Johto is home to some fantastic beasts, with some of the gen 2 Pokémon being among the very best that the franchise has to offer. In this list, we're celebrating those who help the region stand tall above the rest, but it's not all powerhouses here; we're just as appreciative of vibes and cuteness.
If you want to discover the shining stars from other generations, our Pokédex has an entry for every single creature in the franchise. We tell you absolutely everything you need to know about them, from moves to evolutions.
Here are the best gen 2 Pokémon:
Furret
Adorable. That's it. Just one word can summarize why Furret is on our list of the best gen 2 Pokémon. Not every 'mon needs to be a powerhouse to be memorable; even with more than 1,000 Pokémon in the franchise now, I'll still say that Furret is in the top ten for cuteness. No, it's not going to help you win the Pokémon League, but just look at those ears, the pointy ears, and that lovely little smile. One look at this furry face, and you'll forget your woes at losing any battle.
In the Pokédex, Furret is number 162, evolving from Sentret at level 15. To ensure it has a bit of solitude, Furret creates nests that suit its long body, making it impossible for other creatures to enter it. An adorable fact about Furret is that the moms of the species curl their bodies around their young to get them to sleep. Now, please excuse me while I search for a Furret plush to snuggle with.
Umbreon/Espeon
Eevee has many evolutions, two of which debut in generation two, and while Jolteon, Vaporeon, and Flareon represent elements, Umbreon and Espeon are night and day, which is one of the many reasons why Umbreon is the best Eevee evolution. Not only are these two 'mon formidable in battle, but the way in which you evolve them is great.
You need to build up your friendship with Eevee to the point where it loves you. Then, when you next level it up at night, it can evolve into Umbreon. Alternatively, you can repeat this process during the day if it's Espeon that you're after. Either way, you get a fantastic addition to your team, but my numerous Umbreon funkos and figures say you should get the dark-type.
However, I must caution you: Umbreon is prone to getting annoyed, and it's known to emit poison from its pores when angry and fire it at your eyes. So if, like me, you love the dark side of Eevee, make sure it never directs your anger at you. Espeon, meanwhile, is an incredibly loyal creature, though it must deem its trainer worthy to display their loyalty and affection.
Snubbull
No, Snubbull isn't going to win you many battles, especially if it comes against the other players on this list, but we love the little guy regardless. Just look at this 'mon. It has a cute design, trying to look intimidating with a grumpy look when all we do is look at those two teeth and go 'aww.'
While Snubbull isn't anything to write home about, it does evolve into one of the best dog Pokémon in the entire franchise. Truly, Granbull's bark is just as bad as its bite. Come to think of it, Granbull kind of reminds me of Spike from Tom and Jerry, while Snubbull is undoubtedly Tyke.
Crobat
Even all these years later, Crobat remains one of the best evolutions to arrive in a later generation than the Pokémon it evolves from. As the name suggests, Golbat is the creature that turns into Crobat, making it a three 'mon evolution line from generation two onwards. Honestly, Crobat can be a beast with the right moveset, having access to grass-, poison-, flying-, and psychic-type moves. Plus, there's no denying how good its design is, reversing the purple and blue color scheme of Zubat and Golbat.
I also like that it's one of the first 'mon to rely on friendship to evolve. What can I say, I just love forming those special bonds with my pals - only when they become a bit of a badass as a result, though.
Houndoom
By far one of the best dogs in the entire franchise, Houndoom is one of the most intimidating gen 2 Pokémon you can encounter, making it a popular choice among Gold, Silver, and Crystal players. Its design is fantastic, giving it a 'dog from hell' vibe that I love, and that little skull-like pendant on its chest is a nice touch, as is its devil tail. Plus, Houndoom doubles as both a fire- and dark-type, giving it access to some powerful moves.
Beyond having an awesome appearance and being a dual-type, Houndoom has the stats to back it up in battle, namely its special attack stat at 110, with the potential to reach 178 at level 50 and 350 at level 100. Other than that, its 95 base speed stat is something to take note of, giving Houndoom a good shot at being the first one to strike.
Tyranitar
This pseudo-legendary Pokémon is an absolute beast, and frankly, we suggest all trainers in the Johto region go out of their way to get their hands on this hybrid dark and rock-type. However, it does take considerable work, given that you need to reach level 55 with Pupitar, the second stage of Larvitar. If we ever get to revisit Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal on the Switch, we're certain this big boi is a shoo-in for competitive play.
As you might expect from such a beast, Tyranitar is a hard-hitter with its 134 attack stat, with the potential to reach 403 at level 100. Unsurprisingly, its defense stat is high as well, at 110, with the ability to reach 350 at the max level.
Slowking
Look at this Pokémon. Slowking nailed the evolution to Slowbro, elevating that line of 'mon to impressive heights. While Slowking is a force to be reckoned with in battle, making it more than worth the effort to get one, the real reason I love it so much is the Pokémon 2000 movie, of which it's one of the stars. Anytime I look at Slowbro, I feel a wave of Nostalgia wash over me, and now I need to watch the best Pokémon movie for the hundredth time.
Politoed
Not only does Pokémon Gold and Silver introduce new evolutions for the likes of Golbat, Seadra, and Slowbro, but it's also the first generation to feature alternate evolutions for 'mon besides Eevee. If you feel more like a happy-go-lucky toad and not so wrathful, you can evolve Poliwhirl into Politoed instead of Poliwrath. This is something you might want to consider, as Politoed is one of the best water Pokémon in the Johto region, and it just oozes happiness.
