Pseudo-legendary Pokémon
The subject of this article has no official name. The name currently in use is a fan designator; see below for more information. |
Pseudo-legendary Pokémon is a fan term referring to a group of Pokémon that meet the following criteria:
- The Pokémon is the final stage of a three-stage evolution line.
- The Pokémon has a base stat total of exactly 600 (before Mega Evolving).
- The Pokémon levels up at a slow rate (requiring 1,250,000 experience points to reach level 100).
Pseudo-legendary Pokémon are often more powerful than most other non-Legendary or Mythical Pokémon due to their high base stats. Due to their slow leveling rates and their relatively high evolution levels, they also tend to be difficult to raise.
The pseudo-legendary Pokémon were featured in the "Late Bloomers" (Japanese: 大器晩成 Taiki-Bansei) collection of Pokémon Center merchandise.
In Japanese fan communities, especially in the competitive scene, the term 600族 600 club refers to a very similar group of Pokémon that share a base stat total of 600. This classification includes Archaludon, the only Pokémon with a base stat total of 600 that is not a pseudo-legendary Pokémon, Legendary Pokémon, Mythical Pokémon, or Mega Evolution.
List of pseudo-legendary Pokémon
There are ten Pokémon considered to be pseudo-legendary Pokémon, with every generation introducing at least one. The following shows the pseudo-legendary Pokémon by the generation of their introduction, as well as their types and the Pokémon they evolve from.
Dragonite | |
Dragon | Flying |
Dragonair | |
Dragon | |
Dratini | |
Dragon |
Tyranitar | |
Rock | Dark |
Pupitar | |
Rock | Ground |
Larvitar | |
Rock | Ground |
Salamence | |
Dragon | Flying |
Shelgon | |
Dragon | |
Bagon | |
Dragon |
Metagross | |
Steel | Psychic |
Metang | |
Steel | Psychic |
Beldum | |
Steel | Psychic |
Garchomp | |
Dragon | Ground |
Gabite | |
Dragon | Ground |
Gible | |
Dragon | Ground |
Hydreigon | |
Dark | Dragon |
Zweilous | |
Dark | Dragon |
Deino | |
Dark | Dragon |
Goodra |
Hisuian Goodra | ||
Dragon | Steel | Dragon | |
Sliggoo |
Hisuian Sliggoo | ||
Dragon | Steel | Dragon | |
Goomy | |||
Dragon |
Kommo-o | |
Dragon | Fighting |
Hakamo-o | |
Dragon | Fighting |
Jangmo-o | |
Dragon |
Dragapult | |
Dragon | Ghost |
Drakloak | |
Dragon | Ghost |
Dreepy | |
Dragon | Ghost |
Baxcalibur | |
Dragon | Ice |
Arctibax | |
Dragon | Ice |
Frigibax | |
Dragon | Ice |
In the games
Statistical averages
Stat | |||
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Base stat comparison
Base stat comparison when Mega Evolved
Pokémon | Tyranitar |
Salamence |
Metagross |
Garchomp | ||||
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HP |
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Attack |
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Defense |
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Sp. Attack |
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Sp. Defense |
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Speed |
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Total | 700 | 700 | 700 | 700 |
Individual characteristics
Dragonite
Being the first pseudo-legendary Pokémon, Dragonite has straightforward and well-rounded stats. It has a traditionally high Attack and above average stats otherwise.
Tyranitar
With a focus on power and durability, Tyranitar sacrifices Speed in exchange for tremendous bulk and attack power. It has the Sand Stream Ability to always create a sandstorm, which takes advantage of its Rock type to further increase its high Special Defense.
- Mega Tyranitar has the highest base Defense of all pseudo-legendary Pokémon, with 150.
- During a sandstorm, Mega Tyranitar's Special Defense becomes the highest of all pseudo-legendary Pokémon.
- Tyranitar is the only pseudo-legendary Pokémon that has a unique type combination.
Salamence
Although it is the same type as Dragonite, Salamence differentiates itself by being entirely focused on offensive prowess. Its Attack, Special Attack, and Speed stats are high, while its Defense and Special Defense are comparatively low.
- Salamence is the shortest pseudo-legendary Pokémon, at 4'11" (1.5 m).
Metagross
Like Tyranitar, Metagross focuses on power and durability, utilizing the most defensive type, Steel, to complement its very high Attack and Defense and relatively low Speed.
- Metagross is the heaviest pseudo-legendary Pokémon, at 1212.5 lbs. (550.0 kg).
