BEST X & Y POKEMON
Game Notes
X and Y introduced Fairy type and Mega Evolution in the same game, and both reshape the tier list. Dragons aren't untouchable anymore since Fairy resists Dragon and hits it super effectively. Gardevoir gains Fairy typing and a Mega form with 165 Sp. Atk. Greninja is the standout new starter with Protean turning every move into STAB. Professor Sycamore also hands you a free Gen 1 starter, and Mega Charizard is one of the strongest picks in the game. Both new Kalos Pokemon and older ones available during the main story factor into the rankings.
Pokemon Spotlight
Garchomp
130 Attack at 102 Speed. Earthquake and Outrage cover nearly everything, and Swords Dance doubles the damage. X and Y gave Garchomp a Mega Evolution, but regular Garchomp is already fast and powerful enough to dominate without it.
View page detailsGarchomp — S Tier, 600 BST
130 Attack at 102 Speed. Earthquake and Outrage cover nearly everything, and Swords Dance doubles the damage. X and Y gave Garchomp a Mega Evolution, but regular Garchomp is already fast and powerful enough to dominate without it.
Mewtwo
X and Y added two Mega Evolutions for Mewtwo. Mega Mewtwo Y hits 194 Sp. Atk, the highest in the game. Mega Mewtwo X flips to a physical Fighting type at 190 Attack. Even without Mega Evolving, 154 Sp. Atk and 130 Speed remain dominant.
View page detailsMewtwo — S Tier, 680 BST
X and Y added two Mega Evolutions for Mewtwo. Mega Mewtwo Y hits 194 Sp. Atk, the highest in the game. Mega Mewtwo X flips to a physical Fighting type at 190 Attack. Even without Mega Evolving, 154 Sp. Atk and 130 Speed remain dominant.
Greninja
Protean changes Greninja's type to match whatever move it uses, giving STAB on every attack. 122 Speed outspeeds most of Kalos's threats, and 103 Sp. Atk with Ice Beam, Dark Pulse, and Hydro Pump provides near-unresisted coverage. Fragile at 72/67/71 bulk, so it can't afford to take hits.
View page detailsGreninja — A Tier, 530 BST
Protean changes Greninja's type to match whatever move it uses, giving STAB on every attack. 122 Speed outspeeds most of Kalos's threats, and 103 Sp. Atk with Ice Beam, Dark Pulse, and Hydro Pump provides near-unresisted coverage. Fragile at 72/67/71 bulk, so it can't afford to take hits.
ArceusNormalMIXEDHP120Atk120Def120SpA120SpD120Spe120AbilityMultitypeNatureJollyItemLife OrbExtreme Speed80Swords Dance–Shadow Claw70Earthquake100HP120Atk120Def120SpA120SpD120Spe120- #1MewtwoPsychicSPECIALHP106Atk110Def90SpA154SpD90Spe130AbilityPressureNatureTimidItemLife OrbPsystrike100Ice Beam90Calm Mind–Aura Sphere80HP106Atk110Def90SpA154SpD90Spe130
LugiaPsychicMIXEDHP106Atk90Def130SpA90SpD154Spe110AbilityMultiscaleNatureBoldItemFocus SashToxic–Roost–Whirlwind–Aeroblast100HP106Atk90Def130SpA90SpD154Spe110
Ho ohFirePHYSICALHP106Atk130Def90SpA110SpD154Spe90AbilityRegeneratorNatureAdamantItemChoice BandSacred Fire100Brave Bird120Earthquake100Sleep Talk–HP106Atk130Def90SpA110SpD154Spe90
