Rapidly approaching, a Pokemon meets a trainer's gaze. The trainer tosses a Pokeball into battle, and the fastest Pokemon strikes first. Having a Pokemon with a high Speed stat could, therefore, make the difference between winning and losing a battle. After all, the fastest Pokemon attacks first, usually giving them the upper hand.

Of the 1000+ Pokemon in existence, some are considerably faster than others. Even without taking Mega Evolutions and Gigantamax forms into account, these Pokemon are lightning-fast and will come out on top in most situations. Whether or not they have the offensive and defensive stats needed to back that Speed up, however, is an entirely different matter.

Updated on February 14, 2024, by Ben Painter: One of the best things to do in Pokemon battling is to be quicker than the opponent, striking first before the enemy to deal massive damage. There are several 'mons in the franchise which specialize in Speed. Some are rarer than others, but chances are that all will hit before any others in the heat of battle. This update adds five more speedy Pokemon which gamers should look to add to their teams in a playthrough of a Pokemon game. One of these Pokemon was added in the most recent game, Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, and, specifically, the second part of its DLC, The Indigo Disk.

40 Cyclizar

Top Speed: 121

Cyclizar is a fairly important Pokemon in Scarlet & Violet as it is distantly related to the box art Pokemon, Koraidon, and Miraidon. The Dragon/Normal-type Pokemon does not evolve, which may put some gamers off, but regardless of this, it is still an amazing Pokemon to use in the game.

With a base stat total of 501, the Mount Pokemon's stats are broadly distributed, so they can be used in a variety of different ways in the game. But its best stat is no question its speed, with a whopping 121, the Pokemon across Paldea will not know what's hit it when Cyclizar steps out in battle.

39 Tornadus (Therian Forme)

Top Speed: 121

Originally brought out to fans in Pokemon Black & White as part of the Forces of Nature Legendary trio along with Thundurus and Landorus. In the game's sequels, Pokemon Black 2 & White 2, they received new forms that changed their stats slightly. In Tornadus' case, it went from 111 speed in its Incarnate Forme to 121 in its Therian Forme.

This Pokemon has a base stat total of 580, it is a strong 'mon to use and aside from its speed, its other best stats are Sp. Atk at 110 and attack at 100. Therian Forme Tornadus can outspeed and attack with raw power with a move set of Hurricane, Hammer Arm, Breakwind Storm, and Uproar, there is nothing that stands in its way.

38 Greninja

Top Speed: 122

A fan-favorite Pokemon in the series, Greninja is famed for his anime appearances under the control of the former main character of the series, Ash Ketchum. In the anime, Ash forms a special bond with his Greninja and turns him into Ash-Greninja, which gives him a boost to his power.

In the games, Ash-Greninja does make an appearance. If fans played the Demo version of Pokemon Sun & Moon they could transfer it over to the base game. Ash-Greninja has 132 speed but since it is an in-game transformation and incredibly rare, for the sake of this list, Greninja's base speed will be considered, even without its Battle Bond ability. Greninja has a speed of 122 and is revered as one of the fastest Pokemon of all time.

37 Meowscarada

Top Speed: 123

One of the final forms of the starter Pokemon in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, and the Grass/Dark-type is actually the fastest starter of all time with a staggering stat of 123. The cat also has an attack stat of 110, with moves in its arsenal such as Flower Trick, Play Rough, Night Slash, and U-Turn, it can become a threat in the Nintendo Switch titles.

If that isn't enough power for gamers then Petal Blizzard, Giga Impact, and Foul Play can be taught by TMs to hit hard, combined with their high speed, the battle will be over before it has even really begun.

36 Noivern

Top Speed: 123

There is a handful of unique and powerful Flying/Dragon Pokemon in the series, including the daunting and bat-like Noivern. Introduced in the sixth generation of Pokemon, Noivern not only uses its 123 Speed to outpace opponents, but it can also use its first move to take advantage of its 97 base stat in Special Attack.

Combined with its impressive Speed and Special Attack, Noivern can cause serious damage using moves like Air Slash, Hurricane, and Boom Burst. If that wasn’t enough, the Pokemon also comes with Dragon Pulse and can even learn powerful Egg Moves, such as Dragon Rush.

35 Ribombee

Top Speed: 124

Those looking for an adorable Fairy-type Pokemon with a solid Special Attack and the Speed to outshine slower opponents should definitely consider adding Ribombee to their team. The Cutiefly evolution has 464 total base stats and can easily dish out damage with a 95 Special Attack rating. At higher levels, Ribombee is even capable of learning the valuable Bug and Fairy-type moves Bug Buzz and Dazzling Gleam.

