Pokémon/Characters/Generation V Families

Everything About Fiction You Never Wanted to Know.


A list of Pokémon who debuted in Pokémon Black and White. At 156 new Pokémon, none of which are related to previous ones, this generation has introduced the most Pokémon of them all. Due to no old Pokémon being present in the story of Black and White, many Pokémon present in all the other games—such as Zubat, Geodude, Tentacool, or Machop—got Expies for this one. In addition, many of the Pokemon here evolve at later levels than most Pokemon from other regions, but as a tradeoff, many of them have comparatively stronger stats, but shallower movepools. Some even are able to stand with the powerhouses of previous Generations in the Metagame - in fact, the influx of relatively powerful new Pokemon forced Smogon to make an entirely new tier. As for Legendary Pokémon, these games introduce the now-standard version mascot trio and obligatory regional trio, but eschews the sort of miscellaneous non-event Legendaries seen in the fourth generation in favor of a third trio—a pair of version-exclusive roamers and their leader—and is the second consecutive generation to include four event Legendaries.

For other generations, go here.

Victini

An odd rabbit critter, number 000 on the Unova Pokédex. Victini is said to be the incarnation of victory itself, with in-game legends claiming that if you have a Victini in your party, you are guaranteed a victory in some way. With balanced stats to go around, it may or may not hold this status when put to practice. It is event-only.

  • Cartoon Creature: It looks like a very stylized rabbit and is apparantly based on a traditional method of cutting apple slices in a way that makes them look like rabbits.
  • Cute Little Fangs
  • Disc One Nuke: The 'little legend' of this generation, but could be caught at a relatively low level—even before obtaining the third badge (whose Leader prefers Bug-types, giving Victini's Fire-type a distinct advantage).
  • Fireballs: Its signature move Searing Shot, which is notably the first Fire move to be one of these.
  • Gilded Cage: You find Victini in a nice, cozy bedroom in the basement of an island lighthouse. It's suggested that the family who bought the land built the room as a place for Victini to hide in so it would be safe from those who would exploit its powers. But after the player catches it, everyone agrees that it's safer in your hands.
  • Informed Ability: The Pokédex entry claims anyone with a Victini in their party will win any battle, no exceptions. For obvious reasons, this isn't always the case in-game.
  • Jack of All Stats: At this point of time, you can already make a full team of Mew expies, and all of them are equally rounded.
  • Letter Motif: Victini, V sign motif, with the signature move V-create.
    • Stealth Pun: And introduced in Generation V. V-create was even called V-generate in the Japanese version.
  • My Hero Zero: #000 in the Unova Pokédex. Missingno. jokes popped up almost immediately in the fandom.
  • No Biological Sex
  • Nuclear Weapons Taboo: It is described as guaranteeing victory and having limitless energy, strongly implying that its powers are based around nuclear fission.
  • Playing with Fire
  • Psychic Powers
  • Purposefully Overpowered: Restricted usage in the Battle Subway, official tournaments, and random Wifi.
  • Secret Character: Encountering Victini in-game requires receiving a special item (which, fortunately, was freely available during the games' initial release). If you missed out on the item, you can only trade a Victini in from another player's game.
  • Signature Move: Searing Shot. V-create as well, but only on Victini downloaded in the movie tie-in (and now Rayquaza knows the move through similar means, too).
  • "V" Sign: This is Victini's entire motif.

Snivy, Servine, and Serperior (Tsutarja, Janovy, and Jalorda)

This little fellow's quite the Smug Snake, isn't it? As it evolves, its limbs become less prominent and it starts looking more like the snake it was meant to resemble. While it has very lackluster offensive stats, it has very high defenses and speed, and its hidden ability even lets it boost its offensive stats using a powerful attack to become something of a Lightning Bruiser. You most likely heard about Snivy under the name "Smugleaf"; shortly after its reveal to Japanese fans, it became an instant hit on the internet (internationally) because of its seemingly arrogant expression and resemblance to Excalibur. Mudkip better watch out.

  • Ascended Meme: The name "Snivy" was actually used as a more logical alternative to its meme name before the official US name was announced. And then Snivy became its Canon Name.
  • Blue Blood: Its design motif is European royalty; there's even a fleur-de-lis on Snivy's tail. Serperior's even called the "Royal Pokémon".
  • Death Glare: Serperior. It can even stop its opponents' movements with one.
  • Green Thumb
  • Honor Before Reason: Similar to Charizard, Serperior's White Dex entry states that it would only choose to fight against formidable opponents.
  • Master of None: Gets "Balanced" stats, where all except speed are lower than a few unevolved Pokémon; this is not helped by the Poor Predictable Rock it gets due to its movepool.
    • However, its high defense combined with its high speed can give it the chance to use stat raising moves to remedy this. It also learns Coil by level up, which not raises its low attack stat but boosts its already great defense and gives it an accuracy boost to boot.
  • Overshadowed by Awesome: He's not bad as a staller (able to learn both Leech Seed and Substitute), but Whimsicott is better.
  • Planimal
  • Poor Predictable Rock: Starters normally have extremely diverse movepools, which makes the fact that this line's movepool is not [1] quite noticeable. However, once its Dream World ability is released...
  • Signature Move: Apart from the standard package for Grass starters (Grass Pledge and Frenzy Plant), the line is strongly associated with Leaf Tornado.
  • Smug Snake: Literally.
  • Stone Ninja: The Hoppip line did this first.
    • Lightning Bruiser: Becomes this when using the powerful Leaf Storm with its Hidden Ability, Contrary, which makes stat changes have the opposite effect. That means Leaf Storm will make its Special Attack double each turn instead of halving, making an already powerful move more so every turn. So significant is this ability that it turns Serperior from bottom-tier garbage into a top-tier tank that becomes stronger each time it attacks (pretty much). However, there is no way to get a Snivy with this ability without hacking, as the Entree Forest does not have data for Snivy in Pokémon Black and White Versions. It can also learn attack boosting moves like Growth and Swords Dance. Not quite as effective, but it certainly helps. It also learns Coil by level up, increasing its attack while making its defense even higher.
  • Whip It Good: Servine's preferred method of combat, though you'll probably make it do something else.

Tepig, Pignite and Emboar (Pokabu, Chaoboo, and Enbuoh)

An orange fire-breathing pig that gets bigger, heavier, bulkier, and more Badass with each evolution. While its defenses and speed aren't the greatest, it has the highest offensive stats of any starter line yet. Emboar's hidden ability "Reckless" takes this Up to Eleven and powers up its many recoil moves (although, at the same time, it takes more damage from them). Although its being the third Fire/Fighting starter line in a row may seem redundant, this can be justified somewhat by the fact that, like Infernape, it's based on a Journey to the West character.

Tepig: Teeeeeeepig~ ...oink.

Oshawott, Dewott, and Samurott (Mijumaru, Futachimaru, and Daikenki)

Oshawott may be silly-looking, but don't be fooled, because it can use the "scalchop" on its chest as a blade. As it evolves, it becomes less silly-looking and more fierce-looking (though Dewott is definitely a Badass Adorable); by the time it becomes a Samurott, it's become a full-on Samurai sea lion, complete with dual swords (they're sheathed in its front legs). An all-around well-rounded starter choice, both for in-game purposes and for casual battling.

Patrat and Watchog (Minezumi and Miruhogu)

Common across the Unova region, Patrat form groups and rotate their lookout duties. They often hold seeds in their cheek pouches, and can use them to attack when endangered. The patterns on Watchog's body can light up in order to alert other members of the species to danger.

Lillipup, Herdier, and Stoutland (Yoruteri, Haderia, and Murando)

Another common species, the Lillipup family are known to be courageous in battle but intelligent enough to flee when overpowered and outperformed. They are also known for their loyalty to the group. Their thick fur protects them from attacks and harsh environments, and their facial hair doubles as a form of sensory radar.

  • Badass Mustache: Grows one as it evolves.
  • Can't Catch Up: Due to its poor stats and even poorer moveset, most Lillipups and Herdiers will get knocked out while you're trying to train them, but if manage to level up your little puppy to Level 32...
    • Magikarp Power: It becomes a big dog that can learn Fire/Thunder/Ice Fang and Giga Impact.
  • Com Mons: One of the few species that can actually be useful throughout the whole game, if you train it properly.
  • Precious Puppies
  • Heroic Dog
  • Item Caddy: Lillipup is one of the few pre-National Dex or Dream World Pokemon in White and Black that can learn Pick Up. It loses this when it evolves.
  • Jack of All Stats
    • Lightning Bruiser: One of its abilities is Sand Rush, which will double its otherwise okay base speed of 80 in a sandstorm (plus giving it an immunity to sandstorm damage).
  • Non-Elemental
  • Won't Work On Me: Against Ghost-type attacks.
  • Stoutland Strength: Besides A Worldwide Punomenon, Stoutland is rather stout in size and it does have a nice base attack of 100. And it can learn Strength, too.

Purrloin and Liepard (Choroneko and Reparudasu)

Rather tricky Pokémon, Purrloin are known to steal human belongings and put on a cute facade when confronted. When threatened, however, they strike back with their sharp claws. After evolving, they prefer stealthy hunting.

Pansage and Simisage, Pansear and Simisear, and Panpour and Simipour (Yanappu and Yanakkie, Baoppu and Baokkie, Hiyappu and Hiyakkie)

A trio of monkey Pokémon with elemental affinities. The tufts on the Pan's heads can be used to revitalize others, roast berries, and store water, respectively, and they use these abilities intelligently in the wild. Their personalities greatly differ after evolution, and their attacks become much more potent.

  • Ambiguously Gay: Look at Simisear's pose and tell me you don't think of this.
  • Combat Pragmatist: They learn quite a bit of Dark-Type moves via Level up.
  • Crutch Character: The one weak to your starter is given to the player for free to help beat the first gym (which uses the member of the trio strong against your starter). After this, however, they must deal with their low stats and a long wait to get good moves, which you won't get if you evolve them for better stats early. Non-starter water (Tympole), fire (Darumaka), and grass (Petilil) Pokémon are easy to obtain and much easier to use.
  • Dude Looks Like a Lady: Simipour's relatively feminine appearance masks a gender ratio of seven males to one female. This makes it reminiscent of a New Age Retro Hippie.
  • Elemental Powers
  • Everything's Better with Monkeys
  • Eyes Always Shut: Panpour and Simipour.
  • Monkey Morality Pose
  • Signature Move: Respectively, Panpour (and, by extension, Simipour) and Pansage/Simisage are the only ones who learn Scald and Grass Knot naturally.
  • Stealth Pun: Based on the saying "See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" (the order is reversed for them, though).
  • Theme Naming: For the base forms' suffixes, we have "sage" (a type of herb), "sear" (cooking meat with flames), and "pour" (as in to pour a glass of water).
  • Turns Red: in the Dream World, they can each have the starters' signature abilities Overgrow, Torrent, and Blaze.
  • Underground Monkey
  • Visual Pun: respectively, Pansage and Simisage, and Panpour and Simipour the leaf and sea monkeys.

