Best Flying-Type Pokemon

by

Choosing the optimal Flying-type Pokemon can be tricky due to each Pokemon excelling in various situations. What truly matters is the compatibility between their secondary types, move sets, and abilities – this determines if a Pokemon is strong or not. A Flying-type with high HP and defenses doesn’t outshine one with high offensive stats; instead, they cater to distinct roles within a team.

To determine a Flying-type Pokemon’s position compared to others in its category, examine how effectively it performs in competitive play situations, taking note of its power when matched with top-tier opponents.

10. Corviknight

Introduced: Generation 8

  • HP: 98
  • Attack: 87
  • Defense: 105
  • Sp. Atk: 53
  • Sp. Def: 85
  • Speed: 67

In a unique role among Flying-type Pokemon, Corviknight stands out as a tough, defensive powerhouse, often referred to as a tank. Unlike many other Flying-types that prioritize offense over defense with high attack or special attack and minimal durability, Corviknight boasts impressive defensive capabilities. The exceptions to this rule are limited, but Corviknight and Skarmory are two notable examples, with Corviknight having an edge due to its broader move set and more well-rounded statistics.

Due to its Flying/Steel-type, Corviknight is primarily vulnerable to Fire and Electric attacks, but has resistance against eight other types and immunity to Poison and Ground. To make matters better, it can use the move Roost to heal itself from any damage sustained during a battle in one go. With an item like Leftovers, Corviknight can keep using powerful moves like Brave Bird, making it capable of defeating opposing Pokemon single-handedly.

9. Charizard

Introduced: Generation 1

  • HP: 78
  • Attack: 84
  • Defense: 78
  • Sp. Atk: 109
  • Sp. Def: 85
  • Speed: 100

Any comprehensive list of best Flying-type Pokémon should certainly include Charizard, the fiery reptile, due to its immense iconicity and unique attribute – possessing two Mega Evolutions. This feature offers trainers a wide range of options when customizing its move set, providing an exciting level of versatility in gameplay.

As a gamer, I’d say that in its standard form, Charizard is a well-rounded Special Attacker, leveraging its high Special Attack and Speed to outmaneuver foes before they can even land a hit. When Mega Evolved into Charizard X, it sheds its Flying type and transforms into a Fire/Dragon type, capable of dishing out both Physical and Special damage effectively, with decent defensive abilities as well. On the other hand, when Mega Evolved into Charizard Y, it pours all its power into Sp. Atk, skyrocketing this stat to an impressive 159.

8. Yveltal

Introduced: Generation 6

  • HP: 126
  • Attack: 131
  • Defense: 95
  • Sp. Atk: 131
  • Sp. Def: 98
  • Speed: 99

Yveltal is a legendary Pokemon, specifically from the game Pokemon Y, and it belongs to the Dark/Flying type. It’s one of the strongest Pokemon in terms of overall stats. Its attributes are well-rounded, with Attack and Special Attack being its highest at 131 each. This makes it adaptable for players who want to use Yveltal as either a Physical or Special attacker, depending on their strategy.

Regrettably, Yveltal’s move set could use some improvement as it doesn’t have many powerful Flying-type moves that exceed 100 base power and maintain 100 accuracy. Its unique move, Oblivion Wing, falls into this category with a base power of 80 and precise accuracy. Remarkably, if Oblivion Wing inflicts damage on an opponent, Yveltal recovers 75% of the dealt damage, which makes it highly resilient in lengthy battles.

7. Celesteela

Introduced: Generation 7

  • HP: 97
  • Attack: 101
  • Defense: 103
  • Sp. Atk: 107
  • Sp. Def: 101
  • Speed: 61

In the games Pokemon Sun and Moon, a unique creature called Celesteela was introduced as an Ultra Beast with both Steel and Flying types. Similar to Corviknight, Celesteela’s secondary type of Steel is particularly advantageous for a Flying-type Pokemon, providing it with eight resistances and two immunities. This means that only moves of the Fire and Electric types can effectively counter Celesteela.

Regarding its statistics, Celesteela is generally well-balanced except for its Speed stat, which is relatively low at 61. Similar to other Ultra Beasts, its unique ability is called Beast Boost, which amplifies one of its stats when it defeats another Pokemon. This function is comparable to Moxie, a highly effective ability in the franchise, but with an added advantage as each Ultra Beast has distinct areas where they shine. For Celesteela, that strength lies in its Special Attack capability.

6. Mega Salamence

Introduced: Generation 3

  • HP: 95
  • Attack: 145
  • Defense: 130
  • Sp. Atk: 120
  • Sp. Def: 90
  • Speed: 120

Among the formidable pseudo-legendaries, Salamence stands out, being a Dragon/Flying type with remarkable attributes and movesets tailored to make full use of them. Primarily, it’s recognized as a physical sweeper due to its impressive Attack stat, swiftly overwhelming opponents before they have a chance to respond, thanks to its speedy nature. Although its defensive stats are not exceptional, they are adequate in most situations, offering decent protection. However, beware, Salamence has a deep-seated fear of Ice-types, as they inflict quadruple damage upon it.

Transformed into Mega Salamence, this Pokemon shifts from being exceptional to absolutely fearsome. As a menacing presence with a base total of 700, Mega Salamence poses a significant danger on the battlefield, often wiping out an entire team of six without needing any stat enhancements. The only viable counter to Mega Salamence is a swift Ice-type Pokemon capable of dealing enough damage to penetrate its fortified defenses.

