Snakes are fascinating creatures that strike wonder and terror into hearts all over the globe (depending on the owner of the heart.) Because art draws inspiration from real life, it is no surprise that many different Pokémon have been based on snakes, from Generation I’s Ekans and Arbok to Generation VIII’s Silicobra.
But we know what you’re here for. You want to find out which snake is the best, the strongest, and the deadliest? If someone threw every snake Pokémon into a battle pit, who would win? Rest assured, no snakes were harmed during the making of this article. Rather, through data analysis, the strongest snake will emerge victorious. This will be including not only Pokémon that are classified as Serpentine by the Pokédex, but Pokémon that are visibly long and slithery.
10 Gorebyss
This elegant Water-type is one of two possible evolutions for Generation III’s Clamperl, the other being Huntail. According to the Pokédex, the color of Gorebyss’ body changes depending on the season, becoming a more vivid pink in the springtime.
Though Gorebyss and Huntail have the same base stats (a total of 485), Gorebyss has a more helpful movepool, including Psychic and Ice-type attacks. It can learn Psychic, Blizzard, AND Shadow Ball.
9 Sandaconda
Sandaconda is Pokémon Sword & Shield’s take on the snake, as it were. Evolving from Silicobra at level 36 and above, Sandaconda is a pure Ground-type that is perfectly suited for the Desert environment preferred by many species of snakes such as Sidewinders and Rattlesnakes. Coming in with a base stat total of 510, Sandaconda’s greatest strengths come from its ability to use Stealth Rock, Earthquake, and Coil, the last one being quintessential for a snake.
8 Steelix
Strangely known as the “Iron Snake” Pokémon, this massive Steel snake is the strongest Steel-type of its generation. Steelix has a base stat total of 510 and a Mega Evolution that makes it 100 points stronger. Quite a few of the snakes on this list have alternate forms, a testament to the greatness of the species.
Some of the most famous Steelix in the series are Brock’s Steelix in the Pokémon anime, as well as Gym Leader Jasmine’s Steelix who appears in the anime, manga, and games.
7 Serperior
The final evolution of Unova’s Grass-type starter Pokémon, Serperior says it all without saying a word: snakes are the superior species, and legs are overrated. Giving up the limbs it had in its previous forms is a bold choice that must be respected, but that’s not the only reason Serperior deserves respect. It has a base stat total of 528 and a surprisingly useful Hidden Ability Contrary. Combined with the move Leaf Storm, Contrary will convert the lowering of its Special Attack by 2 stages into an increase by 2 stages, making it all the more powerful with each Leaf Storm.
6 Milotic
Milotic is easily the most beautiful serpent of the sea, especially since its evolution requires a high level of Beauty. Many trainers have wielded this gorgeous Pokémon such as Pike Queen Lucy and the Pokémon anime’s Lusamine, but Milotic’s preferred role is to calm those it encounters. The Pokédex refers to it as the “Tender Pokémon,” as it can release “a pulsing wave of energy that brings soothing calm to troubled hearts.” With a base stat total of 540, it can also fight, if soothing doesn’t work out.
5 Gyarados
Gyarados is often thought of as a dragon due to its inspiration most likely coming from Chinese dragons and sea dragons, though its typing isn’t Dragon. Inspiration was undoubtedly drawn from sea serpents as well, if its long body and scales don’t give it away. Gyarados can quench any flames in its normal form or Mega Evolution, and is one of the most well-known snakes on this list due to its Generation I origins. The shiny Gyarados in Lake of Rage didn’t hurt its popularity, either.
4 Zygarde 50%
Zygarde was first introduced in the series in its 50% Forme, and is subsequently the form most fans are familiar with. It also happens to look like a shimmering, scaled snake, and a considerably strong one, too. It has a base stat total of 600 and has one of the rarest shiny forms in Pokémon history. Zygarde is also a member of the aura trio as the Order Pokémon, unleashing its power whenever the order of Xerneas and Yveltal has been disrupted.
3 Giratina (Origin Forme)
One of the mythical Sinnoh region’s many legendaries, Giratina was given the spotlight in Pokémon Platinum with backstory, the Distortion World, and a whole new forme called its Origin Forme. In this state, Giratina stretches over 22 feet and is undeniably cooler, being able to soar through its distorted homeworld.
Similar to Serperior, Giratina’s superior form involves the shedding of its legs to become a serpentine nightmare creature. It also has a base stat total of 680, which demands respect, if nothing else.
2 Rayquaza
This sky snake is extremely difficult to catch, but the rewards are definitely worth it. With a base stat total of 680 and a 100 point boost during its Mega Evolution, Rayquaza is one of the most beloved and respected legendaries out there, possessing the noble role of quieting the rage between Groudon and Kyogre. Interestingly enough, it is also the tallest Flying-type Pokémon out there, or the longest, in snake terms.
1 Eternatus
Eternatus is not only the tallest Pokémon ever, but it’s also the strongest of all snake and snake-like Pokémon in its Externamax form. With a normal base stat total of 690, Eternatus’ stats reach 1125 while Eternamaxed. Being hit by its signature move, Eternabeam, will undoubtedly leave no survivors in its wake, proving it to be the strongest snake in the Pokémon world.
NEXT: Pokémon: The 10 Strongest Dragon-Type Moves, Ranked