Munna and Musharna

Odd Psychic-type Pokémon that consume the dreams of humans and Pokémon alike. Munna and Musharna can produce a "Dream Mist" after eating; looking into the mist shows the contents of the consumed dream. This ability makes them rather valuable Pokémon in terms of research and study.

  • Awesome but Impractical: Like most Pokémon that evolve with a stone too early, Musharna will lose its ability to even learn any new moves, which makes its improved stats less useful.
  • Dream Stealer
  • Flower Motifs: Munna
  • Lunacy: You need a Moon Stone to evolve Munna.
  • Master of Illusion: An individual one is, as shown in an in game event.
  • Mighty Glacier
  • Mushroom Samba: The smoke coming from Musharna's head sends anyone who comes in contact with it into a magical dream world—not unlike a certain green plant that can be smoked to get similar effects.
  • Mythology Gag: In Gen I, there was a girl that wanted a pink Pokémon with flower(s) on it. Now she can get it in the form of Munna!
    • In Gen III, a scientist in Hoenn was working on a machine to see Pokémon dreams.
  • Psychic Powers
  • Youkai: Like Drowzee and Hypno, they're based off the baku.

Pidove, Tranquill, and Unfezant (Mamepato, Hatoboh, and Kenhorou)

Fulfilling the role of the regional bird, Pidove are somewhat unintelligent Pokémon that gather in social groups, while Tranquill live in deep forests. Male and female Unfezant differ greatly; the males have a large, flamboyant "mask", while the duller females are known to have much greater flying abilities.

  • Big Badass Bird of Prey: Yeah, they managed to combine that with a pigeon and a pheasant.
  • Black Mage: It learns mostly special attacks in its level up movepool.
  • Blow You Away
  • Com Mons
  • Flight
  • Gameplay and Story Segregation: According to the Pokédex, the females have better flying abilities than the males. However, both still have the same base stats.
  • Glass Cannon: Because Staraptor was so popular, we guess.
  • Healing Factor: One of the few Generation V birds to learn "Roost" by leveling up.
  • Muscles Are Meaningful: They have big pecs.
  • Won't Work On Me: Against Ghost and Ground attacks.
  • Overshadowed by Awesome: It learns almost no physical Flying attacks by leveling up (barring the two turn Sky Attack), Staraptor is stronger, faster, and has a Fighting type move, Swellow can use Guts to use Facade better, several other Flying types have much better stats and movepools, and not to mention the Special attacks it learns are almost useless on it due to its dismal Special Attack. Its only advantages over other Normal/Flying types are the fact that it learns Roost by level up and it can use Super Luck to make critical hits more frequent.
  • Shown Their Work: Of male birds usually being more colorful than female birds.

Blitzle and Zebstrika (Shimama and Zeburaika)

During thunderstorms, herds of Blitzle and Zebstrika gather to collect the electrical charges from lightning bolts. Both can light up their manes and body patterns to communicate, and Zebstrika are known for their violent tempers and explosive outbursts of energy. Their high pitched cries will let you know when they're coming.

Roggenrola, Boldore, and Gigalith (Dangoro, Gantoru, and Gigaiatsu)

A family of Rock-type Pokémon whose bodies are compressed by underground pressure, making them harder than iron. Roggenrola hold cores of energy in their bodies, which leak out and form orange crystals upon evolution. This energy gives them potent fighting ability, and Gigalith can even absorb sunlight into the crystals to fire intense solarbeams.

  • Action Bomb: Naturally learns Explosion. Thankfully, this takes a while, so you're unlikely to see wild specimens use it.
  • Com Mons
  • Disc One Nuke: Roggenrola, an extremely easy-to-get pokemon, evolves into Boldore at level 25 and evolves ino Gigalith by trade, meaning you can get a Gigalith earlier than you can fully evolve any of your starters. Gigalith, mind you, has absurdly high defense - and even higher attack.
  • Dishing Out Dirt
  • Eyeless Face: Roggenrola; that dent at its center is actually its ear.
    • In a sense, Boldore as well - only once it evolves into Gigalith does it gain facial features (including eyes inside the ears).
  • Last Chance Hit Point: Their Sturdy ability lets them survive an otherwise lethal hit if they were at full health. This makes it excellent for catching them, but also makes them annoying random encounters (It doesn't help that wild Boldore can have Selfdestruct).
  • Mighty Glacier: Gigalith has very high attack and defense, but is as slow as a rock.
  • Name's the Same: Dangoro is also the name of a mid-boss in The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.
  • The Power of the Sun: Gigalith's dex entry says that it stores solar energy in its crystals, and can use it to attack.
    • In a somewhat surprising aversion to Gameplay and Story Segregation, it actually can learn SolarBeam, though its weak Special Attack means it's generally not a recommended move.
  • Punny Name: Rock'n'roll(er), anyone?
  • Silicon Based Pokémon: And with quite an alien feel while we are at it.


Woobat and Swoobat (Koromori and Kokoromori)

These rather cute-looking Pokémon live in caves and attach themselves to walls using their nostrils' suction, leaving heart-shaped stamps when they wake. They can also release ultrasonic waves from their nostrils; Swoobat's are powerful enough to damage boulders and are used in courtship.

Drilbur and Excadrill (Mogurew and Doryuzu)

Underground-dwelling creatures that dig extensive networks of tunnels. Drilbur quickly makes holes by pressing its claws together and turning. Excadrill has the ability to form rounded drills with their bodies by holding their claws over their heads, allowing them to drill through iron plating and subway tunnels.

Audino (Tabunne)

Extremely rare in the wild (or at least meant to be; shaking grass isn't too hard to make appear), Audino are natural-born medics with the ability to use their stethoscope-ears to hear the heartbeats of others and assess their health. This extreme hearing ability is also used to detect its surroundings. They seem to be thought of fondly by Unova's locals.

  • The Dev Team Thinks of Everything: Here's how rustling works in a nutshell: each time you take a step near any patch of grass, it can spawn on screen. Therefore your best way of hunting Audino is run in straight lines until it spawns and hope you don't have to walk in the grass too long to get to the rustling patch, since wild Pokémon encounter means you have to repeat the whole process again from scratch. Now you got your eighth badge, so you need to grind up a team of 6 from 40 to mid-50...so here's a nice long patch of grass on Route 10 where every patch takes one step at most to get to.
  • Healing Factor: Can have the ability Regeneration.
  • Healing Shiv: It learns Heal Pulse, which heals a target other than the user. Nice when a high-leveled one uses it on you!
  • The Medic
  • Metal Slime: It's rare, and gives out a lot of experience points when defeated. Thankfully, at least it doesn't run off.
    • Commonplace Rare: It is by far the most common Pokémon to appear in rustling grass (and the only one in some early routes.)
  • Non-Elemental
  • Won't Work On Me: Against Ghost-type attacks.
  • Pinata Enemy: Audino gives you lots of experience points.
  • White Mage: Its move pool is so heavily focused on support moves for Double and Triple battles (Heal Pulse, Helping Hand, After You, etc.) that its effectiveness in single combat is hobbled quite a bit.
  • Who's on First?: Its Japanese name, Tabunne, translates to "maybe".
    • Woolseyism: And its English name sounds like "I dunno".
      • And, while we're at it: Its German name "Ohrdoch" sounds like "Oh, doch!" (literally "Oh, yes!"), and its French name "Nanmeouie" sounds like "Non mais oui" (No but yes). Its Chinese name sounds like Tabunne, except with "doll" at the end.

Timburr, Gurdurr, and Conkeldurr (Dokkora, Dotekkotsu, and Roobushin)

Humanoid Pokémon that strengthen themselves by carrying heavy objects, which double as weapons in battle. As they evolve, their muscles get stronger to the point that they can freely swing their weapons in battle.

  • Bare-Fisted Monk: While best known for the weapon(s) carried around, the entire line is still quite capable of punching opponents into submission quite effectively.
  • Carry a Big Stick: ...and then an iron beam, and then two concrete pillars.
  • Cool Old Guy: Conkeldurr, as hinted by the "elder" pun in its name and its White Dex entry (it uses its concrete pillars as walking canes).
  • Dishing Out Dirt: Despite not being Rock-types, they can learn Rock-type moves via level up (most notably Rock Slide and Stone Edge).
  • Dogfaces: Most pronounced in Timburr, but the entire line does give that impression.
  • Dual-Wielding: Once again, Conkeldurr.
  • Genius Bruiser: Conkeldurr is thought to have invented concrete two thousand years ago.
  • Gonk: Timburr's evolutions may have been deliberately designed as ugly.
  • Improbable Weapon User: Sadly, it does not learn Wood Hammer, possibly because it's a Grass-type move.
  • Lady Looks Like a Dude: While not as creepy as with Machoke and Machamp, Conkeldurr can be female 1/4 of the time, despite its overall manly appearance and visible goatee.
  • Mighty Glacier: Its commonly-used Mach Punch allows it to bypass its low Speed. Also, Focus Punch has negative priority for anyone, but Conkeldurr has the strongest Focus Punch in the game.
  • Monster Clown: They resemble the musclemen seen at carnival sideshows and at the circus.
  • Our Ogres Are Hungrier: Conkeldurr.
  • Punny Name: Timber, Girder.
  • Top-Heavy Guy: Timburr, Gurdurr and Conkeldurr have huge, strong, muscular arms and torso, but tiny legs!

Tympole, Palpitoad, and Seismitoad (Otamaro, Gamagaru, and Gamageroge)

Tadpole/frog Pokémon that produce vibrations from special growths on their bodies. While Tympole usually uses vibrations for communication, Palpitoad and Seismitoad use them for more offensive purposes like shockwaves, boulder-smashing punches, or even earthquakes, which can be made more powerful in groups.

Throh and Sawk (Nageki and Dageki)

A duo of martial artists that practice Judo and Karate, respectively. They train themselves in forests and mountains. By tightening their belts, Throh and Sawk boost their strength. Known to be aggressive towards trespassers who disturb their training or pose a large perceived threat.

