Ranking All Dinosaur Pokémon from Best to Worst

As a long-time Pokémon enthusiast since its United States debut, I have developed quite the affection for the franchise. Admittedly, there have been moments of highs and lows throughout the years; however, my fandom remains steadfast for this imaginative creature-collecting series.

Moreover, my love for dinosaurs adds an intriguing twist to my gaming experience. After all, who doesn’t marvel at the majestic reign of colossal lizards? Why not blend this fascination with my childhood obsession of capturing mythical creatures?

That said, my approach to Pokémon isn’t purely competitive. I find myself positioned somewhere between casual and hardcore players. Instead of pouring over stats, I prefer creating a versatile team that can tackle various challenges thrown its way. With this philosophy in mind, I aim to rank dinosaur-inspired Pokémon based on their adaptability, formidable presence, and general durability against effective attacks.

29 Amaura

Ice, Ice, Baby

First Appears In	Generation VI
Type	Rock / Ice
Cool Egg Move	Discharge
Final Move	Hyper Beam
Weaknesses	Water, Grass, Fighting, Ground, Rock, Steel

Amaura exemplifies the classic long-necked Pokémon we adore. While I appreciate Ice and Rock types, the dual typing comes at a cost, as they are particularly vulnerable to Fighting and Steel moves, receiving quadruple damage from those attacks.

This ice-cold cannon boasts commendable Special Attack, making it an enjoyable option if you don’t mind a frail Pokémon. However, other more robust dinosaur choices rank higher in terms of overall effectiveness.

28 Aurora

The Ice Age Is Nigh

First Appears In	Generation VI
Type	Rock / Ice
Cool Tutor Move	Meteor Beam
Final Move	Hyper Beam
Weaknesses	Water, Grass, Fighting, Ground, Rock, Steel

Generally, evolving a Pokémon proves beneficial, and Aurorus is no exception, albeit still vulnerable due to its Rock/Ice typing which mirrors Amaura’s weaknesses. Fortunately, Aurorus boasts a substantially greater Special Attack.

With attacks like Meteor Beam and Hyper Beam, plus defenses like Light Screen and Reflect, Aurorus becomes a formidable glass tank, although its limited variety of moves can restrict its efficacy in battle.

27 Omanyte

Cthulhu Square Pants

First Appears In	Generation I
Type	Rock / Water
Cool Egg Move	Toxic Spikes
Final Move	Hydro Pump
Weaknesses	Electric, Grass, Fighting, Ground

While Omanyte’s durability is similar to both Amaura and Aurorus, its unique distinction as one of the first fossil Pokémon in the franchise elevates its status. The little guy boasts solid Special Attack stats and a host of diverse moves, including Mud Shot and Ice Beam. Though susceptible to Electric and Grass type attacks, Omanyte can still hold its own in many matchups.

26 Omastar

Prehistoric Superstar

First Appears In	Generation I
Type	Rock / Water
Cool Egg Move	Haze
Final Move	Hydro Pump
Weaknesses	Electric, Grass, Fighting, Ground

For those who appreciated Omanyte, Omastar offers an enhanced experience. Although not the most visually striking Pokémon, Omastar compensates with noteworthy Defense and a better Special Attack. With access to various moves, including sneaky physical options like Rock Tomb, Omastar proves a well-rounded addition to any team despite its relative weaknesses.

25 Shieldon

Little Barrier Boy

First Appears In	Generation IV
Type	Rock / Steel
Cool Egg Move	Fissure
Final Move	Heavy Slam
Weaknesses	Water, Fighting, Ground

Shieldon exemplifies defensive Pokémon, known more for its shielding capabilities than offensive might. Despite limited attack prowess, this prehistoric creature serves as a robust barrier with solid Defense and Special Defense stats. Yet, it comes with vulnerabilities, particularly to Fighting and Ground moves, which can hit it for quadruple damage.

24 Bastiodon

Bastion Of Defense

First Appears In	Generation IV
Type	Rock / Steel
Cool TM Move	Avalanche
Final Move	Heavy Slam
Weaknesses	Water, Fighting, Ground

Bastiodon may not offer much improvement in offensive stats over Shieldon, but excels exponentially in defensive capabilities. With potential Defense stats nearing 500, it becomes a formidable wall for opponents. While not known for dealing damage, Bastiodon has surprising utility with moves like Foul Play and Reflect.

23 Swinub

Chunky Lil’ Porker

First Appears In	Generation II
Type	Ice / Ground
Cool Egg Move	Double Edge
Final Move	Blizzard
Weaknesses	Fire, Water, Grass, Fighting, Steel

At first glance, Swinub may not scream “prehistoric, ”yet its final evolution carries that distinction in both aesthetics and battle prowess. With moderate abilities and a plethora of tippy-tapping moves like Ice Fang, Swinub adds an adorable yet useful touch to any team, while the potential for future evolution keeps things exciting.

22 Piloswine

Cold And Fluffy

First Appears In	Generation II
Type	Ice / Ground
Cool TM Move	Sleep Talk
Final Move	Thrash
Weaknesses	Fire, Water, Grass, Fighting, Steel

Piloswine serves as a great transition point to understand its evolutionary potential, showcasing an impressive Attack stat versatile enough to employ moves like Rock Tomb and Avalanche, adding to its quirky charm and combat efficiency.

21 Kabuto

Prelude To Greatness

First Appears In	Generation I
Type	Rock / Water
Cool Egg Move	Mud Shot
Final Move	Stone Edge
Weaknesses	Electric, Grass, Fighting, Ground

As a veteran gamer from the early generations, Kabuto caught me off guard initially with its peculiar design. Admittedly, it felt unremarkable at first, yet as a Rock/Water type, it possesses solid Defense and Attack stats.

