BEST FIRERED & LEAFGREEN POKEMON
Game Notes
FRLG runs on the Gen 3 engine, and that changes the tier rankings compared to the full national dex. There's no Fairy type to check Dragons, movepools are more limited than modern games, and the roster tops out at Gen 3. Alakazam and Starmie are top threats here because Psychic types had fewer counters before Dark and Ghost got real offensive options. Nidoking punches above its BST thanks to an absurdly wide movepool. Only what's available in FireRed and LeafGreen factors in — no national dex, no modern mechanics.
Pokemon Spotlight
Mewtwo
Catchable in Cerulean Cave postgame. 154 Sp. Atk and 130 Speed on the Gen 3 engine with abilities and items make Mewtwo even more dominant than in the originals. Pressure burns PP, and Calm Mind now exists to boost an already absurd Special Attack.
View page detailsMewtwo — S Tier, 680 BST
Catchable in Cerulean Cave postgame. 154 Sp. Atk and 130 Speed on the Gen 3 engine with abilities and items make Mewtwo even more dominant than in the originals. Pressure burns PP, and Calm Mind now exists to boost an already absurd Special Attack.
Gengar
Levitate and Ghost typing give Gengar immunities to Ground, Normal, and Fighting in FRLG. 130 Sp. Atk at 110 Speed with Thunderbolt coverage threatens most of Kanto. Hypnosis puts a threat to sleep before it can respond.
View page detailsGengar — S Tier, 500 BST
Levitate and Ghost typing give Gengar immunities to Ground, Normal, and Fighting in FRLG. 130 Sp. Atk at 110 Speed with Thunderbolt coverage threatens most of Kanto. Hypnosis puts a threat to sleep before it can respond.
Magneton
120 Sp. Atk with Electric STAB hits the Water and Flying types that fill FRLG's Kanto routes hard. Steel typing adds nine resistances, and Magnet Pull traps opposing Steel types, preventing them from switching out. Electric is special in Gen 3, so that Sp. Atk stat is the one that matters.
View page detailsMagneton — A Tier, 465 BST
120 Sp. Atk with Electric STAB hits the Water and Flying types that fill FRLG's Kanto routes hard. Steel typing adds nine resistances, and Magnet Pull traps opposing Steel types, preventing them from switching out. Electric is special in Gen 3, so that Sp. Atk stat is the one that matters.
- #1MewtwoPsychicSPECIALHP106Atk110Def90SpA154SpD90Spe130AbilityPressureNatureMildItemLum BerryIce Beam90Thunder110Calm Mind–Fire Blast110HP106Atk110Def90SpA154SpD90Spe130
LugiaPsychicMIXEDHP106Atk90Def130SpA90SpD154Spe110AbilityPressureNatureBoldItemChoice BandRecover–Toxic–Whirlwind–Reflect–HP106Atk90Def130SpA90SpD154Spe110
Ho ohFireMIXEDHP106Atk130Def90SpA110SpD154Spe90AbilityPressureNatureTimidItemChoice BandSacred Fire100Recover–Shadow Ball80Toxic–HP106Atk130Def90SpA110SpD154Spe90
RayquazaDragonMIXEDHP105Atk150Def90SpA150SpD90Spe95AbilityAir LockNatureAdamantItemChoice BandExtreme Speed80Earthquake100Hidden Power Flying60Dragon Dance–HP105Atk150Def90SpA150SpD90Spe95
KyogreWaterSPECIALHP100Atk100Def90SpA150SpD140Spe90AbilityDrizzleNatureModestItemLum BerryIce Beam90Calm Mind–Surf90Thunder110HP100Atk100Def90SpA150SpD140Spe90
GroudonGroundPHYSICALHP100Atk150Def140SpA100SpD90Spe90AbilityDroughtNatureAdamantItemSalac BerryEarthquake100Swords Dance–Rock Slide75Hidden Power Ghost60HP100Atk150Def140SpA100SpD90Spe90
