InPokemon, it is essential to strategize when doing combat with other players or particularly powerful Pokemon. Attacking is vital in order to fell one’s opponent, but ensuring that there is a definite, solid line of defense to back it up helps pave the path to victory. Of course, some Pokemon rank above others interms of defensive abilities,and it’s important to properly balance one’s team in order to maximize the chances of winning.
Adhering to type advantage rules is also essential when choosing one’s blockers, so this list aims to cover thebest defensive Pokemon of every typebased on the Gen 9 Pokedex. These Pokemon are compared based on their max HP, defense, and special defense stats, as well as possible abilities and moves, while excluding legendaries and limited/event Pokemon. So, when choosing blockers based on type advantage, here are two of the best blockers from each of the 18 Pokemon types.
Max HP: 524
Max HP: 714
This delightfully rotund Pokemon is a tough obstacle for opponents to overcome in battle with its max HP of 524 and max special defense of 350. Snorlax is renowned for not only its defense-heavy stats but also its great defensive abilities, like Thick Fat and Immunity as well. Snorlax is a great Pokemon to put on the field when the player needs to inevitably take a hit from the enemy, as not only is it a great blocker, but it can deal a fair bit of damage back to its opponents with its hearty max attack score of 350.
With a fantastic max HP of 714,Blissey is not only a good body blockerbut also a fantastic healer. Blissey has a max special defense of 405, meaning that it ranks among Pokemon like Bastiodon and Zamazenta. This Pokemon specializes in healing with its vast array of restorative moves and abilities like Healer and Natural Cure. If the player is ever in a pinch and needs to restore their attackers, Blissey is undoubtedly the best Pokemon for the job.
Max Def: 394
Max HP: 450
The svelte and graceful Leafeon may not look like much, but it boasts a surprising max defense score of 394. This delicate-looking Pokemon also possesses the Leaf Guard ability, which prevents it from being affected by status moves of any kind when it’s in sunlight; its hidden ability, Chlorophyll, also doubles its speed in such conditions, making it a wonderfully swift defender.
Though Gogoat’s defensive stats reside on the more moderate side of things, other aspects of this Pokemon greatly boost its status as agood defensive Grass-type. Gogoat’s HP hangs out around 400, with the max score being 450; this causes it to rank (stats-wise) above some incredibly powerful Pokemon like Cresselia and Arceus. Gogoat’s hidden ability, Grass Pelt, is part of the reason it can be such a stalwart defender, as it boosts its defense by 50 percent when the move Grassy Terrain is in effect or when simply battling on grass.
Max Def: 515
Max Sp. Def: 399
This tough-shelled Pokemon has a max defense score of 415 and a set of really helpful abilities to accompany it. Forretrss has its name for a reason - its defenses are practically impenetrable with abilities like Sturdy and Overcoat, which seem a bit like overkill when this Pokemon can know moves like Iron Defense and Protect.
Araquanid has a max special defense score of 399, a max defense score of 311, and a max HP score of 340, making it a very well-rounded defensive Pokemon. Its Water Bubble ability makes it fantastic against Fire-type Pokemon, as it halves the damage of Fire-type moves and prevents Araquanid from being burned.
Max Def: 416
Max HP: 424
Torkoal is anexcellent defensive Fire-typewith its max defense score of 416, but things don’t even come close to stopping there. Torkoal is a defensive powerhouse with its abilities White Smoke and Shell Armor, preventing opponents from not only inflicting status effects but landing critical hits, too. On top of this, Torkoal can learn moves such as Withdraw, Protect, and Iron Defense.
With a max defense score of 372 and a max HP of 424, Coalossal is a hefty force to place on the battlefield. It has abilities such as Flame Body and Flash Fire, which effectively make it immune to other Fire-type Pokemon. It can also have the Steam Engine ability, which boosts its speed every time it’s attacked with Water or Fire-type moves.
