
Originating in the vibrant Alola region, regional variants of Pokémon truly came into their own in the Galar region, featured prominently in Pokémon Sword and Shield. This era not only introduced innovative mechanics like Dynamax
and Max Raids
, but it also showcased unique regional forms both in the main game and its subsequent downloadable content.
Galar breathed new life into numerous iconic Pokémon, reimagining them with thrilling new aesthetics, such as Meowth
and Farfetch'd
. Furthermore, legendary Pokémon received exciting hybrid forms, ensuring that every fan could find something to appreciate within this diverse region.
As with previous lists detailing regional variants, this analysis will emphasize not only versatility and durability but also unique concepts and creative ideas when ranking these Pokémon. Join us as we revisit the Galar region to discover some remarkable creatures!
26 Darmanitan (Zen Mode)
Icy Hot Pokémon

First Appears In |
Generation VIII |
---|---|
Type |
Ice / Fire |
Cool TM Move |
Fire Spin |
Final Move |
Superpower |
Weaknesses |
Water, Fighting, Ground, Rock |
The original Darmanitan
was quirky, but its evolution in Galar takes the oddity to the next level. Typically a Fire-type that transforms into Fire/Psychic when health is low, Galar’s form inexplicably blends Ice with Fire, resulting in a unique Ice/Fire hybrid.
Unfortunately, this form is particularly vulnerable to Water, Fighting, Ground, and especially Rock-type moves. However, its Zen Mode boasts an impressive Attack stat, allowing it to shine with moves such as Ice Punch, Superpower, Bulldoze, and Mystical Fire.
25 Zigzag
KISS And Tell

First Appears In |
Generation VIII |
---|---|
Type |
Dark / Normal |
Cool Level Up Move |
Scary Face |
Final Move |
Double-Edge |
Weaknesses |
Fighting, Bug, Fairy |
The redesign of Zigzagoon
is among my personal favorites from the Galarian transformations. Transforming this adorable character into a bold embodiment reminiscent of the rock band KISS gives it a striking visual appeal. Beyond its tough appearance, this form retains its original cuteness and takes advantage of a new typing that limits its weaknesses to primarily Fighting-type attacks.
While yet to fulfill its full potential, Zigzagoon
can leverage moves like Baby-Doll Eyes, Pin Missile, Icy Wind, and Fake Tears.
24 Linoone
Rock And Roll All Nite!

First Appears In |
Generation VIII |
---|---|
Type |
Dark / Normal |
Cool Egg Move |
Simple Beam |
Final Move |
Double-Edge |
Weaknesses |
Fighting, Bug, Fairy |
This evolution showcases Zigzagoon
reaching its potential, transitioning from a balanced mix of Attack and Special Attack to an emphasis on Attack, hinting at even greater developments ahead. In the Galar region, this isn’t the endpoint, as it unveils an exciting final stage yet to come.
Linoone
possesses robust Attack, respectable Speed, and fair defensive capabilities, making moves like Hone Claws, Counter, Assurance, and Shadow Claw particularly advantageous.
23 Mr. Mime
Come on, Skater!

First Appears In |
Generation VIII |
---|---|
Type |
Ice / Psychic |
Cool Level Up Move |
Freeze-Dry |
Final Move |
Teeter Dance |
Weaknesses |
Fire, Bug, Rock, Ghost, Dark, Steel |
There’s no denying that Mr. Mime
possesses a certain comedic flair. However, this Galar version takes the quirkiness up a notch by donning ice skates and adopting a stunning Ice/Psychic typing.
Though vulnerable to six different weaknesses, none of them are particularly daunting. Abilities like Vital Spirit and Screen Cleaner also add value to this character. Pair that with skills like Confusion, Teeter Dance, and Icy Wind, and you’ve got a real troublemaker for your adversaries.
22 Yamask
Chunky Mummy

First Appears In |
Generation VIII |
Type |
Ground / Ghost |
Cool Egg Move |
Poltergeist |
Final Move |
Destiny Bond |
Weaknesses |
Water, Grass, Ice, Ghost, Dark |
In the Galar region, Yamask has undergone a bewildering transformation, shifting from a fearsome mummy to a peculiar hieroglyphic design. Despite its odd new look, this Ground/Ghost type is not without its merits.
While it contends with five matchups that may pose challenges, the switch from strong Special Attack in previous regions to a formidable Attack stat here is noteworthy. Overall, be sure to unleash powerful moves like Earthquake, Facade, Rock Tomb, and Brutal Swing.
21 Runerigus
Chip Off The Really Old Block

