Regardless of your on the new generation ofPocket Monstersotherwise known asPokémon SwordandPokémon Shield, you have to admit that most of the new designs are pretty ace. Dynamax might just be another generation-specific gimmick, but 99% of theGigantamax Pokémondesigns look amazing! Yeah, Galarian variations are just Alolan forms done again, but they did a fantastic job with them.
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There are a ton of new types of Fairy Pokémon in these new games, since there are tons of Faeries in Celtic/UK folklore. Honestly, we can’t wait to watch the Galar-centeredPokémonAnime. We’re here to talk about the 10 best, in order, from strongest to weakest. Obviously this judging was based on power, utility, and design all in one.
Updated August 14th, 2020 by Tanner Kinney:With the release of the first DLC pack,The Isle of Armor, the metagame has had enough time to evolve that there is a clear divide between Pokémon in terms of power. The ones on the top likely still stay there and find themselves competing against old friends that are no longer easily checked. While some bottom feeders moved up, a lot, unfortunately, keep staying mediocre. It’s a tragic fate for many Pokémon to just not be good enough to bring into serious battles, even if they are cute.
However, for connoisseurs of all things pink, Sword and Shield did remember to bring a number of great Fairy-types. This update will mostly focus on the faces who just arrived in Galar through the DLC, along with an extra addition that was noticeably absent from before. Regardless, until the next DLC, this should be the ultimate list of the best Fairy-types available in Sword and Shield.
15Comfey: Kick Back, Relax, Stay Comfey
The drain-tank is a class that’s rarely found in games, especially Pokémon. In their appearances, drain-tanks are hard to balance because they can pump out crazy damage while barely taking a scratch through powerful self-healing. Healing is less effective in Pokémon, so thankfully those with effective self-healing have a number of checks to them. The most obvious counter is that tanky Pokémon sacrifice speed and are susceptible to status ailments as a result.
This is true for any healer except Comfey, who gains priority on all healing moves. This includes its signature technique, Floral Healing, along with any draining attacks like Giga Drain or Draining Kiss. This gives Comfey a niche as a surprisingly effective drain tank, using Calm Mind to bulk up and Draining Kiss to heal it all back. Unfortunately, it has enough counters still inSword and Shieldthat it shouldn’t be too threatening.
14Azumarill: Huge Power Comes In Small Packages
With the tragic removal of Mega Evolutions, the once terrifying Mega Mawile (and its Huge Power) bit the dust and returned to its Untiered prison. The only Pokémon that still had this incredible ability was Diggersby, who at least puts it to good use. However, theIsle of Armorbrought back the original Pika-Clone in Marill, along with its evolution of Azumarill. Azumarill, based just on its base stats, isn’t too impressive aside from solid bulk. Don’t underestimate this blue beast; with Huge Power and Belly Drum, this bulky friend can become more dangerous than anyone would expect.
The effectiveness of a +6 Attack Boost doubled by its ability makes it a force to be reckoned with. It’s slow, so it has to rely on priority in Aqua Jet, but since it isn’t missing any of the moves that once made it such a threat, it’s likely that Azumarill will go back to tearing up teams just like the good old days.
13Klefki: Boo Boo Keys Takes No Prisoners
Generally, trainers like to play the game of Pokémon by attacking and having fun. Getting the meaty attack is quite the serotonin hit, after all. However, utility is equally important to success in competitive battles. So, how about a Pokémon that just wants everyone else to suffer? There’s a lot of joy in watching an opponent squirm through status ailments and hazards, even though hazards have been made less important with Heavy-Duty Boots in play. Few Pokémon are as sadistic as Klefki in that regard.
These Boo Boo Keys may be a cutesy gimmick on the surface, but it has the ability to fit into a ton of different competitive teams. Its supportive movepool is huge, and its Prankster ability gives it priority to just ruin someone’s day with Spikes, Paralysis, Confusion, Poison, and even just straight up a punch to the face. In wars of attrition, Klefki will not be weathered down. Klefki is cute and effective, making it an ideal Fairy-type support.
12Clefable: A Wall As Immovable As The Moon
The Moon is always there; it’s reliable and calming. And much like the moon, Clefable has always been here, always at the top of the table. However, the Fairy-typing made Clefable so much better to the point it is a staple of the OU metagame. It was also in the base release ofSword and Shield,but it’s getting its recognition here.