TyranitarRockDarkMIXEDHP100Atk134Def110SpA95SpD100Spe61AbilitySand StreamNatureAdamantItemLum BerryRock Slide75Earthquake100Dragon Dance–Hidden Power Bug60HP100Atk134Def110SpA95SpD100Spe61
SalamenceDragonMIXEDHP95Atk135Def80SpA110SpD80Spe100AbilityIntimidateNatureRashItemChoice BandBrick Break75Hidden Power Flying60Earthquake100Rock Slide75HP95Atk135Def80SpA110SpD80Spe100
MetagrossSteelPsychicMIXEDHP80Atk135Def130SpA95SpD90Spe70AbilityClear BodyNatureAdamantItemChoice BandMeteor Mash90Explosion250Earthquake100Agility–HP80Atk135Def130SpA95SpD90Spe70
LatiasDragonPsychicSPECIALHP80Atk80Def90SpA110SpD130Spe110AbilityLevitateNatureBoldItemSoul DewRecover–Calm Mind–Dragon Claw80Refresh–HP80Atk80Def90SpA110SpD130Spe110
LatiosDragonPsychicSPECIALHP80Atk90Def80SpA130SpD110Spe110AbilityLevitateNatureModestItemSoul DewThunder110Ice Beam90Recover–Dragon Claw80HP80Atk90Def80SpA130SpD110Spe110
BlisseyNormalPHYSICALHP255Atk10Def10SpA75SpD135Spe55AbilityNatural CureNatureModestItemScope LensSoft-Boiled–Ice Beam90Seismic Toss–Thunder Wave–HP255Atk10Def10SpA75SpD135Spe55
CelebiPsychicGrassSPECIALHP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100AbilityNatural CureNatureBoldItemLum BerryLeech Seed–Baton Pass–Psychic90Giga Drain75HP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100
JirachiSteelPsychicMIXEDHP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100AbilitySerene GraceNatureBoldItemLum BerryWish–Calm Mind–Protect–Psychic90HP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100
DeoxysPsychicSPECIALHP50Atk150Def50SpA150SpD50Spe150AbilityPressureNatureHastyItemChoice BandSuperpower120Ice Beam90Shadow Ball80Psycho Boost140HP50Atk150Def50SpA150SpD50Spe150- #3
ZapdosElectricMIXEDHP90Atk90Def85SpA125SpD90Spe100AbilityPressureNatureTimidItemChoice BandThunderbolt90Hidden Power Grass60Thunder Wave–Roar–HP90Atk90Def85SpA125SpD90Spe100 
SuicuneWaterSPECIALHP100Atk75Def115SpA90SpD115Spe85AbilityPressureNatureBoldItemChesto BerryCalm Mind–Surf90Ice Beam90Rest–HP100Atk75Def115SpA90SpD115Spe85- #4
SnorlaxNormalPHYSICALHP160Atk110Def65SpA65SpD110Spe30AbilityImmunityNatureAdamantItemChoice BandShadow Ball80Body Slam85Earthquake100Curse–HP160Atk110Def65SpA65SpD110Spe30 - #5
JolteonElectricSPECIALHP65Atk65Def60SpA110SpD95Spe130AbilityVolt AbsorbNatureTimidItemPetaya BerryThunderbolt90Baton Pass–Hidden Power Ice60Hidden Power Grass60HP65Atk65Def60SpA110SpD95Spe130 - #6
StarmieWaterPsychicSPECIALHP60Atk75Def85SpA100SpD85Spe115AbilityNatural CureNatureTimidItemMystic WaterRapid Spin50Ice Beam90Thunderbolt90Surf90HP60Atk75Def85SpA100SpD85Spe115 - #7
AerodactylRockPHYSICALHP80Atk105Def65SpA60SpD75Spe130AbilityRock HeadNatureJollyItemChoice BandEarthquake100Rock Slide75Double-Edge120Hidden Power Flying60HP80Atk105Def65SpA60SpD75Spe130 
HeracrossBugFightingPHYSICALHP80Atk125Def75SpA40SpD95Spe85AbilitySwarmNatureJollyItemSalac BerryMegahorn120Rock Slide75Swords Dance–Substitute–HP80Atk125Def75SpA40SpD95Spe85- MagnetonElectricSteelMIXEDHP50Atk60Def95SpA120SpD70Spe70AbilityMagnet PullNatureModestItemMagnetThunderbolt90Hidden Power Fire60Toxic–Thunder Wave–HP50Atk60Def95SpA120SpD70Spe70
SkarmorySteelPHYSICALHP65Atk80Def140SpA40SpD70Spe70AbilityKeen EyeNatureCarefulItemLeftoversSpikes–Roar–Toxic–Protect–HP65Atk80Def140SpA40SpD70Spe70
