Updated: October 2, 2026
Ask different people who the most powerful and strongest Pokémon of all time is, and you’ll probably get completely different answers. However, the general consensus (for a long time now) is that the honor belongs to Arceus. But the numbers tell a more complicated story: Arceus’ base stats are beaten by a few Mega Evolutions, and Generation 10 is on the way.
How We Ranked the Strongest Pokémon Across All Nine Generations
In the Pokémon universe (which spans movies, TV shows, video games, books and more), a wide range of types and regions display the might of these creatures in their different forms. With its first generation back in 1996, Pokémon has been around for quite a while. Over the years, we’ve seen up to 9 generations of a diverse range of Pokémon to discover. It’s quite rare to fill a Pokédex, and it’s even harder when there are nine generations’ worth of Pokémon to discover. A tenth generation is already on the way: Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves were announced in February 2026 for a 2027 release on the Nintendo Switch 2.
1,025 Pokémon exist in total, and there’s sure to be a power tier list somewhere. But today, we’ll address something a bit different. We’ll focus on the most powerful and best Pokémon of all time — the one that is sure to best any of the other Pokémon in battle.
To rank them, we weighed base stats, in-game lore, anime feats and competitive bans.
As is the tradition in the show, let’s beg the question, “Who’s that Pokémon?
10. Kyogre: Legendary Water-Type Pokémon That Created the Seas
Equivalent to Poseidon in its reign, Kyogre rules the seas with the ability to manipulate water. The legends recount that this Pokémon initially created the seas through violent storms and endless tidal waves. Although Groudon’s capabilities are quite similar to those seen in the epic battle between the two Pokémon, the type advantage would certainly bring Kyogre victory.
Seeking to gain the power of nature, the motives of Kyogre were deeply intertwined with its abilities. However, with Rayquaza’s intervention, Groudon and Kyogre’s battle ended, resulting in Kyogre entering an eternal state of sleep.
9. Solgaleo: Psychic/Steel Legendary Pokémon With Ultra Space Powers
With the ability to generate “Ultra Wormholes” and travel through “Ultra Space”, this Generation VII Psychic and Steel-type Legendary Pokémon is easily one of the most powerful creatures in the franchise. Some of its power comes from its unique moves, “Sunsteel Strike” and “Z-Move Searing Sunraze Smash.”
Sunsteel strike causes the opponent to be struck with incredible force regardless of its Ability. The latter is an upgraded Z-Move version, which is capable of increasing the damage output dramatically. (Z-Moves were exclusive to the Generation VII games.)
8. Darkrai: Mythical Dark-Type Pokémon Behind Everyone’s Nightmares
Darkrai, also known as the Pitch-Black Pokémon, is a Dark-type Mythical Pokémon introduced in 2007. This Pokémon is responsible for countless nightmares, which can only be deterred with a Lunar Wing from Cresselia, the other member of the Lunar Duo.
Despite its vicious appearance and abilities, Darkrai does not act with malice but in self-defense. Counter to popular belief, the Pokémon was revealed to be weaker than both Dialga and Palkia in The Rise of Darkrai. Still, this Pokémon is far stronger than most in the series and is arguably the creepiest and most powerful.
7. Palkia: Water/Dragon Legendary Pokémon That Rules Space
This legendary Pokémon inhabits the Sinnoh region and has the ability to distort space. Each breath from Palkia increases the stability of space, signifying its role as a deity in the creation mythology.
The legendary Pokémon is believed to live in an alternate dimension but can cross over into our universe at will. Palkia is a Water and Dragon-type Pokémon of Generation IV with boosted stats encouraging all trainers to search for and catch it in the 2006 video game Pokémon Pearl from Game Freak.
6. Giratina: Ghost/Dragon Legendary Pokémon Ruling the Distortion World
One of the more mysterious Legendary Pokémon, Giratina, was also introduced in Generation IV as the face of Pokémon Platinum. The appearance we generally imagine is, in fact, the Altered Forme of Giratina. Its natural form, or Origin Forme, is unleashed when exposed to a Griseous Orb or in the Distortion World. This allows it to levitate through space and travel at incredible speeds.
