What is the Best Gen 3 Pokemon?

Introduction

Pokémon Emerald might just be my favorite Pokémon game of all time. People love the third generation of Pokémon in part because it feels like the quintessential Pokémon experience, and it's done so well. A significant aspect of this is due to the strong cast of new additions in Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald. While I like Johto, it probably isn't a stretch to say that the additions to the franchise from Hoenn are stronger.

But this got me thinking, what is the best Hoenn Pokémon competitively? This was a really hard video for me to make because, well, these videos are always harder than I think they're going to be. It's really challenging to determine the best Pokémon and which should make it to the list. This video was especially tough because there were many good Pokémon that I had to leave off, far more than for either the Johto or the Kanto video. That said, I have compiled ten Pokémon that I think are the ten best competitively.

Number 10: Shedinja

Shedinja is a really cool Pokémon. Most of you probably know how it works, but just in case you don't, it's a Bug and Ghost-type Pokémon that always has 1 HP due to its signature ability, Wonder Guard, which prevents all damage from non-super effective moves. Shedinja isn't considered super good most of the time except when really powerful legendary restricted Pokémon are legal. Restricted Pokémon like Zacian, Kyogre, Groudon, etc., are only legal in specific rule sets, and Shedinja thrives within those rules. It acts as an endgame demon where, if you remove the Pokémon that can hit it for super effective damage, you can often secure victory.

Number 9: Pelipper

Pelipper doesn't have great stats, almost embarrassing ones, really, but it has a valuable ability: Drizzle. Weather conditions like rain and sun influence battles significantly, and Pelipper's ability to set up rain covers up its stat weaknesses. It works as a rain setter, enabling compositions that focus on rain dances and waterium-Z sweepers.

Number 8: Latios

Latios was incredibly strong back in 2012, due in part to the lack of Fairy-type Pokémon and the powerful item Dragon Gem. With Dragon Gem Draco Meteor, Latios was a threat to be reckoned with. Though it fell off in later years with the introduction of Fairy-types, its recent resurgence in the current format shows that it can still be valuable, especially now that it can use its signature item, the Soul Dew.

Number 7: Ludicolo

Ludicolo has consistently been great against weather teams, particularly those with Kyogre and Groudon, due to its ability Swift Swim which doubles its speed. Ludicolo boasts a decent move pool and can work in multiple roles from rain sweeper to support with moves like Fake Out and Scald.

Number 6: Torkoal

Once Torkoal got the ability Drought, it transformed into a competitive powerhouse. Drought boosts fire-type attacks and weakens water-type attacks, making Torkoal valuable for Trick Room teams. Tailwind and Wide Guard add to its utility, making it a consistent pick in the current meta.

Number 5: Rayquaza

Rayquaza, and especially its Mega Evolution, is one of the strongest Pokémon but only in formats where restricted Pokémon are legal. Mega Rayquaza doesn't need a Mega Stone, freeing up its item slot for additional boosts. Its ability Delta Stream negates its weaknesses, making it exceedingly versatile and strong.

Number 4: Metagross

Metagross, with its Steel and Psychic-type, has been consistently good across multiple generations. Its ability Clear Body, which prevents its stats from being lowered, is exceptionally useful. Metagross's varied move pool and its Mega Evolution keep it relevant and competitive.

Honorable Mentions:

• Trapinch
• Sableye
• Gardevoir
• Milotic
• Latias
• Dusclops

Number 3: Salamence

Salamence has been a solid performer across generations, both before and after the introduction of its Mega Evolution. The Aerialite ability of Mega Salamence, which turns normal moves into flying moves, made it especially powerful. It won World Championships in both 2018 and 2019.

Number 2 & 1: Groudon and Kyogre

Both Groudon and Kyogre are tied for the top spot. Their dominance in competitive play and versatile use across multiple formats and metas make it impossible to choose between them. Primal Groudon’s desolate land ability neutralizes its water weakness and boosts its fire moves, making it extraordinarily strong. Kyogre, meanwhile, uses its Rain ability to hyper-boost water-type moves such as Water Spout, making it devastatingly effective.

Keywords

• Pokémon Emerald
• Competitive Pokémon
• Hoenn
• Shedinja
• Pelipper
• Latios
• Ludicolo
• Torkoal
• Rayquaza
• Metagross
• Salamence
• Groudon
• Kyogre

FAQ

Q: Why are Groudon and Kyogre tied for first place? A: Groudon and Kyogre are both incredibly dominant in competitive Pokémon and have versatile uses across many formats, making it difficult to rank one above the other.

Q: How does Shedinja perform in competitive settings? A: Shedinja can thrive in specific rule sets that allow powerful restricted Pokémon, acting as an endgame Pokémon immune to many threats once counters are removed.

Q: What makes Pelipper valuable despite its poor stats? A: Pelipper's Drizzle ability sets up rain, significantly enhancing water-type attacks and enabling rain-based team compositions.

Q: Why did Latios fall off in later competitive play? A: The introduction of Fairy-type Pokémon and power creep made Latios less threatening compared to newer Pokémon.

Q: How does Ludicolo benefit from rain teams? A: With Swift Swim, Ludicolo doubles its speed in rain, allowing it to act as an effective sweeper or support Pokémon.

Q: What enhancements made Torkoal competitive? A: Torkoal's Drought ability boosts fire-type moves and weakens water-type moves, making it a key Pokémon for Trick Room teams.

Q: Why is Metagross consistently good in competitive play? A: Its Steel/Psychic typing, combined with the Clear Body ability and versatile move pool, make Metagross a reliable and strong choice.

Q: What about Mega Rayquaza makes it exceptionally powerful? A: Mega Rayquaza doesn't require a Mega Stone, allowing it to hold other items for more offensive capabilities, and its Delta Stream ability negates its weaknesses.

Q: Has Salamence always been competitive? A: Salamence has been a strong performer across multiple generations, especially with its Mega Evolution boosting its viability.

Q: Are Kyogre and Groudon still good in current competitive Pokémon? A: Although currently struggling in the meta due to new Pokémon and mechanics, they are historically among the strongest competitive Pokémon and likely to resurface in future periods.