SlakingNormalPHYSICALHP150Atk160Def100SpA95SpD65Spe100AbilityTruantNatureAdamantItemChoice BandEarthquake100Shadow Ball80Focus Punch150Hyper Beam150HP150Atk160Def100SpA95SpD65Spe100- #10
DragoniteDragonMIXEDHP91Atk134Def95SpA100SpD100Spe80AbilityInner FocusNatureLonelyItemLum BerryEarthquake100Hidden Power Flying60Dragon Dance–Ice Beam90HP91Atk134Def95SpA100SpD100Spe80 - #11
MewPsychicSPECIALHP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100AbilitySynchronizeNatureModestItemLum BerryExplosion250Thunder Wave–Fire Blast110Thunder110HP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100 - #12
ArticunoIceMIXEDHP90Atk85Def100SpA95SpD125Spe85AbilityPressureNatureCalmItemNever Melt IceIce Beam90Rest–Roar–Toxic–HP90Atk85Def100SpA95SpD125Spe85 - #13
MoltresFireMIXEDHP90Atk100Def90SpA125SpD85Spe90AbilityPressureNatureTimidItemChoice BandHidden Power Grass60Flamethrower90Roar–Protect–HP90Atk100Def90SpA125SpD85Spe90 
RaikouElectricSPECIALHP90Atk85Def75SpA115SpD100Spe115AbilityPressureNatureTimidItemLum BerryThunderbolt90Calm Mind–Hidden Power Grass60Substitute–HP90Atk85Def75SpA115SpD100Spe115
EnteiFireSPECIALHP115Atk115Def85SpA90SpD75Spe100AbilityPressureNatureModestItemChoice BandCalm Mind–Flamethrower90Substitute–Hidden Power Grass60HP115Atk115Def85SpA90SpD75Spe100
RegirockRockPHYSICALHP80Atk100Def200SpA50SpD100Spe50AbilityClear BodyNatureAdamantItemChoice BandExplosion250Rock Slide75Thunder Wave–Superpower120HP80Atk100Def200SpA50SpD100Spe50
RegiceIceSPECIALHP80Atk50Def100SpA100SpD200Spe50AbilityClear BodyNatureQuietItemLum BerryIce Beam90Thunderbolt90Explosion250Thunder Wave–HP80Atk50Def100SpA100SpD200Spe50
RegisteelSteelPHYSICALHP80Atk75Def150SpA75SpD150Spe50AbilityClear BodyNatureCarefulItemLum BerryThunder Wave–Explosion250Seismic Toss–Counter–HP80Atk75Def150SpA75SpD150Spe50- #14
ArcanineFireSPECIALHP90Atk110Def80SpA100SpD80Spe95AbilityIntimidateNatureLonelyItemScope LensExtreme Speed80Overheat130Hidden Power Fighting60Toxic–HP90Atk110Def80SpA100SpD80Spe95 - #15
GyaradosWaterMIXEDHP95Atk125Def79SpA60SpD100Spe81AbilityIntimidateNatureAdamantItemLum BerryEarthquake100Dragon Dance–Hidden Power Flying60Taunt–HP95Atk125Def79SpA60SpD100Spe81
- #27
LaprasWaterIceSPECIALHP130Atk85Def80SpA85SpD95Spe60AbilityWater AbsorbNatureModestItemSalac BerryIce Beam90Thunderbolt90Thunder110Surf90HP130Atk85Def80SpA85SpD95Spe60 
TyphlosionFireSPECIALHP78Atk84Def78SpA109SpD85Spe100AbilityBlazeNatureHastyItemPetaya BerryFlamethrower90Hidden Power Grass60Substitute–Fire Blast110HP78Atk84Def78SpA109SpD85Spe100- #28
BlastoiseWaterSPECIALHP79Atk83Def100SpA85SpD105Spe78AbilityTorrentNatureBoldItemMystic WaterSurf90Rapid Spin50Ice Beam90Roar–HP79Atk83Def100SpA85SpD105Spe78 
FeraligatrWaterSPECIALHP85Atk105Def100SpA79SpD83Spe78AbilityTorrentNatureCarefulItemMystic WaterEarthquake100Surf90Ice Beam90Rock Slide75HP85Atk105Def100SpA79SpD83Spe78
WalreinIceWaterSPECIALHP110Atk80Def90SpA95SpD90Spe65AbilityThick FatNatureModestItemSalac BerrySurf90Ice Beam90Yawn–Encore–HP110Atk80Def90SpA95SpD90Spe65- #29
VenusaurGrassPoisonMIXEDHP80Atk82Def83SpA100SpD100Spe80AbilityOvergrowNatureTimidItemLum BerryLeech Seed–Sleep Powder–Giga Drain75Sludge Bomb90HP80Atk82Def83SpA100SpD100Spe80 - #30
