Ground-typePokemonare some of the strongest offensive Pokemon in the game. Fire, Electric, Poison, Rock and Steel Trainers will be trembling in their boots at the mere mention of the 100 Power, 100 Accuracy Ground-type move, Earthquake.
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Unfortunately, pure Ground-type Pokemon are a rarity - in 8 generations, only 17 Pokemon are pure Ground-type. Many Ground-type Pokémon are dual Rock types, lumbering them with 4x Grass andWaterdisadvantages. But what pure Ground-type Pokemon is the best?
17Phanpy
Whilst it may be one of the cutest Ground-type Pokemon, Phanpy’s poor… everything, means it’s also one of the weakest. Of course, this rankings list takes everything into account, including base stats, impact on the franchise and all-round cute appeal. But Phanpy is, regrettably, just wholly unforgettable.
16Groudon
Players might be surprised to find the Ground-typeLegendaryof Pokemon Ruby this far down on the list. For a creature known as the ‘Continent Pokémon’ that raised lands and expanded continents, this pure Ground-type titan falls victim to the common curse of Ground-type Pokemon - a weakness to Water-type moves.
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Legends tell of its many clashes against Kyogre, as each sought to gain the power of nature. But Kyogre is a Water-type Pokemon, so one Surf should be enough to end things once and for all.
15Trapinch
Trapinch is the only pure Ground-type Pokemon, bar Groudon, to appear in Generation 3. Whilst Trapnich can pack a hefty punch with a base 100 Attack stat, the rest of its stats are abysmal, leaving Trainers with much to be desired. It’s worth keeping around for its Dragon/Groundevolution linethough.
14Sandslash
Sandslash is the evolution of the very first ground-type Pokemon to be registered in theKantonian Pokedex- Sandshrew. Whilst it’s true that Sandslash has decent Attack and Defense, the step down in design quality from the adorableness that is Sandshrew has left some players feeling disappointed over the past 25 years. Alolan Sandslash is a different story entirely, but unfortunately, it won’t be included on this list due to it being Ice/Steel typing.
13Donphan
This Ground-type Generation 2 Pokemon is well-known for playing a part onAsh’s Johto team. Whilst it’s prevolution, Phanpy, struggles with finding a place on a team, Donphan is a solid choice for a Ground-type tank with a base Defense stat of 120. Unfortunately, it’s let down by its 60 base Special Defence.
However, it’s not all bad news for this tough elephant line. If Trainers want to take the time to breed a competitively viable Donphan or Phanpy, it can learn Ice Shard as an egg move. Ground-type Pokemon are x2 weak to Ice moves, meaning it can be a devastating attack for other Ground-type opponents.
12Drilbur
This Mole Pokemon was introduced to Trainers in PokemonBlack and White. It’s friendly little face and big grin was enough to instantly win over the hearts of many players. It’s evolution, Excadrill, is a Ground/Steel type Pokemon that is a staple of many Generation 5 teams thanks to its high Attack stats. Unfortunately, Drilbur just isn’t as powerful as its evolution, meaning it takes a lower place on the pure Ground ranking list.
11Silicobra
Silicobra is the first stage of evolution of the Sandaconda line. This sand-covered snake was introduced in Generation 8 - the controversial Sword and Shield games.
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With total base stats of 315, Silicobra isn’t one of the strongest Ground-type Pokemon Trainers can have on their team. But with a face like that, who could resist? Silllicobra spews sand from its nostrils and burrows into the ground whilst the enemy is blinded to hide, which is certainly a strong defensive tactic.
10Hippowdon
Hippowdon is a Ground-type Pokémon introduced in Generation 4 and, more importantly, the very first hippo-themed Pokémon in the franchise. Known as the Heavyweight Pokemon, Hippowdon’s Pokedex entry says its mouth has enough power to completely crush a car. With this in mind, it’s no surprise that this monster has a huge attack base stat. Unfortunately, it just isn’t as cute as its prevolution, Hippopotas.
9Mudbray
This Ground-type Pokemon is known as the Donkey Pokemon and is strangely adorable. Sadly, Mudbray was over-hunted and can now only be found in the wild on the islands of Alola. Whilst that calls into question the morality of catching one for a Pokedex, it’s adorable nonetheless.
8Diglett
This speedy mound of dirt has captured the hearts of trainers sinceGeneration 1. Whilst it may have one of the lowest base HP stats inKanto, this Ground-type Mole Pokemon has an air of mystery to it. What lies below the surface? Nobody knows…
