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Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are already a massive success. The first two games in the franchise’s long-awaited ninth generation introduce the region of Paldea, based on the Iberian Peninsula, a sprawling and exciting open world, the first of its kind in the series. Paldea has several new Pokémon, including, surprisingly, a slew of worthy Normal-types.
Normal has long been the franchise’s most overlooked type. Indeed, many fans consider it, if not the worst in the series, at least the most uninteresting. However, Normal-types can be great when used properly, and luckily, Gen IX introduces some great candidates to elevate its standing across the franchise.
10/10 Tandemaus
Gimmicky Pokémon can be pretty hit-or-miss with fans, depending on how useful their gimmick is. Tademaus’ schtick is mostly aesthetic, although it does enjoy using “double attacks.” Tandemaus is fairly common in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, so players keen on using it should have no issue finding it.
Stat-wise, Tandemaus is reasonably strong for an initial stage. It has a 305 Stat Total that focuses mainly on Speed. However, all its other stats are below average, making it tricky to use in battle. Tandemaus’ signature move, Population Bomb, packs quite the punch, making it one of Gen IX’s most unexpectedly good additions.
9/10 Dolliv
Middle-stage evolutions are always the worst. Pokémon get stuck between “cute” and “adult,” resulting in a bizarre teen-like phase that few can pull off successfully. Dolliv is one of the few lucky ones, expertly blending Smoliv and Arboliva’s elements.
Dolliv is also surprisingly strong, with a 354 Stat Total that showcases Special Attack and Defense. Grass-type Pokémon are weak to the point of absurdity, and Dolliv’s secondary Normal-type doesn’t improve things; in fact, it adds another weakness to Fighting. However, it also makes it immune to Ghost, which is something.
8/10 Squawkabilly
Single-stage Pokémon can be tricky to use. With no evolution to improve their initial stats, they can be somewhat unpopular; after all, what players see is what they get. Squawkabilly has three alternate forms, each having a different hidden Ability, which gives it an edge over other single-stage Pokémon.
Squawkabilly has a 417 Stat Total, with above-average Speed and Physical Stats. However, its Special attributes are well below average, meaning players will need to rely entirely on Physical moves to make this multicolored parakeet work. Squawkabilly will never be one of the best Flying-type Pokémon, but it will hold its own on the battlefield.
7/10 Maushold
Tandemaus’ evolution, Maushold, is one of Paldea’s most pleasant surprises. Its design is cute but lackluster, although the concept of a family of Pokémon will surely melt many fans’ hearts.
Maushold has average stats, except for its impressive Speed stat of 111. It will hit very fast, and capable Trainers will surely make the most of this unique Pokémon, even if its punches are not particularly strong. To make things better, Maushold evolves at the absurdly early level 25, meaning players can have an above-average Pokémon in their team before they even reach the third gym.
6/10 Grafaiai
Normal and Poison is an inspired type combination. It only has two weaknesses compared to one immunity and four resistances, making it a perfect example of two types that complement and make up for each other’s shortcomings.
Grafaiai also has strong stats to accompany its perfect type combo, possessing remarkably high Speed and above-average Physical Attack. Players can use this potentially lethal combo to end battles before they begin. Grafaiai is an ideal option for many teams, especially considering its pre-evolution, Shroodle, is available in Paldea’s earliest routes.
5/10 Oinkologne
Lechonk was one of the first Gen IX Pokémon revealed to the public, and fans fell instantly in love with it. Everyone eagerly awaited its evolution, and Oinkologne didn’t disappoint. Its design might be uninspired — indeed, it’s just a droopy-eared pig — but its potential in battle more than makes up for it.
Oinkologne might be one of the strongest early-route Pokémon that players could take all the way to the Elite Four. A tank with massive 110 HP and 100 Physical Attack stats, Oinkologne will be a wall that won’t come down easily. Its other stats are underwhelming, but players can certainly work with a 110 HP stat! Oinkologne will surely make a name for itself in the competitive scene.
4/10 Cyclizar
Gen IX seems to have a thing for car-like Pokémon. The box-art Legendaries have automobile qualities, and the main Pokémon from Team Star are glorified allegorical cars. Cyclizar also fits this style, thanks to its striking and instantly memorable design.
As a dual Dragon/Normal-type, Cyclizar is among the strongest single-stage Pokémon in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. It has high stats, with a 501 total that heavily relies on its spectacular 121 Speed. However, this impressive gift comes at the expense of all other stats, especially affecting its Physical and Special defenses. Cyclizar is frail, but capable Trainers should make the most of its Speed to wipe out more than one unsuspecting team.
3/10 Arboliva
Arboliva is majestic. It’s one of the cutest and most powerful Pokémon in the series, quickly earning a reputation among players for being a reliable tank. Shamelessly based on olives, Arboliva includes some ingenious design choices, turning an olive twig into a bird.
A dual Grass/Normal-type, Arboliva shines in the Special departments, with remarkably high Attack and Defense. However, it has a major flaw, as its Speed is genuinely pitiful. It also has six weaknesses, meaning players will require a strategic approach when using it in battle. However, with a Stat Total of 510, things shouldn’t be overly hard,
2/10 Dudunsparce
Dunsparce spent years, decades even, being the most underrated Normal-type in the franchise. Fans hoped it would receive some attention from Game Freak someday, and their patience was rewarded with Dudunsparce, a new evolution introduced in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
Dudunsparce is a tank, with an obscene 120 HP stat. It will not go down easy, and any hope of OHKOing it should go out the window. Dudunsparce also has a high Physical Attack, meaning it will put up a worthy fight against any rival. It does have disappointing stats elsewhere, but its HP and Physical Attack are great enough to make it an instant star of the Normal-type.
1/10 Farigiraf
Like Dunsparce, fans waited for decades for Girafarig to receive some attention from the Pokémon franchise. Paldea finally gave this underrated giraffe some love in the form of a new evolution, the bizarre-looking but surprisingly effective Farigiraf.
A dual Normal/Psychic-type, Farigiraf is also one of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet‘s strongest tanks. It has an absurdly high 120 HP stat, coupled with a 110 Special Attack, making it a dangerous threat on the battlefield. Farigirad’s Speed is lackluster, but there are several ways around that. Plus, it’s also a palindrome, which is equally important for a Girafarig evolution.
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