This Pokémon is extremely violent and protective of its home, leading to its banishment from the real world. For this reason, it simply watches the human world from its home. The Ghost and Dragon-type Legendary Pokémon is capable of great destruction with its exclusive move, “Shadow Force.” It’s easily one of the most powerful Pokémon.
5. Dialga: Steel/Dragon Legendary Pokémon That Controls Time
Palkia’s counterpart, the legendary Steel and Dragon-type Pokémon, appeared as the face of Pokémon Diamond. Dialga, also called the Temporal Pokémon, is the time component of Sinnoh’s creation trio. The Pokémon is capable of altering time in any way imaginable. In the anime, we have seen Dialga accelerate, slow down, and even freeze time.
The universe’s time supposedly began upon Dialga’s birth and only continues to flow because of its life. As a member of Sinnoh’s creation trio, Dialga is credited with creating time itself. This fact alone earns this Pokémon a spot as the top ten strongest Pokémon in the franchise.
Its power has been demonstrated through its battles with Palkia, which have warped space-time itself. The Temporal Pokémon’s signature move is the Roar of Time, which allows it to overwhelm nearly any other Pokémon.
4. Mewtwo: Genetically Engineered Psychic Pokémon (and Mega Mewtwo X and Y)
This Pokémon was created in a laboratory through DNA engineering experiments on Mew and is reflected in its bipedal appearance. As the dominating figure of the Mew duo, Mewtwo is an extremely muscular Pokémon with incredible agility and dynamic attacks incorporating its thick tail.
Unlike other Pokémon, it lacks empathy for all other life forms. As a bioengineered weapon, Mewtwo is only capable of brainstorming strategies and tactics to overwhelm its enemies. The Pokémon is incredibly intelligent and capable of both telepathy and mind control. Mewtwo can also generate psychic waves through its unique move, Psystrike.
All of these abilities, combined with its terrifying mindset, make Mewtwo the deadliest and one of the strongest Pokémon in the series. In Pokémon X and Pokémon Y, it can also Mega Evolve into Mega Mewtwo X or Mega Mewtwo Y, and both forms have a base stat total of 780, higher than Arceus.
3. Deoxys: Mythical Psychic Pokémon With Four Forms
This Psychic-type Mythical Pokémon is capable of transforming its appearance and abilities. It also has the ability to move at a high speed — in fact, it bears the second-highest base Speed Stat of all Pokémon (180 in its Speed Forme, behind Regieleki’s 200). The four forms we know of are Normal Forme, Attack Forme, Defense Forme, and Speed Forme.
Depending on which Game Boy Advance or GameCube game you played (Ruby/Sapphire/Colosseum/XD, FireRed, LeafGreen, Emerald), you would encounter Deoxys in a different form. With the ability to effectively change its stats to optimize itself for battle against the opponent, it is safe to say that this Pokémon is one of the strongest in the franchise.
Another feature that makes this creature so powerful is the ability to regenerate its own body. Its psychokinetic powers, like Psycho Boost, paired with its 4 unique forms and regeneration, make it the third strongest Pokémon on this list.
2. Rayquaza: Dragon/Flying Legendary Pokémon That Mega Evolves
The Sky High Pokémon, Rayquaza, was introduced in Generation III as the face of Pokémon Emerald.
This Dragon and Flying Type Legendary Pokémon can Mega Evolve into Mega Rayquaza by simply consuming meteoroids. This is due to the meteoroids stored in its body, which provide enough energy to activate the Mega Evolution.
Rayquaza possesses some of the strongest attacking abilities of all Pokémon. The one drawback that keeps it from being the most powerful Pokémon is its requirement to Mega Evolve. Rayquaza must use a maneuver known as Dragon Ascent, which will lower its defense in order to maximize attacking efficiency and thus Mega Evolve. Once it does, Mega Rayquaza’s base stat total of 780 ties Mega Mewtwo for the highest of any Pokémon.
