Highlights

• Pinsir is a rare and intimidating Bug-type Pokémon that is difficult to obtain, especially in the Red version of the game.
• Hitmonlee and Hitmonchan, inspired by martial arts legends, are exclusive Fighting-type Pokémon that can only be obtained after completing a specific challenge.
• Jynx, an Ice/Psychic-type Pokémon with a distinct humanoid design, is a rare and exclusive Pokémon that can only be obtained through a specific trade in Cerulean City.

The Pokemon Trading Card Game spread like wildfire, and the original 150 Pokemon expanded to 151 after Pokemon: The First Movie. At the time, Mewtwo and Mew were virtually unheard of. Along with legendary Pokemon, pseudo-legendaries made completing the Pokedex an arduous task.

Whether referring to them as the original 150 or 151 Pokemon (including the elusive Mew), it's undeniable that some Pokemon are rarer and harder to obtain than others. The rarity of a Pokemon often (but not always) correlates with its power and abilities. Pokemon are fascinating creatures, and the way they are obtained varies quite a bit. True Pokedex completionists have acquired all of these hard-to-get Pokemon.

Updated December 2nd, 2023 by Stephen LaGioia: Pokemon continues to grow with each passing year, culminating with the first mainline open-world game, Scarlet and Violet, which is set to receive its anticipated DLC, The Indigo Disk, this month. The franchise has continually expanded in terms of its colorful worlds, lore, and monsters, with the lineup surpassing one thousand. This includes a slew of rare Pokemon, in the form of Legendaries, Mythical, and Fossil Pokemon.

Still, even dating back to Red and Blue and its original 150 lineup, several alluring rare Pokemon captured the imaginations and wonder of fans. And with so many populating the roster, we decided to update our list of the rarest original Pokemon — mainly referencing their rarity in Red, Blue, and Yellow, as well as the general lore.

Locations are in reference to Pokemon Red and Blue unless otherwise noted.

20 Pinsir

Stag Beetle Pokemon

Pinsir is a bulky and rather intimidating Bug-type Pokemon that towers over most others among its elemental group. With its large, spiky pincers, this monster can trap unsuspecting prey in a death grip that is nearly impossible to escape from. It also uses these horns to burrow into the ground to sleep at night, making evening sightings of Pinsir all the trickier. Not only is it quite rare, but it's non-existent in Red (except by way of trading).

Even in Blue and Yellow versions of the game, however, Pinsir is not too easy to obtain. Players need to head to the Celadon City Casino Exchange Corner or the Safari Zone to have a chance to get one. There are certainly rarer options, but it's definitely one of the more exclusive when it comes to Bug Pokemon.

19 Hitmonlee And Hitmonchan

Kicking and Punching Pokemon

Hitmonlee:

Hitmonchan:

Inspired by the martial arts legends Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee, these potent Fighting-types are unique in both their raw, offensive prowess and their exclusivity. These aggressive Pokemon can strike with such speed that the human eye often can't detect their motion. They're so strong that they can drill right through concrete walls. They're almost never seen in the wild, and only scarcely in urban areas.

Hitmonchan/Hitmonlee can only be obtained after completing the Saffron City Fighting Doko, and players must choose between one out of two. As such, they're rare in their own right, but collecting both of these fighters is a particularly tough feat.

18 Jynx

Human Shape Pokemon

This odd Ice/Psychic-type is about as distinct in its humanoid design as it is in its exclusivity. The Pokemon favors music, communicating through dance and song, though these serenading tunes shouldn't fool gamers — as they can also pack a punch. Known as the "Queen of Ice" in parts of the Galar region, obtaining this Pokemon is truly a gift of royalty.

Players can only secure a single Jynx in the entire Red/Blue campaign, which makes it about as rare as can be. Still, it's at least fairly easy to secure, as players just need to visit the house next to the Poke Center in Cerulean City, trading a Poliwhirl for a Jynx at level 12.

17 Tauros

Wild Bull Pokemon

This intimidating bull Pokemon has remained difficult to even spot in the wilderness — let alone catch — for most of its long history. This can be traced back to Red and Blue, which requires players to use the spotty Safari Balls to catch one exclusively in the Safari Zone.

Yet, this extends all the way to Pokemon Go, which limits their sightings to North America, and even within the continent, the ornery bull can be tough to find and catch. However, most trainers find the effort well worth it. Despite originating as a simple Normal-type, Tauros impresses in several ways, particularly when it comes to speed and offensive prowess.