RayquazaDragonMIXEDHP105Atk150Def90SpA150SpD90Spe95AbilityAir LockNatureHardyItemLife OrbExtreme Speed80Draco Meteor130Dragon Dance–Earthquake100HP105Atk150Def90SpA150SpD90Spe95
DialgaSteelDragonSPECIALHP100Atk120Def120SpA150SpD100Spe90AbilityPressureNatureModestItemAdamant OrbFlash Cannon80Draco Meteor130Aura Sphere80Roar of Time150HP100Atk120Def120SpA150SpD100Spe90
PalkiaWaterDragonSPECIALHP90Atk120Def100SpA150SpD120Spe100AbilityPressureNatureHardyItemLustrous OrbSpacial Rend100Hydro Pump110Surf90Aura Sphere80HP90Atk120Def100SpA150SpD120Spe100
GiratinaGhostDragonMIXEDHP150Atk100Def120SpA100SpD120Spe90AbilityPressureNatureTimidItemRed CardToxic–Rest–Will-O-Wisp–Dragon Tail60HP150Atk100Def120SpA100SpD120Spe90
ReshiramDragonFireSPECIALHP100Atk120Def100SpA150SpD120Spe90AbilityTurboblazeNatureHardyItemLife OrbBlue Flare130Draco Meteor130Fusion Flare100Dragon Pulse85HP100Atk120Def100SpA150SpD120Spe90
ZekromDragonElectricPHYSICALHP100Atk150Def120SpA120SpD100Spe90AbilityTeravoltNatureNaughtyItemChoice ScarfBolt Strike130Draco Meteor130Outrage120Dragon Claw80HP100Atk150Def120SpA120SpD100Spe90- #2
XerneasFairyMIXEDHP126Atk131Def95SpA131SpD98Spe99AbilityFairy AuraNatureModestItemPower HerbMoonblast95Geomancy–Focus Blast120Aromatherapy–HP126Atk131Def95SpA131SpD98Spe99 - #3
YveltalDarkMIXEDHP126Atk131Def95SpA131SpD98Spe99AbilityDark AuraNatureRashItemLife OrbOblivion Wing80Dark Pulse80Sucker Punch70Foul Play95HP126Atk131Def95SpA131SpD98Spe99
- #5
TyranitarRockDarkPHYSICALHP100Atk134Def110SpA95SpD100Spe61AbilitySand StreamNatureRelaxedItemChoice BandStone Edge100Pursuit40Crunch80Stealth Rock–HP100Atk134Def110SpA95SpD100Spe61 
DeoxysPsychicMIXEDHP50Atk150Def50SpA150SpD50Spe150AbilityPressureNatureHastyItemFocus SashPsycho Boost140Taunt–HP50Atk150Def50SpA150SpD50Spe150
HeatranFireSteelSPECIALHP91Atk90Def106SpA130SpD106Spe77AbilityFlash FireNatureCalmItemAir BalloonLava Plume80Earth Power90Taunt–Magma Storm100HP91Atk90Def106SpA130SpD106Spe77
DarkraiDarkSPECIALHP70Atk90Def90SpA135SpD90Spe125AbilityBad DreamsNatureTimidItemLife OrbDark Void–Dark Pulse80Nasty Plot–Sludge Bomb90HP70Atk90Def90SpA135SpD90Spe125- #6
VolcanionFireWaterSPECIALHP80Atk110Def120SpA130SpD90Spe70AbilityWater AbsorbNatureTimidItemChoice ScarfSteam Eruption110Flamethrower90Sludge Bomb90Hidden Power Grass60HP80Atk110Def120SpA130SpD90Spe70 - #7
ZapdosElectricSPECIALHP90Atk90Def85SpA125SpD90Spe100AbilityStaticNatureBoldItemRocky HelmetRoost–Volt Switch70Hidden Power Ice60HP90Atk90Def85SpA125SpD90Spe100 
KeldeoWaterFightingSPECIALHP91Atk72Def90SpA129SpD90Spe108AbilityJustifiedNatureTimidItemChoice SpecsSecret Sword85Scald80Hydro Pump110Calm Mind–HP91Atk72Def90SpA129SpD90Spe108- #8GreninjaWaterDarkMIXEDHP72Atk95Def67SpA103SpD71Spe122AbilityProteanNatureTimidItemLife OrbDark Pulse80Ice Beam90Hydro Pump110Water Shuriken15HP72Atk95Def67SpA103SpD71Spe122
SerperiorGrassMIXEDHP75Atk75Def95SpA75SpD95Spe113AbilityContraryNatureTimidItemRocky HelmetLeaf Storm130Glare–Hidden Power Fire60Hidden Power Rock60HP75Atk75Def95SpA75SpD95Spe113- #9
