has come a long way since the days of Pokemon Red and Blue, but while people are fixated on the lack of random encounters, debating which version to get, anticipating raids, and wondering what Dynamxing might mean for the competitive meta, all I care about is the aesthetics. More specifically, I want more cute Pokemon.
So far, there have been 20 new Pokemon confirmed for gen 8 (three of which are just regional forms of existing Pokemon). Some of them are very cute and I expect more cuties are on their way. But for now here are the top 10 Pokemon from Pokemon Sword and Shield, based on cuteness.
This is a controversial start – I know – but cuteness isn’t just about being soft and cuddly. Rolycoly is a rock Pokemon, so while its lack of huggability is the reason it’s at the bottom of the cute list, it’s still incredibly round and that counts for a lot. It’s basically a lumpy circle with a glowing red eye. I like its single eye, but it’s also a bit unsettling which adds to its appeal – albeit in a weird way.
Rolycoly’s name also has an internal rhyme to it. It’s basically the coal version of a roly-poly (bug). And, just like that bug, there are some unappealing characteristics but enough charm to make it cute. Rolycoly may not be the best Pokemon to squeeze but its steam engine/heatproof ability means it’s basically a round little space heater. Cute!
Morpeko was just announced, and there’s no denying its cuteness. Shaped like a small, soft oval, Morpeko is an Electric/Dark-type Pokemon that alternates between the two types. It has the Hunger Switch ability, which is completely new to the franchise. This causes Morpeko to change its appearance each turn from a friendly, cheerful pal to a pissed off little bean with cheeks full of Dark energy.
Its standard electric form is known as Full Belly Mode(adorable) and its dark form is known as hangry mode (relatable).
Morpeko’s signature move, Aura Wheel, is basically a magical hampster wheel that charges up and gets launched at enemies. It’s pretty precious especially when you see Morepeko’s incredibly tiny limbs move at lightning speeds to execute this attack. Still, Morepeko is near the bottom of the list because it’s trying too hard to be cute, the beady little eyes and single buck tooth make it so cute that it’s kind of annoying. Like when people dress their dogs in clothes.
At just 1 foot and 4 inches tall, Gossifleur is a little Pokemon that resembles a sizable bouquet. Its tiny smile is to die for and the large yellow petals at the top of its head are slightly slanted as if it was an oversized hat. I am pro oversized hats on small creatures so Gossifleur is pretty damn cute. Gossifleur would’ve ranked higher on this list but the swoop of its “hair” and overall design is so elegant it’s a bit more conventionally beautiful than it is plain cute. Its pollen has a healing effect and it used to be a common folk medicine remedy for children of the Galar region to be given a tea made from its pollen. What a wholesome bit of history.
Cash Rules Everything Around Me so Alcremie is one of the most important Pokemon announced in Sword and Shield. It’s also a dollop of adorable with cute little strawberry horns. Its sweet veil appears as a light pink orb, with spots of strawberries and cream floating around it. It’s cute and we’ve confirmed it’s delicious but the fact that it throws sweet-scented cream to distract or temporarily blind opponents makes it vaguely sexual enough to lose some cute points.
With the exception of Cyndaquil, I’m not one for fire starters but Scorbunny is such a joyful delight that even I can’t deny how cute it is. Even its frown/look of determination is dampened by how much I want to pick it up and just give it a hug. The light bounce it does is a reminder that it’s ready to fight but it’s so cute that I just want to give it a pat on the head. And I have to admit, the Nelly bandaid across its face has grown on me. It’s such a loving Pokemon that it has a sort of second heart known as its fire sac. Not gonna lie, that might be a point against its cuteness.
Regular Zigzagoon looks like a jagged bandit but Glarian Zigzagoon’s black and white fur provides a nice contrast, and the star pattern in its eyes remind me of David Bowie. This little panda-colored raccoon deserves all the pets in the world. According to official Pokemon lore when Zigzagoon charges at people, “humans tend to think Galarian Zigzagoon is just playing or showing affection.” After all, who would assume this cute little guy is trying to pick a fight?
Eldegoss is a big ol’ cotton ball. What’s not to love? It evolves from Gossifleur so it’s rooted in cuteness. Its newly developed thick cotton fluff serves as a cushion to protect Eldegoss’s head from damage but I just want to pass out on it after a long day… assuming it could support my weight. At the very least, I’d like to poke the fluff. Cotton aside, Eldegoss is cute because it looks like it’s wearing a tiny yellow jacket.
Everything about Grookey is cute: the little tuft of fur sticking out of the top of its head, its giant eyes, the fact that it’s waving at us with its little orange paw. Even when it grabs its stick to attack it resembles a curious and excited child. I love my green son.
Yamper rhymes with pamper and we are evolutionarily wired to find babies cute. So obviously yamper is near the top of the list. Bordering on “too cute,” yamper is an electric corgi with a heart on its butt. Its ability is Ball Fetch, which is new to the series. This means if you throw a Poke Ball at a wild Pokemon and fail to catch it, Yamper will go fetch it for you. This good boy (or girl) just wants to be part of the team.
I don’t know if there’s such a thing as a perfect Pokemon but this might be it. Wooloo is 13 pounds of cute floof. It’s a soft Pokemon that craves stability. Wooloo dislikes conflict and will literally roll away from enemies. Some would argue Wooloo is just a sheep and to those people I say, so what? It’s a soft circle with two little braids and if it was real I would gladly ensconce myself in its fleece.
You’ll notice that Sobble is the only starter missing from this list. It’s not because I don’t love my sad son. In fact, Sobble is my starter (unless its evolutions look weird). Unfortunately, Sobble isn’t cute. It’s small, sure. But Sobble is just a sad, blue water lizard with tears as potent as 100 onions. Interesting? Yup. Loveable? Absolutely. But not quite cute.
Let us know in the comments below who the cutest Pokemon of Gen 8 are and for every Pokemon confirmed in Sword and Shield be sure to check out our Wiki guide.
Janet Garcia is IGN’s associate guides editor. For more shallow rankings and generally cute content, you can follow her on Twitter @Gameonysus.
