PokéRogue Tier List: My Top Picks After 500+ Hours

How My PokéRogue Tier List Evolved Through Hundreds of Runs

When I first discovered PokéRogue, I approached it with my mainline Pokémon biases intact. I gravitated toward familiar powerhouses like Garchomp and Tyranitar, assuming they’d dominate this roguelike spin-off just as they did competitive play. How wrong I was! After 500+ hours and countless runs across all game modes, my understanding of what makes a Pokémon truly exceptional in PokéRogue has completely transformed.

The PokéRogue tier list I’ve developed isn’t just theory-crafting – it’s battle-tested through wave after wave of increasingly difficult challenges. I’ve watched supposedly “top-tier” Pokémon crumble against the unique pressures of PokéRogue’s mechanics, while unexpected heroes emerged as consistent MVPs in my most successful runs.

In this comprehensive PokéRogue tier list, I’ll share the starters, abilities, moves, and fusion combinations that have proven most effective across different game modes. Whether you’re struggling to complete Classic Mode or pushing for wave 500+ in Endless, this guide will help you prioritize which Pokémon to unlock, which passives to invest in, and how to build teams that can overcome any challenge this addictive roguelike throws at you.

Understanding What Makes a Pokémon Top-Tier in PokéRogue

Before diving into my actual PokéRogue tier list rankings, it’s crucial to understand that PokéRogue’s unique mechanics create a very different competitive landscape from mainline games.

The Unique Metrics That Shape My PokéRogue Tier List

Through extensive testing, I’ve identified several factors that contribute disproportionately to a Pokémon’s effectiveness in PokéRogue:

Sustainability: Unlike mainline games where you can freely heal between battles, PokéRogue requires Pokémon that can maintain performance across multiple consecutive fights. Pokémon with reliable recovery moves, passive healing abilities, or exceptional bulk tend to climb higher on my PokéRogue tier list.
Scaling Potential: Some Pokémon benefit exponentially from items and levels, while others plateau early. My PokéRogue tier list heavily weights Pokémon that continue scaling effectively into late-game challenges.
Shield-Breaking Capability: Boss battles involve breaking through “shields” that segment health bars. Pokémon that can deal massive single-hit damage often outperform those with consistent but moderate output, particularly in Classic Mode.
Meta-Progression Synergy: Some Pokémon benefit more dramatically from unlocked passive abilities, rare egg moves, or specific fusion combinations. These long-term advantages significantly impact their position on my PokéRogue tier list.
Starter Cost Efficiency: Given the point constraints of team building, Pokémon that deliver exceptional value relative to their point cost receive special consideration in my PokéRogue tier list rankings.

With these factors in mind, let’s explore the Pokémon that consistently dominate each tier.

S-Tier: The Absolute Best in My PokéRogue Tier List

These Pokémon have proven themselves exceptional in virtually all contexts, justifying their top position in my PokéRogue tier list through consistent performance across hundreds of runs.

Blastoise: The Unbreakable Wall

No Pokémon has been more reliable across all game modes than Blastoise, earning it the #1 spot on my PokéRogue tier list. Its combination of bulk, typing, movepool, and unlockable passive creates a nearly perfect package:

Key Passive: Sturdy (guaranteed survival from full HP)
Standout Moves: Shore Up (egg move providing reliable recovery), Scald (consistent damage with burn chance), Flip Turn (positioning flexibility)
Fusion Potential: Blastoise + Breloom creates the game’s most resilient tank with Sturdy + Poison Heal
Cost Efficiency: Can be reduced to 1 point, delivering S-tier performance at minimal team building cost

Whether as a standalone tank or as the foundation for the game’s most broken fusion, Blastoise consistently carries runs through their most challenging moments. It’s the rare Pokémon with virtually no drawbacks, earning it the crown of my PokéRogue tier list.

Shedinja: The Ultimate Glass Cannon

On paper, Shedinja seems fragile and limited. In practice, it’s one of the most broken Pokémon in the game when properly supported, easily securing S-tier on my PokéRogue tier list:

Key Passive: Wonder Guard (immunity to non-super-effective damage)
Standout Moves: Shadow Sneak (priority), Swords Dance (setup potential)
Fusion Potential: Shedinja + Spiritomb/Dark-type creates a Ghost/Dark fusion with only one weakness (Fairy)
Strategic Value: Can solo entire sections of runs with the right support items

While Shedinja requires more strategic planning than Blastoise, its ceiling is arguably even higher. When fused with a Dark-type and given Safety Goggles to protect against weather damage, it can become virtually invincible against most enemy compositions.

