Top 6 Best and Worst Pokémon Pairings

[@Sleepingfishie]

Who else learned about the Darumaka and Ponyta pairing today

[@awesomeschwab]

I was pretty sure Ponyta and Farfetchd were paired, not Darumaka

[@kayleighlehrman9566]

I knew about it, I was disappointed my first time playing Shield since as soon as I saw Galarian Darmanitan I really wanted to use one but couldn't.

[@dorkenspache8353]

@@awesomeschwab Farfetch'd and Corsola are the pairing given how their new regional evos are on the version exclusive gym leaders Bea and Allister

[@garg4531]

I just learned of it

[@garg4531]

@@dorkenspache8353 Ahh that makes sense

[@blakdeth]

I would argue you're talking about two completely different things in this video. Version exclusive pairs, and pokemon duo's that have actual lore connections aren't really the same thing. Sure there's often overlap, but the ones like ponyta/darumaka, or petilil/cottonee are just version exclusives, while mantine/remoraid, and tinkaton/corviknight are just lore connections. They shouldn't really be compared.

[@herminiofigueroa9527]

Thank you

[@thescreengeek8915]

*starts video* Me: "oh, this is going to be good" EC: "Ponyta and Darumaka" Me: "come again?"

[@emperorcubone]

That's what I'M saying!

[@mariobenedicto3582]

I second this!

[@AscendedXSaiyan]

Much like how I was with Corviknight & Tinkaton. I wouldn't consider them a pairing

[@Watch-0w1]

​@@AscendedXSaiyannot equal pairing

[@garg4531]

They really aren't a pair other than being version exclusive regional variants, and I think it was pretty unnecessary to make them exclusive in the first place At least with Vulpix and Sandshrew, they both filled the same niche as ice-types found in the same area, so you could justify having it set up as having one or the other

[@SquishyOfCinder]

Sawk fights using karate, Throh does judo. Pretty big difference. Sawk is faster and stronger offensively while Throh is more of a defensive mon. The differences are pretty big

[@nhoriel]

I totaly agree with you

[@gabrielox5110]

well... then represent that difference in the design, and not only with different colors and a sligthly different body

[@SquishyOfCinder]

@@gabrielox5110 one is thinner and taller and uses a very offense based stance, the other is short and stocky and stands ready to react.

[@ijstinson8787]

⁠​⁠@@gabrielox5110realistically, how else could you differentiate them?

[@gabrielox5110]

@@ijstinson8787 i dont know... but in hitmolee and hitmonchan worked

[@twixthehyena]

I think the reason for both, Spritzee and Swirlix to exist in Kalos is the fact that they are based on scent and taste. Spritzee is described to be a very fragrant Pokemon which fits perfectly with France's fashion culture as well as the fact that the French royalty used to apply plenty of perfume, and Swirlix being a very sweet tasting Pokemon, according to the dex. It's also based on Cotton Candy, and the "base form" of that was very popular in France during the Baroque era - if my history knowledge doesn't fail me here and I'm just misremembering things, that is.

[@emperorcubone]

You could be right, but then what are Fairies based on the other scenes? (Also wouldn't Florges already smell good cause of the flowers?)

[@DG_Toti]

@@emperorcubone not all gardens are made for the purpose of smelling good, people view flowers mostly in an aesthetic context, so Florges could be based on baroque and modern France’s aesthetic beauties. Sylveon is touch, it’s got soft silky ribbon-like ‘feelers’ all over its body and silk garments are another popular choice with royals and rich people. As for hearing… I have no real ideas for that considering the only other Kalosian fairy types are Klefki, Carbink and Dedenne and the only ones I think could possibly fit those criteria are Dedenne and Klefki, though idk why jingling keys would be how they chose to represent sound, so I think Dedenne having some slight influences in its design from old radio models fits better

[@Watch-0w1]

That good. I wont say their pair though.just extra fairy

[@Watch-0w1]

​@@DG_Toti u almost got it

[@dandeleon2764]

Spritzee is also based on a plague doctor mask, where they would put fragrances and herbs into the "beak" of the mask, as they thought the plague was passed thru vapors.

[@nickdentoom1173]

The Steelix and Scizor pairing often gets overlooked by people due to Scythers connection with Pinsir as a pair in Kanto. However, Steelix and Scizor have always been a pair ever since Johto, while Pinsir changed pairing with Heracross. I mean.. Steelix and Scizor both evolve by trading, while needing to hold a Metal Coat They also both lose a typing in favor of Steel (Rock and Flying). Both got a Mega in gen 6 (Same as the other pairing in Pinsir/Heracross). Its a very interesting concept to think about, since pairings/counterparts are subjected to change (I mean... look at Tauros/Miltank in the Paldea games, Tauros got three regional forms in base game + was in Blueberry, while Miltank didn't even make the cut). Interersing putting Ponyta/Darumaka in here, as i was under the impression Ponyta was paired up with Galarfetch'd, but Ponyta/Darumaka works better, cuz both are regional forms without getting an additonal evolution.