Sewaddle, Swadloon, and Leavanny (Kurumiru, Kurumayu, and Hahakomori)

These bug Pokémon make their homes deep in forests and use silk to cleverly stitch together leaves to make clothing for themselves. These leaves also double as a food source for them as well. It has been observed that temperate forests tend to be healthier when these Pokémon inhabit them as they also eat the fallen leaves that would otherwise choke out the underbrush. One needs to raise Swadloon's happiness in order to evolve it into a Leavanny.

Venipede, Whirlipede, and Scolipede (Fushide, Hoiiga, and Pendura)

Highly aggressive bug and poison Pokémon, they are basically the Weedle family on steroids. They are effective hunters that use poison to subdue their prey and for defense against bird Pokémon that may want to eat them. At over 8 feet tall and over 400 lbs, it is a bug Pokémon of gigantic proportions and not to underestimate.

Cottonee and Whimsicott (Monmen and Elfuun)

Vaguely sheep-like creatures that use the wind to float about, they stop floating if they get waterlogged and need to be dried out before they can fly again. They are extremely quick for grass Pokémon and gain priority if they use a non-attacking move. They are exclusive to the in Black version.

Petilil and Lilligant (Churine and Doredia)

Petilil is a cute little plant creature with a tulip bulb for a head. They appear to prefer places with rich soil and clean water so wherever Petilil choose to live is a good place to grow crops. With the help of a Sun Stone it evolves into Lilligant, a gorgeous Pokémon which knows a number of dancing moves. It resembles Bellossom in a way. They are exclusive to the White version.

  • Crouching Moron, Hidden Badass: At first sight, Lilligant appears to be a frail, filler, and ridiculous Pokémon. But train her well and put your rival to sleep, use Quiver Dance as much as you can, and, if the cute dame survives, she becomes a beastly sweeper able to pulverize even advantageous foes using Petal Dance combined with the Own Tempo ability (unless the enemy has the Sap Sipper ability, a 4x resistance to grass, or an insane Special Defense like Blissey). Lilligant can even heal herself using Giga Drain.
  • Disc One Nuke: In Black, you can obtain one with high IVs (all 21 out of 31, except the Special Attack, which is maxed) and a good nature (Modest, boosting Special Attack further) early on via an in-game trade. Then, when you get the Sun Stone to evolve in it Nimbasa City, it will soon learn Quiver Dance via level up, an insanely powerful boosting move. But we recommend letting it learn Giga Drain first.
  • Flower in Her Hair
  • Green Thumb
  • Lightning Bruiser: In sunny weather, if it has the Chlorophyll ability.
  • Magic Dance: Lilligant has a lot of moves that involve dancing. She can perform the confusion-inducing Teeter Dance, the stat-improving Quiver Dance[2] and Swords Dance, the extremely powerful Petal Dance,[3] and Entrainment.[4]
  • One-Gender Race: Always female.
  • Petal Power
    • Cherry Blossoms: If Lilligant possesses the Own Tempo ability, she can use the powerful Petal Dance attack without any ill effects.
  • Plant Person
  • Poor Predictable Rock: Outside of Hidden Power, Dream Eater, and a handful of common Normal moves, it doesn't get any attacks to complement its Grass STAB.
  • Ridiculously Cute Critter: Petilil, which looks somewhat like a cute little girl in a dress...
  • Southern Belle: Lilligant seems to be based off one, what with the fancy "dress" and "hat". It's also always female.
  • Squishy Wizard: Has poor defensive stats, but great Special Attack.

Basculin (Basurao)

Inhabiting the lakes, rivers and streams of Unova are not Magikarp, but this Pokémon. It distinctly comes in two forms: a Red-striped form and a Blue-striped form. Both are Basculin and the differences appear to be cosmetic. This doesn't stop them from feuding with one another. But there are instances of one kind being found in the other kind's school.

Sandile, Krokorok, and Krookodile (Meguroco, Waruvile, and Waruvial)

Ravenous desert-dwelling crocodilian Pokémon. This line is based on the gavial, but have a little inspiration from thieves and bandits—hence the mask-like eyes. Their eyes are equipped to handle both the light reflected off desert sand and low light situations. Even though gavials eat insects, these guys are weak to Bug-type attacks.

Darumaka and Darmanitan (Darumakka and Hihidaruma)

Darumaka is a small, red, Fire-aligned creature resembling a Dharma doll. Even its poop is hot enough to be used to keep warm on cold nights. Darmanitan looks more like a baboon, and has all the manic energy you'd expect from one. But when Darmanitan is in trouble, it goes into "Zen Mode"; its body goes stock still and becomes rock solid, while its latent Psychic Powers activate.

  • Awesome but Impractical: Zen Mode Darmanitan 1) means you don't get the powerful Sheer Force ability Normal Mode Darmanitan normally has, 2) only activates at half HP, losing it if it gets healed, 3) is built to utilize a different attack stat from the base form, making the move-set and stat-spread a pain to work out, 4) is defensive with some of the worst defensive type combos in the game,[6] and 5) its outright wonderful defensive stats get wasted due to only appearing at half HP.
    • However, it receives its niche in Rotation Battles, where Trick Room can easily be used and switched, and where it can use Belly Drum to raise its Attack high, use Overheat to decimate foes, and then, when its Special Attack is lowered too much, can use its now incredibly high Attack stat to attack.
  • Bare Fisted Monkey: Despite not being a Fighting-type, Darmanitan learns powerful fighting-type moves such as Superpower and Hammer Arm.
  • Big Ol Unusual Eyebrows: And they're burning to boot!
  • Everything's Better with Monkeys: Darmanitan's Japanese name shows that it is a baboon ("hihi").
  • Fiery Redhead: Except in Zen Mode.
  • Glass Cannon/Mighty Glacier: Depending on its mode.
  • Playing with Fire
  • Psychic Powers: Only in Zen Mode, although a normal Darmanitan can still use Psychic, just not as effectively.
  • Really Seven Hundred Years Old: There are a half-dozen Zen Mode Darumaka sleeping outside the entrance to the Relic Castle. According to Professor Juniper, it's very likely that they've been there for centuries. And you can catch all of them.
  • Ridiculously Cute Critter: Darumaka.
  • Slasher Smile: Darmanitan spots a serious one, to the point it looks like a relative of the Millenium Earl.
  • Turns Blue: Some Darmanitan do this if they have a particular ability.
  • Standard Status Effects: Averted; the line's "Sheer Force" ability trades any chance a move has to cause one for a 30% attack power boost. Remember that every single Fire-type attack has a chance to burn...
  • Unique Enemy: Well, Darmanitans and Darumakas are actually fairly common, but post-game, you can get Ragecandybars with which you can wake up one of the Zen Mode Darumaka outside Relic Castle. Seeing as the Dream World doesn't have any areas with Darmanitan yet, this is the only opportunity to get a Zen Mode Darumaka at current time.

Maractus (Marakacchi)

This rabbit-eared cactus is found in the desert resort. It's well adapted to desert life by absorbing any moisture it can, even from Pokémon attacks if it has to. It also drives away bird Pokémon that may try to eat its seeds by shaking its body, which sounds much like maracas.

Dwebble and Crustle (Ishizumai and Iwaparesu)

This Pokémon bears a passing resemblance to Paras and Parasect, but instead of a mushroom, it carries a rock, which it has carved for itself and now lives inside. This rocky shell proves a to be a great form of defense, but it isn't exactly maneuverable. Luckily, it has access to the move Shell Smash, which can fix that drawback.

Scraggy and Scrafty (Zuruggu and Zuruzukin)

Extremely territorial lizards with a penchant for beating up passer-bys and trespassers. These gangsters are really tough opponents thanks to their unique Dark/Fighting typing, a great movepool, great defenses and great abilities. Scrafty can play very well as either a bulky defensive character or as an all-offense sweeper.

  • Badass
  • Bare-Fisted Monk
  • Casting a Shadow
  • Chew Bubblegum: Scrafty has a very strange battle animation that looks like it's chewing gum. Maybe it's because it kicks ass?
  • Eighties Hair: Scrafty's mohawk-like crest.
  • Gameplay and Story Segregation: Despite the Pokédex entries stating that it gangs up against opponents and is able to spit acid, Scrafty does not learn Beat Up, Acid, Gastro Acid, or Acid Spray.
  • Gangsters Are Cool: Scraggy is also used by the gangsters on Route 9.
  • Glasgow Grin: Scraggy's mouth looks like that, but disappears upon evolution.
  • In the Hood: Scrafty is based on urban gang members of the 1990s to now (the bottom molted skin resembles sagging pants, and the skin on its neck is a hoodie) with a 1980s punk element (the mohawk). Scraggy is the same, but with only the pants.
  • Kamehame Hadouken: Although it's not very useful due to their low special attack, they can learn Focus Blast by TM.
  • Kill Streak: The ability Moxie, which can increase their strength to frightening levels.
  • Lightning Bruiser: Scrafty starts off as a Mighty Glacier, but with a proper Dragon Dance setup, it can become this.
  • Magic Pants: The molted skin they wear is fairly elastic. They pull it up to use as a shield.
  • Mighty Glacier: Scrafty has incredible defense and some good attack. He's inherently slow, though.
  • Use Your Head: Headbutt and Head Smash are commonly associated with the family. Scraggy is very prone to headbutting anyone who makes eye contact with it (as shown in the animé).

Sigilyph (Shinboraa)

This bizzare Pokémon raises a number of questions.[7] They appear to be artificial, but it is able to breed with other bird Pokémon. They fly around the desert in the same set of areas and appear be guarding something, but what exactly? They are very enigmatic.

Yamask and Cofagrigus (Desumasu and Desukaan)

Yamask is said to be the spirit of a human being that was transformed into a Ghost-type Pokémon. The mask it carries is what its face looked like. Despite its origins, it evolves into Cofagrigus, a sarcophagus monster with four arms and a hellish grin. Cofagrigus lay wait in tombs, and when a grave robber tries to disturb the peace... well, they learn a valuable lesson about respecting the dead.