Charizard: The Versatile Sweeper

Completing the Kanto starter trifecta at the top of my PokéRogue tier list is Charizard, whose offensive flexibility and powerful passive ability make it a premier sweeper:

Key Passive: Drought (automatic sun setup)
Standout Moves: Fire Blast, Solar Beam (instant-cast in sun), Oblivion Wing (egg move providing life steal)
Mega Evolution Potential: Both Mega X and Y forms provide tremendous power spikes
Cost Efficiency: Can be reduced to 1 point for exceptional value

With sun active, Charizard becomes a devastating special attacker that can eliminate threats before they act. Its ability to instantly cast Solar Beam in sun addresses its Water weakness, while Oblivion Wing provides sustainable healing that keeps it in the fight across multiple battles.

A-Tier: Excellence With Minor Limitations

These Pokémon consistently perform at a high level but have slight limitations that keep them just below the S-tier in my PokéRogue tier list.

Venusaur: The Status Master

While not quite reaching the heights of its Kanto counterparts, Venusaur has proven itself worthy of high A-tier placement on my PokéRogue tier list:

Key Passive: Triage (priority on healing moves)
Standout Moves: Strength Sap (reliable recovery that weakens opponents), Sleep Powder (consistent status application), Earth Power (coverage)
Synergy: Excels in sun teams alongside Charizard, benefits dramatically from Chlorophyll ability
Versatility: Can function as a tank, status spreader, or special attacker depending on build

Venusaur’s only limitation is its slightly lower damage ceiling compared to other A and S-tier options. However, its exceptional utility and sustainability more than compensate, making it a staple of many successful teams.

Dragapult: The Speed Demon

No Pokémon better represents pure offensive pressure than Dragapult, earning its A-tier ranking through sheer destruction potential:

Key Passive: Infiltrator (ignores screens and substitutes)
Standout Moves: Dragon Darts (multi-hit potential), Phantom Force (semi-invulnerability), U-turn (positioning)
Strategic Value: Often eliminates threats before they can act, valuable against setup-dependent enemies
Limitation: Relatively fragile, requiring careful positioning

Dragapult’s combination of exceptional Speed and offensive typing allows it to function as both a sweeper and a revenge killer. While its lack of recovery options prevents S-tier placement on my PokéRogue tier list, it remains one of the premier offensive threats in the game.

Kartana: The Paper Samurai

Few Pokémon embody the glass cannon archetype better than Kartana, whose astronomical Attack stat and excellent typing secure its A-tier position:

Key Passive: Beast Boost (Attack increases after knockouts)
Standout Moves: Smart Strike (never misses), Leaf Blade, Sacred Sword
Fusion Potential: Kartana + Azumarill creates a monstrous physical attacker with Huge Power
Limitation: Extreme fragility to special attacks and Fire moves

In the right situations, Kartana performs at an S-tier level, slicing through entire teams with ease. Its vulnerability to common attacking types prevents it from reaching the highest tier, but its snowball potential with Beast Boost keeps it firmly in the A-tier of my PokéRogue tier list.

B-Tier: Solid Contributors With Specific Niches

These Pokémon are reliably good performers in my PokéRogue tier list, but typically excel in specific contexts rather than across all scenarios.

Umbreon: The Special Wall

Umbreon exemplifies the B-tier of my PokéRogue tier list – consistently useful but rarely the absolute star:

Key Passive: Magic Bounce (reflects status and hazards)
Standout Moves: Moonlight (reliable recovery), Toxic (wear-down potential), Wish (team healing)
Strategic Value: Exceptional special wall, status absorber
Limitation: Limited offensive presence, struggles against physical attacks

Umbreon shines brightest against special attackers and status-heavy opponents, but can struggle to make an impact against physical threats. Its low point cost (2) and reliable performance in its niche make it a frequent inclusion in successful teams.

Ferrothorn: The Hazard Controller

Another specialist that earns a solid B-tier ranking in my PokéRogue tier list:

Key Passive: Iron Barbs (contact damage)
Standout Moves: Leech Seed (passive healing/damage), Stealth Rock, Gyro Ball
Strategic Value: Sets up favorable long-term exchanges, punishes physical attackers
Limitation: Slow, vulnerable to Fire moves, limited immediate impact

Ferrothorn excels in extended battles where its passive damage sources can accumulate significant value. While rarely the direct cause of victory, it consistently contributes to successful runs through attrition and defensive presence.

Toxapex: The Toxic Staller

Rounding out the B-tier of my PokéRogue tier list is Toxapex, the premier toxic staller:

Key Passive: Regenerator (healing when switching out)
Standout Moves: Toxic, Baneful Bunker, Recover, Liquidation
Strategic Value: Can single-handedly wear down opponents through poison
Limitation: Painfully slow, limited direct damage output

Toxapex excels in niche scenarios where stalling is viable, particularly against certain boss encounters. Its extreme specialization in defensive stalling prevents it from climbing higher on my PokéRogue tier list, but it remains valuable in the right team compositions.