First Appears In |
Generation VIII |
---|---|
Type |
Ground / Ghost |
Cool TM Move |
Bulldoze |
Final Move |
Destiny Bond |
Weaknesses |
Water, Grass, Ice, Ghost, Dark |
While Cofagrigus
may boast a more stylish appeal, Runerigus
could pack a stronger punch. With remarkable Attack capabilities and solid defensive stats, it holds its ground well—even if its speed is not its forte.
Prepare to unleash staggering attacks with moves like Earthquake, Toxic Spikes, Zen Headbutt, and Stone Edge. This Pokémon solidifies its place on our Galarian list, but there’s still more to discover.
20 Stunfish
Caught In The Middle Of You

First Appears In |
Generation VIII |
---|---|
Type |
Ground / Steel |
Cool TM Move |
Ice Fang |
Final Move |
Fissure |
Weaknesses |
Fire, Water, Fighting, Ground |
It’s intriguing to consider what evolutionary changes might lead to a Pokémon resembling a walking bear trap. Although Stunfisk
has embodied bizarre characteristics previously, its Galar form amplifies that essence with a fierce look. While its Attack stats may be modest, it compensates with high HP and sturdy defenses.
Despite having a limited number of weaknesses, Stunfisk
can still learn exciting move sets, including Metal Claw, Revenge, Payback, and Stomping Tantrum.
19 Articuno
Legendary Birdbrain

First Appears In |
Generation VIII |
---|---|
Type |
Psychic / Flying |
Cool TM Move |
Steel Wing |
Final Move |
Trick Room |
Weaknesses |
Electric, Ice, Rock, Ghost, Dark |
As a proponent of innovation, I welcome risks—however, altering my beloved legendary birds can often yield mixed results. Unfortunately, that’s the case with Galar’s Articuno
.
While it does mitigate one 4x weakness, it also inherits five new vulnerabilities—an unmanageable burden for any Pokémon to carry. Nevertheless, you can maximize its attacks, including Psycho Shift, Freezing Glare, Air Slash, and Shadow Ball.
Rest assured, things will improve as we progress through the legendary rankings.
18 Zapdos
Swole Bird

First Appears In |
Generation VIII |
Type |
Fighting / Flying |
Cool TM Move |
Stomping Tantrum |
Final Move |
Reversal |
Weaknesses |
Electric, Ice, Flying, Psychic, Fairy |
Although Zapdos
has shifted away from its elemental origins in Galar, its striking design still impresses. As a Fighting/Flying hybrid, it showcases incredible power—especially when the Defiant ability is in play.
Get ready to wield attacks like Ancient Power, Close Combat, Volt Switch, and Stomping Tantrum effectively!
17 Darumaka
Frosty The Shmo Man

First Appears In |
Generation VIII |
---|---|
Type |
Ice |
Cool Egg Move |
Extrasensory |
Final Move |
Superpower |
Weaknesses |
Fire, Fighting, Rock, Steel |
One could argue that Darumaka
is having a rather rough time in Galar, transitioning from its warm, comforting origins to a frigid embodiment. Despite the chilling aesthetics, its stats stand strong for a baby Pokémon.
To maximize its potential, explore moves such as Bite, Ice Fang, and Dig.
16 Darmanitan (Standard Mode)
Winter Couture

First Appears In |
Generation VIII |
---|---|
Type |
Ice |
Cool Level Up Move |
Belly Drum |
Final Move |
Superpower |
Weaknesses |
Fire, Fighting, Rock, Steel |
Despite not being as visually striking as its Zen Mode counterpart, Darmanitan (Standard Mode)
excels in stability. This Ice type thrives on physical attacks, although its Speed and Defense are not its strong suit, requiring tactical play to thrive in battle.
Utilizing moves like Avalanche, Thrash, Brick Break, and U-Turn can yield impressive results if executed correctly.
15 Meowth
Such A Manly Beard

First Appears In |
Generation VIII |
---|---|
Type |
Steel |
Cool TM Move |
U-Turn |
Final Move |
Thrash |
Weaknesses |
Fire, Fighting, Ground |
While I appreciated Meowth’s previous look in Alola, the Galarian form is undeniably iconic. Its bold aesthetic is complemented by a striking Steel typing, making it an impressive contender in battles.
With an appealing combination of HP and Attack, Meowth
can leverage moves like Thrash, Play Rough, Shadow Claw, and Swords Dance for effective play.
14 Ponyta
Sweet Psychic Pony

First Appears In |
Generation VIII |
---|---|
Type |
Psychic |
Cool Egg Move |
Horn Drill |
Final Move |
Healing Wish |
Weaknesses |
Bug, Ghost, Dark |
There’s a whimsical flair to Galarian Ponyta
, drawing visual parallels to My Little Pony, yet its strength cannot be overlooked. With exceptional Speed and Attack, this version has only three matchups that can challenge its performance.
Leverage impressive attacks like Stomp, Solar Blade, Bounce, and Facade to maximize its battle potential.
13 Rapidash
Pure Horsepower