While Ribombee doesn't have the best sustainability thanks to its middling HP and low Defense stats, its 124 Speed gives it the opportunity to use even more powerful moves, like the Egg Move Moonblast and TM Skill Draining Kiss, before its opponents can react, giving it some extra survivability.

34 Iron Boulder

Top Speed: 124

Despite its bulking stature, Iron Boulder's best stat is its speed, standing at a base total of 124. Iron Boulder is a Paradox Pokemon, a future version of Terrakion found exclusively in Pokemon Violet.

Iron Boulder is a Rock/Psychic Pokemon and, along with its impressive speed, it has an unbelievable attack stat at 120, fairly uncommon for a Psychic Pokemon. But that means it can make use of physical Psychic moves such as Psycho Cut and Zen Headbutt. It is not straightforward to find Iron Boulder as players will need to catch 200 Pokemon in the Indigo Disk DLC and register them into the Blueberry Academy Pokedex.

33 Swellow

Top Speed: 125

Blazing speed isn't just reserved for third-stage evolutions. There are a handful of inconspicuous Pokemon that are faster than some of the series’ strongest Pocket Monsters. For example, Swellow, the Hoenn region’s introductory Normal/Flying-type Pokemon, has a max Speed of 383 at level 100.

Compared to other regional bird Pokemon in the series, Swellow may not be the best competitive fighter. However, its blazing base Speed of 125 can help it land the first move against opponents in the early game, making its fledgling pre-evolution, Taillow, a decent first catch for trainers as they begin their Pokemon journeys.

32 Darkrai

Top Speed: 125

Known as the Pitch Black Pokemon, Darkrai is as intimidating as it is fast. The nightmare-inducing Dark-type Pokemon has over 600 in total base stats and a base Speed of 135, making it a powerhouse whose ability to outspeed the competition is just the beginning of its skill.

In addition to its impressive stats, Darkrai has access to some solid moves and a valuable abundance of TMs that help it stun the opposition using a series of moves like Sucker Punch, Hypnosis, and Confuse Ray. Those that fall asleep around the creature will also be susceptible to its hidden ability, Bad Dreams, which causes snoozing Pokemon to take 1/8th of their HP as damage each turn.

31 Marshadow

Top Speed: 125

Introduced in Pokemon Sun and Pokemon Moon, Marshadow is a Mythical Pokemon with no other evolutionary forms. However, while the Gloomdweller Pokemon boasts the unique type combination of Fighting/Ghost, Marshadow’s Speed stat is nothing to overlook.

Thanks to its base Speed of 125 base Speed stat, Marshadow can reach a final Speed of 383 at max level. The same is also true of its 125 base Physical Attack stat, meaning that the Pokemon can inflict some serious damage with moves like Close Combat and Spectral Thief at the start of most battles.

30 Weavile

Top Speed: 125

Although Weavile’s quick-handed pre-evolution, Sneasel, boasts a base Speed of 115, evolving the smaller Pokemon while holding a Razor Claw at night builds upon its impressive speed and strength, making Weavile one of the series’ best Sweeper Pokemon.

With a base Speed of 125, Weavile’s max Speed at level 100 is 383. To dominate in battle, the Sharp Claw Pokemon also has enough Physical Attack to back up its Speed. When equipped with a Choice Band, the Pokemon can also use Dark-type moves, such as Knock Off and Pursuit, to deal a serious amount of damage since the item’s stat boost stacks with the Pokemon’s same-type attack bonus.

29 Talonflame

Top Speed: 126

All three Pokemon in Fletchling’s evolutionary line excel when it comes to Speed, but few Pokemon in the series surpass Talonflame’s impressive 126 base Speed stat. Combined with the right training, the Fire/Flying-type Pokemon’s total Speed can soar as high as 386, making it a fan-favorite among trainers.

In addition to its popularity, Talonflame has a quality moveset capable of making the most of its otherwise lower stats. Although the Scorching Pokemon may not be the best choice competitively, it can be a solid choice during the main games.

28 Shaymin (Sky Forme)

Top Speed: 127

Shaymin originally made its bow in Pokemon Diamond & Pearl as a cute little hedgehog, but it is not in this form where it is one of the fastest Pokemon in the franchise.

It was in the game's sequel, Pokemon Platinum, that Shaymin got its speedier upgrade, rising from a 100 base speed to a 127. Shaymin becomes its Sky Form via a Gracidea flower in the daytime. Land Shaymin has an even 100 for all its stats, but Sky Form has increased and decreased stats with an improvement in speed, attack, and special attack. Everything a gamer needs to hit hard and fast.

