Which Gen 1 Pokémon are the best?Many trainers have a particular affection for these species, but that doesn't imply that there aren't any standouts. Even after 25 years, Kanto is still going strong, however it's obvious that several remakes and the Pokémon franchise's comeback with Pokémon Go play a role. I like every creature in Pokémon Red and Blue, but certain gen 1 Pokémon are just better than others in real life. Come on, they tried? It's a seal named Seel, really?We should note that we did not include any legendary Pokémon or starter Pokémon since they would take up too many selections before we get into what is likely to be a contentious list (love you, Blastoise). If you'd like to see those and more, though, you can also elevate your geeky blood pressure by consulting our guides to the greatest spider, cat, monkey, bear, crocodile, snake Pokémon, and even the greatest mythical Pokémon. Our lord Arceus believes that all Pokémon are good; some are simply constructed differently.Visit our guides at Pokémon Go Eevee evolution, Pokémon Go raids, Pokémon Go community days, and Pokémon Go events for additional Go-related material.The top Gen 1 Pokémon are listed here:
Ditto
Being one thing is boring when you may be anything. Because of the
normal Pokémon's special ability to morph into any other Pokémon and mimic their look and moves, Ditto is a powerful force in the series. When players need to breed, it's now the preferred "mon," particularly if you can get a Ditto with strong IVs. My own Ditto produces more eggs than the Easter Bunny.Along with the pink gelatinous blob's unending cuteness, I've become progressively more and more enamoured with Pokémon plushes of well-known Pokémon that have Ditto's recognisable button eyes and adorable grin. It's simply a neat little addition, and I will never forget the moment when Ditto transforms into the book the photo was taken from after Team Rocket shows it a depiction of a Dratini. Blessings to you, Ditto. You gave it your all.Ditto is ranked 132nd in the Pokédex. Its entries describe its remarkable ability to change into a perfect replica of any Pokémon, especially the ones that are in front of it. It's interesting to note that Ditto don't get along with other Dittos, so you may want to attempt to avoid having two on your squad.Check out our guide on the locations of Pokémon BDSP Dittos in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl if you're looking for this little gentleman. We even know the exact method for capturing a
Pokémon Go Ditto.
Lapras
Lapras, Ash's faithful buddy in the Orange Islands, is one Pokémon that I always believe deserves more attention, even if many other first-generation Pokémon have seen changes in shape or evolution throughout time. It is modelled on the Loch Ness monster and is associated in the games with crossing the sea. Aside from a
Gigantamax Pokémon form in Pokémon Sword and Shield, it's simply a magnificent beast in and of itself. I'd love to see it returned with a new variety or evolution in the future.Lapras is also one of the few Pokémon that emotes with a happy noise akin to whale noises rather than by calling out their own name. As a tribute to its presence in the original, it did reemerge in New Pokémon Snap, and it looks stunning in the stunning visual aesthetic of the most current photographic game. Since its inception, Lapras has supported maritime trainers, and I wish it received more attention. For additional information, see our guide to the top
water Pokémon in Pokémon Go.
Eevee
While everyone is aware that Pikachu is the face of the Pokémon franchise, Eevee is most likely in the vicinity, patiently waiting for its day to shine by standing behind Charizard. Although Ken Sugimori's illustrations are no longer used, Eevee, the adorable puppy Pokémon, has a fantastic design and appears to become sweeter with time iteration. It even has a major role in Pokémon Let's Go Eevee, but maybe in the future it will have a better game to call its own.The fact that Eevee may transform into a variety of different species based on different circumstances is significant since it altered our perception of evolution in the Pokémon games. The initial evolutions were Vapereon, Flareon, and Jolteon; however, throughout time, Espeon, Umbreon, Leafeon, Glaceon, and the incredible Sylveon were introduced. I hope for more Eevee evolutions with every generation, and I have little doubt that we will eventually see a few more.Since Eevee is a regular Pokémon in every generation, being aware of its
normal Pokémon weakness may be very helpful in catching one or gathering enough of them to get every eeveelution.
Gengar
Here, I'm not even sure where to begin. In my opinion, Gengar's design is the greatest of the 151 original Pokémon. We often see Gengar blend into the background and steal into the battlefield, which has so much charm, mischievousness, and flexibility. Over the years, it has also received a great deal of attention, being featured on more merchandise than Hatsune Miku and being given the distinction of being both a mega evolution and a dynamax form.Because of its remarkable special attack and speed, Gengar has also been able to maintain an advantage in competitive confrontations. Gengar consistently receives affection and attention in every game, indicating that whomever is in charge of the Pokémon stats really likes it. Its mega and dynamax forms forego the dull hue in favour of an eerie all-white shine, but the sole drawback is one of those disappointing shining forms that change very slightly from the base colour.When it comes to his personality, Gengar may be a little menacing, mirroring people's shadows and making fun of their blatant dread of the dark. The boy could then attempt to curse you, as if that weren't awful enough. You know what, though? I still adore you. Go on, Gengar. You are supreme. For additional information, see our guide to the top
ghost Pokémon in Pokémon Go.Visit our
ghost Pokémon weakness guide to learn how to defeat Gengar and its companion spookies.