[@emperorcubone]

That is very true, pairs can change all the time; like how Onix got nothing in Legends Arceus but Scyther got a new Evolution! (But yeah, Tauros and Miltank are sooo unbalanced now too...)

[@Watch-0w1]

Funny milktank get other form base on strawberry or chocolate milk

[@kirbyofthestarsfan]

Steelix and Scizor didn't get simultaneous Megas tho, Steelix had to wait until Gen 6

[@nickdentoom1173]

@@kirbyofthestarsfan So did Scizor, since gen 6 introduced Mega's. I think you mean ORAS. It still got a Mega regardless. Like, we have multiple pairs where XY gave the Mega to one, while ORAS gave the Mega to the other one Gardevoir XY - Gallade ORAS Mawile - XY - Sableye - ORAS

[@Naito115]

​@@kirbyofthestarsfan...which Gen did Mega's begin?

[@Retro_Red]

Tinkaton: I hit him with a rock! It was a big rock...

[@ghartman56]

I dislike sawk and throh too, but saying that they don't represent different kinds of fighting is...just incorrect. Sawk is karate and throh is judo. Literally their categories are the "karate pokemon" and the "judo pokemon", and sawk learns more kicking and punching moves while throh learns more throwing moves to reflect that. And I'll let saying the sun and moon are equally important slide since this is for engagement, not negativity 🙂

[@TheCrazyhusky]

"You wouldn't put Pideotto in a pair with Caterpie". Looks at Pokemon Mystery Dungeon where they paired a Swellow with Wurmple as a rescue Team. (Swellows do eat Wurmples)

[@nihildwo4874]

yep, the memorable oblivious swellow ;)

[@quinceekingston4335]

Sprite and swirlix would've been better off evolving in like mid twenties imo instead of items and then be a stronger fairy for the mid game but fall off by the end

[@emperorcubone]

For sure! Or, just have them evolve from the SAME base stage and use the items like Clamperl to see who you get!

[@Ryodraco]

I question how one-sided the fights with Corviknight are claimed to be in this video. The dex describes Tinkaton attacking Corviknight as a "daring" behavior, so the birds are far from easy to take down.

[@stevengreene879]

To this point, I’ve always found it weird tinkaton even hunt corviknight. Both tikaton’s stab moves hit corviknight for ineffective damage, corviknight at least hits tinkaton with neutral stab.

[@dorkenspache8353]

@@stevengreene879 It's just a little flavor text I assume

[@Nosretep]

Exactly. Pokemon Fans can't read.

[@nunobatista5822]

I believe tinkaton attacks Corviknight but just to try to get some metal, and they "hunt" them for fun or to show off their strengh at least thats how i imagine it I have to read the dex entries again

[@caiusdrakegaming8087]

@@nunobatista5822 Yeah, the dex he uses for Corviknight says it's not used for the air taxis because it's NATURAL PREDATOR is what makes it unsafe. Tinkaton would make sense... if there was any wild ones in the first place. And wild Corviknight only appear around the big lake. If it does have a predator that makes it ill-suited for the taxi service, it'd have to be something found at that lake. My guess, Tatsugiri and Dondozo.

[@Orangeninja5000]

Im surprised Scyther and Pinsir weren't brought up. They were introduced as a pair, and it's only gotten worse since. First, Heracross took Scyther's place in Gen II. Second, Scyther got an Evo, while neither Pinsir or Heracross did, then they ALL got Megas and then Scyther got a THIRD EVOLUTION

[@mariobenedicto3582]

Poor Pinsir... his "brother" Scyther went on to become his star, but Pinsir... who's that again? ...well, no matter how you look at it; Scyther is simply perfection when it comes to Pokemon designs.

[@emperorcubone]

That is Highly unbalanced! However once Heracross came the Beetles have been in lock-step pretty much the whole way, so at least they're not trying to STILL pass Scyther off in the pair, like say Whimsicott and Liligant...

[@Orangeninja5000]

@@emperorcubone That's fair. Also "the Beetles", that's brilliant

[@wingedbluj1674]

Syther stopped being paired with Pinsir because it was paired with Onyx instead.

[@J.Blazer]

"Sharing _is_ caring." Accelgor barely surviving the mortal wounds inflicted by having its shell stolen:

[@tigerx36]

I had a feeling Zangoose and Seviper would be #1. It was great seeing Electabuzz and Magmar so high up too.

[@Naito115]

Zangoose and Seviper is a one-sided rivalry (Zangoose absolutely sweeps) which is a disguise because they're in the same egg group

[@michaelgood3666]

The heatmor/durant relationship would be significantly better if they gave it flash fire as a hidden ability instead

[@emperorcubone]

Even Steam Engine or something that's not an immunity would be something!

[@jaschabull2365]

Poor durant deserved better than to have its hidden ability spot squandered for the biggest groaner pun, for real.

[@RedDragonForce2]

Fun fact: Zangoose and Seviper are in the same egg group, so they can make an egg together.

[@earthyemeraldy]

I really like the Durant and Heatran pairing for the same reason as Seviper and Zangoose. The pairing references their real world counterparts.