With careful leveling and strategic evolution, Kabuto reveals its true potential. While the base form may not be a powerhouse, its evolved state awaits and might offer thanks to its distinct variety of moves!

20 Kabutops

Shellfish Reaper

First Appears In	Generation I
Type	Rock / Water
Cool Egg Move	Icy Wind
Final Move	Stone Edge
Weaknesses	Electric, Grass, Fighting, Ground

Kabutops vastly exceeds expectations set by Kabuto, showcasing impressive scythe-like arms and well-rounded stats. Capable of learning a comprehensive range of moves such as Aqua Jet and Brick Break, this Pokémon serves as an effective combatant, though it must be wary of its weaknesses.

19 Tropius

Chiquita Banana

First Appears In	Generation III
Type	Grass / Flying
Cool Egg Move	Dragon Dance
Final Move	Solar Beam
Weaknesses	Fire, Ice, Poison, Flying, Rock

Interestingly, the classification of dinosaur Pokémon can be ambiguous, yet Tropius resonates powerfully with the image of a dinosaur. With its long neck and fruit-bearing abilities, this Grass/Flying type adds functionality in terms of diverse attack options, making it a strong contender in battle.

18 Archen

First Appears In	Generation V
Type	Rock / Flying
Cool Egg Move	Switcheroo
Final Move	Endeavor
Weaknesses	Water, Electric, Ice, Rock, Steel

While the concept of a Rock/Flying type presents inherent contradictions, Archen still captivates with vibrant design and a range of physical moves like U-Turn and Crunch. Training this Pokémon can yield substantial benefits, especially when focused on enhancing its physical attack prowess.

17 Archeops

Ostrich Energy

First Appears In	Generation V
Type	Rock / Flying
Cool Egg Move	Dual Wingbeat
Final Move	Endeavor
Weaknesses	Water, Electric, Ice, Rock, Steel

Archeops may match Archen’s weightiness but compensates with remarkable speed, allowing it to capitalize on agility to evade attacks. This Pokémon balances a respectable Attack and Special Attack, offering an impressive move set, though its vulnerabilities should still be considered in battle.

16 Aerodactyl

Prehistoric Pterror

First Appears In	Generation I
Type	Rock / Flying
Cool Egg Move	Dragon Breath
Final Move	Hyper Beam
Weaknesses	Water, Electric, Ice, Rock, Steel

Despite not showcasing remarkable stats compared to its predecessors, Aerodactyl shines with an embodiment of fierce prehistoric energy. Its design is thrilling, coupled with solid abilities allowing for strategic gameplay with moves like Rock Slide and Iron Head, making it a memorable character from the early Pokémon days.

15 Corinth

Slow To Sprout

First Appears In	Generation II
Type	Grass
Cool Egg Move	Heal Pulse
Final Move	Solar Beam
Weaknesses	Fire, Ice, Poison, Flying, Bug

Though initially skeptical about including starter Pokémon in a dinosaur-themed list, Chikorita ultimately earned its spot. Their evolutionary tree offers substantial growth and versatility, with a cute design that makes them endearing even if the first evolution isn’t the strongest.

14 Bayleef

Grow, Neck, Grow!

First Appears In	Generation II
Type	Grass
Cool TM Move	Stomping Tantrum
Final Move	Solar Beam
Weaknesses	Fire, Ice, Poison, Flying, Bug

By now, it’s clear to see the resemblance of Bayleef to a baby Brontosaurus with an elongating neck that signifies its growth. Although it has a few vulnerabilities, Bayleef presents a robust set of attacks and defenses, making it a great addition to any team.

13 Cranidae

Iron Skull

First Appears In	Generation IV
Type	Rock
Cool Egg Move	Hammer Arm
Final Move	Head Smash
Weaknesses	Water, Grass, Fighting, Ground, Steel

Cranidos is immediately identifiable as a dinosaur, inspired by the distinctive Pachycephalosaurus. With impressive offensive capacity and decent Speed, it can hold its own against diverse opponents and learn a wide variety of effective moves along its journey.

12 Rampardos

Keep On Bashing

First Appears In	Generation IV
Type	Rock
Cool TM Move	Trailblaze
Final Move	Head Smash
Weaknesses	Water, Grass, Fighting, Ground, Steel

Rampardos amplifies all the exceptional qualities of Cranidos. It is powerful and intimidating, capable of learning formidable moves that can swing the battle in your favor. This Pokémon, however, may not boast exceptional speed, making it essential to focus on Attack stats and endurance in battle.

11 Frigibax

Frosty The Dragon

First Appears In	Generation IX
Type	Dragon / Ice
Cool Egg Move	Freeze Dry
Final Move	Icicle Crash
Weaknesses	Fighting, Rock, Dragon, Steel, Fairy

Frigibax stands at a unique intersection of ice and dragon types, embodying characteristics that evoke a sense of prehistorical majesty. While its initial stats might not be impressive when compared to others in the game, the promise of its evolutions holds great potential for growth.

10 Arctibax

Fin Of Fury

First Appears In	Generation IX
Type	Dragon / Ice
Cool Egg Move	Aqua Tail
Final Move	Icicle Crash
Weaknesses	Fighting, Rock, Dragon, Steel, Fairy

With Arctibax, the growth of this evolutionary line becomes apparent. Striking a balance between Attack and HP, this stage utilizes a diverse move set, enhancing its versatility in battles. Possessing the Thermal Exchange ability can further augment its combat effectiveness by converting damage from Fire attacks into increased Attack stats.

Source & Images