BEST BLACK & WHITE POKEMON
Game Notes
Black and White did something no other Pokemon game has done: the entire main game uses only new Unova Pokemon. No Pikachu, no Gyarados, no Alakazam until the postgame. That means this tier list only includes Gen 5 Pokemon. Excadrill at 135 Attack with Steel/Ground typing is the standout pick. Darmanitan hits 140 Attack with Sheer Force, and Volcarona at 135 Sp. Atk is the best special attacker available. Every pick on this list is Unova-only — old favorites don't factor in until postgame.
Pokemon Spotlight
Reshiram
Black's box legendary hits with 150 Sp. Atk through Turboblaze, which ignores opposing abilities like Flash Fire and Water Absorb. Blue Flare is 130 base power Fire with a 20% burn chance. Dragon/Fire coverage in Black and White is hard to resist.
View page detailsReshiram — S Tier, 680 BST
Black's box legendary hits with 150 Sp. Atk through Turboblaze, which ignores opposing abilities like Flash Fire and Water Absorb. Blue Flare is 130 base power Fire with a 20% burn chance. Dragon/Fire coverage in Black and White is hard to resist.
Ferrothorn
Iron Barbs punishes every physical contact move with chip damage. Grass/Steel resists nine types, and Leech Seed plus Protect stalls opponents in Black and White. 131 Defense tanks hits, and Stealth Rock plus Spikes stack entry hazard damage on every switch.
View page detailsFerrothorn — S Tier, 489 BST
Iron Barbs punishes every physical contact move with chip damage. Grass/Steel resists nine types, and Leech Seed plus Protect stalls opponents in Black and White. 131 Defense tanks hits, and Stealth Rock plus Spikes stack entry hazard damage on every switch.
Volcarona
Quiver Dance boosts Sp. Atk, Sp. Def, and Speed in one turn, turning Volcarona into BW's most dangerous setup sweeper. 135 Sp. Atk with Bug/Fire STAB incinerates Grass, Psychic, and Steel types. Flame Body burns physical attackers on contact, punishing U-turn and priority moves.
View page detailsVolcarona — A Tier, 550 BST
Quiver Dance boosts Sp. Atk, Sp. Def, and Speed in one turn, turning Volcarona into BW's most dangerous setup sweeper. 135 Sp. Atk with Bug/Fire STAB incinerates Grass, Psychic, and Steel types. Flame Body burns physical attackers on contact, punishing U-turn and priority moves.
ArceusNormalMIXEDHP120Atk120Def120SpA120SpD120Spe120AbilityMultitypeNatureAdamantItemSilk ScarfExtreme Speed80Swords Dance–Shadow Claw70Earthquake100HP120Atk120Def120SpA120SpD120Spe120
MewtwoPsychicSPECIALHP106Atk110Def90SpA154SpD90Spe130AbilityPressureNatureTimidItemLife OrbPsystrike100Aura Sphere80Ice Beam90Calm Mind–HP106Atk110Def90SpA154SpD90Spe130
LugiaPsychicMIXEDHP106Atk90Def130SpA90SpD154Spe110AbilityMultiscaleNatureImpishItemLeftoversToxic–Whirlwind–Substitute–Ice Beam90HP106Atk90Def130SpA90SpD154Spe110
Ho ohFirePHYSICALHP106Atk130Def90SpA110SpD154Spe90AbilityRegeneratorNatureAdamantItemChoice BandSacred Fire100Brave Bird120Earthquake100HP106Atk130Def90SpA110SpD154Spe90
