Everybody loves the cathartic feelings, that rush of endorphins, of spending time training aPokémonfor the next step to come as they evolve. It is undeniably part of what makes the game so charming. It has always been an essential and enjoyable aspect to the video games, as well asan essential plot point in the anime.
However, this means that some of the lesser Pokémon get looked over, as the moment you catch them, they stay in their form indefinitely. This is particularly true when looking outside the Legendary Pokémon, as many non-evolvers lack the potential to do well in the elite leagues.
Still, among the non-evolving types, there are some great additions to the Pokédex, whether because of their role in the anime or their prowess in video games. Here are the 20 strongest non-legendary Pokémon that don’t evolve, ranked up to our top pick.
Ditto(#0132) is an elusive Normal-type Pokemon introduced in Generation I. Always appearing as other Pokémon, Ditto will transform to mimic anyone he faces in battle. In his natural state, he appears as a purplish blob, with his shiny version being blue. He takes on whatever attacks other Pokémon have and has no moves of his own beyond ‘transform.’ Ditto’s first appearance was in the 37th episode of the anime, “Ditto’s Mysterious Mansion.”
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Multipurpose Blob
Ditto is not so deadly on its own, and even taking on the appearance of others, he does not get the same stats or amount of uses. Ditto is always an inferior version of what he is facing off against. However, Ditto has a more practical use throughout the games: breeding.
The genderless Pokemon can produce eggs with any other monsters, filling that void by needing the opposite partner to create the desired egg that one wants. So, while not powerful itself, Ditto is still instrumental in building teams, giving him a unique strength in the series.
Mawile(#0303) is a dual-type Steel/Fairy Pokémon introduced in Generation III. It is known for its deceptive nature, presenting as a cute and innocent Pokémon, but hiding a large set of jaws in its hair, which it uses to attack.
Mawile would later get a Mega form, which brought even greater attention to the large teeth in the Pokémon’s hair. The Steel/Fairy monster made its anime debut in the episode “Once in a Mawile,“where it crushed on Brock’s Lombre.
Deceptively Deadly
Mawile’s unique typing can make it a surprise pick to mix things up in battle. However, its base stats make a relatively weak overall choice in any league. Still, what gives Mawile a slight edge is its Mega form, which doubles its power stats while keeping its bulky status. Combining this with its ability to use Sucker Punch, and the Mega form can make short use of many opponents. Still, Mawile lands lower on our list as its original form is only useful in specific cases.
18Kangaskhan
Kangaskhan(#0115) is a Normal-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I. It is known for resembling a kangaroo, which also plays into its parental instinct to protect its young. Kagashkhan would later receive a ‘mega evolution,’ seeing the baby leave the pouch with its own move set. Multiple Kangaskhan debuted in the 34th episode called “The Kangaskhan Kid,” where they were watchingover a wild boynamed Tommy.
The Protective Mother
Kangashkhan has a wide range of abilities it can learn, making it a versatile opponent if the other trainer does not know what is coming. It has access to skills like Sucker Punch, Body Slam, and Wish, as well as being able to choose from the different elemental punches, which can catch others off guard.
Despite the diverse attacks available backed by a decent defense, using Kangashkhan is always a gamble, as he can just as quickly get one shot. The Mega version also saw vast improvements in stats, allowing the Pokémon to be more competitive.
Dedenne(#0702) is a dual-type Electric/Fairy Pokémon introduced in Generation VI that resemblesthe series' main mascot. However, Dedenne is much smaller than its electric counterpart and gathers power from its whiskers. Its shiny version gives a slightly more dark brown body while keeping the same cute cheek and tummy coloring. In the anime, it is best known as Clemont’s Dedenne, which debuted in the episode “A Battle of Aerial Mobility!”
Small Body, Big Shock
Dedenne’s unique Fairy/Electric type combination gives it an advantage in specific battles, though it is a relatively niche pick. In Pokémon Go, it can work well in the Great League thanks to its ability to counter some of the top choices.
Still, the adorable little one needs the right match-up to shine, making him either a surprise team saver or a wasted spot. He plays a prominent role as Clemont’s constant companion, which means he has more chances toprove his merits in the anime.
Torkoal(#0324) is a Fire-type Pokémon introduced in Generation III. Torokoal is often found in mountainous regions where it hunts for coal to keep itself powered up. Torokoal was first featured in “All Torkoal, No Play,” where Ash caught the turtle-like Pokémon after helping it defeat a Steelix that was picking on it.