First Appears In |
Generation VIII |
---|---|
Type |
Psychic / Fairy |
Cool TM Move |
Will-O-Wisp |
Final Move |
Healing Wish |
Weaknesses |
Poison, Ghost, Steel |
Although I have a soft spot for the original design of Rapidash
, the Galarian form’s Psychic/Fairy typing introduces a unique and compelling twist. Both forms are known for their speed and offensive capability.
This version stands out with its advantageous Pastel Veil ability that guards against poison. Focus on utilizing its strengths with moves like Psycho Cut, Megahorn, Smart Strike, and Psychic Terrain to achieve impressive performance in battle.
12 Slowpoke
Isle Of Armor Refugee

First Appears In |
Generation VIII |
---|---|
Type |
Psychic |
Cool Egg Move |
Belch |
Final Move |
Heal Pulse |
Weaknesses |
Bug, Ghost, Dark |
With a slightly off-colored appearance, Galarian Slowpoke
may seem unwell, but its Psychic typing offers significant advantages. It eliminates its Water typing’s vulnerabilities, retaining reasonable stats alongside its predecessor.
Ensure you utilize moves like Yawn, Zen Headbutt, Slack Off, and Disable to effectively leverage this Pokémon’s capacity in battle.
11 Slowbro
Poisonous Infection

First Appears In |
Generation VIII |
---|---|
Type |
Poison / Psychic |
Cool Technical Record Move |
Grass Knot |
Final Move |
Heal Pulse |
Weaknesses |
Ground, Ghost, Dark |
The Galarian form of Slowbro
faces quite the dilemma in the Isle of Armor DLC, as Shellder bites down and converts this Pokémon into a Poison/Psychic type. On the upside, this typing remains potent, and this form mirrors its predecessor’s Attack and Special Attack stats.
Capitalize on this by executing moves like Shell Side Arm, Zen Headbutt, Ice Punch, and Brine.
10 Slowking
His Toxic Eminence

First Appears In |
Generation VIII |
---|---|
Type |
Poison / Psychic |
Cool TM Move |
Icy Wind |
Final Move |
Heal Pulse |
Weaknesses |
Ground, Ghost, Dark |
Acquiring a Galarian Slowking
involves considerable effort, but the rewards are undeniably worth it. This Pokémon possesses a potent hybrid typing and enjoys improved Special Attack compared to its original form.
With valuable abilities like Curious Medicine and Own Tempo, it poses a significant threat thanks to moves like Eerie Spell, Power Gem, Venoshock, and Psychic.
9 Farfetch’d
Samurai Duck

First Appears In |
Generation VIII |
---|---|
Type |
Fighting |
Cool Level Up Move |
Leaf Blade |
Final Move |
Brave Bird |
Weaknesses |
Flying, Psychic, Fairy |
Having always enjoyed Farfetch'd
, its Galarian transformation promised an exciting advancement. With abilities like Steadfast and Scrappy, this Pokémon becomes a versatile battler, capable of adapting to various combat scenarios.
Opt for moves that can trigger Critical hits to facilitate its evolution; thus, attacks like Defog, Leaf Blade, Air Cutter, and Focus Energy become crucial to achieve its powerful final form.
8 Weezing
The Virulent Gentleman

First Appears In |
Generation VIII |
---|---|
Type |
Poison / Fairy |
Cool Egg Move |
Psybeam |
Final Move |
Misty Terrain |
Weaknesses |
Ground, Psychic, Steel |
Occasionally, a Pokémon’s redesign leaves you unsure whether to laugh or cry, like Weezing
‘s Galarian version—sporting a distinguished top hat and charming facial hair. This comically absurd design adds character while introducing new gameplay possibilities.
Utilize unpredictable abilities to keep adversaries on their toes with moves that include Strange Steam, Thief, Payback, and Gyro Ball.
7 Mr. Rime
Chilly Chaplin

First Appears In |
Generation VIII |
---|---|
Type |
Ice / Psychic |
Cool TM Move |
Ally Switch |
Final Move |
Teeter Dance |
Weaknesses |
Fire, Bug, Rock, Ghost, Dark, Steel |
After a prolonged wait, we were finally rewarded with Mr. Rime
, an evolution for Mr. Mime
that showcases delightful facial hair! Beyond its amusing design, it’s a formidable presence with notable Special Attack and solid defenses.
Prepare to unsettle your opponents with moves like Mimic, Confusion, Freeze-Dry, and Thunderbolt, which will contribute to this Pokémon’s battle dominance.
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