Generation IV of Pokemon introduced a lot of new powerful Pokemon to the scene. Many of the Pokemon from this generation were evolved forms of pre-existing Pokemon from the Kanto and Johto Regions, and it allowed these particular Pokemon families to reach new heights. It also had an abundance of Legendary Pokemon, which are usually the most powerful Pokemon in existence.

Not all of the Sinnoh Region Pokemon made it into the Sword & Shield Pokedex, so not all of them have had a chance to try their hand in the current competitive metagame. However, some have made it and are currently dominating. Today, we here at TheGamer, while gearing up for Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, are looking at the best competitive Pokemon from Gen IV in the Gen VIII meta. Competitive Pokemon hub Smogon University will be the source for much of the information on this list.

10 Mamoswine

First up is the Twin Tusk Pokemon, Mamoswine, who evolves from the Generation II Pokemon Piloswine and Swinub. It is an Ice and Ground-Type Pokemon that mainly sits in the UnderUsed Smogon tier but sees some use OverUsed.

At its best, Mamoswine can be a bulky attacker that can tank hits from Fire-Type moves thanks to its Thick Fat Ability. Moves like Earthquake and Icicle Crash allow Mamoswine to deal some heavy damage, and a Choice Band can boost those moves even further.

9 Magnezone

Next is Magnezone, the Magnet Area Pokemon. It’s an Electric and Steel-Type Pokemon that evolves from Generation I Pokemon Magneton and Magnemite. Magnezone sits safely in the OverUsed tier thanks to its ability to switch between being a heavy-hitter and a tank.

With Choice Specs and maxed-out Speed and Special Attack, Magnezone can use moves like Thunderbolt, Flash Cannon, and Steel Beam to hammer opponents. Leftovers plus moves like Iron Defense and Substitute can make Magnezone a rough Pokemon to put down. The Magnet Pull Ability keeps opponents’ Steel-Type Pokemon from switching out of the battle, which can be quite the hindrance.

8 Hippowdon

Now there is Hippowdown, the Heavyweight Pokemon. It’s a pure Ground-Type that evolves from Hippopotas. It’s another OverUsed Pokemon with a powerful Ability in Sand Stream, which whips up a Sandstorm when Hippowdon arrives on the battlefield.

Hippowdon’s singular typing and powerful defensive stats make for a powerful wall, particularly against Special Attack-focused Pokemon. Leftovers and Slack Off allow Hippowdown to soak up damage, and Toxic and Stealth Rock allow Hippowdon to lay out hazards and special conditions.

7 Garchomp

Garchomp is the Mach Pokemon that looks like a land shark. It’s a Dragon and Ground-Type Pokemon that evolves from Gabite and Gible. It has great Speed and Attack potential, the combination of which land it in the OverUsed tier despite being very weak to Ice-Type moves.

With maxed-out Speed and Attack plus the Life Orb, Garchomp can be a powerful Swords Dance sweeper. Swords Dance boosts Garchomp’s attack even further, and moves like Earthquake and Stone Edge allow it to bring the hammer down on opposing pokemon.

6 Gastrodon

 

Gastrodon is the Sea Slug Pokemon with West Sea and East Sea variants, making it either pink and brown or blue and green. It’s a Water and Ground-Type that evolves from Shellos. Despite a weakness to Grass-Type moves, Gastrodon can great wall through its defensive stats. It sits primarily in the Rarely Used tier, but it sees some use in the Uber tier, which is the highest-ranked tier on Smogon.

Moves like Clear Smog, Toxic, and Recover give Gastrodon longevity on the field while putting the damper on whatever plans the opponent has. The Storm Drain ability allows Gastrodon to draw Water-Type moves to itself, nullify their damage, and raise its own Special Attack stat.

5 Tangrowth

Tangrowth is the Vine Pokemon that evolves from the Generation I Pokemon, Tangela. It is a pure Grass-Type that usually sits in the UnderUsed tier but also sees some use in the Uber tier. It’s another strong defensive Pokemon that can slow down the opponent’s offensive advances.

Regenerator allows Tangrowth to heal when switched out, and Rocky Helmet means making physical contact with Tangrowth is a dangerous prospect. Moves like Earthquake and Grass Knot can make Tangrowth a powerful offensive player as well.

4 Heatran

Heatran is a Legendary Fire and Steel-Type Pokemon. It is known as the Lava Dome Pokemon and is one of those rare Legendary Pokemon that can be male or female. It’s another powerful Special Defense wall that can nonetheless bite back with moves like Earth Power and Magma Storm. It’s mainly used in the OverUsed tier, but it also has some usage in the Uber tier.

Beyond that, Toxic and Stealth Rock allows Heatran to deal passive damage to the opposing Pokemon. The Leftovers item allows Heatran to regain health every turn, and its Flash Fire Ability means it nullifies and gains extra power from Fire-Type moves. The main thing it has to worry about is the quad damage from Ground-Type moves.

3 Dialga

Dialga is the Legendary Temporal Pokemon. It’s a Dragon and Steel-Type, and it is restricted to the Uber tier due to its immense power.

Dialga can be either a strong support Pokemon or offensive powerhouse. Leftovers plus moves like Roar, Toxic, and Stealth Rock can make it a strong supporter. It can still retain moves like Draco Meteor or Dragon Pulse to put out some damage in this build. However, Choice Specs and a maxed-out Special Attack stat is the ideal way to make Dialga an offensive threat. Draco Meteor, Thunder, and Fire Blast are killer moves for this version of Dialga.

2 Palkia

Palkia is the Water and Dragon-Type Legendary Spatial Pokemon. Like Dialga, it’s restricted to the Uber tier and can pivot between being a Special Attack sweeper or a defender.

It can use similar moves like Toxic, Roar, and Rest for a defensive posture. Draco Meteor is still present in both the offensive and defensive builds, though Spacial Rend is a choice thanks to its high critical hit ratio.

1 Giratina

Finally, there is Giratina, the Ghost and Dragon-Type Legendary Renegade Pokemon. It’s also an Uber-tier Pokemon, but it has the quirk of having two different forms with different stats.

In its Altered Form, Giratina is best used as a physical defender with the Leftovers item and moves like Will-O-Wisp, Rest, and Toxic. In its Origin Form, Giratina specializes as a physical attacker with moves like Poltergeist and Dragon Claw. However, it can also posture as a mixed attacker, learning Special Attack moves like Dragon Pulse and the physical Attack move, Shadow Sneak.

NEXT: 10 Diamond & Pearl Pokemon Who Need A New Form