Gen 8 Pokémon reside in the Galar region, and it's fair to say that Game Freak did a great job with the British influence in the Pokémon designs. There's a football-loving rabbit, a drum-playing gorilla, an apple pie dragon, and a god-awful, lanky spy lizard-type thing. However, those three aren't here, one because it's just bad, and the other two because starters and their evolutions are exempt from this list. So, let's look at the Galar Pokémon we love.
For more best-of-the-generation picks, check out our lists of gen 1 Pokémon, gen 2 Pokémon, gen 3 Pokémon, gen 4 Pokémon, gen 5 Pokémon, gen 6 Pokémon, gen 7 Pokémon, gen 9 Pokémon. That's right, we have rankings for each generation.
Here are the best gen eight Pokémon:
Appletun
Remember, I mentioned that apple pie? Well, it's Appletun, the peculiar dragon and apple crossover with its customary helmet. Sure, it's one of the few flightless dragon Pokémon in the franchise's long history, but it makes up for that with species-unique typing of grass and dragon, as well as its generous all-around stats (except for speed, but look at the thing, do you really expect it to run?).
In the Pokédex, Appletun comes in at number 842, requiring you to get Applin a sweet apple to get this dragon on your team. As its appearance may indicate, Appletun has quite a sweet aroma, luring in various creatures, which it soon turns into its prey. Mostly it feeds on sweet apples, but small bug Pokémon who get too close are also on the menu.
Barraskewda
Barreskewda belongs to that classic category of Pokémon that don't look nearly as threatening as they are. With incredible attack and speed stats, access to the swift swim ability that doubles speed in the rain, and a surprisingly diverse movepool, Barraskewda is a competitive beast who makes up in ability for what they lack in imaginative design.
Claiming the number 847 spot in the Pokédex, Barraskewda evolves from Arrokuda when it reaches level 26. The fierce-looking creature has a jaw as sharp as a spear, causing maximum damage when it charges into its prey and traveling at more than 100 knots.
Obstagoon
I've long loved Linoone, never once feeling like the ferocious fella needed an evolution, then the gen 8 Pokémon games arrived, introducing Obstagoon, and I realized that yes, I needed this all along. The mafioso-looking badger-mon with a new dark Pokémon typing and some incredibly sharp claws to slash away with just ascends Linoone to new heights. Better still, Obstagoon's shiny alternative is a wash of white, blue, and pink, and is one of the most exciting palette swaps across the entire roster of 1,000+ Pokémon.
Obstagoon is a fearsome foe, and while we advocate making it a member of your team, we still need to point you in the direction of our dark Pokémon weakness guide should you be unfortunate enough to face one, and considering the fact that Piers, the seventh gym leader in Sword and Shield does use one, this is a guarantee. Actually, he only uses dark-type creatures (makes sense being the dark-type leader).
Corviknight
For the longest time, Skarmory was the only steel bird Pokémon in the skies of the Pokémon world. Debuting in Johto and being alone as a steel-type above until the arrival of Corvinkight in Sword and Shield, evolving from the route one bird, Rookidee. Rookidee itself isn't much to write home about, but its fully evolved form, Corviknight, is something entirely different. With killer stats, access to some powerful moves, and a typing that means your opponent will spend endless rounds trying to shoot the bird out of the sky, there's a reason Corviknight was a staple of the early eighth-gen competitive meta.
Plus, just look at it. Corviknight is by far one of the best-looking birds in the sky, with a striking midnight blue color palette matched by deep black eyes with red pupils. It looks intimidating, and to be honest, you should feel intimidated by it.
While I love Pidgeot and it probably remains my favorite route one bird evolution, Corviknight is in a close second, with generation six's Talonflame also vying for that first spot.
Grimmsnarl
A Pokémon that looks and sounds like it's just escaped from collecting coins from children under a bridge? Sign me up. Seriously though, Grimmsnarl might look ferocious, but it's actually one of the better support fairy Pokémon, and often sees play in competitive online battles. The last thing we have to mention is Grimmsnarl's gorgeous shiny palette, swapping out the black and green for white and pink.
Greedent
Say what you want about Greedent, but perhaps with the exception of Bibarel, I can't think of a much cuter early-game normal Pokémon evolution. Admittedly, Greedent makes the list through design alone, and while it might not hold its own in battle, it can at least soak up a few hits by utilising a stockpile strategy. Just look at those chubby little cheeks and try and say that Greedent isn't an improvement on the route one normal-type evolution line.
Polteageist
How do you like your ghost Pokémon, with one sugar or two? Either way, Polteageist's arrival in Pokémon Sword and Shield served up a surprise with one of the most ingenious Pokémon designs we've seen in years. Better still, Polteageist and its base form Sinistea can come in what's known as "phony form", hinting that somewhere in Galar there is a fake Pokémon porcelain operation. Sounds like a job for Detective Pikachu if you ask me.
Eiscue
Honestly, I don't care if you don't like Eiscue, I spent 30 hours breeding a shiny one, so it's on this list. It's true that Eiscue is one of the more divisive Pokémon in the gen eight lineup, but with its Mimikyu-type ability to survive every first hit, a decent speed stat, and access to swords dance through breeding, you can turn this penguin into an unlikely competitive sweeper, and trust me, your opponents will hate it.
