The 10 best Normal Pokemon of all time

The best Normal Pokémon can be just about anything, as they aren't restricted like other types

In a world of fantastical creatures with the powers of all the elements plus a few vague concepts, it must feel a bit dispiriting to be classified as “normal”. However, it can be a blessing in disguise. Not only is it a type that only has a single weakness, but from a design perspective, it can be quite freeing.

They don’t have to be tied to a single theme, they can come in loads of different shapes and sizes, as long as it doesn’t steer too close to the territory of another type. We should consider the best Normal Pokémon as less the “bottom of the barrel” and more the “happy middle ground”.

If you want to see more Pokémon rankings then check out our lists of the best Fire Pokémon, the best Water Pokémon, and the best Grass Pokémon.

Kangaskhan

It’s a big dinosaur that carries its baby in its pouch, what’s not to love? The fact that it hatches from an egg with that baby in its pouch, that’s what.

Disturbing implications aside, Kangaskhan is a great example of why a lot of the best Normal-types are from Generation 1 – simplicity. It’s not always a good thing, but with Normal-types, it’s often a case of the simpler the better. Kangaskhan is designed in such a way that it doesn’t look like any particular animal. It obviously has elements of kangaroos, but you definitely wouldn’t mistake it for one if you saw it out on the plains.

Blissey

When Gen 6 rolled around, almost all the cute Normal Pokémon became Fairy-types. Wigglytuff, Snubull, Togepi, and Azurill abandoned the Normal-type, the traitors, but not Blissey. Blissey saw the value of being a Normal-type, with frankly excessive bulk that makes it such a pain to put in front of your opponent. Plus, it famously has the highest EXP payout of every Pokémon, making them highly valuable when grinding.

Wooloo

A big ball of fluff that rolls everywhere instead of walking. If that isn’t enough to win you over then we can’t be friends.

Smeargle

Smeargle’s reputation proceeds it these days. It’s become a bit of a meme in competitive Pokémon, as the move Sketch allows it to permanently copy any move the target uses. This most famously led to players training it to have Dark Void, which put all opposing Pokémon to sleep.

Still, we should forget that Smeargle has a great design and creative core concept. While it is ripe for abuse, this artist Pokémon only learning the move Sketch puts it into the same thematic Pokémon building that made Shedinja and Shuckle so beloved.

Ditto

Ditto almost feels like cheating, because it can be any Pokémon whenever it feels like it. There’s something to be said for how the team at Game Freak could just slap a little face on a magenta blob and create one of the most adorable and iconic Pokémon ever. It has cool lore tied to it too though, existing because of Team Rocket’s failed attempts to clone Mew – the same experiments which would eventually lead to the creation of Mewtwo. It’s all connected.

Kecleon

Kecleon is another Pokémon that can change parts of itself, although, with Kecleon, it’s only its type. This was a good angle for a chameleon Pokémon to take. Let’s be honest, chameleons look weird and kind of freaky. Kecleon has some of that, but some work was done to make it look more friendly and cute, you know, so you’d actually want to catch it.

Arceus

It seems to be a running theme that many Normal-types have the ability to also become other types. Still, are you going to argue with the god of all Pokémon? I think not. Arceus was always a cool concept, and it manages to fit in with Sinnoh’s creation trio, while still feeling somehow higher than them. It’s no easy feat to feel more majestic than the beings of space and time, but here we are. Plus, Pokémon Legends: Arceus came along and gave it the best boss battle in the entire franchise, so that helps.

Porygon

There are many reasons why Porygon is such a desirable Pokémon, but the main one is that every Pokémon game seems so reluctant to give one to you. Gen 1 makes you max out your coins in the Game Corner for it, it’s tucked away as a rare encounter in Gen 4’s Trophy Garden, and Gen 7 makes you complete the entire game before you can get one.

Aside from that, it has a great concept as an entirely digital creature, and its evolutions play around with this theme in super creative ways.

Snorlax

You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who hates Snorlax. It’s such a simple design, and yet it’s such a lovable cuddly teddy bear that everyone who lays eyes on it falls in love with it. Its nature of waking up simply to eat its required calorific intake for the day and then going back straight back to sleep is the life we all dream of, but it’s also one heck of a powerhouse once it’s let loose on the battlefield.

Eevee

The Pokemon Company International

We all knew Eevee would top this list, and if you thought otherwise, you’re kidding yourself. The Let’s Go! Games in 2018 finally elevated Eevee to the mascot status it deserves, as it had been an unofficial one for years. The gimmick of all its branching Eeveelutions is what brings you to the dance, but you’ll quickly realize that the original is far superior to anything it turns into. It’s unendingly cute while having tonnes of charisma, playing just about any role you desire.