The Pokemon series has practically been a phenomenon ever since it first debuted. Pokemon Sword and Shield are the latest entries in the series and they’ve brought with them a number of changes and many new Pokemon.

RELATED: Pokemon Sword & Shield: 5 Returns To Crown Tundra Fans Love (& 5 They Aren’t Fussed About)

The series’ debut on the Nintendo Switch makes Pokemon accessible to a whole new audience and the DLC expansions for the game have kept interest in the latest entry in the series high. The new Crown Tundra add-on brings back over 100 beloved Pokemon from previous titles, but there are still a number that remain unavailable in Pokemon Sword and Shield, some of which are unbelievable.

Updated April 18th, 2021 by Tanner Kinney: As we're comfortably celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Pokemon series, there are plenty of new games on the horizon. New Pokemon Snap will showcase Pokemon in their natural habitats. Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl will generate nostalgia for those yearning for the days of Gen IV. In the distant future, a new spin-off in Pokemon Legends: Arceus sets a good sign for what to expect from the series in the future.

Despite that, it's still disappointing that Pokemon Sword and Shield will never be a truly complete experience. As long as there are Pokemon missing, there will always be something lost.

15 Chikorita

Anime Pokemon Chikorita Leaps
Pokemon Chikorita Leaps

One of the most fulfilling things about Pokemon Sword and Shield’s Crown Tundra DLC is that the 119 Pokemon it includes feel like justified selections, for the most part. Crown Tundra prioritizes the addition of Legendary Pokemon as well as starter Pokemon, but not everyone gets to make the cut. The starters from Generation II don’t get the same amount of love as those from the previous game, but they still deserve some respect. Chikorita has enough of an audience.

Chikorita is a Pokemon loaded with personality. It's both adorable and a bit sassy at times in many of its depictions. Its absence is even more bizarre when you consider that Meganium is a key Pokemon within the upcoming New Pokemon Snap. Even if Crown Tundra wanted to cap Chikorita so it couldn’t evolve, it would still be a welcome Pokemon.

14 Darkrai

Anime Pokemon Darkrai Hovers
Pokemon Darkrai Hovers

There are only so many available varieties of Pokemon that are out there, yet it’s impressive to see the occasional new Pokemon type get introduced in the occasional title. Dark-Type Pokemon mark a creative expansion to the universe and while these Pokemon aren’t necessarily evil, a more sinister force does embody them. Few Dark-type Pokemon represent this ideal than the Pitch-Black dream eater, Darkrai.

Darkrai is a memorable Pokemon from Generation IV who stands on its own without any other evolutionary forms. It makes special appearances in other titles, like in Smash Bros. or as a fighter in Pokken Tournament. Despite this, Darkrai is still easily one of the most intimidating Pokemon in the series, and it’d be nice to see greater Dark-type representation in Sword and Shield.

13 Chimchar

Pokemon Anime Chimchar and Infernape Standing in Battle

The lack of having every start Pokemon available will always be Sword and Shield's biggest folly. So many players have a starter as their favorite Pokemon. In terms of merchandising, few Pokemon sell as hotly as the starters. When looking at both competitive and casual popularity, Chimchar fits both.

Chimchar, the fire-monkey Pokemon, was a fun new design for the time. There weren't any other true monkey-like Pokemon, so Chimchar was breaking new ground. It had a unique movepool, and was capable of using tons of different moves. Both of its evolutions are cool, especially Infernape, who would fit perfectly in a fighting game environment. It's a shame neither would get added to Sword and Shield.

12 Cranidos and Shieldon

Pokemon Anime Cranidos and Shieldon

The Crown Tundra re-introduced something that was sorely lacking from the original release: fossil Pokemon. While the new fossil Pokemon are quite funny and fitting of the region, they aren't as iconic as the older ones. However, it seems Game Freak left two fossils back at the lab.

RELATED: 10 Pokemon That Absolutely Need To Show Up In The Crown Tundra

Cranidos and Shieldon are the two fossil Pokemon from Generation IV. Like many other Sinnoh Pokemon, they weren't allowed entry into Galar for whatever odd reason. Perhaps it was due to plans for Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, or perhaps it was simply an error. Either way, theirs is certainly an odd exclusion.

11 Shaymin

Mallow's Shaymin, Pokemon Sun Moon Anime Mythical

Mythical Pokemon, particularly those exclusive to events, slowly found their way into Sword and Shield. As new patches and DLC arrived, the door opened for many of them. The door remained closed, once again, on a Gen IV Pokemon that's both adorable and iconic: Shaymin.

Shaymin is a grass/psychic type that holds many powerful techniques and a secondary form. It played a significant role in stories told within Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky. It even got a starring role in one of the movies. However, that doesn't mean Game Freak will care enough to let people use it in battle.

10 Turtwig

Pokemon Turtwig

To round out the Gen IV starter trio, it only makes sense to include Turtwig. This adorable little turtle may not be the most popular, but it's still quite beloved. It was a bulkier, slower Pokemon, but had unique typing to give it an edge in battle. Sure, it wasn't competitively changing the landscape, but it was great in casual play.

It's absurd that there are still starter Pokemon left out of any Pokemon game. This includes the Unova and Kalos starters as well, considering both remained absent. It's unlikely any will get added in the future unless Game Freak decides to make a definitive edition of Gen 8 games.

9 Weedle

Pokemon Weedle

One of the most head-scratching exclusions isn't one that is a popular Pokemon. It wasn't a rare Pokemon, or one that many people used in the main teams. There were likely some enthusiasts, but that's it. Despite that, considering who made it in, it's absurd that Weedle didn't find its way into Sword and Shield.

