Summary
Whenever fans talk about rarePokemon, the Legendaries are often a focal point, as well as thepowerful, more elusive Shinies. From Mewtwo to Lugia, powerfulPokemonline everyone’s memory and add an allure to the game. Then there areMythical Pokemon,which aren’t always as powerful in stats — but they have a mystical quality to them, and are usually just as rare (if not rarer). With the introduction of the term, Pokemon like Mew and Arceus received this tag and have become fan favorites in the category.
In Pokemon lore, Mythicals stand out due to their scarcity and mystical powers. Many in the vast Pokemon universe don’t even believe them to really exist, hence their fitting title. Some Mythical Pokemon are so strong that they manage to be creators of the entire universe. Ranking most of these fantastical creatures is no easy task, but this piece will seek to do just that while highlighting some of the details and great qualities surrounding them.
Updated December 1st, 2023 by Stephen LaGioia:It’s hard to deny the vast appeal of Pokemon, with its rewarding progression and expanding roster of colorful monsters to collect and fight. Much of its charm lies in the exciting prospect of seeking out highly rare and strong Pokemon — especially Mythicals, which still number under two dozen.
Even after the release ofScarlet & Violet,just over20monsters fall into this elite, exclusive group. But with the rumors growing of aunique new “peach” Mythical featured in the anticipated Scarlet and Violet DLC, The Indigo Disk, it seemed fitting to revisit and refresh this list of the notable Mythical beasts in Pokemon.
20Diancie
Jewel Pokemon
Coming from thePokemon X & Ylands of France-inspired Kalos, thisRock-FairyPokemon combines majesty and beauty with a rock-solid defense. This unique creature emerged as a larger, mutated form of the far less intimidating Carbink.
The lavish creature sports a white cloak, punctuated by a golden collar around its neck, a shimmering pink diamond on its chest, and a gem headdress that resembles a crown. Said to be the ruler of the underground jewel kingdom called the Diamond Domain, this product of Poke-royalty can elevate even further in status and extravagancewith Mega Evolution.
19Meloetta
Melody Pokemon
This musical enchanter shifts form to an alternate form known as Pirouette, morphing from a Psychic-type to an even more powerfulNormal-Fighting-type.This Pokemon’s story is tinged with a bit of tragedy, as the once joyful singer lost their melody (and red shoes) after feeling the influence of an increasingly dark, sorrowful world.
Aside from this Gothic-style backstory, though, this melodic fairy can be deceptively brutal when it comes to special attack and special defense. These abilities set the stage for potent special moves likeUproar, Relic Song, and Signal Beam. This siren should not be underestimated, as they can quite easily lure their opponents into a false sense of security.
18Marshadow
Gloomdweller Pokemon
Elusive, quick, and powerful, this shadowy Mythical can truly spook opponents despite being unnecessarily shy. Not unlike a ghostly Ditto, Marshadow can fittingly become the shadow of others and imitate them, while managing to grow stronger than the figure they “shadow.”
When this apparition isn’t staying shrowded from view, theFighting-Ghost-typecan swiftly end a fight. Its powerful moves includeSpectral Thief and Drain Punch,which can KO opponents quickly.
17Zeraora
Thunderclap Pokemon
One of the many enticing additions toUltra Sun and Ultra Moonis this electrified beast. This energeticElectric-typePokemon strikes an intimidating look, with its sharp claws and furry body laced with lightning bolts and spiked designs.
Zeraora can summon a potentmagnetic fieldwith little effort by radiatingelectric currentsfrom their hands and feet. Even among Electric-types, this creature is distinct in that it lacks an organ that produces electricity. Instead, they opt to accumulate and store this power source from other sources, which they convert as their own electric charge.
16Zarude
Rogue Monkey Pokemon
Zarude was the first Mythical Pokemon added inPokemon Sword and Shield. As the featured monster of the movieSecrets of the Jungle, there’s a lot for Zarude to live up to. In its stats, it isn’t quite as balanced as other Mythicals. It actually has strengths and weaknesses, which is a surprise. Plus, its design is pretty cool as a mysterious, dangerous beast.