  • Bling Bling Bang: According to Cofagrigus' entry, that coffin is made of pure gold.
  • Cool Mask
  • Floating Mask: Yamask
  • I'm a Humanitarian or I Taste Delicious: The Black Pokédex states that Cofagrigus's favorite food is gold; the White Pokédex states that its body is made of pure gold. Who's to say that it hasn't tried to eat its own kind...or itself?
  • Mask Power: Yamask
  • Multi-Armed and Dangerous: Cofagrigus
  • Mummy: Its ability (see The Virus)
  • Won't Work On Me: Like their ghost brethren, they're immune to Normal and Fighting attacks.
  • Our Ghosts Are Different: Yamask is said to be the soul of a human being. And that mask? That was the face of how that person looked when he (or she) was alive. Cofagrigus, on the other hand, is a possessed coffin made of solid gold that may or may not cannibalize other Cofagriguses or itself for their/its gold body, loves to trick grave robbers, and turns people into zombies with its Mummy ability.
  • Red Eyes, Take Warning: Cofagrigus
  • Scunthorpe Problem: Cofagrigus has been known to set off a good amount of censor filters on Internet forums. For a long time, it wasn't allowed to be traded on the GTS unless it had a nickname.
  • Slasher Smile: Cofagrigus, though that may be part of the coffin itself.
  • Soul Power
  • Stone Wall: Cofagrigus has 145 Defense, the highest of any Pokémon introduced in Generation V. It does have good Special Defense and decent Special Attack, but is extremely slow, making it a Gradual Grinder.
  • The Virus: Its Mummy ability makes any Pokémon who make physical contact with it have their ability change into Mummy.
  • Was Once a Man: Yamask.

Tirtouga and Carracosta (Purutooga and Abagoura)

A fossil Pokémon based on an extant creature. Tirtouga and Carracosta are chelonian Pokémon of the sea turtle variety. Their rock-hard shells grant them a high defense, but they're rather slow.

Archen and Archeops (Archen and Archeosu)

The fossil Pokémon they claim to be the ancestor of all bird Pokémon, Archen and Archeops have colorful plumage, but they also have mouths full of teeth, claws on their wings, and long tails. Unlike the tanky Carracosta, Archeops is a glass cannon in the truest sense. It possesses amazing stats, but an ability that keeps it from being too overpowered.

  • Awesome but Impractical: Due to its Defeatist ability, its amazing Attack is wasted when its HP drops below half, making it less than viable for the metagame.
    • Awesome Yet Practical: In-game, when the player is freely able to use healing items, Defeatist becomes a minor setback at most. Cue the sweeping...
      • Or against Shauntal or Ghetsis, who both lead with Cofagrigus (Ability change to mummy upon physical contact), or in a double battle, with a Pokémon that knows Worry Seed or Simple Beam.
  • Blessed with Suck: Is fast, and has good Attack and Special Attack... both of which are put to waste once its health drops below half.
  • Blow You Away
  • Cowardly Lion: Archeops is very strong and fast, and it has a base stat total of 567 (which is also its Pokédex number). However, it starts to give up hope once its health gets below half, cutting its Attack and Special Attack by half.
  • Dishing Out Dirt
  • Doomed Defeatist: Literally in the metagame—with no reliable way to heal, it's pretty much doomed once its Defeatist ability kicks in. (And even if it could heal itself, its poor defenses would prevent it from keeping its HP above 50% against a reasonably aggressive opponent.)
  • Everything's Better with Dinosaurs
  • Feathered Fiend
  • Flight
  • Fossil Revival
  • Gameplay and Story Segregation: Archen's Pokédex entry states that it was unable to fly and moved about by hopping from branches. In-game, Archen is part Flying-type (although it cannot learn Fly).
  • Glass Cannon: Acrobatics combined with Flying Gem packs a powerful punch.
    • Fragile Speedster And winds up becoming a shattered glass cannon at half HP. Their speed is good, however.
  • Won't Work On Me: Unaffected by Ground-type attacks.
  • Prehistoric Monster: Based on Archeopteryx.

Trubbish and Garbodor (Yabakuron and Dasutodasu)

Unova appears to have a problem with waste disposal. This problem appears to be so bad that the garbage itself came to life. Trubbish and Garbodor have bodies that consists of trash that's barely held together by a thin and easily damaged garbage bag skin. Luckily, this problem is solved by consuming more garbage. So it's possible that Unova's garbage problem will solve itself with these Pokémon.

  • Action Bomb: That's right, both Pokémon can learn Explosion & Self-Destruct.
  • Animate Inanimate Object: Type 3.
  • Arm Cannon: Garbodor, Type A.
  • Irony: Despite being a garbage-bag Pokémon, it can learn Recycle.
  • Meaningful Name: Garbodor's Japanese name "Dasutodasu" can literally translate to "to spew garbage". Meanwhile, "Garbodor" is a portmanteau of "garbage" and "odor" and Trubbish is a portmanteau of "trash" and its (usually British) synonym "rubbish."
  • Mighty Glacier
  • Mundane Utility: Janitors tend to use them to pull in garbage.
  • Poisonous Pokémon: Both were created from garbage and industrial waste. Trubbish's poisonous gases will leave its victims unconscious for a week, while Garbodor's will just out-and-out kill you.
  • Refuge in Audacity: To add to the already bizarre world of animal/object/people mash-ups that make up Pokémon, we now have exploding garbage bags, one of which is a...
  • Ugly Cute
  • Walking Wasteland: Subverted with Garbodor. Despite looking like it should leave behind waste and filth (like Grimer and Muk from Generation I), Garbodor actually has a low-grade psychic energy that attracts garbage to itself (which, as mentioned before, is why janitors use them to clean up messes).

Zorua and Zoroark

Another family of fox/kitsune based Pokémon, Zorua and its evolution Zoroark were the first Generation V Pokémon to be revealed (having starred in the 13th movie). They have the interesting ability "Illusion", which makes them appear to be another Pokémon in their trainer's party (trust us, it actually works quite effectively, at least until the "Cloyster" you're battling uses Night Daze). As you may have guessed, Zoroark's design follows many of the same cues as the popular Lucario—Nintendo and Game Freak seem keen on marketing these guys, to the point that Zoroark can be considered the "face" of the 5th generation games. Although meant to be event-exclusive Pokémon, the Pokémon required to unlock them (the Crown Beasts and Celebi) are not difficult to obtain, and the ability to breed more of them means that you can find a few available on the GTS (especially since you can easily find an image of a Zorua for your Pokédex, and you actually fight a Zoroark during one Boss Battle).

  • Awesome but Impractical: The Illusion ability can only really fool careless players; adding to that, team preview lets your opponent know that you have a Zorua or Zoroark on your team, which makes them much less likely to fool. As for N's, you should know about it if spoiled. Though you'll still go WTF when "Klinklang" uses Flamethrower to wipe out your Excadrill.
    • Or it might disguise itself as something with which it shares a type weakness.[11] Cue horrible death.
    • On the other hand, it can make the opponent start second guessing which moves to use, and if it turns into a type that's weak against psychic, the opponent might be in for a rude awakening when they try to use a psychic move on it. In practice however many players play it safe and go for other weaknesses or just use attacks they know will connect. It doesn't help Zoroark much that it doesn't have much bulk, and a STAB boosted attack usually can faint it.
  • Casting a Shadow: Unlike most Dark-types, these two have actual shadow powers. Their illusory abilities also count.
  • Cunning Like a Fox
  • Dark Is Not Evil: Unless he[12] belongs to N, though N performs a Heel Face Turn, implying that Zoroark would do the same -- similar to Zekrom's case below.
  • Early-Bird Cameo: First appeared in the 13th movie.
  • Fantastic Foxes: Both capitalize on the illusory aspect of the kitsune.
  • Fragile Speedster: Zoroark especially has one of the highest speeds in the game, but middling defense.
  • Glass Cannon: They have very high attack and special attack; on the flipside, their defense and special defense, while not even near the worst, are still pretty low.
  • I Know You Know I Know: Since Zoroark can only disguise itself as one of its teammates, your opponent will know you've got that species waiting in the wings once the Illusion is dispelled. If it's something that can switch into certain attacks easily, your opponent will second-guess using such attacks in anticipation of your switch, you'll second-guess switching into such attacks in anticipation of them deciding not to use such attacks, and so on and so forth.
  • Kitsune: Although based on the darker variation.
  • Mama Bear: In the 13th Pokémon movie.
  • Master of Illusion: Their trait, the aptly named Illusion, makes them appear like the last Pokémon in your party, down to the nickname and Poké Ball. Master of Illusions is even the English name for the movie featuring them.
  • Won't Work On Me: Immune to Psychic attacks.
  • Power-Up Letdown: The main problem with Zoroark and its Illusion was that they had the misfortune of being introduced in the same generation as multiplayer battles implementing a preview screen showing off both players' mons, completely ruining the element of surprise on which the Illusion ability relies.
  • Secret Character: The only way to obtain one without trading from another game is to import special exclusive Pokémon from Generation IV, which triggers an in-game encounter with either a Zorua or Zoroark. Of course, if you missed that, you could always get one off the GTS.
  • Shape Shifter
  • Signature Move: Night Daze. Yes, they gave a signature move to the Pokémon whose shtick is disguising itself as other Pokémon. Of course, the jig is up as soon as it gets hit, anyway, so you might as well abuse its higher power than Dark Pulse and 40% chance of lowering accuracy.
  • The Trickster
  • True Companions: When there is a pack of Zorua and Zoroark, they will never abandon each other no matter what.

Minccino and Cinccino (Chillarmy and Chillaccino)

Adorable chinchilla Pokémon that have soft gray (or puce if they're shiny) fur. They are neat freaks that like things to be spotless, so they often clean things with their tails. Cinccino also possess long white fur that resembles a feather boa.

  • Fragile Speedster
  • Making a Splash: They can learn Aqua Tail.
  • Non-Elemental
  • No Pronunciation Guide: Many were unsure of how to pronounce Minccino when it was first revealed. It's pronounced Mihn-CHEE-noh, by the way.
  • Won't Work On Me: Against Ghost-type attacks.
  • Pretty in Mink: Cinccino. Subverted (and justified) in that it's its own fur.
  • Ridiculously Cute Critter: Both of them. Which justifies their Cute Charm ability.
  • Signature Move: Tail Slap, basically a stronger version of the multi-hit Fury Attack or Fury Swipes. STAB and Technician make it have around 50 base power per hit, up to five hits.
  • Spam Attack: Cinccino also learns Rock Blast and Bullet Seed, other multi-hit attacks. Its dream world ability, Skill Link, allows those moves to always hit five times, rather than the randomly chosen 2-5 hits that is normal for the species.
  • Super OCD: Minccino's obsession with cleaning dirty stuff.

Gothita, Gothorita, and Gothitelle (Gothimu, Gochimiru, and Gochiruzeru)

A family of Psychic Pokémon that have a gothic lolita motif. They appear to possess a number of different, unsettling psychic abilities and seem to to be inspired by both the Abra family and the Ralts family. They are exclusive to the Black version.

