Highlights

  • Fossil Pokemon have unique designs and themes that make them stand out, but some lack practicality in battles.
  • Some Fossil Pokemon like Armaldo and Anorith have haphazard designs and limited usefulness due to their Rock and Bug typings.
  • Stat-wise, Pokemon like Omastar and Aurorus have potential to be powerful, but their speed stats hold them back.

In nearly every Pokemon game since the Kanto region, players have been able to choose from a small list of Fossils to rejuvenate and transform back into living Pokemon. The originals were Omastar, Kabutops, and Aerodactyl, but since then, Game Freak has released 12 more, each based on ancient creatures (or living things in Cradily’s case).

Related
Gen 10 Needs To Do Right By Fossil Pokemon
After inconsistent representation for three generations of Pokemon, Gen 10 ought to either restore or revamp the tradition of Fossil Pokemon.

While these Pokemon may be extinct in the everyday world, their unique designs and themes really let them all stand out; often moreso than their actual strength. There are a few of these Pokemon that don’t really have much to offer outside the novelty of being spawned from their ancient fossils.

Updated November 29, 2023 by Stephen LaGioia: With each new Pokemon release, whether the charming anime or gripping video games, the expansive lore grows even more vast and rich. This has culminated with Violet & Scarlett, which offers tons of compelling content. The lineup of total Pokemon has now passed 1,000, most of which have distinct attributes and backstories.

When including the evolved and unevolved variants, the prehistoric and rare Fossil Pokemon list has grown somewhat sizable in its own right. And this scarce type of Pokemon is even more exclusive now — given that Scarlett and Violet players have no way to access Fossil monsters other than transferring them via Pokemon Home. These are some of the best Fossil Pokemon that can be dug up.

What binds these Pokemon together and gives them the "Fossil" moniker is that they date from prehistoric times and can be obtained by collecting different Fossils to restore them. They also have the commonality of all being at least partly of the Rock-type, aside from the Galaar Fossil Pokemon.

While the evolved forms will be the focus here (as they are almost always stronger), this list will also touch on the unevolved forms.

16 Anorith And Armaldo

Generation 3

pokemon sword and shield anorith armaldo split image

Anorith:

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

45

95

50

40

50

75

Armaldo:

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

75

125

100

70

80

45

The unfortunate position of last (relatively speaking) falls on Armaldo, and particularly its meager unevolved form Anorith. First introduced as the claw Fossil in the Gen 3 Hoenn Region, Armaldo and Anorith were fairly underwhelming. Anorith may be called the Old Shrimp Pokemon, but these two look more like creatures made straight out of the space-sim Spore.

Their designs just seem haphazard. Further, as Rock and Bug-types, they bring much to the table, as Bug was often seen as the worst type in the game before its buff in Gen 7.

15 Genesect

Generation 5

Pokemon Genesect group in line with glowing orbs

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

71

120

95

120

95

99

While the large robotic insect may look pretty intimidating, it's rather outmatched even by many in its own Fossil category, being of the fairly weak Bug-type. It has few strong, specialized moves, and its base HP is on the low side.

Still, as far as Bug-types go, Genesect can really pack a punch offensively, slotting in as a sort of beefier version of Scizor in many respects. It's useful that Genesect is resistant to many types, though it's also vulnerable to more elements than the average Fossil.

14 Tirtouga And Carracosta

Generation 5

Tirtouga:

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

54

78

103

53

45

22

Carracosta:

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

74

108

133

83

65

32

The sea turtle from Gen 5’s Unova region can be described as a mega-charged, upright-standing turtle. The Pokemon world is already full of turtles, and to take up a coveted Fossil spot with another one just seems disappointing.

Stat-wise, Carracosta is just fine, with lots of power and indestructibility, though most everything else is downhill from there, culminating in a rough 32 Speed. Decent abilities fall flat on this underwhelming design, which leads this unfortunate turtle to sink rather than swim.

13 Lileep And Cradily

Generation 3

Lileep:

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

66

41

77

61

87

23

Cradily:

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

86

81

97

81

107

43

Classified as the Barnacle Pokemon, Cradily is Gen 3’s ancient plant Pokemon; and a stout one. The ancient tropical plant as one of the Hoenn region’s two Fossils was an excellent design and every time the strange plant makes its way onto the field trumpets blare.

Related
10 Rare Pokémon Cards That You've Never Heard Of
While Pokémon cards can be purchased online and at retailers in packs, finding the rares cards requires a fair bit of research. And cash.