WeavileDarkIcePHYSICALHP70Atk120Def65SpA45SpD85Spe125AbilityPressureNatureJollyItemChoice BandIcicle Crash85Ice Shard40Pursuit40HP70Atk120Def65SpA45SpD85Spe125 - #10
AegislashSteelGhostUTILITYHP60Atk50Def140SpA50SpD140Spe60AbilityStance ChangeNatureAdamantItemWeakness PolicyKing's Shield–Shadow Sneak40Swords Dance–Sacred Sword90HP60Atk50Def140SpA50SpD140Spe60 - #11
FerrothornGrassSteelPHYSICALHP74Atk94Def131SpA54SpD116Spe20AbilityIron BarbsNatureRelaxedItemRocky HelmetLeech Seed–Gyro Ball–Spikes–Power Whip120HP74Atk94Def131SpA54SpD116Spe20
SlakingNormalPHYSICALHP150Atk160Def100SpA95SpD65Spe100AbilityTruantNatureJollyItemChoice BandEarthquake100Giga Impact150Brick Break75HP150Atk160Def100SpA95SpD65Spe100
KyogreWaterSPECIALHP100Atk100Def90SpA150SpD140Spe90AbilityDrizzleNatureTimidItemChoice ScarfIce Beam90Thunder110Water Spout150Calm Mind–HP100Atk100Def90SpA150SpD140Spe90
GroudonGroundPHYSICALHP100Atk150Def140SpA100SpD90Spe90AbilityDroughtNatureHardyItemQuick ClawEarthquake100Brick Break75Earth Power90Bulk Up–HP100Atk150Def140SpA100SpD90Spe90
RegigigasNormalPHYSICALHP110Atk160Def110SpA80SpD110Spe100AbilitySlow StartNatureCarefulItemNormal GemThunder Wave–Zen Headbutt80Rock Slide75Earthquake100HP110Atk160Def110SpA80SpD110Spe100
KyuremDragonIceMIXEDHP125Atk130Def90SpA130SpD90Spe95AbilityPressureNatureTimidItemChoice SpecsIce Beam90Roost–Substitute–Draco Meteor130HP125Atk130Def90SpA130SpD90Spe95- #12
DragoniteDragonPHYSICALHP91Atk134Def95SpA100SpD100Spe80AbilityMultiscaleNatureAdamantItemLum BerryExtreme Speed80Dragon Dance–Earthquake100Outrage120HP91Atk134Def95SpA100SpD100Spe80 
MewPsychicMIXEDHP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100AbilitySynchronizeNatureJollyItemMental HerbTaunt–Explosion250Thunder Wave–Will-O-Wisp–HP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100
CelebiPsychicGrassMIXEDHP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100AbilityNatural CureNatureBoldItemOcca BerryRecover–U-turn70Thunder Wave–Healing Wish–HP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100- #13
SalamenceDragonPHYSICALHP95Atk135Def80SpA110SpD80Spe100AbilityMoxieNatureAdamantItemLum BerryDragon Dance–Earthquake100Dragon Claw80Steel Wing70HP95Atk135Def80SpA110SpD80Spe100 
MetagrossSteelPsychicPHYSICALHP80Atk135Def130SpA95SpD90Spe70AbilityClear BodyNatureAdamantItemAssault VestEarthquake100Meteor Mash90Bullet Punch40Zen Headbutt80HP80Atk135Def130SpA95SpD90Spe70
LatiasDragonPsychicSPECIALHP80Atk80Def90SpA110SpD130Spe110AbilityLevitateNatureTimidItemColbur BerryHealing Wish–Thunder Wave–Draco Meteor130Psychic90HP80Atk80Def90SpA110SpD130Spe110
LatiosDragonPsychicSPECIALHP80Atk90Def80SpA130SpD110Spe110AbilityLevitateNatureTimidItemLife OrbDraco Meteor130Psyshock80Surf90Roost–HP80Atk90Def80SpA130SpD110Spe110
- #77
ArticunoIceMIXEDHP90Atk85Def100SpA95SpD125Spe85AbilityPressureNatureCalmItemDamp RockFreeze-Dry70Roost–Tailwind–Hurricane110HP90Atk85Def100SpA95SpD125Spe85 - #78
