BEST BLACK 2 & WHITE 2 POKEMON
Game Notes
B2W2 drops the Unova-only restriction from Black and White. Old and new Pokemon share the regional dex from the start, which completely changes the tier list. Lucario and Arcanine are available early alongside Unova picks like Excadrill and Darmanitan. The gym leader lineup is partially different from BW, and the story goes to new areas. Same Gen 5 engine, much wider team options.
Pokemon Spotlight
Tyranitar
B2W2's broader metagame brings more weather setters, but Sand Stream still auto-boosts Tyranitar's Sp. Def by 50% on entry. 134 Attack with Pursuit traps fleeing Psychic and Ghost types. Rock/Dark STAB combination has near-perfect neutral coverage against Unova's expanded roster.
View page detailsTyranitar — A Tier, 600 BST
B2W2's broader metagame brings more weather setters, but Sand Stream still auto-boosts Tyranitar's Sp. Def by 50% on entry. 134 Attack with Pursuit traps fleeing Psychic and Ghost types. Rock/Dark STAB combination has near-perfect neutral coverage against Unova's expanded roster.
Reshiram
Turboblaze ignores abilities like Flash Fire when attacking. 150 Sp. Atk fires Blue Flare and Draco Meteor, both massive hits in B2W2. Dragon/Fire coverage is only resisted by a few specific Pokemon, and the 20% burn on Blue Flare cripples physical answers.
View page detailsReshiram — S Tier, 680 BST
Turboblaze ignores abilities like Flash Fire when attacking. 150 Sp. Atk fires Blue Flare and Draco Meteor, both massive hits in B2W2. Dragon/Fire coverage is only resisted by a few specific Pokemon, and the 20% burn on Blue Flare cripples physical answers.
Ferrothorn
Grass/Steel resists nine types. Iron Barbs punishes every physical contact with chip damage, and Leech Seed drains HP each turn. Stealth Rock and Spikes stack entry hazards in B2W2. 131 Defense lets Ferrothorn set up on physical attackers without breaking a sweat.
View page detailsFerrothorn — S Tier, 489 BST
Grass/Steel resists nine types. Iron Barbs punishes every physical contact with chip damage, and Leech Seed drains HP each turn. Stealth Rock and Spikes stack entry hazards in B2W2. 131 Defense lets Ferrothorn set up on physical attackers without breaking a sweat.
ArceusNormalMIXEDHP120Atk120Def120SpA120SpD120Spe120AbilityMultitypeNatureAdamantItemSilk ScarfExtreme Speed80Swords Dance–Shadow Claw70Earthquake100HP120Atk120Def120SpA120SpD120Spe120
MewtwoPsychicSPECIALHP106Atk110Def90SpA154SpD90Spe130AbilityPressureNatureTimidItemLife OrbPsystrike100Aura Sphere80Ice Beam90Calm Mind–HP106Atk110Def90SpA154SpD90Spe130
LugiaPsychicMIXEDHP106Atk90Def130SpA90SpD154Spe110AbilityMultiscaleNatureImpishItemLeftoversRoost–Toxic–Whirlwind–Substitute–HP106Atk90Def130SpA90SpD154Spe110
Ho ohFirePHYSICALHP106Atk130Def90SpA110SpD154Spe90AbilityRegeneratorNatureAdamantItemChoice BandSacred Fire100Brave Bird120Earthquake100Sleep Talk–HP106Atk130Def90SpA110SpD154Spe90
RayquazaDragonMIXEDHP105Atk150Def90SpA150SpD90Spe95AbilityAir LockNatureAdamantItemLife OrbExtreme Speed80Outrage120Earthquake100Draco Meteor130HP105Atk150Def90SpA150SpD90Spe95