[@Nosretep]

Heatran?

[@PokemonFanAnime]

I think they meant Heatmor

[@bigjettts1]

This might be convoluted, but Darumaka and Ponyta are actually part of a six way version exclusive schtick, with Galarian Darmanitan and Eiscue being ice types that have damage-based forms, Sirfetch'd and Cursola being evolutions with one type (which you very likely pointed out in an earlier version exclusive video), and Stonejourner and Galarian Rapidash getting Abilities that only benefit in doubles (with all but Ponyta being listed in their respective areas), but the way the exclusives are done there are a bit much, even when I tried to connect the dots to even more things I could list off between all six of the Pokemon lines (And yes, I am saying six since Farfetch'd and Ponyta were advertised as exclusives before the games came out).

[@dawniepiee]

Growing up, my childhood best friend and I spoke about Pokemon pairings, and we always liked the opposite in every pair! Such as i love tyrunt, umbreon, magmar, they love amaura, espeon, electabuzz! Haven't asked them for the recent gens, but it made us happy how opposite we were in Pokemon, which means every Pokemon is definitely someone's favourite!

[@emperorcubone]

That's so funny! That happened to me when someone commented their favorite Versions, and it was literally all the opposite; They liked Gold, Pearl and Moon, while I liked Silver, Diamond, and Sun!

[@kidayuki9884]

Tinkaton probably killed all the skarmory which is why they're not in paldea.

[@emperorcubone]

That checks out honestly...

[@macwelch8599]

Regional Variant ideas for Solrock and Lunatone: Solrock: Fire type Lunatone: Water/Ice type

[@emperorcubone]

Lunatone being a Waterbender does make a lot of sense...

[@macwelch8599]

@@emperorcubone also scientific, since the moon influences the waves

[@pieterhofkens7259]

Evolutions would be better imo

[@warriorpokemon1518]

I have my beliefs that regional forms will be abandoned in Generation 10 but it would be ok if some of the pairs in this video went through that.

[@Ryodraco]

Regarding Sawk and Thro's clothes, I'm pretty sure those are actually part of their body. This applies to most pokemon that appear to wear clothes. Note the dex entries only ever describe their belts as being not a part of them (made from vines, somehow).

[@AscendedXSaiyan]

I also disagree with his entire conception behind them. While they might look the same, they *ARE* however based in vastly different fighting styles, and I'm not even talking about one being more offensive than the other.

[@Watch-0w1]

​@@AscendedXSaiyankarate chop and judo. But it still suck compare to hitmon

[@itszyworn4874]

​​@@AscendedXSaiyan Besides, what he spoke about the Hitmons, Sawk and Throh ARE more similar to them than to what he said. Likewise to Hitmons being based on real life people, Sawk and Throh's are inspired by real East Asian fighting styles, karate and judo (obviously). Also, though I cannot remember their names at the moment, Sawk and Throh are also based on real karate and judo masters. And, as from what I remember, the Gi's are part of their body. This isn't confirmed though. But still, I don't hear people complaining about Hitmons wearing clothes that often. You know, Chan's just wearing a skirt?? But, anyway, I might be based since prefer Sawk and Throh to all of the Hitmons, but I don't want people to banter Sawk and Throh just because of their nostalgic feelings that the Hitmons give them. Sometimes the newer mon's just do it better. But, everyone's titled to their own opinions. Just saying that Sawk and Throh needs more recognition. Edit: made it sound a bit better

[@AscendedXSaiyan]

@@Watch-0w1 In what regard? Hitmonchan wears clothes too and no one complains. Sawk could also beat the Hitmons quite easily

[@SquishyOfCinder]

@@AscendedXSaiyan yeah Sawk was one of the strongest fighting types for two gens.

[@Turtleflames39]

Just got off work and now to relax watching this video

[@DevotedOgrim05]

One of the obviously best pairings is Arcanine/Ninetales. Both are pure fire types from Kanto with two stages stone evolution, one has 75% chance of being male, second has 75% chance of being female, both have regional variants, and both are based of asian mythical canines.

[@emperorcubone]

The Arceus Rock variants really saved this pair to bring them back to even footing!

[@OhJuicy]

I don't mean to be harsh with this but I feel like a lot of your commentary in your videos contradicts itself. You mention that you like how duskull and shuppet have both been given special treatment in different ways throughout the generations because it "keeps them connected", but then when it comes to petilil and whimsicott who also have both been given special treatment in different ways, you then think that's a bad thing because they're "ignoring each other"? I don't really get it. I only point this out because I do really like your videos, I think you do something really unique, and I feel that your videos could be improved by looking at these contradictions :)

[@emperorcubone]

Thank you for commenting; when I said "different way" I meant that they both received extra Forms, but just took different routes to get there so the outcome was basically the same (a third stage that remained Pure Ghost). Whereas the other pair you mentioned has a brand new form change for one, but no such thing for its counterpart. The other one didn't change it's evolutionary line at all, simply added a type, which again was deemed unacceptable for their friend. It'd be like saying Slowpoke and Scolipede have both seen special treatment, when Slowpoke has branching evos, a Mega, and three regional forms, while Scolipede had it's stats buffed a little between generations. It's true they both saw some attention, but they went about it in ways that led them to different places, farther away from each other. I hope that explains it better...