Solosis, Duosion, and Reuniclus (Uniran, Daburan, and Lanculus)

Psychic Pokémon that resemble giant amoeba. Their inner bodies are suspended in a green fluid and encapsulated in a thin membrane, which protects them from the elements and allows them to thrive in nearly any sort of environment. It possess a high special attack and HP stat, but terrible speed, which makes them excellent trick room users. It is exclusive to the White version.

Ducklett and Swanna (Koaruhie and Swanna)

Making their homes near lakes, rivers and seas, these waterfowl are a common sight along the many bridges of the Unova region, where trainers gather for the feathers they occasionally drop even if they are not interested in catching one. While Ducklett is a bit gawky, it becomes much more graceful when it evolves into Swanna, but like other Water/Flying dual types, electricity will ruin its day.

Vanillite, Vanillish, and Vanilluxe (Vanipeti, Baniricchi, and Baibanira)

A family of pure ice types that hang around Cold Storage and bear a striking resemblance to ice cream desserts. Don't let their appearance deceive you; they aren't milk-based and they do have high stats, although their typing and movepool holds them back. They were designed by a British guy employed by Game Freak.

Deerling and Sawsbuck (Shikijika and Mebukijika)

Unlike the regions of games past, Unova experiences seasons, each one lasting a month in-game. This Pokémon changes its appearance depending on which season it is currently. As a Deerling, its scent changes and its coat changes color. As a Sawsbuck, its antlers grow and shed leaves much like a deciduous tree. Its signature move is Horn Leech, which works like Giga Drain except it works off its physical attack.

  • Bambification: Deerling plays it straight; Sawsbuck, on the other hand, looks more or less like a deer would in real life.
  • Fragile Speedster
  • Fun with Acronyms: Sawsbuck. (Summer/Autumn/Winter/Spring)
  • Green Thumb
  • Kryptonite Is Everywhere: The Normal/Grass pairing, while unique, will not do you any favors if you choose to use a Deerling or a Sawsbuck against a Pokémon that's either a Fire, Fighting, Poison, Flying, Bug, or Ice-type (or any combination of those six; i.e., the Fire/Fighting Blaziken or the Poison/Flying Zubat). In fairness, its numerous weaknesses isn't because of its dual-typing, but because Grass has always sucked as a defensive type (only one of the abovementioned weaknesses come from its Normal half, and that's the Fighting type). At the very least, its Normal half gives it an immunity to Ghost types/moves.
    • They can remedy this by using the Camouflage move, which changes their typing (usually for the better, but it's a crapshoot).
  • Non-Elemental
  • Won't Work On Me: Immune to Ghost-type attacks (and Grass-type attacks, if it has the Sap Sipper ability).
  • Planimal
  • Pretty in Mink: Winter Forme Sawsbuck looks like it's wearing a fur coat with white trim.
  • Seasonal Baggage: Changes looks depending on the season. They don't actually change until you load the game with them in your party.
  • Signature Move: Horn Leech.
  • Stealth Pun: A fawn with a flower, influenced by the season? Hey, it's Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather.

Emolga (Emonga)

It seems like every region has its own kind of electrical rodent. Emolga is Unova's. Unlike its relatives, it is able to glide using a thin membrane called a patagium. This membrane is electrically charged. It isn't encountered that often, so consider yourself lucky if you do find one (or unlucky if you were training a Water-, Flying-, or Grass type).

Karrablast and Escavalier (Kaburumo and Chevarugo)

Karrablast is a strange beetle Pokémon that is only capable of evolving with another Pokémon. It seeks out this Pokémon and presumably uses its horn like a can-opener. It then steals the unlucky Pokémon's "can" and uses it as armor. Similar to Scizor, it becomes a dual Bug/Steel type; its attack and defenses are cranked up, but its speed suffers because of the armor.

Foongus and Amoonguss (Tamagetake and Morobareru)

When you're traveling through the grassy fields or brush under the woods in the Unova region and spot what seems to be a Pokéball, beware! It might actually be this Pokémon. However, instead of exploding like Voltorb and Electrode might, this Pokémon might spray spores that may cause paralysis, poison or sleep.

Frillish and Jellicent (Pururiru and Burungel)

Floating in Unova's seas are these intriguing Pokémon. They spend their lives floating in the water waiting for prey to amble into their vicinity (Jellicent is said to be the reason why a lot of ships and their crews have gone missing). They may also take a more active approach and drag their prey downward into their underwater caves several miles below the surface. Unusually, male and female individuals are shaped and colored very differently from each other. The reason for this is unclear. It is a very good choice for a water Pokémon.

Alomomola (Mamanbou)

Alomomola are sunfish Pokémon with a very caring personality. If it spots a drowning person or Pokémon, they readily embrace it using their top and bottom fins and bring it to shore. Boasting the fifth highest HP rating of all Pokémon, Alomomola is a Pokémon of great bulk. Despite looking very similar, it is unrelated to Luvdisc.

Joltik and Galvantula (Bachuru and Dentula)

Joltik is a bug and electric type that is endemic to a cave known as the Chargestone Cave, where the magnetized rocks float and give off electricity, although some have been known to go into cities and feed from electric sockets. It is a tiny Pokémon and it makes use of it by clinging to larger Pokémon and feeding off their static electricity. It evolves into the unsettling Galvantula, a fast Pokémon that uses electrically-charged webbing to ensnare unlucky prey.

Ferroseed and Ferrothorn (Tesshiido and Nattorei)

Another Pokémon that is native to Chargestone Cave. These Pokémon eek out a living by leeching minerals from the surrounding rock walls. It is covered in thick metal armor that is reinforced with iron spikes. It is very defense-oriented, sporting only two weaknesses, one which isn't very effective against it anyway. The other, fire, burns it to a crisp, though.

  • Action Bomb: Naturally learns Explosion.
  • Bilingual Bonus: Their names are derived from the Italian word "ferro", which means "iron".
  • Ceiling Cling
  • Epic Flail: Ferrothorn sports them. May be a reference to Conkers, seeing that they may be based off Horse-chestnuts.
  • Extra Ore Dinary
  • Everything's Better with Spinning: Ferroseed spins in its animation. Both of them also learn Gyro Ball naturally, which does a lot of damage due to their very slow speed.
    • Ferroseed cannot learn Rapid Spin since that move is about shaking things off, but presumably wouldn't work here because of the thorns.
  • For Massive Damage: Same as Forretress and Escavalier, fire-type attacks will take it down before it throws out the first attack.
  • Fundamentally Funny Fruit: Ferroseed and Ferrothorn are likely to be based off either durians or horse-chestnuts, spiny fruits with hard shells. Especially the latter, what with Ferrothorn being a "Thorn Pod".
  • Green Thumb
  • Irony: The Grass/Steel-type in itself—Plants are organic and metal armour isn't.
  • Land Mine: Ferrothorn sort of resembles one. Ferroseed may resemble a Sea Mine.
  • Meaningful Name: Their English names reference the fact that they're both plants (seed/thorn) and made of metal ("Ferro" meaning "iron"). They're also able to breed with both the "plant" and "mineral" groups.
  • Won't Work On Me: Against Poison attacks.
  • Spikes of Doom: Hell, its ability is called Iron Barbs.
    • Spike Balls of Doom: Ferrothorn pretty much fits all the descriptions on the page—it hangs from ceilings, is alive, spins via Gyro Ball, and its tentacles act as chains.
  • Stone Wall: Great typing, good defenses, and a great ability that makes physical attackers think twice before striking it. However, 20 speed makes it one of the slowest Pokémon ever. Makes a good partner with Jellicent, as they resist each other's weaknesses.
    • Mighty Glacier: Its attack is passable at 94, and it commonly uses attacks with high base power like Power Whip and Gyro Ball (which hits very hard on most opponents, since Ferrothorn is so slow).
  • Whip It Good: Ferrothorn, who learns Power Whip using its vines.

Klink, Klang, and Klinklang (Giaru, Gigiaru, and Gigigiaru)

Yes, it is a Pokémon made entirely out of gears (just like Magnemite from Generation I was made entirely of magnets). Another odd Pokémon only found in Chargestone Cave, this Pokémon has actually only been documented for about 100 years or so. Where they came from is a mystery. Its spinning generates its lifeforce, and as it evolves, it gains more interlocking gears and more power. It has good stats, but a very poor movepool.

Tynamo, Eelektrik, and Eelektross (Shibishirasu, Shibibiru, and Shibirudon)

If you are lucky enough, you might encounter this rare creature that's unique to the Chargestone Cave system. Tynamo resembles a fish fry no longer than a finger. One by itself doesn't have a lot of power. But if you are patient enough with its training, it'll evolve into a much larger and more intimidating eel Pokémon that can do far more damage. The best part is that its ability eliminates its typing's only weakness. A Thunderstone evolves it further, and it gains arms with rasping suckers on them—a terrifying sight to behold.

  • Floating Seafood Special
  • Irony: Despite being based off a fish, the entire line is pure Electric-type and does not learn any offensive water moves.
  • Magikarp Power: Tynamo has weak stats and learns no more moves that the 4 it starts with. Eelektrik is an all-around usable Pokémon, but Eelektross is a good Pokémon with no weaknesses, a good offensive type, and good attacking stats.
  • Metal Slime: Your chances of finding a Tynamo in the wild? 2% on the first floor in Chargestone Cave, and a whopping 8% in the basement floor.
  • Mighty Glacier: Although Eelektross has good offensive stats, the same can't be said for its speed of 50.
  • Won't Work On Me: Against Ground attacks. Which negates any weaknesses it would have.
  • Power Glows: Eelektrik and Eelektross's sprites show the yellow spots along their bodies light up.
  • Power Floats: Its ability Levitate makes it have no weaknesses, aside from Gravity/Mold Breaker.
  • Psycho Electric Lamprey
  • Shock and Awe
  • Xtreme Kool Letterz

Elgyem and Beheeyem (Riguree and Oobemu)

These big-headed Pokémon were discovered in the desert five decades ago, but they've since moved elsewhere. They seem to have a knack for winding up in areas filled with Pokémon who have type advantages over them, and as such aren't terribly common, most being cramped up near the top of a tower by route seven.

Litwick, Lampent, and Chandelure (Hitomoshi, Ranpuraa, and Shandera)

A feared species of Pokémon that resemble light sources. Their method of hunting changes as they evolve but their preferred prey remains consistent. In battle they have both hard hitting special attacks and a few gradual grinding tactics. They aren't particularly hard to run from, though, which might explain their dream world ability.