- Metagross has the highest base Defense of all non-Mega Evolved pseudo-legendary Pokémon, at 130.
- Metagross is the only gender unknown pseudo-legendary Pokémon.
- Metagross is the only pseudo-legendary Pokémon whose first evolutionary stage, Beldum, cannot be caught in the wild in its debut generation (one is received from Steven Stone instead).
- Metagross is the only pseudo-legendary Pokémon whose English and Japanese names are the same.
- Metagross is the only pseudo-legendary Pokémon that cannot learn any Dragon-type moves.
Garchomp
Focusing on versatility, Garchomp has high HP, Attack, and Speed with a versatile selection of moves to use. It complements these attributes with its Ground type, which is among the best offensive types.
- Mega Garchomp has the highest base Attack of all pseudo-legendary Pokémon, with 170.
- Garchomp is the only pseudo-legendary Pokémon to have gender differences.
Hydreigon
Hydreigon's well-rounded stats mirror those of Dragonite (albeit with lower defensive stats and higher Speed), with it having a high Special Attack stat as well, and its other stats being above average.
- Hydreigon has the highest base Special Attack of all pseudo-legendary Pokémon, with 125.
- Hydreigon is the only pseudo-legendary Pokémon that does not have a base stat lower than 90.
- Hydreigon and its evolutionary relatives are the only pseudo-legendary family that do not have a Hidden Ability in any of their forms.
- Hydreigon evolves from its pre-evolved form starting at the highest level of all pseudo-legendary Pokémon, at level 64.
Goodra
Unlike the other pseudo-legendary Pokémon, Goodra focuses mainly on Special Defense. Its Attack and Special Attack are very similar to each other.
- Goodra is the only pseudo-legendary Pokémon that is not dual-type.
- Tied with its regional form, Goodra has both the highest base Special Defense of all pseudo-legendary Pokémon, with 150, and the lowest base Attack of all pseudo-legendary Pokémon, with 100.
- Goodra has the lowest base Defense of all pseudo-legendary Pokémon, with 70.
- Goodra and its Hisuian form are the only pseudo-legendary Pokémon to have an evolution method requiring more than just leveling up.
Hisuian Goodra
Goodra has a Hisuian, making it the only pseudo-legendary Pokémon to have a regional form. It focuses on balanced defensive stats, at the cost of Speed.
- Tied with its original form, Hisuian Goodra has both the highest base Special Defense of all pseudo-legendary Pokémon, with 150, and the lowest base Attack of all pseudo-legendary Pokémon, with 100.
- Hisuian Goodra has the lowest base Speed of all pseudo-legendary Pokémon, with 60.
Kommo-o
Kommo-o has mostly well-rounded stats but is slightly more defensive than offensive.
- Kommo-o has the lowest base HP of all pseudo-legendary Pokémon, with 75.
- Kommo-o is the only pseudo-legendary Pokémon with an exclusive Z-Move, Clangorous Soulblaze.
Dragapult
Dragapult focuses on Speed, and is more offensive than defensive. In addition to its extremely high Speed, it has high Attack and Special Attack, but at the expense of its defensive stats.
- Dragapult is the tallest pseudo-legendary Pokémon, at 9'10" (3.0 m).
- Dragapult is the lightest pseudo-legendary Pokémon, at 110.2 lbs. (50.0 kg).
- Dragapult has the lowest base Special Defense of all pseudo-legendary Pokémon, with 75.
- Dragapult has the highest base Speed of all pseudo-legendary Pokémon, with 142.
Baxcalibur
Baxcalibur's stats focus on its extreme physical prowess, emphasizing its HP and Attack while leaving its other stats average or slightly above average.
- Baxcalibur has the highest base HP of all pseudo-legendary Pokémon, with 115.
- Baxcalibur has the highest base Attack of all non-Mega Evolved pseudo-legendary Pokémon, with 145.
- Baxcalibur has the lowest base Special Attack of all pseudo-legendary Pokémon, with 75.
- Baxcalibur is the only pseudo-legendary Pokémon whose evolutionary family has different catch rates for each Pokémon (excluding Dragonite in Pokémon Yellow).
- As of Generation IX, Baxcalibur is the only pseudo-legendary Pokémon to have a signature Ability, namely Thermal Exchange. However, Sand Stream and Gooey were formerly the signature Abilities of Tyranitar and Goodra respectively.
Other characteristics
- Metagross and Hisuian Goodra resist the most types of all pseudo-legendary Pokémon, with nine.
- Garchomp and Baxcalibur resist the fewest types of all pseudo-legendary Pokémon, with only three.
