Pokémon boasts a vast, enthusiastic fan base, making it one of the most cherished video game franchises globally. With its turn-based JRPG mechanics, it’s a welcoming entry point for newcomers to the genre. Fans have diverse opinions on their favorite Pokémon, ranging from those who have been loyal since the release of Pokémon Red and Blue to newer players who started with titles like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
Wolves have been a notable presence in the Pokémon universe since the series’ inception. This article aims to rank wild wolf Pokémon, exploring how they measure up against each other based on design, personality, and battle effectiveness.
To maintain focus, this ranking excludes domesticated dog Pokémon, making it a concise exploration of wild canines. Sorry, Stoutland and Dachsbun; you may be lovable, but you’re household pets!
Now, let the discussions commence!
15 Electrike
DroolShocker
|
First Appears In |
Generation 3 |
|
Type |
Electric |
|
Base HP |
40 |
|
Base Attack |
45 |
|
Final Learned Move |
Thunder – 110 Damage |
Starting with Electrike, this third-generation electric-type wolf presents a simple design that, while adequate, lacks excitement compared to the other entries on this list. Its base stats are relatively low, and while it can learn some strong moves in its unevolved state, the real power emerges once it evolves.
14 Mightyena
Having A Laugh
|
First Appears In |
Generation 3 |
|
Type |
Dark |
|
Base HP |
70 |
|
Base Attack |
90 |
|
Final Learned Move |
Play Rough – 90 Damage |
Mightyena, while not particularly memorable, is the evolution of Poochyena, presenting a design that draws from hyena inspiration. Its evolved form offers decent base stats, though the available moves do not elevate it significantly beyond its role as a basic Pokémon.
13 Rockruff
Give Him Some Time
|
First Appears In |
Generation 7 |
|
Type |
Rock |
|
Base HP |
45 |
|
Base Attack |
65 |
|
Final Learned Move |
Stone Edge – 100 Damage |
Rockruff charms with its adorably designed appearance, securing the 13th spot on this list. This Pokémon’s uniqueness lies in it being a rock-type wolf, and it holds the potential to evolve into one of three distinct forms. While its first form is fun, it doesn’t offer significant battle advantages.
12 Poochyena
Laugh It Up, Fuzzball
|
First Appears In |
Generation 3 |
|
Type |
Dark |
|
Base HP |
35 |
|
Base Attack |
55 |
|
Final Learned Move |
Play Rough – 90 Damage |
Poochyena, the unevolved predecessor to Mightyena, features a more appealing design, which earns it a higher ranking. While it remains unevolved and ultimately limited, its aesthetic certainly contributes to its charm in the trainer’s Pokédex.
11 Houndour
It’s Not A Phase, Mom
|
First Appears In |
Generation 2 |
|
Type |
Dark/Fire |
|
Base HP |
45 |
|
Base Attack |
60 |
|
Final Learned Move |
Inferno – 100 Damage |
Next up is Houndour, embodying a dark flame aesthetic that’s great for trainers who enjoy dramatic themes. Although it possesses a charming menace, Houndour is often less favored due to its lower hit-rate move, Inferno, which diminishes its viability in competitive settings.
10 Houndoom
Death Metal Dog
|
First Appears In |
Generation 2 |
|
Type |
Dark/Fire |
|
Base HP |
75 |
|
Base Attack |
90 |
|
Final Learned Move |
Inferno – 100 Damage |
Houndoom serves as Houndour’s fierce evolution, featuring a more intense design and robust battle capabilities. With a solid base attack and a mix of dark/fire moves, Houndoom effectively contributes to any team, despite being overshadowed by stronger alternatives.
9 Riolu
Unlimited Aura
|
First Appears In |
Generation 4 |
|
Type |
Fighting |
|
Base HP |
40 |
|
Base Attack |
70 |
|
Final Learned Move |
Reversal – Up to 200 Damage Depending on Opponent HP |
Advancing to number nine is Riolu, a well-loved Pokémon with strong base stats for its stage. As the pre-evolved form of the popular Lucario, Riolu seamlessly combines adorableness with combat potential, gaining access to strong moves like Reversal that can deal extensive damage.
