View source for Pseudo-legendary Pokémon

'''Pseudo-legendary''' is a fan term commonly used to refer to any Pokémon that has a three-stage [[evolution]] line, two [[Elemental type|type]]s, as well as a [[base stats|base stat total]] of 600. The term originates from the Greek prefix ''pseudo-'', which means "false". Pseudo-legendary Pokémon are often more powerful than other non-legendary Pokémon, possibly due to their high [[base stat]]s. All pseudo-legendary Pokémon have {{stat|Attack}} or {{stat|Special Attack}} as their highest stat.

==List of pseudo-legendary Pokémon==
There are six Pokémon considered to be pseudo-legendary. The following shows the pseudo-legendary Pokémon by the Generation of their introduction, as well as their types, and the Pokémon they evolve from.

{| align="center"
|
{| align="center" style="background: #{{kanto color dark}}; font-size:85%; {{roundy|10px}} border: 5px solid #{{kanto color}}"
|-
! style="width:80px; background:#{{kanto color light}}; {{roundytop|5px}}" colspan="2" | [[File:149.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Dragonite|{{kanto color dark}}}}'''<br>
|- align="center"
| style="background:#{{dragon color}}" | {{color2|FFFFFF|Dragon (type)|Dragon}}
| style="background:#{{flying color}}" | {{color2|FFFFFF|Flying (type)|Flying}}
|-  align="center" style="background: #{{kanto color light}}"
| {{MSP|148|Dragonair}}
| {{pcolor|Dragonair|{{kanto color dark}}}}
|- align="center" style="background: #{{kanto color light}}"
| colspan="2" style="background:#{{dragon color}}" | {{color2|FFFFFF|Dragon (type)|Dragon}}
|- align="center" style="background: #{{kanto color light}}"
| {{MSP|147|Dratini}}
| {{pcolor|Dratini|{{kanto color dark}}}}
|- align="center"
| colspan="2" style="background:#{{dragon color}}; {{roundybottom|5px}}" | {{color2|FFFFFF|Dragon (type)|Dragon}}              
|}
|
{| align="center" style="background: #{{johto color dark}}; font-size:85%; {{roundy|10px}} border: 5px solid #{{johto color}}"
|-
! style="width:80px; background:#{{johto color light}}; {{roundytop|5px}}" colspan="2" | [[File:248.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Tyranitar|{{johto color dark}}}}'''<br>
|- align="center"
| style="background:#{{rock color}}" | {{color2|FFFFFF|Rock (type)|Rock}}
| style="background:#{{dark color}}" | {{color2|FFFFFF|Dark (type)|Dark}}
|-  align="center" style="background: #{{johto color light}}"
| {{MSP|247|Pupitar}}
| {{pcolor|Pupitar|{{johto color dark}}}}
|- align="center" style="background: #{{johto color light}}"
| style="background:#{{rock color}}" | {{color2|FFFFFF|Rock (type)|Rock}}
| style="background:#{{ground color}}" | {{color2|FFFFFF|Ground (type)|Ground}}
|- align="center" style="background: #{{johto color light}}"
| {{MSP|246|Larvitar}}
| {{pcolor|Larvitar|{{johto color dark}}}}
|- align="center"
| style="background:#{{rock color}}; {{roundybl|5px}}" | {{color2|FFFFFF|Rock (type)|Rock}}
| style="background:#{{ground color}}; {{roundybr|5px}}" | {{color2|FFFFFF|Ground (type)|Ground}}           
|}
|
{| align="center" style="background: #{{hoenn color dark}}; text-align: center; font-size:85%; -moz-border-radius: 10px; border: 5px solid #{{hoenn color}}"
|-
! style="width:80px; background:#{{hoenn color light}}; -moz-border-radius-topleft: 5px;" colspan="2" | [[File:373.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Salamence|{{hoenn color dark}}}}'''<br>
! style="width:80px; background:#{{hoenn color light}}; -moz-border-radius-topright: 5px;" colspan="2" | [[File:376.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Metagross|{{hoenn color dark}}}}'''
|-