KingdraWaterDragonMIXEDHP75Atk95Def95SpA95SpD95Spe85AbilitySwift SwimNatureModestItemChoice SpecsDraco Meteor130Ice Beam90Hydro Pump110Surf90HP75Atk95Def95SpA95SpD95Spe85 
MagmortarFireSPECIALHP75Atk95Def67SpA125SpD95Spe83AbilityFlame BodyNatureTimidItemAssault VestThunderbolt90Flamethrower90Psychic90Hidden Power Grass60HP75Atk95Def67SpA125SpD95Spe83- #79
LaprasWaterIceMIXEDHP130Atk85Def80SpA85SpD95Spe60AbilityWater AbsorbNatureModestItemSitrus BerryFreeze-Dry70Surf90Rest–Perish Song–HP130Atk85Def80SpA85SpD95Spe60 - #80
VanilluxeIceMIXEDHP71Atk95Def85SpA110SpD95Spe79AbilityIce BodyNatureNaughtyItemLife OrbBlizzard110Hidden Power Electric60Autotomize–Icicle Spear25HP71Atk95Def85SpA110SpD95Spe79 - #81
CharizardFireSPECIALHP78Atk84Def78SpA109SpD85Spe100AbilityBlazeNatureTimidItemLife OrbFlamethrower90Air Slash75Dragon Pulse85Fire Blast110HP78Atk84Def78SpA109SpD85Spe100 
TyphlosionFireSPECIALHP78Atk84Def78SpA109SpD85Spe100AbilityBlazeNatureHastyItemChoice ScarfExtrasensory80Eruption150Earthquake100Fire Blast110HP78Atk84Def78SpA109SpD85Spe100- #82
GogoatGrassMIXEDHP123Atk100Def62SpA97SpD81Spe68AbilitySap SipperNatureHardyItemMuscle BandHorn Leech75Earthquake100Leech Seed–Bulk Up–HP123Atk100Def62SpA97SpD81Spe68 - #83
BlastoiseWaterMIXEDHP79Atk83Def100SpA85SpD105Spe78AbilityTorrentNatureBoldItemAssault VestRapid Spin50Scald80Toxic–Ice Beam90HP79Atk83Def100SpA85SpD105Spe78 - #84
ExeggutorGrassPsychicSPECIALHP95Atk95Def85SpA125SpD75Spe55AbilityHarvestNatureModestItemCustap BerrySleep Powder–Energy Ball90Psyshock80Hidden Power Fire60HP95Atk95Def85SpA125SpD75Spe55 
FeraligatrWaterPHYSICALHP85Atk105Def100SpA79SpD83Spe78AbilitySheer ForceNatureAdamantItemLife OrbWaterfall80Ice Punch75Dragon Dance–Crunch80HP85Atk105Def100SpA79SpD83Spe78
WalreinIceWaterMIXEDHP110Atk80Def90SpA95SpD90Spe65AbilityThick FatNatureModestItemChoice ScarfIce Beam90Surf90Blizzard110Hail–HP110Atk80Def90SpA95SpD90Spe65
CastformNormalMIXEDHP70Atk70Def70SpA70SpD70Spe70AbilityForecastNatureBoldItemChople BerryRain Dance–Sunny Day–Weather Ball50Protect–HP70Atk70Def70SpA70SpD70Spe70
VanillishIceSPECIALHP51Atk65Def65SpA80SpD75Spe59Ice Beam90Blizzard110Ice Shard40Avalanche60HP51Atk65Def65SpA80SpD75Spe59
PalpitoadWaterGroundUTILITYHP75Atk65Def55SpA65SpD55Spe69AbilitySwift SwimNatureMildItemNothingHydro Pump110Sludge Bomb90Earth Power90Hyper Voice90HP75Atk65Def55SpA65SpD55Spe69
HerdierNormalPHYSICALHP65Atk80Def65SpA35SpD65Spe60Giga Impact150Last Resort140Thunderbolt90HP65Atk80Def65SpA35SpD65Spe60
NidorinaPoisonUTILITYHP70Atk62Def67SpA55SpD55Spe56Sludge Bomb90Poison Jab80Venoshock65Poison Fang50HP70Atk62Def67SpA55SpD55Spe56
NidorinoPoisonPHYSICALHP61Atk72Def57SpA55SpD55Spe65Sludge Bomb90Poison Jab80Venoshock65Poison Tail50HP61Atk72Def57SpA55SpD55Spe65
FlaaffyElectricSPECIALHP70Atk55Def55SpA80SpD60Spe45AbilityStaticNatureQuirkyItemNothingCotton Guard–Thunder110Electro Ball–Power Gem80HP70Atk55Def55SpA80SpD60Spe45
