There’s a lot to like about the sunny Alolan area and its new Poké creatures, from old names with new twists to brand-new names.
I can’t get over how great this generation is.
There are new forms, new types, new styles, and that crazy thing that looks like a sad, depressed Pikachu.
So I’ve put together my top choices for the best Alolan Pokémon, and I hope you can at least agree with me that Gen 7 is one for the record books.
What Are Alolan Pokémon?
In addition to Z-attacks, generation 7 added new Alolan versions of current Pokémon, which paid tribute to the originals while giving them new looks to keep things from getting boring.
Alolan Pokémon are the same species as their original designs, but they can be different types, have different powers, and learn different moves.
Most of the time, their base stat totals are the same, but their stats are often spread out in different ways. This helps them specialize their jobs in combat.
Any Pokémon that evolves in Alola instantly gets its Alolan evolution, no matter where it came from. But with so many monsters to choose from, which changes are the best?
When compared to their base skills, these are the best Alolan forms in Pokémon.
32. Alolan Sandslash
Steel, which is probably the best defensive type, helps balance Ice’s weakness.
This lets you use Ice STAB without having to worry about a lot of weaknesses, and Alolan Sandslash’s pairing makes it immune to both Hail and Sandstorm.
So, Alolan Sandslash has more energy than its regular Ground mode, even though it gives up some Special Attack (which was already useless) to get better Defense and Special Defense.
31. Alolan Raticate
Dark’s resistance to Ghost moves isn’t very useful for a Normal-type, who is already immune to Ghost moves, and this combo is weak to standard Fighting moves on all four of its parts.
But Dark is good for punishing Ghosts, who can’t be hurt by Normal, and Alolan Raticate gives up offense and speed in exchange for better defenses and HP, which is a good deal for a Pokémon that uses moves like Super Fang that do fixed damage.
Plus, possible trait Thick Fat is one of the best skills in the game because it makes you immune to both fire and ice.
Even though Alolan Raticate isn’t the best tank you can get, he makes great strides toward endurance as long as you don’t use Fighting methods on him.
30. Mudsdale
Mudsdale looks like a horse, and its name comes from the Clydesdale horse breed.
Even though Mudsdale is a common Pokémon, it is very useful in the Sun and Moon games because you can use a ride pager to call a Mudsdale to almost any place.
This means you can ride on them to get around faster, which is a big plus.
Aside from being helpful for getting around Alolan, this Pokémon has a strong body that helps it in battle. Its strong legs can be used to attack opponents.
29. Diglett
Diglett is a first-generation Pokémon whose Alolan form gives it a nice type change.
Diglett learns new moves like Flash Cannon and Iron Head when it changes from just being a ground type to being a ground and steel type.
These are both good moves for a Pokémon before it evolves.
Alolan Diglett looks different because it has three golden whiskers on its head that act as sensors to keep track of its surroundings.
These whiskers are said to have grown because the earth has more iron in it. Who would have guessed?
Diglett’s mood can also be judged by how his whiskers move. When he’s sad, they hang down, and when he’s happy, they move around.
28. Dugtrio
Dugtrio is a very important part of Alolan society. It evolved from Diglett and kept its design, but it now has a new steel type.
The only thing that makes them different from their non-Alolan counterparts is that they grow long golden hair like Fabio.
It can be used to feel vibrations beneath, but it can also be used to look cool. The people of Alolan think of Dugtrio as a female goddess who represents the earth.
Even though their golden hair is beautiful, it is bad luck to take it from them because they are gods.
27. Komala
Komala is a Pokémon that is a normal type and looks like a normal koala.
Komala are a lot like Snorlax because they sleep almost all the time. People say that Komala can do anything while she sleeps, even fight.
They cling to a log cover, and if it is taken away, they get angry.
Komala can only get a good night’s sleep on the arm of a teacher when she trusts them enough to let go of this pillow.
26. Rockruff
The next Pokémon is Rockruff, a simple one that looks like the cutest puppy you’ve ever seen.
