With the generation nine games Pokemon Scarlet & Violet on the horizon, the Pokemania is as high as ever. It is pretty likely that the number of Pokemon will finally reach a thousand, a milestone the fans have been waiting for for quite some time. The franchise has been creating new Pokemon for over 25 years.
Many unique Pokemon have been created with so many entries in the main games and tons of additional content. Unfortunately, not all these monsters reach the highs of others, such as Pikachu and Charizard. Some are bound to be a bit more overlooked and even forgotten. The Pokemon on this list are in dire need of a buff to become relevant again. A regional form, a new ability, or even some story significance would surely bring these poor Pokemon back into the mainstream.
10 Maractus
Maractus was introduced in the fifth generation and was then quickly forgotten about. This little cactus Pokemon is the poster child of overlooked Pokemon, which ironically keeps it from being the least talked about. However, Maractus is usually ignored for good reason.
Maractus' stats are nowhere near decent enough to keep it relevant in the competitive scene. While it has cool abilities in Storm Drain and Chlorophyll, its lackluster move pool and stats make it an inferior choice to other options. It hasn't been featured in anything recently, either. Even a similar Pokemon, Carnivine, got some attention due to being featured in Pokemon Legends: Arceus.
9 Lumineon
Lumineon has a great design. With elegant but simple shapes, beautiful colors, and a Snivy-esque smug attitude, this is one of the better-designed fish Pokemon visually. This is a shame because, despite its peak generation four design, it's been completely forgotten since then.
If Lumineon got some subtle buffs, it would surely help its popularity, though. It's already got a decent ability in Swift Swim, and with some help on the offensive stat side, Lumineon could function as a sweeper. It would also benefit highly from a secondary typing, potentially Fairy or Ghost.
8 Swalot
Swalot... exists. Yeah, unfortunately, this mustachioed blob is not on many people's radars. It was introduced in generation three and, even back then, was not impressive at all. Sadly, that hasn't changed.
With poor stats, useless abilities, and a one-note movepool, Swalot has nothing going for him. He doesn't even get the design appreciation compared to the likes of Furret. Even the buff to Poison types with the introduction of fairies couldn't help the guy. Luckily for Swalot, the only way to go is up from here.
7 Girafarig
Girafarig is a Pokemon for which people love to design Mega Evolutions, regional forms, and counterparts. That's because the design of Girafarig has so much untapped potential. A Pokemon with two sides and a palindrome for a name is just so cool.
Girafarig is not that impressive competitively, with mediocre stats, mostly useless abilities, and an extremely shallow move pool. There really is no reason to use this cute little giraffe. Game Freak could easily create a fan favorite by allowing Girafarig to evolve but unfortunately chooses not to so far.
6 Swanna
Remember Swana? Unless you played the gen five games and farmed wing items on the Marvelous Bridge for hours, chances are you've rarely seen it. Swanna checks every box to be a forgotten Pokemon with bad stats, abilities, and moves. This bird is not the strongest, strongest, fastest, or most durable.
Where Swanna also manages to fall flat is its design. Having minimal distinct features to make it more than a regular swan, it definitely doesn't catch your attention at first glance. It also has little personality to make up for it. Even Ducklett, its pre-evolution, is more interesting. Swanna would love some attention, but that doesn't seem likely since we're getting another aquatic bird very shortly with Quaxly.
5 Wormadam & Mothim
Wormadam and Mothim are the split evolutions of generation four early route bug Burmy. While it's true that an early route bug is rarely noteworthy, Wormadam and Mothim take the cake for being the most underwhelming. After all, others such as Butterfree, Vivillon, and Vikavolt all have something to show for their fanbase.
Unfortunately, both of these bugs are a bit worthless in battle. Wormadam has alternate types and changes colors, and Mothim has access to some strong moves like Quiver Dance. Neither of these is enough to keep them relevant, though - they would greatly benefit from a stat buff or even a new evolution.
4 Dunsparce
Dunsparce is at a weird place in its career. It was a bad normal type back in generation two and not much more. However, throughout the years, this little snake has amassed an almost cult-like fanbase akin to Shuckle.
Despite this later popularity, its boring typing and underwhelming stats make it pretty useless. People have been asking for a Dragon-type evolution for Dunsparce for years at this point, and it would be a shame if Game Freak decides to ignore the fans' pleas.
3 Grumpig
Grumpig is a generation three Psychic type. It has a kind of cute vibe going for it, and its pre-evolution Spoink has had some weird and hilarious Pokedex entries. Despite that, Grumpig has rarely been under the spotlight.
Looking at its stats and abilities, especially Thick Fat, it's easy to see that Grumpig was designed to be a wall. However, so many other Pokemon do what Grumpig wants to so much better that it feels rather pointless. It's a mediocre, specially defensive support Pokemon in lower tiers at best.
2 Furfrou
Furfrou was a unique Pokemon when it was introduced. Aiming to capture the glam and style of the Kalos region, Furfrou was given several different hairstyles. You could now groom your poodle Pokemon, which was a very interesting and new idea. Then Game Freak did nothing with the concept...
Furfrou could have easily become a favorite and a useful battler. Maybe it could change types with each style? Perhaps it could change abilities? Even if it gave only a slight boost to a stat or combination of stats, Furfrou could have been interesting. Hopefully, its potential will be realized sooner rather than later. At least it has beautiful hair...
1 Sunflora
Sunflora was introduced in generation 2. With a cute sunflower design, it was somewhat memorable back then. However, due to being incredibly weak and having fallen entirely outside the public consciousness, Sunflora is just begging for a new form at this point or, better yet, an evolution.
The sad thing about Sunflora, like Girafarig, is the limitless design potential. It could easily have an evolution that's the first Grass/Fire type. Several fans have drawn a Fire/Grass Sunflora, and many even include it in their fan games. Sunflora likely has the most to gain from a potential buff, and it lends itself to a redesign so well it hurts to see it stay irrelevant.