Unfortunately for Cradily, it just isn’t that powerful. All-around decent stats don’t hold Cradily back, but they don’t do it any favors either. Better defenses give Cradily the option of a stall Pokemon, but its miserable 43 Speed Stat leaves quite a lot to be desired.

12 Omanyte And Omastar

Generation 1

Omanyte:

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

35

40

100

90

55

35

Omastar:

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

70

60

125

115

70

55

The Helix Fossil has always been a staple among Pokemon Fossils. Omastar is the classic killer sea snail that is described as being so slow and weak that it went extinct because it couldn’t catch food. Despite this description, it actually has 55 Speed which is faster than both Cradily and Carracosta — although it still has a long way to go.

As a Water and Rock-type with a powerful Special Attack stat of 115, If it manages to land an attack on a target, Omastar is sure to rock some boats.

11 Cranidos And Rampardos

Generation 4

Cranidos:

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

67

125

40

30

30

58

Rampardos:

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

97

165

60

65

50

58

This is the big and stout fella of Gen 4; the pure Rock-type, Rampardos. The Sinnoh Region was the first in the Pokemon world to finally give fans their first dinosaur Fossils and truly, it was a little underwhelming.

Rampardos is a pure Rock-type, which has advantages, it can’t be hit by Fighting or Grass for quadruple damage like some of the other Fossils, but it also means it doesn’t have secondary typing to use as a threat. Compared to every other Fossil, that just doesn’t hold up.

10 Arctovish

Generation 8

Professor Magnolia and two Arctovish from Pokemon Sword and Shield

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

90

90

100

80

90

55

The new bulky ice fish abomination from the Galar Region, Arctovish combines the fossilized fish and the fossilized dino brought to life by science! Overall, Arctovish is a decent but underwhelming Pokemon. With Galar Fossils losing their Rock typing, Arctovish is left as a Water and Ice-type, which isn’t exactly the best combination.

While its stats are just average, it does have access to the devastatingly powerful Fishious Rend attack, which is at least one good aspect that it can boast. The combo concept that the Galar Fossils use is pretty cool, unfortunately, this big fish got the short end of the stick.

9 Amaura And Aurorus

Generation 6

crown tundra amaura aurorus to icy backdrop

Amaura:

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

77

59

50

67

63

46

Aurorus:

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

123

77

72

99

92

58

The Ice and Rock-type sauropod, Aurorus was first introduced in the Kalos Region of Gen 6. With fairly unique typing and an interesting design, the Sail Fossil is one of the first that really might be worth using. A truly massive Pokemon, Aurorus has an incredibly high HP stat and a powerful ability with its signature move, Refrigerate.

Related
Pokemon: Every Mythical & Legendary Pokemon
A complete list of every mythical and legendary Pokemon, including their types, base stat totals and the games in which players can catch them.

Plus, Amaura has one of the cuter aesthetics — and it's a blast to evolve! The Tundra Pokemon is definitely one worth considering for this reason alone, but for those min-maxing fans out there, it's definitely not the best of the best.

8 Arctozolt

Generation 8

Pokemon Arctozolt on ice

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

90

100

90

90

80

55

This sniveling little velociraptor Ice hybrid really puts Pokemon design on a whole new level. While ice typing may not be of a huge benefit for this Electric-type (as it doesn’t lose its Ground weakness and instead gains weakness to Fire, Fighting, and Rock-types) it does pose an excellent opportunity for this Pokemon’s icy-cool look.

Unfortunately for Arctozolt, it can’t really monopolize on its signature move, Bolt Beak, as its base 55 Speed stat is "lukewarm" to say the least.

7 Archen And Archeops

Generation 5

Archen:

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

55

112

45

74

45

70

Archeops:

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

75

140

65

112

65

110

Archen and Archeops are the Flying Rock-type Fossils of the Unova Region. Based on the archeopteryx, these Pokemon are jam-packed with power. With a whopping 140 Attack stat and respectable 112 Special Attack, this Pokemon can really pack a punch. Unfortunately, it’s majorly held back by its truly awful ability, Defeatist.

At half-health Archeops Attack and Special Attack, stats are cut in half, meaning its powerful offense becomes mediocre at best. This makes the colorful bird Fossil much more effective at hit-and-run tactics. It certainly has its place, but its strategy means other Pokemon are going to take a beating.

