Summary
- Mythical Pokemon are rare and have a mystical quality, making them fan favorites in the Pokemon world.
- Each Mythical Pokemon has unique abilities and characteristics that make them stand out.
- Mew is the original and most iconic Mythical Pokemon, known for its cuteness and importance in the Pokemon lore.
Whenever fans talk about rare Pokemon, the Legendaries are often a focal point, as well as the powerful, more elusive Shinies. From Mewtwo to Lugia, powerful Pokemon line everyone's memory and add an allure to the game. Then there are Mythical Pokemon, which aren't always as powerful in stats — but they have a mystical quality to them, and are usually just as rare (if not rarer). With the introduction of the term, Pokemon like Mew and Arceus received this tag and have become fan favorites in the category.
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In Pokemon lore, Mythicals stand out due to their scarcity and mystical powers. Many in the vast Pokemon universe don't even believe them to really exist, hence their fitting title. Some Mythical Pokemon are so strong that they manage to be creators of the entire universe. Ranking most of these fantastical creatures is no easy task, but this piece will seek to do just that while highlighting some of the details and great qualities surrounding them.
Updated December 1st, 2023 by Stephen LaGioia: It's hard to deny the vast appeal of Pokemon, with its rewarding progression and expanding roster of colorful monsters to collect and fight. Much of its charm lies in the exciting prospect of seeking out highly rare and strong Pokemon — especially Mythicals, which still number under two dozen.
Even after the release of Scarlet & Violet, just over 20 monsters fall into this elite, exclusive group. But with the rumors growing of a unique new "peach" Mythical featured in the anticipated Scarlet and Violet DLC, The Indigo Disk, it seemed fitting to revisit and refresh this list of the notable Mythical beasts in Pokemon.
20 Diancie
Jewel Pokemon
Coming from the Pokemon X & Y lands of France-inspired Kalos, this Rock-Fairy Pokemon combines majesty and beauty with a rock-solid defense. This unique creature emerged as a larger, mutated form of the far less intimidating Carbink.
The lavish creature sports a white cloak, punctuated by a golden collar around its neck, a shimmering pink diamond on its chest, and a gem headdress that resembles a crown. Said to be the ruler of the underground jewel kingdom called the Diamond Domain, this product of Poke-royalty can elevate even further in status and extravagance with Mega Evolution.
19 Meloetta
Melody Pokemon
This musical enchanter shifts form to an alternate form known as Pirouette, morphing from a Psychic-type to an even more powerful Normal-Fighting-type. This Pokemon's story is tinged with a bit of tragedy, as the once joyful singer lost their melody (and red shoes) after feeling the influence of an increasingly dark, sorrowful world.
Aside from this Gothic-style backstory, though, this melodic fairy can be deceptively brutal when it comes to special attack and special defense. These abilities set the stage for potent special moves like Uproar, Relic Song, and Signal Beam. This siren should not be underestimated, as they can quite easily lure their opponents into a false sense of security.
18 Marshadow
Gloomdweller Pokemon
Elusive, quick, and powerful, this shadowy Mythical can truly spook opponents despite being unnecessarily shy. Not unlike a ghostly Ditto, Marshadow can fittingly become the shadow of others and imitate them, while managing to grow stronger than the figure they "shadow."
When this apparition isn't staying shrowded from view, the Fighting-Ghost-type can swiftly end a fight. Its powerful moves include Spectral Thief and Drain Punch, which can KO opponents quickly.
17 Zeraora
Thunderclap Pokemon
One of the many enticing additions to Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon is this electrified beast. This energetic Electric-type Pokemon strikes an intimidating look, with its sharp claws and furry body laced with lightning bolts and spiked designs.
Zeraora can summon a potent magnetic field with little effort by radiating electric currents from their hands and feet. Even among Electric-types, this creature is distinct in that it lacks an organ that produces electricity. Instead, they opt to accumulate and store this power source from other sources, which they convert as their own electric charge.
