The list of the most powerful Pokémon in the franchise is dominated by Legendaries and special forms like Mega Evolutions, but there is one little Normal-type Pokémon from the Johto days that has the ability to bring victory against even the mightiest foes, as Smeargle is one of the most powerful Pokémon in the series.

The strength of a Pokémon isn't just limited to its stats, as there are other factors that define competitive viability. Mega Kangaskhan was one of the strongest Mega Evolutions, due to its Parental Bond Ability giving it an extra attack, rather than anything related to stats. Unique access to a single powerful move can make a Pokémon useful, regardless of its other qualities. By the same token, a bad Ability can curb a Pokémon's competitive viability, as is the case with Slaking and Regigigas.

Related: Is Pokémon's Smeargle Based On Lord Of The Rings' Sméagol?

There are some Pokémon that have access to unique signature moves, with the most recent being Zarude's Jungle Healing. The majority of these moves aren't really unique to those Pokémon, as there is another in the series with the ability to copy them all, thanks to its own signature move. Smeargle was a Normal-type Pokémon that was introduced in Pokémon Gold and Silver, and it soon proved itself to be a terror on the battlefield.

Smeargle Pokémon Are Masters Of Utility

Smeargle in the Pokémon anime holding its tail

Smeargle has subpar stats, save for its decent Speed. What Smeargle does have, however, is unique access to a move called Sketch. If Smeargle uses Sketch after another Pokémon uses a move in battle, then Sketch will be replaced with that move. Smeargle can also learn Sketch multiple times. This means that Smeargle can learn almost any combination of four moves in the game.

It might be tempting to think that this involves incredibly powerful attacks, but Smeargle isn't made for bashing opponents into dust. Smeargle has access to some powerful status effect moves that are normally restricted to a small pool of Pokémon, and can use Spore (100% chance of sleep) or Nuzzle (100% chance of paralysis) to weaken an enemy Pokémon with a single move. It can lay every entry hazard in the game, including Stealth Rock and Sticky Webs. Smeargle can also raise its stats with offensive moves like Shell Smash, then pass it to another team member with Baton Pass. Smeargle's incredible power lies in the fact that it can be used for any number of tactics, some of which cannot be replicated by other Pokémon. This gives Smeargle an unparalleled ability to incapacitate an enemy team in order to leave them helpless for its allies.

Smeargle currently doesn't exist in Pokémon Sword and Shield, as it was one of the Pokémon cut during the Dexit controversy. As such, it's unclear how competitively viable it is in the Dynamax/Gigantamax era. It's likely that Smeargle will return by the end of this current Pokémon Generation, and it will have access to new unique moves, like Jungle Healing. This brush-tailed Pokémon is going to have even more weapons in its arsenal when it finally makes its comeback in the future.

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