[@RogueOfShadows000]

Few small things Cubone, Durant actually can defend itself decently from a Heatmor. It's faster , has high attack, & can learn a variety of rock & ground moves to defend itself. Such as rock slide, rock tomb, stone edge, dig, & stomping tantrum. But another bad pair I would put is Drampa & Turtonator. They're supposed to be version exclusive dragons in Alola but, Turtonator should've been Fire & Poison typed. Also they're in entirely separate areas. Turtonator is on Blush Mountain in Ula Ula Isle. Drampa is on Mount Lanakila also in Ula Ula Isle. So the only thing in common is that they're both dragons caught on mountains in Ula Ula. Mind you Mount Lanakila is essentially Victory Road & you will be catching a Turtonator way earlier in the Sun games way earlier.

[@deadite3879]

Tinkaton and Corvonite is not a exclusive situation it is a restraining order.

[@kargoncoppercoin2093]

Heatmor is the definition of "every pokemon is somebody's favorite, even the ones that most people don't like" for me. Its my second favorite unova pokemon behind cofagregious, and I always love to see the little guy in games, even if I'm not using it for a playthrough because I prefer using new mons on my team. I just think he's neat. And he makes me like durant more because if I see a durant I know my boy heatmor is around somewhere

[@nightlord5102]

I like how the Video is 16 minutes and 16 Seconds. What a Pair

[@warriorpokemon1518]

I would think the worst pair of them all is Plusle and Minun. They are the kind of Pokemon you would never want to use because they work better together but you wouldn't just want both. The whole thing with them only worked out in the first Pokemon Ranger game.

[@emperorcubone]

If you were a gym leader it would probably be okay, but not many people are likely to devote a third of their team to such limited Pokemon. Might make for a fun challenge run sometime though?

[@drewcox6939]

The sun and the moon being equally important to earth is certainly a take

[@Jillybear265]

I used to dislike the odd fairy twins. But idk, after running a fairy solo i just love my weird dog and oddly attractive bird

[@alyx5491]

I always thought of Farfetch'd and Ponyta as the duo being the jouster and the horse and also being introduced in the same SwSh trailer.

[@emperorcubone]

Mmm, I always saw Farfetch'd paired with Corsola, since they both got a new regional evolution, and both featured prominently in the opposite versions of the Stow-on-Side gym (like they should have done in Circhester.)

[@CharlizeAsmar-pp3nw]

Hey, mate. You know accelgor is not an insect even though being a bug type. Dude, it's a gastropod

[@JTripp999]

Idk if you realize this, but Unova was almost meant to be a total reboot of Kanto. That's why Sawk and Throh exist, to mimic the original hitmons. The elemental monkey's are meant to be eeveelutions. Darumaka is meant to be the main pure fire type (aka the ponyta). etc.

[@jaschabull2365]

Ahh, my favourite grass type: Jolteon.

[@JTripp999]

@@jaschabull2365 they are both elemental trios

[@jaschabull2365]

@@JTripp999 To be fair, you could say that about the actual starters, which the monkeys' types are identical to.

[@thomasrocks1231]

Always looking forward to your vids man!

[@emperorcubone]

Thank you! That's so nice to hear!

[@nintendolife25]

I think what’s hilarious about the no. 1 worst is despite these severe handicaps you mentioned, Durant is still a better than Heatmor overall (in terms of battle), which further hammers in the imbalance between the two. XD

[@RaynmanPlays]

Did you really describe Karablast's failed predation of Shellmet as a _symbiotic_ relationship?

[@animatingangel7946]

I’m sorry, what qualifies a “pair”? Version Exclusivity? Lore Pairs? Which one? If it’s version exclusivity, then a lot of Pokemon can be pairs, such as… Mankey and Meowth in Gold and Silver and Omanyte and Lileep in X and Y Pokémon that NO ONE would actually consider “pairs”, just “version exclusives”. If it’s “lore wise”, then less Pokémon work, and it makes less sense… Tinkaton and Corviknight. Mareanie and Corsola. Arrokuda and Wingull. All of these have a canonical “predator and prey” relationship, but no one would consider them pairs. A Pokémon pair is Pokemon who were INTENTIONALLY and AT THEIR CORE, nothing without their counterparts. Sawk and Throh. Plusle and Minun. Solrock and Lunatone. Espeon and Umbreon. These are pairs because they’re intentionally designed to be in pairs and don’t work on their own. They balance each other out. Karate and Judo. Plus and Minus. Sun and Moon Day and Night. THAT is what makes a proper pair.

[@scottimothy1]

I LOVE that tinkaton is a rabid little gremlin 😂

[@scrumptious1444]

I personally love Slurpuff

[@salmocanutius]

Someone of wealth and taste, clearly.

[@Compucles]

But having a deliberate food chain pair that even pop into Hoard Battles together is just fun!