Even though it is quite common in the wild, it is the only Pokémon that can change into different forms of its evolution, Lycanroc, based on the time of day.
25. Cutiefly
This combination of a bug and a fairy is a really cool idea, and it reminds me of another cute character from the Zelda games.
Hey, listen… I’m sure that Cutiefly should be on this list, but it was hard to decide where.
It’s cute, but it’s not the best monster for your team.
At level 25, it evolves into something that is a bit stronger but not as cute.
24. Golem
Golem’s Alolan form has the same stats as its Kanto form, but instead of being made of Ground, it is made of Electric.
Electric is a much better defense type than Ground, and even though Alolan Golem now takes four times as much damage from Ground (I know, it’s ironic), he now only has two weaknesses instead of four: Water and Grass.
More than that, Galvanize is impressive because it turns Normal attacks into Electric attacks, which is useful for STAB and coverage, and boosts their damage by 20%.
Few enemies can stay alive when moves like Explosion and Double-Edge have more power.
23. Mimikyu
Mimikyu has one of the saddest backstories of any Pokémon. Only Cubone has a sadder story.
People say that this ghost-type Pokémon is so ugly underneath its rag that it tries to look like a Pikachu so that people will love it and want to be its friend.
Its true look has never been shown, and it is said that Mimikyu will get back at anyone who tries to show what it really looks like.
Aside from that history, this thing is just so darn cute and loveable. I’d really like to have my own!
22. Togedemaru
Togedemaru is one of the cutest Pokémon from every age. It is made of steel and electricity, and it looks like a big fat mouse.
This cute baby is known for being happy, and when it is, it will roll around in a ball.
Even though they are friendly, Togedemaru is still strong in battle.
It has a high attack number and is the only Pokémon that can use Zing Zap, a very powerful electric attack.
21. Lycanroc
Lycanroc can take the Midday Form, the Midnight Form, or the Dusk Form, depending on what time of day Rockruff is evolved.
Each form is made to look like a wolf, but the Midday Form looks the most like a real wolf. The Midnight Form is more like a werewolf because it has a red body and red eyes that glow red.
Each form is different from the others in the way it acts. Some are very cute and some are very scary, but all of them are fun to have at your party.
Midday Form likes to be alone, while Midnight Form loves to fight other Pokémon. Dusk Form is a mix of the two.
If you like dusk form, you should know that it can still add a lot of power to your team. It does like peace and quiet, but when it’s in the mood, it loves to fight.
20. Drampa
Many dragon-type monsters are made to look scary and strong, but Drampa is made to look nice and old. I say it’s a nice change!
Drampas look like Chinese dragons, and they usually live alone in the forests.
They only come down to eat food and talk to other Pokémon or, occasionally, people who live nearby.
Even though he is strong, this little guy is very kind and loves kids. He lets them play on his back and fly around.
If Puff the Magic Dragon and a wise old man had a baby, I think it would look like Drampa.
19. Grimer
Grimer’s first form is a purple pile of sludge that is poisonous.
When you get to Alola, you’ll find that the Grimers there are now poisonous and dark. But they look mostly green, with yellow around the bottom of their jaws.
People say that they changed color because they stopped eating mud and started eating garbage. I don’t know which one is better… or worse.
If he has to, Alolan Grimer will also eat the trash Pokémon Trubbish and Garbodor. This will reduce the number of these two Pokémon in Alola.
And his friend Muk, who has changed in many of the same ways, is a lot of fun.
18. Toucannon
A beautiful bird with a great coat of feathers and bright colors.
I want to fly around Alola on a monster like this. So to speak, riding in style.
Toucannon is the last step in Pikipek’s development. It takes a long time to get there, but boy is it worth it!
It’s funny that this creature, which looks like a toucan, is only about 3 feet tall on average.
I’m not sure if I want to fly on this plane or not.
17. Meowth
When Meowth is in its Alolan form, it changes from being a normal type to a dark type. This totally changes its moves and how it fights.
These cats were given to the people of Alolan as a gift, and they often lived in the homes of those who had a lot of money.