16 Zarude
Rogue Monkey Pokemon
Zarude was the first Mythical Pokemon added in Pokemon Sword and Shield. As the featured monster of the movie Secrets of the Jungle, there's a lot for Zarude to live up to. In its stats, it isn't quite as balanced as other Mythicals. It actually has strengths and weaknesses, which is a surprise. Plus, its design is pretty cool as a mysterious, dangerous beast.
Zarude is capable of summoning vines from its body, using them for various purposes. It's a smart Pokemon, using every tool it has to succeed in battle. This is reflected in-game through its solid offensive presence, although its Dark-Grass typing leaves a bit to be desired. Its ability is also pretty much useless, which will likely be the one thing holding it back from higher tiers of play.
15 Genesect
Paleozoic Pokemon
One of many Mythical Pokemon added in Pokemon Black and White, Genesect is typically locked to Uber tier due to its stats. It has typing that's both a blessing and a curse and an ability that is situationally very good. On top of that, it has several different aesthetic forms that don't actually do much to alter its battle power, just its appearance.
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Genesect is actually an ancient fossil Pokemon, having been revived and modernized with a cybernetic cannon. Its design is probably one of the coolest parts about it; there's just something awesome about seeing giant robot bugs. Even if it has trouble competing in the Uber tier it's locked in, it is a cool Mythical Bug-Steel Pokemon.
14 Shaymin
Gratitude Pokemon
Shaymin is a hilarious little Pokemon. It's is an appropriately hedgehog-sized Grass-type with a pretty standard stat line for a mythical. Shaymin has the power to cure the land of toxins, transforming the land into a garden of flowers. It also has an alternate form that looks more like a deer, which is a bit odd but more effective in battle.
Classic Shaymin, however, is funny because of how it typically gets used in competitive battles. Its movepool is actually ideal for performing an offense-oriented moveset, inflicting tons of damage with some of the strongest moves in the game.
It even has self-recovery with Synthesis, and its ability is pretty nice to have as well. One would think there wouldn't be much to fear when it comes to a tiny hedgehog, but Shaymin can bring a reckoning.
13 Keldeo
Colt Pokemon
Keldeo is the secret fourth member of the Swords of Justice, which was styled after The Three Musketeers. It aims to learn from its betters and learn the secret of its power: the move Secret Sword. Although not a Mythical-level move, the move was key to getting Keldeo to change into its Resolute form, which is just a cosmetic change to this little creature.
In battle, this Water/Fighting type wears a lot of different hats with its movepool. It can focus on a special attacker moveset, using powerful techniques in conjunction with Choice Specs. Alternatively, it can play the role of a bulky Water-type, bringing Taunt to counter certain Pokemon and Calm Mind to boost its own power.
It's an adorable little Pokemon, and can even be found without the use of a major event. This majestic monster was recently added to Pokemon GO by way of a special event, enticing players to return once again to the expansive AR epic.
12 Volcanion
Steam Pokemon
Boasting the highly unique Fire-Water combination, this paradox of a Pokemon is mysterious and alluring by its very nature. While these opposing types would seem to make Volcanion vulnerable to several other types, the Pokemon is in fact only weak to Ground, Rock, and Electric, while being immune and resistant to a handful of others.
This Mythical beast can be ominous — not just with its monstrous quadrupedal design, but also its offensive might (specifically Special Attack). Its scorching hot interior allows it to vaporize water it absorbs in seconds.
This converts to a weapon-like steam projectile, which has the power to blow away entire mountains as if they were made of sand. Humans will want to tread carefully around Volcanion, as it's not too fond of the species. Its centuries-long lifespan ensures a Volcanion can remain a threat for quite some time.
11 Magearna
Artificial Pokemon
Magearna is a bit odd-looking but is seriously powerful. This Steel/Fairy type is the result of ancient technology, being crafted by an ancient civilization and brought to life using a Soul-Heart. This Soul-Heart is the source of Magearna's power, allowing it to bring either peace or ruin.
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The Soul-Heart is also the source of Magearna's power in competitive battles. The ability functions similarly to a Beast Boost, and in conjunction with Shift Gear allows it to buff itself and steamroll an opponent. It may look friendly, but Magearna is not here to make friends. A proper trainer can indeed rain destruction upon the realm with Magearna.