Gen 6 Pokémon live in the Kalos region, and it's the first place in which you encounter the fairy-type, so you can be sure that there are some great Pokémon on this list. However, you shouldn't expect to see any legendary, mythical, or starter Pokémon here; instead, we're shining a light on some of the Pokémon you might not immediately think of.
To learn more about every creature across all of the generations, make sure you check out our complete Pokédex guide. Yes, it has entries for more than 1,000 creatures.
Here are the best gen 6 Pokémon:
Florges
Florges is the first full-evolved fairy Pokémon most of those playing X and Y will come across and might also be the first 'mon they see moonblast a dragon into early extinction. With a quant flower-inspired design, this flower Pokémon is surprisingly tough and resilient, boasting one of the highest special defense stats you can find across the entire 900+ roster of Pokémon (maybe check out our fairy Pokémon weakness guide to see how you can beat it).
In the Pokédex, Florges is number 671, evolving from Floette who clocks in at 670, though the evolution line starts with Flabebe at number 669. Florges is known to claim huge and exquisite flower gardens as its own, obtaining its power from the surrounding plants. Interestingly, history dictates that Florges used to defend a castle hundreds of years ago, even creating the gardens found within it.
We won't mention how Flogres' primary form, Flabebe, is instrumental in the plot of X and Y because, well, it's not that interesting. Fortunately, Florges makes up for all of this, so make sure you read our Floette evolution guide to learn how to get Florges.
Aegislash
Talk about an iconic design, gen 6 Pokémon Aegislash is both visually appealing and a sure-fire way to annoy some opponents in online battles. With a unique ability to shift forms depending on whether you need to defend or attack, and a ghost Pokémon and steel Pokémon hybrid typing that allows access to an incredible movepool, it's no wonder that Aegislash is still a relevant meta threat almost three generations later, and we can't see that changing any time soon.
Pangoro
Who doesn't love a panda? The size and ferociousness of Pangoro might make it a little harder to love, sure, but it's still a panda, and one that you can't accuse of laziness through its potent battle potential. With a hybrid dark Pokémon and fighting Pokémon typing, Pangoro is the perfect pick for facing any team that has a couple of psychic or ghost types, easily wiping the floor with any old Gengar or Alakazam. Just remember that while the likes of Gardevior are weak to Pangoro due to being part psychic, Pangoro is weak to her as she's also a fairy-type. It's just something to bear in mind.
Oh, and one more thing: Pangoro hates bullies. Yeah, even though this panda can be quick to anger itself, it doesn't tolerate bullying of any form. What a swell 'mon, standing up for the little guy. If you want one on your team though, you do need to be willing to put up your fists, though, so yeah, good luck with that.
Tyrantrum
Continuing the tradition of incredibly powerful fossil Pokémon, Tyrantrum is a defensive tank with enough attacking prowess to sweep through a team after a couple of dragon dances. It is a bit of a glass cannon too, with an aversion to any water or grass-type special attackers, but providing you can manage a couple of switches to keep your enemy guessing, as one of the best rock Pokémon, Tyrantrum is worth including in any gen six team. Just remember to learn what the rock Pokémon weakness is in case you come up against one.
Sylveon
The new fairy typing arrived alongside a new Eevee evolution, with Sylveon making its debut in gen six. As is the way with cute Pokémon, countless of you fell in love with Sylveon when evolving your Eevee into it, and we can hardly blame you. Better still, with one of the highest special attack stats across the roster of gen six Pokémon, Sylveon isn't just a pretty face, and its inclusion in Pokémon Unite goes to show how popular this pink Pokémon is.
I have to admit, I rather admire Sylveon; it uses its ribbons to essentially walk hand in hand with its trainer but uses them to calm their opponents so their guard is down. Sylveon has this whole naughty and nice thing down to a tee, and I'm here for it.
Hawlucha
Only certain Pokémon are lucky enough to end up on Ash Ketchum's team alongside his iconic Pikachu, and the bird Pokémon Hawlucha is one of them. This flying Pokémon and fighting-type takes influence from the colorful world of Mexican wrestling, with a mask like Rey Mysterio arching over its beak. Its typing means you can take out any other fighting-type threats easily enough, and access to tailwind in later generations made Hawlucha a speed sweeper of the highest regard.
Goodra
Ok, so some people don't like my gooey boy, and that's fine, but you can't take away from the fact that Goodra is a bit of a beast in battle. This pseudo-legendary dragon Pokémon turns the classic attack-orientated formula on its head, instead making Goodra a special defense tank with access to some surprisingly potent attacks that might turn the tables of a difficult battle.
While its battle prowess is one of the reasons I consider Goodra to be a top-tier gen 6 Pokémon, it's also because this is the friendliest dragon you'll ever meet. Goodra is known to give its trainer great, big, slimy hugs, and if you can't deal with that, you don't deserve such a precious pal. This creature hates to be alone, so do prepare yourself for a certain level of clinginess.
Malamar
Pokémon isn't scared of using some pretty convoluted methods to make you evolve your monsters, but few are more mind-bending than that of Malamar. As our how to evolve Inkay guide points out, to make a Malamar, you don't need to break a few eggs, but you do need to turn your console upside down at level 30 or higher (one of the more unusual evolution methods, we must admit). It's worth it, though, as, despite Malamar's average stat distribution, its dark and psychic Pokémon hybrid typing makes it difficult to take down in a battle with access to plenty of irritating special moves.
