-Bugsy (Pokémon Gold & Silver)
I feel like Bug Pokémon have a hard time in the series. I’ve often found they’re really good in the earlier moments of Pokémon games. However, at a certain point, you might find yourself having to neglect your Bug Pokémon to make space in your team due to the generally low attack power, and worst base HP stat across the different types. This doesn’t mean that Bug Pokémon don’t have a place in the series, and throughout the years, some Bug Pokémon have had notable success in the meta-game and competitive scene. Beedrill, Pinsir and some of the ‘mon on this list have appeared in winning teams, which has thankfully helped the Bug type stay somewhat in the spotlight!
Personally, I really like Bug Pokémon! Although it’s not overly high on my Top 10 Pokemon Types list, it does make an appearance. This is due to a few factors, like how some of the ‘mon here got me through a tough time during certain generations. However, it’s mostly due to my love of real-life bugs (except those eight legged FREAKS), and the real-world inspiration Nintendo leans on to design these magnificent insects.
I’ve focused here on Pokémon that are Bug type in one way or another. I’m not looking at Pokémon that are solely Bug type, as some of the type combinations in itself is a cool feature. The typing, style and memories combined all helped me decide which of these creepy crawlies are the coolest!
Did You Know?
- The earliest Bug Pokémon in the dex is Caterpie at #10
- Bug Pokémon are the most resisted type, with 7 types resisting their moves.
- Megahorn is the strongest Bug move, dealing 120 power!
10) Shedinja
Starting off the list is the very unique Pokémon, Shedinja. The only Pokémon in the game to have a dual typing of Bug and Ghost, obtaining a Shedinja is quite different to most Pokémon. It’s considered a special evolution of Nincada, in which the player needs to evolve this ‘mon at level 20, whilst having a spare Pokéball in their bag – yes, it’s a weird one. Not only this, Shedinja is the only Pokémon in the game to have lower base stats than it’s pre-evolved form! However, I love the basis and idea behind Shedinja. Cicadas, a very loud real-life Bug, shed their exoskeleton when they emerge from underground – where they spend their early years as larvae. Shedinja is one of these “haunted” exoskeletons, brought to life, which gives Shedinja it’s typing. Creepy? Yes. Awesome? Also yes.
9) Venomoth
Jumping all the way back to the Generation I, we have Venomoth. This swallowtail moth inspired Pokémon evolves from Venonat, strangely, at level 31. Moths are high up the list for me for favourite type of Bug so Venomoth simply had to make an appearance. He was also a big part of my Red and Blue team for a short period, however by the time I reached Victory Road, I sadly had to store him away in the PC. I could see how he’d be used in today’s metagame as a solid support Pokémon with access to Swagger, Sleep Powder, and a few other status moves. However, it’s unlikely you’ll see many Venomoths on people’s teams, unless perhaps, you shine a big bright light at them.
8) Centiskorch
One of the more recent Bug ‘mon to appear on this list, and arguably my favourite from Sword & Shield, is Centiskorch. This dual Fire/Bug type Pokémon not only looks fierce as is, but also has access to a Gigantamax form, making him longer (and I guess more fiery). Not only is fire my favourite Pokémon type, which fits nicely with the centipede aesthetic, but the type combination means Centiskorch has some pretty solid resistances. Fairy, Steel, Grass and Fighting, all of which are prominent in the competitive scene are gonna have a hard time with this multi-legged critter (especially, if he hits up that Gigantamax form!)
7) Durant
Another Bug Pokémon making the list because of it’s dual typing is Durant. Part Steel, Durant is possibly based on the Silver Saharan desert ant, and you can tell this ‘mon means business. The obviously strong exterior goes hand in hand with that menacing, wincing look in Durant’s eyes. It always frustrated me when I would run into a horde of Durants in Terminus Cave in Pokémon X & Y. As Horde battles go, it was one of the more painful ones, but I also think that speaks volumes of how effective Durant can be in battle. I’ve seen him used as a Dynamaxed ‘mon with great effect in recent times, and with some cool abilities in Hustle and Swarm, Durant certainly positions himself as one of the stronger Bug Pokémon in the series.
6) Vikavolt
The first stag beetle to make the list (there may be another…) is Vikavolt. Vikavolt evolves from Grubbin and this evolutionary chain is one of the standouts for me in the Bug typing. The transformation of a squishy, cute grub, to a robust jagged cube, to finally this sharp and terrifying beetle is Nintendo at its creative best. With most ‘mon you can probably guess they’ll pick up a type in their evolution due to their aesthetic, but when Grubbin evolved to Charjabug and hit me with that electric type, I was shocked (no pun) and delighted. The final evolution to Vikavolt was the icing on the cake, and although Vikavolt’s base speed just doesn’t marry with his appearance, the very strong Sp. Attack stat more than makes up for it. Add Levitate which is always a nice ability and you’ve got one sweet Bug ‘mon.
