For some reason, a lot of trainers think Ice-typePokémonare weak. We’re pretty sure gym leaders like Pryce, Candice, Brycen, Wulfric, and Melony would disagree! With Lorelei and Glacia also managing to have ice-based Elite Four teams, there has to be something to these icy pocket monsters.
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Still, not all Pokémon are created equal. Some Ice types are strong and well-beloved by fans while others are often left out in the cold. We’d promise to lay off the ice puns, but we’re pretty sure that’s impossible.
18Bergmite
The most standout moment for Bergmite ever was when five of them greeted trainers visiting Snowbelle Gym in the anime. That’s about it! We’re not trying to hate on this little frozen friend but it’s not very useful in battle, comes with very “meh” abilities, and it’s one of those Pokémon trainers will evolve as soon as possible
17Vanillish
We would ordera Vanillish from Baskin-Robbins! In all seriousness, this Pokémon has been used by famed trainers like Dr. Ferrara and Brycen and according to the Pokédex they have been around since the first ice-age. It’s not a bad Ice-type, it’s just not that stand-out compared to its cuter pre-evolution.
16Vanillite
People seem to have a problem withPokémon based on real-life objectsand we can’t understand it. Just look at how adorable Vanillite is! Trainers like Trip and Teaque have used this ice-cream cutie to achieve victory in multiple important battles. It may resemble a Casteliaconebut don’t try to eat it.
15Castform: Snowy Form
Castform really doesn’t get the credit it deserves. It was an incredibly creative way to show off the newweather-based mechanicsthat came with Generation III. Weather Ball as a unique move is incredibly cool! Its snowy form is particularly adorable and this cumulonimbus critter is an obscure pure Ice-type, one we wished had gotten a Gigantimax form.
14Cubchoo
Don’t judge Cubchoo by its runny nose alone! This adorkable Pokémon is a serious fan favorite, even being featured in its own anime episode calledThe Mystery of the Missing Cubchoo. It’s so popular that a special Cubchoo was even distributed online in Japan back in 2010. It might not be fierce in battle but that’s not the only important part of a Pokémon.
13Cryogonal
Cryogonal isn’t a major powerhouse in the video game, but it’s a part of a unique deckin the Pokémon TCG. The Cryoganal fromUnified Mindscan be paired with Dustox to keep opponents from being able to retreat their Pokémon from the field with its unique attack while Dustox keeps them paralyzed and poisoned. It’s delightfully devilish!
12Eiscue
Eiscue is a curious Pokémon. Its signature ability, Ice Face, is where this Pokémon shines. When Eiscue is in its Ice Face form, it won’t take damage from physical attacks. Once hit, it turns into its Noice Face form, but the Ice Face form can be restored by setting up a hailstorm.
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It’s one of three penguin Pokémon along with Piplup and Prinplup but is far goofier than either of them. Melony has an Eiscue on her own team and if a gym leader says it’s good, who are we to argue?
11Snorunt
Ash’s Snorunt was a giggly trickster in the anime and many fans fell in love instantly. Becoming his friend after stealing all of his badges, he was a fierce battler all the way until he evolved. Snorunt might not be a powerhouse in the games, but it won the battle of stealing our hearts.
10Galarian Darumaka
WithPokémon Sword & Shieldcame new Pokémon in the Galar region and Darumaka got a frosty new look. This delightfully adorable Ice type isn’t just cute — it’s a pint-sized powerhouse. It has one of the highest attack statsin all of Little Cupand combining it with Hustle and a Choice Scarf will demolish almost anything it faces.
9Vanilluxe
The entire Vanilluxe evolutionary line was developed by James Turner, a Game Freak employee who is the first Westerner to ever design a Pokémon. It stands out for its unique but tasty looking design. It’s used by top trainers like Georgia and Alder to great effect. It’s just the perfect example of a unique Ice type that stands out in the Pokémon world.
