Meowth

First up: Prepare for trouble!

Meowth taught us all that the best way to beat any problem is to throw money at it. Literally.

(Image credit: The Pokémon Company)

Gengar

Ghost-type Pokémon Gengar spends the bulk of his time hiding in shadows, terrifying its victims, and being a absolute troll in general. <3

(Image credit: The Pokémon Company)

Lugia

This sea-dwelling legendary Pokémon was the game box mascot of Generation II and Pokémon SoulSilver.

Lugia is, of course, incredibly rare in the Pokémon universe. But given how destructive its attacks can be, that’s probably for the best.

(Image credit: The Pokémon Company)

Jigglypuff

Jigglypuff may look cute, but don’t be mislead: This pink terror will scribble mean and nasty stuff on your face after it sings you to sleep. Or just launch you clear across a Super Smash Bros. stage.

Savage.

(Image credit: The Pokémon Company)

Psyduck

The bumbling-yet-loveable Psyduck is frequently used as comic relief in the Pokémon anime, and for good reason. After all, what other Pokémon can be defeated by feeding it an aspirin?

(Image credit: The Pokémon Company)

Greninja

Frog/ninja hybrid Greninja is, hands down, the baddest Pokémon to come out of Generation VI.

He’s brutal in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, too, if you can keep from accelerating him right off the edge of the stage.

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Blastoise

Yo, Squirtle, dude — we love you. But we love you even more once you evolve into Blastoise and have those rad water cannon blasters coming out of your shell.

(Image credit: The Pokémon Company)

Alakazam

Some Pokemon are so badass that they can beat you down with a pair of spoons and a nasty thought — just like Alakazam.

(Image credit: The Pokémon Company)

Goldeen

Goldeen: Because running jokes matter, too.

Flop, brave Pokemon, flop!

(Image credit: The Pokémon Company)

Dragonite

Dragonite is absolutely adorable. But don’t let the cute face fool you — Dragonite has an extremely high attack stat and a deep inventory of brutal moves.

(Image credit: The Pokémon Company)

Zekrom

Zekrom, a Pokémon from the Black and White era, is a real (electro) shocker.

Scizor

Best Bug type ever.

Zapdos

The highest-ranking of Pokémon Red and Blue’s original trio of legendary birds, Zapdos is Woody Woodpecker mixed with Big Bird … and some serious static electricity.

Bulbasaur

One of the best starter pocket monsters. Dig the leaf.

(Image credit: The Pokémon Company)

Meganium

Who doesn’t like a dinosaur wearing a flower? Oh, you’re one of those Water types? Move along then.

Pidgeot

The original Pokémon bird.

Arcanine

A fire-breathing dog that looks like a tiger, apparently. One of Pokémon’s first Fire Stone evolution types.

Snorlax

This rotund form tends to snooze through battles, but if he DOES wake up, beware of high-powered attacks. The closest the series gets to a mash-up with Studio Ghibli’s Totoro!

(Image credit: The Pokémon Company)

Diancie

A mythical rock/fairy type that premiered in last year’s Pokemon the Movie: Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction.

Rapidash

A horse with a fire mane that evolves into a unicorn. Because, of course.

Celebi

One of the rarest of them all, Nintendo let players download this Psychic/Grass type for free back in 2013.

Charizard

Equipped with a fire tail that comes in handy as a super smasher, if not a marshmallow toaster.

Lucario

A fan favorite who made his debut in the fourth generation of the series. He has also been a staple of Super Smash Bros. since Brawl.

Mewtwo

A clone of Mew, this cutie became one of the most powerful in the first wave of the series. Look for an appearance in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

(Image credit: The Pokémon Company)

Pikachu

The most recognized Pokémon in the world. How could we not choose you, Pikachu!