Because of their new homes, Alolan Meowths became self-centered and proud, and when their way of life was threatened, they would get upset.
In the past, the kingdom of Alolan fell, which made Meowth more wild, even among trainers who lived far away from each other.
Their hair went from yellow to light blue or gray, and their brown faces turned into white ones. They also have a small curve in the hair and silver slits in the eyes.
16. Crabominable
This Crabrawler’s last development is not a joke in battle. He’s as tough as nails and won’t let anyone treat him badly.
This final growth is interesting because it only happens when you level up on top of Mount Lanakila.
So, this monster is hard to add to your party, but its strength and defense show that it’s worth the trouble.
I also like how it looks like a little abominable monster.
Even though I’m sure the digital form is a lot more fun to look at, I’m not sure how much I’d want one in real life.
15. Salazzle
Salazzle’s pre-evolution, Salandit, can only change into Salazzle if it’s a girl. This is a new and really cool feature.
In the end, this means that Salazzle is a species that is 100% female.
Salazzle uses its female energy to make a harmful gas that makes male Salandit want to come near it.
This is a pretty smart way to live, if I do say so myself, since the male Salandit will bring food to the female Salazzzle.
14. Tsareena
Tsareena is another Pokémon that is made up of only girls.
Tsareena was made to look like a plant with human traits, and she is very aware of the people around her.
She can tell when someone is trying to do something bad and will punish them, even if they are her teacher.
Even though Tsareena looks beautiful, she is cruel in battle.
She will laugh and keep hitting opponents even after they have been defeated.
It would probably be best to catch one of these and bring her with you as you travel.
13. Sandshrew
Many of the other Alolan regional forms changed one of their types or added a new type, but the Sandshrew’s Alolan version is completely different from its original form.
What used to be a ground-type Pokémon turns into a pair with ice and steel. That’s cool!
This big change is because Alolan Sandshrew had to move to snowy mountains because there were too many volcanoes in the deserts where they used to live.
Due to this wild change, new Alolan Sandshrew are now a color called “ice blue.” With their thick shells, they look almost like little igloos.
Now, they are thicker and heavier to keep out the cold, which is also a good way to protect yourself in fight.
12. Stufful
Despite how they look, Stufful hate being hugged because they feel like they’re being crushed.
This cute bear-like animal is probably the cutest of all.
Even though I keep saying that about all the Alolan Pokémon on this list…
It does evolve at level 27, and when it does, its stats get a big boost.
So, if you want to add this cute monster to your team, you should definitely evolve it as soon as you can.
11. Primarina
The last form of Popplio, the water-starter of this age. I have to say that I really like it!
Primarina is a water and fairy type that is very strong. This Pokémon looks like a cross between a sea lion and a mermaid.
It loves to use drama in battle and can control water balloons with its beautiful singing voice.
Its voice can also be used to lead a whole colony in a song, which fits perfectly with Primarina’s desire to be the center of attention.
10. Oricorio
This very interesting creature can change into three different shapes besides its base form.
This is done by drinking the juice from flowers, and each form can be found on a different island in the Alola region.
Each form also has its own set of types. The original Oricorio only knows how to fly.
Oricorio can be a fire and flying type with Pom-Pom Style, an electric and flying type with Pa’U Style, and a ghost and flying type with Sensu Style.
Each one also looks very different, which is pretty cool since they all have their own take on this strange bird.
9. Kommo-o
Kommo-o is such a strong Pokémon that it is called a “pseudo-legendary” because of its high base stats and great moveset.
This dragon and fighting duo is made to look like a reptile, and it has big, round scales that work as armor to make it stronger.
Kommo-o know how powerful they are and will only fight worthy and strong opponents.
If an opponent isn’t worthy, it will smash its scales together in the hopes that the noise will scare them away.
8. Marowak
All of the other regional variant evolutions on this list come from an Alolan pre-evolution, but the Alolan Marowak comes from any normal Cubone evolving at night.
Since this creature has a, um, sad past, it makes sense.
Marowak’s new look is very different. Its body is now black, and there is a mark on its head that looks like a flame between its eyes.