Arcanine
What a nice guy. Growlithe is an already amazing Pokémon because, well, every
dog Pokémon is awesome (fight me), and because of its magnificent flame-colored stripes and soft fur. Arcanine, however. Arcanine, my boy. It's the ideal development, improving upon every single wonderful aspect of the original design.The scene from the first Pokémon anime opening when Ash rides an Arcanine and jumps into the air is ingrained in my memory. With a single glance, Arcanine exudes a legendary presence, seeming both royal and strong. Even if we still like Growlithe and Arcanine's natural appearance, we can't ignore the wonderful Hisuian renditions of them from Pokémon Legends: Arceus. They give the "mons" a hint of Chinese mythology and, strangely, give them a combined fire/rock type. Whatever breed of Arcanine you own, it is supreme. For additional information, see our guide to the top
fire Pokémon in Pokémon Go.We have a guide on
fire Pokémon weakness if you need assistance extinguishing the flames.
Slowbro
Coming from the Pokémon with the aloof gaze known as Slowpoke, Slowbro is an inconspicuous evolution that builds on the qualities that made the original so excellent and has some intriguing implications for the evolution process itself. Even while we still don't know why a Shellder changes form after clamping on a Slowpoke's tail to produce a Slowbro, we do know that this is the case.Maybe it's all one'mon, with the parasitic Shellder unable to live without Slowbro, or maybe the Pokémon affixed to Slowpoke's tail is really a kind of Cloyster. In any case, we love Slowbro's sluggish yet sincere personality. Surprisingly, Slowbro is also rather strong, with a strong defence stat and an excellent movepool that combines water and psychic strikes.To add to the confusion, Shellder's shape undergoes further alterations with Slowpoke's evolution into Slowking, Galarian Slowbro, or Galarian Slowking. We adore it even if we have no idea what's going on. Check out our guide to the top Pokémon in Pokémon Go that are
psychic.
Scyther is While many of the first generation of Pokémon can be seen as a little...silly, Sugimori and crew took things very seriously when they created Sycther, the bug Pokémon with weapons for arms. The creature has always been given an air of majesty, and the difficulty in finding it in Pokémon Red and Blue's Safari Zone only serves to heighten the mystery surrounding it.Even though this is a list of the greatest Generation 1 Pokémon, I absolutely cannot overlook
Scyther's evolution, Scizor. I've spoken a lot about excellent evolutions—those that build upon and use the greatest aspects of the original—and Scizor is unquestionably one of the best examples of how a new generation of Pokémon pays homage to an older species. Not only does this brilliant red steely monster have an amazing appearance, but it also evolved the already formidable Scyther from Red and Blue into something much more formidable. That is, indeed, a really special childhood memory. For additional information, see our guide to the top
grass Pokémon in Pokémon Go.Refer to our advice on
grass Pokémon weakness to easily defeat Scyther. Oh, and you should know the
bug Pokémon weakness so you can destroy it when it evolves into a
bug Pokémon in subsequent generations.
Gyarados
Never undervalue Magikarp. Although the ineffective small red fish is sold to you in the original Pokémon Red and Blue in what seems to be a typical fishing scam (sorry), it can really slowly make its way up the levels and finally transform into a scary enormous beast that is taller than most Pokémon. It also brings us one of the finest moments from the first Pokémon Snap game, when the magnificent Gyarados sprang out of the water and roared in glory, rewarding any player who gently pushed the unfortunate Magikarp halfway down the valley into the waterfall.It's interesting to note that the Chinese folklore of the koi carp, who was determined to swim up a waterfall, inspired both Magikarp and Gyarados. When the koi finally reached the top of the waterfall after much effort, the gods commended its perseverance and transformed it into a golden dragon, a symbol of strength and power. Gyarados is still a shiny I adore and appreciate to this day. After the red Gyarados debuted in the Lake of Rage in Pokémon Gold and Silver, Gyarados also handed many trainers their very first shiny Pokémon.Keep in mind that Gyarados is still one of the finest water Pokémon after nine generations, so use our
water Pokémon weakness advice to cause some waves.