Toxtricity
You can't make a Pokémon game with British influences without including a punk rock Pokémon. Adding Toxtricity to the team is the closest we're ever going to get to having a party with Sid Vicious, so it has to be done. With access to a bunch of ability-boosted sound-based moves, a wicked design that embraces seventies punk aesthetics, and a tricky-to-deal-with poison/electric hybrid typing, Toxtricity is an all-around threat to any Pokémon authority.
Dragapult
Ok, so no legendaries on this list, but a pseudo-legendary can't hurt, right? Wrong. Dragapult can and does hurt basically anything in its way; with a frankly ridiculous move pool and dragon/ghost typing, this aircraft carrier-influenced monster might be something of a glass cannon, but when it fires, it really fires. If all that isn't enough, it's clear Dragapult attracts only the best trainers, as Ash himself has one on his team in the anime.
I also need to take a moment to appreciate what it does in a fight, which is launching Dreepy at its opponent. That's right, this big, bad Pokémon throws its own offspring at the enemy, but hey, at least the kids enjoy this, they probably think it's a game.
Sirfetch'd
Okay, besides the fact that I've longed to see what an evolution to Farfetch'd might look like since generation one, Sirfetch'd uses a spring onion as a sword, and that is just so hilarious to me. The design of this bird and its name very much reflect the English roots of Galar, making it one of the best gen 8 Pokémon. As you can probably guess from its sword and shield (the irony that it's part of the Sword and Shield line-up), Sirfetch'd is a fighting-type.
However, getting this bird isn't quite as simple as leveling up a Galarian Farfetch'd; you need to land three critical hits in a single battle with one to evolve it - still, I say it's worth the effort, if only to see a bird trying to look intimidating with an onion.
Wooloo
Is Wooloo going to win many battles? No, it isn't, but just look at how cute it is. You don't have to be a powerhouse to qualify as one of the best gen 8 Pokémon; you just have to make a good and memorable impression, which Wooloo achieves after Hop's runs off, causing you to meet the legendary Pokémon that adorn the artwork for Sword and Shield.
Wooloo's design is simple yet effective, clearly resembling a sheep while also looking nothing like its fellow sheep, Mareep, meaning Wooloo has its own identity. I imagine Wooloo would be a lovely companion when camping. You can cuddle with it for warmth.
Boltund
We're suckers for dog Pokémon, and one of the best pups is Boltund from the gen 8 Pokémon line-up. Unsurprisingly, its most impressive stat is speed, coming in at a staggering 121, making this 'mon likely to be the one to strike first. It's as fast as lightning, which makes sense, given it's an electric-type. While the rest of its stats aren't anything to write home about, it does have a 90 attack, which means it can deal some decent damage.
Like most dogs, Boltund has a seemingly endless amount of energy, being able to run for three days straight non-stop, often breaking 50mph. It's a shame it couldn't run all the way to Paldea, but we're sure we'll see this pup again someday.
Stonjourner
I can't say I've ever been to Stonehenge and thought, 'those are some cute rocks,' but Stonjourner might give me pause for thought the next time I visit the historic site. Just look at this 'mon. How on earth is a chunk of rock this adorable - just look at that cocky little face. Beyond causing some confusion in how it can rival the likes of Pikachu in cuteness, this Pokémon is pretty formidable in battle, with offensive and defensive stats that can help it secure victory.
Coalossal
There are a few new fire Pokémon in the eighth generation lineup, and as much as we like Centiskorch, we have to give the edge to Coalossal, a mammoth 'mon constructed of coal. We also have to acknowledge how cute rolycoly is, the first stage of this evolution line. That little 'mon is adorable for a small cart of coals.
Coalossal serves as a good example of Game Freak nailing the designs inspired by the UK and its history, which, as you may or may not know, involves coal mines. Coalossal is a much better representation of that than Inteleon is of spies and espionage; this Pokémon actually looks good, while Inteleon is a gangly mess that's better left as Sobbing Sobble.
Stats-wise, it's defense that excels for Coalossal, with its base being 120 and having the potential to reach 372 at level 100. Its HP is good, too, at 110, meaning Coalossal is great if you need a tank on your team, and its dual typing of rock and fire offers some devastating attacks.
Something that might surprise you about Coalossal is that it's actually quite peaceful by nature, only turning to aggression if someone threatens its home in the coal mines. Don't do this. The mighty Coalossus can emit flames that reach 2,700 degrees Fahrenheit, and I don't think I need to tell you that no one walks away from a roasting like that.
Duraludon
Duraludon is a real cause for concern in Sword and Shield, being Raihan's trusty Pokémon, making it the last major obstacle you need to overcome before you can gain entry to the Champion Cup. As a steel- and dragon-type, Duraludon boasts many resistances, and it's naturally tanky thanks to its 115 defense stat, so you need to bring the perfect hard-hitter if you hope to topple it.
Beyond its battle prowess, I also have to hand it to Game Freak for the design of this creature; Duraludon looks like the beast it is, giving off an intimidating aura that only intensifies when it reaches its gigantamax form.
How many legendary gen 8 Pokémon are there?
The eighth generation of Pokémon introduced an unprecedented 11 legendary Pokémon, including the Galarian versions of Zapdos, Articuno, and Moltres, Zacian and Zamazenta, Eternatus, Kubu and Urshifu, Regieleki and Regidrago, Glastrier, Calyrex, and Spectrier, and, finally, Enamorus.
How many mythical gen 8 Pokémon are there?
There is just one mythical Pokémon in the Galar region, and that's Zarude. While it doesn't set the world on fire like other mythical 'mon, it does have its own movie, so that's something.