16 Moltres

Flame/Malevolent (Galarian) Pokemon

Often overshadowed by its Legendary Bird counterparts, Moltress nonetheless is a fiery beast that can melt the opposition in battle, especially when using special moves. Even the simple act of flapping its wings yields powerful embers, and it can heal itself by submerging in the magma of an active volcano. It's an intimidating avian Pokemon, to say the least.

This powerful phoenix is one of the most coveted prizes in Red and Blue, as it's not only strong but there's just one instance of the monster in Red and Blue. Players can come upon one during Victory Road near the game's conclusion; specifically on the second floor.

15 Zapdos

Electric/Strong Legs Pokemon

Usually considered the most powerful of the Legendary Bird trio, Zapdos is about as desired as they come in Red and Blue, short of Mewtwo of course. Like Moltres, Zapdos greatly shines when it comes to special attack, though is a tad weaker in terms of pure offense and defense.

Still, this electrified bird can effectively zap its opponents into oblivion, with moves like Thunder and Thunderbolt. To obtain this highly rare Pokemon, players need to head to the northwest end of the Power Plant. Like others of its ilk, there is but one instance of this elusive bird, so it's best to be prepared!

14 Articuno

Freeze/Cruel Pokemon

There is some debate regarding whether or not this icy avian is the best of the Legendary birds, but it's hard to deny that it's the most majestic. It can be particularly tough to make a dent with this Pokemon, given its abilities to freeze fighters and endure many moves with its solid special defense.

It's something of a paradox, as this bird has been known in the anime to guide travelers to safety — though it's equally as capable of putting others in great danger. As one might expect, only one exists in Red and Blue, and it's not an easy fight. Players must venture to Seafoam Island, all the way to the lowest level of the dungeon there, in the northwest corner.

13 Electabuzz

Electric Pokemon

There are a couple of Pokemon from each generation that are usually locked to one specific game, ensuring players have to have both to fill their Pokedex or access to a friend that has the opposite title.

Electabuzz is one such Pokemon, locked specifically to Pokemon Red. But even players with access to the original title may have a hard time snagging an Electabuzz for themselves. This particular Pokemon only has a five percent encounter rate and is only found within the Power Plant. It can take some time to secure an Electabuzz, depending on how lucky players get.

12 Scyther

Mantis Pokemon

Scyther is easily one of the most frustrating Pokemon to catch thanks to its location and game-locked status. Players who own Pokemon Blue didn't originally have a shot at the creature, which was only available in Pokemon Red and Pokemon Yellow. But even those that owned a Scyther-compatible copy faced an uphill battle when it came to capturing the 'Mon.

The catch difficulty was blamed on a combination of low encounter rate and the fact that Scyther was only found in the Safari Zone, an area that frustrated many trainers thanks to its annoying mechanic that forced players to use Safari Balls and Rocks to catch Pokemon, rather than their dedicated team.

On top of the aggravating mechanics, unlucky players would have to search for quite some time to even encounter a Scyther, thanks to its pitiful four percent encounter rate.

11 Gengar

Shadow Pokemon

As a potent, third-stage Ghost-type Pokemon, Gengar maintains a ghastly appearance. It's not possible to catch a Gengar within the first-generation games. Players first need a friend with a compatible trading device. This friend has to receive a Haunter in a trade, then trade back the evolved Gengar.

The opportunity to get Gengar, the generation's most powerful Ghost-type, is well worth the hassle. It can learn unique moves like Night Shade, Hypnosis, and Dream Eater.

10 Porygon

Virtual Pokemon

According to Porygon's Pokemon Red and Blue Pokedex, "A Pokemon that consists entirely of programming code. Capable of moving freely in cyberspace." Despite being a mediocre Pokemon to have on one's lineup, Porygon is one of the rarest of the first generation.

Pokemon Blue's Porygon is 8300 coins, and it costs a whopping 9999 coins in Pokemon Red. For most players, purchasing this Pokemon is out of reach until late in the game.

9 Machamp

Superpower Pokemon

According to Machamp's Pokemon Yellow Pokedex entry, "One arm alone can move mountains. Using all four arms, this Pokemon fires off awesome punches." Machamp is one of those Pokemon that seldom appears in trainers' lineups because of its rarity.

This heavyweight, superpowered Pokemon evolves from a Machoke into a Machamp after trading. To make things more tedious, one cannot find a Machoke until near the end of the game at Victory Road. Unless one has been leveling a Machop until it turns 28, a Machamp is out of reach.

