Summary
Across its numerous generations and over 1000 different Pocket Monsters from itsgames, manga, and other entertainment properties, thePokemonfranchise has built an extensive roster ofLegendaryPokemon.
Classified based on their rarity, power, and illusiveness to the Pokeball, these Pokemonare challenging creatures that appear throughout the series. In cadence with each generation, new legendaries are introduced specifically to the generation, idolized by the region’s people as beings of God-like power. Only the most skilledPokemontrainersuse these creatures, because they are notoriously difficult to capture.
The infamousMewtwois known for its power. It was created by the evil team Rocket, artificially using the DNA of the Pokemon Mew. Mewtwo is encountered by players in the originalPokemongames and later remakes, such asPokemon Soul Silver and Heart Gold,at level 70.
While this legendary battle is not the hardest on this list, it is one of the hardest difficulty spikes for players in the series, with Mewtwo only becoming accessible after defeating the Elite Four — at a stark level increase compared to the previous challenges players face. Mewtwo has tough psychic moves, limited weaknesses, and has twomega evolutionsthat take its powers to the next level.
Much like Mewtwo,Rayquazamakes this list due to the steep difficulty spike players must overcome when fighting thisPokemon. Upon defeating the Elite Four and its champion, who all have levels in the high 50s, players can fight Rayquaza at a mighty level 70 asPokemonRuby, Sapphire, and Emerald’sfinal boss.
Rayquaza’s strengthsinclude extreme speed and powerful attacks. Its sheer difficulty curve makes this final boss one of the hardest legendary Pokemonbattles in the series.
The DNA Pokemon,Deoxys,is one of the highest levelPokemon that players can fight in thePokemongames. Previously obtainable via an event item known as the Eon Ticket in the originalPokemon Generation 3, as well as theFireRedandLeafGreenremakes, Deoxys can later be obtained in the remakes,PokemonOmega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire,at level 80, putting up one of the hardest battles in the franchise.
For its level alone, Deoxy ranks very high on this list, with thealien Pokemonable to melt through other legendaries, such as its rival Rayquaza, with ease.
Eternatusis an alien Pokemon and one of the main protagonists of thePokemon Sword and Shieldgames after Chaiman Rose looked to use the creature’s power for his nefarious plans. Eternatus, on its own, is a powerful foe to defeat, with a strong base stat of 690, making it one of the most powerful legendaries in the series. However, in its strongest dynamaxed form, known as Eternamax Eternatus, thePokemon gets even more powerful, with a base stat of over 1000, making it the strongestPokemon from a stats perspective in the entire series.
Players must fight both versions of this boss in a difficult battle, requiring the legendary Pokemon Zamazenta and Zacian to defeat it. Eternatus is the second most difficult legendary Pokemon battle, with a two-stage fight that will test any trainer’s ability.
ThehardestPokemonbattle in series history is with the revered God and the creator of the Pokemon Universe,Arceus. Arceus can be obtained canonically inBrilliant Diamond and Shining Pearlusing the mythical item known as the Azure Flute to access the Hall of Origin.
Players fight Arceus at level 80, one of the highest levels of any wild Pokemon battle. Arceus can also be battled inPokemon Legends Arceus, after defeating the game’s final boss, showcasing its true might in an epic battle that forces players to dodge, roll, and use their ownPokemon to capture it.
Arceus can also learn exclusive moves, such as judgment, a move that changes its type based on its opponent’s weakness. Arceus has the second-highest stats of any Pokemon, and can even learn the signature moves ofpowerful legendary characters, such as Dialga’s Roar of Time. That’s not all; Arceus can take any form if given the right plate, making thePokemon God the strongest Pocket Monster and the most challenging legendary to battle in the series.