DialgaSteelDragonSPECIALHP100Atk120Def120SpA150SpD100Spe90AbilityPressureNatureTimidItemLife OrbDraco Meteor130Stealth Rock–Thunder110Aura Sphere80HP100Atk120Def120SpA150SpD100Spe90
PalkiaWaterDragonSPECIALHP90Atk120Def100SpA150SpD120Spe100AbilityPressureNatureTimidItemLustrous OrbSpacial Rend100Thunder110Fire Blast110Surf90HP90Atk120Def100SpA150SpD120Spe100
GiratinaGhostDragonMIXEDHP150Atk100Def120SpA100SpD120Spe90AbilityPressureNatureImpishItemRocky HelmetRest–Sleep Talk–Will-O-Wisp–Roar–HP150Atk100Def120SpA100SpD120Spe90- #1ReshiramDragonFireSPECIALHP100Atk120Def100SpA150SpD120Spe90AbilityTurboblazeNatureTimidItemChoice SpecsDraco Meteor130Blue Flare130Dragon Pulse85Focus Blast120HP100Atk120Def100SpA150SpD120Spe90
- #2
ZekromDragonElectricPHYSICALHP100Atk150Def120SpA120SpD100Spe90AbilityTeravoltNatureJollyItemChoice ScarfBolt Strike130Outrage120Volt Switch70Dragon Claw80HP100Atk150Def120SpA120SpD100Spe90 
KyogreWaterSPECIALHP100Atk100Def90SpA150SpD140Spe90AbilityDrizzleNatureTimidItemChoice ScarfIce Beam90Thunder110Water Spout150Surf90HP100Atk100Def90SpA150SpD140Spe90
GroudonGroundPHYSICALHP100Atk150Def140SpA100SpD90Spe90AbilityDroughtNatureJollyItemEarth PlateEarthquake100Stealth Rock–Stone Edge100Dragon Tail60HP100Atk150Def140SpA100SpD90Spe90
DragoniteDragonPHYSICALHP91Atk134Def95SpA100SpD100Spe80AbilityMultiscaleNatureAdamantItemLum BerryDragon Dance–Extreme Speed80Outrage120Fire Punch75HP91Atk134Def95SpA100SpD100Spe80- #5TyranitarRockDarkPHYSICALHP100Atk134Def110SpA95SpD100Spe61AbilitySand StreamNatureAdamantItemChople BerryPursuit40Crunch80Superpower120Thunder Wave–HP100Atk134Def110SpA95SpD100Spe61
JirachiSteelPsychicMIXEDHP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100AbilitySerene GraceNatureCarefulItemChoice ScarfIron Head80U-turn70Ice Punch75Healing Wish–HP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100
HeatranFireSteelSPECIALHP91Atk90Def106SpA130SpD106Spe77AbilityFlash FireNatureCalmItemAir BalloonEarth Power90Protect–Lava Plume80Hidden Power Ice60HP91Atk90Def106SpA130SpD106Spe77- #6
KeldeoWaterFightingSPECIALHP91Atk72Def90SpA129SpD90Spe108AbilityJustifiedNatureTimidItemChoice SpecsSecret Sword85Hydro Pump110Surf90Scald80HP91Atk72Def90SpA129SpD90Spe108 - #7
VolcaronaBugFireSPECIALHP85Atk60Def65SpA135SpD105Spe100AbilityFlame BodyNatureTimidItemLum BerryQuiver Dance–Bug Buzz90Giga Drain75Fire Blast110HP85Atk60Def65SpA135SpD105Spe100 - #8
MagnezoneElectricSteelSPECIALHP70Atk70Def115SpA130SpD90Spe60AbilityMagnet PullNatureModestItemAir BalloonHidden Power Fire60Thunderbolt90Flash Cannon80Volt Switch70HP70Atk70Def115SpA130SpD90Spe60 - #9
StarmieWaterPsychicSPECIALHP60Atk75Def85SpA100SpD85Spe115AbilityAnalyticNatureTimidItemAir BalloonRapid Spin50Ice Beam90Hydro Pump110Thunderbolt90HP60Atk75Def85SpA100SpD85Spe115 - #10
ExcadrillGroundSteelPHYSICALHP110Atk135Def60SpA50SpD65Spe88AbilitySand ForceNatureJollyItemChoice ScarfEarthquake100Rapid Spin50Iron Head80Rock Slide75HP110Atk135Def60SpA50SpD65Spe88 - #11
ConkeldurrFightingPHYSICALHP105Atk140Def95SpA55SpD65Spe45AbilityGutsNatureAdamantItemFlame OrbDrain Punch75Mach Punch40Ice Punch75Thunder Punch75HP105Atk140Def95SpA55SpD65Spe45 