RayquazaDragonMIXEDHP105Atk150Def90SpA150SpD90Spe95AbilityAir LockNatureAdamantItemLife OrbExtreme Speed80Outrage120Earthquake100Draco Meteor130HP105Atk150Def90SpA150SpD90Spe95
DialgaSteelDragonSPECIALHP100Atk120Def120SpA150SpD100Spe90AbilityPressureNatureTimidItemLife OrbDraco Meteor130Thunder110Aura Sphere80Fire Blast110HP100Atk120Def120SpA150SpD100Spe90
PalkiaWaterDragonSPECIALHP90Atk120Def100SpA150SpD120Spe100AbilityPressureNatureTimidItemLustrous OrbSpacial Rend100Thunder110Fire Blast110Surf90HP90Atk120Def100SpA150SpD120Spe100
GiratinaGhostDragonMIXEDHP150Atk100Def120SpA100SpD120Spe90AbilityPressureNatureImpishItemRocky HelmetRest–Will-O-Wisp–Roar–Dragon Tail60HP150Atk100Def120SpA100SpD120Spe90- #1ReshiramDragonFireSPECIALHP100Atk120Def100SpA150SpD120Spe90AbilityTurboblazeNatureTimidItemChoice SpecsDraco Meteor130Blue Flare130Dragon Pulse85Focus Blast120HP100Atk120Def100SpA150SpD120Spe90
- #2
ZekromDragonElectricPHYSICALHP100Atk150Def120SpA120SpD100Spe90AbilityTeravoltNatureJollyItemChoice ScarfBolt Strike130Outrage120Volt Switch70Dragon Claw80HP100Atk150Def120SpA120SpD100Spe90 
KyogreWaterSPECIALHP100Atk100Def90SpA150SpD140Spe90AbilityDrizzleNatureTimidItemChoice ScarfIce Beam90Thunder110Water Spout150Surf90HP100Atk100Def90SpA150SpD140Spe90
GroudonGroundPHYSICALHP100Atk150Def140SpA100SpD90Spe90AbilityDroughtNatureJollyItemEarth PlateEarthquake100Stone Edge100Dragon Tail60Thunder Wave–HP100Atk150Def140SpA100SpD90Spe90
DragoniteDragonPHYSICALHP91Atk134Def95SpA100SpD100Spe80AbilityMultiscaleNatureAdamantItemLum BerryDragon Dance–Extreme Speed80Outrage120Fire Punch75HP91Atk134Def95SpA100SpD100Spe80
TyranitarRockDarkPHYSICALHP100Atk134Def110SpA95SpD100Spe61AbilitySand StreamNatureAdamantItemChople BerryPursuit40Crunch80Thunder Wave–Ice Beam90HP100Atk134Def110SpA95SpD100Spe61
JirachiSteelPsychicMIXEDHP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100AbilitySerene GraceNatureCarefulItemChoice ScarfU-turn70Healing Wish–Thunder110Wish–HP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100
HeatranFireSteelSPECIALHP91Atk90Def106SpA130SpD106Spe77AbilityFlash FireNatureCalmItemAir BalloonEarth Power90Protect–Lava Plume80Hidden Power Ice60HP91Atk90Def106SpA130SpD106Spe77- #5
KeldeoWaterFightingSPECIALHP91Atk72Def90SpA129SpD90Spe108AbilityJustifiedNatureTimidItemChoice SpecsSecret Sword85Hydro Pump110Surf90Scald80HP91Atk72Def90SpA129SpD90Spe108 - #6VolcaronaBugFireSPECIALHP85Atk60Def65SpA135SpD105Spe100AbilityFlame BodyNatureTimidItemLum BerryQuiver Dance–Bug Buzz90Fire Blast110Fiery Dance80HP85Atk60Def65SpA135SpD105Spe100
MagnezoneElectricSteelSPECIALHP70Atk70Def115SpA130SpD90Spe60AbilityMagnet PullNatureModestItemAir BalloonHidden Power Fire60Thunderbolt90Flash Cannon80Volt Switch70HP70Atk70Def115SpA130SpD90Spe60
StarmieWaterPsychicSPECIALHP60Atk75Def85SpA100SpD85Spe115AbilityAnalyticNatureTimidItemAir BalloonRapid Spin50Ice Beam90Hydro Pump110Thunderbolt90HP60Atk75Def85SpA100SpD85Spe115- #7
