Despite his last name, Ash has never been too concerned with 'catching them all.' Most recently Pokémon: Sword & Shield added 89 new Pokémon making the total a staggering 898. That's 898 playable characters to choose from. The task of picking a team has never been more difficult.
Ash is currently battling his way through the 23rd season of the anime and his team looks a little nostalgic. The series is currently focusing on Pokémon he should have caught while adventuring through Kanto. Whilst it's amazing to see Ash finally use a Gengar, many fans want to see him wield the power of the Galar wilds.
10 Dragapult
Dragapult would make a great addition to Ash's team as it kills two Pidgeys with one stone. It combines Dragonite's Dragon typing and Gengar's Ghost typing into one spooky package. It also has the slightly terrifying ability to shoot mini-me's at it's opponents. Gengar might be a nostalgic call-back to his battle with Sabrina in the indigo league but Dragapult is a breath of fresh air and a powerful companion that shouldn't be overlooked.
9 Corviknight
As the darker, edgier, version of Skarmory, Corviknight instantly became a fan favourite. Taking inspiration from the knights of old, this steel clad raven could be the stoic, intimidating tank that Ash's team needs. Not only is Corviknight a striking sight on the battlefield but it's also the titular character of the popular spin off series Twilight Wings. Despite already being a popular Pokémon, Corvaknight needs to make a more permanent appearance in the main series as Ash's go-to flying type.
8 Falinks
Technically, this counts as 6 Pokémon. Whilst Falinks does resemble a Mario character more than an actual Pokémon, it's unique concept is too interesting to ignore. Falinks is the only Pokémon to share it's Pokeball as all 6 of them technically count as one Pokémon.
This unique trait makes Falinks and Ash a match made in heaven. Ash is a trainer that likes to think on his feet and, with 6 battle-ready soldiers on his side, the amount of combos he could dream up would be limitless.
7 Wooloo
Fans can't get enough of Wooloo. This ball of fluff may already have its share of the limelight being one of Hop's signature Pokémon, but Ash needs to get one of his very own. Wooloo is also known to have one of the best shinies in the series and Ash hasn't had a shiny Pokémon since Noctowl. Ash is also notorious for not evolving some of his Pokémon, Pikachu being a prime example. Whilst this does mean his team isn't at it's strongest, Wooloo would definitely melt more fans' hearts than it's evolution.
6 Toxtricity
Some of the most memorable moments in the anime are when Ash's Pokémon don't listen to him. Charizard fell asleep during battles, Infernape would go on a rampage, and even Pikachu had an attitude problem. Toxtricity could be the latest Pokémon to take the mantle of troublemaker. Not only does it look the part, but it's mega evolution is a serious power-up that could give Ash some trouble but also the strength he needs to climb through the ranks of the World Coronation Series.
5 Cramorant
Sorry Pikachu but this opportunity is far too funny to pass up. Cramorant, whilst not a particularly powerful Pokémon, is infamous for its ability Gulp Missile. Gulp Missile allows Cramorant to snatch up a Pokémon when using Surf or Drive and, if its HP is low enough, it will have a Pikachu sticking out of it's mouth.
Older fans of the series will remember that every time James from Team Rocket tried to use his grass Pokémon, it would turn right back around and bite him. If Ash adds Cramorant to his team, Pikachu will need to find some place to hide.
4 Mr. Rime
Ash shocked everyone when, out of the blue, he used his mother's Mr. Mime to fight Hoji's Hariyama. "Mimey" was an unstoppable beast that channelled Ultra Instinct and easily overpowered the fighting type Pokémon. After witnessing the power of Mr. Mime, Ash may be convinced it's catch Galar's variant and evolve it to the classy gentleman Mr. Rime. Mr. Mime is the only psychic Pokémon Ash has ever had on his team and it's about time he added another to his roster.
3 Obstagoon
Infamous for it's Glam Rock design, Obstagoon was born to be in the spotlight. Unfortunately, it hasn't yet had a major appearance in the anime. Obstagoon's Galarian form is unique as Game Freak didn't just change the design of Zigzagoon and Linoone, but they also added a third evolution. Obstagoon's striking design and powerful stats would be a great addition to Ash's team and it definitely deserves more time in the spotlight.
2 Galarian Slowbro
Slowbro is one of the latest Kanto Pokémon to get a form change. This poor creature can't catch a break as he's constantly getting chewed by a strange evolution of Shellder. Whether it's his tail, his head, or his entire body, Slowbro is at the mercy of this chomping fiend. Luckily for Slowbro, this new form gives him a Mega Man style cannon on its arm. If Ash is catching Pokémon from his home town he might as well catch the newer forms of some old classics.
1 Eiscue
Eiscue might just be one of the strangest Pokémon in the series. Pokémon tend to fall into three categories: cute, cool, and weird. Ash has befriended plenty of Pokémon that fit into the first two categories but his weird choices are severely lacking. Eiscue would fit into this category nicely. It's ability Ice Face acts as a one time shield against physical attacks which gives it some utility against any physical Pokémon. Eiscue is the perfect combination of strange and useful.