Grass-type creatures are everywhere in the world of Pokémon, and plenty of them can make powerful additions to any trainer’s team. The first pocket monster listed in the Pokédex is the Grass-type starter Bulbasaur, which cemented the importance of the Grass-type classification in the series. Additionally, this common type is now a staple component of the typical starter choice triangle in almost every game.
However, while Grass-types can be useful, not all of them are groundbreaking. Where this type’s strengths lie is when complemented by secondary types, such as extra offense from Poison or unexpected defensive strength with something like Steel. Grass-type Pokémon are generally unlikely to top any list of the best types overall, but they still bring plenty to the table, creating some of the most overlooked powerhouses for any trainer’s team.
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Meowscarada (Pokédex #0908)
Grass/Dark-Type Pokémon
As a Grass-type starter, Meowscarada has a distinct advantage over other Pokémon of its type, having stronger innate abilities than you would find on others. Additionally, Meowscarada’s extra Dark-type gives it a wider variety of match-ups, letting it highly damage Ghost and Psychic-types that its Grass nature would have a hard time attacking otherwise.
The stats are where Meowscarada shines, though, as its 525 base score total is nothing to scoff at. Meowscarada has an above-average Speed of 123, while also wielding great Attack power of 110. Even if it lacks in other areas, this Pokémon is a prime example of a Grass-type that plays to its strengths, with clearly defined advantages and disadvantages.
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Tangrowth (Pokédex #0465)
Grass-Type Pokémon
Tangrowth easily ranks among the best pure Grass-types in the series, although its stat spread is complicated. With 100 HP and a fantastic 120 Defense stat, Tangrowth excels against physical attacks. Sadly, its Special Defense and Speed are terrible, both coming in at 50, and its HP is not high enough to make up for it.
Tangrowth’s stat total is only 535, and because Tangrowth is slow, trainers must hope that the opponent does not use a super-effective Special move, as this may strike the Pokémon down in one hit. If it can survive, though, this Tangrowth’s offensive stats let it defeat many opponents with ease.
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Exeggutor (Pokédex #0103)
Grass/Psychic-Type Pokémon
The Coconut Pokémon, Exeggutor, as well as its Alolan counterpart, are extremely slow, with Speed stats of only 55. This makes some sense for a sentient, walking tree to not be very quick, yet it can put Exeggutor at a disadvantage in battle.
It can quickly make up for this downside, however, with an incredible Special Attack stat of 125 and 95 in both HP and Attack, for a stat total of 530. Defense and Special Defense are both moderate, but as long as it hangs on long enough to conduct its attacks, it can be a strong Grass-type.
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Leafeon (Pokédex #0470)
Grass-Type Pokémon
As one of Eevee’s evolutions, and therefore a huge fan-favorite, Leafeon is not a bad little fighter in the Grass-type catalog. It only offers a stat total of 525, but has a strong Attack at 110 and Defense at 130.
The Defense is good, as Leafeon only has an HP of 65, yet if it can take down its opponents quickly enough and defend well, it is a formidable fighter. Leafeon also has the trait Leaf Guard, an ability that protects it from status ailments such as Sleep, Poison, and more.
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Rillaboom (Pokédex #0812)
Grass-Type Pokémon
Though most of its stats are very good, particularly its main attack which comes in at 125, Rillaboom has an unfortunate Special Attack stat. While this is limiting, Rillaboom can confidently hold its own with a stat total of 530.
Its Speed is already decent, and then its signature move, Drum Beating, lowers the enemy’s Speed stat, making Rillaboom even faster by comparison. Before its first move in a matchup, Rillaboom may have to withstand a strike, but it can do so fairly well with its reasonable bulk. It may not be the most popular in the series, but Rillaboom is very powerful.
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Venusaur (Pokédex #0003)
Grass/Poison-Type Pokémon
Undoubtedly one of the most beloved Grass-type starter Pokémon, Bulbasaur is sometimes considered an “easy mode” starter in the Kanto games. On top of having the Special-focused powerhouse Grass/Poison-type, the evolved Venusaur has an even 100 in both Special Attack and Special Defense, with everything else in the low 80s for respectable bulk, giving it a stat total of 525.
Attacks like Giga Drain are excellent for damage/restoration, Sludge Bomb for Poison damage and potential status afflictions, plus a Mega Evolution (where applicable) to make it an even more imposing combatant.
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Gogoat (Pokédex #0673)
Grass-Type Pokémon
Gogoat may not be well known as a powerful combatant, but it is strong nonetheless. Its Speed stat is lackluster at 68, and its Defense is abysmal at 62, but its other stats are relatively well-rounded, letting it take strikes and deal them back effectively with a strong stat total of 531.
Attack and Special Attack stats for Gogoat both sit right around 100, and Gogoat’s access to great Physical moves gives it an additional offensive boost. Additionally, Gogoats HP is phenomenal at 124, which makes up for the lack of Defense stats.
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Sceptile (Pokédex #0254)
Grass-Type Pokémon
As one of the better final forms of a Grass starter, Sceptile can defeat many opponents with relative ease. This is largely due to its exceptional Speed stat of 120. By moving faster than most foes and using moves that benefit from its high Special Attack, Sceptile can strike quickly and decisively, making its stat total of 530 more effective.
Even once engaged in battle, it can hold its own, especially when throwing its Mega Evolution into the mix. This Pokémon accesses Special Grass-type moves like Leaf Storm, Giga Drain, and Energy Ball, making Sceptile terrifying to face. As long as it can out-speed enemies, it can dominate.
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Hydrapple (Pokédex #1019)
Grass/Dragon-Type Pokémon
Hydrapple is strong for its extra Dragon-type alone, giving it one of the best elements in any Pokémon game to make up for Grass’ usual vulnerabilities. The resistances that Dragon-types have translates well to Hydrapple, even if it does make it extra weak to Ice-types throughout various battles.
You cannot find Hydrapple unless you evolve an Applin, which is only found in The Indigo Disk DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Hydrapple specifically evolves from an Applin who gets a Syrupy Apple, evolving it into the right form of Dipplin before Hydrapple.
This Pokémon has 540 stat total when combining its other traits. This is organized in a very balanced spread of scores, from a 106 HP and 110 Defense making Hydrapple bulkier, while its 120 Special Attack gives it some offensive capabilities. Even if its 44 Speed holds it back significantly, there are niches where Hydrapple thrives far more than other Grass-types would.
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Tapu Bulu (Pokédex #0787)
Grass/Fairy-Type Pokémon
Being a guardian deity of Ula’ula, it is understandable that Tapu Bulu would be a powerful Pokémon. Although it does not have the typical appearance of the Grass-type, this Grass/Fairy-type commands plants to do a lot of its work for it. Even still, Tapu Bulu holds a strong Attack of 130 and Defense of 115, with a stat total of 570.
The Fairy typing of Tapu Bulu allows it to attack types that Grass-type Pokémon typically struggle against. The most notable of Grass’ bad match-ups is Dragon, which is weak to Fairy-type moves.
Tapu Bulu’s only real weaknesses are its 70 HP and 75 Speed, but with plants restraining opponents before they can reach Tapu Bulu, it can take as long as it wants to get there and back off when needed.
