Gary Oak’s Top 10 Pokémon: Unveiling His Most Powerful Allies!

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As a die-hard fan, I’ve always admired Gary Oak, Ash Ketchum’s longest-standing rival who’s been a staple in the Pokémon universe since day one! Over the years, he’s built an impressive roster of Pokémon companions, even as he transitioned into a Pokémon Researcher. In the anime adaptation of the original games and manga character Blue, Gary is portrayed as the grandson of Professor Oak, constantly engaging in battles with Ash while they traverse the diverse regions of the Pokémon world.

Much like Ash, Gary has demonstrated an impressive ability to capture various Pokémon throughout the series’ long history. However, today we’re diving deep into the ten exceptional Pokémon that have truly shone during Gary’s on-screen appearances.

Let’s discuss the notable and powerful Pokémon that Gary has owned throughout his journey, from Blastoise to Regidrago. However, we need to streamline our list and select which Pokémon should consistently be part of Gary’s team. Since Gary has fewer Pokémon compared to the 1,025 currently in the Pokedex, this list should offer insights into Gary’s growth as a trainer across different regions, focusing on fan favorites that have become familiar through the original rival. Being the grandson of Professor Oak from Kanto, Gary started with some advantages in his Pokémon training journey, but as the series has progressed along with its diverse creatures, Gary has developed into a true rival and even a friend, growing alongside many well-loved Pokémon.

1) Blastoise

1st on the list is Gary’s long-standing and indispensable team member, Blastoise. Originally a sprightly starter named Squirtle, this Blastoise has matured parallel to Gary and has been present in every significant battle the trainer has engaged in. One of Blastoise’s most remarkable instances is his duel against Ash’s Charizard, an encounter that even resulted in defeat, demonstrating his immense strength.

Apart from engaging in battles, Blastoise frequently intervened to protect Pikachu and assist the main group, including Ash and his electric mouse, preventing them from getting into unnecessary trouble when Gary was present. In fact, Blastoise’s significance as Gary’s top Pokemon is such that he was chosen first to aid Goh and friends in their studies and battles against the elusive Mythical Pokemon Mew. Any seasoned trainer or dedicated gamer recognizes the importance of having an exceptionally skilled ace Pokemon to capture significant Mythic or Legendary ones.

2) Arcanine

Similar to our last post, Arcanine is one of Gary’s early team members and has been with him since their journey through the Kanto region. While Blastoise may have had more screen time and battles, Arcanine, being a Fire-type Pokemon, has proven to be an essential combat ally. In Kanto, Arcanine demonstrated its true worth by assisting Gary in his battle against Giovanni, managing to overcome typing disadvantage and defeating the gym leader Kingler.

Among the main Pokemon characters, Arcanine is among the rare few who have had the opportunity to engage with Mewtwo, regardless of the outcome. Accompanying Gary on several journeys through various regions, Arcanine has proven to be a reliable and powerful ally in battles. This was evident when Gary, as a researcher, endured Sheer Cold to protect his team. Apart from being an original Pokemon legend, Arcanine is beloved by fans and has significantly contributed to Kanto’s success. As such, Gary’s Arcanine stands out as one of the most iconic team members in the series.

3) Krabby

Gary’s Krabby isn’t particularly strong; in truth, there isn’t a lot of information available about this crustacean-like Water-type Pokémon. Yet, given that it’s one of Gary’s captures from the Kanto region, it earned a spot on the list. However, Krabby was no ordinary Kanto Pokémon; instead, it was the first Pokémon that Gary caught during his journey with Ash.

Apart from being among Gary’s earliest-captured Pokemon, Krabby was also a Pokemon that Ash later managed to catch. This significant capture by Ash and subsequent transfer to Professor Oak served as an opportunity for fans, providing another instance of the common contrast between rivals. We witnessed how remarkably larger Gary’s Krabby was compared to Ash’s.

4) Scizor

In the story, Scyther was prominently included in Gary’s squad when he ventured into the Johto Region’s Silver Conference following the acquisition of all eight badges. Simply put, Scyther’s presence on this team speaks volumes about its significance. Scyther is widely admired by fans, suggesting that this particular Scyther had been a part of Gary’s team for quite some time prior to the Silver Conference. Any Pokemon that helps you win all eight badges and competes alongside you in a tournament is undoubtedly one worth noting.