| style="background:#{{dragon color}}" | {{color2|FFFFFF|Dragon (type)|Dragon}}
| style="background:#{{flying color}}" | {{color2|FFFFFF|Flying (type)|Flying}}
| style="background:#{{steel color}}" | {{color2|FFFFFF|Steel (type)|Steel}}
| style="background:#{{psychic color}}" | {{color2|FFFFFF|Psychic (type)|Psychic}}
|- style="background: #{{hoenn color light}}"
| {{MSP|372|Shelgon}}
| {{pcolor|Shelgon|{{hoenn color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|375|Metang}}
| {{pcolor|Metang|{{hoenn color dark}}}}
|-
| colspan="2" style="background:#{{dragon color}}" | {{color2|FFFFFF|Dragon (type)|Dragon}}
| style="background:#{{steel color}}" | {{color2|FFFFFF|Steel (type)|Steel}}
| style="background:#{{psychic color}}" | {{color2|FFFFFF|Psychic (type)|Psychic}}
|- style="background: #{{hoenn color light}}"
| {{MSP|371|Bagon}}
| {{pcolor|Bagon|{{hoenn color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|374|Beldum}}
| {{pcolor|Beldum|{{hoenn color dark}}}}
|-
| colspan="2" style="background:#{{dragon color}}; {{roundybl|5px}}" | {{color2|FFFFFF|Dragon (type)|Dragon}}
| style="background:#{{steel color}}" | {{color2|FFFFFF|Steel (type)|Steel}}
| style="background:#{{psychic color}}; {{roundybr|5px}}" | {{color2|FFFFFF|Psychic (type)|Psychic}}
|}
|
{| align="center" style="background: #{{sinnoh color dark}}; font-size:85%; {{roundy|10px}} border: 5px solid #{{sinnoh color}}"
|-
! style="width:80px; background:#{{sinnoh color light}}; {{roundytop|5px}}" colspan="2" | [[File:445.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Garchomp|{{sinnoh color dark}}}}'''<br>
|- align="center"
| style="background:#{{dragon color}}" | {{color2|FFFFFF|Dragon (type)|Dragon}}
| style="background:#{{ground color}}" | {{color2|FFFFFF|Ground (type)|Ground}}
|-  align="center" style="background: #{{sinnoh color light}}"
| {{MSP|444|Gabite}}
| {{pcolor|Gabite|{{sinnoh color dark}}}}
|- align="center" style="background: #{{sinnoh color light}}"
| style="background:#{{dragon color}}" | {{color2|FFFFFF|Dragon (type)|Dragon}}
| style="background:#{{ground color}}" | {{color2|FFFFFF|Ground (type)|Ground}}
|- align="center" style="background: #{{sinnoh color light}}"
| {{MSP|443|Gible}}
| {{pcolor|Gible|{{sinnoh color dark}}}}
|- align="center"
| style="background:#{{dragon color}}; {{roundybl|5px}}" | {{color2|FFFFFF|Dragon (type)|Dragon}}
| style="background:#{{ground color}}; {{roundybr|5px}}" | {{color2|FFFFFF|Ground (type)|Ground}}              
|}
|
{| align="center" style="background: #{{unova color dark}}; font-size:85%; {{roundy|10px}} border: 5px solid #{{unova color}}"
|-
! style="width:80px; background:#{{unova color light}}; {{roundytop|5px}}" colspan="2" | [[File:635.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Sazandora|{{unova color dark}}}}'''<br>
|- align="center"
| style="background:#{{dark color}}" | {{color2|FFFFFF|Dark (type)|Dark}}
| style="background:#{{Dragon color}}" | {{color2|FFFFFF|Dragon (type)|Dragon}}
|-  align="center" style="background: #{{unova color light}}"
| {{MSP|634|Jiheddo}}
| {{pcolor|Jiheddo|{{unova color dark}}}}
|- align="center" style="background: #{{unova color light}}"
| style="background:#{{dark color}}" | {{color2|FFFFFF|Dark (type)|Dark}}
| style="background:#{{Dragon color}}" | {{color2|FFFFFF|Dragon (type)|Dragon}}
|- align="center" style="background: #{{unova color light}}"
| {{MSP|633|Monozu}}
| {{pcolor|Monozu|{{unova color dark}}}}
|- align="center"
| style="background:#{{dark color}}; {{roundybl|5px}}" | {{color2|FFFFFF|Dark (type)|Dark}}
| style="background:#{{dragon color}}; {{roundybr|5px}}" | {{color2|FFFFFF|Dragon (type)|Dragon}}              
|}
|}