As Politoed is one of the two possible Poliwhirl evolutions, it's a good idea to read up on the evolution stipulations for both Politoed and Poliwrath so you can get the creature you want the most.
Kingdra
This is the perfect example of a new evolution for an existing Pokémon, and it occurs in the second generation - what a treat. Kingdra is undeniably one of the best water Pokémon in the Johto region. Not only that, but Kingdra is also partly a dragon Pokémon in subsequent appearances, which only adds to its prowess in battle. Plus, just look at it. This creature is clearly a regal badass.
Miltank
Miltank is the champion of generation two Pokémon, and yes, this is our hill, and the Pocket Tactics crew intends to defend it till the bitter end. Miltank is a normal Pokémon, and while this is usually boring, Miltank actually hits like a freight train. The only thing that lets this second-generation Pokémon down is the fact that it doesn't have an evolution. Oh, what could be, if only Game Freak would bring this 'mon back with a vengeance.
Scizor
We're big fans of the Scyther evolution line at PT. Just look at Scizor, this fearless steel Pokémon can cause all sorts of problems on the battlefield, thanks to an attack stat that's a cause of jealousy for other creatures. Let's not forget its mega evolution either, as Mega Scizor is even more deadly than its standard form.
Scyther set the bar high in Kanto as a non-evolutionary 'mon. It's perfect, so why mess with perfection? Well, Scizor is proof that you can still build upon seemingly perfect designs.
Togepi
It's just a baby. Look at Togepi, what a precious little creature that we all must protect as if our lives depend on it. As a baby Pokémon, it's foolish to think that it's going to set the world on fire in battle, though, in future generations, it does evolve into Togetic, then Togekiss, the latter of which is one of the best fairy-types in the entire franchise.
However, Togepi remains one of the best gen 2 Pokémon for a very simple reason: it's cute. We don't need any reason other than that to show this precious little egg some love. According to its various Pokédex entries, Togepi is a kind soul who will share good luck with individuals when they treat it with kindness. It's a joyous creature that wants to spread love and positivity.
Wobbuffet
Just look at this lad. What's not to like? We love the design, and not knowing whether the blue blob is the actual Pokémon or whether the black tail is actually the beast, a bit like Mimikyu wearing a costume - it's fun to ponder on. As a psychic Pokémon, Wobbuffet can be a menace in battles unless it encounters a creature like Umbreon.
If you need a tank, Wobbuffet is a fine choice thanks to its hefty 190 HP stat, though that is where the impressive attributes end, courtesy of not being a fast mover or heavy hitter. Still, we can't help but hold a special place in our hearts for Wobbuffet, possibly because of Jessie's in the anime.
Delibird
Come on. Who doesn't love Delibird? This gen 2 Pokémon is one of the first ice-types, though it admittedly has little in the way of stats in comparison to its fellow snow dwellers. Battle prowess isn't why we love Delibird, though. Look at the smile on its face, the way it waves, and its incredibly giving nature.
Delibird is known to help humans stranded in the mountains by giving them food, and that makes it a precious creature that we must protect at all costs. It can't fight as well as others, but honestly, we'll do the fighting for it.
Unown
Some trainers mistake Unown for creatures from Kanto, but they're actually gen 2 Pokémon, and while there's nothing special about them in battle, they're one of the more unique 'mon across the entire series. There are 28 different forms; 26 are based on the Latin alphabet, while the final two are an exclamation mark and a question mark.
It's the mystery surrounding Unown that makes them one of the better Pokémon in Johto, especially as they appear on ancient hieroglyphs, and considering the Unown are different letters, the chances are that it's a message. However, it's unclear whether the message or the Pokémon arrived first - kind of like the chicken and the egg.
Flaaffy
Flaaffy is cute, but it packs a serious punch. While it's reliable in a battle, its evolution, Ampharos, is who you want if you're after an electric-type. Regardless, Flaaffy holds a special place in the hearts of many trainers with its pink design and white wool mane.
One of the reasons many people want a Flaaffy is that there's one in the third Pokémon movie - Spell of the Unown: Entei. It's one of the illusory Pokémon on Molly Hale's team, though her imagination makes it more powerful than a Flaaffy typically is - so, when you watch the movie, don't let it fool you into thinking that Flaffy is all you need to beat any opponent.
Pichu
I love Pikachu and Raichu, truly. I didn't see the need for them to get another addition - boy, was I wrong. Pichu is one of the most adorable Pokémon in the entire franchise, not just the gen 2 Pokémon games. Pichu comes in as the new first stage for the evolution line, turning into Pikachu.
Just look at this little cutie; those big brown eyes, adorable pointy ears, cute little body, and that tiny black tail. I have nothing but love and adoration for Pichu - it just might be my favorite baby Pokémon in the franchise.
How many new Pokémon are in Johto?
The second generation introduced 100 new Pokémon, bringing the total Pokémon count to 251 between the first and second generations.
How many legendaries are there in Gen 2?
There are five legendary Gen 2 Pokémon, including the three legendary beasts and the tower duo. More specifically, the beasts are Raikou, Suicine, and Entei, the latter of which is important to the story for the third Pokémon movie. The tower duo, meanwhile, are Lugi and Ho-Oh.
Lugia is one of the main Pokémon in Pokémon 2000, which remains the best movie in the franchise if you ask us. Ho-Oh is believed to be the Pokémon that Ash sees when he starts his adventure in the anime.
How many mythical gen 2 Pokémon are there?
Just like in Kanto, Johto is home to just one mythical Pokémon, and it's Celebi, so it's a pretty awesome one to boast about.