FlareonFireSPECIALHP65Atk130Def60SpA95SpD110Spe65AbilityFlash FireNatureSassyItemSilk ScarfShadow Ball80Overheat130Wish–Toxic–HP65Atk130Def60SpA95SpD110Spe65 
MeganiumGrassSPECIALHP80Atk82Def100SpA83SpD100Spe80AbilityOvergrowNatureCalmItemLum BerryLeech Seed–Giga Drain75Synthesis–Reflect–HP80Atk82Def100SpA83SpD100Spe80- #31
TentacruelWaterPoisonMIXEDHP80Atk70Def65SpA80SpD120Spe100AbilityLiquid OozeNatureHastyItemLeftoversSurf90Ice Beam90Rapid Spin50Toxic–HP80Atk70Def65SpA80SpD120Spe100 - #32
PoliwrathWaterFightingMIXEDHP90Atk95Def95SpA70SpD90Spe70AbilityWater AbsorbNatureMildItemSalac BerryFocus Punch150Substitute–Brick Break75Ice Beam90HP90Atk95Def95SpA70SpD90Spe70 
AmpharosElectricSPECIALHP90Atk75Def85SpA115SpD90Spe55AbilityStaticNatureMildItemMagnetThunderbolt90Substitute–Focus Punch150Hidden Power Grass60HP90Atk75Def85SpA115SpD90Spe55- #33
NidoqueenPoisonGroundPHYSICALHP90Atk92Def87SpA75SpD85Spe76AbilityPoison PointNatureJollyItemChoice BandEarthquake100Superpower120Sludge Bomb90Shadow Ball80HP90Atk92Def87SpA75SpD85Spe76
NidorinaPoisonPHYSICALHP70Atk62Def67SpA55SpD55Spe56Sludge Bomb90Double-Edge120Poison Sting15Toxic–HP70Atk62Def67SpA55SpD55Spe56
NidorinoPoisonPHYSICALHP61Atk72Def57SpA55SpD55Spe65Sludge Bomb90Double-Edge120Poison Sting15Toxic–HP61Atk72Def57SpA55SpD55Spe65
SpindaNormalPHYSICALHP60Atk60Def60SpA60SpD60Spe60AbilityOwn TempoNatureGentleItemQuick ClawTeeter Dance–Toxic–Psychic90HP60Atk60Def60SpA60SpD60Spe60
VibravaGroundDragonMIXEDHP50Atk70Def50SpA50SpD50Spe70AbilityLevitateNatureAdamantItemChoice BandHidden Power Ghost60Earthquake100Quick Attack40Rock Slide75HP50Atk70Def50SpA50SpD50Spe70
EeveeNormalPHYSICALHP55Atk55Def50SpA45SpD65Spe55AbilityRun AwayNatureQuirkyItemCheri BerryToxic–Shadow Ball80Rain Dance–Hidden Power Ice60HP55Atk55Def50SpA45SpD65Spe55
PsyduckWaterSPECIALHP50Atk52Def48SpA65SpD50Spe55AbilityCloud NineNatureQuietItemLeftoversSurf90Calm Mind–Rest–HP50Atk52Def48SpA65SpD50Spe55
TotodileWaterSPECIALHP50Atk65Def64SpA44SpD48Spe43AbilityTorrentNatureAdamantItemLeftoversFocus Punch150Ancient Power60Substitute–Aerial Ace60HP50Atk65Def64SpA44SpD48Spe43
TreeckoGrassSPECIALHP40Atk45Def35SpA65SpD55Spe70AbilityOvergrowNatureJollyItemLeftoversSubstitute–Seismic Toss–Endeavor–Toxic–HP40Atk45Def35SpA65SpD55Spe70
SwabluNormalPHYSICALHP45Atk40Def60SpA40SpD75Spe50AbilityNatural CureNatureJollyItemSitrus BerryAerial Ace60Frustration–Haze–Double-Edge120HP45Atk40Def60SpA40SpD75Spe50
CyndaquilFireSPECIALHP39Atk52Def43SpA60SpD50Spe65AbilityBlazeNatureTimidItemSalac BerryBody Slam85Flame Wheel60Flamethrower90Hidden Power Grass60HP39Atk52Def43SpA60SpD50Spe65
CorphishWaterSPECIALHP43Atk80Def65SpA50SpD35Spe35AbilityHyper CutterNatureHardyItemNothingHarden–Bubble Beam65Crabhammer100Vise Grip55HP43Atk80Def65SpA50SpD35Spe35
VenonatBugPoisonPHYSICALHP60Atk55Def50SpA40SpD55Spe45AbilityCompound EyesNatureTimidItemLum BerrySubstitute–Mimic–Sleep Powder–Stun Spore–HP60Atk55Def50SpA40SpD55Spe45
Pokemon Comparison
FAQ
For in-game playthroughs, Nidoking is hard to beat. You can evolve it before Misty using a Moon Stone from Mt. Moon, and its movepool covers almost every type. Alakazam hits 135 Sp. Atk with 120 Speed, making it the fastest special sweeper available. Gyarados and Starmie round out the S-Tier picks that carry teams through the Elite Four.