==Characteristics==
With the exception of the {{p|Garchomp}} and {{p|Sazandora}} evolutionary lines, pseudo-legendary Pokémon are usually situated adjacent to the [[legendary trio]]s in the [[Pokédex]]es of their respective [[Generation]]s. In both the [[National Pokédex]] and [[List of Pokémon by Johto Pokédex number|Johto Pokédex]], the evolutionary lines of {{p|Dragonite}} and {{p|Tyranitar}} are located just after the [[legendary trio]] of their respective Generation (they are located next to each other in the Johto Pokédex). Similarly, the {{p|Salamence}} and {{p|Metagross}} lines are located next to each other right before the [[legendary golems]] in both the National Pokédex and [[List of Pokémon by Hoenn Pokédex number|Hoenn Pokédex]]. Oddly, this tradition was not upheld in [[Generation IV]], as the {{p|Garchomp}} [[evolution]] line is situated next to no notable Pokémon. In [[Generation V]], the {{p|Sazandora}} line is located next to the {{p|Volcarona}} line, who are adjacent to the legendary Pokémon.

===Individual Characteristics===
====Dragonite====
Aside from being the first, Dragonite has the highest Special Defense tied with Tyranitar.

====Tyranitar====
It is the only pseudo-legendary Pokémon that can neither fly nor levitate, as well as the slowest of the pseudo-legendary Pokémon. When a {{weather|sandstorm}} is raging, Tyranitar's {{stat|Special Defense}} becomes the highest of all pseudo-legendary Pokémon.

====Salamence====
It has the lowest defenses of all pseudo-legendary Pokémon. However, it has the highest Attack (tied with Metagross).

====Metagross====
Metagross shares a large number of different characteristics from the other pseudo-legendary Pokémon. This is likely due to how it is the only pseudo-legendary Pokémon that does not appear to be based on a reptile; rather, it is a robotic life form. This is likely why Metagross is the only pseudo-legendary Pokémon not to be used by [[Lance]] in any game (aside from Sazandora, as Lance has not yet appeared in a game since its introduction), as he prefers {{type2|Dragon}} and draconic Pokémon.

Metagross is the only genderless pseudo-legendary Pokémon, and the only pseudo-legendary Pokémon whose first stage of evolution, {{p|Beldum}}, cannot be caught in the wild in its debut generation (one is received from [[Steven Stone]] instead). Metagross and its pre-evolutions have a [[catch rate]] of 3 (all the other pseudo-legendary Pokémon families have a catch rate of 45), and it has the highest base Defense of all the pseudo-legendary Pokémon.

====Garchomp====
It is the only pseudo-legendary Pokémon to have [[List of Pokémon with gender differences|gender differences]], as well as having the fewest resistances. It is the fastest with a base {{stat|Speed}} stat of 102 and has the highest base {{stat|HP}}, with 108.

====Sazandora====
Due to being the only pseudo-legendary Pokémon to have a higher {{stat|Special Attack}} stat than {{stat|Attack}}, Sazandora's stats give it a number of unique characteristics from the other pseudo-legendary Pokémon. Consequently, it has the highest base Special Attack of all the pseudo-legendary Pokémon, and likewise, the lowest base Attack of all the pseudo-legendary Pokémon. Similarly, it is the only pseudo-legendary Pokémon that does not have a base stat over 125, but it is also the only pseudo-legendary Pokémon that does not have a base stat under 90. It is also the only pseudo-legendary Pokémon of the {{t|Dragon}} type for which Dragon is its secondary type rather than it's primary type.