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Strong Little Steam Engine
In specific contexts, the little fire Pokémon can be intimidating in the lower leagues with abilities like Stealth Rock and Rapid Spin. Combined with its high defense stats, Torkoal can make for an excellent defensive wall.
However, its Fire-type and mainly limited move pool mean it only thrives if the situation is right.The turtle can be tough, but it can just as easily be washed out of the competition in a heartbeat.
15Bouffalant
Bouffalant(#0626) is a Normal-type Pokémon introduced in Generation 5, notable for its stylish afro. Often appearing in herds of a couple of dozen, the one with the most giant afro is marked as the pack’s leader. Bouffalants have appeared primarily in herds or background in the anime, with their first appearance in the prologue of “White — Victini and Zekrom.”
The Slickest Hair in the Game
Bouffalant is often the scourge of any Grass-type it finds itself up against, with its high attack and bulky nature capable of easily knocking out any plant-like Pokémon it battles. Bouffalant also benefits from its Reckless ability, which boosts the power of its recoil moves.
Despite this, the buffalo-esque creature suffers from slower speed, which makes it only situationally useful. Compared to Tauros, Bouffalant never got to dominate in its generational release, but the two are comparable, with either deserving this placing on the list.
14Alomomola
Alomomola(#0594) is a water-type Pokémon introduced in Generation V,known for its caring nature. It uses a special membrane to heal other Pokémon injured at sea. Alomomola has a distinctive, pink heart-shaped appearance, and is most often depicted from a side view. It first appeared in the anime episode “In The Shadow of Zekrom!”
Keeping the Seas Safe
While Alomomola leaves much to be desired in offense and speed, the Pokémon’s large health pool and defense make it useful in various scenarios. This is particularly true inPokémon Gofor base defenses and competition in the lower leagues. Additionally, Alomomola is known for its ability to pass massive Wishes, making it a valuable asset in battles to keep up the health of other Pokémon.
13Pachirisu
Pachirisu(#0417) is an Electric-type Pokémon introduced in Generation IV, known for its affectionate and playful nature. Its cute spots on its cheeks store static energy and shoot energy. Its long tail and a single front tooth give it a squirrel-like appearance. Parichisu fist appears in the Diamond and Pearl season of the anime, in the episode “Twice Smitten, Once Shy!”
A Surprise Champion
A fan favorite, Pachirisu has a versatile move set, including Discharge, Super Fang, and Nuzzle. In the anime, Pachirisu was the second Pokémon that Dawn caught in the Sinnoh region.
The cute electric squirrel would prove valuable in the Pokémon World Championships in 2014 when competitor Se Jun Park won the event’s Pokémon X & Y with Pachirisu. A little body with a big charge, Pachirisu has proved valuable in certain iterations as well as being a staple in the anime.
Falinks(#0870) is a Fighting-type Pokémon introduced in Generation VIII, known for its distinct design of being made up of several separate Pokémon that can link together. A single Falinks consisted of a formation of six, five troopers and a leader called “the brass.”
The Brass commands the others, with the non-evolving Pokémon being proof of strength in numbers. The Falinks first appeared in the anime “Grabbing the Brass Ring!”
Strength in Numbers
Falinks thrives in battle under a unique skill that only it has, “No Retreat.” This has become a powerful tool in the games because of its ability to increase the user’s attack, defense, special attack, special defense, and speed.
It is ideal in the lower ranks, Great League and Ultra League, and needs to be employed strategically. Still, its unique move set can make it a powerful opponent or ally that is also funto see in action.
11Stunfisk
Stunfisk(#0618) is a Pokémon introduced in Generation V, with a unique ground/electric mix. Known for its flat appearance, the fish-like creature lives in mudflats and coastal areas where it likes to stay submerged in mud.
There is a Galarian form of Stunfisk with a different color pattern, which is a steel/ground type. This variation has a much different move set. Stunfisk debuted in the episode “Facing Fear with Eyes Wide Open!”
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Please Don’t Step on Me!
Stunfisk is a favorite inPokémon Go, with its high stamina and defense, making it an ideal fit for the Great and Ultra leagues, with the Galarian version being the more popular of the two. The flat fish-like monster has a unique typing, making it great in the game franchise, specifically for the electric meta games. The Galarian version also has two unique abilities in “Mimicry” and “Snap Trap,” giving the hardened ground Pokémon a unique move set that can catch others off guard.
