History EnsembleDarkhorse / Pokemon

* Walking Wake is easily one of the most popular ancient Paradox Pokémon introduced in ''Scarlet and Violet'', thanks to its awesome [[DinosaursAreDragons dinosaur-cat hybrid design]]. Being based on the popular [[BreakoutCharacter fan favorite]] Suicune most certainly helped. Not only does it have the popular Water/Dragon typing, but it also has an awesome Signature Move, Hydro Steam, which [[ThePowerOfTheSun becomes stronger in Sun weather instead of weakening]]. It also helped foreshadow that other Paradox Pokémon based on Legendary Pokémon would be coming in the ''Hidden Treasure of Area Zero'' expansion.

* In Japan, for whatever reasons, the [[DualBoss Subway Bosses Ingo and Emmet]] are ridiculously popular, ranking second and third on a popularity poll despite lacking any major role in the story. Website/NicoNicoDouga is a pretty good testament to this, having hundreds upon hundreds of videos, covers, and animations pertaining to them, possibly even having more videos than ''N''. They've gotten so popular that they've gotten quite a lot of official merchandise, more than even the protagonists. It's surprising considering they have little to no real personalities, have absolutely zero relevance to the plot and only serve as bosses in a sidequest, and are barely in the games. [[spoiler:Their popularity only increased drastically with the release of ''VideoGame/PokemonLegendsArceus'' and the reveal that Ingo is now TrappedInThePast and amnesiac, with fans latching onto both his fun characterization and Emmet's [[TearJerker potential reaction to his brother's disappearance]].]]

* Bloodmoon Ursaluna proved to be just as popular as the original Ursaluna from ''Legends Arceus''. This bear takes the moon theme even further than ever. Being tied to Perrin's side quest and plenty of homage to Legend Arceus most certainly helped. Armed with a powerful laser of a signature move fittingly called Blood Moon and Mind's Eye, it is a terror to Ghost types. This makes Bloodmon Ursaluna a powerful special attacker to use in competitive play.
* Archaludon has proven to be a popular cross-generation evolution introduced in Generation IX. It has a unique Bridge appearance that makes it stand out among Dragon-type Pokémon. Plus, it has an amazing SignatureMove, Electro Shot, that can deliver [[{{Pun}} shocking]] results. Another reason for its popularity is that it's the very first Pokémon that is neither Legendary/Mythical, Mega Evolution, nor pseudo-legendary Pokémon to reach a base stats total of 600.

* Similar to when Walking Wake was first revealed, Raging Bolt drew the fandom's great interest thanks to its sauropod, saber-toothed cat, and supposed giraffe-like appearance. With a name and appearance fitting the [[PunBasedCreature thunder lizard]] look, Raging Bolt quickly became well-liked, plus its excellent power made it very useful in competitive play. Being also based on Raikou also helped with its popularity, as Raikou is a beloved Pokémon in its own right.

* Luxray remains extremely popular for being a majestic lion-based Pokémon that is a common staple of Gen IV teams, thanks to the lack of powerful Electric-type Pokémon in the Sinnoh dex, its fans commonly asking for the line to be buffed, with one of the most common suggestions being giving it a secondary Dark-typing, with the other being increasing its shallow movepool. It placed at 20th in the 2020 Pokémon of the Year poll, with 46,032 votes, beating starters like Decidueye, Blaziken and Sceptile, despite not being part of any regional dex at the time and only being rectified in 'Gen IV''.

* Electivire, despite its [[SkillGateCharacters questionable use in the metagame]], has proven quite popular compared to other new evolutions that were introduced. Its design is appealing, and its movepool is still noticeably large compared to other [[PoorPredictableRock Electric-types]], as well as being one of the few Electric types to learn Flamethrower and Earthquake.