[@ferringsylveon219]

Tinkaton possibly eats Corviknight's insides once she takes his metal exterior.

[@jbtom321]

the good thing about the new gens is that karablast and shelmet are specifically chosen as wondertrade partners.

[@jgr7487]

Great vide as usual. Now, what about trios? Jynx was left behind when Electabuzz & Magmar got their evolutions.

[@emperorcubone]

Yeah, poor thing got dropped so hard and then replaced by Mr. Mime in Galar!

[@ChildishWinstino]

As a Gen 1 man myself I love me some Pikachu/Meowth. Obviously with Pikachu being the face of Pokemon the pair couldn’t stay even but Meowth tried.

[@emperorcubone]

Yeah, I feel like it was an idea they had, and then forgot about it until the anime, because the games never really pushed it all that much. It was neat in theory but I don't think they're even found in the same place in the games, right?

[@ChildishWinstino]

@@emperorcubone I can’t think of one where they are found together, but at least newer generations they started showing love to both pretty equally (at least in terms of all the new gimmicks they added)…. Actually Meowth doesn’t have a Z Move though.

[@jaschabull2365]

Funnily enough, meowth was originally treated as a counterpart to mankey in the games (which kind of makes sense in hindsight considering how many visual features the two share). Though after the anime gave meowth much more attention, it also got much more attention with new forms to its line than mankey, who only just got one new form this gen. Pikachu and meowth have some interesting connections though, like the digits of their dex numbers being the reverse of one another, and being the same height.

[@lagvaldemag8593]

Honorable mention: Bergmite and Frigibax.

[@emperorcubone]

I love both of those Pokemon!

[@SquishyOfCinder]

You couldn’t tell the difference between Lilligant and Whimsicott? How?

[@destructor3152]

Corviknight exists " and I took that personally"- tinkaton

[@newtonnicholas4836]

Hey hey hey …. My grandma smells great 😅😅😅😅

[@benjaminsurrette3034]

i wonder if slurpuff & aromatise were added as a way to fluff the NPC dex. going off what you said about helping with understanding how fairy fits into the type chat but perhaps adding them was also a way to represent fairy on NPCs that aren’t supposed to be super memorable and would need just a decent pokémon. helps people see the type more so that it feels real and incorporated. i think it feels more aggressive bc it was introduced so late into the series so we had magnifying glasses and the internet i unfortunately haven’t played through x&y all the way it’s the only games i haven’t so i can’t speak on what the trainers actually carry

[@blablabla38]

Sawk and Throh are actually representations of two different martial arts: Karate and Judo

[@RFE812]

I want to see more rival pairings personally.

[@DryBones271]

I'd love to see a Octillary and Mantine fusion.

[@iuxbaesuzystan]

Braviary (a non Galar Pokémon) stated that It's hotheaded and belligerent made Corvinkight (a Galar Pokémon) the mode of transportation for the region. It should also be implied that Corvikight could easily serve as mode of transportation in other regions as well, but they wanted to use a Paldean Pokémon for flying people around in gen 9 so they opted to make Tinkaton attack Corviknight so that Squakabilly could play that role of Taxi.

[@emperorcubone]

Maybe, but we don't even SEE Squakabilly do this onscreen, it's just a janky sprite in the corner of the screen implying that it happens. They could have at least picked a better Pokemon to fly if they were gonna kneecap Corviknight like that...

[@thelanktheist2626]

@@emperorcuboneYeah it’s a sprite but… it still happens? I don’t get what you mean.

[@Savannah_Simpson]

Isn’t Sir Fetch’d the version exclusive equivalent to Galarian Ponytail, not Darumaka?

[@gabrielox5110]

no, thats Cursola

[@christopherballero866]

I feel like Jynx should've gotten an evolution just to keep: Electabuzz, Magmar & Jynx as a trio

[@TheLucarioMaster-uw4fb]

Plu Seviper abd Zangoose are in the same egg group, which I find odd given there lore

[@SquishyOfCinder]

Lunatone & Solrock will always be personal favorites of mine

[@noammkw3770]

you know whats more cruel than making tinkaton eat corviknight and heatmor eat durant? making them live on different versions... i guess all tinkaton and heatmor are doomed to starve

[@darkfire420YT]

For Number 2 best weren't they originally made as a trio, and only became a duo thanks to the jynx non controversy? JUst like poor porygon getting blamed for what pikachu and the anime did...

[@Magikarpador]

Jynx, Electabuzz and Magmar were originally linked through thunder, fire and ice punch

[@jaschabull2365]

To be fair regarding zangoose and seviper, the reason mongoose and vipers fight in real life is also due to the former's wanting to eat the latter, and zangoose gets the poison immunity and superior speed, while seviper doesn't get much besides the publicity of being put on a main anime character's team, and in that case it was Jessie, who is contractually obligated to fail, so of course any time a zangoose shows up in the anime, it'll trounce its so-called rivalry. Maybe not as lop-sided as durant, but not exactly even footing, if you ask me. Gen 3 is probably the best example for quality counterparts though, with the grass type counterparts being a particularly outstanding example, as each one is benefitted by the weather provided by its game's box art legend. Solrock and lunatone also do this quite well, with groudon bringing the sun while kyogre's domain is the sea, which is famously influenced by the moon. I'd actually say whimsicott and lilligant actually tie into the themes of their respective versions better than most of the other pairings you've brought up, but maybe that's just me.