LoudredNormalMIXEDHP84Atk71Def43SpA71SpD43Spe48Hyper Voice90Take Down90Uproar90Strength80HP84Atk71Def43SpA71SpD43Spe48- #231
SpindaNormalUTILITYHP60Atk60Def60SpA60SpD60Spe60AbilityContraryNatureJollyItemChoice ScarfReturn–Sucker Punch70Rest–HP60Atk60Def60SpA60SpD60Spe60 
PidgeottoNormalUTILITYHP63Atk60Def55SpA50SpD50Spe71AbilityKeen EyeNatureBashfulItemNothingGust40Fly90Feint Attack60Steel Wing70HP63Atk60Def55SpA50SpD50Spe71
SwirlixFairyUTILITYHP62Atk48Def66SpA59SpD57Spe49Psychic90Wish–Play Rough90Protect–HP62Atk48Def66SpA59SpD57Spe49
SkiploomGrassUTILITYHP55Atk45Def50SpA45SpD65Spe80Bullet Seed25Swords Dance–Memento–Acrobatics55HP55Atk45Def50SpA45SpD65Spe80
Pokemon Comparison
FAQ
Greninja with Protean is one of the strongest starters in the series. Protean changes its type to match every move it uses, giving it STAB on everything. 122 Speed and 103 Sp. Atk make it a fast sweeper. If you grab Charmander from Sycamore, Mega Charizard Y hits 159 Sp. Atk with Drought boosting Fire moves. Both are S-Tier.
Froakie. Greninja's Protean ability gives it STAB on every attack type, and 122 Speed outspeeds most of Kalos. Fennekin evolves into Delphox (Fire/Psychic) which has decent Sp. Atk but is slower and less versatile. Chespin into Chesnaught (Grass/Fighting) is the tankiest but takes super effective hits from common types like Flying and the new Fairy.
Fairy is a new type introduced in Gen 6. It's super effective against Dragon, Fighting, and Dark, and completely immune to Dragon moves. This nerfs Dragon-types that dominated every previous generation and boosts Pokemon that gained Fairy typing. Gardevoir goes from Psychic to Psychic/Fairy. Mawile becomes Steel/Fairy with a Mega form. New Pokemon like Sylveon are pure Fairy with strong Sp. Def.
X gets Xerneas (pure Fairy, Geomancy is broken) and Y gets Yveltal (Dark/Flying, Oblivion Wing heals). Xerneas is the better pick — one Geomancy boost doubles its Sp. Atk, Sp. Def, and Speed, making it one of the most overpowered legendaries in the series. For Mega Evolutions, X gets Mega Charizard X (Dragon/Fire) and Y gets Mega Charizard Y (Fire/Flying with Drought).
A Pokemon holds a Mega Stone and Mega Evolves during battle once per fight. Its stats jump, it may change type, and it gets a new ability. You only get one Mega per battle, so your Mega Stone holder is your team's ace. Mega Lucario is given to you during the story, and Sycamore's starter comes with its Mega Stone. Pick your Mega carefully since it shapes your whole team strategy.
Aegislash is one of the best Pokemon in Gen 6. Steel/Ghost typing gives it three immunities (Normal, Fighting, Poison) and Stance Change lets it swap between a 150 Def/Sp. Def shield form and a 150 Atk/Sp. Atk blade form. King's Shield switches it back to defense and punishes contact moves. It's so strong it got banned from standard competitive play. Honedge shows up on Route 6 early in Kalos.
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