A solid six would be your starter, Nidoking (available before Cerulean City), Gyarados (Magikarp from the Old Rod), Alakazam (trade-evolve Kadabra), Snorlax (one of two blocking Routes 12 and 16), and a Flying-type like Dodrio for Fly. That covers every type matchup you'll face through the main story and Elite Four.
Gen 3 didn't give Dark or Ghost types many good offensive moves. Psychic's only real checks were other Psychic-types and the rare Pursuit user. Alakazam, Starmie, and Espeon all rank high because they hit hard and fast with almost nothing to wall them. Steel-types resist Psychic, but most Steel Pokemon in FRLG are slow and don't threaten back.
Pokemon are ranked by how useful they are across a full FRLG playthrough. Base stats, typing, movepool depth, and how early you can get them all factor in. A 600 BST Pokemon you can only catch in the post-game matters less than a 500 BST pick you grab before the second gym. Browse the full roster in the FRLG Pokedex.
It's one of the best Pokemon in the entire game. You catch Nidoran before Mt. Moon, evolve it with the Moon Stone inside the cave, and have a fully evolved Pokemon before most trainers finish their second badge. Its movepool is massive: Earthquake, Ice Beam, Thunderbolt, Sludge Bomb, Rock Slide. It covers almost every type weakness your team might have.
Most late-game catches with slow leveling curves aren't worth the effort. Dratini needs heavy grinding to reach Dragonite, and by the time it evolves you're already at the Elite Four. Pokemon with crippling abilities (like Slaking's Truant) or slow setup requirements also underperform compared to simpler picks that work right out of the box.
Yes — this is the biggest content change in the 2026 Nintendo Switch re-release. On original GBA cartridges the Mystic Ticket (Lugia, Ho-Oh) and Aurora Ticket (Deoxys) were only distributed at Nintendo events in 2004 and 2005, so most players never got them. The Switch version auto-awards both tickets the first time you enter the Hall of Fame with a Pokemon that hasn't already earned a Champion Ribbon. Take the Mystic Ticket to the Vermilion City sailor to sail to Navel Rock, and the Aurora Ticket to the same sailor for Birth Island.
GAME AVAILABILITY
- Gen IY
Yellow151 Pokemon - Gen IRB
Red & Blue151 Pokemon - Gen IIGS
Gold & Silver251 Pokemon - Gen IIC
Crystal251 Pokemon - Gen IIIRS
Ruby & Sapphire202 Pokemon - Gen IIIFRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen151 Pokemon - Gen IIIE
Emerald202 Pokemon - Gen IVPt
Platinum210 Pokemon - Gen IVHGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver256 Pokemon - Gen IVDP
Diamond & Pearl151 Pokemon - Gen VBW
Black & White156 Pokemon - Gen VB2W2
Black 2 & White 2301 Pokemon - Gen VIXY
X & Y457 Pokemon - Gen VIORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire211 Pokemon - Gen VIIUSUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon403 Pokemon - Gen VIISM
Sun & Moon302 Pokemon - Gen VIILGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee153 Pokemon - Gen VIIISwSh
Sword & Shield400 Pokemon - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus242 Pokemon - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl151 Pokemon - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet400 Pokemon - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A364 Pokemon - Gen XWW
Winds & Waves51 Pokemon