It’s no secret that Ash has caught and befriended a lot of Pokémon on his quest to become a true Pokémon Master. For over two decades, anime fans have watched Ash and his partners grow in strength and as individuals. Ash’s list of Pokémon companions is extremely lengthy and varied. However, it’s still apparent that some of Ash’s Pokémon are a lot more capable than others.

It’s common for these Pokémon to make reoccurring appearances throughout the anime. No matter what region Ash will arrive in, there’s a good chance that viewers will get a glimpse of his strongest partners once the chips are down. It’s exciting to see some of Ash’s strongest Pokémon lend a hand in dire situations. Their help can turn even the most uncertain battles for Ash into a pulse-pounding victory for the seasoned trainer.

10

Ash’s Squirtle Was One of His Most Consistently Used Pokémon in the Kanto Region

Squirtle’s Goofiness Undermines His Strength

Ash’s Squirtle is the sixth Pokémon that Ash catches in his time journeying Kanto, and it was one of his most reliable partners during that period. Squirtle was adept at fighting fires with his Squirtle Squad before befriending Ash and accompanying him on his journeys. As such, Squirtle’s variations of moves like Water Gun and Hydro Pump are extremely powerful. Squirtle is certainly capable, but his silliness often gets the better of him occasionally.

The defining trait of Ash’s Squirtle is his immaturity. Squirtle is quick to get jealous or develop rivalries with other trainers’ water types. Squirtle can be so focused on one-upping his rivals that he makes mistakes when fighting them. This often leads Squirtle to make him less effective than he reasonably should be. Still, Ash’s Squirtle can be a force to be reckoned with once it’s focused.

9

Scraggy’s Strength Rises While on his Journey with Ash in Unova

Ash’s Scraggy doesn’t seem like much at first. The Dark-Type Pokémon isn’t the strongest at first, being subdued by a weakened version of Thunderbolt from Pikachu. Scraggy is one of the few Pokémon Ash owns that is newly hatched from an egg, making his attacks rather weak. However, Scraggy’s battles alongside Ash quickly make him a far more capable fighter.

After his first battle with Iris’ Axew, Scraggy’s strength grows at a noticeable rate. In the Clubsplosion tournament, Scraggy could defeat a powerful Simisage and Simipour while still reeling from the pain of using High Jump Kick. Scraggy learns powerful new moves like Focus Blast and Brick Break in these battles, helping increase its confidence. Despite not being one of Ash’s weakest Pokémon, Scraggy’s potential was fully realized after gaining more battle experience.

8

Aipom is One of Ash’s Most Underrated Pokémon Partners

Ash’s Sinnoh Journey Wouldn’t Be the Same Without the Normal-Type

Ash has plenty of companions that have assisted him over the years, but none is as overlooked as Aipom. Ash’s Normal-type companion joins him during his adventures in Hoenn. While seen stealing Ash’s hat several times, Aipom had developed an acute interest in battles ever since deciding to join Ash on his journey. Her battles with the likes of Gym Leader Roark’s Geodude in Sinnoh would make fans realize just how capable Aipom was.

Aipom quickly proved herself as a powerful companion. She is directly responsible for Ash passing the Oreburgh and Eterna Gyms, eliminating each Gym Leader’s last Pokémon. Ash would eventually trade Aipom for Dawn’s Buizel after they noticed that the former favored Pokémon Contests, while the latter favored battling. While Aipom’s time with Ash wasn’t long, she still proved to viewers why she isn’t one to be counted out.

7

Ash’s Lucario Quickly Becomes One of His Most Reliable Pokémon Partners

Lucario’s Mega Evolution Gives Ash the Edge He Needs in Many Pokémon Battles

Lucario is one of Ash’s consistently used Pokémon for a good reason. Initially, Lucario hatched from an egg hailing from the Sinnoh region and was immediately intrigued by Pokémon battles. While weak at first, Lucario’s battles in the World Coronation Series made him far stronger than before. Even as a Riolu, he still beat evolved Pokémon like Electabuzz with attacks like Vacuum Wave, showing his immense potential.

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After evolving into a Lucario, his feats in combat only grow from there. Using his powers over Aura, Lucario can communicate directly with Ash to coordinate their next move. The pair could even achieve Mega Evolution together, further enhancing moves like Lucario’s Aura Sphere. By consistently communicating and using Mega Evolution to their advantage, later World Coronation Series battles become far easier for Lucario to handle.

6

Infernape Helped Ash Through Tough Challenges in the Sinnoh Region

The Fire Starter’s Power is Matched by His Ferocity

Infernape is one of Ash’s most trusted Fire-Type Pokémon, gaining a lot of experience during their travels. In Sinnoh, Infernape was originally abandoned by Paul before he accepted Ash as his new trainer. The two would form a close bond with each other, allowing Infernape to overcome several tough gym challenges. It was through these battles that Infernape’s strength grew exponentially, leading to some of the best episodes from the Sinnoh anime.

Infernape’s battles against Paul’s Electivire truly show how much it is grown. The two had an intense rivalry that culminated at the Lily of the Valley Conference, where Infernape finally prevails and proves Paul wrong for abandoning him. Infernape reappears in Pokémon Journeys, frequently sparring with Ash’s Charizard and Talonflame. His bond with Ash and his fighting abilities remain as strong as ever, making Infernape truly invaluable as a partner.