Sazandora is the only pseudo-legendary Pokémon with multiple elemental immunities (however its immunity to {{t|Ground}} is due to its ability, {{a|Levitate}}). Of the {{type2|Dragon}} pseudo-legendary Pokémon, it is the only one not to have a 4× weaknesses to {{type2|Ice}} attacks and as of {{v2|Black and White|s}}, the only pseudo-legendary Pokémon to have never been used by a {{pkmn|Champion}}. However, it is used by [[Ghetsis]], the last trainer the player battles in the main storyline in [[Pokémon Black and White Versions|Pokémon Black and White]].

====Other====
* Tyranitar and Sazandora are the only pseudo-legendary Pokémon that have a [[List of Pokémon with unique type combinations|unique type combination]].
* {{p|Metagross}} and Sazandora are the only pseudo-legendary Pokémon that do not have any 4× weaknesses.
* Salamence and Metagross have the highest {{stat|Attack}} of all pseudo-legendary Pokémon with a base 135 stat.
* Tyranitar and Metagross are the only pseudo-legendary Pokémon that are not Dragon-type.

==In the games==
These Pokémon are used in-game often by the members of the [[Elite Four]] and {{pkmn|Champion}}s. {{p|Dragonite}} is used by [[Lance]], the final Elite Four member in [[Generation I]] and {{v2|FireRed and LeafGreen|s}}; it is used again by Lance as the Champion in [[Generation II]] and {{v2|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}}. In HeartGold and SoulSilver, Lance uses a {{p|Dragonite}}, but when he is battled again, he replaces two of his three Dragonite with the two other {{type2|Dragon}} pseudo-legendary Pokémon, {{p|Salamence}} and {{p|Garchomp}}. {{p|Tyranitar}} is also used by Lance in [[Pokémon Stadium 2]] (both Round 1 and 2), as well as by {{ga|Blue}}, the Champion, but only in the second round of the Elite Four in FireRed and LeafGreen. {{p|Salamence}} is used by {{EF|Drake}}, the final Elite Four member in {{3v2|Ruby|Sapphire|Emerald}}. {{p|Metagross}} is used by [[Steven Stone]], the Champion in Ruby and Sapphire, and ex-Champion in {{v2|Emerald}}. {{p|Garchomp}} is used by [[Cynthia]], the Champion in {{3v2|Diamond|Pearl|Platinum}}. {{p|Sazandora}} is the only pseudo-legendary Pokémon to have not been used by a {{pkmn|Champion}}; however, it is used by [[Ghetsis]], who serves as the final boss in the Unova games.

Although pseudo-legendary Pokémon are used almost exclusively by the final members of the [[Elite Four]] and {{pkmn|Champion}}s, there are three minor exceptions in {{3v|Diamond|Pearl|Platinum}}: [[Ace Trainer]] Felix on {{rt|229|Sinnoh}} uses {{p|Salamence}}, and [[Ace Trainer]] Jamie on {{rt|224|Sinnoh}} has {{p|Metagross}}, serving as cameo appearances for the movie characters [[Butler]] and {{mov|Rebecca}}, who used these pseudo-legendary Pokémon in their respective {{pkmn|movie}}s. [[Dragon Tamer]] Darien, who is located outside of [[Stark Mountain]], uses a Dragonite, but is not related to any movies.

Pseudo-legendary Pokémon are obtainable in the wild strictly in their first form for the first two games of their Generation. However, {{p|Dragonair}} is obtainable in the wild in most games where {{p|Dratini}} is (all but {{3v2|Red|Green|Blue}}). Likewise, {{p|Pupitar}} is available in the wild in {{v2|Crystal}} and {{v2|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}}. {{p|Gabite}} is also found in {{si|Victory Road}} in {{v2|Platinum}}. {{p|Metang}} and {{p|Shelgon}} can also be found in the {{jo|Safari Zone}} in {{2v2|HeartGold|SoulSilver}}. In {{game|Black and White|s}}, {{p|Larvitar}}, {{p|Beldum}}, {{p|Shelgon}}, {{p|Salamence}}, the entire {{p|Garchomp}} line, {{p|Jiheddo}} and {{p|Sazandora}} are the only stages that cannot be caught in the wild. For the first time, final stages of pseudo-legendary Pokémon can be caught in the wild.