1. Arceus: The Alpha Pokémon and Creator of the Pokémon Universe
The equivalent of Zeus in Greek mythology, Arceus is referred to as the Alpha Pokémon. Introduced in Generation IV, Arceus is believed to be the first Pokémon to create the Pokémon universe, including the creation trio. It was able to shape the universe by utilizing its 1000 arms.
Having literally created all life, it is not strange to assume that Arceus also possesses the ability to take it away. Some of Arceus’ powers in the anime include halting time, rematerializing destroyed land or even people, and reducing things to nothingness. As the creator of the Pokémon universe, Arceus rules benevolently from behind the scenes. Although it is generally portrayed as compassionate and caring, Arceus will not hesitate to destroy those who oppose it.
Arceus’ special move, “Judgment”, supports the idea that Pokémon creators would like us to believe that it truly functions as the God of the Pokémon universe.
Why Is Arceus the Strongest Pokémon of All Time?
First things first, let’s establish Arceus (who has a base stat total of 720). It’s a Normal-type mythical Pokémon that was originally introduced in Generation IV. Arceus, a one-of-a-kind Mythical Pokémon, is genderless. This character is one that is rarely shown off on the big screen. However, he’s still a force to be reckoned with. Arceus is the creator of the Pokémon regions of Sinnoh and Ransei. He’s also the oldest Pokémon even though he wasn’t introduced in the earlier generations. At 3.2 Meters tall, he’s a towering figure in comparison to his fellow Pokémon.
He’s known as “The Original One” and serves as the master of the legendary creation trio. This trio consists of legendary Pokémon like Dialga, Palkia and Giratina. As their master, Arceus also holds a trump card that makes him a formidable force in any matchup. Yes, you guessed it. He can change his type if he’s holding a Plate or type-specific Z-Crystal. If you don’t know what those are, you’re not alone. We’ll explain. The Plate is a type of held item that was originally introduced in Gen IV.
The Plates are capable of boosting the holder’s moves for the corresponding type of plate. For example, a Fire-type like Charizard holding the Flame Plate will be much stronger with flame-type abilities. With Arceus, though, it works a bit differently and makes him a Fire type.
Meanwhile, Z-Crystals let Arceus change type the same way in Generation VII. Essentially, making Arceus able to hold an elemental item that changes its type.
In comparison to other powerful Pokémon, it’s important to see how well Arceus holds up. Especially when facing characters with totally unique and equally reality-bending techniques. We’ll match him up with other strong legendary Pokémon and explain why Arceus would take home the victory.
Can Arceus Beat Mega Mewtwo, Mega Rayquaza and the Primals?
On pure numbers, no. Arceus’ base stat total of 720 is topped by Mega Rayquaza and both Mega Mewtwo forms (780 each), as well as Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre (770 each). So why does Arceus still sit at No. 1? Because this list ranks overall power, not just stats. Arceus created the Pokémon universe, sits above Dialga, Palkia and Giratina, and can become any of the 18 types. Mega Evolutions and Primal Reversions are also temporary battle transformations, while Arceus is this strong without one.
What’s Next? Can Generation 10 Dethrone Arceus?
Generation 10 arrives with Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves, which were announced during the Pokémon Presents showcase on February 27, 2026 and are due on the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2027. Whether a new legendary can dethrone Arceus remains to be seen. For more, see our Pokémon coverage.
Who Is the Strongest Pokémon Trainer of All Time?
Even though Lance is one of the earliest additions to the Pokémon universe (first appearing in Pokémon Gold and Silver), he is considered to be one of the most powerful Pokémon trainers of all time. However, many would argue that Leon, the World Coronation Series Monarch (from the anime Pokémon Journeys: The Series), is. Leon has a Charizard that can Gigantamax.
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I think Pichachu is the most powerful.