Summary
ThePokemon Mystery Dungeonspin-off series of gamesis known for its difficult dungeon-crawler gameplay and great storytelling. A central part of the narrative is that players are turned into Pokemon to save the world from a looming threat.
Whether that threat is a giant meteorite crashing into the Pokemon world in the series' first title,Pokemon Mystery Dungeon Red and Blue Rescue Team, or saving time itself from a rampaging Primal Dialga, players have had their hands full of engaging narratives that have characterized the series.
Alongside engrossing storytelling, players are given a partner Pokemonas a trusty sidekick while investigating the series' many dungeons, with some of these being better partners than others.
The Strongest Fighting-Type Partner
Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time
AN EPIC EXPLORATION THROUGH TIME AND DARKNESS!- Explore as a Pokémon in a world of Pokémon!- Discover the secrets of Time and Darkness, and form a team to explore the world!- Find ever-changing dungeons!- Send out SOS Mails using Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection!
Riolu, the pre-evolution of the infamous Lucario, was introduced inPokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Skyon the Nintendo DS. The coolest-looking partner Pokemon on this list, Riolu, is also one of thehardest Pokemon to obtainacross theMystery Dungeonseries, and one of the game’s most powerful to boot, evolving into Lucario and one of the series’best mega evolutions, Mega Lucario.
This Pocket Monster is unobtainable in the first entries in the series, and is a creature exclusive toExplorers of Skyin the second generation ofMystery Dungeongames. Riolu can learn powerful fighting-type moves, such as Force Palm, that other fighting partners like Machop cannot learn, making it thebest Fighting-typePokemonplayers can partner with.
7Cyndaquil
The Best Fire-Type Partner
One of the original Johto starters,Cyndaquil, has been available throughout theMystery Dungeontitles as a steadfast Fire-type that stands head and shoulders above the rest. Cyndaquil can learn ranged attacks, such as Ember, and powerful moves, like Flame Wheel, at relatively low levels.
Cyndaquil has the strongest move set of the fire partnerPokemonin theMystery Dungeongames, with the ability to naturally learn moves such as Lava Plume and Eruption.
A prominent partnerPokemon in the series,Skittyis known for its Normal typing and, thus, its ability to learn a wide variety of moves, such as Blizzard and Shockwave. For that reason, Skitty has been a powerhouse throughout the spin-off series, with players incorporating Skitty’s move variety into their gameplay styles and tactics. Skitty also has the special ability Normalize, strengthing its moves further for additional damage.
While Skitty is often comparable to Munchlax with abilities like Thick Fat, Normalize is by far the better special ability, placing Skitty atop the pile of Normal-type partnerPokemon.
5Pikachu
The Best Electric-Type Partner
Pikachuis, by default, the only electric partner Pokemonplayers can choose in the coreMystery Dungeongames.
The famous electric mousePokemon is known for being Ash Ketchum’s sidekick in the anime. However, it is less known for its impressive move set and capacity as a worthy sidekick inPokemon Mystery Dungeon.
Pikachu can naturally learn moves such as Thunder, Discharge, and Thunderbolt throughout its leveling cycle, making Pikachu a must-have companion in the game’s many water-based dungeons. Pikachu also has the ability Static, paralyzing enemies as a useful status effect.
4Chikorita
The Best Grass-Type Partner
Chikoritaand Turtwig come close as thebest Grass-typePokemonin the spin-off series. Both possess the ability Overgrow, which increases the power of Grass-type moves when their health is low, and a strong move set to go with it, with the former learning Solar Beam and the latter Leaf Storm at level 45.
Despite this,Chikorita clinches the crown with appearances in every coreMystery Dungeonentry. Challenging dungeons like Stormy Sea inRed and Blue Rescue Teamis far easier with Chikorita on the player’s side.
3Mudkip
The Best Water-Type Partner
The Johto starterMudkipis thebest Water-type Pokemonin theMystery Dungeonseries. Mudkip has powerful water-type moves such as Hydro Pump and Whirlpool, rivaling other partner Pokemon such as Piplup and Squirtle. However, its ability to learn Ground-type moves sets Mudkip apart from its counterparts.
Mudkip can learn moves such as Mud Slap, making it a versatile companion in the fight against electricity, fire, and other enemy types that are weak against it.
While Mudkip is weak to electric moves, its Ground-type move set can act as an effective counter against electricPokemon. Mudkip can also learn rock moves like Rock Slide, and Ice-type attacks as well. Mudkip is the most versatile water partner Pokemon in theMystery Dungeongames, with a varied move set ideal for a variety of encounters.
Introduced in the remakes ofPokemon Red and Blue Rescue Team:Mystery Dungeon DX,Cuboneis the only Ground-type partner Pokemon available to players in the series. A strong companion, Cubone has a strong move set, learning moves such as Bone Rush naturally.
Cubone can also learn fire and ice moves, and is resistant to electric moves, which is handy when facing one of the game’s main bosses — Zapdos.
The Most Powerful Partner
Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity
Explore more than 20 exciting dungeons, each one filled with all kinds of Pokémon, treasures and surprises! Not only does each dungeon have its own unique characteristics – the Pokémon found within it, the type of terrain and the number of floors to explore – but the layout changes every time you enter, meaning an infinite number of dungeons await you! And what’s more, items and treasures found in a dungeon can be used to help you make progress, while some of the Pokémon you’ll battle against in each dungeon can be invited to join you on your quest.On top of the dungeons found in the main story of Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity, you may discover Magnagates – special entrances to new and unique dungeons.From small beginnings in Post Town to creating your own elaborate city in Pokémon Paradise, there’s a huge amount of adventure to be had in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity. And you don’t have to go alone! Up to four players can work together as a team, exploring dungeons and fighting as their favourite Pokémon from their own team. Collect items and experience co-operatively with others, then carry it all over into your single-player adventure. You can also use StreetPass to send rare revival items, helping out other defeated players when you pass them in the street and receiving a reward in the process!
Axewis arguably themost powerfulMystery DungeonPokemonon this list due to its mix of naturally learned Dragon, Normal, and Dark-type moves.
Giga Impact and Dragon Pulse are two examples of attacks Axew can learn upon player progression. Axew is only available as a partner Pocket MonsterinPokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinityon the Nintendo 3DS.
While dragon-partner Pokemon in theMystery Dungeonseries are few and far between, Axew was a welcome addition, adding Dragon typing as a prominent type.