ExcadrillGroundSteelPHYSICALHP110Atk135Def60SpA50SpD65Spe88AbilitySand ForceNatureJollyItemChoice ScarfEarthquake100Rapid Spin50Rock Slide75Swords Dance–HP110Atk135Def60SpA50SpD65Spe88 - #8
ConkeldurrFightingPHYSICALHP105Atk140Def95SpA55SpD65Spe45AbilityGutsNatureAdamantItemFlame OrbDrain Punch75Mach Punch40Payback50Bulk Up–HP105Atk140Def95SpA55SpD65Spe45 
AlakazamPsychicSPECIALHP55Atk50Def45SpA135SpD95Spe120AbilityMagic GuardNatureTimidItemFocus SashFocus Blast120Psychic90Shadow Ball80Hidden Power Ice60HP55Atk50Def45SpA135SpD95Spe120
ScizorBugSteelPHYSICALHP70Atk130Def100SpA55SpD80Spe65AbilityTechnicianNatureAdamantItemLife OrbBullet Punch40Pursuit40U-turn70Swords Dance–HP70Atk130Def100SpA55SpD80Spe65
SlakingNormalPHYSICALHP150Atk160Def100SpA95SpD65Spe100AbilityTruantNatureJollyItemChoice BandEarthquake100Pursuit40Retaliate70Giga Impact150HP150Atk160Def100SpA95SpD65Spe100
RegigigasNormalPHYSICALHP110Atk160Def110SpA80SpD110Spe100AbilitySlow StartNatureAdamantItemLum BerryThunder Wave–Substitute–Return–Confuse Ray–HP110Atk160Def110SpA80SpD110Spe100- #9
KyuremDragonIceMIXEDHP125Atk130Def90SpA130SpD90Spe95AbilityPressureNatureTimidItemChoice ScarfIce Beam90Substitute–Draco Meteor130HP125Atk130Def90SpA130SpD90Spe95 
MewPsychicMIXEDHP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100AbilitySynchronizeNatureTimidItemLife OrbIce Beam90Thunderbolt90Psychic90Flamethrower90HP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100
CelebiPsychicGrassMIXEDHP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100AbilityNatural CureNatureCalmItemChoice SpecsRecover–Psychic90Baton Pass–Leaf Storm130HP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100
SalamenceDragonPHYSICALHP95Atk135Def80SpA110SpD80Spe100AbilityMoxieNatureJollyItemChoice ScarfEarthquake100Dragon Claw80Dragon Dance–Fire Fang65HP95Atk135Def80SpA110SpD80Spe100
MetagrossSteelPsychicPHYSICALHP80Atk135Def130SpA95SpD90Spe70AbilityClear BodyNatureAdamantItemRocky HelmetMeteor Mash90Earthquake100Bullet Punch40Zen Headbutt80HP80Atk135Def130SpA95SpD90Spe70
LatiasDragonPsychicSPECIALHP80Atk80Def90SpA110SpD130Spe110AbilityLevitateNatureTimidItemChoice SpecsDraco Meteor130Surf90Healing Wish–Recover–HP80Atk80Def90SpA110SpD130Spe110
DeoxysPsychicMIXEDHP50Atk150Def50SpA150SpD50Spe150AbilityPressureNatureHastyItemFocus SashZen Headbutt80Extreme Speed80Superpower120Psychic90HP50Atk150Def50SpA150SpD50Spe150
ManaphyWaterMIXEDHP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100AbilityHydrationNatureTimidItemLife OrbTail Glow–Ice Beam90Rest–Surf90HP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100
ShayminGrassMIXEDHP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100AbilityNatural CureNatureTimidItemLife OrbSeed Flare120Aromatherapy–Hidden Power Ice60Psychic90HP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100- #10
VictiniPsychicFireMIXEDHP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100AbilityVictory StarNatureJollyItemChoice ScarfU-turn70Brick Break75HP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100