5. Landorus

Introduced: Generation 5

  • HP: 89
  • Attack: 145
  • Defense: 90
  • Sp. Atk: 105
  • Sp. Def: 80
  • Speed: 91

Among the Pokemon resembling genies, all of whom belong to the Flying type, Landorus stands out as the most formidable. This unique Pokemon has a dual typing of Ground and Flying, and it manifests in two distinct forms: Incarnate and Therian. In combat, Landorus Incarnate is a formidable adversary, difficult to counter and incredibly destructive if not contained. It can possess either Sheer Force or Sand Force as its abilities, with Sheer Force being the more advantageous choice.

Landorus in its Therian form emphasizes brute attack strength over balance, increasing its Attack from 125 to 145, but decreases both its Speed and Special Attack as compensation. In this form, it also acquires the Intimidate ability, limiting the options of other Pokémon. Regardless of the form, Landorus is no lightweight Flying-type and is a valuable addition to any team.

4. Ho-oh

Introduced: Generation 2

  • HP: 106
  • Attack: 130
  • Defense: 90
  • Sp. Atk: 110
  • Sp. Def: 154
  • Speed: 90

Ho-oh, the legendary bird from Johto, holds a special spot in every Pokemon enthusiast’s heart as it was the first legendary that Ash encountered during his journey in the Pokemon anime. What’s more, Ho-oh is not only memorable in the storyline but also excels in gameplay with outstanding stats, an excellent offensive type, and distinctive, potent moves that make for a formidable combination.

Ho-oh is a Pokemon featuring Flying and Fire attributes, boasting a total base stat of 680. Among these stats, its Special Defense stands at an impressive 154, making it a highly capable Special tank in combat situations. With an Attack score of 130, Ho-oh can effectively employ moves like Sacred Fire and Sky Attack. However, its vulnerability to Rock-type attacks, with a 4x weakness, means that it may be vulnerable when confronted by physical Rock Pokemon.

3. Lugia

Introduced: Generation 2

  • HP: 106
  • Attack: 90
  • Defense: 130
  • Sp. Atk: 90
  • Sp. Def: 154
  • Speed: 110

In contrast to Ho-oh, who rules in the Kanto region, Lugia, its counterpart from Johto, presents a stronger argument as a dominant Flying-type character. While Ho-oh has a fourfold weakness and lacks physical defense, Lugia is immune to such vulnerabilities. Instead, Lugia excels as a sturdy barrier that can withstand almost any attack directed at it. Its defensive statistics support this role, and its ability, Multiscale, is one of the most effective tanking abilities across the entire Pokémon universe.

Instead of dealing heavy blows like Ho-oh, Lugia relies more on strategy by not attacking as forcefully. This works well because Lugia can employ delaying tactics using Roost and Toxic, often winning battles in the end. The extra two move slots are then utilized for coverage moves to compensate for any weaknesses within the team.

2. Shaymin-Sky

Introduced: Generation 4

  • HP: 100
  • Attack: 103
  • Defense: 75
  • Sp. Atk: 120
  • Sp. Def: 75
  • Speed: 127

Initially, Shaymin is a pure Grass Pokemon, with all its stats at 100 each. In its Sky form, it changes from being just a Grass type to a Grass/Flying type, showing a different distribution of abilities. It trades off Defense and Special Defense for a significant increase in Special Attack and Speed, making it more suitable for a ‘glass cannon’ strategy – focusing on dealing high damage quickly but having less durability.

Shaymin-Sky’s Serene Grace ability sets it apart from other Flying-type Pokemon, making it one of the top contenders. This ability doubles the likelihood of a move’s extra effect occurring. This makes Shaymin-Sky a more advanced version of Togekiss, as it can repeatedly flinch opponents with Air Slash due to its high speed, increasing the challenge significantly. Moreover, Shaymin-Sky has Seed Flare, which decreases the Special Defense by two stages, and Earth Power, which lowers it by one stage, adding more versatility to its moveset.

1. Mega Rayquaza

Introduced: Generation 3

  • HP: 105
  • Attack: 180
  • Defense: 100
  • Sp. Atk: 180
  • Sp. Def: 100
  • Speed: 115

Rayquaza is uncontestedly the ruler of skies, being second in power only to Arceus in legend. However, this assessment changes when we consider Rayquaza’s Mega-evolved form. In its Mega state, Rayquaza has a base stat total of 780, making it inferior to Eternatus only in its Eternamax form and equal to Mega Mewtwo X and Y.

Mega Rayquaza boasts an impressive balance in Attack and Special Attack, each standing tall at 180 points. This flexibility allows trainers to customize Mega Rayquaza, enabling them to equip it with physical moves like Outrage and Dragon Ascent or opt for special moves such as Draco Meteor and Hurricane. Mega Rayquaza’s signature ability, Delta Stream, nullifies its 4x weakness to Ice, reducing it to a 2x vulnerability, while also diminishing the effectiveness of Electric and Rock-type attacks. In its Mega form, Mega Rayquaza proves tough to manage, leveraging its strengths and minimizing its weaknesses. There’s no other Flying-type Pokemon that can match up.

Read More

2025-06-06 07:36