When Pokémon Red and Blue launched in the late ’90s, they revolutionized the RPG genre with monster collecting, battling, and trading. But among the 151 original Pokémon, not all were created equal. Some were so powerful that they defined the Gen 1 competitive meta and remain iconic even decades later. Whether due to absurd stats, broken mechanics, or versatile movepools, these Pokémon were the kings and queens of Kanto. Here are the 10 most powerful Pokémon that completely dominated the original games.
- Play Pokémon Red on your Android device with a simple APK.
- Play Pokémon Blue on your Android device with a simple APK.
1. Mewtwo Could Break the Game if Caught Earlier
Mewtwo is an absolute juggernaut. With a base 154 Special stat and 130 Speed, it outpaces and outclasses nearly every other Pokémon in Gen 1. Found only at the end of the game in Cerulean Cave, it’s a reward for beating the Elite Four — and for good reason. If players had access to Mewtwo earlier, the game’s challenge would collapse entirely. It’s that powerful.
2. Mew Has Perfectly Balanced Stats and Unlimited Potential
While Mew was only available through events or glitches, it was a true wildcard. With 100 in every stat and the unique ability to learn every TM and HM, Mew could be molded into any kind of fighter — a tank, sweeper, or support. Its adaptability made it invaluable in high-level battles or creative team building.
3. Alakazam Could Sweep Entire Teams Without Breaking a Sweat
With 135 Special and 120 Speed, Alakazam was a glass cannon that rarely needed to defend. Its Psychic-type dominance in Gen 1, paired with limited weaknesses, allowed it to sweep most teams with ease. Even without high physical defense, Alakazam often struck first — and last.
4. Tauros Was Gen 1’s Most Feared Physical Attacker
Tauros wasn’t just strong — it was brutally efficient. With great Speed (110) and solid Attack (100), it made the most of Gen 1’s quirks, like Hyper Beam not needing a recharge if it knocked something out. Combined with Earthquake and Blizzard, Tauros could tear through almost anything.
5. Snorlax Could Outlast Nearly Every Opponent
Snorlax was Gen 1’s endurance king. It had enormous HP (160), great Attack (110), and a movepool that included Body Slam, Earthquake, and Rest. It was a tank that hit hard, healed up, and stayed on the battlefield longer than most players expected.
6. Chansey Was the Ultimate Special Wall
Chansey’s 250 HP and high Special stat made it a nightmare against special attackers. Although physically fragile, it made up for it with Soft-Boiled, Thunder Wave, and Seismic Toss. In the right hands, Chansey could stall or support a team to victory, taking hits no one else could.
7. Exeggutor Could Shut Down Teams with Status Moves
Exeggutor was more than just a goofy tree — it was a menace. With access to Sleep Powder, Stun Spore, and Psychic, it could disable entire teams while dishing out serious damage. Its typing and high Special made it a top-tier choice for players who liked controlling the pace of battle.
8. Starmie Was a Speedy, Multi-Role Threat
Starmie’s 115 Speed and 100 Special let it hit fast and hard. But it was its diverse movepool — including Surf, Thunderbolt, Ice Beam, and Recover — that gave it edge. It could adapt to most threats, hit key weaknesses, and stay in the fight longer than expected.
9. Rhydon Made Up for Its Speed with Raw Force
Rhydon was slow, sure — but when it hit, it hit. With a monstrous 130 Attack and great Defense, it made great use of Earthquake and Rock Slide. Though it struggled with Special moves and common Water- or Grass-type counters, it still found a place on many top-tier teams.
10. Zapdos Was the Best of the Legendary Birds
Among Articuno, Moltres, and Zapdos, the Electric/Flying legend stood tallest. With 125 Special, 100 Speed, and a fantastic typing, Zapdos had both offense and bulk. Thunderbolt, Drill Peck, and agility gave it wide coverage and reliability, making it the strongest bird in the sky.
Conclusion
The original Pokémon Red and Blue games laid the foundation for everything that followed, and these ten Pokémon proved just how unbalanced and wild Gen 1 could be. Whether through stats, type advantage, or broken moves, they each carved a place in competitive history — and in the memories of every trainer who faced them. Love them or fear them, these titans defined an era.
- Play Pokémon Red on your Android device with a simple APK.
- Play Pokémon Blue on your Android device with a simple APK.
RELATED ARTICLE :
The Ultimate Trick to Max Out Your Bag in Pokémon Red & Blue
Security verified