AlakazamPsychicSPECIALHP55Atk50Def45SpA135SpD95Spe120AbilityMagic GuardNatureTimidItemFocus SashFocus Blast120Psychic90Shadow Ball80Hidden Power Ice60HP55Atk50Def45SpA135SpD95Spe120
ScizorBugSteelPHYSICALHP70Atk130Def100SpA55SpD80Spe65AbilityTechnicianNatureAdamantItemLife OrbBullet Punch40Superpower120Pursuit40U-turn70HP70Atk130Def100SpA55SpD80Spe65
- #12
SlakingNormalPHYSICALHP150Atk160Def100SpA95SpD65Spe100AbilityTruantNatureJollyItemChoice BandEarthquake100Pursuit40Retaliate70Giga Impact150HP150Atk160Def100SpA95SpD65Spe100 
RegigigasNormalPHYSICALHP110Atk160Def110SpA80SpD110Spe100AbilitySlow StartNatureAdamantItemLum BerryDrain Punch75Thunder Wave–Substitute–Return–HP110Atk160Def110SpA80SpD110Spe100- #13
KyuremDragonIceMIXEDHP125Atk130Def90SpA130SpD90Spe95AbilityPressureNatureTimidItemChoice ScarfEarth Power90Roost–Ice Beam90Substitute–HP125Atk130Def90SpA130SpD90Spe95 
MewPsychicMIXEDHP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100AbilitySynchronizeNatureTimidItemLife OrbIce Beam90Thunderbolt90Psychic90Flamethrower90HP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100
CelebiPsychicGrassMIXEDHP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100AbilityNatural CureNatureCalmItemChoice SpecsRecover–Psychic90Baton Pass–Stealth Rock–HP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100
SalamenceDragonPHYSICALHP95Atk135Def80SpA110SpD80Spe100AbilityMoxieNatureJollyItemChoice ScarfEarthquake100Outrage120Dragon Claw80Dragon Dance–HP95Atk135Def80SpA110SpD80Spe100- #14
MetagrossSteelPsychicPHYSICALHP80Atk135Def130SpA95SpD90Spe70AbilityClear BodyNatureAdamantItemRocky HelmetMeteor Mash90Earthquake100Ice Punch75Bullet Punch40HP80Atk135Def130SpA95SpD90Spe70 
LatiasDragonPsychicSPECIALHP80Atk80Def90SpA110SpD130Spe110AbilityLevitateNatureTimidItemChoice SpecsDraco Meteor130Surf90Healing Wish–Recover–HP80Atk80Def90SpA110SpD130Spe110
DeoxysPsychicMIXEDHP50Atk150Def50SpA150SpD50Spe150AbilityPressureNatureHastyItemFocus SashZen Headbutt80Extreme Speed80Superpower120Psychic90HP50Atk150Def50SpA150SpD50Spe150
ManaphyWaterMIXEDHP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100AbilityHydrationNatureTimidItemLife OrbTail Glow–Ice Beam90Rest–Surf90HP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100
ShayminGrassMIXEDHP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100AbilityNatural CureNatureTimidItemLife OrbEarth Power90Seed Flare120Aromatherapy–Hidden Power Ice60HP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100- #15
VictiniPsychicFireMIXEDHP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100AbilityVictory StarNatureJollyItemChoice ScarfU-turn70Brick Break75HP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100
ArticunoIceMIXEDHP90Atk85Def100SpA95SpD125Spe85AbilityPressureNatureCalmItemSitrus BerryIce Beam90Roost–Toxic–Blizzard110HP90Atk85Def100SpA95SpD125Spe85
MespritPsychicMIXEDHP80Atk105Def105SpA105SpD105Spe80AbilityLevitateNatureTimidItemChoice ScarfU-turn70Trick–Psychic90Thunderbolt90HP80Atk105Def105SpA105SpD105Spe80