* Luxray remains extremely popular for being a majestic lion-based Pokémon that is a common staple of Gen IV teams, thanks to the lack of powerful Electric-type Pokémon in the Sinnoh dex, its fans commonly asking for the line to be buffed, with one of the most common suggestions being giving it a secondary Dark-typing, with the other being increasing its shallow movepool. It placed at 20th in the 2020 Pokémon of the Year poll, with 46,032 votes, beating starters like Decidueye, Blaziken and Sceptile, despite not being part of any regional dex ''since Gen V''.

* Electivire, despite its [[SkillGateCharacter questionable use in the metagame]], has proven quite popular compared to other new evolutions that were introduced. Its design is appealing, and its movepool is still noticeably large compared to other [[PoorPredictableRock Electric-types]], as well as being one of the few Electric types to learn Flamethrower and Earthquake.

* Liko's roommate when she was attending her school in-person, Ann, is very popular among the fans for her energetic, yet incredibly friendly personality while also having the popular Starter Pokemon Oshawatt. While she doesn't travel with Liko and hasn't appeared in person since the first episode, Liko sometimes video-chats with her, and fans always rejoice when those short scenes happen.

* One of the new admins introduced in episode 16, Sango, had a flood of fanart within minutes of her debut episode airing due to her sassy attitude, cute [[Manga/SpyXFamily Anya]]-esque appearance and the fact that she's become Creator/IkueOtani's 2nd PlayingAgainstType role.

* [[SpiderTank Metagross]], the only Pseudo-Legendary that's not reptillian and from the only generation to release more than one Pseudo-Legendary. It helps that it is also the signature Pokémon of Steven Stone, who is also a fan favorite in his own right. Its dual Steel/Psychic typing is also quite a god-send in competitive play; shared only by the Mythical Jirachi and Bronzong, which was introduced in the next generation. And then it got a Mega Evolution that boosts its every stat other than HP and becomes a LightningBruiser.

* The four Furisode Girls from the Laverre Gym have a following, in part, because each one has a different unique cute girl model; making these trainers highly memorable for some players. All four of them ended up getting counterparts in ''Anime/PokemonTheSeriesXY'', and one of them, Kali, was eventually added as a playable Sync Pair with her Azumarill in ''VideoGame/PokemonMasters''. [[note]]There are other non-trainer [=NPC=]s that use those models, and you can also battle trainers of the Furisode Girl class at Sushi High Roller and in the Battle Chateau, but fanart of them on sites like pixiv and Danbooru uses the names of the Laverre Gym set for tags.[[/note]]

** Liko's roommate when she was attending her school in-person, Ann, is very popular among the fans for her energetic, yet incredibly friendly personality while also having the popular Starter Pokemon Oshawatt. While she doesn't travel with Liko and hasn't appeared in person since the first episode, Liko sometimes video-chats with her, and fans always rejoice when those short scenes happen.
** One of the new admins introduced in episode 16, Sango, had a flood of fanart within minutes of her debut episode airing due to her sassy attitude, cute [[Manga/SpyXFamily Anya]]-esque appearance and the fact that she's become Creator/IkueOtani's 2nd PlayingAgainstType role.

* The young admin of the Explorers, Sango. With her smug personality and playful design, she became an instant favorite among viewers of ''Horizons'' the moment she had her on-screen debut in Episode 16.

* White-Striped Basculin and its epic evolution Basculegion are easily one of the coolest fish introduced into Generation 8. It not only has a dark and sad backstory, but also has a spiritual look that fits the region in which it was first introduced. Both male and female designs certainly helped ensure people would want to catch it. Being the first ''Legend Arceus'' Pokémon to catch in The Teal Mask in the beloved Timeless Woods ensures people want to obtain this ghoulish fish.

* Gouging Fire has its fans thanks to its unique TemperCeratops appearance, a huge contrast to the other Paradox versions of the two Legendary Beasts. While not being a ''Triceratops'' like most expected, its ''Styracosaurus''-lion hybrid look helped make it stand out alongside the other Paradox Pokémon introduced in ''The Indigo Disk'', and it also boasted the popular [[DinosaursAreDragons Fire/Dragon]] typing. This [[JackOfAllStats fast firey dinosaur]] quickly proved to be just as strong as the other two counterparts, harkening back to Mega Charizard X and being one of the few Pokémon that can stand up to the ubiquitous [[ComplacentGamingSyndrome Kingambit]] in Singles play. It also helps that it's based off of Entei, a fan-favorite in its own right.