Sword and Shield featured Gigantamax Butterfree as a new special form, and as such allowed Caterpie to be obtained early on. Despite that, after two expansions, its companion in Weedle didn't get the same treatment. Beedrill is absent as well, although consider it can't Mega Evolve, it might be for the best. It's not a sad exclusion, but one that just prompts questions.

8 Greninja

Anime Pokemon Greninja Ready
Pokemon Greninja Ready

It can be hard for some Pokemon from later generations to make as big of an impact as earlier ones, but Greninja is a Pokemon from Generation VI that’s managed to invade various games outside of the Pokemon franchise. The fact that Greninja is a natural fighter has made it a natural fit in titles like Super Smash Bros.

RELATED: The 10 Best Pokemon Not In Sword & Shield (After Crown Tundra)

Greninja’s entire evolutionary line, beginning with Froakie, isn’t present, but it seems like Greninja would still get special treatment. The Pokemon has even become an integral member of Ash’s team in the Pokemon anime, so fans are very familiar with Greninja.

7 Totodile

Anime Pokemon Ash's Totodile Splashes

The Pokemon franchise has experienced its growing pains over the years and it usually learns a way to improve through each new game. Pokemon Gold and Silver was an important step forward for the series, but Generation II gets overlooked in many regards when it comes to Pokemon Sword and Shield’s Crown Tundra DLC.

Totodile is the lovable Water-Type starter and he’s become a favorite of audiences, both in the games and the anime series. It’s a guarantee that Totodoile, along with his evolutionary forms, would appear in any future update, but it’s a surprise that it hasn’t already happened.

6 Tropius

Anime Pokemon Dominick's Tropius Tournament
Pokemon Dominick's Tropius Tournament

There are many Pokemon that are popular because they’re extremely powerful or rare, but Tropius is just an example of a humble and reliable Pokemon that’s pleasant in every regard. Classified as the Fruit Pokemon, Tropius is a Grass- and Flying-Type who draws inspiration from plant-life and the tropical fauna that it’s usually around.

Tropius is a Pokemon from Ruby and Sapphire that doesn’t feature any other evolutionary forms, so it’d be an easy Pokemon to fit in. A little more representation from Generation III wouldn’t hurt.

5 Litleo

Anime Pokemon Litleo Baby Excited
Pokemon Litleo Baby Excited

Pokemon are shown to be powerful or practical in many ways, but it can be easy to get caught up in more superficial features considering there are so many cute designs that are associated with some of these creatures. Generation VI’s Pokemon X and Y marks the debut of Litleo, a thoroughly lovable Fire-Type Pokemon.

RELATED: Pokemon Sword & Shield: 10 Questions We Still Have About The Crown Tundra

Both Litleo and its more aggressive evolved form, Pyroar, are absent from Pokemon Sword and Shield. The Crown Tundra introduces some new royal Pokemon, so perhaps the regal nature of Litleo and Pyroar was viewed as a conflict.

4 Piplup

Anime Pokemon Piplup Admiration

The Crown Tundra expansion in Pokemon Sword and Shield brings back so many fantastic Pokemon, but it can be a mixed bag depending on which generations are the player’s preference. There are some very satisfying additions that cover many of the starter and Legendary Pokemon from previous titles, but there are still blind spots. Generation IV’s Pokemon Diamond and Pearl don’t always get a lot of love, but the titles' starter Pokemon, like Piplup, are definitely one of the highlights and some of the more adorable creatures from the series.

As Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl release later this year, newer fans of the series will be able to enjoy using them. However, it's still a shame we couldn't see them showcased in the first major Nintendo Switch title; many people would've loved to bring their pet penguin into the frozen wastes of the Crown Tundra.

3 Houndour

Anime Pokemon Cassidy's Houndour Leaps
Pokemon Cassidy's Houndour Leaps

Generation II of the Pokemon series sees a lot of experimentation go on within Pokemon Gold and Silver, particularly in regards to the designs around some of the Pokemon. Not every Generation II Pokemon is a winner, but many have gone on to remain staples of the franchise.

Houndour is a powerful mix of both Dark- and Fire-Type Pokemon, which embodies the best of both. Houndour is just a regular Pokemon, but it’s powerful enough that it seems like it should be a Legendary. Both it and its evolved form, Houndoom, are greatly missed in Pokemon Sword and Shield.

2 Cyndaquil

Anime Pokemon Ash's Cyndaquil Tired
Pokemon Ash's Cyndaquil Tired

There are a few starter Pokemon singled out here, but it’s only because these are the Pokemon that many players form the strongest connection with. Additionally, these Pokemon are designed to be powerful, versatile, and appealing in a mainstream way that other Pokemon aren’t.

Unfortunately, Pokemon Sword and Shield’s Crown Tundra expansion seems to carry a bias towards the Johto region because a number of its more notable Pokemon are overlooked. Cyndaquil is no Charmander, but it’s a Pokemon with a legacy that’s nearly just as long.

1 Manaphy

A happy Manaphy in the Pokemon Anime
Pokemon Manaphy Happy Rainbow World

It's common practice for each new Pokemon title to not just feature a number of new themed Legendary Pokemon, but also one more mythical Mew-like Pokemon that's even more important.

Manaphy from Generation IV's Diamond and Pearl may not look like much, but the Water-Type Pokemon has the ability to bond with other Pokemon and its ability Heart Swap is truly one-of-a-kind in terms of what it allows for empathy between Pokemon and humans. The Crown Tundra adds in many overlooked Legendary Pokemon, but sadly Manaphy is still left in the dark.

NEXT: Pokemon Sword & Shield: 10 Questions We Have About The Crown Tundra's Dynamax Adventures