If you want to upgrade your six-strong team with some of the best Pokémon Violet Pokémon, then look no further. We’re on hand to recommend some seriously strong ‘mons that can take down trainers, Gym Leaders, and Team Star leaders with ease.
Based on either their stats, abilities, movesets, or place on the Pokémon type chart, we’ve compiled a list of what we think are the best Pokémon in Violet right now. You’ll spot both some familiar Pokémon from old generations of the best RPG game series, as well as some of the new Pokémon Violet Pokémon.
Best Pokémon Violet Pokémon
The best Pokémon in Pokémon Violet are:
- Annihilape – Fighting/Ghost
- Salamence – Dragon/Flying
- Kingambit – Dark/Steel
- Ceruledge – Fire/Ghost
- Baxcalibur – Dragon/Ice
- Tinkaton – Fairy/Steel
- Kilowattrel – Electric/Flying
- Garchomp – Dragon/Ground
- Ogerpon – Grass
- Gholdengo – Steel/Ghost
- Palafin – Water
Our list of the best Pokémon Violet Pokémon includes fan-favorites such as Garchomp and Salamence, as well as new Generation 9 Pokémon like Annihilape and Baxcalibur – these are certainly some of the strongest ‘mon in the Pokémon Violet Pokédex.
You may find the odd legendary Pokémon in here, but we’ve generally opted for more attainable Pokémon that are more than strong enough to hold their own, even against the mightiest ‘mon the game will throw at you. Regardless, be warned of possible spoilers ahead – both for the base game and the Teal Mask DLC.
Annihilape
The extremely desirable Fighting/Ghost-type combo has only ever been seen once in Pokémon history, on the legendary Marshadow. Now, thanks to Annihilape, it’s much more attainable. Annihilape is the new evolution for Primeape and is not only blessed with an awesome type combo, but great stats and moves to go with it.
Salamence
Pseudo-legendaries (Pokémon with a base stat total of 600, but aren’t regarded as proper legendaries or mythicals) are a must-have for any Pokémon team, and Pokémon Violet is full of them. Exclusive to Violet only is Salamence, and it’s one of the coolest and strongest pseudo-legendaries ever. This Generation 3 icon may have a 4x weakness to Ice moves, but that’s pretty much its only drawback. Great stats, powerful moves, and a timeless design too.
Kingambit
Another new evolution is Kingambit, which evolves from Bisharp. This Dark/Steel beast has some incredible defensive and offensive capabilities and comes with a new ability called Supreme Overlord, which is ideal for clutching up a challenging battle. When entering the fight, Kingambit will receive an attack and special attack boost for every member of your team that’s been knocked out, making it a great final roll of the dice to turn the odds in your favor.
Ceruledge
Exclusive to Pokemon Violet is the Fire/Ghost-type Ceruledge, which can take down foes with ease thanks to its high attack stat. With access to lots of devastating physical Fire moves (and some Ghost ones too if you invest in TMs), it is the ideal candidate if you didn’t start with Fuecoco and want a Fire-type on your squad.
Baxcalibur
The new pseudo-legendary in Pokémon Violet is Baxcalibur, and while we could reel off several reasons as to why you’d want one on your team, it simply boils down to the fact that, well, it’s the new pseudo-legendary! It also possesses the Dragon/Ice type combo that’s only previously been found on the legendary Pokémon Kyurem.
Tinkaton
We always recommend having a Fairy-type on your team where possible, and Tinkaton can fill that role excellently. However, we’re more interested in its Steel typing and a certain signature move. Tinkaton is the only ‘mon that can learn the move Gigaton Hammer, which deals a massive 160 damage. There aren’t many moves, outside of attacks known by legendary Pokémon, that can top that.
Kilowattrel
It’s always really handy having a speedy Pokémon on your team, and in Pokémon Violet, Kilowattrel is just that. The Electric/Flying type is only outsped on the battlefield by a handful of other Pokémon in Violet (most of which aren’t a good type matchup against it either) and it can also learn some excellent special moves that complement its decent special attack stat too. As a bonus, you can get it pretty easily and early in the game too by training a commonly-found Wattrel to level 25.
Garchomp
Yes, it’s another Dragon type, and yes, it’s another pseudo-legendary, but how can you ignore an iconic and strong Pokémon like Garchomp? It’s consistently been one of the best Pokémon year after year, and it’s the same story in Violet. If Garchomp doesn’t take your fancy, any other pseudo-legendary would add some real value to your team, such as Goodra, Hydreigon, or Dragonite.
Ogerpon
If you’re looking to add some flexibility to your team, without having to take several trips to your Pokémon storage, then Ogerpon is the legendary ‘mon for you. First introduced in the Teal Mask DLC, Ogerpon’s typing changes based on the mask it holds. Unlike something like Castform which changes type entirely, Ogerpon simply gains a secondary typing. Its Hearthflame form, for example, takes its base Grass typing and adds Fire to it. Ogerpon’s masks not only grant it dual-typing, but each form carries a different passive ability – Mold Breaker in Hearthflame’s case – and changes the typing of Ogerpon’s powerful signature move, Ivy Cudgel.
Gholdengo
Gholdengo is probably the most unique Pokémon evolution in the game, purely because obtaining it requires chasing around varying quantities of its base form, Gimmighoul, until you can stack up enough Gimmighoul Coins – 999 to be exact – to actually evolve it.
When you do finally get a Gholdengo, you’re in for a treat. Sporting a very respectable 550 base power, Gholdengo boasts a whopping 133 base Sp. Atk. Additionally, Gholdengo has a couple of special tricks that no other Pokémon possess. Firstly, it’s the only Pokémon to have the ‘Good as Gold’ ability, which makes it invulnerable to other mons’ status moves.
Gholdengo also has a signature move called ‘Make It Rain’, which not only packs 120 power but causes coins to scatter when used. If you’re a few Pokébucks short of that TM you’ve been eyeing up, then get ready for a big payday.
Palafin
At base, there’s nothing particularly special about Palafin. It’s a basic Water-type with a basic 457 base power. And, let’s face it, dolphins themselves are pretty basic (even if they are adorable).
But just like real-world dolphins, Palafin has a penchant for extreme, prejudicial violence, and when switched out transforms into its rather overpowered ‘Hero Form’. Suddenly, Palafin is a 650 base power monster, with a ridiculous 160 Attack stat.
While Palafin is decently quick thanks to its 100 base Speed, it can guarantee the first hit thanks to its signature move Jet Punch. Though it’s not the most powerful move in the game, coming in at 60 power, its ability to guarantee priority can be game-changing in a pinch.
So those are our picks for the best Pokémon Violet Pokémon. Train these creatures up for a team that can easily sweep any of the Pokémon Violet Gym Leaders with ease. If you’re looking to take on the cream of the crop, then arm yourself with one of the best Nintendo Switch controllers to do so in style. And if you are in the market for another of the best Switch RPG games, then consult our list. Good luck, trainer.