Their skull mark is used to light up a bone that is often used in fight.
7. Exeggutor
Alolan Exeggutor is the biggest Pokémon ever, and he changes from a Grass/Psychic type to a Grass/Dragon type.
In the past, this would have been a welcome change, but since the introduction of the Fairy type, Dragons have a new weakness to think about, and I’d rather have regular Exeggutor’s quad weakness to Bug than Alolan’s weakness to Ice, which is a common offensive type.
I like that Alolan gives up some Speed (which was pretty much useless anyway) to slightly boost its Attack, but it’s not enough to make up for its new weaknesses and the loss of a helpful STAB (same-type attack bonus) on Psychic-type strikes.
6. Marshadow
This Pokémon, like Mew and Celebi, is considered a legendary Pokémon because it is seen so rarely that people in the Pokémon world aren’t even sure if it exists.
This rare fighting and ghost type Pokémon has a body that looks like a person and is covered in grey flames that look almost like a body on fire. It’s pretty tough.
When Marshdow is angry, these fires turn green, so keep an eye out for that.
5. Silvally
Usually, legendary Pokémon can’t change, but Silvally is an exception.
After years of being tested on, Type: Null, a hard-to-understand Pokémon with an odd name, evolved into this Pokémon.
When the odd Type: Null Pokémon is trained up and has a high friendship, it turns into the fully realized and legendary Pokémon Silvally.
Silvally is a rare Pokémon to have in your party because it can only evolve if it trusts and gets along with its master. Also, very hard to bring up.
Silvally is a normal type, but it can learn moves from many different types, such as ghost, dark, steel, water, and others.
4. Raichu
Raichu isn’t a bad Pokémon; in fact, his original form is sometimes used in tournaments.
However, his Alolan downgrade makes him score lower.
Raichu used to only be weak to Ground, but now that it has a secondary Psychic type, it has several new weaknesses.
I prefer the normal Raichu’s Static ability over Alolan Raichu’s Surge Surfer.
Still, you can now use the same-type attack bonus (STAB) with both Electric and Psychic attacks, and the Alolan form gives up some Attack and Defense for better Special Attack and Special Defense, but it’s not enough to beat the original.
3. Lunala
If you are playing Pokémon Sun, you are out of luck because Cosmoem can only change into Lunala in Pokémon Moon or Ultra Moon.
This creature is very well made. It looks like a bat with wings that are shaped like a crescent moon.
Because it absorbs light, this part of Lunala’s body looks different based on how much light is around.
Lunala can also fuse with a different Pokémon, Necrozma, to make Dawn Wings Necrozma, which is a unique power.
Lunala is a monster with a beautiful appearance and a lot of power.
It can learn moves from almost all types, including regular, fairy, psychic, flying, electric, ghost, fire, ice, grass, and fighting.
A very useful friend.
2. Rowlet
This little guy is kind of like a new Hoothoot from Gen 7. But let me be honest: I think I like Rowlet even better!
He is a cute little owl with two leaves on his chest and a heart full of love.
Except when fighting in battle, of course. If you keep at it and level it up, this thing can be pretty powerful.
It also comes out at night, so you are more likely to see one at night.
Just one more reason to get both games and start playing.
1. Ninetails
The Alolan Ninetails builds on what Vulpix did by changing its type to ice and fairy.
It can learn strong moves like Dream Eater and Blizzard, which is a big change from generations past.
Alolan Ninetails lives on the holy ground of Mount Lanakila and is very protective of the packs of Vulpix in the area.
They are very pretty Pokémon. Their blue fur flows and their tails wiggle behind them.
Sun & Moon is by far my favorite just because of how it looks, but adding a Ninetails to your team gives the game a whole new feel.
Future of Alolan Pokémon
Even though the response was good, there aren’t many Alolan Pokémon besides the ones introduced today.
Future generations will probably take place in different places, so it’s not clear if we’ll see more Alolan creatures in games to come.
But even if they don’t grow, the Alolans will still be liked for the unique ways they change old favorites.