- Goodra (in its original form), Kommo-o, and Baxcalibur are the only pseudo-legendary Pokémon that do not have a type immunity by default. However, these three all have some immunities via other means:
- Goodra has access to Sap Sipper, which provides an immunity to Grass-type moves.
- Kommo-o has immunities to certain groups of moves through all three of its Abilities (specifically ball and bomb moves with Bulletproof, sound-based moves with Soundproof, and powder and spore moves with Overcoat).
- Baxcalibur is immune to Sheer Cold due to being Ice-type.
- Metagross and Baxcalibur are the only pseudo-legendary Pokémon to not have a catch rate of 45, instead having catch rates of 3 and 10 respectively.
Users
Pseudo-legendary Pokémon are used by several in-game Trainers, though they are most often used by Elite Four members and Champions.
- Dragonite is used by Lance, the final Elite Four member in Generation I, Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, and Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!; it is used again by Lance as the Champion in Generation II and Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, as well as in the Pokémon World Tournament in Pokémon Black 2 and White 2. His cousin, Clair, also uses one in her Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver rematch and Dragon's Den Multi Battle, as well as in the Pokémon World Tournament. Ryuki uses a Dragonite in Pokémon Sun and Moon and Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon in Title Defense battles, as well as in the Kantonian Gym in the latter games after the player becomes Champion. Hassel, the final member of the Elite Four in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, uses a Dragonite in the Academy Ace Tournament and his League Club Room battle; in the same game, Dragonite is also used by Drayton and Kieran, a member of the BB League Elite Four and the BB League Champion, respectively.
- Tyranitar is used by Lance in Pokémon Stadium 2 (both Round 1 and 2), as well as by Blue, the Champion, when rematching him in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen and in the Fighting Dojo in Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver. Roark uses a Tyranitar in rematches in Pokémon Platinum and Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, Grimsley uses one in his Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 Challenge Mode rematch, and Gordie uses a Tyranitar in in the Champion Cup and Galarian Star Tournament in Pokémon Sword and Shield.
- Salamence is used by Drake, the final Elite Four member in Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald. Lance and Clair use Salamence in rematches in the Pokémon World Tournament in Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, the former also using one in his Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver rematch. Drayden also uses a Salamence in his Pokémon World Tournament in Pokémon Black 2 and White 2. Iris, the Champion in Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, uses Salamence in her Challenge Mode rematches.
- Metagross is used by Steven Stone, the Champion in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire (and their remakes Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire) and ex-Champion in Pokémon Emerald. Caitlin, a member of the Elite Four in Pokémon Black, White, Black 2, and White 2, uses a Metagross during her rematches, as well as in her initial battle in Challenge Mode in Black 2 and White 2. Sabrina and Jasmine use Metagross in their Pokémon World Tournament teams in Pokémon Black 2 and White 2. Molayne uses a Metagross in Title Defense battles in Pokémon Sun and Moon and as a member of the Elite Four in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. Metagross is also used by Amarys, a member of the BB League Elite Four.
- Garchomp is used by Cynthia, the Champion in Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, Brilliant Diamond, and Shining Pearl; she also uses it in Undella Town in Pokémon Black, White, Black 2, and White 2, in the Pokémon World Tournament in Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, and in the Battle Tree in Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon. Lance uses a Garchomp in rematches in Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver and in the Pokémon World Tournament in Pokémon Black 2 and White 2. Clair also uses one in the Pokémon World Tournament in Pokémon Black 2 and White 2. Giovanni uses one in the Pokémon World Tournament in Pokémon Black 2 and White 2. Ryuki uses a Garchomp in Pokémon Sun and Moon and Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon in Title Defense battles, as well as in the Kantonian Gym in the latter games after the player becomes Champion. Volo also uses a Garchomp in the final battle against him in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
- Hydreigon is used by Ghetsis, the final boss in Pokémon Black and White; he also uses it in Pokémon Black 2, White 2, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon. Hydreigon is also used by Iris, the Champion in Pokémon Black 2 and White 2. Lance and Drayden use Hydreigon in the Pokémon World Tournament in Pokémon Black 2 and White 2.
- Goodra is used by Diantha, the Champion in Pokémon X and Y. Raihan also uses a Goodra in the Champion Cup and Galarian Star Tournament in Pokémon Sword and Shield. In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Champion Nemona uses a Goodra in her final battle in the Victory Road story, as well as in Area Zero (as the player's Multi Battle partner) and in the Academy Ace Tournament. Instructor Saguaro also uses a Goodra in the Academy Ace Tournament.
