Pokémon as a franchise has grown and expanded over the years, and kids who just played the original games released in 1998 in the United States might be lost if they popped in Pokémon Sword & Shield. On top of releasing numerous new generations with exciting regions to explore, they've also added several new types. One of these is the Fairy-type, which retroactively made a lot of the cute Normal-types a bit more interesting. Let's now take a look at and rank the best Fairy-type Pokémon of each generation through Pokémon Sword & Shield.
8 Grimmsnarl (Gen 8)
Among the newest Fairy-types added in Pokémon Sword & Shield, Grimmsnarl is both the most powerful and most interesting. Its base stats start it in a good place with its primary strength laying in its physical attack. Grimmsnarl is a dual-typed Pokémon, so in addition to the Fairy-typing, it also is 50% Dark-type as well. Not only is it capable in battle, but Grimmsnarl has one of the better shiny forms in the Galar region with most of its outer coat turning white to make it look similar to the Abominable Snowman.
7 Primarina (Gen 7)
When Primarina was revealed fans lost their absolute minds. Not only was it an adorable dog/mermaid hybrid, but it was a starter Pokémon with a dual-typing that wasn't the Fighting or Ground-type. Primarina's strength in battle according to its base stats is in the realm of both special attack and special defense.
It doesn't have a glaring weakness, but its lowest stat is in speed. It can also have the ability Torrent which powers up Water-type moves in a pinch. That may not benefit its Fairy-type moves, but it does give it an additional edge.
6 Sylveon (Gen 6)
It may have taken six generations, but fans of Eevee's line of evolutions finally received its Fairy-type evolution. Sylveon is just as cute as it is capable in battle and that's likely by design. The Intertwining Pokémon is known for its flowing ribbons and welcoming attitude. Sylveon has top-tier special defense attributes and backs that up with solid health and a strong special attack. Its Cute Charm ability means that if its opponent comes in contact with it there's a chance they may become infatuated with Sylveon.
5 Whimsicott (Gen 5)
Whimsicott may not be the most impressive of powerful Pokémon around, but the fifth generation is lacking when it comes to Fairy-types, so Whimsicott is pretty much the only option. This adorably small ball of cotton has average base stats across the board with its one and only strength being its speed.
When it comes to dual Fairy-types, being paired with the Grass-typing is fairly common, but thankfully Whimsicott's design is more than just a flower with eyes or some other trope in the franchise.
4 Togekiss (Gen 4)
Togekiss isn't as popular or beloved as its base form Togepi is, but boy does it pack a punch. This giant bird-like creature looks like an adult version of the cute egg creature Misty carried around in the anime. When looking at its base stats it's hard to overlook how bad its physical attack is, but it compensates with fantastic special attack and defense stats, as well as having a solid physical defense. Most people wouldn't assume Togepi could turn into a capable battler, but it received some love in subsequent generations.
3 Gardevoir (Gen 3)
Gardevoir is a Pokémon that doesn't clearly communicate power as much as it does elegance. This Psychic and Fairy dual-type can be a true force of nature under the right trainer's direction and guidance. The Embrace Pokémon as it's known can work wonders in the arena of special attack and defense, but every other base stat is pretty much average. Those who enjoy double battles will like Gardevoir's hidden ability called Telepathy which allows it to anticipate and dodge ally attacks in battle.
2 Granbull (Gen 2)
You may be scratching your head at this one wondering how Granbull is the best Fairy-type in the Johto region. When comparing the base stats of all Fairy-types in this generation Granbull clearly had the best balance among them. Its best base stat is its physical attack which is closely followed by health.
Don't try and win a battle of speed with Granbull, however, because its speed is astronomically low. At the end of the day, Granbull gives you a chance to raise a purple bulldog, which is pretty neat when you sit back and think about it.
1 Clefable (Gen 1)
The battle for Fairy-type supremacy in the Kanto region was a two Pokémon race between Clefable and Wigglytuff. You might assume the edge went to the latter simply because Jigglypuff is much more popular and iconic than Clefairy, but you'd be greatly mistaken. When comparing base stats Clefable is head and shoulders better and more well-rounded than Wigglytuff. Its hidden ability Unaware allows it to ignore any base stat change that's thrown at it from its opponents in the heat of battle.