* White-Striped Basculin and its Epic Evolution Basculegion are easily one of the coolest fish introduced into Generation 8. It not only has a dark and sad backstory, but also has a spiritual look that fits the region in which it was first introduced. Both male and female designs certainly helped ensure people would want to catch it. Being the first ''Legend Arceus'' Pokémon to catch in The Teal Mask in the beloved Timeless Woods ensures people want to obtain this ghoulish fish.

* Every single one of the updated admins in Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire.
** Courtney amongst a lot of the player-base, for her robotic yet CreepyAwesome mannerisms and her characterization as a {{Yandere}}.
** Tabitha, on the other hand, is now regarded as more of a LaughablyEvil villain. Redesign aside, he subsequently becomes more of a semi-AntiVillain, during the Delta Episode postgame. His fans also like to characterize him as a ButtMonkey.
** Shelly, for being a [[TheTease flirtatious]] MsFanservice DarkActionGirl, getting love from boy [[EvenTheGirlsWantHer and girl]] players alike.
** Matt, for exuding insane amounts of HoYay with several male characters, as well as providing a bunch of hilarious lines.

* Similar to when Walking Wake was first revealed, Raging Bolt drew the fandom's great interest thanks to its sauropod, saber-toothed cat and supposed giraffe-like appearance. With a name and appearance fitting the [[PunBasedCreature thunder lizard]] look, Raging Bolt quickly became well-liked, plus its excellent power made it very useful in competitive play. Being also based on Raikou also helped with its popularity, as Raikou is a beloved Pokémon in its own right.

* Archaludon has proven to be a popular cross-generation evolution introduced in Generation IX. It has a unique Bridge appearance that makes it stand out among Dragon-type Pokémon. Plus, it has an amazing SignatureMove, Electro Shot, that can deliver shocking results. Another reason for its popularity is that it's the very first Pokémon that is neither Legendary/Mythical, Mega Evolution, nor pseudo-legendary Pokémon to reach a base stats total of 600.

* Gouging Fire has its fans thanks to its unique TemperCeratops appearance, a huge contrast to the other Paradox versions of the two Legendary Beasts. While not being a Triceratops like most expected, its Styracosaurus and cat hybrid look helped make it stand out alongside the other Paradox Pokémon introduced in ''The Indigo Disk''. This [[JackOfAllStats fast firey dinosaurs]] quickly proved to be just as strong as the other two counterparts. It also helps that it's based off of Entei.
* Similar to when Walking Wake was first revealed, Raging Bolt drew the fandom's great interest thanks to its sauropod and supposed giraffe-like appearance. With a name and appearance fitting the [[PunBasedCreature thunder lizard]] look, Raging Bolt quickly became well-liked, plus its excellent power made it very useful in competitive play. Being also based on Raikou also helped with its popularity.

* Clodsire is adored by the fanbase. Quagsire was already an Ensemble Dark Horse due to its blank, derpy yet charming looks. Clodsire's more blob-ness with it being quadrupedal like a dog made it arguably more appealing and huggable to fans. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WV-5_hLcGrs Animations like this]] only further highlighted how adorable it really is.

* [[MagikarpPower Gyarados]], simply for being that badass Pokémon [[MagikarpPower that evolves from Magikarp]], the very first (intentional) [[JokeCharacter joke Pokémon]]. It's also very strong despite its AchillesHeel to electricity thanks to its decent speed and having access to Earthquake.

* Because of this, Gengar, Alakazam and Machamp's usefulness in single and competitive play is one of the reasons why [[SocializationBonus Trade Evolutions]] [[FranchiseOriginalSin are tolerated to an extent]].

