20 Best-Performing Pokemon In Competitive Play

While the world of Pokemon is full of many different things trainers can do with their pocket monsters, the main (and most fun) activity is battling. Putting teams up against each other to determine the best trainer is a thrill like no other. Battling through the single-player campaign to become champion is all well and good, but some seek to go further.

Players worldwide look to compete with each other, pushing their teams to the limits to call themselves world champions. Over the past decade or so, when Pokemon VGC has been officially recognized, some Pokemon have risen to the top. While different meta-games come and go, some Pokemon always find a way to be useful and have helped win multiple world championships.

Updated December 1st, 2023 by Stephen LaGioia: The world of Ranked Battles and competitive Pokemon is exciting, in-depth, and incredibly challenging. It’s also one that can be complex when factoring in an ever-growing lineup of monsters, various games, and a somewhat fluid meta.

In order to stand up against their opponents, players will want to get their hands on the strongest, most effective Pokemon to fight in competitive matches. Thankfully, there are a lot of potent and well-rounded monsters that can fill a variety of roles. To better showcase the best competitive Pokemon, the following guide has been updated and includes even more entries for competition-viable creatures.

23 Meowscarada

Magical Pokemon

Meowscarada is the final form of the Grass-type starter from Generation 9, bringing the unique supplement of the Dark elemental. While not having the massive firepower of some competitive favorites, this humanoid feline is subtly useful in a few areas.

This begins with the handy move Flower Trick — which only Meowscarada is capable of learning as of now. Flower Trick is a great option in a heated match, as it’s fairly powerful, and always hits for criticals. The move boasts a base power of 70, which, coupled with a fairly high Attack stat, can chip away at opponents’ HP quite quickly.

Added to this is the cat’s immense speed, which allows players to get a jump on opponents, making it more likely for them to have to play catch-up. Finally, its Hidden Ability called Protean allows it to transform into a single type (taking the form of the move it used last). This whittles down the number of elemental types that are strong against this Pokemon.

22 Yveltal

Destruction Pokemon

This already potent Dark/Flying-type’s power is amped up even more with its Dark Aura ability, which bumps up Dark-type move strengths by about 33%, and this applies to all Pokemon on the field. However, it should be noted that this effect doesn’t stack if there is more than one Pokemon with this ability.

This also yields a 30% chance of causing flinching, keeping targets on their heels for much of the match. On top of this, Yveltal is the only Pokemon currently able to learn the nifty move Oblivion Wing. This acts as a secondary STAB (same-type attack bonus), which inflicts loads of damage and even restores 75% of the damage dealt.

Heat Wave is an excellent coverage move that wallops various Pokemon types. Put simply — this draconian Flying Pokemon is pretty much stacked across the board, and has a number of tricks up its sleeve.

21 Ho-Oh

Rainbow Pokemon

The Pokemon that spurred the imagination and wonder of Ash Ketchum (and viewers) in the Pokemon anime’s pilot episode is also a great option for competitive matches.

This Fire/Flying-type can really turn up the heat with its Special Attack power and ability to weather moves from opponents’ Special moves. Players can enjoy the benefits of a strong, well-rounded moveset with Earthquake, Sacred Fire, Extrasensory, and the healing move Recover.

These all cover a range of elementals and move types, while helping ensure the Pokemon can win a war of attrition. Its survivability is further strengthened by its hidden ability Regenerator, which, as its name implies, restores a decent chunk of HP (specifically 33%) after switching it out. This majestic bird can really help players soar to victory in battle.

20 Zapdos

Truly Electrifying

Players were elated to see the original Legendary Bird Trio get their own unique redesigns with Galarian forms in Generation 8 but Zapdos retains most of its competitive viability when in its Generation 1 form. The high-flying Electric-type can be devastating thanks to its array of powerful moves, high Special Attack stat (125) and solid Speed (100). This combination has seen many players use it well in Sword & Shield Ranked Battles.

Those looking to get the most out of their Zapdos should find one with a Timid nature, as it will boost its Speed in favor of Attack. This isn’t a huge deal as Zapdos is a Special Attacker, so it will benefit from the speed boost without losing its edge. Players can dominate the competition with moves like Hurricane, Heat Wave, and Rising Voltage. Zapdos also has some staying power thanks to Roost.

19 Dragapult

The Living Missile Launcher

Those looking for a unique and competitively viable Dragon-type should check out Dragapult. The living missile launcher is a mixed attacker with a ton of speed, giving it the ability to out-maneuver its opponents. It’s very capable of sweeping a team and its Clear Body ability will keep it safe from any negative stat-affecting moves. It also comes with the Cursed Body hidden ability which can outright disable an opponent’s move (30 percent chance) if it hits Dragapult.