- Kommo-o is used by Ryuki in Pokémon Sun and Moon and Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon in Title Defense battles, as well as in the Kantonian Gym in the latter games after the player becomes Champion. Mustard, a former Champion, uses a Kommo-o in Pokémon Sword and Shield in the final battle against him in the Master Dojo and in the Galarian Star Tournament. Champion Nemona uses a Kommo-o in her League Club Room battle in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
- Dragapult is used by Leon, the Champion in Pokémon Sword and Shield. Geeta, the Top Champion in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, uses a Dragapult in her League Club Room battle.
- Baxcalibur is used by Hassel, the final Elite Four member in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
As Shadow Pokémon
All pseudo-legendary Pokémon that existed in Generation III are available as Shadow Pokémon in either Pokémon Colosseum (Tyranitar and Metagross) or Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness (Dragonite and Salamence).
In the story mode of Pokémon Colosseum, Shadow Metagross is used by Nascour and Shadow Tyranitar is used by Evice. In Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, Shadow Salamence is used by Eldes and Shadow Dragonite is used by Miror B.. All four pseudo-legendary Pokémon have Shadow Rush as one of their Shadow moves.
In the anime
Main series
Pseudo-legendary Pokémon have appeared many times in the anime.
- Dragonite debuted as a silhouette in Mystery at the Lighthouse, but appeared physically in Mewtwo Strikes Back.
- Drake of the Orange League was revealed to own a Dragonite in Hello, Pummelo!.
- A Dragonite appeared in Talkin' 'Bout an Evolution under the ownership of Lance.
- Professor Oak was revealed to own a Dragonite in The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon.
- Iris caught a Dragonite in Iris and the Rogue Dragonite!, making it the first fully evolved pseudo-legendary Pokémon to be owned by a main character in the anime.
- Clair of the Blackthorn Gym was revealed to own a Dragonite in A Pokémon of a Different Color!, but debuted in Fangs for Nothin'.
- Ash caught a newly-evolved Dragonite in A Test in Paradise!.
- Tyranitar debuted in Celebi: The Voice of the Forest and made its TV episode debut in Address Unown.
- Alain was revealed to own a Tyranitar in Finals Not for the Faint-Hearted!.
- Gary was revealed to own a Tyranitar in Battling in the Freezing Raid!.
- A Mega Tyranitar appeared in Mega Evolution Special III.
- Salamence debuted in Jirachi: Wish Maker and made its TV episode debut in Let Bagons be Bagons.
- A Salamence made its physical debut in The Search for the Legend, under the ownership of Silver.
- Drake of the Hoenn Elite Four was revealed to own a Salamence in Vanity Affair.
- A Salamence appeared in Mutiny in the Bounty! under the ownership of J.
- Sawyer owns a Salamence after his Shelgon evolved.
- A Mega Salamence appeared in Mega Evolution Special II.
- Metagross debuted in Destiny Deoxys and made its TV episode debut in Like a Meowth to a Flame under the ownership of Tyson.
- Alain owns a Metagross that evolved from his Metang.
- Paul was revealed to own a Metagross in Friends, Rivals, Lend Me Your Spirit!.
- Orla has a Metagross, which debuted in For Sure! 'Cause Sprigatito's with Me!.
- A Mega Metagross appeared in Mega Evolution Special II.
- A Shiny Metagross appeared under the ownership of Steven Stone in Mega Evolution Special II. It was capable of Mega Evolving into Mega Metagross.
- Garchomp debuted in Top-Down Training! under the ownership of Cynthia. In The Fiery Road to Mastership!, it was revealed that Cynthia's Garchomp was able to Mega Evolve into Mega Garchomp.
- A Garchomp appeared in Lumiose City Pursuit! under the ownership of Professor Sycamore. It was capable of Mega Evolving into Mega Garchomp.
- A Garchomp appeared in Mega Evolution Special I, under the ownership of Remo which can Mega Evolve into Mega Garchomp.
- Paul was revealed to own a Garchomp in Friends, Rivals, Lend Me Your Spirit!.
- Hydreigon debuted in White—Victini and Zekrom and Black—Victini and Reshiram; it was a Shiny Pokémon in the former. It made its TV episode debut in Iris and the Rogue Dragonite!.
- Cameron was revealed to own a Hydreigon in Strong Strategy Steals the Show!.
- Lance was revealed to own a Hydreigon in Pride of a Champion!.
- Goodra debuted in Good Friends, Great Training! after Ash's Sliggoo evolved.
- Raihan of the Hammerlocke Gym was revealed to own a Goodra in Aim For The Eight!.