* Pinsir was another well-liked Bug Pokémon from the first generation, but lost a lot of support over the years due to being [[OvershadowedByAwesome overshadowed]] by the likes of Scyther (Scizor), Heracross, and Scolipede competitively and design-wise. Generation VI, however, finally throws Pinsir a bone and bestows upon it a Mega Evolution, putting Pinsir back on the map for the fan-base.

* Starmie. A (mostly) unique dual-typing and incredible stat distribution / move-pool has Starmie in Website/{{Smogon}}'s OU Tier; being able to pull off any role that the player wishes for. Being one of Misty's signature Pokémon helps too.

* Heracross retains a high level of popularity, partially due to Ash's Heracross, and partially due to its unique typing, good stats, and cute design. It even got a Mega Evolution. This is in spite of the fact that in Gen II it was not only hard to find, but also pretty useless, with a very weak movepool and almost no STAB moves other than its late-obtained signature Megahorn attack. It may also have something to do with the fact that Rhinoceros Beetles are popular in Japan and Beetle Fighting is a popular pastime. From Gen III on, though, Heracross hasn't had many problems with its movepool and has been considered one of the strongest physical attackers in the game. Although Heracross hasn't been immune to the rampant PowerCreep from recent generations.

* Skitty; due to its {{Moe}} appearance and MemeticMutation voice it was given in the anime. "Nyah!". Even in fiction it and its Evolution Delcatty are popular as pets according to their Pokédex!

* Tinkaton became a [[{{Pun}} smash hit]] with many players, due to the juxtaposition of its cutesy design with it being a violent brute who smashes everything in sight with its [[DropTheHammer giant hammer]]. It says a lot that in a game with both Gardevoir ''and'' Lucario, some players will tend to forgo ''both'' in favor for a Tinkaton on their team, despite its lower attacking stats than the former two [[note]]its physical Attack stat is only base 75[[/note]]. A Japanese popularity poll held a month after the game's release had the little gremlin pop up in first place. Many people compare it positively to other favorite GirlWithPsychoWeapon characters such as ComicBook/HarleyQuinn, Sena from ''VideoGame/XenobladeChronicles3'', Power from ''Manga/ChainsawMan'' and Hilda from ''VideoGame/FireEmblemThreeHouses'', and some even speculate that it'd make a great future ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBros'' fighter.

* The two new Eeveelutions, Espeon and Umbreon, are also among the most popular and memorable Gen II Pokémon, 1) for being Eeveelutions (which are almost universally loved by the fandom) and 2) for their elegant and interesting designs.

* Wyrdeer is beloved due to its badass deer design and SantaClaus look. This cool deer not only won people over but it helped hype players on other classic Pokémon getting ancient badass evolution. Being the first Ride Pokémon introduced in Legend Arceus, it gave one incredible first impression.

* Nova, a Beauty in the Battle Maison who picked up a surprising amount of transgender fans due to saying that she was a Black Belt half a year ago. Black Belts can only be male. Therefore, the fandom took her mention of "transformation" to refer to her going on HRT and becoming a Beauty.[[note]]Nova's original Japanese dialogue lays it out more explicitly, crediting medical science for her transformation, so she is in fact canonically a Trans woman[[/note]]

* Nova, a Beauty in the Battle Maison who picked up a surprising amount of transgender fans due to saying that she was a Black Belt half a year ago. Black Belts can only be male. Therefore, the fandom took her mention of "transformation" to refer to her going on HRT and becoming a Beauty.

* Rika, the first member of Paldea's Elite Four, has a very minor presence within the game other than her stint running the Champion Assessment quiz. Despite that, she gained a fanbase rivaling the main characters thanks to her handsome design and charming personality. Because she uses the already-popular Clodsire as her ace, many fans like to think Rika is a CuddleBug who adores cute things despite her professional exterior. In addition, Rika's {{bifauxnen}} looks attracted a lot of [[LGBTFanbase lesbian fans]], with her even placing first in a Japanese poll asking women about which fictional characters they'd like to date.