15 best Psychic-type Pokemon ranked: Mewtwo, Shadow Rider Calyrex, Necrozma, & more

The Pokemon franchise has plenty of colorful creatures, however, the most powerful are the ones who wield Psychic-type moves. To help you narrow your picks, here are the top 15 Psychic-type beasts of all time.

Psychic-type Pokemon offer a variety of mind-bending attacks that can obliterate your opponents on the battlefield. From iconic Legendary creatures like Mewtwo to the instantly recognizable Alakazam evolution line, there are plenty of Psychic ‘mon to choose from. 

Whether you’re looking to add the most powerful creatures to your team or just aiming to win more games, then our in-depth list has you covered, as we’ve gathered the best of the bunch based on stat distribution, move pools, abilities, and more.

Every Pokemon in the list appears in its standard form, except for those that change to receive a secondary typing that allows them to be a part of the ranking.

Contents

• What is the best and strongest Psychic-type Pokemon?
• 15 best Psychic-type Pokemon of all time
  • Latios
  • Victini
  • Gardevoir
  • Metagross
  • Cresselia
  • Alakazam
  • Jirachi
  • Mew
  • Deoxys
  • Solgaleo
  • Lunala
  • Lugia
  • Necrozma (Dusk Mane)
  • Shadow Rider Calyrex
  • Mewtwo

• What are the worst Psychic-type Pokemon?

What is the best and strongest Psychic-type Pokemon?

Up to this day, the best Psychic-type Pokemon you can use to gain a competitive edge over your opponents and control the battlefield is Mewtwo.

However, there’s a whole list of other strong mind-bending creatures with different abilities and strengths worth looking at.

15 best Psychic-type Pokemon of all time

15. Latios

• Debut: Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire
• Type: Dragon/Psychic
• Weaknesses: Bug / Ghost / Ice / Dragon / Darl / Fairy

The dual Dragon/Psychic-type Legendary is capable of sweeping even the strongest teams thanks to its potent Special Attack, fantastic Speed, and decent Special Defense stats. Because of this potent combination, Latios remains a top pick for those looking to outmaneuver their foes. 

Latios’ dual typing also enables it to utilize a wide range of moves – the most potent being Draco Meteor, Earthquake, Psychic, Roost, and Ice Beam.

Latios base stats:

14. Victini

• Debut: Pokemon Black & White
• Type: Psychic/Fire
• Weaknesses: Ground / Rock / Ghost / Water / Dark

This cute critter may be incredibly small and look unimposing, but it is capable of punching well above its weight. Victini’s every stat is 100, meaning that this particular Psychic type is incredibly versatile. While it may not excel in any specific area, it does have access to varied movesets. 

For example, attacks like U-Turn, Bolt Strike, Psychic, and Final Gambit ensure that you have plenty of options when it comes to dealing with your opponent. If you’re after a decent all-rounder, then consider adding Victini to your team.

Victini base stats:

13. Gardevoir

• Debut: Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire
• Type: Psychic/Fairy
• Weaknesses: Poison / Ghost / Steel

This dual Psychic/Fairy-type Pokemon is a great addition to any team that wants to counter the ever-popular Dragon types that constantly appear in battles. Gardevoir comes packed with high Special Attack, Special Defence, and decent Speed stats.

To make matters even better, its dual Fairy typing gives Gardevoir access to potent moves like Moonblast, which enable players to counter hyper-aggressive sweepers. Pair this with defence-lowering attacks like Focus Blast and Shadow Ball, and you have a recipe for success.

Gardevoir base stats:

12. Metagross

• Debut: Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire
• Type: Steel/Psychic
• Weaknesses: Ground / Ghost / Fire / Dark

For many trainers, the pseudo-Legendary Metagross is both the definitive Steel and Psychic-type Pokemon, thanks to its imposing design and huge power. It has an impressive 10 resistances on its side and an intimidating Attack stat that’s backed up by moves like Meteor Mash and Zen Headbutt.

That’s not to mention its Mega Evolution, which gives it an extra 100 stats to play with. This fixes its biggest weakness – slow Speed – by increasing it from 70 to 110, while also increasing every other stat except HP.

Metagross base stats:

11. Cresselia

• Debut: Pokemon Diamond & Pearl
• Type: Psychic
• Weaknesses: Bug / Ghost / Dark

Cresselia’s overall bulk makes it a great tank option for those who want a Psychic-type that can take a hit or two. To make matters even better, the Legendary Pokemon has a decent Speed, which really isn’t that bad when you think about just how tanky Cresselia is. Consider teaching Cresselia supportive moves like Toxic and Lunar Dance to help the other monsters in your party.

