Over the course of nearly thirty years, the Pokémon franchise has introduced an extensive roster of creatures, each with unique abilities and characteristics. While many fully-evolved Pokémon are celebrated for their impressive stats and utility, there are others that struggle to make their mark. Factors contributing to their lack of competitiveness include subpar stat distribution, awkward typing combinations, and being overshadowed by more robust counterparts. These Pokémon often find themselves on the lower end of the competitive spectrum.
From ineffective abilities and unimpressive movepools to lackluster design and a missed chance for more powerful evolutions, numerous Pokémon fall short in the competitive arena. Below, we will explore a detailed ranking, examining the weakest fully-evolved Pokémon introduced in each generation and ultimately identifying the champion of underperformance.
The Weakest Fully-Evolved Pokémon by Generation
9) Carbink (Generation VI)
- Type: Rock/Fairy
- Base Stat Total: 500
- Why it ranks here: Unique typing and Stealth Rock support provide some utility, particularly in VGC formats.
Carbink stands out as a defensive wall, yet it lacks any form of recovery, rendering it a passive choice in battle. Though its utility lies in setting hazards, it is vulnerable without moves for healing or offensive capabilities. Carbink’s sturdy nature allows it to establish Stealth Rock, but it ultimately requires either a substantial evolution or access to significant moves like Recover to maintain relevance.
8) Beedrill (Generation I)
- Type: Bug/Poison
- Base Stat Total: 395
- Why it ranks here: Without its Mega Evolution, Beedrill is easily outclassed in most roles.
Outside of its Mega form, Beedrill struggles with lackluster defenses and middling speed and attack stats. While its aesthetic appeal remains high, its competitive viability is limited as it is overshadowed by more effective utility Pokémon. A niche presence in doubles exists, yet it does not compensate for its fragility, placing Beedrill among Gen 1’s least effective contenders.
7) Swanna (Generation V)
- Type: Water/Flying
- Base Stat Total: 473
- Why it ranks here: Despite decent speed, it fails to compete with superior alternatives like Pelipper.
Although Swanna’s stats may appear respectable, it falls into a trap of redundancy. It is designed for a role that Pelipper excels at, especially with access to abilities and moves that enhance its utility far beyond Swanna’s capacity. With no standout traits to set it apart, it languishes under the pressure of higher-performing Pokémon in the same generation.
6) Grapploct (Generation VIII)
- Type: Fighting
- Base Stat Total: 480
- Why it ranks here: A compelling concept undermined by poor stat allocation.
Grapploct is geared to function as a trapper utilizing its signature ability, Octolock. Unfortunately, its low speed and average bulk severely limit its effectiveness in that role. Despite boasting a base attack stat of 118, it is often unable to capitalize on its potential. Other Pokémon with superior bulk and utility easily outshine Grapploct’s capabilities.
5) Pyukumuku (Generation VII)
- Type: Water
- Base Stat Total: 410
- Why it ranks here: Offers a niche stall presence but lacks efficiency.
Pyukumuku resembles Wobbuffet in its gimmicky nature, trading off HP for potential defensive strength. With its ability, Innards Out, it is capable of retaliating against attackers. However, its inability to inflict direct damage limits its effective role to that of a pure staller, benefiting only a select few strategic setups.
4) Spidops (Generation IX)
- Type: Bug
- Base Stat Total: 435
- Why it ranks here: Although it possesses useful tools, it fails to make an impact.
Despite its striking appearance, Spidops serves as a disappointment in competitive play. Even with moves like Sticky Web, Silk Trap, and Faint, its poor speed and bulk hinder its effectiveness. While it has potential strategies for doubles, superior options exist that outclass its utility, relegating Spidops to obscurity.
3) Kricketune (Generation IV)
- Type: Bug
- Base Stat Total: 384
- Why it ranks here: Lacks offensive power and remains overshadowed in its generation.
With its notable cry and access to moves like Swords Dance, Kricketune struggles to compete in a meaningful way. An Attack stat of just 85 limits its sweeping abilities, while its meager speed fails to present any real threats to opponents. Other Bug-type Pokémon from Gen 4 surpass Kricketune in both performance and versatility.
2) Castform (Generation III)
- Type: Normal (Weather-dependent forms: Water, Ice, Fire)
- Base Stat Total: 420
- Why it ranks here: A unique concept that ultimately falters in practicality.
Castform embodies the weather-based gimmick but fails to deliver effective results. Despite its fascinating capability to alter forms with weather conditions, its lackluster special attack of 70 coupled with fragile defenses limits its offensive role. Without significant utility moves or an advantageous stat arrangement, Castform feels more like a novelty than a competitive asset.
1) Ledian (Generation II)
- Type: Bug/Flying
- Base Stat Total: 390
- Why it ranks here: Remarkably bad stats and no synergy within its design.
Ledian epitomizes wasted potential within the Pokémon universe. Although it possesses a charming appearance, its abysmal stat distribution — particularly its disheartening 35 Attack — renders it ineffective in battle. Despite having the Iron Fist ability, Ledian’s punches lack power. It stands out as one of the few Pokémon from Gen 2 without an evolution to bolster its performance, making it a long-standing candidate for redesign or enhancement.