Dragonite
Dragon Pokémon are very uncommon in Pokémon Red and Blue. Dragonite and its evolutionary line were the only ones to get the desired dragon-type before Salamence, Hydreigon, and Garchomp seized control of the meta, and that made them formidable opponents on the playground battlefield. Fortunately, Dragonite's adorable circular form and antenna also make it seem fantastic. Many young fans were entranced by its cheerful debut as the Pokémon postman in the first Pokémon movie, and it has been a favourite ever since.It's interesting to note that this Pokémon has also never been considered for a second form. It seems like a curious exclusion from any potential enlarged versions or regional variations, and one in particular feels quite awkward, given how much of a fan favourite it is. An enormous Dragonite that was the stuff of legends was seen in an episode of the first Pokémon anime that was centred on a lighthouse. It seemed weird not to create a gigantamax by connecting the two, similar to how Gyarados' final mega evolution was a tribute to its peculiar look in the anime. This is later canonised with dynamax forms. For additional information, see our guide to the top
dragon Pokémon in Pokémon Go.Understanding the
dragon Pokémon weakness is a good concept, especially because Dragonite will be a dragon-type in future generations. Given how many dragons there are in later generations, dealing with them may be quite intimidating if you don't know how to fight them.
Bellsprout
Give this one to me. This one's for me even if the most of the selections are obvious fan favourites that have been featured in a tonne of media over the years. One of the most charming Pokémon of the first generation is Bellsprout. I've always wanted to shield the poor plant and claim one for myself because of its funny voice and relative fragility. Nothing compares to the tiny and simple design of the original small man, albeit James' Victreebel is funny. I can't say I appreciate its evolutions quite as much.The fact that Bellsprout is a little carnivore that captures and consumes insects is an intriguing fact about him. It moves quickly to make sure it catches its prey. Yes, we still adore this little guy.Though we greatly prefer Bellsprout to its evolutions, we can't dispute the power of those
poison Pokémon, so be sure to read our
poison Pokémon weakness guide to learn the countermeasure.
Raichu
"Okay, okay, okay, okay!The people applaud, waving banners, toys, and Pikachu signs in the air. They also wear t-shirts with its face and exchange one of the million cards that feature the electrifying yellow mouse. However, a Raichu is quietly observing the scene in the background, horrified at the attention the inferior rodent is receiving despite the fact that Raichu is not only related but much more strong and well-built. Suppose you had a tiny wimp of a brother, a true rat, just a stinking little annoyance, and somehow your parents only shouted your brother's praises to all their friends, even though you're better to your mother and always made the tea.I'm one of Raichu's million admirers, if there are any. I'm one of the hundred admirers, if there are any. And myself (along with my editor Ruby, who really has a Raichu tattoo) if there's one fan. It really amazes me that Raichu, with those charming ears, that shining grin, and that gorgeous orange coloration, isn't as generally beloved as its pitiful ancestor.If that doesn't satisfy you, how about an even more adorable Raichu with psychic abilities and the ability to surf on its tail? I really don't sure what else The Pokémon Company can do if Alolan Raichu isn't able to turn around public perception. Even though I don't really detest Pikachu, let's face it—Raichu is the boss. For additional information, see our guide to the top
electric Pokémon in Pokémon Go.Kayleigh must clarify that Pikachu isn't seen as a bother by everyone at PT. Despite our shared affection for Raichu, we are not in agreement on this. In any case, go to our
electric Pokémon weakness method to break through this evolution line.
Alakazam
The incredible Alakazam is one of the few Pokémon from the first generation that is based on actual people (perhaps before the games were popular enough to care about licencing concerns). This very powerful psychic spoon wielding device is modelled after the notorious con artist Uri Gellar, who spent years feigning psychic abilities to gain influence. Alakazam is great and has REAL psychic skills, Uri (I know he's not real, but let me have this anyhow).The two Pokémon appear together in my favourite episode of the original Pokémon anime, whereby enormous, ancient versions of the two'mons came and engaged in a kaiju combat. Not only is Alakazam an immense powerhouse in the original games, being one of the few contenders to the all-powerful Gengar. Alakazam has also maintained a consistent place in the Pokémon meta because to its ridiculous special attack and amazing bearded mega evolution. It also has the distinction of maybe being the Pokémon with the most entertaining name. For additional information, see our guide to the top
psychic Pokemon in Pokémon Go.Check out our
psychic Pokémon weakness guide if you want to learn how to defeat Alakazam and its friends mind readers.Okay, everyone, that's everything for now. Please put down your pitchforks. Except for you, Seel, we like every single Generation 1 Pokémon; nonetheless, here is only a list of our personal favourites, along with a few that have had the most lasting impact since their first introduction. Check out our guides for
gen 2 Pokémon,
gen 3 Pokémon,
gen 4 Pokémon,
gen 5 Pokémon,
gen 6 Pokémon,
gen 7 Pokémon,
gen 8 Pokémon, and
gen 9 Pokémon if you want to see even more of our favourite Alternatively, have a look at our
new Pokémon game page if you'd rather look forward to the future.