Even if you go down the supportive route, you can still kit your Cresselia out with offensive moves like Psyshock, Moonblast, and Ice Beam. Cresselia may not be the most used Psychic-type Pokemon on this list, but it is certainly very useful.

Cresselia base stats:

10. Alakazam

• Debut: Pokemon Red & Blue
• Type: Psychic
• Weaknesses: Bug / Ghost / Dark

Alakazam is one of the most recognizable Psychic-type Pokemon ever created. Not only does this mind-bending Pokemon continue to be a popular pick amongst Pokemon trainers, but it is also capable of sweeping multiple threats.

Its incredible Speed enables Alakazam to strike first and dish out huge amounts of damage with its Special Attack. Unfortunately, the Generation 1 Pokemon falls short of listing higher due to its lackluster Defense and HP stats.

While moves like Recover can help add to Alakazam’s survivability, there are only a few scenarios where it will be able to take a hit. Instead, you’re best off paring Alakazam with a Life Orb and focusing your opponent with deadly Psychic/Focus Blast moves.

Alakazam base stats:

9. Jirachi

• Debut: Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire
• Type: Steel/Psychic
• Weaknesses: Ground / Ghost / Fire / Dark

Just like Victini, Jirachi’s every stat is 100, giving it a total base of 600. The Wish Pokemon is pretty diverse thanks to its Steel/Psychic typing, which enables it to utilize potent moves like Iron Head. Having a 30% chance to flinch your target is a bonus in any battle, while U-Turn can keep Jirachi safe from subsequent follow-up attacks.

Healing Wish also enables Jirachi to support other ‘mon in its party, fully healing the next hurt Pokemon. Despite its minuscule size, the Generation 3 Pokemon can prove tricky to remove from the battlefield. This is especially true when it’s constantly flitting in and out of battle.

Jirachi base stats:

8. Mew

• Debut: Pokemon Red & Blue
• Type: Psychic
• Weaknesses: Bug / Ghost / Dark

With a base stat total of 600, Mew is proficient in all areas thanks to all of its stats being the same. While this means it doesn’t exactly excel in any given area, it does make this adorable Pokemon incredibly versatile. Mew’s expansive move pool allows Pokemon trainers to kit it out with a variety of supportive, offensive, and defensive moves.

For example, moves like Ice Beam, Will-O-Wisp, Knock-Off, and Psychic cover a huge variety of elements, ensuring you have plenty of options when it comes to taking down your opponent

Mew may look unimposing when compared to the other Psychic-type Pokemon on this list, but this cute critter is capable of unleashing some devastating attacks.

Mew base stats:

7. Deoxys

• Debut: Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire
• Type: Psychic
• Weaknesses: Bug / Ghost / Dark

Deoxys forgoes any forms of defense and instead focuses on its lethal attack stats. The Psychic Pokemon features a staggering high Attack, Special Attack, and Speed stats. However, these stats become a little more even spread when opting for its Speed Forme. In fact, this Psychic type has the second-highest speed stat out of all Pokemon, which gives it the opportunity to KO squishy damage dealers. 

Unlike its default option, Deoxys Speed Forme has decent Defense and Special Defense properties. This enables Deoxys to tank a hit before being knocked out for good. Because of its high speed, a move pool consisting of traps like Stealth Rocks and Spikes is highly recommended, while Skill Swap and Magic Coat can help upset the flow of any battle.

Deoxys base stats:

6. Solgaleo

• Debut: Pokemon Sun & Moon
• Type: Psychic/Steel
• Weaknesses: Ground / Ghost / Fire / Dark

Solgaleo has an incredibly well-rounded stat pool. However, it’s this Pokemon’s HP, Attack, and Special Attack that really makes it shine. With a total base stat of 680, Solgaleo rivals the top half of the best Psychic-type Pokemon ranking.

Powerful Fire-type attacks like Flare Blitz can quickly leave your opponent hot under the collar, while Teleport and Knock-Off provide you with decent ways to counter your enemy’s game-winning plans. It’s certainly not hard to see why this fiery member of the Light trio continues to be a popular pick.

Solgaleo base stats:

5. Lunala

• Debut: Pokemon Sun & Moon
• Type: Psychic/Ghost
• Weaknesses: Ghost / Dark

Another Sun and Moon Legendary makes its way onto our list thanks to its high HP and Special Attack stat. If that wasn’t enough, Lunala’s Moongeist Beam enables it to ignore its foe’s abilities, while moves like Psystrike and Photon Geyser offer great ways to deal with even the tankiest Pokemon. 