- Diantha was revealed to own a Goodra in It's... Champion Time!.
- Kommo-o debuted in Family Determination! as a Totem Pokémon, where it battled Lillie, Snowy, Gladion, and his Silvally.
- A Kommo-o appeared in All Out, All of the Time!, it was used by the All-Out Brothers.
- Cynthia was revealed to own a Kommo-o in The Gates of Warp!.
- Dragapult debuted in Sword and Shield: The Darkest Day! under the ownership of Leon.
Pokémon Origins
- Only Dragonite has appeared in Pokémon Origins. It appeared in File 4: Charizard under the ownership of Lance.
Pokémon Generations
Pseudo-legendary Pokémon have appeared multiple times in Pokémon Generations.
- Dragonite appeared under the ownership of Lance in The Challenger.
- A soldier's Salamence appeared in The Redemption.
- Garchomp appeared under the ownership of Cynthia in The New World.
Gallery
Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 Animated Trailer
- Only Metagross appeared in the Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 Animated Trailer, under the ownership of a Team Plasma Grunt.
Gallery
Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire Animated Trailer
- Mega Salamence and Mega Metagross, under the ownership of Steven, appeared in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire Animated Trailer.
Gallery
Pokémon Masters Animated Trailer
Multiple pseudo-legendary Pokémon have appeared in the Pokémon Masters Animated Trailer.
- Dragonite appeared under the ownership of Lance.
- Metagross appeared under the ownership of Steven.
- Garchomp appeared under the ownership of Cynthia.
Gallery
Pokémon: Twilight Wings
Pseudo-legendary Pokémon have appeared multiple times in Pokémon: Twilight Wings.
- Goodra has appeared in Sky under the ownership of Raihan.
- Dragapult has appeared in Sky under the ownership of Leon.
Pokémon Evolutions
Some pseudo-legendary Pokémon have appeared in Pokémon Evolutions.
- Dragonite has appeared in The Rival under the ownership of Palmer.
- Tyranitar briefly appeared in The Show overlooking Ecruteak City.
- Salamence has appeared in The Wish under the ownership of Zinnia. It was capable of Mega Evolving into Mega Salamence.
Pokémon: Hisuian Snow
In Two Hues, an Alpha Garchomp attacked Alec and the Galaxy Team, but it was driven away by a Hisuian Zoroark that Alec had befriended in his youth as a Zorua.
GOTCHA!
Multiple pseudo-legendary Pokémon have appeared in the GOTCHA!.
In the manga
Pokémon Adventures
- Pseudo-legendary Pokémon have appeared multiple times in Pokémon Adventures.
- Lance has both a Dragonite and a Tyranitar.
- Salamence debuted in the Ruby & Sapphire arc where it went on a rampage. This Salamence was revealed to have belonged to Zinnia in the Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire arc and had the ability to Mega Evolve.
- Tucker was in possession of another Salamence which appeared in the Emerald arc.
- Steven has a Metagross which debuted in the Ruby & Sapphire chapter. It was given the ability to Mega Evolve in the Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire chapter.
- Cynthia was shown to have a Garchomp.
- Ghetsis was shown to have a Hydreigon in which he used it in his battle against Black in the Black & White arc.
- Zinnia was also seen with a Goodra which appeared in the Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire chapter.
- Ryuki has a Kommo-o that appeared as part of his team in the Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon arc.
- Leon has a Dragapult which appeared in the Sword & Shield arc.
Trivia
- All pseudo-legendary Pokémon share the same base number of Egg cycles, 40, which is the highest number of Egg cycles for any Pokémon (excluding Pokémon in the No Eggs Discovered Egg Group).
- Generation II is the only generation to not introduce a Dragon-type pseudo-legendary Pokémon.
- Generation III is the only generation to introduce more than one pseudo-legendary Pokémon, as it introduced both Salamence and Metagross.
- However, in Generation VIII, a new regional form for Goodra was introduced in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, alongside Dragapult's introduction in Pokémon Sword and Shield.
- The first stage of all pseudo-legendary Pokémon (that existed at the time) are available in the Johto Safari Zone.
- Among Pokémon commonly mistaken for pseudo-legendary Pokémon are Slaking, Flygon, Aggron, Volcarona, Haxorus, and Archaludon. For one reason or another, these Pokémon do not fit the criteria to be classified as pseudo-legendary Pokémon.
References
This article is a part of Project Fandom, a Bulbapedia Project that aims to write comprehensive articles on every aspect of the Pokémon Fandom. |