Axew, Fraxure, and Haxorus (Kibago, Onondo, and Ononokusu)

They are slow to make friends and territorial disputes between them can be exceedingly violent. You can tell when you are in one's territory by the gashes in the surroundings made by their tusks, which they excessively sharpen while heading towards evolution. However, if you do befriend one, you've managed to make a very powerful and dependable ally indeed.

Pokédex: They are kind but can be relentless when defending territory. They challenge foes with tusks that can cut steel.

Cubchoo and Beartic (Kumasyun and Tsunbeaa)

The second Pokémon to be based on bears, Chuchoo doesn't seem well suited for neither the cold areas it is found nor the ice type attacks it naturally learns, if its perpetually running nose is anything to go by. Beartic doesn't seem to have that problem. Unlike North America's Bears, these guys hide in caves during the warm months and come out during winter.

Cryogonal (Furiijio)

They have a hard time sustaining themselves at ground level and are thus a rare sight in the wild. Sometimes one is seen hunting in the mountains, but they are usually restricted to the skies.

Shelmet and Accelgor (Chobomaki and Agirudaa)

Bug Pokémon based on gastropods. Shelmet usually hides near wetlands, annoying anyone who would harass it with stalling tactics. Shelmet is mostly outclassed by its neighbors but its evolution, Accelgor, is a whole different story however...

Stunfisk (Maggyo)

Travelers passing through Icirrus City had best watch their step, as these Pokémon are likely hiding in the trails they walk through, waiting for an excuse to strike. Known to find humor in the injuries of others and for their tendency to shield their weaknesses with camouflage, these fish annually retreat to deep water when the grounds freeze over during winter. In short, the best Pokémon of all time.

  • Butt Monkey: Made even more hilarious when he's at the end of the Can You Name All The Pokémon? Japanese ending song for the Pokemon Best Wishes series.[15]
  • Dishing Out Dirt
  • Gonk
  • Irony: It's a fish that lives in water, yet it takes super-effective damage from water attacks.
  • It Amused Me: A lot of their behavior can be explained by this motivation.
  • Lethal Joke Character: Yes, it looks silly. If it's trained right, it can catch unsuspecting trainers off-guard thanks to high defense and HP stats.
  • Making a Splash: Not a Water-type, despite being a fish, but can learn several water moves.
  • Won't Work On Me: Against Electric attacks.
  • Psycho Electric Flatfish
  • Shock and Awe
  • Stone Wall: Has high HP and Defense stats, but very low speed.
  • Troll: Japanese fans seem to love using him to piss off and annoy people online.

Mienfoo and Mienshao (Kojofu and Kojondo)

Elusive mustelid martial artists whose fur seems to resemble a monk's clothing. They can't take much punishment, but they can sure dish it out, and work well supporting those they fight side by side with.

Druddigon (Crimgan)

A red faced creature whose rock hard hide is reminiscent of a gargoyle's. It is not as fierce as its appearance would suggest, and it is often left immobile by the dark and the cold. Despite this, it is still usually dangerous to touch one, and it can make up for its lack of speed with a glare that halts foes in their tracks.

Golett and Golurk (Gobitto and Goruggo)

Hominid-shaped Pokémon that are made out of clay and brought to life by an unknown method. They're best known for their strong attacks, especially their punching moves. They are also capable of performing some other feats, such as flying. The seal on their chest keeps their power controllable and shrinks upon evolution.

Pawniard and Bisharp (Komatana and Kirikizan)

These strangely humanoid beasts have sharp, metallic blades jutting out of their bodies (hence their Steel typing), which they would just love to use on opponents and prey (hence their Dark typing). They typically live in hunting packs led by Bisharps, who do little work but get the last say in just about everything.

Bouffalant (Baffuron)

A Bison Pokémon with an unusually large afro and huge horns. It can't exactly move as fast as its cousin Tauros, but it can sure take hits and deal out severe damage. Its afro cushions the damage from slamming its head into anything (like, say, a speeding train it's trying to run off the tracks). It also loves its veggies, so sending a Grass Pokémon after it isn't a good idea.

Rufflet and Braviary (Washibon and Warugle)

An eagle Pokémon that's caught fairly late in the game (for those playing Pokémon White) and takes a very long time to evolve, but once it does, it's a powerful Pokémon. This majestic Pokémon is strong enough to carry a car while soaring through the air. It can also do the same for Pokémon in the form of the attack Sky Drop.

Vullaby and Mandibuzz (Baruchai and Barujiina)

Vulture Pokémon that have a habit of dressing in the bones of presumably their meals. These Pokémon are only found in Pokémon Black. They are fairly bulky, and their makeshift bone armor helps with that.

Heatmor and Durant (Kuitaran and Aianto)

An anteater and an ant in a predator-prey relationship. Heatmor's Fire typing so happens to be the Bug/Steel Durant's only weakness, but it's a massive weakness. As such, Heatmor has little problems cooking Durant's insides and eating them for lunch. Heatmor can be found outside of where Durants gather and presumably stop them from spreading across the region. Durant is far from defenseless against the anteater, though; they attack Heatmor in mass numbers.

  • Big Creepy-Crawlies: Durant is massive compared to a regular ant (30 cm vs 1 cm), but all the same, you wouldn't want either one of them near your picnic lunch.
  • Blessed with Suck: What's Durant's bonus Dream World ability? Slaking's ability: Truant.
  • Extra Ore Dinary: Durant.
  • Feed It with Fire: Heatmor may have the Flash Fire ability, which allows it to nullify a fire-type move against it to increase the power of its fire moves.
  • For Massive Damage:As a Steel/Bug type, Durant's only weakness is 4x damage from fire (courtesy of Heatmor), especially if it's a Special Attack due to its low Special Defense.
    • Which is why these two (who aren't in the same family) are even grouped together. Heatmor is an anteater, and happens to be a Fire-type, which makes him extremely effective against Durant, the ant.
    • All of Heatmor's Fire-type attacks are Special-based. It can't even get Flame Charge via TM.
  • Glass Ninja: Durant has 109 Attack, 112 Defense, and 109 Speed (which makes it one of the fastest Steel-types). Of course, it is balanced out by its low HP, Special Attack (which it does not need), and Special Defense.
  • Name's the Same: When you catch a Durant, don't expect to be able to play basketball with it.
    • It probably wouldn't make a very good bodyguard to Princess Yggdra, either.
  • Irony/Gameplay and Story Segregation: Despite being the prey, a wild Durant could possibly take a wild Heatmor in a one-on-one fight eight or nine times out of ten with a super effective Dig, thanks to its good attack and speed and the latter's poor defense. Add the fact that wild Durant tend to attack in groups...
  • Won't Work On Me: Durant against Poison attacks. Heatmor against Fire attacks, but only if it has Flash Fire. If it doesn't, then Ground and Water types are your best friends in beating it in battle.
  • Overshadowed by Awesome: Heatmor. It has good special attack, but its Speed and Defenses are lacking, and there are stronger Fire-types that can be obtained earlier, like Darmanitan, Chandelure, and Victini.
  • Playing with Fire: Heatmor.
  • Smoke Out: Heatmor can have the same ability as Torkoal, White Smoke.
  • Strong Ants: Durant.
  • Too Dumb to Live: Durant has a strange (read: suicidal) case of Goal-Oriented Evolution. It had always been the prey of Heatmor, even before it was the Steel/Bug Pokemon we know now. Apparently to get over this cover, the species evolved (via, slow, Darwinian, generation-wide regular evolution, not Evolutionary Levels) steel armor for protection. Needless to say, that idea didn't go as well as it should.
    • As in, instead of suffering death by being set on fire and burning to death, they now get cooked to death inside their own exoskeleton, making their deaths even more painful.
  • Turns Red: Durant's Swarm ability.
  • Zerg Rush: Durant's standard attack strategy.

Deino, Zweilous, and Hydreigon (Monozu, Jiheddo, and Sazandora)

The pseudo-legendary for Gen V, this line of multi-headed dragons is possibly best known for being the signature Pokémon of one of the nastiest villains in the series. While Deino is a simple one-headed baby dragon with a Beatle haircut, Zweilous' two heads hate each other and constantly compete for food. Hydreigon only has one brain despite having three heads (two serving as hands), but it is by far the most savage member of the line and among the most vicious Pokémon of all, attacking anything that moves and devouring anything in sight. Unlike the others of its kind, it focuses on Special Attacking power rather than physical. It also evolves at a much higher level, making it unlikely that you'll have a fully evolved Hydreigon before you beat the Elite Four.

Larvesta and Volcarona (Meraruba and Ulgamotsu)

Moth Pokémon believed believed to have a connection with the sun. Larvesta is said to have been born from the sun, while Volcarona is able to harness the sun's power, even being able to act as a replacement. Like the Deino line, Larvesta takes a long time to evolve into Volcarona, but when it does, it becomes a powerful special attacker to be reckoned with.

  • Difficult but Awesome: Volcarona's 4x weakness to Rock (and vulnerability to all other entry hazards) means if you want to use it, you absolutely must have a way of keeping entry hazards off the field. However, Volcarona is so powerful that it is oftentimes worth it.
  • Blow You Away: Volcarona's penultimate level up move is Hurricane, and it's one of the two non-Flying-types that can learn the move.
  • Big Creepy-Crawlies: Volcarona is 5'3" feet; its size in comparison still doesn't stop it from being able to replace the Sun.
  • For Massive Damage: Rock-type attacks are very effective against it.
  • Irony: Volcarona is one of the only two Bug-types that can learn Fly, with the other being Genesect. Amusingly, neither Pokémon is part Flying-type (and there are a great many Bug/Flying Pokémon).
  • Magikarp Power: Larvesta has so-so stats except for attack (which should not be trained, as Volcarona relies on Special Attack), and it evolves at the really high level of 59. Once it does, though, you better watch out!
    • Even after evolving, Volcarona only learns its Signature Move, Fiery Dance (which also happens to be one of its 3 best options for a Fire-type move) at level 100.
  • Olympus Mons: Fairly close. One flap of its wings is enough to set vast swathes of land ablaze, and it's capable of serving as a substitute for the sun. Its location in a special chamber within the ruins further cements this.
  • Our Angels Are Different: Volcarona has some elements of a seraph, a six-winged angel who must keep its face covered or else it will incinerate all who make eye contact with it. Due to its status as an Olympus Mon, despite not being legendary, this isn't likely a coincidence.
  • Playing with Fire
  • The Power of the Sun: Volcarona's called the "Sun Pokémon", and the Pokédex says it has the power to replace the sun when the skies are darkened by volcanic ash. This probably explains why it has a chamber with an image of its likeness on the wall dedicated to it, despite not even being a legendary Pokémon.
    • Volcarona is also similar to Mothra in that both specialize in energy projecting abilities, Volcarona having a really high Special Attack and energy projection being Mothra's speciality.
      • Mothra is the last member of the fan-defined "Kaiju group", along with Tyranitar, Haxorus, and Hydreigon, all of which greatly resemble a monster from Godzilla movies.
  • Signature Move: Fiery Dance.
  • Squishy Wizard: Volcarona has low physical defense, but 135 special attack, powerful Special Fire and Bug moves, and Quiver Dance make it powerful.
  • Turns Red: Swarm ability.
  • Unique Enemy: You get a Larvesta egg in the game (it being this game's Togepi analogue), and can catch one (and only one) Volcarona in a certain area.
  • Wreathed in Flames: Despite not actually being enveloped in fire, they do get Flame Body which may burn physical contact attackers. In addition, the flavor text on Fiery Dance is that Volcarona cloaks itself in flames before flapping its wings to burn its enemy.

