WhenPokemonX & Y were released, 72 new Pokemon came with the games. Some Pokemon, like Goodra or Sylveon, became more of a fan favorite than others. Other Pokemon were too underpowered to be notable or, worse, were forgotten. Their once original typing may now be outclassed by something better, or perhaps they were never very good to begin with.
Pokemon Legends: Arceus helped revitalize some older forgotten Pokemon with new forms and evolutions, bringing otherwise ignored Pokemon like Stantler and Qwilfish to our attention. Whether with a remake or a new game, some of Kalos more underrated Pokemon deserve a second chance to stand in the spotlight.
9Klefki
When In Doubt, Add More Keys
The Steel/Fairy dual-type never belonged to Klefki alone. The Key Ring Pokemon shared its typing with Mawile and the mythical Magearna. However, Fairy/Steel Pokemon turned that typing on its head - quite literally.With Pokemon like Zacian and Tinkaton to compete with, this little key ring’s stats simply can’t keep up.
As Klefki is a single-stage Pokemon, there’s plenty of room for it to grow. Instead of being a simple key ring, an evolved Klefki could upgrade into a Swiss Army Knife, with more versatility and a possibly better ability. Alternatively, Klefki could take the Dudunsparce approach, becoming a larger key ring holding an even wider variety of keys.
8Hawlucha
May The Hawk Luchador Rise Again
Hawlucha once had the unique typing of Fighting/Flying, which it now shares with Galarian Zapdos. Flamigo carries the reverse typing, being a Flying/Fighting type. What once made this avian luchador so unique has been shared with other Pokemon. However, Hawlucha still has the signature move Flying Press, which counts as both Fighting- and Flying-type. Its speed and attack are both decent, but it could do better.
A Hawlucha evolution could lean further into the luchador inspirations of this Pokemon, becoming a bigger, stronger, and possibly even flashier fighting avian. With an increase to its Speed and Physical Attack, and its already useful abilities, Hawlucha could once again step into the ring for another fight.
7Diggersby
This Bunny Needs More Belly
Diggersby once hadthe unique typing of Normal/Ground, until Ursaring’s evolution Ursaluna gained the typing too. This one advantage is quickly swept away by Ursaluna’s overpowering stats. It may not be as fast as Diggersby, but Ursaluna far outclasses the rabbit in terms of power.
If Diggersby wants to gain any relevance, it needs an evolution. It could possibly trade its speed for additional HP, Defense, and Special Defense, becoming the ultimate shield in comparison to Ursaluna’s raw strength. Alternatively, it could gain more Physical Attack, letting it do more than just soak up attacks and be fast.
6Gogoat
Gimmicks Aren’t Enough For This Goat
Gogoat is a mono-Grass-type, primarily known for its status as the Mount Pokemon. It was notable asone of the Pokemon you could ridein X & Y to get from place to place easier in certain areas, although it lacked this ability when it appeared in Scarlet & Violet.
While it aims to be an HP sponge with solid Physical and Special Attack, there are other Grass-types who can still outclass it. If Gogoat gains an evolution, it should have more bulk and bigger horns, signifying its increase in HP. It could still have decent Special Attack, but put its focus into Physical Attack to make use out of Horn Leech. However, Gogoat needs to rely on more than just its status as the Mount Pokemon if it wishes to stand apart from the crowd.
The Pride Has Fallen Short
4
Litleo and Pyroar remain the only Fire/Normal Pokemon available. While its gender differences are notable, they have no difference in gameplay or stats, unlike male and female Meowstic. Pyroar is a speedy Special Attacker, but is outclassed by other Fire-types with better movesets and abilities like Blaziken, Charizard, and Chandelure.
If Lysandre’s ace wants to take over as the ruler of the pride, it needs an evolution to stand out from the crowd. A split evolution would work well off of the pre-existing gender differences. The sleek and agile female evolution could specialize in Speed, while the male could cut Speed for the sake of Attack or HP. Then these lions would have a chance at being the true lion king (or queen) in Pokemon.
3Dedenne
Time For This Pika-Clone To Become A Rai-Clone
Dedenne was notable for beingthe Pikachu clone archetypein Kalos. It was also the only Electric/Fairy-type until the legendary Tapu Koko was introduced in the next generation. However, other, more notable Pikachu clones have been introduced since then, such as Mimikyu and Pawmo. Poor Dedenne just can’t keep up.
Before Pokemon: Scarlet & Violet, it was unheard of for any Pikachu-like Pokemon to evolve. However, Pawmo changed the game with its evolutions. Dedenne also needs to grow bigger and stronger with at least one evolution capitalizing on its Speed and Special Attack. Give it more antennae-like whiskers or a second tail to emphasize its electric potential, and a slim design to emphasize its Speed.
2Furfrou
It’s Fashionable To Evolve
Furfrou is a Normal-type whose entire purpose revolves styling its fur into different looks. These nine different looks do nothing to Furfrou’s stats, moveset, or typing. While it has the potential to stand out in a crowd for its good fashion sense, Furfrou ultimately falls behind with its mediocre stats.
It could be interesting to see Furfrou evolve depending on the type of trim its had. Each of the trims are color-coded and could be associated with a secondary type Furfrou could gain upon evolution. Heart Trim Furfrou could become a Fairy-type for example. Alternatively, the trims could instead determine the evolution’s permanent look with increased or decreased stats. Either way, Pokemon has proved it: it’s in vogue to get a new evolution.
1Carbink
Little More Than Useless Carbon
Carbink is an adorable Rock/Fairy Pokemon that, on first glance, looks like it could evolve into Diancie. Then you remember Diancie is a mythical Pokemon, and that thought falls apart. While Carbink has fantastic defensive options, that’s all it has going for it. Thanks to Diancie, it doesn’t even have a unique type.
Carbink deserves a chance to shine like the gemstones poking out of its body, and an evolution would give it that opportunity. Its evolution could resemble a simpler Diancie or perhaps a cut geode, sparklign brightly in shades of blue.. Then transfer some of its defensive stats elsewhere so it can do more than just absorb attacks.Carbink is a diamond in the rough. It just needs a proper chance to shine.
Pokemon
Pokemon has entertained both children and adults alike for several generations. Whether hit video games, anime series and movies, trading cards, or more, there’s something for every budding trainer hoping to catch ‘em all.
