Pokemon Champions is live and in full effect, so it’s time to determine which Pokemon are the most deserving of being crowned “of the culture.” If you’re unfamiliar with Pokemon Champions, you’re in luck as we have an explainer guide for all new trainers.
Let’s jump right into it.
#1 - Hisuian Arcanine
This Pokemon first made its appearance in Pokemon Legends: Arceus and eclipses regular-degular Arcanine in every way. While Arcanine is a fantastic Pokemon and a favorite of many, it can be argued it suffered from its pairing with the insufferable Gary Oak in the Pokemon animated series. Hisuian Arcanine is the new, more melanated version that is accompanied by an even more adorable Growlithe than the regional form from Kanto. And as for its actual in-game utility, Hisuian Arcanine gains access to the ability Rock Head, which protects it from recoil damage. Essentially this means that it can use moves like Double-Edge, Wild Charge, & Flare Blitz without worrying about self-inflicting damage. Coupled with attaining STAB (same type attack bonus) on strong rock-type moves like Stone Edge and Rock Slide, Hisuian Arcanine is shaping up to be a dangerous member of any Pokemon team on the Champions ladder.
#2 - Blastoise
Next up, Blastoise… I mean, BIG MAN BLASTOISE. Sing it with me, “BIG MAN BLASTOISE. BIG MAN BLASTOISE. BIG MAN BLASTOISE.” Shout out to Genwunner for this banger that went crazy on TikTok in 2024 and the reason why Blastoise makes this list. Blastoise has been front and center along with its Gen 1 starter final evolution partners on many Pokemon Champions teams, although it has not seen as much love with the weather war that plays out in many of the current matches which benefits Charizard and Venusaur much more. However, Mega Blastoise is still a formidable Pokemon and, unlike its Gen 1 cousins, does not need specific weather set to be effective on the battlefield. Thanks to its ability, Mega Launcher, Mega Blastoise receives a 50% power boost to any aura and pulse moves which includes Water Pulse, Dark Pulse, and Aura Sphere, giving it decent coverage against many common opposing mons. Additionally, Blastoise learns Water Spout which starts out as an 150 base power move when Blastoise is full HP. Can’t wait for the incoming fancam-style Blastoise edits using Genwunner’s track.
#3 - Absol
This one should be pretty self-explanatory from the name. If it doesn’t off-rip, here’s a hint: “Babylon, Babylon, out my window all I see is Babylon. On the news, all I see is Babylon. And all ****** do is just babble on.” Absol has been an extremely popular Pokemon for a minute, but unfortunately doesn’t see as much presence in Champions as its reputation would warrant. Hopefully, this changes very soon, but in the meantime Absol will always have a place on this list.
#4 - Toxicroak
Toxicroak is likely most famous for blocking an attack from the legendary Pokemon Dialga with one fist. Idk what this means for powerscaling Croagunk and Toxicroak feats, but it might be able to no-diff the Invincible-verse without a sweat. For Toxicroak itself, the reason it makes it to this list can be seen from its official artwork. And again, if a hint is needed, does anything come to mind when you hear this? “Baby throw that motherfucker right now. Come onnnn. Baby throw that motherfucker right now. Come onnnn.” If not, TikTok must not be your thing, because this went crazy over the past few months alongside Fortnite dance edits with characters from many different worlds from The Simpsons to Jujutsu Kaisen. And Toxicroak looks like it’s about to hit the nastiest start to the main dance. For its usefulness in Champions, it’s fairly limited as it gets outclassed in nearly every way by Sneasler, but could be a replacement in a pinch for a team in need of a Fake Out user with one of Toxicroak’s abilities. In any case, Toxicroak makes this list for purely the dance reason and that’s all that needs to be said.
#5 - Lucario
This should come as no surprise as the final Pokemon on this list. The aura-farming goat, Lucario, is voiced by Sean Schemmel in the movie Pokemon: Lucario and the mystery of Mew which makes it one of the few Pokemon who can communicate with human trainers. Sean additionally voices Goku in most of the English versions of Dragon Ball Z anime and movies, another reason Lucario makes this list. And we can’t forget about Lucario’s baby locs which are amplified to full-blown dreadlocks when it evolves into Mega Lucario (can’t wait to see Mega Lucario Z in-game as well). Lucario isn’t used as much as other powerful Pokemon in the current Pokemon Champions meta, but it does pop up from time to time as a great sweeper on the right teams. Lucario will always be the GOAT as one of the Pokemon gracing the Super Smash Bros. roster and continues to be so today in Champions.
That wraps it up for this list. Let us know who you think we missed and check out our poll here to help choose the top 5 of the culture Pokemon for the Cxmmunity.
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