Summary
The Gen 6Pokemongames are often criticized for lacking a third, definite version, but this generation brought the series into a whole new dimension, being the first mainline games to be released on the Nintendo 3DS.Pokemon X and Ywere also notable for introducing the fan-favorite Mega Evolution mechanic that added a new layer of depth to battles and allowed certain critters to evolve beyond their normal potential. Gen 6 is considered by fans to be one of the easier sets of games in the series, but there are still some challenging aspects that players will want to ensure their team can tackle.
The criteria for what makes a critter a good candidate for a team member include how accessible they are, their stat total and overall strength, and how useful they will be in dealing with a game’s major battles.
Another major componentPokemonplayers will need to consider when playing through a Gen 6 game is the presence ofFairy typesfor the first time in the series. Fairy types can be some of the strongest mons in the series since they have only a few weaknesses and a lot of strengths. As such, any Gen 6 playthrough team will need to be prepared to counter these types of critters.
Lapras
Water/Ice
While theKalos Regiondidn’t add as many new creatures compared to previous generations, it makes up for it by including a much bigger overall regional Pokedex featuring a solid number of returning mons. Additionally, players get access to two starters, one Gen 6 starter at the beginning of the game and a Gen 1 starter once they reach Lumiose City for the first time. As such, there are a lot of strong creatures for players to build their team around for a Gen 6 playthrough with a few standouts that make for a well-rounded party capable of making an adventure through the Kalos Region a breeze.
Delphox
Thebest Gen 6 starter for a Kalos playthrough is Fennekin, due to its beneficial typing against a variety of the region’s Gym Leaders, especially the first Gym, which features Viola and her Bug types. Delphox also becomes useful against other Gym Leaders as well, such as Ramos' Grass types, Clemont’s Magneton, and even Korrina’s Fighting types, since it will gain the Psychic type when it evolves. This is also a great mon to have for the late game since Delphox will have an advantage against the final Gym Leader, Wulfric, and his Ice types, as well as Elite Four Wikstrom and his Steel types.
Venusaur
Out of the three Gen 1 starters Professor Sycamore offers the player once they reach Lumiose City for the first time, it’s best to avoid a type overlap with Charmander and choose Bulbasaur instead. Not only is Venusaur a strong Grass type to add to the team, giving it great utility against the second Gym’s Rock types, but its secondary Poison typing makes it incredibly useful against Gen 6’s Fairy types and Gym Leader Valerie. Venusaur also has the ability toMega Evolve in Gen 6, meaning it can be an easy powerhouse to use as a sweeper for the team.
Aegislash
Aegislash is one of the strongest Gen 6 mons and can be obtained very early in the game, with Honedge being found on Route 6, before the second Gym. It’s Steel/Ghost typing makes a fantastic combo that puts this mon in a great position to deal with Gym Leader Grant’s Rock types, Gym Leader Olympia’s Psychic types, and the game’s toughest Fairy types likeChampion Diantha’s Mega Gardevoir. Not only does Aegislash have great typing, but its Stance Change ability allows it to switch between defensive and offensive forms to suit the player’s needs during battle.
Tyrantrum
Tyrantrum is the stronger choice out of the twofossil Pokemon players can find inPokemon X and Ysince its Rock/Dragon typing gives it great offensive coverage. Having the Rock typing gives Tyrantrum an advantage over Gym Leader Clemont’s Emolga, the rival’s Flareon and Altaria, as well as several of Team Flare Leader Lysandre’s mons like Honchkrow and Gyarados. It’s also a good idea to have a Dragon-type on the team in Gen 6 to deal with other Dragon-type threats like Elite Four Drasna’s Dragon types while resisting Elite Four Malva’s Fire types.
Hawlucha
Hawlucha is unique in that it is the first Fighting/Flying type introduced to thePokemonseries, and has access to the move Flying Press, which deals both Fighting and Flying damage. WithHawlucha being available on Route 10just outside of Geosenge Town, it’s the perfect mon to catch ahead of the battle with Gym Leader Korrina and her Fighting types. This mon will also come in handy against Gym Leader Ramos' Grass types, Gym Leader Wulfric’s Ice types, and even Gym Leader Clemont’s Heliolisk if it has the Limber ability that prevents it from becoming paralyzed.
Another Gen 1 critter players should use to round out this team is Lapras, who can be found while surfing on Route 12 and in Azure Bay. Not only is having a Water-type like Lapras useful against Lysandre’s Pyroar and Elite Four Malva’s Fire types, but having the Ice type as a secondary typing allows Lapras to be useful against theDragon types of Elite Four Drasna’s teamas well as Champion Diantha’s Goodra. Although there aren’t a lot of water routes in the Kalos Region outside of Route 12 and Azure Bay, Lapras is still a good mon to have for surfing when it is necessary, such as in Victory Road.
