A list with the worst pokémon to evolve in Pokémon GO would have spared us the unmet expectations and wasted EXP candy to get a Grumpig. The Pokémon saga has introduced us to many species, some more memorable than others. Pokémon evolution is like a grand makeover but with a twist of genetic magic. When you think you’ve got your cute little Charmander all figured out, it surprises you with a fiery transformation into a Charmeleon. And then, a majestic Charizard that can soar through the skies. But sometimes, evolution doesn’t hit the mark. While Tyranitar is a fan-favorite, Grumpig may not be as well-remembered. Let’s now take a moment to revisit the worst evolutions in Pokémon GO.
8 Worst Pokémon to Evolve in Pokémon GO
Mega Houndoom
We kick off our top list with a Pokémon that’s a bit of a miracle. It’s not bad, but it’s not good either — it’s just… average. Mega Houndoom, with its high Speed, Special Attack, and improved defenses, could have been a standout. But its ability, Solar Power, is a letdown. It requires Sunny Day to be active on the field to boost its Attack at the cost of losing 10% of its health each turn. This creates several issues, as Sunny Day wasn’t as standard in the sixth Generation, and Mega Houndoom is more of a decorative piece. Unfortunately, there’s not much more to say about this lackluster mega-evolution.
Muk
While most of the original 151 Pokémon are well-designed, Muk raises eyebrows. It’s just a bigger, sentient pile of ooze, a Poison-type that lacks creativity. Muk’s evolution feels like a lazy copy-paste of its pre-evolution, earning it the title of the worst Pokémon evolution in the entire Generation. It’s a reminder that not all evolutions are created equal, and sometimes, organic discovery in each region can be spoiled by uninspired designs. That’s why it’s earned a spot as one of the worst pokémon to evolve in Pokémon GO.
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Mega Slowbro
Mega Slowbro, the tank with a tough exterior, gains increased defenses through Mega evolution. In addition, its type combination provides excellent coverage, making it a formidable force in battle. However, just like Mega Houndoom, there’s a catch. The ability Carapace sounds great, preventing critical hits, but it comes at the cost of losing Regeneration. Without Regeneration, Mega Slowbro can’t fully exploit its potential as a durable tank and can’t even rely on Remnants or Berries for support.
Mega Ampharos
Mega Ampharos doesn’t quite make the cut, and it’s no shocker. Introduced alongside the Fairy Type, this Electric/Dragon Pokémon now has to fear not just the Earth but also Ice, Dragon, and Fairy Types. Even Mega Charizard X couldn’t make it to this list, thanks to its ability and Fire Type bailing it out. And let’s not even talk about Mega Audino — with its situational Mold Breaker Ability, it’s like putting a band-aid on a bruise. This Mega Evolution just takes a Pokémon that was already lackluster and manages to make it even worse.
Probopass
With its pre-evolution Nosepass hailing from Generation 3, you’d expect something epic, but it falls short and becomes one of the worst pokémon to evolve in Pokémon GO. Inspired by the Easter Island Heads of Chile, Probopass is a floating Steel/Rock-type nose with a nose hair explosion that’s hard to ignore. Unfortunately, it’s a design that’s hard to take seriously, making Probopass one of the least appealing picks for any trainer’s team. As a result, Probopass takes the crown as one of the worst Pokémon evolution designs in the entire Generation, with a lackluster pre-evolution and a design that missed the mark.
Mega Glailie
Glalie could have taken the top spot as the worst Mega Evolution, as it seems like Niantic made it reluctantly. Glalie was already a lackluster Pokémon with its Veil Ability, but Mega Glalie doesn’t fare any better. Despite getting a boost of 40 points in both physical and special attacks, it still falls short against common threats in the game. Moreover, its new ability, Frozen Skin, which turns Normal-type attacks into Ice-type attacks, doesn’t help much either. While it sounds good on paper, in practice, Glalie’s move pool for Normal-type attacks is limited and primarily ineffective in competitive battles. It seems like Mega Glalie got the cold shoulder when it comes to improvements.
Incineroar
Incineroar is the final evolution of Litten and one of Alola Region’s starter Pokémon. Instead of evolving into a majestic fire-breathing feline, we get a two-legged wrestler that’s more awkward than awe-inspiring. It’s like someone tried to blend a cute fire cat with a professional wrestler and ended up confused. And to top it off, Incineroar’s typing doesn’t even align with its grappling-themed aesthetic, opting for Fire/Dark instead of the expected Fire/Fighting. It’s a design letdown that’s hard to forget. So it’s no surprise it starts amongst the worst pokémon to evolve in Pokémon GO.
Mega Audino
Mega Audino takes the top spot as the worst Mega Evolution, and it’s a decision that baffles even seasoned Pokémon fans. Audino, to begin with, is not meant for competitive battles and is primarily used for gaining experience in the game. So giving it a Mega Evolution seems like a wasted opportunity, significantly since they could have improved its original ability. However, Niantic’s decision to replace Audino’s excellent ability Regeneration with Soul Healing, which only has a 30% chance to heal a partner’s status changes, makes it even more disappointing. Soul Healing is highly situational and less effective than Regeneration. This all makes Mega Audino a lackluster battle choice and yet another one of the worst pokémon to evolve in Pokémon GO.