[@emperorcubone]

Gen 3 certainly is pretty peak when it comes to pairings! And I'm not saying you're wrong, but I'm curious how exactly Whimsicott and Liligant reflect the themes of Truth vs. Ideals?

[@jaschabull2365]

@@emperorcubone I actually first learned that whimsicott and lilligant were version exclusives from the end of the Game Theory video about jynx, where Mattpat says it might be similarly controversial that the cotton pokémon is a Black version exclusive due to the history black people have about cotton. Thinking about it that way, though, it's kind of suitable that the version called Black, whose main legendary represents unvarnished, often bitter truths, to have its grass type a raw puff of cotton whose final form is brown with an afro-like hairstyle and may draw inspiration from the Saci, a folklore figure often depicted as having black skin, whereas the version called White, whose main legendary represents lofty ideals which may sometimes forget reality, has its grass type have a final form resembling an elegant rich lady with a light-coloured face, thus making lilligant evoke a more idealized image of the South, or the U. S. as a whole, depicting one of its fancy elites, while whimsicott evokes the reality of where that wealth was coming from. So, while subtle, these two and their version exclusivity can actually be read as strongly tied to the 5th gen games' theming and the inspiration of its region as a whole.

[@dorkenspache8353]

One of the weirder version exclusive pairings was from Sword and Shield with Scraggy and Croagunk. I kinda like it though when they make pairs no longer version locked while making new pairings later on

[@emperorcubone]

I honestly didn't even know about that I don't think, but that's kind of cool to put those two together! A Fighting lizard vs. a Fighting frog...

[@outbackranger1088]

One of my personal favorite Pokémon pairings is Gliscor and Weavile

[@MezmerKaiser725]

10:53 Unburden Slurpuff with Belly Drum and a Sitrus Berry would like a word 😈

[@garg4531]

Was just thinking a few days ago about how Corviknight used to be such an awesome mon both in and out of game, but now thanks to Tinkaton it's been reduced to being just the butt of a joke Now odds are the only time you see Corviknight depicted by fans is of it being punished by Tinkaton for the crime of simply existing Corviknight: *exists* Tinkaton: And I took that personally!

[@Nosretep]

Tinkaton is great against Corvinight either.

[@potter.felipematos]

There's a fakemon artists out there (whose name I can't remember 😢) who crafted evos for Seviper and Zangoose, based on a dragon and a tiger. I thought it was really clever to keep their rivalry but taking it from nature to mythology. And also a very natural transition since a serpent could easily turn into a chinese dragon, and mangooses are considered cat-like on their biological classification, so go tiger!

[@emperorcubone]

Zangoose's official category IS the "Cat Ferret" Pokemon, so it works for me!

[@markjackson6431]

haven’t we seen this before??

[@mogamatsedickpetersen8620]

Mawile and Sableye are an example of a good pairing, seeing that they both got Mega Evolutions and Arcanine and Ninetales are another good pairing, since they both got regional forms with type alterations (Alolan Ninetales being a far more drastic one of course). Pinsir and Scyther are not a good pairing, especially later on when Scyther gets access to better Flying moves as well as two Evolutions. Pinsir may have gotten a Mega Evolution, but so did Scizor. Eiscue and Stonjourner also seem like a mismatched pair. The only things that tie them together are that they are both some sort of gimmick Pokemon and neither is good in competitive.

[@tacobowler]

Durant should have a hidden ability that powers it up if hit by fire, or reduces fire damage taken or something.

[@emperorcubone]

That would honestly be great, to at least have Something to fight back with!

[@Nosretep]

No, we'd lose Entrainment + Truant Strats.

[@vittoriopugliese3352]

@@emperorcubone I think a regional Heatmor should be a Rock-Fighting type,to show that Durant's gotten the steel armor to protect from such "original" Heatmor forcing Heatmor to develop fire

[@terraventusaqua123]

3:30 Doesn’t Tinkaton’s evolutionary line forge their hammers from shavings from Pawniard’s evolutionary line?

[@gibospartan6185]

I have to disagree with Durant and Heatmor being considered a bad pairing. Sure, they’re not balanced against one another but the point is to show how a Pokémon has adapted to exploit its prey like we see in real world evolution. It gives the impression that Pokémon aren’t static, unchanging creatures but instead change and apart, similar to regional forms.