5

Krookodile Becomes a Force to Be Reckoned With During Ash’s Unova Travels

The Dark-Type Crocodile Grows Exponentially Under Ash’s Guidance

Ash’s Krookodile is one of his most invaluable Pokemon in Unova, and it’s not hard to see why. Before partnering with Ash and fully evolving, the Sunglasses Sandile frequently challenged the aspiring Pokemon Master and his Pikachu in fierce battles. After being caught by Ash, the Sandile would later evolve into Krokorok and Krookodile and help the trainer in battles against challenging Gym Leaders like Skyla and Brycen. He also had an impressive showing in the Pokemon Junior World Cup, handily defeating Iris’s powerful Dragonite.

Despite his competitive streak, Krookodile still has a caring side to him. His first appearance has him try to save a group of wild Pokemon from an erupting gyser. He also slowly warms up to Ash and Pikachu, following them the entire time they’re in Unova. While reckless at times, Krookodile’s consistent strength and impressive determination make him a standout member of Ash’s team.

4

Ash’s Goodra is Key to Helping Him Get Through Tough Battles in Kalos

Goodra Overcomes Great Opponents & Greater Fears

Out of all of the new Pokémon that join Ash in Kalos, his Goodra is easily one of the strongest. Originally, the Goomy that would join Ash on his Kalos adventures was rather timid, having a phobia of Bug-type Pokémon. As it evolves, Goodra uses the slime on its body to evade attacks and learns powerful moves like Ice Beam and Dragon Pulse. Goodra can use these moves and its size to tackle the robots from Team Rocket and fight against a powerful Florges, the source of its bug phobia.

Goodra’s accomplishments don’t end there. During the Lumiose Conference, Goodra fought valiantly against Sawyer’s powerful Slurpuff. While it wasn’t able to defeat Alain’s Bisharp in the Conference finals, it still fought hard to try and help Ash prevail. Goodra wouldn’t be seen again after Ash departed from Kalos, but its impact on Ash’s time there is still massive.

3

Ash’s Greninja Is the Strongest Pokémon on The Trainer’s Team

The Water-Type’s Immense Strength is Matched By His Deep Bond with Ash

Greninja is easily the strongest of Ash’s Kalos Pokémon. The Water-Type was frequently injured and got into fights with other Pokémon during its time growing up at a breeding facility. Once it selected Ash as its trainer, the two would form a strong connection that would only strengthen Greninja’s power. Greninja would defeat several Pokémon in their Mega Evolved forms, such as Diantha’s Mega Gardevior.

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The bond between Ash and Greninja would also unlock the Ash Greninja form, strengthening the water ninja’s abilities even more. Ash Greninja can defeat opponents that would normally put Greninja at a type disadvantage, like Sawyer’s Mega Sceptile. In Pokémon Journeys, it helps to mentor Ash’s new Lucario, using the knowledge it gains from traveling Kalos to help increase Lucario’s aura. Greninja is not a Pokémon to scoff at, especially with having accomplished so much in so little time.

2

Ash’s Charizard Has Been With Him Through Thick and Thin

The Bond Between Ash and his Charizard Allows Them to Defy Impossible Odds

Ash’s Charizard is one of the most iconic Pokémon in the series, as well as one of the strongest. At first, the myth-inspired Fire-Type Pokémon only grew more lazy the more he grew in power, even using Flamethrower on him when annoyed. However, Charizard is still no slouch. After training in the Charicfic Valley, Charizard can defeat powerful rivals like Gary’s Blaistoise, Noland’s Articuno, and Iris’ Dragonite.

Charizard’s years of experience traveling with Ash also reflect on his wide variety of moves. On top of Flamethrower, Charizard learns Slash, Dragon Tail, and Overheat, making it very versatile. Even in Pokémon Journeys, Charizard is still a powerhouse that Ash can rely on to help train his newer Pokémon. If Charizard was used more often, there’s no doubt that he would still have the potential to grow even stronger.

1

Ash’s Pikachu Remains His Strongest & Most Loyal Pokemon Partner

Pikachu’s Strength is Fueled By His Long-Standing Connection to Ash

Ash and Pikachu are an inseparable duo. Through years of challenging trainers, Ash and Pikachu’s combined strength is enough to move mountains. Pikachu’s signature moves like Volt Tackle, Thunderbolt, and Electro Ball have helped Ash conquer Pokémon Gyms in regions like Kanto, Unova, and Kalos. Pikachu and Ash’s teamwork is second to none, being able to make strategies on the fly to defeat opponents that should be far stronger than them.

Despite never evolving into a Raichu, Pikachu’s other abilities still give it the edge against its rivals. Pikachu’s determination and powerful Z-moves allow it to triumph against opponents like Steven’s Mega Metagross in Pokémon Journeys. It’s also known for having an insane amount of endurance, never giving up even in the bleakest circumstances. If Ash ever makes a grand return, you can bet that his Pikachu will be right by his side.

Pokémon

Release Date

1997 – 2022

Network

TV Tokyo, TV Osaka, TV Aichi, TVh, TVQ, TSC

Directors

Kunihiko Yuyama, Daiki Tomiyasu, Jun Owada, Saori Den

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  Rica Matsumoto

  Pikachu (voice)

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  Mayumi Iizuka

  Satoshi (voice)