Max Def: 361
Max HP: 454
Magnezone is a very well-roundedElectric-type Pokemon,as it’s a good defender and a great attacker. Magnezone can have the Sturdy ability (which is fantastic to have in a pinch), though it may not even be needed with its high max defense score of 361 and its max special defense score of 306. Magnezone has the potential to learn moves such as Mirror Coat, Light Screen, and Protect, which add to its already tough defenses.
Lanturn is a bit squishier than Magnezone, but its max HP of 454 combines wonderfully with abilities like Volt Absorb and Water Absorb. It can learn Stockpile upon evolution as well as moves like Aqua Ring, Protect, and Endure if the player possesses the proper TMs. Lanturn can also have Mist as an egg move, which prevents its stats - and ally stats - from being lowered while in effect.
Max Def: 504
Max Sp. Def: 383
Cloyster is no joke when it comes to defense, having a max defense stat of 504. Cloyster is famously a defensive Pokemon with the potential to have abilities like Shell Armor and Overcoat. It can learn Iron Defense, Protect, and Withdraw among other defensive moves, and Cloyster can certainly hit back with its max attack of 317.
Milotic isa beautiful Pokemonwith an even more beautiful max special defense of 383. Milotic can have abilities like Marvel Scale and Cute Charm, both of which have the ability to prevent lots of potential damage. It can also learn moves like Safeguard, Recover, and Life Dew, which are some very useful tools when facing tough opponents in battle.
Max Def: 513
Max HP: 544
Avalugg looks just like a glacier and is as tough as one, too. It has a max defense score of 513, ultimately making itthe toughest Pokemonin the Pokedex aside from Regirock. It can have Sturdy as an ability as well as Ice Body, and its Hisuian form can have Strong Jaw, which greatly boosts the power of any move involving biting. Harden, Iron Defense, and Wide Guard are all in its natural move set.
Cetitan has a max HP of 544 and the Thick Fat ability, making it a great play for defense. Cetitan can learn Charm, Endure, and Protect with TMs and has the potential to deal massive damage with its max attack stat of 357 and moves like Heavy Slam (which is further boosted by the Pokemon’s impressive weight).
Max Def: 339
When it comes to defensive Flying-types, Skarmory is the obvious choice. It has a high max defense stat of 416 and a wide array of defensive moves to go with it. Skarmory can naturally learn Iron Defense and can learn moves like Protect and Endure through TMs. Skarmory can have either Sturdy or Keen Eye as its ability, both of which can be great assets in combat.
Altaria is a gentlre, poofy coud of a Pokemon that has a max special defense stat of 339, which may not seem like much until it’s paired with its move set. Safeguard, Mist, and Cotton Guard are all in its natural move set alongside Perish Song, which means that Altaria can use that move and then defend and wait it out for three turns until its opponent faints.
Max Sp. Def: 438
With a whopping max special defense score of 438, Goodra undoubtedly takes the cake when it comes todefensive Dragon-types. Its Hydration ability cures it of all status effects when battling in the rain, and its hidden ability, Gooey, lowers the speed of opponents when they make physical contact with Goodra. This adorable, purple slug-like Pokemon only gets better with its Hisuian form, as it can have the Shell Armor ability to match its gigantic snail shell.
Archaludon’s max defense score stands at a mighty 394, though its abilities make this Pokemon even more fantastic for defense. It can have Sturdy, which is always helpful, but it can also have Stamina, which further raises this Pokemon’s defense every time it’s hit by an attack. Archaludon may be a strange-looking Pokemon, but it’s incredible use as a defender definitely makes up for that.
Max Def: 383
Sharing its max defense score of 394 with Archaludon, Golem is a heftyGround-type obstacleto place in the path of opponents. This Pokemon can use recoil moves without a care in the world, as its Rock Head ability prevents it from taking any such damage. Golem can sit there and take hits all while dealing damage back with a hefty max attack score of 372.
Sandaconda has a remarkable max defense score of 383 and the potential to be a deadly blocker. In sandstorms, Sandaconda’s abilities are boosted thanks to its Sand Spit ability coupled with its hidden ability, Sand Veil. Sandaconda becomes an incredibly evasive Pokemon in these conditions and has the ability to strike back hard with its max attack of 344.