Cobalion, Terrakion, and Virizion

A trio resembling bovids in boots that is known for excelling at both long range and close quarters combat. They roamed before humans and Pokemon lived together and their exploits have become legendary. The trio has settled down since modern times and now live in isolation. One man wishes to bring them out of hiding.

  • Armor-Piercing Attack: A partial example in their Signature Move, Sacred Sword. Sacred Sword ignores any defense boosts that the opponent has, although it cannot penetrate Reflect.
  • Badass: All three members, owing to their inspiration.
  • Colourful Theme Naming: They're all named after colors that are somewhat close to their actual coloration: cobalt blue, terracotta, and viridian.
  • Elemental Powers
  • Humans Are the Real Monsters: Their thoughts on people until the main character befriends them.
  • Lightning Bruiser: All three members of the trio, but especially Terrakion.
    • Stone Wall: Cobalion and Virizion, on the physical and special sides, respectively. They're still quite fast and can sweep pretty well.
    • Glass Cannon: While it has good defense stats and HP Terrakion's large amount of weaknesses to common attacking types[19] make it take more damage than you would expect.
  • Master Swordsman: All three of them can be considered this due to their inspiration and legendary status. Virizion in particular is described to be very skilled, possibly more so than Cobalion and Terrakion.
  • Natural Weapon: Presumably, since they aren't exactly lugging physical swords around. The attack description of Sacred Sword states that they use their horns to perform the attack.
  • Never Bring a Knife to A Fist Fight: If a Pokémon hits any of them with an already less-effective Dark-type move, their Justified ability raises their attack power.
    • Combos: In a double or triple battle, one can take advantage of this by having a Weavile (or anybody faster with Beat Up, including Whimsicott) use Beat Up on Terrakion to power up its attack six times, then have Terrakion Rock Slide all the enemies to death.
  • No Biological Sex: Though all of them are based on male characters, although Virizion has a female voice in the anime.
  • Won't Work On Me: Cobalion, against Poison attacks.
  • Signature Move: Sacred Sword.
  • Shout-Out: The three of them are inspired by The Three Musketeers: specifically, Cobalion is based off Athos (the leader of the three, later The Lancer to d'Artagnan), Terrakion is based off Porthos (the somewhat hedonistic Big Guy) and Virizion is based off Aramis (The Smart Guy who also has touches of The Casanova).

Tornadus, Thundurus, and Landorus (Tornelos, Voltolos, and Landlos)

Twin terrors that race across the land, uprooting and drenching anything which is unfortunate enough to be in their path. For collectors, this means Pokémon that are rarely encountered may be displaced by their winds, but to farmers and everyone else, they are simply a nuisance. Thankfully, the twins have a retainer. If you know how to contact him, he will calm them down.

  • Badass Mustache
  • Color-Coded Elements: although Thundurus's main pallette seems a little off, unlike the other two.
  • Elemental Powers
    • Blow You Away: They all have this, but Tornadus holds the honor of being the first pure Flying-type ever (Not counting Sky Plate Arceus, Kecleon if he gets hit with a Flying-type attack, or the Porygon family when using Conversion or Conversion 2) and is the only one of the three to learn Flying-type moves by leveling up.
    • Dishing Out Dirt: Landorus.
    • Shock and Awe: Thundurus.
  • Fascinating Eyebrow: Landorus expresses this in both formes' Sugimori drawings.
  • Flight
  • For Massive Damage: Landorus, weak to ice attacks.
  • Genie in a Bottle: Though they aren't actually based on genies, they have a striking resemblance to the common image of one.
  • Get Back Here Boss
  • Green Thumb: Both the Black and White Pokédex entries confirm this for Landorus.
  • Jerkass Gods: Tornadus and Thundurus fly around wrecking everything for no real reason beyond "for shits and giggles". Landorus, thankfully, is far nicer.
  • The Last of These Is Not Like the Others: Based on the Japanese gods of wind (Fuujin), lightning (Raijin), and... fertility (Inari).[20] Also, Landorus, unlike the first two, is benevolent, has different base stats, and a different ability.
  • Won't Work On Me: Against Ground attacks. Landorus is also immune to Electric attacks.
  • Spikes of Doom: Thundurus's tail spikes shoot bolts!
  • Trickster God: Tornadus and Thundurus fly all around the Unova region, causing stormy weather and ruining crops. Their ability, Prankster, also reflects this.
  • Trickster Twins: Tornadus and Thundurus also have identical base stats.
  • Tyop on the Cover: When encountering Tornadus in a cutscene, Thundurus's cry is played instead of Tornadus's. The same is true when encountering Thundurus; Tornadus's cry is heard instead.
  • Olympus Mons
  • One-Gender Race: Always male.
  • The Unexpected: Their new formes. Every other Pokémon who gained a new forme in a later game had place-holder data which indicated it. The Kami Trio's new formes came completely out of left field.
  • Underground Monkey: In a first for any group of Pokémon, their differences aren't as notable and are derided for mostly being recolors, other than their tails, hairstyle, and number of horns.
    • Justified for Tornadus and Thundurus, as Fuujin and Raijin are often portrayed as looking near identical aside from color.
    • Divergent Character Evolution: Their new formes in Black 2 and White 2, which appear to be based off of the Vermilion Bird, Azure Dragon and White Tiger of the four sacred animals in chinese mythology.
  • What Could Have Been: Tornadus was originally supposed to be red.

Reshiram, Zekrom, and Kyurem

Unova's main legendary trio, they were the first Generation V Pokémon revealed to North American audiences (excluding Kyurem). They finally bring the common fantasy theme of "clashing elemental dragons" to the Pokémon universe, though in a somewhat unique way—bar Kyurem, the dragons don't have characteristics that make their elements immediately obvious (instead resembling embodiments of light and darkness, which is true to a certain extent), and generate their elemental energy inside oddly-shaped tails. Each of them represents a different aspect of the yin-yang mythos and philosophical concept and controls a different element: Reshiram (the white birdlike one) represents yang and truth and spews fire out of its tail, while Zekrom (the black metallic one) represents yin and ideals and infuses its body with electricity. Kyurem (the gray one) represents wuji, or void, and may be the strangest of the trio; in its regular forme, it's a frail-looking dragon that can freeze its opponents with ice (but freezes its own body as a side-effect), but in Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, it'll be able to take on characteristics of the other two dragons.