8 Growlithe
Grows Into A Legend
|
First Appears In |
Generation 1 |
|
Type |
Fire |
|
Base HP |
55 |
|
Base Attack |
70 |
|
Final Learned Move |
Flare Blitz – 120 Damage |
Growlithe, one of the most beloved Pokémon from Generation 1, showcases a striking tiger-striped design blended with the energetic features of a puppy. Its evolution, Arcanine, is formidable and often chosen by trainers for competitive play due to its powerful moves and high stats.
7 Manectric
CoolShocker
|
First Appears In |
Generation 3 |
|
Type |
Electric |
|
Base HP |
70 |
|
Base Attack |
75 |
|
Final Learned Move |
Electric Terrain – 50% Boost to Electric Moves for 5 Turns |
Manectric outshines Electrike with its striking design and interesting abilities, including the power to summon thunderclouds. Its final move, Electric Terrain, enhances its capabilities by boosting electric moves, making it a strong contender in various battle scenarios.
6 Absol
Here Comes The Doom
|
First Appears In |
Generation 3 |
|
Type |
Dark |
|
Base HP |
65 |
|
Base Attack |
130 |
|
Final Learned Move |
Perish Song – Opponent Will Faint In 3 Turns |
Absol, known as the harbinger of doom, can detect impending disasters. It flaunts one of the highest base attack stats among one-stage Pokémon, and its signature move, Perish Song, makes it a strategic asset by putting pressure on opponents.
5 Zacian
Sword’s Slashing Legendary
|
First Appears In |
Generation 8 |
|
Type |
Fairy/Steel |
|
Base HP |
92 |
|
Base Attack |
120 |
|
Final Learned Move |
Giga Impact – 150 Damage |
Zacian, one of the legendaries from Pokémon Sword, boasts outstanding stats and a powerful design. With its final move, Giga Impact, it delivers devastating damage, establishing itself as a valuable addition to any roster. Despite its stunning power, its design leaves something to be desired.
4 Lucario
Packs A Painful Punch
|
First Appears In |
Generation 4 |
|
Type |
Fighting/Steel |
|
Base HP |
70 |
|
Base Attack |
100 |
|
Final Learned Move |
Close Combat – 120 Damage |
Lucario shines as a versatile Pokémon, thanks to its dual fighting and steel types combined with a design inspired by Anubis. Its ability to learn an extensive range of moves enhances its battle prowess, making it a fan-favorite and a top contender in any Pokémon lineup.
3 Lycanroc
A Multi-Formed (Were)Wolf
|
First Appears In |
Generation 7 |
|
Type |
Rock |
|
Base HP |
Midday – 75, Dusk – 75, Midnight – 85 |
|
Base Attack |
Midday – 115, Dusk – 117, Midnight – 115 |
|
Final Learned Move |
Stone Edge – 100 Damage |
Claiming the third spot is Lycanroc, a distinct Pokémon with three forms that change based on time of day. Its likeness to real wolves sets it apart, offering trainers fun challenges in collecting all forms. Though its stats are solid, its moves may not be as robust as some frontrunners.
2 Zamazenta
Shield’s Formidable Legendary
|
First Appears In |
Generation 8 |
|
Type |
Fighting/Steel |
|
Base HP |
92 |
|
Base Attack |
120 |
|
Final Learned Move |
Giga Impact – 150 Damage |
Zamazenta is a powerhouse with an impressive knightly aesthetic, complete with armor components, making it visually remarkable. With extraordinary stats and strong moves, this legendary Pokémon offers reliability and power, making it a must-have for any trainer.
1 Arcanine
The OG Legendary Wolf
|
First Appears In |
Generation 1 |
|
Type |
Fire |
|
Base HP |
90 |
|
Base Attack |
110 |
|
Final Learned Move |
Flamethrower – 90 Damage |
Unquestionably, Arcanine reigns supreme as the ultimate wolf Pokémon. Its iconic design captures both cuddliness and ferocity, striking a balance unique to fully evolved Pokémon. With a powerful move set and high stats, Arcanine remains a fan-favorite and a reliable partner throughout various Pokémon games.
Moreover, Arcanine stands out in the Pokémon Trading Card Game, featuring one of the best EX cards, enhancing its legacy in the Pokémon universe. This legendary wolf remains a figure trainers respect and adore for its prowess and charm.
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