27 Meloetta (Pirouette Forme)

Top Speed: 128

Introduced in the Unova region, Meloetta is a music-inspired Pokemon with the ability to change its dual type from Normal/Psychic to Normal/Fighting using the move Relic Song in battle. Not only does the Melody Pokemon change its design as it transforms, but the Pirouette Forme is much faster than its Psychic counterpart.

Once in Pirouette form, Meloetta’s Speed skyrockets from just 90 to 128, allowing for a total Speed of 390 at max level with the right Effort Values, or EVs. Its Physical Attack stat also gets a formidable boost. Unfortunately, both increases in Pirouette Forme also come with drastic deductions to the Pokemon’s Special Attack and Special Defense stats, meaning trainers will want to take advantage of both forms to take down tough opponents.

26 Spectrier

Top Speed: 130

Spectrier was one of many Legendary Pokemon added in Pokemon Sword and Shield’s Crown Tundra DLC expansion. However, while the phantom steed is said to represent many things, its title as the Swift Horse Pokemon is one that trainers won’t want to overlook. Spectrier boasts an almighty 130 base Speed stat, galloping faster than any of its fellow horse-inspired Pokemon.

Designed as a glass cannon, Spectrier can outspeed many common threats and use its exceptional Special Attack stat to make its first hits count. Between the two equines to select for Calyrex, Spectrier is the one to pick for those looking to go as quickly as possible.

25 Eternatus

Top Speed: 130

Another Galarian Legendary, Eternatus is an otherworldly abomination made of pure Dynamax energy. With the strange power to alter the genetic makeup of Pokemon, the awe-inspiring Poison/Dragon-type Pokemon inherently has ties to all the Dynamax Dens across Galar.

For a beast of its size and influence, Eternatus is also unusually fast. Like Spectrier, it has a base Speed of 135 and a 145 Special Attack. However, Eternatus has slightly better defensive capabilities than the phantom horse to make it a more well-rounded Legendary. With its impressive stats overall, Eternatus is not only valuable in Pokemon Sword and Shield’s post-games, but it is a competitive threat as well.

24 Eiscue (Noice Face)

Top Speed: 130

Eiscue is an interesting Pokemon. As part of its ability, its Ice Face form doesn’t take damage when hit with a physical attack. Instead, its block-like head breaks away for the Pokemon to use as a Substitute against physical damage while it continues to battle in its Noice Face form.

Upon losing its Ice Face, Eiscue gets an impressive base Speed of 130. However, without the offensive or defensive stats to back it up, the pure Ice-type Pokemon’s Speed seems to help it with running away more than it does with dishing out damage. Eiscue does have a decent Physical Attack stat, which it can boost using the move Belly Drum, but doing so sacrifices precious health, making Eiscue an amusing yet situational Pokemon.

23 Tapu Koko

Top Speed: 130

In the Alola region, Tapu Koko is known as the guardian deity of Melemele Island. Resembling a formidable bird mask with its arms closed, the Land Spirit Pokemon may seem like it excels in Defense. However, its vibrant, powerful Alolan design is a sign of the guardian deity’s lightning-fast Speed.

In the wild, trainers will never encounter a Tapu Koko with a Speed lower than 130, and at level 100, the Pokemon has the potential to reach a max Speed of 394, making the Electric/Fairy-type Pokemon one of the most unique fast Pokemon in the series.

22 Crobat

Top Speed: 130

Requiring high friendship to evolve, Crobat is a Poison/Flying-type Pokemon that enjoys fighting beside compassionate and understanding trainers worthy of its admiration. In the Pokemon anime, Brock’s Zubat evolves into Crobat after traveling together for multiple seasons.

With a base Speed of 130, Crobat’s swiftness is the Pokemon’s only exceptionally high stat. While Ash's Pokedex in the anime states that Crobat’s additional set of wings allows it to fly much faster than its pre-evolutions, the games reveal that Crobat can fly long distances by alternating between using each set of wings, implying the Bat Pokemon is as determined as it is quick.

21 Jolteon

Top Speed: 130

All of Eevee’s evolutions have at least one incredibly high battle stat, but for those who want to strike first, evolving Eevee into Jolteon is a must. Eevee’s one and only Electric-type evolution zips around in a body filled with lightning, making it the fastest Eeveelution in the series.

Jolteon’s base Speed is 130, but once it reaches level 100, its max Speed stat is 394, giving it the upper hand at the start of battle in most cases despite its lower Attack and Defense stats.