[@monferno1]

Sawk and Throh are just Karate and Judo Muppets respectively

[@Nethaura]

I guess darumaka and ponyta are paired partially because of gen 5 trying to keep old fans interested by reusing the same archetypes for pokemon: Machop and timburr lines, hitmonchan/lee and sawk/throh, zubat and woobat lines etc. And darumaka was the counterpart of ponyta

[@mariobenedicto3582]

Canon Pokemon Pairings, huh? First thing that comes to mind are the Alakazam and Gengar lines: Anyone here still remember the Gen 1 Pokemon Anime? Ash "caught" a Haunter to combat Sabrina's ace Kadabra. Also... there was that episode with... ancient giant Pokemon wherein a giant "tattoed" Alakazam duked it out with a giant "tattoed" Gengar... only for them both to be defeated by a "tattoed" Jigglypuff.

[@emperorcubone]

Oh I forgot the giant Ancient Pokemon; that's true! They are pretty evenly matched, both being weak to the other!

[@emmie65]

I honestly never considered electabuzz and magmar a pairing, it was always a trio, with jynx left behind in terms of additions

[@ShadyRK9]

I kinda like Swirlix and Slurpuff more than Spritzee, and Auromatisse (Especially Auromatisse!) Also @4:08 I'm pretty sure Tinkaton mainly hunts steel. So IF Skarmory WAS in Paldea they'd probably get hunted too!

[@SonicMeters]

I think the worst parings is definitely spritzee and swirlix

[@ClefairyFairySnowflake]

Heaven forbid if Scarmory and Tinkaton were to meet. Tinkaton would surely destroy Scarmory like it did Corviknight. Rest in peace both steel type bird families, Scarmory and Corviknight. It would be a tragedy. And no doubt the damage taken by the victims in this scenario would be devastating. I would advise Rookidee to never evolve, for fear that they would be found by Tinkaton and turned into scrap metal. Galar is extremely lucky that they don't have a Tinkaton problem. Leon would probably use his Charizard's flamethrower to melt all of Tinkaton's hammer collection. Also, he would save any remaining living Corviknight or members of their family. Imagine the little baby Rookidee cowering in the corner in fear. No doubt Rookidee would have Tinkaton trust issues for the rest of it's life. And having a Tinkaton on a pokemon team on the same team as Rookidee would no doubt be traumatic (to put it nicely) for the young Rookidee. Hopefully the trainers in Paldea would have the sense of mind to not have Tinkaton and a member of the Rookidee family on the same team. That would undoubtedly not end well for the young rookie trainer (no pun intended). 😅

[@k2basior]

Honourable mention for worst should goes to Scyther and Pinsir

[@arielalejandrodelfabro1740]

The Spritzee and Swirlix duo sadly get very out shined With How many pure fairy types beside them they are Slut puff having Alcremie as similar concept Plus their designs But I love both of them If they evolved only with the item plus level, I would use Aromatisse a lot more Hope they get a mega or regional variant that makes them a bit more interesting and usable

[@johncolomb8173]

Matine and Remoraid should get a doubles ability like Tatsuguri and Dondozo

[@1musamune]

Gonna correct you on one matter Sawk and Throh use different Martial Arts, Sawk uses Karate, and Throh use Judo

[@BrownThunder45]

I was expecting to see the Nido’s on this list. One of the earliest pairings introduced and available in game. Their first evolutions have the same name lol

[@emperorcubone]

I know they're not "related" in that they evolve into each other, but they still breed together and are clearly designed as a family so I didn't want to put any related Pokemon on the list. That's why the likes of Glalie and Froslass aren't on the list either...

[@BrownThunder45]

@@emperorcubone fair enough. I understand your logic. now im picturing Glalie and Frostlass trying to breed in my head...

[@ShayTheValiant]

I never understood why the Karrablast line and the Shelmet line aren't right next to each other in the Pokédex. They literally need each other to evolve, so why not group them together?

[@emperorcubone]

Me too; I have so much trouble trying to find them sometimes, it's infuriating...

[@Compucles]

That's because, aside from Victini, the Pokédex order for Gen 5 is specifically decided by how soon you can first encounter each Pokémon family in Black/White. You can first encounter Shelmet on Route 6, but you can't encounter Karrablast until Route 8. Now, you may wonder why they didn't just have you first encounter both of them on the same route, but that's a different argument.

[@ShayTheValiant]

@@Compucles I'm talking about national Pokédex order. Karrablast and Escavalier come first, and then Shelmet comes 27 Pokémon later.

[@Compucles]

@@ShayTheValiant So am I. I just got them backwards (Karrablast on Route 6, Shelmet on Route 8). Shelmet comes 27 Pokémon later, because it first appears two routes later in Black/White. All of the Route 7 Pokémon and some of the other Route 6 & 8 Pokémon are between them. That's just how they decided to order them in that generation.

[@loganksu8981]

Mongoose hunt snakes for food…

[@AnimeGirl4891]

Petalil and Cottenee may not be a good pair. But they are both pretty cute.

[@lunatic_52]

"Durant and Heatmor shouldn't be a pair because Heatmor's lore is that it eats Durant, Durant is too defenceless agaisnt Heatmor to match it!" Durant can outspeed Heatmor and one-shot it with Rock Slide, I learned this the hard way.

[@emperorcubone]

If the rather inaccurate Rock Slide is your best bet, you're still gonna die at minimum 1/4th of the time!

