Like it or not, the Pokémon franchise can often be a popularity contest. As Game Freak picks and chooses which Pokémon returns for future titles, gauging fan reactions can be useful in deciding which Pokémon may return. For example, you’ll never see a Pokémon game go without a Pikachu or Eevee, two of the most popular Pokémon in the franchise. Fortunately, there is a simple way to see which Pokémon has made a splash in the community — through voting.
A Japanese survey discovered just which Pokémon were the most popular, including both new and returning Pokémon. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet have over 400 Pokémon to choose from, so narrowing down the potential favorites has really shown which Pokémon has made the largest impact.
Related: The 10 best Electric-type Pokémon in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
10) Gardevoir…and Mimikyu
Coming in at a tie in tenth place are Gardevoir and Mimikyu, both legacy Pokémon introduced in Generation 3 and 7 respectively. Gardevoir has been a consistently popular Pokémon for the franchise, although Mimikyu is a funnier pick seeing as it may have eclipsed Pikachu in popularity for some fans (Pikachu isn’t even on the list).
9: Lucario
Lucario is arguably one of Pokémon’s most successful designs. It starred in multiple movies, has a great design and concept, and has been present in every Pokémon game since its introduction in Generation 4. Lucario has consistently been one of the most popular Pokémon in the game, and this Pokémon with arguable mascot status will likely maintain its popularity for years to come.
8: Slither Wing
Slither Wing is the first Paradox Pokémon to make this list, and it’s easy to see why. The eighth most popular Pokémon in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is a distant relative of Volcarona, already a popular Bug-type Pokémon. Slither Wing is a Bug and Fighting-type Pokémon, unlike Volcarona’s Bug and Fire-typing, and resembles a past form of Volcarona.
7: Sylveon
Sylveon is the first returning Pokémon to make this list. Considering Sylveon’s age, first debuting in Generation 6, it’s impressive to see this fancy Pokémon make it so high in the popularity charts. It really speaks to how many people love this sweet Fairy evolution of Eevee, and its graceful and friendly design is the perfect embodiment of the Fairy-type.
6: Tatsugiri
This cute Pokémon is not only small and cute but also resembles something beloved by many: sushi. This adorable Pokémon takes the spot as the sixth most popular Pokémon in the game, likely due to its many forms resembling different nigiri sushi. It also comically is in command of the huge Dodonzo, and it’s always funny to see something so unintimidating actually come out on top of the food chain.
5: Ceruledge
Arguably the coolest Pokémon in this generation is Ceruledge, who comfortably took the spot as the fifth most popular Pokémon in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. This Pokémon likely beats out its counterpart, Armarouge, with pure coolness alone. It’s slim and sleek, dropping the bulky yellow armor of Armarouge, and has an attractive purple and blue color scheme.
4: Fuecoco
The fourth most popular Pokémon in this survey is Fuecoco. This adorable and hungry creature exists solely to eat and be your friend, and its charming appearance makes it an easy and safe bet for most trainers.
3: Meowscarada
Starter Pokémon tend to be highly popular, and likely the most popular starter this generation is the Sprigatito line. Specifically, Meowscarada is the third most popular Pokémon on the list, and it’s easy to see why. This Pokémon has a mysterious mask-like tuft on its face, as it resembles the appearance of a grand magician. Meowscarada also has Protean as a hidden ability, a strong ability that allows the Pokémon to change their typing into the move they use.
2: Clodsire
If Paldean Wooper is perfection, then Clodsire is just building off of that perfection. Clodsire is an adorable and sweet clump of mud, and just as friendly and slow in the brain as its predecessor, Quagsire. Clodsire has the hidden ability Unaware, which makes it a great tank that ignores stat boosts from enemy Pokémon.
1: Tinkaton
Tinkaton is first on the list and is considered to be the most popular Pokémon in the game. It’s easy to see why this cute and mischievous creature has hammered its way into the hearts of Pokémon fans. It has a devilish streak, supposedly striking Corviknights out of the air to build its hammer, and has a strong moveset to boot, with the 160 base power move Gigaton Hammer.
