6 best Pokemon designs from Kalos, ranked

The Kalos region is filled to the brim with colorfully designed Pokemon. Being the first mainline region to be designed completely in 3D, Game Freak have made great use of the new hardware to show off various terrains and Pocket Monsters. With Legends Z-A bringing players back to the region, many fans are feeling nostalgic for the sixth generation of the franchise.

While the Kalos region has some of the fewest native creatures, many of them have either become hits in the competitive scene or fan favorites.

Here are the top six best Pokemon designs from the Kalos region.

Note: This ranking is subjective and solely reflects the writer's opinions

Top 6 Pokemon designs from Kalos

6) Aegislash

Aegislash is one of the most notorious battlers from the Kalos region (Image via The Pokemon Company)

The final stage of the Honedge line, Aegislash is one of the most recognizable Kalos Pokemon, thanks to its simple yet dynamic. Its design reflects its Ghost and Steel typing by combining a sword and shield.

The Pocket Monster changes its stance and stats depending on its actions during that turn, incorporating both its offensive sword and defensive shield forms. This "less is more" concept works out for a relatively simple creature like Aegislash.

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5) Greninja

Greninja is an interesting creature that makes great use of a frog for a base design (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Greninja is the final evolution of the Kalos starter, Froakie. It is an obvious combination of a ninja and a frog. Its contrasting blue and white body, paired with its distinctive pink tongue scarf, makes it instantly recognizable.

Greninja’s popularity was further boosted by its appearances in Super Smash Bros. for both Wii U and 3DS, as well as Smash Ultimate on the Nintendo Switch. Fans of the Pokemon anime also remember the Pocket Monster for its key role as Ash’s most valuable party member.

Greninja would not be nearly as iconic as it is now if it had a poor or even mediocre design.

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4) Tyrantrum

Tyrantrum perfectly embodies the idea of a T-Rex from the Pokemon world (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Before Pokemon X and Y were released, new fossil creatures were teased through online leaks. One of the most exciting reveals was the introduction of Tyrunt and its evolution, Tyrantrum, a dinosaur-inspired Pocket Monster. Fans had long hoped for a T-Rex Pokemon, and Tyrantrum did not disappoint.

Tyrantrum is a colassal beast from ancient history. With its armor-like scales and crown-like horns above its eyes and around its neck, it is easily one of the most underappreciated creatures in the franchise.

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3) Hoopa

Hoopa is one of the Mythical Pokemon introduced in the sixth generation (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Hoopa, one of the three Mythical Pokemon from Kalos, features two distinct forms. In its Confined form, it is a small Psychic/Ghost-type creature, standing just a foot tall. In its Unbound form, however, it grows to over 20 feet tall and takes on a Dark typing instead of Ghost.

Hoopa is one of the most important Mythical Pokemon in the franchise as it is among the few that have interacted with the player outside of its respective event. This Pocket Monster is responsible for the many rings that summon the Legendaries players can find in Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire.

Like a lot of other Mythical Pokemon, Hoopa received its own anime movie special.

2) Hawlucha

Hawlucha is one of the few non-Legendary Pokemon to receive its own signature move (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Hawlucha is the living embodiment of style in the Kalos region. Not only is it decorated in colorful plummage, appearing to wear a mask and cape, but its pose in battle lets opponents know it is ready for whatever challenge coming its way. The Pocket Monster even received its own signature move in the sixth generation, called Flying Press.

Like a few other creatures on this list, Hawlucha’s popularity was boosted by its appearances in the Pokemon anime. Ash added it to his team in the series, showcasing its abilities and unique personality. Fans quickly fell in love with the creature's charismatic design and impressive battle capabilities.

1) Trevenant

Trevenant perfectly captures the design concept of a haunted tree spirit (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Trevenant arguably has the best design of any Pokemon from Kalos. As a Ghost- and Grass-type tree spirit, who curses and traps those who seek to disrupt nature, its design needed to be imposing and scary. With its gaping maw and angry red eye, it is the perfect creature to convey this theme.

While it may not have received as much mainstream attention as other Pocket Monsters, Trevenant has seen a resurgence in recent years through spin-off games. In Pokemon GO, it has become one of the best Ghost-type picks for competitive play. It also appears in Pokemon Unite, where it is a playable character.