The Top 10 Strongest Pokémon (That Aren’t Legendary)

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Welcome, Pokémon Trainers! It seems you’re interested in a list of strong Pokémon. But we’re not ranking them by stats. We’re ranking these battle companions through personality, ability, and the sheer difficulty it takes to capture, evolve, or beat them.

So whether you’re trying to build the best team, or you’re simply interested in what makes these pocket monsters so tough, join us below as we break down — in no particular order — the strongest non-Legendary Pokémon. No potions needed here!

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Lucario

Lucario is a Fighting/Steel type with high expectations for its trainers. It can only evolve from its first form, Riolu, if it experiences high friendship during the day. Lucario will also only remain loyal to trainers with pure hearts. What makes Lucario particularly strong is its ability to control auras, utilizing these wavelengths to pulverize objects and prey. It can also read auras to predict an enemy’s moves or empathize with another being’s emotions. Lucario also understands human speech, and communicates through telepathy with those it trusts.

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Dragonite

Dragonites are pseudo-Legendary Pokémon, meaning they have a three-stage evolution line and incredibly high base stats. Thus this Dragon/Flying type is incredibly powerful. Dragonite is muscular and bulky, yet it can fly faster than the speed of sound. It is known for having an altruistic temperament, but can be aggressive, violent, and unpredictable if provoked or threatened. The main takeaway here: Stay on this Pokémon’s good side!

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Gyarados

Get a Magikarp. Seriously. Because that useless-seeming fish will someday evolve into Gyarados. This powerful piscine Pokémon is a Water/Flying type with bark and bite. It’s also extremely destructive and almost impossible to calm down, because it kind of begins life as a violent being and just … stays that way. Gyarados’ personality, combined with its sharp teeth and ability to use Hyper Beam, make it a formidable opponent.

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Ditto

Don’t let that silly face fool you. The Normal type Ditto is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma. Generally in its purple blob form, it can transform into an exact replica of any physical object or living creature. Yes, any. And it also takes on that object or creature’s abilities! Plus, Ditto is the only Pokémon capable of using Metal Powder and Quick Powder items. If you want a unique asset on your team, look no further than Ditto!

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Charizard

Generally, Dragon types are some of the strongest out there. Not only do they all look cool, but they can fly and, in Charizard’s case, breathe awesome flames. Thus this Flying/Fire type, and the final evolution of Charmander, is a highly sought after Pokémon. It can melt almost any natural environment. Additionally, it can swim underwater without its tail flame going out. What is most interesting and what we consider the strongest aspect is actually not Charizard’s battle capabilities, though. It is widely known that a Charizard will never turn its fiery hot breath on an opponent weaker than itself. Talk about an honorable warrior!

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Gengar

As ready for Halloween as you are, it’s Gengar! This ghastly looking Ghost/Poison type can scare opponents just by looking at them. It also has the impressive yet unsettling ability to hide within any object or person’s shadow. Gengar can also fly and possess people and other Pokémon. What’s more, it seems to enjoy the mayhem it leaves in its wake! Gengar’s confidence, capabilities, and extremely spooky vibes obviously earn it a spot on this list.

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Jigglypuff

Jigglypuff is probably an unexpected choice. But we couldn’t leave it off this list. The Normal/Fairy type can deflate and then float in its flattened form, which is just as uncomfortable to witness as it is to read. However, Jigglypuff is most dangerous because of its face and voice. Warning: Do not operate heavy machinery around Jigglypuff. Using its eyes, Jigglypuff can mesmerize opponents into inactivity. It can also put anybody to sleep with its singing. So if you’re feeling drowsy, check for a rogue pink puff with lots of musical talent living in your area.

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Breloom

The Grass/Fighting Pokémon Breloom may appear adorable, but don’t let your guard down just yet. There are hardened red claws on its feet and arms, the latter of which can stretch incredible distances to deliver staggering blows. Breloom’s tail and mushroom capped head also contain toxic spores, which it releases during fights. In the Pokémon world, this springy little thing is likened to professional boxers in terms of its skill and lethality.

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Garchomp

Let’s be honest — anything with the word “chomp” gets an automatic spot on our power list. ‘Cause that name, and Garchomp’s toothy, taloned, slightly terrifying appearance? Those say it all. The Dragon/Ground psuedo-Legendary Pokémon is not to be trifled with. Its scythes can slice the ground (and its opponents) to ribbons. Garchomp can also fly at the speed of a jet, and is described as feral and ferocious by nature.

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Tyranitar

Tyranitar is a Rock/Dark type and, you guessed it, also psuedo-Legendary. This powerful Pokémon is kind of selfish and definitely lacks respect for most other lifeforms. That’s a dangerous combination in any being, but a warrior? Yikes. Tyranitar is constantly picking fights and triggering earthquakes if it gets upset. Then it lives inside those demolished mountains, seething with rage and waiting for anyone strong to wander along and give it a fun challenge. Does anyone know a good Poké Therapist?

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What do you think are the most powerful non-Legendary Pokémon? Discuss stats and attacks with other fans in our Atomic Misfits Facebook Group, and don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!