Ground is one of the fifteen originalPokemontypes that was introduced in the first generation games,Pokemon Red & Blue.Although it’s one of the originalPokemontypes, it’s often become overlooked in the later generations. Pokemon with the Ground-typing often become lumped in with steel and rock-types, as their weaknesses and strengths are somewhat similar in alignment. However, it’s one of the most offensively powerful types, being super-effective against five others: Steel, Electric, Fire, Poison, and Rock.
Pokemon Scarlet & Violetintroduced a slew of new Ground-types to the Pokemon world. Some of these included Ground-type Paldean variations of pre-existing Pokemon, while others are previously undiscovered Pokemon. The ninth generation of games saw the debut of many quirky and powerful creatures, and the same can be said about the seven new Ground-type Pokemon introduced inPokemon Scarlet & Violet.
7Toedscool
The dual Ground/Grass-type Toedscool became a quick favorite amongst fans simplybecause of how goofy its design looks.Toedscool is a Paldean variation of the iconic Generation IWater-type Pokemon,Tentacool. The predecessor is known for being an aquatic Pokemon modeled after a jellyfish. Toedscool’s design takes the two tentacles that Tentacool uses to swim and turns them into two cartoonish legs, making the Ground/Grass-type Paldean Pokemon land-borne.
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Toedscool’s design is quirky and unique, but it isn’t the best standalone Ground-type seeing that it’s still a first-stage evolution. Almost all of Toedscool’s stats are below average, except for its abnormally high Special Defense.
6Toedscruel
While the Paldean Pokemon Toedscruel doesn’t look as goofy as its pre-evolution, Toedscool, it’s definitely odd for fans who are used to seeing the aquatic design of Tentacruel now walking on land. At level 30, Toedscool will evolve into its final-stage evolution, Toedscruel.
Toedscruel makes up for the imbalance of Toedscool’s below-average stats. The Ground/Grass-type Pokemon still has high special defense and speed stats, but Toedscruel’s defense, attack, special attack, and HP stats become balanced out after it’s evolved. All in all, Toedscruel is a sturdy but fast Paldean Pokemon that can balance out any team that’s lacking a more defensive Pokemon.
5Clodsire
Clodsire stole the hearts of many fans the second it was revealed. The Paldean variation of Quagsire is nearly impossible to fall in love with at first sight. Its dopey smile, friend-shaped body, and beady eyes make Clodsire arguably one of the best additions toPokemon Scarlet & Violet.
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All that said, Clodsire isn’t only adorable, it’s also a fairly powerful Pokemon. Its HP and Special Defense stats are well above average, making it able to take hits from enemy Pokemon left and right. Unfortunately, its Speed stat is dismal, but seeing as Clodsire is sturdy enough to take damage it isn’t a huge deal that this Pokemon will likely not attack first.
4Sandy Shocks
Sandy Shocks, which is exclusive toPokemon Scarlet,has an interesting design and typing. It’s a dual Electric/Ground-type that resembles a Magneton, with metal shavings clinging to the ends of each of the Pokemon’s magnets. According to the region’s legend, Sandy Shocks is supposed to resemble a Magneton that lived 100 centuries ago. Seeing its ancient yet worn-down design, this lore element is certainly evident in Sandy Shock’s appearance.
Not only is Sandy Shocks an interesting Paldean Pokemon to look at, but it’s also extremely powerful and balanced stat-wise. It excels particularly with Special Attack and Speed, but the rest of its stats are above average and balanced out, making it a strong addition to any team.
3Iron Treads
Players withPokemon Violetwill first encounter Iron Treads on their journey to defeat all the Titan Pokemon in Paldea. The Quaking Earth Titan, Iron Treads, is a formidable foe to face in combat as well as a strong ally. The Ground/Steel-type Paradox Pokemon looks like something out of a futuristic sci-fi movie. Iron Treads is designed with a sleek, robotic texture to its entire body, resembling theGeneration II Pokemon Donphan.
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Iron Treads is a hard-hitting, fast, and sturdy Pokemon, seeing as its Speed, Defense, and Attack stats are all well above average. It excels in the core three strengths of any Pokemon, being able to take hits, dish them out, and attack first in battle.
2Ting-Lu
The Dark/Ground-type Pokemon Ting-Lu is one of the four members of the Treasures Of Ruin, alongside Chien-Pao, Wo-Chien, and Chi-Lu. This legendary Pokemon’s design is cryptic and decrepit in nature, truly making it look like something lost to time.
Ting-Lu isn’t the most balanced Pokemon, stat-wise, but it is very powerful. Its HP stat is well above average, giving it more HP than many regular and legendary Pokemon. Ting-Lu’s Defense and Attack stats are also very high, but its Speed and Special Attack/Defense are dismal compared to the strength of its defense, attack, and HP.
1Great Tusk
Players withPokemon Scarletwill encounter Great Tuskin the Asado Desert while trying to defeat all the Titan Pokemon in Paldea. Compared to Iron Treads, Great Tusk looks much more ancient and pre-historic in design. The ancient relative of Donphan looks as if it came straight from the age of the dinosaurs, making its presence in the barren Asado Desert seem fitting.
Great Tusk is certainly powerful, with strong Speed, Attack, Defense, and HP stats. Its Special Attack/Defense are a bit low comparatively, but it wouldn’t be a balanced Pokemon if those stats were equally high. Fortunately, Great Tusk is a physical attacker, making its need for special attack practically non-existent. For players withPokemon Scarletthat want asturdy, hard-hitting Pokemonon their team, Great Tusk is the way to go.