In this battle, I witnessed Scizor’s impressive speed and attack prowess as it swiftly defeated two of Ash’s companions, Snorlax and Muk. Scizor moved with precision and strength, demonstrating its dominance. However, it was not invincible; when confronted by Ash’s Charizard, it eventually fainted. This is significant for two reasons: first, Ash’s Charizard is no mere jest, and secondly, Scizor has a fourfold weakness against Charizard’s Fire-type attacks.

5) Umbreon

Originally an unassuming Eevee during the Orange Island Arc, Umbreon – the dark-type evolution of Eevee – has demonstrated its value as a reliable teammate throughout the anime and Gary’s adventures, from his days as a Pokemon Trainer to his role as a Pokemon Researcher in Pokemon Journeys: The Series. Umbreon played a significant part in numerous episodes, effortlessly handling Team Rocket grunt Pokemon. Additionally, its intelligence was evident when Gary utilized it to aid Ash in overcoming Gligar’s phobias during battles, ultimately helping Ash gain a deeper understanding of his Gligar.

Umbreon, similar to several other Pokémon on this list, has the distinction of challenging a Legendary Pokémon. In a remarkable display of cunning, Umbreon managed to confuse Articuno, but ultimately succumbed to Sheer Cold’s one-shot knockout. Besides being a loyal and formidable member of Gary’s squad, Umbreon’s evolution from Eevee is something that dedicated Pokémon game fans would appreciate, suggesting a deep bond between Gary and his companion, as cultivating an Umbreon requires careful nurturing and friendship.

6) Magmar

Magmar might seem like just an ordinary flaming bird on Gary’s team, but his impact remains significant. Magmar was indeed a crucial part of Gary’s Silver Conference squad, making it one of the elite Pokemon in his trainer’s arsenal. Although Magmar didn’t necessarily shine the brightest during the battle, as he faced off against Ash’s Heracross and had a type advantage, it was ultimately Magmar who ended up being knocked out.

Despite Magmar not winning the game, its skillful use of moves such as Flamethrower and Fireblast was truly remarkable. Just by participating in the team tournament, Magmar has already earned a place on our list.

7) Hatterene

In the latest update, Gary’s newest addition is this formidable Fairy-type Pokemon, Hatterene. On the battlefield, it demonstrated its true potential. Not only does Hatterene work well with her team, but she also shares a strong bond with Gary, as she freed him from an icy prison when he was trapped. In a remarkable turn of events, Hatterene took on Regidrago and Regieleki, two Legendary Pokemon, head-on.

Similar to how battling against a Legendary Pokemon like Pokemon mentioned earlier is considered a great achievement, so too did Hatterene’s encounter with Regidrago hold merit, even though she didn’t win. In the end, Gary managed to capture Regidrago and make it part of his team, acknowledging Hatterene’s significant impact in the process.

8) Nidoking and/or Nidoqueen

Two teammates of Gary’s, while they might have appeared individually, are positioned in the same role within the team due to their shared lineage and ability to fulfill similar roles. Nidoqueen, who has made a few appearances – notably defeating Team Rocket and during the Silver Conference where she took down Ash’s Tauros – often shines brightest among them.

Meanwhile, Gary’s Nidoking was showcased during the Indigo Plateau Conference, where he faced defeat at the hands of Melissa’s Golem. Notably, his most remarkable performance is one that elevates Pokemon on this list, and it’s because he had an opportunity to battle against Giovanni’s Mewtwo.

9) Electivire

Electivire is not just one of the coolest Sinnoh Pokemon, but it was also the first Pokemon Gary obtained after he became a Pokemon researcher. This Pokemon showcases an incredibly impressive debut by single-handedly defeating Team Rocket. When Ash tried to gather information about Electivire using his Pokedex, no data on this Pokemon seemed to be available.

Later, Ash and Gary go head-to-head with their Electric-type Pokémon. In this intense battle, Electivire managed to emerge victorious, besting Ash’s prized Pokémon. Notably, Electivire previously made an appearance in Sinnoh, but fans also recall seeing it help Gary capture a feather from Moltres during “Pokemon Journeys: The Series.

10) Regidrago

Given all the chatter about Legendary Pokémon, it’s not unexpected that our final pick is indeed a Legendary Pokémon – Regidrago. This Pokémon is one of the two newly introduced Regi Pokémon in the latest Pokedex series.

In a tough confrontation with Gary and Goh, Regidrago was apprehended. This was Gary’s final catch before completing Project Mew, making Regidrago one of the rare instances of capturing a legendary Pokemon on screen. This significant capture solidifies Regidrago as one of Gary’s top 10 Pokemon.

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2025-05-30 01:18