8 Lapras

Transport Pokemon

The Silph Company Headquarters is the only place in Generation 1 where Larpas is found. Lapras could be considered not uncommon because Generation 1 players pass this lady while progressing. However, some players swiftly move through the section without talking to the correct NPC.

Unlike in Generation 2, where seeing Lapras can be a weekly occurrence in the Union Cave, Lapras is only found one time in Saffron City. This majestic Pokemon resembles the Loch Ness Monster, adding to the mystery surrounding Lapras.

7 Kangaskhan

Parent Pokemon

Some Pokemon are much more annoying to catch than others thanks to low encounter and catch rates. Kangaskhan suffers from both of these things, thanks to an abysmal four percent maximum encounter rate in Pokemon Red and Blue. It's better for Pokemon Yellow players, at 15 percent, but its location can be another frustrating aspect of securing this Pokemon.

Kangaskhan is only found in the Safari Zone, meaning players will have to catch it using only Safari Balls and Rocks. It makes the entire process even more of an annoyance, as players aren't guaranteed to catch one even if they manage to encounter it.

6 Aerodactyl

Fossil Pokemon

A skeleton of this Fossil Pokemon is found at the Pewter City Museum, but it's the Old Amber key item that grants players a Pokemon. While other fossils in the first generation of the Pokemon games are obtained as part of the main story, Aerodactyl's Old Amber is optional.

Players must go to the Pewter City Museum to receive Old Amber. Old Amber differs because it's not named after a Pokemon but rather after its composition. Head to the Cinnabar Lab, where a scientist will create Aerodactyl.

5 Dragonite

Dragon Pokemon

This pseudo-legendary Pokemon is considered one of the first generation's rarest. Dragonite is a dual-type Dragon and Flying with the potential to learn a wide range of moves through TMs. It's clear that Dragonite is a valuable asset to any lineup, yet few have one in the first generation of the Pokemon games.

Of the original 150 Pokemon, Dragonite is not easily found. The only way to get a Dragonite is to trade from another game or purchase a Draitni from the Celadon Game Corner and spend hours leveling it. There is a small chance to obtain one in Pokemon Yellow by way of the Safari Zone, but this is very difficult. Dratini becomes a Dragonair at level 30, which becomes a Dragonite at 55.

4 Alakazam

Psi Pokemon

Catching the first-stage Pokemon of the Kadabra evolution chain is not easy. Every Abra knows the Teleport move, meaning they flee immediately in a battle. To get an Abra, wait until players have a Great Ball or Ultra Ball and toss it immediately in the encounter. Players can evolve Abra into a Kadabra, then trade Kadabra to evolve it into Alakazam.

The other option for finding a Kadabra is in the Unknown Dungeon (Cerulean Cave), the most perilous place in the first-generation games. Either way, obtaining an Alakazam requires several steps. Seldom is an Alakazam found on a Generation 1 trainer's lineup.

3 Omanyte And Omastar

Spiral Pokemon

Omanyte:

Omastar:

This Pokemon doesn't always have strained eyes, except for when it gets angry. Omastar is a prehistoric Pokemon that was thought to be extinct. Scientists were able to recreate an Omanyte using the similarly rare Helix fossil.

Omanyte evolves into an Omastar at the high level of 40. Few players put in the time to get this spiral Pokemon, aside from Pokedex completionists. The number of steps required to get Omastar makes it one of the rarest.

2 Kabuto And Kabutops

Shellfish Pokemon

Kabuto:

Kabutops:

Like an Omastar, obtaining a Kabutops involves giving a fossil to scientists who turn it into an ancient Pokemon. To get Kabutops in Generation 1, players first have to obtain a Kabuto, which is itself a rare and difficult-to-obtain monster.

When Kabuto hits level 40, it becomes a Kabutops. As a Rock/Water-type Pokemon, Kabutops is a worthy addition to any lineup. By leveling up, it learns moves like Slash and Hydro Pump.

1 Mewtwo

Genetic Pokemon

Found deep in the Unknown Dungeon of Cerulean City is a Pokemon. As stated in the diary on Sept. 1 of Pokemon Red and Blue, "MEWTWO is far too powerful. We have failed to curb its vicious tendencies."

Before venturing into the most dangerous cave of the generation, players learn much about Mewtwo and its enormous power. Saving the Master Ball until this point is logical. For everyone else, catching Mewtwo is not easily accomplished.

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