ArticunoIceMIXEDHP90Atk85Def100SpA95SpD125Spe85AbilityPressureNatureCalmItemSitrus BerryIce Beam90Roost–Toxic–Blizzard110HP90Atk85Def100SpA95SpD125Spe85
MespritPsychicMIXEDHP80Atk105Def105SpA105SpD105Spe80AbilityLevitateNatureTimidItemChoice ScarfU-turn70Psychic90Thunderbolt90Healing Wish–HP80Atk105Def105SpA105SpD105Spe80
KingdraWaterDragonMIXEDHP75Atk95Def95SpA95SpD95Spe85AbilitySwift SwimNatureModestItemScope LensIce Beam90Draco Meteor130Hydro Pump110Surf90HP75Atk95Def95SpA95SpD95Spe85
MagmortarFireSPECIALHP75Atk95Def67SpA125SpD95Spe83AbilityFlame BodyNatureTimidItemChoice SpecsThunderbolt90Focus Blast120Fire Blast110Flamethrower90HP75Atk95Def67SpA125SpD95Spe83
LaprasWaterIceMIXEDHP130Atk85Def80SpA85SpD95Spe60AbilityWater AbsorbNatureRelaxedItemNever Melt IceIce Beam90Surf90Ice Shard40Thunderbolt90HP130Atk85Def80SpA85SpD95Spe60- #37
VanilluxeIceMIXEDHP71Atk95Def85SpA110SpD95Spe79AbilityIce BodyNatureModestItemLife OrbFlash Cannon80Ice Beam90Toxic–Ice Shard40HP71Atk95Def85SpA110SpD95Spe79 
CharizardFireSPECIALHP78Atk84Def78SpA109SpD85Spe100AbilityBlazeNatureTimidItemChoice ScarfFlamethrower90Air Slash75Fire Blast110Focus Blast120HP78Atk84Def78SpA109SpD85Spe100
TyphlosionFireSPECIALHP78Atk84Def78SpA109SpD85Spe100AbilityBlazeNatureTimidItemChoice ScarfFire Blast110Extrasensory80Hidden Power Grass60Focus Blast120HP78Atk84Def78SpA109SpD85Spe100
BlastoiseWaterMIXEDHP79Atk83Def100SpA85SpD105Spe78AbilityTorrentNatureCalmItemChoice ScarfRapid Spin50Scald80Ice Beam90Roar–HP79Atk83Def100SpA85SpD105Spe78
ExeggutorGrassPsychicSPECIALHP95Atk95Def85SpA125SpD75Spe55AbilityHarvestNatureHardyItemSitrus BerryPsychic90Leaf Storm130Trick Room–Giga Drain75HP95Atk95Def85SpA125SpD75Spe55
FeraligatrWaterPHYSICALHP85Atk105Def100SpA79SpD83Spe78AbilityTorrentNatureAdamantItemMystic WaterWaterfall80Aqua Jet40Crunch80Swords Dance–HP85Atk105Def100SpA79SpD83Spe78
WalreinIceWaterMIXEDHP110Atk80Def90SpA95SpD90Spe65AbilityIce BodyNatureBoldItemIcy RockToxic–Protect–Blizzard110Substitute–HP110Atk80Def90SpA95SpD90Spe65
CastformNormalMIXEDHP70Atk70Def70SpA70SpD70Spe70AbilityForecastNatureTimidItemLum BerryWeather Ball50Ice Beam90Rain Dance–Thunder110HP70Atk70Def70SpA70SpD70Spe70
WartortleWaterUTILITYHP59Atk63Def80SpA65SpD80Spe58Hydro Pump110Scald80Water Spout150Ice Beam90HP59Atk63Def80SpA65SpD80Spe58
QuilavaFireSPECIALHP58Atk64Def58SpA80SpD65Spe80Eruption150Will-O-Wisp–Fire Blast110Flamethrower90HP58Atk64Def58SpA80SpD65Spe80
VanillishIceSPECIALHP51Atk65Def65SpA80SpD75Spe59Explosion250Blizzard110Ice Beam90Taunt–HP51Atk65Def65SpA80SpD75Spe59
PalpitoadWaterGroundUTILITYHP75Atk65Def55SpA65SpD55Spe69AbilitySwift SwimNatureHardyItemLeftoversSupersonic–Hydro Pump110Earth Power90Sludge Wave95HP75Atk65Def55SpA65SpD55Spe69
HerdierNormalPHYSICALHP65Atk80Def65SpA35SpD65Spe60Giga Impact150Last Resort140Take Down90HP65Atk80Def65SpA35SpD65Spe60
