Whilewriting up a recent list, I remembered how fun thePokémonseries was. Thus, I decided to cover one of my favorite phenomena in recent years: the regional variants. So let’s go to where it all started, theAlolaregion featured inPokémon SunandMoon.
Theseregional variantlists will all focus on the overall durability and versatility of attacks. It’ll also contend with how creative and utterly silly many of these regional variants were.
10 Best Regional Pokémon, Ranked
Regional Pokémon variants breathe new life into old Pokémon. Which Regionals are the best? This list can help readers decide.
There are some trulygreat inclusions in Alola, ranging from Ninetales to Exeggutor, Meowth, Diglett, and many more. So, let’s head to the sunny islands of Alola and check out some incredible monsters!
18Sandshrew
Igloo Style
First Appears In
Generation VII
Ice / Steel
Cool Level Up Move
Metal Claw
Final Move
Weaknesses
Fire, Fighting, Ground
One of the first Pokémon I fell in love with back in the day was Sandshrew. It was cute and silly, but just fierce enough that its eventual evolution made perfect sense.
What was once a sturdy Ground-type has suddenly adapted to become an Ice / Steel type. Though neat, it suddenly takes 4x damage from Fire and Fighting attacks, which makes Alolan Sandshrew more than a bit fragile.
On the plus side, it learns some nice attacks, including Slash, Gyro Ball, and Swords Dance.
17Sandslash
Slashing Expectations
Cool TM Move
Earthquake
Though no more durable than Sandshrew, at least Alolan Sandslash has a dynamic visual style. It also evolves differently than before, requiring an Ice Stone to evolve, much like everybody’s favorite shapeshifter, Eevee.
What helps it survive against bad matchups is using its Snow Cloak ability to dodge attacks.
As far as solid attacks, besides Earthquake, it can also learn to capitalize on attacks like Icicle Crash, Dig, and even Thief.
A fun Pokémon, but there are plenty better on this list!
16Exeggutor
Skyscraper Pokémon
Grass / Dragon
Leaf Storm
Ice, Poison, Flying, Bug, Dragon, Fairy
The shift from a Grass / Psychic to a Grass / Dragon is a pretty big one for Exeggutor. But he’s nothing if not used to being absurd.
While, mercifully, it doesn’t have two 4x weaknesses like our previous contenders, it still has five 2x weaknesses and one 4x.
Which means this long-necked fellow doesn’t dodge many attacks.
On the plus side, Alolan Exeggutor can learn some useful attacks. Some of my favorites include Solar Beam, Flamethrower, and Infestation.
Fire And Ice
Sheer Cold
Fire, Fighting, Rock, Steel
Everybody loves Vulpix, right? The cute little fiery fox that eventually evolves into Nintetales.
But in Alola, nature went a different way and transformed the cutie into an Ice type.
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From Bellossom to Flabébé, there are a wide range of flower Pokemon to represent one of nature’s greatest inventions.
While being an Ice type does mean Vulpix suffers from four instead of three bad matchups, it’s still a pretty capable Pokémon.
Using Snow Cloak to dodge, Vulpix can retaliate with fun attacks like Aurora Beam, Extrasensory, and Grudge. Not bad, but it gets better when Vulpix evolves!
14Ninetales
Frozen Tails
Ice / Fairy
Solar Beam
Fire, Poison, Rock, Steel
Alolan Ninetales is a beautiful and powerful Pokémon. It goes above and beyond by becoming a dual Ice / Fairy type.
While that does give the fox one 4x weakness, it makes up for it with better stats and great attacks.
The new typing means Ninetales can surprise foes with attacks like Moonblast, as well as using tricky attacks like Hypnosis.
To our great surprise, this icy fox can still use attacks like Heat Wave and Flare Blitz!
The Power Of Magnetism
Rock / Electric
Cool Egg Move
Magnet Rise
Stone Edge
Water, Grass, Fighting, Ground
One of the first non-starter Pokémon with three forms that many players encountered was Geodude. The little rocky guy was like a cartoon character, with a giant head and big fists.
In Alola, Geodude gets a magnetic makeover, going from a Rock to a Rock / Electric type.
Though it does still get trashed by Ground attacks, new abilities like Magnet Pull and Galvanize can help him turn the tables on opponents.
While it’s still early days for the little rock, Geodude can use powerful attacks like Thunder Punch, Rock Throw, and Magnitude.
12Graveler
Fear The Eyebrows
Flamethrower
If you were hoping that Alolan Graveler might evolve differently, you’re out of luck.
Thankfully, the upgrade from the little pebble is still a pretty solid Pokémon.
Even if you get one with Sturdy, they can still withstand a decent amount of hurt before retaliating.
An increased Attack stat means moves like Rock Blast, Double Edge, and Bulldoze really put a dent in your opponent’s monsters.
Mighty Mustache
Steamroller
Heavy Slam
With great HP, Attack, and Defense stats, Golem isa wonderful variant. He’s also an incredibly weird one.
I love how evolution made it so he grew magnetic follicles. It doesn’t make a lick of sense, but it’s the sort of logic I’ve come to appreciate in the series.
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Ever wanted to use some new Pokemon instead of the usual favourites? These weak Pokemon have insane potential to carry you through the game and beyond
Using attacks like Charge Beam, Gyro Ball, Brutal Swing and the trusty Explosion, Golem can make mincemeat of its opponents.
A fierce and worthy addition to this list.
Dark Plague
Dark / Normal
Switcheroo
Fighting, Bug, Fairy
Let’s just be honest, Rattata isn’t usually gonna wind up on anybody’s final team. But that doesn’t mean he’s not a worthy Pokémon.
In Alola, he went from a traditional Normal to a Dark / Normal type. While that does give it more weaknesses, it helps make up for it with abilities like Gluttony and Hustle.
Since Rattata is best played to irritate and mess with your opponent, you’ll probably want attacks like Hyper Fang, Super Fang, Toxic, and Attract.
The Creeps Come Out At Night
While Raticate might not instill fear and dread in you with those chunky cheeks, the vile rat is still capable of ruining your day.
If you have Thick Fat, it’ll be especially irritating. But even without that ability, Raticate can be a nuisance.
This is one Pokémon you’ll want the best possible stats for, giving it around 300 Defense and Special Defense and 300+ HP.
Attacks like Iron Tail, Throat Chop, Wild Charge, and Shadow Claw will keep things interesting during battle.