Players can push Dragapult’s already impressive Speed stat (142) even further by snagging one with the Naive nature, which will also leave its Attack (120) and Special Attack (100) intact. Its unique typing of Dragon/Ghost can go a long way in battle and it will benefit from STAB on moves like Dragon Darts and Phantom Force.

18 Mimikyu

A Surprisingly Effective Counter

One of the most entertaining things about competitive Pokemon play is that dedicated trainers often find ways to introduce unique Pokemon into the meta. Mimikyu is an example of a competitively viable Pokemon that doesn’t look like it belongs with the powerhouses present in most battles. Looks can be very deceiving, however, as this pint-sized cosplaying Pokemon is capable of taking a hit and dishing out some serious damage if used correctly.

Its Disguise ability allows it to tank one hit per battle, giving smart players a chance to set up Swords Dance and punish their opponents with an array of Ghost or Fairy-type moves. Players can help Mimikyu out-speed the competition by finding one with a Jolly stat, which will give it a better chance of tanking a hit and then getting the jump on the opponent.

17 Tapu Fini

A Fairy With Bulk

One of Alola’s guardian spirits, all four of them have seen a fair amount of competitive usage since their introduction in Generation 7. Tapu Koko has always been a force to be reckoned with, while Tapu Bulu and Tapu Lele had their niches. However, Tapu Fini has benefitted from the jump to Generation 8 the most.

With 130 in Special Defense, and a Water/Fairy-type combination, Tapu Fini can take a hit and keep on trucking. Its Attacking power isn’t incredible, but it has access to moves like Nature’s Madness, which is guaranteed to halve an opponent’s HP. It usually carries Icy Wind to slow other Pokemon down and sometimes uses Heal Pulse to support its allies.

16 Venusaur

Teaching An Old Pokemon New Tricks

Venusaur is the final evolution of the very first Pokemon in the Pokedex. To say it’s been around for a while would be quite an understatement. Despite this, it was never used very prominently as a top competitive Pokemon. That was until Sword & Shield came along and breathed new life into it.

For a long time, it had good Special Attack and Defence, with 100 in each, but its low HP and Speed meant it could never be put to good use. However, with its Chlorophyll hidden ability, its Speed doubles in sunlight, and suddenly, it becomes a bulky tank with a turbocharger strapped to it. The Isle of Armor DLC giving it a Gigantamax form was quite a boost too.

15 Galarian Moltres

Fire And Fury

At first glance, it doesn’t look like Galarian Moltres would be all that great, but it benefitted from the circumstances in which it came about. As an addition to the Crown Tundra DLC, it popped up simultaneously as popular Pokemon like Cresselia made their return, and new ones like Calyrex and Spectrier appeared. Galarian Moltress could obliterate them all.

Combining the Weakness Policy item with Dynamax means that Galarian Moltres can hit powerful Dark-type moves that nothing can resist. It has great Special Attack and even better Special Defence, allowing it to give and take hits with ease. Plus, even when it isn’t Dynamaxed, its signature move Firery Wrath, has a 20% chance of causing the opponent to flinch, meaning they may not even move.

14 Regieleki

Faster Than Light

One of the newest Pokemon in the franchise, being added in the Crown Tundra DLC in late 2020, Regieleki has quickly become a force to be reckoned with. 200 Speed is an incredible place to start and makes it one of the best Electric-types in the scene right now.

With 100 in both Physical and Special Attack, it can hit with some fierce power. What’s more, its Transistor ability boosts its Attack by 1.5x when using an Electric move. This means it can savor moves like Thunderbolt to hit with some force or Volt Switch to keep as fast as possible and never take a hit.

13 Rillaboom

Attacking With Priority

Rillaboom saw spotty usage throughout the first few Players Cups. There were ways it could work, but Pokemon like Incineroar were still somewhat boxing it out. This changed in a major way when Players Cup events started allowing restricted Pokemon on teams (a group that mostly includes Legendary Pokemon).

Here, Rillaboom found its place as a Pokemon that could handle some of the most powerful ones. With its Grassy Surge Hidden Ability, combined with the move Grassy Glide, Rillaboom held a powerful Grass-Type move that had priority, guaranteeing it would move before even some of the fastest Pokemon. It meant that even monsters like Regieleki and Urshifu were now far less of a threat.

12 Bronzong

Slayer Of Fairy-type Pokemon

Bronzong is an unassuming Pokemon that many trainers may not think would be a good fit for competitive play. While its usage hasn’t been widespread, it has proved to be an essential player on teams in certain years.

Its Steel/Psychic typing makes it a tough nut to crack. Additionally, its versatile move set allows it to control the pace of battle with moves like Trick Room and hit hard with Gyro Ball. In 2016, it was near-essential to have on teams due to the prevalence of Fairy Types, which Bronzong could rip right through.