  • Badass: All three members of the trio, though Kyurem not so much in its regular forme.
  • Dark Is Not Evil/Light Is Not Good: Like most Pokémon, neither Reshiram nor Zekrom seems to have any especially "virtuous" or "evil" intentions, despite their contrasting appearances. The various forms of canon show both dragons filling both heroic and villainous roles, although as antagonists they tend to perform a Heel Face Turn along with their trainer (N in the games or Damon in the anime), which is induced by a Heel Realization in the case of the anime. Kyurem seems to be the least benevolent of the trio (based on its backstory and the 15th movie's plot), although not many details have been revealed so far.
    • White and Gray Morality: According to their backstory, Reshiram stands for truth while Zekrom stands for ideals. Make of that what you will...
  • The Dragon: The 14th movie, where instead of serving N, the opposite dragon serves Damon.
  • Dragons Up the Yin-Yang: Er, too literal? [21]
  • Dummied Out: The God Stone, along with two Ice attacks, Freeze Shock and Ice Burn, presumably reserved for Kyurem in Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, are in the original Pokémon Black and White, possibly to avoid compatibility issues.
  • Everything's Better with Dinosaurs: Zekrom and Kyurem have characteristics of theropod dinosaurs such as Tyrannosaurus Rex. Though not immediately obvious, Reshiram's body structure is similar to a giant pterodactyl (right down to the "wing-fingers").
  • Fire, Ice, Lightning
  • Foil: Reshiram and Zekrom to each other; Zekrom's black technological looks and neon blue lightning to Reshiram's white birdlike looks with natural flames. Kyurem turns out to be a foil to both, representing a void.
  • Fusion Dance: Kyurem's Black and White formes certainly look this way.
  • Hybrid Monster: Kyurem's alternate formes—Black Kyurem (Kyurem & Zekrom) and White Kyurem (Kyurem & Reshiram).
  • Instant Awesome, Just Add Dragons
  • Instant Awesome, Just Add Mecha: Zekrom
  • Irony: Although Reshiram is supposed to be ladylike and Zekrom is supposed to be manly, it's the exact opposite with yin and yang; yang is masculine and yin is feminine.[22] Meanwhile, the anime just ran with it and made them both masculine.
    • Fridge Brilliance: Notice how in the yin-yang symbol that there's always a little dot of the opposite color? It goes with the belief that nothing is ever completely yin or yang; there's always a little bit of the opposite.
  • The Last of These Is Not Like the Others: Kyurem has characteristics that make its Ice typing fairly obvious, doesn't have some sort of power generator for a tail, lacks a powerful signature move, is much more frail and lightly built than its counterparts, and is designed overall to be fairly weak in comparison to similar legendaries. Also, its cry just sounds like static compared to everything else.
  • Lightning Bruiser: Though fairly slow compared to other Olympus Mons, like the past three generations of box legendaries.
    • Mighty Glacier: Reshiram and Zekrom have speed as their lowest Stat; Reshiram is specially oriented, and Zekrom is physically oriented. Kyurem is only slightly faster.
      • Glacier Waif: Reshiram, which, for some reason, is slower than the more heavily-built Palkia, Slaking, and Regigigas.
    • Glass Cannon: Kyurem; its poor defensive typing, along with most standard Pokémon becoming more powerful, actually prevents it from being too overpowered for standard battling, while not making it suck as much as, say, Regigigas.
  • Large Ham: All three of them, in the anime. They speak telepathically with extremely deep, melodramatic voices.
  • Larynx Dissonance: Although Reshiram was given a "ladylike" design according to Word of God, it (like Zekrom and Kyurem) speaks with a very manly voice in the 14th movie.
  • Literal Split Personality: Reshiram and Zekrom, according to the mythology.
  • Ninja Pirate Zombie Robot: A giant fire-tailed-angel-dragon and a giant lightning-tailed-mecha-dragon!
  • No Biological Sex: Though Word of God says Reshiram is supposed to be feminine while Zekrom is masculine to contrast each other (and all three have male voices in the anime). No word on what gender Kyurem is supposed to resemble, if any.
    • Oddly enough, though, Reshiram has a very feminine sounding roar in the game and movie. YMMV though.
  • Obviously Evil: Subverted for Zekrom. It's only technically "antagonistic" in Black, where it serves as The Dragon to Anti-Villain N. Same goes for the Reshiram version of the 14th movie, where it is depicted as an Anti-Villain that performs a Heel Face Turn along with its trainer, Damon.
  • Olympus Mons
  • Opposites Attract: There is a lot of ship art between Reshiram and Zekrom. Has since been dubbed Colorless-Shipping by the fanfiction writers.
    • Canon example: their normally not-very-effective-against-each-other Signature Moves, Fusion Flare and Fusion Bolt, double in power if one is used after the other.
    • Movie Example: Ash's chosen dragon could've easily let Damon's dragon die after it fell into the corrupted Dragon Force. What does it do instead? Save its life by carrying it out of the Dragon Force. This could just fit in with the Yin/Yang concept.
  • Our Dragons Are Different: One seems to be a furnace-tailed bird and the other appears to be a generator-tailed mecha. And they were once a single dragon.
    • Kyurem, meanwhile, looks just incomplete.
  • Our Zombies Are Different: Kyurem due to being a frozen zombie dragon.
  • Overshadowed by Awesome: Kyurem is not a bad Pokémon at all, but most other Dragon-types are more reliable. May be averted with it's new formes.
  • Physical God: All three, though Kyurem has certainly fallen in power somewhat. It can rise again. Somehow...
  • Power Trio: The Trio was also called the Energy Dragons, Reshiram and Zekrom represent Fire (heat) and Electricity, both of which are the main types of energy known to man. Kyurem, represents the lack of energy, explaining its Ice typing. Being an energy-less empty husk also explains its looks: Compared to other legendary Pokemon, it looks really weak, skinny, wrinkled, and old.
  • Psychic Powers: Reshiram knows Extrasensory upon encounter. Although Zekrom knows the Psychic-type Zen Headbutt, the move does not imply Psychic Powers as much as Reshiram's equivalent move does.
    • The moves this trio can be taught by machine include the typical fare for Psychic Pokémon.
  • Purposefully Overpowered: But with some limits in terms of moveset. Which is bad news for Kyurem, who was made to be not so overpowered. Restricted usage in the Battle Subway, official tournaments, and random Wifi, and yes, Kyurem still qualifies for this.
  • Rated "M" for Manly: Game Freak seems determined to show that Zekrom is the manliest Pokémon ever, from its very deep Guttural Growler voice in the movie to its being Oda Nobunaga's main Pokémon partner in the Nobunaga's Ambition crossover, Pokémon Conquest.[23]
  • Red and Black and Evil All Over: Zekrom is a black dragon pokemon with red eyes
  • Signature Move: Fusion Flare and Blue Flare for Reshiram, Fusion Bolt and Bolt Strike for Zekrom, and Glaciate (as well as very likely Freeze Shock and Ice Burn) for Kyurem. Notably though, the "Fusion" moves are also held by the movie download Victini.
  • Single-Specimen Species: If the myths are to be believed.
  • Stealth Pun: There sure is a lot of fuss in the plot made about Zekrom/Reshiram choosing you and N. In other words, in Unova, Pokémon chooses you!
  • Sword of Plot Advancement: You are FORCED to capture them; defeating them won't even give you experience.
    • There is, however, a way to do Sequence Breaking. If you have a full party and your 24 boxes are full as well, the game will allow you to proceed without catching them, saving the chance for later. Good luck catching over 720 Pokémon before your first Elite Four run, though.
  • To Serve Man: An old legend in Lacunosa Town describes Kyurem dragging people away and eating them, but its unknown if its true or not. At the very least, whatever it was doing back then was enough to scare the townsfolk into surrounding Lacunosa Town with a rock wall and enacting a curfew.
  • When All You Have Is a Hammer: Compared to the other legends they are Expies of, and with Dragons in general, the movepools of these Pokémon are barren and lack many options in the way of coverage. However, with their high-powered Dragon-type and signature moves, they won't need that, as Reshiram hits every Pokémon in the game for at least neutral damage,[24] and Zekrom comes close.[25] Kyurem, however, gets the shaft due to its signature move being a bit underpowered, not having access to strong attacks on par with the others' Lv 100 signatures, and no way to reliably hit Steel-types.[26]
  • Wolverine Publicity: Zekrom. For some reason, it was featured prominently in the first two episodes of the Best Wishes anime, was revealed long before Reshiram for the 14th movie, and is the most prominent Pokémon in both the Pokémon Re BURST manga and Pokémon Conquest.
    • Which is weird, since Reshiram proved to be much more popular than Zekrom in Japan in the 15th anniversary poll.[27]
    • Both Reshiram and Zekrom are getting promo after promo after promo in the TCG; it looks like Kyurem might be coming along for the ride too.
  • Yin-Yang Clash: Duh.

Keldeo

This Pokémon is the charge of the Musketeer trio. Much like them, it is a dual Fighting type with a typing that is borrowed from nature, in Keldeo's case, Water. Long ago when it was only a foal, a fire broke out over the Moor of Icirrus and it lost its home. It was then taken in and taught how to take care of itself by the Musketeer trio. After it had grown, it left for parts unknown, but if it and the rest of the Musketeers reunite, it is able to learn a brand new move.

Meloetta

The third event Pokémon of Gen V, Meloetta is a dual normal type that can either be part psychic or part fighting. Its story is that long ago, it sang and danced to bring joy to the hearts of people and Pokémon alike. When sorrow descended onto the world, it lost its melody along with its red shoes. When taken to a certain guitarist in a certain café in Castelia City, he'll teach the lost song to Meloetta and it will be able to access its other forme.

Genesect

The last Pokémon in both the Unova and the National Pokédex (for now, at least), Genesect was Team Plasma's attempt at creating the strongest Pokémon ever. 300 million years ago during the Paleozoic Era, it was feared as the ultimate hunter, leading to Team Plasma choosing it to be enhanced. After being resurrected from a fossil, its (presumably) Rock type was changed to Steel, Download was added as an Ability, and its signature attack, Techno Blast (along with the Drives that change the elemental type of Techno Blast) were created. At some point N had research halted and the P2 Laboratory closed, claiming that Pokémon are perfect beings and science damages their natural beauty. One lone scientist remained; however, and continued development by himself out of the belief that Genesect is necessary for Team Plasma's goals.

  1. ↑ Almost no TMs that half the Pokédex doesn't already get, only Grass and Normal-type offensive attacks via level up
  2. ↑ (usually only given to butterflies and moths)
  3. ↑ Which has no downsides if she has Own Tempo
  4. ↑ Which is described as a dance
  5. ↑ that is, to protect their eyes from sunlight
  6. ↑ While Fire has plenty of resistances, many of those are to types that suck at offense anyway. Also, Zen Form's other type, Psychic, doesn't have many resistances, and the resistances that it does have don't complement Fire's resistances at all. As for weakness compensation, Fire's resistance to Bug cancels out Psychic's weakness to it... that's pretty much it
  7. ↑ besides the usual questions of "What the hell is that supposed to be?", "What were the creators smoking when they came up with this one?", and "Have the creators run out of ideas for Pokemon design?"
  8. ↑ Turtle
  9. ↑ Coast
  10. ↑ "dust to dust"
  11. ↑ Silly N, disguising your Zoroark as a Klinklang...
  12. ↑ N's Zoroark is male
  13. ↑ Charge, Thundershock, and Zap Cannon -- and plenty more by TM!
  14. ↑ These aren't the only Pokémon with double weaknesses to Fire, but the ones mentioned have no other weaknesses (or only one other weakness, in Ferrothorn's case). The only typing that would have a double weakness to a pure Ghost-type Pokemon would be Ghost/Psychic, which doesn't exist...yet.
  15. ↑ renamed "Pokemon Black and White" in America
  16. ↑ They're both the final form of a 2 stage Fighting-Type line who are also anthropomorphic animals, they can both naturally learn Aura Sphere, and they're part of the 'Humanshape' and 'Ground' egg groups.
  17. ↑ Machamp is better at abusing this combo, with more Attack and STAB on DynamicPunch, but Golurk isn't too shabby.
  18. ↑ Night Daze is Zoroark's signature move, and Snarl is hardly fit for attacking with its pathetic base 55 power, but it can't learn that anyway, even though it certainly looks ill-tempered enough to use it
  19. ↑ Water, Grass, Fighting, Ground, Steel and Psychic
  20. ↑ Inari being also the kami of agriculture, making him, if you pushed it, a god of earth.
  21. ↑ Note that no member of the trio is a Chinese dragon -- the closest things we have to that are Rayquaza and Gyarados.
  22. ↑ Some fans have speculated that this is because the designers were going more for the "day/night" and "light/dark" aspects of yin and yang when designing the duo.
  23. ↑ the generals in the game are given Pokémon that fit their personalities
  24. ↑ even Heatran, thanks to Turbo Blaze canceling out Flash Fire
  25. ↑ Four fully-evolved Pokémon resist both of his types: Ferrothorn, Steelix, Excadrill, and Magnezone. But only those four
  26. ↑ However, it can hit Skarmory, Steelix, Dialga, Excadrill, and Ferrothorn for neutral damage with its STAB moves, and learn Focus Blast and Rock Smash by TM.
  27. ↑ it's the other way around in America, but most of the above Zekrom appearances were exclusive to Japan, where Reshiram is presumably more popular
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