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Clefable is a Pokémon capable of wearing many different hats. It has an ocean of a movepool, giving it options that few other Pokémon can dream of having. It’s best known for its utility and place as a bulky tank, using strong Moonblasts as a form of offensive pressure and boasting strong self-recovery. However, give it a Life Orb and some offensive techniques and Clefable can lay the smackdown like no one else. Changes to Teleport also give it the ability to Wish-pass, adding another skill into its overloaded kit. Clefable may be cute and possibly an alien (if the anime is to be believed), but it’s also an incredible Fairy-type Pokémon.
11Magearna: Shifting Gears To Uber-Tier
Magearna, a Mythical Pokémon added inSun and Moon, is very much an Ultra Beast in nature. Its Soul Heart ability works like Beast Boost, and it comes equipped with some serious power in terms of its movepool andsteel-typing. Its signature move, Fleur Cannon, is the most powerful Fairy-type attack in the game currently (although there are two moves that are stronger). Additionally, it can function as both a setup-blocker with Heart Swap and a setup sweeper itself with Shift Gear.
The biggest drawback is that Magearna is still locked behind events, so finding this rare Pokémon will require either attending an event or a cheat device. Once it is obtained, it can easily become a force to be reckoned with in the highest tiers of competitive play. Never count out an Artifical Pokémon, especially one with as much power as Magearna.
10Silvaly: Perfectly Balanced, As All Things Should Be
Turns out there aren’t too many fairy types in these new games. Man if only the Pokédex was bigger huh? Anyway, Silvaly is an oddballLegendaryintroduced inPokémon Sun & Moon. This lab-grown Pokémon can change its typing depending on the memory it holds, and Fairy is one of them. The only problem is Silvally kind of sucks. Its stats are low for a Legendary, its ability is the type-changing aspect, and it just doesn’t excel in anything. Sure, it can also fight most anything with type advantage, but that’s not worth using this sub-par Pokémon. It was a neat idea Game Freak, but it just didn’t work out.
9Galarian Rapidash: A Fantastic Design Accented By Its Pastel Veil
We wanted thisMy Little Ponywannabe to be better, we truly did. But Galarian Rapidash just isn’t good when compared to similar Pokémon, or even other Fairy Types in Sword & Shield. Heck, even Hatterene does everything Galar Rapidash can do, but better. The unique aspect of this variation Pokémon is their ability, Pastel Veil. But, all it does is prevent Rapidash from being poisoned, which is pretty minor when compared to other insanely strong abilities. Overall, Galarian Rapidash is totally usable for casual players and will be pretty useful. But for anyone looking to build a decent competitive/dream team, we advise you look elsewhere.
8Gardevoir: The Moonblast Queen
Another non-Galarian exclusive Pokémon, Gardevoir has been a fan favorite since the firstRuby and Sapphiregames came out for reasons that are sad, but not surprising. Back then, they were only Psychic-type, but once Fairy was introduced, it was tacked on to this evolutionary line as well. Gardevoir has a Mega-Evolution too, one that does insanely well in competitive play.
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Why? Because their ability Trace is quite handy, and they have access to Moonblast. Plus, because of the Psychic typing, they’re great for taking out Poison-types as well. The only big drawback is their overall low health and defense, so building for speed is recommended.
7Alcremie: Aroma Veil Makes This Poke The Cream Of The Crop
Oddly enough, for a type that seems to be centered around cuteness, Fairy types sure tend to be tanky. Alcremie is no different, this Poke can take a few big hits, which is even more impressive considering they’re literally made out of whipped cream. Both of its abilities (Aroma Veil and Sweet Veil) have to do with the smell of sugary cream, and both are relatively decent. Honestly, Alcremie is fine, it’s just outclassed in most ways by other Pokémon. But, since it can learn Calm Mind and Recover, it can set itself up to sweep an entire team while healing any damage other Poke’s manage to do to it. But, since it’s a pure Fairy type, you’ve got to watch out for Poison moves. Still, even it if was terrible, we’d still recommend using it just to see that hilarious Gigantamax form.
6Galarian Weezing: Turns Out A Top Hat Really Does Make A Difference
Much like normal Weezing, Galarian Weezing is quite bulky. On top of its newfound elegance, this twin-headed Pokémon can take a hit or two with ease. There’s more to it than that, but what it really comes down to is Galar Weezing’s ability, Neutralizing Gas. Why? Because it just turns off all abilities of any Pokémon while Galar Weezing is in the fight.
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And, since most of the competitive scene is set up around specific Abilities, this makes a huge difference. Outside of that, it’s a great support type Pokémon. Send it out, use moves like Aromatherapy to help the rest of the team, tank a few hits, then knock out the competition with a Flamethrower or two. And if all else fails, just use Pain Split!
