The original Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow games are iconic, but which Pokémon are truly the best for a standard playthrough? A video presents a definitive ranking of the top 10 strongest Pokémon in the first generation, judging them not just on raw power but also on the effort required to train them.
• Play Pokémon Yellow on your Android device with a simple APK.
• Play Pokémon Blue on your Android device with a simple APK.
• Play Pokémon Red on your Android device with a simple APK.
Overlooked Gems and Early Powerhouses
Some of the strongest Pokémon in the game are often underrated or offer significant advantages early on.
Clefable
Often overshadowed by Nidoking, Clefable provides a massive power spike early in the game as a Moonstone evolution of Clefairy. Its performance, however, tends to drop off later in the game.
Machamp
In Pokémon Yellow, you can acquire Machamp early in the game by trading a Cubone on Route 5. While it has a high attack stat, it needs highly contested TMs to truly reach its full potential.
Gengar
Gen 1’s premier Ghost-type, Gengar, is available as a Gastly in Lavender Town. It’s the fastest Pokémon to learn a sleep move and boasts immense power, requiring minimal effort to obtain via trade.
Snorlax / Dodrio
This duo of Normal-type Pokémon are great mid-game options. Snorlax is a low-effort powerhouse with access to Amnesia to boost its special stats, while Dodrio is a faster, high-attack alternative that can even solo Erika‘s gym.
The Geodude Line
The Geodude line is one of the most underrated Pokémon in the game. Found in Mt. Moon, it dominates early-game rivals and gym leaders. The evolved forms, Graveler and Golem, become even stronger with the Dig TM and can single-handedly defeat multiple gym leaders.
Overrated, Reliable, and Top-Tier Choices
Not all popular Pokémon live up to the hype, while others prove their worth and climb to the top of the ranks.
Nidoking
While a favorite for speedrunners, Nidoking is considered overrated in a normal playthrough. Its stats are less dominant when experience is split, and it struggles against gym leaders like Misty and Erika. However, its early-game power and diverse TM move set still make it a top-tier option.
Venusaur / Victreebel
Venusaur, a starter in Red and Blue, is a reliable choice but can be overrated as it struggles against certain gym leaders. Victreebel, available in Yellow, makes up for its lesser availability with a paralyze and wrap combo that can easily defeat opponents.
Blastoise, Gyarados, & Tentacruel
This trio of Water-type Pokémon tie for the third spot. Blastoise offers an amazing early game as a starter but requires investment. Gyarados is superior to Blastoise in almost every way, but the lengthy process of grinding a Magikarp is a major drawback. Tentacruel is a reliable late-game Pokémon with high special stats and speed, making it the strongest Surf user in the game.
Alakazam & Jynx
Alakazam is a powerhouse with high speed and special attack, but its fragility and the effort required to catch and train an Abra are significant drawbacks. Jynx ties with Alakazam as it is the fastest Pokémon to get a reliable sleep move, Lovely Kiss. Its unique Ice/Psychic typing gives it a niche as a great candidate for both the Psychic and Ice Beam TMs.
The Undisputed Champion
Starmie
The video’s top pick for the best Pokémon in Gen 1 is Starmie. Its pre-evolved form, Staryu, can be caught after the Pokémon Tower event. Despite starting at a low level, it can be leveled up quickly. With its high speed and special stats, Starmie is an excellent user of the Thunderbolt and Ice Beam TMs and can single-handedly defeat many of the late-game gym leaders and Elite Four members.
• Play Pokémon Yellow on your Android device with a simple APK.
• Play Pokémon Blue on your Android device with a simple APK.
• Play Pokémon Red on your Android device with a simple APK.
RELATED ARTICLE:
Unveiling 17 Secrets and Easter Eggs in Pokémon Red and Blue
Security verified