6 Dracozolt

Generation 8

Dracozolt using Bolt Beak

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

90

100

90

80

70

75

Another Galar Fossil with the wonderfully designed raptor head. This Electric and Dragon-type, unfortunately, suffers from the same poor statistical design that plagues Arctozolt.

With only a base 75 Speed stat, the only Pokemon Dracozolt can outspeed to use its powerful Beak bolt attack are slow and bulky Rock, Ground, and Steel-types, all of which resist electric damage. This means Dracozolt is basically dead in the water when it comes to a contest of quickness and bringing serious damage.

5 Kabuto And Kabutops

Generation 1

Kabuto:

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

30

80

90

55

45

55

Kabutops:

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

60

115

105

65

70

80

This horseshoe crab turned scythe-wielding monster is one of the original Fossils, but unlike Omastar, it has some serious staying power. Kabutops' very cool design is enough to keep it around, but it also shines in battle. With access to two great abilities in battle armor and weak armor, this Pokemon is ready for a fight.

Related
10 Gen 1 Pokemon With Great Designs (That Are Useless In Battle)
There are some incredibly well designed Pokemon in the gen 1 games, although not all of them quite live up to their excellent appearances in battle.

Kabutops shines because, unlike many Weak Armor Pokemon, it actually has the Defense to survive a couple of hits if it’s set up properly. Kabutops may be an oldie, but it is certainly a goodie.

4 Shieldon And Bastiodon

Generation 4

Shieldon:

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

30

42

118

42

88

30

Bastiodon:

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

60

52

168

47

138

30

The Sinnoh Regions Rock and Steel-type, Bastiodon, is one of the Pokemon game’s first actual dinosaur fossils. Bastiodon is a Ceratopsid (a fancy triceratops), and as such has high defenses befitting the large shield plastered to its face. Its design might be a little silly, but a good triceratops is hard to come by.

With powerful defensive typing in Rock and Steel and a stat block that could stop even the most powerful hits, this is a Pokemon that is sure to stick around for a while (which is ironic because it’s a Fossil Pokemon).

3 Aerodactyl

Generation 1

Mega Aerodactyl in Pokemon GO

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

80

105

65

60

75

130

The original and only speed demon Fossil Pokemon. With an unmatched speed stat amongst the Fossils and attacks that make its enemies tremble, Aerodactyl is a monster in the air. With the ability Rock Head and the transfer only move Double Edge, Aerodactyl packs a punch to go along with its monstrous speed. And the dino-inspired monster grows even more beastly when taking the form of Mega Aerodactyl.

This is a Pokemon that has a rich history and has been good for a long long time. It’s a wonder how it ever went extinct. In fact, its presence as a Fossil suggests that this alpha hunter was forced extinct by some cataclysmic event… Just what could Game Freak be hiding?

2 Tyrunt And Tyrantrum

Generation 6

Tyrunt:

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

58

89

77

45

45

48

Tyrantrum:

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

82

121

119

69

59

71

The Strong-Jawed bitey creature of the ancient Kalos Region made a big dent in the meta as an alternative Dragon-type. With Strong Jaw and access to every fang attack in the game (besides Psychic Fangs and Fishious Rend), Tyrantrum brings a lot of moveset diversity and power to the Fossil lineup.

Alternatively, with Rock Head and Head Smash attacks, Tyrantrum has access to a very powerful STAB Dock-type attack with no drawbacks. Throw in its whopping 121 Attack and 119 Defense and players have a solid, immovable wall that brings down the house.

1 Dracovish (Gen 8)

Generation 8

Dracovish Pokemon Sword Shield

HP

Attack

Defense

Sp. Attack

Sp. Defense

Speed

90

90

100

70

80

75

Tyrantrum isn’t the only Dragon-type Fossil with the introduction of Dracovish in the Galar Region. This fish and drake monstrosity tears into the competition with its use of Fishious Rend, Strong Jaw, and a speed-boosting held item. Largely controlling the meta at the early stages of Sword and Shield's competitive scene, this fish dragon Fossil is an abomination that fans just can’t get enough of.

Its ridiculous upside-down fish head on top of a twisted and contorted dragon tail is truly something out of a horror movie. Unfortunately, this terrible thing is one of the most powerful Pokemon in the Galar Region, so players are sure to encounter it eventually.

MORE: Pokemon Scarlet & Violet: Every Mythical & Legendary Pokemon (& How to Get Them)