Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s underrated Pokémon are many, considering how many new additions came along with the implementation of Generation 9. While there are a few creatures that steal the spotlight, be that because of their designs (like Quaquaval or Roaring Moon), or their in-field performance (like Iron Hands and Gholdengo), others feel underappreciated by the community. Some of them are, however, excellent Pokémon that can be used to showcase around or in battles.
Deserving of a bit more love, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s most underrated Pokémon may still fall short of grand fan favorites. Now they even have to compete with Charizard in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, which was added through a Tera Raid event, which makes it all the more difficult. Nevertheless, good designs or useful stats should not be overlooked.
Toedscruel Deserves More Love Than It Receives In Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
Toedscruel is one of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s most underrated Pokémon. Though it is initially baffling to see its previous form, Toedscool, running around like a cartoon character, Toedscruel is a masterpiece in terms of design. As species that seems to be derivative of the classic Tentacruel, its looks are great, and what Wiglett and Wugtrio should have aspired to be. Its Ground- and Grass-type makes it a unique approach to Tentacruel’s Water- and Poison-type, which can be useful in many teams. Not only that, but Toedscruel also has one of the best Shiny forms in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, if not in the whole franchise.
Espathra Is A Superb Psychic-Type Pokémon In Scarlet & Violet
While Flittle is, in fact, very underwhelming, its evolution Espathra is unjustly one of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s most underrated Pokémon. Although its design is a bit questionable and fairly odd, it is the first ostrich-inspired Pokémon since Generation 1’s Doduo and Dodrio. A fun fact is that, although it is based on a bird, it is not a Flying-type, and although it could be a Ground-type due to an ostrich’s lack of flight, it really does not follow the obvious direction.
Espathra is a Psychic-type Pokémon and a great one at that. Its exclusive Ability, Opportunist, allows it to replicate a stat raise an opposing Pokémon performs. Because of the Ability, in fact, it was widely used to counter Cinderace’s Tera Raids in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, which only proves its worth. While its design may not be appealing to every player, it has an undeniable tactical strength, making Espathra one of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s most underrated Pokémon.
Clodsire Is A Decent Tank & Fairy-Type Pokémon Counter In Scarlet & Violet
Paldean Wooper’s evolution, Clodsire, may not seem like much, – even its facial expression indicates as much – but it is a very strong ally to have in a player’s team. Because of how it looks, it is one of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s most underrated Pokémon, however, it boasts decent HP and Special Defense stats, making it a reliable tank. Even the Elite Four’s Ground-type specialist, Rika, uses it, to the Trainer’s misfortune. Clodesire’s Ground- and Poison-type grant it a great number of resistances and is a useful tool in clearing out the abundant Fairy-types in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet because of its plentiful Poison-type attacks. It can also learn moves to counter each of its weaknesses, which makes it a good choice for players who want a variety-based tank.
Scarlet & Violet's Maushold Looks Simple, But It Can Be A Challenging Pokémon
Maushold is a curious case of one of Gen 9’s most hated Pokémon to some and a fan-favorite to others. Its design is simple, yet peculiar, which explains the extremely bipolar reception it has received from the community, which makes it one of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s most underrated Pokémon. Nevertheless, it is a fairly interesting creature to use in double fights.
Its signature move, Tidy Up, can be used as an advantageous field reset as opposed to only a stat booster. Not only that, but it can be quite a nuisance to the opposing team with its other signature move, Population Bomb, especially when powered by Loaded Dice. While its Normal Tera type in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet does not do much to help take down opponents, it can be a mid-ranked Fairy Tera type ally.
Iron Moth Lacks In Visual Appeal, But Compensates With Firepower In Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
It is true that Pokémon Violet’s Paradox Pokémon are significantly worse than those presented by Pokémon Scarlet. Nevertheless, a few futuristic-looking creatures are not as bad as they seem. This is the case of Iron Moth, which is one of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s most underrated Pokémon. It does not live up to Volcarona’s might and withers in comparison to its ancient form counterpart, Slither Wing.
However, Iron Moth is still a strong Pokémon to have on one’s team, despite the lack of a significant visual appeal. It boasts great Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed stats, making it a quick striker. Its Fire- and Poison-type also grant it many resistances, which can be very useful in battles.
Pokémon Scarlet & Violet's Garganacl Has Immense Strategic Value
Garganacl in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is one of the most underrated Pokémon because it looks simply terrible. As if Minecraft had crossed over with Game Freak’s franchise, Garganacl is a big blob of stones and sediment, with little to no visual appeal. It is, however, a very resistant and resilient Pokémon, able to withstand many fights.
Its signature Ability, Purifying Salt grants it immunity to status conditions, which is a boon in double fights. Salt Cure, Garganacl’s signature move, further increases its value with a decent and consistent DoT (Damage Over Time) effect. Much like Toedscruel, it also has one of the best Shiny variants in the Gen 9 games, which easily outweighs its original looks.
Tatsugiri Really Is The Titan It Is Portrayed As In Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
The tiny Tatsugiri is featured as one of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s Titans, but it can easily be ignored later on due to its simple design. The truth is that Tatsugiri lives up to its primary Dragon-type and has significantly good stats. Its Special Attack is particularly good and its Speed is average. However, when it has the signature Ability Commander and is paired up with a Dondozo, it can boost the ally’s stats impressively. Tatsugiri also has three distinct forms and three subsequent Shiny variations, which is a treat for collectors. As such, it is easily one of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s most underrated Pokémon.
There are other underrated Pokémon in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, and there are also some genuinely bad creatures. Some lack appeal in terms of design, others are useless in battle, and some fit into both categories. Nonetheless, those who compensate one or the other are deserving of some recognition and are worthy of the player’s attention – even if it is just because of their Shiny variants in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
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