KingdraWaterDragonMIXEDHP75Atk95Def95SpA95SpD95Spe85AbilitySwift SwimNatureModestItemScope LensIce Beam90Draco Meteor130Hydro Pump110Surf90HP75Atk95Def95SpA95SpD95Spe85- #62
MagmortarFireSPECIALHP75Atk95Def67SpA125SpD95Spe83AbilityFlame BodyNatureTimidItemChoice SpecsThunderbolt90Focus Blast120Fire Blast110Flamethrower90HP75Atk95Def67SpA125SpD95Spe83 - #63
LaprasWaterIceMIXEDHP130Atk85Def80SpA85SpD95Spe60AbilityWater AbsorbNatureRelaxedItemNever Melt IceIce Beam90Surf90Ice Shard40Thunderbolt90HP130Atk85Def80SpA85SpD95Spe60 - #64
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- #65
WalreinIceWaterMIXEDHP110Atk80Def90SpA95SpD90Spe65AbilityIce BodyNatureBoldItemIcy RockToxic–Protect–Blizzard110Substitute–HP110Atk80Def90SpA95SpD90Spe65
- #154
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 Resort140Hyper Voice90Take Down90HP65Atk80Def65SpA35SpD65Spe60
LuxioElectricPHYSICALHP60Atk85Def49SpA60SpD49Spe60Sleep Talk–Thunder110Rest–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 is still a top pick with 135 Attack and Steel/Ground STAB. But B2W2 adds old favorites to the mix — Lucario from Riolu in Floccesy Ranch and Arcanine from Growlithe in Virbank Complex are strong early options that weren't in BW. Magnezone from Magnemite in Virbank Complex is another standout with 130 Sp. Atk.
The biggest change: old Pokemon are back in the regional dex from the start. BW only had new Unova Pokemon, but B2W2 mixes in classics like Arcanine, Lucario, and Eevee. Some gym leaders are different (Cheren replaces Lenora, Roxie is new). The story is a sequel set two years later with new protagonists. And the Pokemon World Tournament lets you fight every past gym leader and Champion.
Oshawott is still the safest pick. Samurott's balanced stats and Water typing cover the most gym matchups. Starters matter less in B2W2 than in BW though, since the expanded dex gives you strong early alternatives. You can grab Riolu, Growlithe, and Magnemite before the second gym, so your starter doesn't need to carry as hard.
Black 2 gets Zekrom (swapped from White) and Challenge Mode. White 2 gets Reshiram and Easy Mode. The box legendaries swap between BW and B2W2. Challenge Mode in Black 2 raises trainer levels and gives gym leaders smarter AI — it's the only official hard mode in the series. That alone makes Black 2 the pick for experienced players.
It's the closest thing to an official hard mode Pokemon has ever had. Trainers are higher level, gym leaders have better held items and smarter AI, and some carry extra Pokemon. It makes the game noticeably harder without being unfair. The catch: you unlock it by beating Black 2 and transferring the key to another copy via IR. Some players use save editors to enable it from the start.
They're fine but less important. In BW, your starter carried early because the dex was all new Pokemon. In B2W2, you can grab Riolu, Growlithe, and Magnemite before the second gym — all strong picks that reduce how much your starter matters. Emboar is the weakest of the three since Fire/Fighting is a tired combo by Gen 5, but it still hits hard enough.
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