5) Scizor
You’d probably have been able to guess a few Pokémon that would definitely make this list at the beginning, and Scizor might have come to mind – well here he is. Scizor is a great Steel/Bug type Pokémon, evolving from Scyther in Generation II. He’s picked up a fan following thanks to appearances in games outside the main series, like Smash Bros. and Pokkén, and I think it’s completely justified. Scizor has a very sharp and standout design and he’s also made waves in the competitive scene. The downside is that Scizor is obtained through trade, and sure your friend “promises” he’ll give you Scizor right back, but that kickass design might just change your friend’s mind – leaving you sad, and without a Scizor.
4) Butterfree
I absolutely love Butterflies – Painted Ladies, Peacock Butterflies, and of course, Butterfree. The final form of caterpie, the first Bug ‘mon in the dex, Butterfree is a dual Bug/Flying type, and makes a great support ‘mon in battle. With access to moves like Rage Powder, Stun Spore and Pollen Puff, Butterfree is great for keeping your other Pokémon safe from hits, whilst also being able to heal them if they do take damage. Butterfree lands highly on my list not only because of its battle ability but also because of the story behind Ash and his Butterfree in the anime series. Ash’s first ever ‘mon catch is a caterpie which eventually evolves through battling and bonding with Ash. However, as the story progresses, Ash releases Butterfree when he finds a mate. On the surface it looks like a selfless act on Ash’s part, letting a great friend follow his heart – but really Ash was probably just clued up on Bug types’ overall weakness and low base HP! The Gigantamax form given to Butterfree is also pretty cool, but just not cool enough to bag Butterfree a bronze.
3) Yanmega
Mega by name and mega by nature, in 3rd spot, is Yanmega. Another Bug/Flying type, Yanmega is a great looking Bug ‘mon. Taking on an armoured dragonfly aesthetic, I love the ferociousness in the design – a look that no one with a fear of bugs would appreciate for sure. I also really like how you get Yanmega! There aren’t many Pokémon that evolve by knowing a particular move and then levelling up however, Yanmega is one of them. If you level up a Yanma that knows Ancient Power through a TM, you’ll soon find yourself in possession of a robust looking Yanmega. With above average base stats and access to a large pool of hard hitting moves, Yanmega can certainly hold his own on the battlefield and flies into this podium spot. The only disappointment is Yanmega never got a mega evolution, I’m talking Mega Yanmega.
2) Ribombee
Just missing out on the top spot is the Bug/Fairy Pokémon, Ribombee. Speed plays a big part of the Pokémon metagame and Ribombee has this in spades. Not only does Ribombee outspeed a lot of other ‘mon by default, but it also has access to Sticky Web – a hazard entry move that immediately drops a Pokémon’s speed on entry to the battle. This helps make Ribombee’s partner quicker in doubles, and will force the other trainer to think twice about ruthlessly swapping Pokémon in and out of battle. Ribombee can also pick up other status moves to make it a great support ‘mon, or can choose some harder hitting Bug/Fairy STAB moves. With low HP Ribombee is also at risk of getting OHKO’d, but played tactically, Ribombee can make for a great doubles Pokémon.
1) Heracross
Heracross is one powerful Pokémon. This Bug/Fighting ‘mon has a base attack power of 125, putting it very close to the title of strongest attacking Pokémon (especially if you exclude the legendaries). But, when this thing mega-evolves, the attack jumps up to 185, making it the 2nd strongest attacking ‘mon, only losing out to a mega-evolved Mewtwo. This reason alone doesn’t cement my love of Heracross – beetles are my favourite type of Bug, so this ‘mon based on the Japanese Rhinoceros Beetle naturally made it into many of my teams. It was even the reason I brought Pokémon Y over Pokémon X. I really wanted an Xerneas, but just wanted a Heracross that tiny bit more (in the end, it turned out I really liked Yveltal so it worked out).
Bugs have had a bad rep for too long – too many legs, too many eyes, too many wings, I don’t want to hear it. My aim of this post was to get you to look past the hairy legs, the numerous eyes, the buzzing wings, and see the beauty within. Yes, Bug Pokémon can be divisive when it comes to battling, but hopefully, we can all agree that there’s some larger than life creativity for these tiny Pokémon critters.