C-Tier: Situational Picks With Specific Value

These Pokémon have proven useful in specific scenarios but lack the consistency to rank higher on my PokéRogue tier list.

Grimmsnarl: The Screen Setter

Grimmsnarl exemplifies the C-tier – occasionally brilliant but often limited:

Key Passive: Prankster (priority on status moves)
Standout Moves: Reflect, Light Screen, Thunder Wave, Spirit Break
Strategic Value: Sets up team-wide defensive screens with priority
Limitation: Limited direct combat effectiveness, screens eventually expire

In the right team composition, particularly in Endless Mode where scaling defense becomes crucial, Grimmsnarl can perform well above its tier. However, its reliance on team synergy and limited standalone contribution prevent it from climbing higher on my PokéRogue tier list.

Gyarados: The Setup Sweeper

A classic Pokémon that finds itself in the middle of my PokéRogue tier list:

Key Passive: Intimidate (lowers opponent Attack)
Standout Moves: Dragon Dance, Waterfall, Earthquake, Power Whip
Strategic Value: Can sweep entire teams after setup
Limitation: Requires setup turns, vulnerable to Electric moves

Gyarados exemplifies the setup sweeper archetype – devastating when it gets rolling but vulnerable during its setup phase. In runs where it finds the right opportunities, it can perform at an A-tier level, but its inconsistency lands it firmly in C-tier.

D-Tier: Underwhelming Performers in Need of Support

These Pokémon have consistently underperformed relative to their mainline game reputation, landing them near the bottom of my PokéRogue tier list.

Garchomp: The Fallen Champion

Perhaps the most surprising D-tier entry in my PokéRogue tier list is Garchomp, a competitive staple that struggles in PokéRogue’s unique environment:

Key Issue: Lack of recovery options
Defensive Problem: Double weakness to Ice, which appears frequently in later waves
Strategic Limitation: Requires significant item support to function effectively
Redeeming Quality: Still deals tremendous damage when properly supported

Despite its fearsome reputation, Garchomp struggles with PokéRogue’s emphasis on sustainability across multiple battles. Without reliable recovery and with a crippling Ice weakness, it often fails to justify its relatively high point cost.

Alakazam: The Glass Cannon

Another famous Pokémon that ranks surprisingly low on my PokéRogue tier list:

Key Issue: Extreme fragility
Offensive Limitation: Relies heavily on Special Attack in a game where mixed attackers often excel
Strategic Problem: Unable to survive consecutive battles without significant support
Redeeming Quality: Exceptional Speed and Special Attack when it can stay alive

While Alakazam can still deliver impressive burst damage, its inability to sustain performance across multiple battles severely limits its effectiveness in PokéRogue’s battle gauntlet format.

F-Tier: The Bottom of My PokéRogue Tier List

These Pokémon have consistently disappointed across hundreds of runs, proving ineffective in almost all contexts.

Unown: The One-Trick Failure

At the absolute bottom of my PokéRogue tier list sits Unown, whose fundamental limitations make it nearly useless:

Key Problem: Single-move movepool (Hidden Power)
Strategic Limitation: No utility, status, or recovery options
Fundamental Flaw: Unable to adapt to different threats

Even with maximum investment and support, Unown’s inherent limitations prevent it from contributing meaningfully to successful runs. Its inclusion in a team actively hinders your chances of success.

Luvdisc: The Heartbreaker

Another unfortunate resident of the F-tier:

Key Problem: Abysmal base stats
Strategic Limitation: Limited movepool without standout options
Fundamental Flaw: No niche or specialty to justify inclusion

While Luvdisc can occasionally land a surprise Draining Kiss for some healing, its overall contribution is so minimal that it’s essentially dead weight in your team composition.

Special Category: Fusion Tier List

Beyond individual Pokémon rankings, I’ve developed a separate PokéRogue tier list for fusion combinations that consistently overperform.

S-Tier Fusions: Game-Breaking Combinations

Blastoise + Breloom
- Primary: Blastoise (for Sturdy passive)
- Secondary: Breloom (for Poison Heal ability)
- Strategy: Equip with Toxic Orb for constant healing and status immunity
- Performance: Nearly unkillable tank that can safely set up or stall
Shedinja + Spiritomb/Dark-type
- Primary: Shedinja (for Wonder Guard passive)
- Secondary: Dark-type (for Ghost/Dark typing with only one weakness)
- Strategy: Equip with Safety Goggles to protect against weather damage
- Performance: Immune to all damage except Fairy moves and indirect damage