LuxioElectricPHYSICALHP60Atk85Def49SpA60SpD49Spe60Thunder110Rest–Volt Switch70HP60Atk85Def49SpA60SpD49Spe60
LoudredNormalMIXEDHP84Atk71Def43SpA71SpD43Spe48Hyper Voice90Take Down90Uproar90Strength80HP84Atk71Def43SpA71SpD43Spe48
SpindaNormalUTILITYHP60Atk60Def60SpA60SpD60Spe60AbilityOwn TempoNatureAdamantItemToxic OrbSucker Punch70Fake Out40Trick–Encore–HP60Atk60Def60SpA60SpD60Spe60
TranquillNormalPHYSICALHP62Atk77Def62SpA50SpD42Spe65Fly90Sky Attack140Protect–Uproar90HP62Atk77Def62SpA50SpD42Spe65
GrowlitheFireMIXEDHP55Atk70Def45SpA70SpD50Spe60AbilityIntimidateNatureBoldItemEvioliteFlamethrower90Toxic–Will-O-Wisp–Morning Sun–HP55Atk70Def45SpA70SpD50Spe60
SkiploomGrassUTILITYHP55Atk45Def50SpA45SpD65Spe80Solar Beam120Acrobatics55Synthesis–Swords Dance–HP55Atk45Def50SpA45SpD65Spe80
Pokemon Comparison
FAQ
Excadrill. Steel/Ground typing, 135 Attack, and access to Earthquake and Rock Slide make it one of the strongest picks in Unova. You get Drilbur early in Wellspring Cave, and it evolves at Level 31. Darmanitan with 140 Attack and Sheer Force is the other S-Tier pick — raw power that few Unova Pokemon can match.
Oshawott. Samurott has the most balanced stats of the three and Water typing gives good gym coverage. Tepig evolves into Emboar (Fire/Fighting — the third Fire/Fighting starter in a row), which hits hard but is slow. Snivy into Serperior has decent Speed but low offensive stats unless you get Contrary, which isn't available in normal BW play.
Black and White only includes new Gen 5 Pokemon in the regional Pokedex. Every encounter from Nuvema Town to the Elite Four is Unova-original. It's the only mainline game to do this. You unlock the National Dex after beating the Champion, which opens older Pokemon in new areas. Game Freak wanted players to experience Unova's 156 new Pokemon without defaulting to old favorites.
Black gets Reshiram (Dragon/Fire) and White gets Zekrom (Dragon/Electric). Zekrom's Electric STAB is slightly more useful since Water types are common throughout the game. For regular exclusives, Black has Braviary (great physical attacker) while White has Mandibuzz (defensive). Black also gets Black City while White gets White Forest with more wild Pokemon.
Hydreigon has 600 BST and Dark/Dragon typing — it's Unova's pseudo-legendary. The problem: Deino doesn't evolve into Zweilous until Level 50, and Zweilous doesn't become Hydreigon until Level 64. That's the latest final evolution in the series. You won't have it for most of the game. Haxorus at 540 BST evolves much earlier and hits nearly as hard with 147 Attack.
Volcarona is one of the best Pokemon in the entire game. 135 Sp. Atk, Bug/Fire typing, and Quiver Dance (boosts Sp. Atk, Sp. Def, and Speed in one move). You can find a Level 70 one in Relic Castle postgame, or raise a Larvesta from the egg on Route 18. Larvesta doesn't evolve until Level 59 though, so it's a commitment. The payoff is worth it.
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