Zarude is capable ofsummoning vinesfrom its body, using them for various purposes. It’s a smart Pokemon, using every tool it has to succeed in battle. This is reflected in-game through its solid offensive presence, although its Dark-Grass typing leaves a bit to be desired. Its ability is also pretty much useless, which will likely be the one thing holding it back from higher tiers of play.
15Genesect
Paleozoic Pokemon
One of many Mythical Pokemon added inPokemon Black and White, Genesect is typically locked to Uber tier due to its stats. It has typing that’s both a blessing and a curse and an ability that is situationally very good. On top of that, it has several different aesthetic forms that don’t actually do much to alter its battle power, just its appearance.
Genesect isactually an ancient fossil Pokemon, having been revived and modernized with acybernetic cannon. Its design is probably one of the coolest parts about it; there’s just something awesome about seeing giant robot bugs. Even if it has trouble competing in the Uber tier it’s locked in, it is a cool Mythical Bug-Steel Pokemon.
14Shaymin
Gratitude Pokemon
Shaymin is a hilarious little Pokemon. It’s is anappropriately hedgehog-sizedGrass-typewith a pretty standard stat line for a mythical. Shaymin has the power tocure the land of toxins, transforming the land into a garden of flowers. It also has an alternate form that looks more like a deer, which is a bit odd but more effective in battle.
Classic Shaymin, however, is funny because of how it typically gets used in competitive battles. Its movepool is actually ideal for performingan offense-oriented moveset, inflicting tons of damage with some of the strongest moves in the game.
It even has self-recovery withSynthesis, and its ability is pretty nice to have as well. One would think there wouldn’t be much to fear when it comes to a tiny hedgehog, but Shaymin can bring a reckoning.
13Keldeo
Colt Pokemon
Keldeo is the secret fourth member of the Swords of Justice, which was styled after The Three Musketeers. It aims to learn from its betters and learn the secret of its power: the moveSecret Sword. Although not a Mythical-level move, the move was key to getting Keldeo to change into itsResoluteform, which is just a cosmetic change to this little creature.
In battle, thisWater/Fighting typewears a lot of different hats with its movepool. It can focus on a special attacker moveset, using powerful techniques in conjunction withChoice Specs. Alternatively, it can play the role of a bulky Water-type, bringingTauntto counter certain Pokemon andCalm Mindto boost its own power.
It’s an adorable little Pokemon, and can even be found without the use of a major event. This majestic monsterwas recently added toPokemon GOby way of a special event, enticing players to return once again to the expansive AR epic.
12Volcanion
Steam Pokemon
Boasting the highly uniqueFire-Watercombination, this paradox of a Pokemon is mysterious and alluring by its very nature. While these opposing types would seem to make Volcanion vulnerable to severalothertypes, the Pokemon is in fact only weak toGround, Rock, and Electric,while being immune and resistant to a handful of others.
This Mythical beast can be ominous — not just with its monstrous quadrupedal design, but also its offensive might (specifically Special Attack). Its scorching hot interior allows it to vaporize water it absorbs in seconds.
This converts to a weapon-like steam projectile, which has the power to blow away entire mountains as if they were made of sand. Humans will want to tread carefully around Volcanion, as it’s not too fond of the species. Its centuries-long lifespan ensures a Volcanion can remain a threat for quite some time.
11Magearna
Artificial Pokemon
Magearna is a bit odd-looking but is seriously powerful. ThisSteel/Fairytype is the result of ancient technology, being crafted by an ancient civilization and brought to life using aSoul-Heart. This Soul-Heart is the source of Magearna’s power, allowing it to bring either peace or ruin.
The Soul-Heart is also the source of Magearna’s power in competitive battles. The ability functions similarly to a Beast Boost, and in conjunction withShift Gearallows it to buff itself and steamroll an opponent. It may look friendly, but Magearna is not here to make friends. A proper trainer can indeed rain destruction upon the realm with Magearna.
