5 weak Pokemon that have strong evolutions

First impressions can often prove quite deceiving in the dynamic world of Pokemon. It is common to see trainers pass on certain creatures because of their initial frailty and underwhelming battle capabilities. However, once they get past their initial weak stages, they usually lay the ground for incredible powers and potentials.

Evolution is a transformative process in the franchise's universe, turning some of the weakest creatures into forceful battlers. In this article, we will cover five Pokemon that start off weak but evolve into some of the most impressive and strongest allies you can ever have on your team.

Note: This article is subjective and solely reflects the writer's opinions.

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5 strong Pokemon that start off weak before evolution

1) Magikarp and Gyarados

Magikarp and Gyarados as seen in the anime (Image via TPC)

Magikarp has the reputation of being one of the weakest Pokemon in existence, having a very poor moveset along with really bad stats. Early in the game, Magikarp's signature move, Splash, does literally nothing, so it would seem to be a waste of space on any team. However, patience with this flopping fish pays off in a big way.

Evolution: Magikarp evolves into Gyarados at level 20. The change is remarkable, turning the awkward Magikarp into a mighty Water/Flying-type critter. Gyarados boasts impressive stats all around and has a versatile move pool with Hydro Pump, Thunder, Crunch and Dragon Dance being some of them.

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2) Feebas and Milotic

Feebas and Milotic as seen in the anime (Image via TPC)

Feebas takes the title of being called the spiritual successor to Magikarp, having particularly low stats and an overall uninteresting appearance. In some games, a Feebas may also be hard to track down, further making players lose interest in it. By itself, Feebas does not offer much in battle; it really redeems itself through the potential of being able to evolve.

Evolution: Feebas evolves into Milotic if it is traded while it holds the Prism Scale, or by leveling up with max Beauty. Milotic is a magnificent and powerful Water-type Pokemon, which holds extremely high Special Defense and Special Attack.

It also has an ability, Marvel Scale, which increases defense if Milotic bears a status condition, making this Pokemon highly reliable on the battlefield.

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3) Toxel and Toxtricity

Toxel and both Amped and Low Key Form Toxtricity as seen in the anime (Image via TPC)

Toxel is a really cute but weak Electric/Poison-type critter added to the Galar region, with rather low stats and few moves early on. Despite its really limited utility in early battles, this baby creature can actually be evolved into something much more able at fighting.

Evolution: Toxel evolves into Toxtricity at level 30. It further has two possible routes for evolution, depending on its nature: Amped Form or Low Key Form.

Either way, the highly touted Toxtricity is packing a very impressive Special Attack, combined with its very unique typing, Electric/Poison, and moveset to make for a versatile and dangerous presence in battle.

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4) Meltan and Melmetal

Meltan and Melmetal as seen in the anime (Image via TPC)

Meltan is a rather special Mythical Pokemon, starting at low stats with somewhat reduced battling potential. Its Steel type gives it some defensive capabilities, but it is neither powerful nor fast to make any difference on the battlefield in that form. Its evolution changes everything though.

Evolution: Meltan only evolves into Melmetal when it is fed 400 Meltan Candies in Pokemon GO and then transferred to Pokemon Sword and Shield. This unique evolution may be tedious but it's worth it as Melmetal stands as a powerful Steel-type Pokemon that boasts impressive Attack and Defense statistics.

Its signature move, Double Iron Bash, is a strong attack of the Steel type that hits two times, with even a chance to flinch, so it's never easy to battle Melmetal.

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5) Larvesta and Volcarona

Larvesta and Shiny Volcarona as seen in the anime (Image via TPC)

Larvesta, a Bug/Fire-type critter, is pretty weak at the beginning with a low base stat total and a few limited early game moves. The path to its evolution is long, but those who put a lot of time and effort into raising a Larvesta are rewarded for it.

Evolution: Larvesta evolves into Volcarona at level 59, one of the highest levels of any evolution requirement in all Pokemon games.

Volcarona itself is an incredibly fantastic Bug/Fire-type critter with really high Special Attack and Special Defense. It learns powerful moves such as Fire Blast, Hurricane, Bug Buzz and Quiver Dance, making it a versatile powerhouse for any team.

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These five Pocket Monsters, weak at the start, are among the most powerful and impressive evolutions of the universe. Investing in them not only provides a sense of accomplishment but also adds some of the most formidable creatures to your team. Once evolved, they greatly improve any Pokemon journey, be it casual or competitive battling.