A-Tier Fusions: Exceptional Combinations

Kartana + Azumarill
- Primary: Kartana (for high Attack stat)
- Secondary: Azumarill (for Huge Power ability)
- Strategy: Focus on physical attacks with doubled Attack stat
- Performance: Extraordinary burst damage that can break multiple boss shields
Aggron + Garganacl
- Primary: Aggron (for Sturdy passive)
- Secondary: Garganacl (for Salt Cure move and Purifying Salt ability)
- Strategy: Use Metal Burst to counter after surviving with Sturdy
- Performance: Reliable counter-attacker with passive damage

B-Tier Fusions: Solid Synergies

Venusaur + Amoonguss
- Primary: Venusaur (for balanced stats)
- Secondary: Amoonguss (for Effect Spore ability)
- Strategy: Focus on status application and Grass STAB moves
- Performance: Reliable status spreader with decent bulk
Charizard + Espathara
- Primary: Charizard (for Drought passive)
- Secondary: Espathara (for Opportunist ability)
- Strategy: Copy enemy stat boosts while leveraging sun
- Performance: Adaptive sweeper that turns enemy setups against them

Mode-Specific PokéRogue Tier List Adjustments

It’s worth noting that certain Pokémon perform better or worse depending on the game mode, leading to adjustments in my PokéRogue tier list rankings.

Classic Mode Value Shifts

In Classic Mode, these Pokémon perform above their general tier list position:

Tyranitar (B → A-tier): Excels against the predictable Elite Four sequence
Gyarados (C → B-tier): Finds more setup opportunities against trainers
Mega Evolutions (General boost): The controlled progression allows for reliable Mega Stone acquisition

Conversely, these Pokémon underperform in Classic Mode:

Stall Specialists (Drop 1 tier): The fixed progression punishes overly defensive play
Setup-Dependent Sweepers (Drop 1 tier): Less effective against the varied Elite Four teams

Endless Mode Value Shifts

In Endless Mode, these Pokémon climb my PokéRogue tier list:

Grimmsnarl (C → B-tier): Screen setting becomes increasingly valuable as enemies scale
Toxapex (B → A-tier): Toxic stalling becomes more viable as enemies gain massive HP pools
Wonder Guard Users (General boost): Immunity to most damage types becomes more valuable as enemies hit harder

These Pokémon struggle more in Endless Mode:

Glass Cannons (Drop 1-2 tiers): The increasing damage from enemies makes fragility a severe liability
Slow Setup Pokémon (Drop 1 tier): Less time to set up as enemies become more dangerous

How to Use This PokéRogue Tier List Effectively

My PokéRogue tier list isn’t meant to be a rigid prescription but rather a starting point for building effective teams. Here’s how to apply these rankings to your own gameplay:

Focus Investment on Top Tiers

For meta-progression, prioritize:

Cost reduction for S and A-tier starters
Unlocking passive abilities for your most-used Pokémon
Obtaining key egg moves for top-tier Pokémon

Balance Team Composition Despite Tiers

Even with knowledge of my PokéRogue tier list, remember to:

Maintain type coverage across your team
Include both physical and special attackers
Ensure you have sustainable healing options
Consider boss-specific counters for Classic Mode

Adapt to Available Options

If you don’t have the ideal S-tier options unlocked:

Look for lower-tier Pokémon that fill similar roles
Focus on synergy over individual power
Use available shinies for the Luck boost even if they’re lower-tier

Conclusion: The Ever-Evolving PokéRogue Tier List

After 500+ hours with PokéRogue, my tier list continues to evolve as I discover new strategies, combinations, and synergies. What makes this game so compelling is how different it feels from mainline Pokémon – familiar faces find new niches, underappreciated Pokémon shine in unexpected ways, and the addition of fusion creates entirely new strategic possibilities.

The S-tier trio of Blastoise, Shedinja, and Charizard have consistently proven themselves the most valuable starters across all game modes, with their combination of sustainability, scaling potential, and strategic flexibility setting them apart from the rest of the roster. Their ability to be reduced to just 1 point each through candy investment makes them even more valuable, allowing for larger and more versatile teams.

For newer players, I recommend focusing your early candy investments on these top-tier Pokémon – reducing their costs and unlocking their passive abilities will dramatically improve your success rate across all game modes. As your collection expands, experiment with the fusion combinations I’ve highlighted, particularly the game-changing Blastoise + Breloom and Shedinja + Dark-type pairings.

Remember that my PokéRogue tier list represents my experience based on hundreds of runs, but your own playstyle might favor different Pokémon. The beauty of roguelikes is their unpredictability – sometimes a normally underwhelming Pokémon finds the perfect items and moves to shine in a particular run. Don’t be afraid to experiment beyond the established tiers, especially as you become more comfortable with the game’s mechanics.

What has your experience been with PokéRogue? Do you agree with my tier list rankings, or have you found success with Pokémon I’ve underrated? I’d love to hear about your own tier list and the strategies that have carried you through this addictive roguelike experience!