The newest generation of Pokémon has only continued to expand with its recent “Isle of Armor” DLC. And some of the new area's greatest appeal lies in the reintroduction of certain first-gen Pokémon, roaming the wild again.
However, it has been a delightful surprise and a healthy dose of nostalgia to reflect on how many new designs are rooted in classics. For the list’s purposes, this will refer to any Pokémon from the first two generations, both of which originally released in the 1990s. Further, the phrase “best” will imply creativity, strength, or undeniable cuteness. Brace for some inside baseball.
10 Eldegoss
Eldegoss quite resembles Jumpluff, from Generation II, thanks to their shared cotton puff designs. The former feels like a natural evolution of ideas, inspired by Jumpluff. It transforms Jumpluff’s somewhat awkward limbs of cotton into a single, charming headpiece. And although Eldegoss doesn’t have Jumpluff’s friendly, blueberry design, it maintains the flowery body of its basic form, Gossifleur.
While Eldegoss may not be the most viable Pokémon in battle, Eldegoss still looks like a sweet kid in a dress, which is adorable enough to compensate.
9 Nickit
This isn’t the first new Pokémon inspired by foxes, and they each owe something to Vulpix from Generation I. Still, Nickit looks particularly similar thanks to the orange fur, even though it totally replaces the fluffy, fiery look with malicious intent. Nickit’s name and appearance clearly represent a thief.
This is delightfully on-the-nose and amusing, a successful though unequal change compared to Vulpix’s majestic cuteness. And Ninetales’ stats are generally stronger than Thievul’s. Still, Nickit remains a fun, and more creative, addition to the list of new fox Pokémon.
8 Frosmoth
Frosmoth is distinctly an icy translation of Venomoth, from the original generation. True, many Pokémon inspired by the same animal can look similar enough. But Frosmoth carries many of the same characteristics as Venomoth. Both are fairly surprising evolutions, from bugs that can look rather odd and even unappealing.
But both ensuing moth Pokémon also boast a mysterious quality to their design, almost calling something like the Mothman to mind. And although Frosmoth’s Special Attack stats are significantly higher, Venomoth is resistant to far more types. They feel like flip sides of the same coin, and equally neat.
7 Drednaw
Though Drednaw isn’t nearly as bulky or powerful as Generation I’s Blastoise, it’s still a great twist on the classic design. And because Drednaw is additionally a Rock-type, it becomes less viable as Pokémon Sword or Shield go on. Although to be fair, starters have consistently maintained very robust stats.
Still, Drednaw has a great look, incorporating elements of Croconaw as well, which invokes attitude. Those jagged angles really give Drednaw a prehistoric look that nearly rivals Blastoise’s design. Not to mention, Drednaw’s “Jaw Lock” move is perfect for capturing flighty Pokémon.
6 Sirfetch’d
Farfetch’d was always a quirky character, both in name and design. And frankly, it never seemed especially useful in Generation I, though neat. The duck’s signature leek stalk is unmistakable.
However, Galar’s noticeable interest in warrior-based designs was a perfect fit for Farfetch’d to evolve. Now a fighting type, the new evolution Sirfetch’d is a bird without traditional weaknesses. Even better, it was a clever decision to sharpen its stalk into a lance. Sirfetch’d literally wields a sword and shield, the namesake of the latest generation.
5 Cufant
This isn’t the first adorable little elephant Pokémon that eventually evolves into an absolute beast. Cufant is an interesting spin on Phanpy, from Generation II.
Cufant has warmer colors, but it’s proportions are somewhat awkward. This continues into the massive Copperajah design. Still, Copperajah is a legitimate threat in the newest games—just ask anyone who visited one of its dens for a raid. Its stats are far superior to Phanpy’s evolution, Donphan, even if it looks tough.
4 Morpeko
Many times over, Pokémon generations find another way to pay tribute to its iconic Generation I star, Pikachu.
Despite numerous mice, none will come remotely close. However, Morpeko is certainly cute, and its ability to change forms is genuinely interesting. That its dual-type nature even transforms the nature of its signature attack, is even niftier. The game further went out of its way to give Morpeko better base stats than Pikachu. However, it certainly can’t evolve into Lt. Surge’s classic threat, Raichu, still one of the stronger electric Pokémon.
3 Rookidee
Once again, an emphasis on warrior-based inspiration has greatly benefited an ordinarily weaker type. Birds are traditionally quite vulnerable, though swift. That Rookidee acquires the Steel-type through evolution is utterly invaluable. Corviknight can remain completely useful throughout the entirety of your adventure.
Rookidee is a perfect new chain of birds. Rookidee is just as cute as Pidgey from Generation I but transforms into something gloriously tough. While there have been countless birds in the series, Rookidee has an unusually superb balance of designs and viability.
2 Zacian
Although it more closely resembles a wolf, Zacian still bears many similarities to Suicune from Generation II. The Legendary Beasts were a real treat back then when the mascot on the cover of the game would have been intriguing enough. However, they were much tougher to catch.
Zacian is interwoven with the plot and doesn’t require you to wander around, hoarding your precious Master Ball. Zacian’s rich blues match Suicune, and its design likewise balances grace with might. Naturally, it’s certainly useful in battle. But the Fairy-type really needed this buff, and its Crowned Sword function was a fun idea.
1 Urshifu
Thanks to the “Isle of Armor”, there is yet another bear that shouldn’t be trifled with. Generation II introduced trainers to Ursaring, also an upright and menacing bear. In fact, Urshifu and Ursaring even share similar names. The former simply incorporates the word “Shifu”, which ties into the martial arts approach of the latest DLC. Still, Ursaring evolves from Teddiursa, which is much more of a literal teddy bear than Kubfu.
While both Urshifu and Ursaring are definitely built for practical use, Urshifu generally has better stats. And the incorporation of its fighting styles was both inventive and fun, adding choice to a plot that’s always on rails.