11 Calyrex

Two In One

The headline Pokemon for The Crown Tundra DLC, Calyrex was immediately made a Restricted Pokemon, limiting its competitive use. However, when it’s been allowed to step onto the battlefield, it has wreaked havoc.

With Special Attack and Speed that few Pokemon can match, there is little most Pokemon can do to stop it. Additionally, when combined with Spectrier, its As One Ability is like two in one. Calyrex’s Unnerve stops the opponent from eating crucial Berries, while Spectrier’s Grim Neigh boosts its Special Attack every time it gets a KO. It is a threat that will be immediately prioritized when the opponent pulls it out because letting it get going will result in a total team sweep.

10 Urshifu

Fast, Furious Fists

Several Pokemon have seen heavy usage in the Pokemon Sword and Shield era of competitive play. With a more limited Pokedex, players have been forced to get more creative with their teams. Urshifu has risen to the occasion as a solid pick.

With a high Speed stat, Urshifu can get onto the battlefield and strike before many other powerful Pokemon. On top of that, its two forms often mean opponents won’t know what they’re up against until it’s too late. Combine that with a signature move that guarantees a critical hit, and players have a tournament-winning Pokemon on their hands.

9 Amoonguss

Supportive Spores

With the double-battle format of VGC, trainers don’t have to focus on raw attacking power. Supportive Pokemon can be just as effective in keeping the opponent’s strikes at bay. Amoonguss is one of the better Pokemon for keeping the fight going.

It can put opponents to sleep with frightening accuracy using Spore and can focus attacks on itself with Rage Powder. Additionally, it boasts enviable Abilities. Effect Spore means an attacker may find themselves victim to a status condition, while Regenerator restores Amoonguss’ health when it switches out.

8 Incineroar

Intimidating Sweeper

Generation 7 left a large impact on the Pokemon franchise, and the competitive scene was no exception. Incineroar’s power is rivaled by very few Pokemon. It managed to break the mold of starter Pokemon being fairly useless in competitive play. Its move pool lets trainers have their pick of the litter, but what set it into the mainstream was its Hidden Ability.

Incineroar’s intimidating ability makes it a mainstay on almost all of the top teams. Lowering the opponent’s Attack stat upon switching in is a huge boon, and Incineroar can back it up with attacking moves that destroy anything in its path. This dominance has seen it claim a world championship every year since its Intimidate Ability was released in 2018.

7 Thundurus

Versatile Power

Part of Generation 5’s Legendary Genie Trio, Thundurus lives up to its Legendary status. With fantastic stats and a wide move pool, Thundurus has been able to fill several different roles on competitive teams.

With its enviable Special Attack and Speed stats, it can make waves as an all-out sweeper with Thunderbolt and Hidden Power. However, it can also fill a support role. Its Ability, Prankster, allows all non-attacking moves to go first, regardless of Pokemon’s speed. This means it can dish out moves like Thunder Wave and completely immobilize opponents with ease.

6 Zacian

The Counter To Everything

Pokemon Sword‘s box-art Legendary and Restricted Pokemon, Zacian lives up to its moniker. Its 170 Attack stat is already amazing, but its ability immediately boosts that when entering battle. Additionally, it has some of the most incredible moves available.

Behemoth Blade not only deals double damage to Dynamax/Gigantamax Pokemon but is powerful enough to one-shot some of the most powerful Pokemon out there. Xerneas and Tapu Lele don’t stand a chance against it, and even neutral Pokemon like Landorus and Incineroar can’t stand up to it very well. Even for Pokemon that do resist it, moves like Close Combat and Play Rough are perfect options for Zacian to carry.

5 Tapu Koko

Like Thundurus, But Better

Tapu Koko came along in Generation 7 and immediately made an impact. As well as being one of the coolest-looking Pokemon of the generation, it turned out to be the ultimate Electric-Type Pokemon for competitive play.

Like Thundurus, it can use powerful attacking and supporting moves like Thunderbolt and Thunder Wave. However, Tapu Koko’s Electric Surge Ability also gives it a terrain advantage, boosts Electric-Type attacks, prevents Sleep, and gives Hidden Power a chance to Paralyze. Tapu Koko doesn’t need a support Pokemon, because it more or less supports itself. As such, it was all over the competitive scene in Generation 7, winning a world championship in both 2017 and 2018.

4 Garchomp

No-Frills Sweeping

Garchomp has everything trainers could want from an effective sweeper. Its monstrous Attack stat could make most Legendary Pokemon quake in their boots. It has access to some of the game’s most powerful attacking moves, and the defensive capabilities to stick around.

Earthquake and Rock Slide are powerful moves that hit both opposing Pokemon at once. If Garchomp needs a more focused attack, Dragon Claw is no problem. It has seen prominent usage in almost every year where it was allowed to compete and featured on world championship-winning teams with 2012 and 2014. It may rise to prominence again with the Diamond and Pearl remakes later in 2021.