The 7th generation of Pokémon was introduced on the Nintendo 3DS with Pokémon: Let's Go Pikachu and Pokémon: Let's Go Eevee introducing a couple more new monsters before the 8th generation was released for the Nintendo Switch, there were plenty of exciting new creatures to catch.
But amongst the new Pokémon introduced in the 7th generation, just who are some of the most iconic? And what impact have they made in and outside of the mainline games?
Incineroar
The final evolved form of the fire starter Litten, Incineroar is one of the strongest Pokémon amongst the 7th generation. And with its own Z-move and Darkest Lariat attack under its fiery belt, this Pokémon was an ideal partner to have on anyone's team.
But the Heel Pokémon also made appearances outside of the mainline games. As one of the few new fighters for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, its personality and moveset worked perfectly within the celebrated fighting game.
Rowlet
The adorable owl made its debut as the grass-type starter in Sun and Moon and won the hearts of some Pokémon fans. And it would eventually make its comeback in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, where it even got a unique Hisuian form for its final evolution.
But Rowlet also made an impact in the anime series too. After hatching from an egg, Ash had Rowlet his party as he attempted to take on the trials across Alola. And it even had a comedic rivalry with Hau's Decidueye.
Lycanroc
The evolved form of the rock-type Rockruff, Lycanroc originally had two forms that it could evolve into with the Midday and Midnight forms. But with Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon, it eventually received a new form called Dusk, making it one of Ranker's best rock-type Pokémon.
While fans will have their own personal favorites amongst the forms, the Dusk form is arguably the most iconic due to the anime series. Not also did Ash eventually evolve one, but it played a crucial role in winning him his first-ever champion title.
Bewear
This giant-looking teddy bear may look cute, but it's actually a dangerous and extremely strong Pokémon that can potentially wipe out an opponent's team if players aren't careful. But those who missed out on the 7th generation can catch it in one of the best dual-type normal Pokémon.
And it would also Incineroar and other 7th generation Pokémon for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. While Bewear was only a summonable Pokémon if fighters used the Pokéball item, it could deliver a devastating uppercut to the likes of Mario and Samus if players weren't focussed on it.
Mimikyu
Much like Bewear, Mimikyu was also used as a summonable Pokémon in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and could deliver some serious damage if no one was careful. Although in the mainline games, it doesn't quite hold a candle to the might of Bewear and Incinceroar.
But it did garner a lot of fans for its adorable makeshift costume and its sad lore of hiding its true form to befriend people. And several artists were even inspired by the look to see how it would dress in order to try and appear as other Pokémon.
Palossand
With over 900 Pokémon at this point, it's not surprising to see some unusual inspirations for these monsters. From Klefki (who is based on a set of keys) to Trubbish (sentient bag of rubbish), what could be next on top of this bizarre list?
Turns out, Pollasand is that Pokémon. The evolved form of Sandygast, this dual ghost and ground type Pokémon is based on a giant sandcastle and despite its appearance, it actually has one of the most disturbing pieces of lore in any Pokédex as it drags its prey into the ground below it.
Tapu Koko
One of the legendary Pokémon of Alola and one of the guardian deities of the islands that make up the tropical region, Tapu Koko is also one of the few legendary Fairy-type Pokémon that made it one of the best dual-type Fairy Pokémon. As a dual electric and fairy-type, it's not also strong against dragon types, but it is also resistant to the likes of flying, bug, and dark-types too.
While it too made an appearance as a summonable character in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, it also appeared in the anime. Challenging Ash and Pikachu several times across the series, they had one final showdown using their iconic Z-moves.
Solgaleo
One of the best dual-type Psychic Pokémon, Solgaleo is one of the evolved forms of Cosmoem, the other being Lunala, the psychic and ghost type. It was the cover star of the Pokémon Sun box art and as well as being a strong addition to anyone's party, it also played a big part in the story and its involvement with the Ultra Beasts.
But Solgaleo's appearances didn't stop there as it did play a vital role with Necrozma. In Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon, players can fuse with Solgaleo to become Dusk Mane Necrozma, who also appeared on the box cover for the game.
Meltan
The second to last Pokémon to be introduced in the 7th generation, Meltan was also one of the most unique to obtain. Before it was accessible in Pokémon Go, gamers could get one in the Let's Go titles on the Nintendo Switch.
And it also has one of the most unique ways of evolving into Melmetal too. It can only be evolved by using 400 Meltan Candy, which can only be done in these particular titles. However, a Melmetal with a Gigantamax form was offered for those hoping to add this unique Pokémon to their party in Sword and Shield.
Poipole
The Ultra Beasts were Pokémon who came from Ultra Space, infiltrating across Alola and causing mayhem as the player tries to resolve the issue. They made a comeback in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield in the form of raids and among them, the few added from Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon ed too.
One of these was Poipole which is a much sought-after monster as the only Ultra Beast that has an evolved form. And with its evolved form being a poison and dragon type, it is one of the few dragons who can take on fairy types.