Consider pairing this Pokemon with the Choice Specs item as this will add a further 1.5x damage to Lunala Special Attack. While it will only be able to use the first executed move, it will be more than enough to KO most opposing Pokemon.

Lunala base stats:

4. Lugia

• Debut: Pokemon Gold & Silver
• Type: Psychic/Flying
• Weaknesses: Rock / Ghost / Electric / Ice / Dark

Part of the Tower duo, Lugia has been a popular pick since Gold & Silver. The Flying/Psychic type not only sports an incredibly cool design, but it also boasts incredible defensive properties that make it an absolute nightmare to deal with. This is down to Lugia’s Multiscale ability, which reduces the damage dealt by damage-dealing moves by half when Lugia is at maximum HP.

If that wasn’t good enough, the tanky Legendary has a huge HP stat and a staggering Special Defense. Combine this with healing moves like Roost and the HP recovery from Leftovers, and you have a Pokemon that never leaves the battlefield. Whether you’re tired of meta sweepers that OHKO your party or just want a Psychic Pokemon that can tank many a hit, then Lugia is the perfect pick.

Lugia base stats:

3. Necrozma (Dusk Mane)

• Debut: Pokemon Sun & Moon
• Type: Psychic/Steel
• Weaknesses: Ground / Ghost / Fire / Dark

Not only does Dusk Mane Necrozma’s overall bulk makes it incredibly tanky, but its high attack also enables you to dish out some heavy hitters as well.

Dusk Mane Necrozma’s signature move, Sunsteel Strike completely ignores all other abilities. This enables you to reliably inflict damage, even when your opponent tries to be more defensive in their play. 

Due to its tanky nature, Necrozma can be used to set up traps like Stealth Rocks and get rid of problematic sweepers with Toxic. If that wasn’t enough, KOing Necrozma can also prove very tricky, especially when it’s kitted out with the healing move Morning Sun.

Necrozma (Dusk Mane) base stats:

2. Shadow Rider Calyrex

• Debut: Pokemon Sword & Shield
• Type: Psychic/Ghost
• Weaknesses: Ghost / Dark

The Crown Tundra introduced a number of new Pokemon, but the strongest one is none other than Calyrex. This highly intelligent ‘mon is one of the few creatures that are capable of telepathically communicating with humans. It is even said to have once ruled over the Galar region during ancient times.

Calyrex also has two forms that drastically change its stats depending on the one that is chosen. While Ice Rider has its own unique strengths, the majority of competitive players utilize its Shadow Rider form. Shadow Rider has an incredibly high speed and a potent Special Attack stat. Combine this with moves like Astral Barrage and Nasty Plot, and you have a recipe for success.  

Shadow Rider Calyrex base stats:

1. Mewtwo

• Debut: Pokemon Red & Blue
• Type: Psychic
• Weaknesses: Bug / Ghost / Dark

No best Psychic Pokemon list would be complete without mentioning Mewtwo. This iconic Pokemon has consistently found itself in the meta spotlight when it first appeared in Cerulean Cave in 1996. Since then, Mewtwo has been one of the go-to picks for trainers looking to add a powerful Psychic ‘mon to their team. 

Mewtwo is known for its lightning-fast speed and high Special Attack stat, which makes it capable of sweeping most meta Pokemon. After all, being able to outspeed your opponent is incredibly important, particularly if you wish to KO them before they can react. 

If that wasn’t enough, Mewtwo has great move coverage and can learn a variety of attacks that can prove super effective against all Pokemon types. These range from Ice Beam, Moonblast, Bolt Strike, Focus Blast, and Psychic. You certainly can’t go wrong with this manmade Pokemon. 

Mewtwo base stats:

What are the worst Psychic-type Pokemon?

Despite having some of the most powerful creatures in the whole Pokemon franchise, there are also terrible Psychic-type creatures in this particular group.

The Pokemon you should definitely avoid is Unown. This useless symbol creature can only learn one move (Hidden Power), which was removed from the most recent mainline games Scarlet & Violet.

As a baby species, Chingling has overall very low stats that make it weak and slow. But it’s not only that, its move pool lacks coverage and strong nukes to hit back.

Finally, another disappointment you should stay away from is Wobbuffet, as this Pokemon has terrible stats, and more so its best moves are Counter and Mirror Coat, dealing no damage but only hitting back.

That’s all you need to know about the best Psychic-type Pokemon of all time. For more Pokemon content, check our guides below:

Fairy-type | Water-type | Grass-type | Fighting-type | Electric-type | Legendary Pokemon | All cat Pokemon | All dog Pokemon | Creepiest ‘mon | Cutest Pokemon | The rarest and most expensive Pokemon cards | 10 best ROM hacks and fan-made games