[@lunatic_52]

@@emperorcubone 90 accuracy really isn't that bad though, I wouldn't call it unreliable.

[@TheBestEver1998]

Pair that with the Hustle ability ​@@lunatic_52

[@kayrius]

Mongooses eat venomous snakes.

[@MegaInferGoku19617]

not exactly a pairing like you're talking about, but I would like tpo bring up the pairing of Excadrill and Tyranitar. pairing them together with Tyranitar having the ability sand stream and Excadrill having the ability sand rush/force makes them a competitive force of nature in doubles.

[@emperorcubone]

Ah I see! They do have great synergy for sure; maybe we could get some lore that has Excadrill trying to battle Tyranitar for territory or something?

[@oliverleonard7730]

Other interesting pairs Pinsir and Heracross Bagon and Beldum Mankey and Meowth

[@diamondinmyeye6160]

I'm still annoyed shiny Tinkaton doesn't have a shiny Corvaknight coloured weapon.

[@emperorcubone]

Right? What were they thinking!?

[@diamondinmyeye6160]

@@emperorcubone They weren't. It wouldn't be so egregious if Tinkaton itself changed colours, but since it's *only* the weapon it's just such a missed opportunity.

[@Drifblim066]

Thanks to the anime I consider Pikachu and Meowth a duo despite not being next to each other in the Pokédex also the scarlet and violet Pokédex for Meowth does have it sneak up on a Pikachu

[@SquishyOfCinder]

#25 and #52

[@Drifblim066]

@@SquishyOfCinder also both got Gigantamax forms

[@shinesoul7472]

7:25 parasitic, Karablast steals the shell. Its not willing Shelmet is the victim

[@JT-xn9ei]

Tinkaton being a natural predator for Corviknight just doesn't match the mechanics of the game. Both stabs are resisted and they're not even weak to rocks with the steel typing, and has access to roost and iron defense. It's such a bothersome excuse to avoid having the metallic birds as the HM Fly representative. I like both pokemon, but the lore for them in SV is just, ugh.

[@emperorcubone]

That's very true; They should have given Tinkaton a signature move that makes its hammer Electric or maybe just specifically is super effective against Steel (like Freeze-Dry)

[@jgr7487]

Gen IV should have changed the way Slowpoke evolves by giving it the Mantike treatment. Petilil was once again stolen of its conceptual 3-stage evolution y gaining a regional Liligant. Karrblast looks like a common pre-evo for Pinsir & Heracross. Mongooses don't just fight snakes they prey on the reptile, so Zangoose does want to have a Serviper buffet.

[@Compucles]

Game Freak rarely ever changes an evolution method in order to maintain consistency with the past games. They only ones they have actually changed are due to dropping the mechanics of the previous evolution method (such as no longer including a magnetic mountain in each region and no longer having Contests that use a Beauty stat) so that the previous method is no longer viable. In the case of Slowpoke, even changing its evolution method to match its lore back in Gen 4 would've been extremely awkward, not just because of the overall inconsistency but because that specific lore has existed since all the way back in Gen 1 for Slowbro and Gen 2 for Slowking. Why change it specifically in Gen 4 after not changing it in Gen 2 nor Gen 3?

[@jgr7487]

@@Compucles why change it in Gen 4? Because the method "level up with this pkmn in your party" didn't exist before Gen IV.

[@Compucles]

@@jgr7487 They could've just as easily added that evolution method to Gen 2 or Gen 3. It's not like it required the technical power of the DS.

[@jamesmoss5971]

I was expecting to see Mareanie/Toxapex and Corsola

[@emperorcubone]

That is indeed another cruel one!

[@ajfrommillay3766]

13:24 If anything they shoulda given Truant to Heatmor as his hidden ability and something good to Durant. That way if they ever fought and both had their hidden abilities, maybe Durant would have a chance? Heatproof! How bout that? Still weak to fire but not quad and Heatmor will be the one missing every other turn this time.

[@r.c.3813]

you should try petlil in gen 5 i had it in my team because i like it's design but i didn't expect it to be one of my 3 mvp's in my run literally even sweeping ghatsis when the rest of my team was down. (the other two mvp's where my starter obviously which was samurot and crustle legit a underrated pokemon i would argue it's one of the best pokemon to use in unova)

[@SilverZephyrFalcon]

Crustle is legit amazing. It's great in Unova, but it also does work in Kalos. Only having three weaknesses is pretty good defensively, and with Shelll Smash you're suddenly hitting super hard.

[@emperorcubone]

I might have to try those next time I replay Black and White 2!

[@r.c.3813]

@SilverZephyrFalcon I never tried it in kalos. I might try it out but there so many good options in kakos that idk if it will be my next playthrough but I will keep it in mind after that black playthrough I'm a crustle fan it's such a underrated pokemon it also helps that it's one of the few unova pokemon thst evolve somewhat early at least for unova standards

[@r.c.3813]

@emperorcubone my playthrough, was on black, but there probably just as good in black 2 crystle especially came in clutch a lot he was the main reason I beat elisa's emolga