The design of Malamar is also on point, resembling an upside-down squid, which is a nice nod to the aforementioned evolution method. Plus, it constantly looks annoyed, with those beady little eyes permanently narrowed - it's giving a certain energy that everyone can relate to at times.
Talonflame
The route one flying-type tradition in Pokémon goes back to the heady days of Red and Blue, but in generation six, Game Freak lit a flame underneath its early bird. The final evolution of the route one flying-type this time around is Talonflame, a flying and fire Pokémon hybrid with one of the highest speed stats across the gen 6 Pokémon roster.
Talonflame was such a monster in the online meta, with its gale wings ability prioritizing a first-turn brave bird into any unsuspecting target, that at one point, it was included in the top tier rankings for not only generation six but generation seven, too. if that doesn't tell you how powerful this bird is, we don't know what will.
Stats-wise, it's speed that Talonflame exceeds in, with a 126 base stat that can reach 386 at level 100. In fact, this bird is so fast that it can achieve speeds of 310mph, giving its prey no chance when it's on the hunt.
Avalugg
Talk about a tank. Avalugg has one of the best defense stats across the entire franchise, with a mammoth 184. Not only that, but its attack stat is 117, meaning it can also dish out some serious damage. However, there is one major drawback: Avalugg's speed stat is exceedingly low, clocking in at 28, but for the impressive defense and decent damage output, this is a fair trade.
Another thing we love about Avalugg is that it evolves from Bergmite, an adorable blob of ice that we can't help but love. Just look at those teeny tiny legs and inquisitive eyes. Plus, unlike 'mon such as Joltik, it's worth evolving it, as while Bergmite is as useful as you expect a stage one 'mon to be, we all know how good Avalugg is with that hefty defense stat. Actually, to be fair, with a defense stat of 85, Bergmite does have better defenses than the likes of Beartic.
According to its Pokédex entry, Avalugg's body is as tough as steel (hence the tanky defense), and it crushes anything unfortunate enough to stand in its way.
Trevenant
Trevenant might not be the first monster you think about when discussing gen 6 Pokémon, but its design is awesome enough to warrant it a place on this list. A spooky tree come to life is something straight out of a B-list horror movie, and I'm here for it. Stats-wise, it boasts a respectable 110 attack, but it's not setting the world on fire anywhere else, particularly in the speed department with just 56. However, to be fair to Trevenant, fires are things it ought to avoid unless it wants to go up in flames.
If you decide to wander through the forest, make sure you give nature the respect it deserves, for Trevenant will punish you greatly if you don't. Seriously, it's not beyond trapping you in the woods for an eternity, it might even devour someone foolish enough to cut down the trees. To the creatures that call the forest home, Trevenant is extremely caring - what a good ghost. It's certainly nicer than the likes of Banette and Drifblim; one is a vengeful spirit with abandonment issues, while the other kidnaps kids.
Dedenne
Beating the Pokémon League isn't everything; it's nice to win some ribbons, too, and that's why you need a 'mon like Dedenne. No, it can't stand against the ferocious creatures of the Elite Four, but it's so adorable that you can win some other competitions with it. Truthfully, thanks to its whiskers and adorable little tooth, we think this rodent is cuter than Pikachu.
While we don't recommend you have Dedenne in your final team, it's not a lost cause in battle, boasting a respectable 101 speed stat, helping it to land the first hit, which can make a huge difference in a fight. Plus, its special attack sits at 81, so it can cause some good electric damage.
How many new Pokémon are in gen 6?
The sixth generation introduced 72 new Pokémon, bringing the total Pokémon between generation one and generation six to 721. Of course, that number has since increased to more than 1,000, and it'll rise again when the next generation arrives.
How many legendary gen 6 Pokémon are there?
There are just three legendary gen 6 Pokémon: Xerneas, Yveltal, and Zygarde, and together, they make up the aura trio. Yeah, there aren't birds or beasts for you to track down in Kalos, which may be a little disappointing for some trainers. Tracking down legendary 'mon is one of the best things to do as a trainer, after all.
How many mythical gen 6 Pokémon are there?
There are three mythical gen 6 Pokémon: Diancie, Hoopa, and Volcanion. As far as mythical go, that's a pretty good diversity, and you honestly don't lose with any of them. Generation six is also the only gen so far to introduce three new mythical, though this isn't the most to receive an introduction in one go.
What is the gen 6 Pokémon region?
The gen 6 Pokémon region is Kalos, a lovely place that takes inspiration from France. 'Beauty' is at the front and centre of Pokémon X and Y, and so the development team felt that the European country is a good fit. To be fair, one look at Lumiose City, and you can see the Parisian influence.
When did the gen 6 Pokémon games come out?
The gen 6 Pokémon games, X and Y, were released worldwide on October 12, 2013. However, Alpha Sapphire and Omega Ruby also fall under this generation, though they are remakes of the 2002 generation three games, and they came out on November 21, 2014.
What is the gen 6 Pokémon region?
The gen 6 Pokémon games take place in the Kalos region, and as you can see from our list, it's full of fantastic creatures that rightly deserve their place in the hearts of trainers worldwide.