamazenta, Zacian, and Eternatus. These three forged Galar's legacy of heroes and monsters and are intrinsically linked to the region's Dynamax and Gigantamax phenomenon. Eternatus features the weakest base stats within the trio but is one of the strongest Pokémon without using items or transformations. The form players catch Eternatus in has a base stat set of 690, with its Eternamax form totaling 1,125. Meanwhile, Zamazenta and Zacian total 720 using the Rusted Shield and the Rusted Sword, respectively. However, this trio is not the only Legendary collection with impressive stats.
Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, Nintendo's third Pokémon generation, all feature powerful Legendaries, including Kyogre, Groudon, and Rayquaza. While the first two may not threaten Sword and Shield's Legendaries, the draconic space guardian is a shoo-in for the franchise's most powerful Legendary. Kyogre features a base stat of 670, but its Primal form boosts its attack and defensive stats. The Water-type Legendary is also a competitive powerhouse with many resistances and counters to popular team builds. Groudon sports similar powers, and is considered dominant with its Primal ability. Unfortunately, neither's Primal forms carried over into Pokémon Sword and Shield, resulting in their falling rank. Rayquaza is still a viable choice, as its base stats total 680 in its standard form and 780 with its Mega Evolution.
The Strongest Pokémon Legendary Trio In Lore
The franchise's title of most powerful Pokémon has passed between many legendaries, starting with Mewtwo in Pokémon Red and Blue. When the Sinnoh games were released, a group of Legendaries known as the 'Creation Trio' swiftly claimed the title. Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina rule time, space, and antimatter, though Arceus later joined the group in a special event. The Creation Trio is reportedly responsible for the creation of Sinnoh, though the story has begun to change with the latest Pokémon Legends: Arceus story and the design of Arceus. As with many Legendaries, it's unknown how their lifespan works or if this Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina are the original versions.
Pokémon X and Y introduced Yveltal, Xerneas, and Zygarde, also known as the Aura Trio. These Gen 6 monsters are the exception to a trio's usual matching design, with each creature featuring unique typing and body form. Yveltal is the Destruction Pokémon and is responsible for unleashing death and devastation across Kalos, making it a powerful Legendary Pokémon. Xerneas is the Life Pokémon and can restore life to creatures it encounters, rivaling Yveltal's destructive capabilities. Since Pokémon can die within the franchise's universe, the power to imbue life and death on a mass scale is a gift and a curse. Zygarde is a unique, powerful creature with many forms and keeps merciless balance within the ecosystem. The ability to create, destroy, and equalize without morals makes for a terrifying combination of monsters, placing the Aura Trio as a dangerous lore group.
What Pokémon Legendary Trio Would Beat The Others?
As new Pokémon games are released and the world continues to expand, the most powerful Legendary Pokémon are likely to change. Monsters with higher base stats and more influential lore will likely affect the franchise's foundation and render this verdict inaccurate in time. However, with the existing knowledge available to players, the Creation Trio (Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina) would claim triumph over other Legendary groups when based on their official lore. The ability to manipulate time, space, antimatter, and dimensions, combined with their size, age, and wisdom, would result in a unanimous victory. Unfortunately, the Creation Trio would fall short in the competitive arena. Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina can't compete in player battles against the Weather Trio (Kyogre, Groudon, and Rayquaza), assuming the legendaries have alternate forms. Their signature abilities, high stats, and signature moves turn them into powerful monsters for any trainer.
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet could introduce new species, including a new Legendary trio to catch, which may involve the two dragons on each game's cover art. It's also possible Scarlet and Violet could present multiple Legendary Pokémon trios, as Nintendo and Game Freak did in Sinnoh. Many monsters in the Pokémon competitive meta and Pokédex entries can accomplish powerful deeds, but it's up to players to decide which Legendary trio serves them best. It's important to the Pokémon franchise to maintain some traditions, especially with the departure of the National Pokédex.