Best Hisuian Pokémon ranked – including three VERY ugly changes

POKÉMON Legends: Arceus changed the battle system completely and brought with it a number of new Pokémon and regional forms.

There are 18 new forms of existing Pokémon, and seven ‘mons made exclusively for the game.

Check out our list below to find out which are the best Hisuian Pokémon in Legends: Arceus.

25. Enamorus

In a rare misstep for Pokémon’s designers, Enamorus is one of the ugliest Pokémon designs I have ever set my eyes on.

The original Forces of Nature all turn into birds in their alternate Therian formes, but Big-Bird chic is too good for Enamorus.

Instead, she turns into a giant snapping turtle, which might be even more off putting than her regular form. As if that was possible.

24 & 23. Sneasel and Sneasler

While Sneasel’s new design is sort of interesting, we already have a Poison/Fighting type in Legends: Arceus in the form of Croagunk.

Aside from being quad weak to Psychic, Hisuian Sneasel is really let down by the look of its evolution, Sneasler.

While it’s helpful for getting around, Sneasler looks like a sassy, teen who doesn’t want to be told what to do. Get over it.

22 & 21. Origin Dialga and Palkia

As legendary Pokémon go, Dialga and Palkia are not the worst.

However, their new Origin forms for Legends: Arceus leave quite a bit to be desired. 

I can see what they tried to do by incorporating parts of Arceus’ design with these Gen four legends but they just look like weird horses.

20. Samurott

Players were excited when their traditional starters ended up as a whole different Pokémon in its final stages.

Gaining Dark type seems fun but it was already done with the much cooler Froakie evolution, Greninja.

Not a bad Pokémon by any means, but Hisui has delivered some very groovy designs.

19. Ursaluna

The Hisuian evolutions can be tricky to figure out, and trying to get Ursaluna from Ursaring is one of the more difficult puzzles.

Despite being a ride Pokémon, it was one of the less used ones due to its low speed and inability to conquer the smallest crag.

Ursaring is also a powerhouse of a Pokémon which didn’t really need an evolution.

18. Avalugg

Hisuian Avalugg gains the Rock type which sounds like a good idea until you realise it makes it 4x weak to Steel and Fighting type moves.

It’s still an impressive ‘mon and really shines as one of the Noble Pokémon battles.

As cool as the design is, it is sadly a Pokémon which would never be able to safely join your team.

17. Liligant

Like Avalugg, Liligant gains a new type – Fighting – though it gives this ‘mon strengths and weaknesses in seemingly equal measure.

However, the community is divided on whether it prefers the slim Hisuian form over its original bulb look.

It can be a particularly tricky Noble fight though, but one that’s fun to beat.

16 & 15. Sliggoo and Goodra

You can’t really call Kalosian Sliggoo and Goodra slugs, but Hisui makes it very clear they are meant to be snails.

While Goodra’s drippy form is a little unsettling, Sliggoo peeking out from its shell is too adorable to ignore.

Dragon/Steel is also a very powerful type for those unfortunate enough to face it.

14. Decidueye

Oshawott’s final form was disappointing, and Hisuian Decidueye was all style and no substance.

While the look gives a very interesting feudal Japan style, and the colour scheme is cool, it’s let down by the Grass/Fighting typing.

Ghost is such a good type and I’m sure I’m not the only one who was disappointed to not have my ghostly archer.

13 & 12. Growlithe and Arcanine

People were really taken with the new designs of Growlithe and Arcanine, especially the cutesy bowl cut.

They’re definitely fans of Arcanine as a big proud pupper, but the Fire/Rock typing is less than ideal in battle.

You can love your fiery son, just don’t let him ever see battle.

11. Braviary

Psychic/Flying is a very cool type that definitely needed more birds to join the roster.

While the big neon pink edition on Braviary’s head is a nice touch, the rest of the design is not that different from his original design.

Thanks for flying us around, I just wish you didn’t ever so slowly sink.

10. Kleavor

Scyther probably didn’t need another awesome evolution, but Kleavor has definitely delivered.

It has beastly attack and speed, and the ability Sheer Force which gives moves with a secondary effect a 30% boost.

This Stoneage Scizor is a force to be reckoned with.

9. Wyrdeer

Wake up, babe, new Girafirig just dropped, and it’s Stantler’s long-awaited evolution.

Not only does Wyrdeer allow you to prance around Hisui with ease, but it brings the usefulness back to an old favourite.

It also has Grandpa’s face which is a nice touch.

8 & 7. Qwilfish and Overqwil

Another classic Pokémon that was in desperate need of an evolution, Overqwil is not only the perfect name but a great addition to the line.

Hisui may be a little overrun with poison types, but its design is perfect for the Poison/Dark mix.

He’s a big, squishy, spiky boy that deserves all the love he gets.

6. Basculegion

I believed the Basculin was possibly the worst Pokémon ever designed. Just another fish in a game overrun with them.

But Basculegion gives Basculin a life, a purpose, and it even does sick jumps.

I might be a little too into Ghost types, but Water/Ghost is such an underused type.

5. Typhlosion

You’ve added Ghost type you say? Absolute perfection. No notes.

It’s not just the Ghostly vibes that drew me to Hisuian Typhlosion, but also its sweet little derpy face.

Cyndaquil was always a fan favourite choice out of the fire starters but this Typhlosion pushed it over into must choose territory.

4 & 3. Voltorb and Electrode

Aside from the new designs – which are adorable with their big, puppy dog eyes – Hisuian Voltorb and Electrode are just better than their Kantonian counterparts.

People may point to Trubbish or Klefki as on-the-nose Pokémon designs, but that all started with these balls.

Grass/Electric is such a unique type that perfectly fits the design. They even have a little unexpected steam hole.

1 & 2. Zorua and Zoroark

From the moment they floated into the trailer, the Hisuian designs of Zorua and Zoroark breathed new life into these underused ‘mons.

The spooky, ethereal hair flowing into the wind, and the colours blending together give a creepy cute vibe.

A Pokémon you want to take home, only to find it has spirited you away.
Written by Georgina Young on behalf of GLHF.