===[[Pokémon Colosseum]]===
In story mode, {{pkmn2|Shadow}} {{p|Metagross}} is used by [[Nascour]] and Shadow {{p|Tyranitar}} is used by [[Evice]]; it is notable that the two [[Cipher]] leaders have positions comparable to those of the final [[Elite Four]] member and {{pkmn|Champion}}, respectively. {{Pokémon XD}} complemented the list of pseudo-legendaries as of [[Generation III]] by featuring Shadow {{p|Salamence}} (used by [[Eldes]]) and Shadow {{p|Dragonite}} (used by [[Miror B.]]). Another commonality is that all four pseudo-legendary Pokémon have {{m|Shadow Rush}} as one of their Shadow moves.

==In the anime==
[[Image:Cynthia Garchomp.png|thumb|right|200px|[[Cynthia's Garchomp]] in the anime]]
All pseudo-legendary Pokémon except {{p|Sazandora}} have appeared in the anime.
* {{p|Dragonite}} debuted [[Giant Pokémon|as a silhouette]] in ''[[EP013|Mystery at the Lighthouse]]'', but appeared physically in ''[[M01|Mewtwo Strikes Back]]''.
** Dragonite has also appeared {{TP|Drake|belonging to Drake|Dragonite}} and {{TP|Lance|to Lance|Dragonite}}, who are both regional {{pkmn|Champion}}s.
** {{p|Dratini}} debuted in ''[[EP035|Legend of Dratini]]'', along with {{p|Dragonair}}.
* {{TP|Vicious|Tyranitar}} debuted in ''[[M04|Celebi: Voice of the Forest]]''.
* {{p|Salamence}} debuted in ''[[M06|Jirachi: Wish Maker]]''.
* {{p|Metagross}} debuted in ''[[M07|Destiny Deoxys]]''.
* {{TP|Cynthia|Garchomp}} debuted in ''[[DP040|Top-Down Training!]]'', belonging to [[Cynthia]].
** Cynthia's Garchomp also appeared in the opening of ''[[M12|Arceus and the Jewel of Life]]'', meaning that all pseudo-legendary Pokémon except Sazandora have also appeared in a movie.

==Trivia==
* [[Generation III]] is the only generation so far to have introduced more than one pseudo-legendary Pokémon. 
* All pseudo-legendary Pokémon that existed at the time were available as [[Shadow Pokémon]] in either [[Pokémon Colosseum]] (Tyranitar and Metagross) or {{Pokémon XD}} (Dragonite and Salamence).
* Among Pokémon commonly mistaken for pseudo-legendaries are {{p|Slaking}}, {{p|Flygon}}, {{p|Aggron}}, {{p|Volcarona}}, and {{p|Haxorus}}. For one reason or another, these Pokémon do not fit the criteria of those above and so are not pseudo-legendaries.
** {{p|Slaking}}, though not a pseudo-legendary, has the highest base stats of all non-legendary Pokémon and one immunity, to the Ghost-type. However, it lacks some factors: a base-stat total of 600 and a secondary type. Slaking is also hindered by its ability, {{a|Truant}}, which is likely the reason for its high stats.
* Ash is the first main character in the anime to own [[Ash's Gible|a member]] of a pseudo-legendary family; however, it could be considered his second if {{AP|Larvitar}} is counted, but he only owned it temporarily.
* In Generation IV, the first stage of all pseudo-legendary Pokémon are available in the [[Johto Safari Zone]].
* {{p|Metagross}} is the only pseudo-legendary Pokémon that cannot learn any {{type|Dragon}} moves.
* All of the pseudo-legendary pokemon have been blue, or partly blue, in one or more of their forms.

==In other languages==
*'''German:''' ''Pseudo-Legendäre''
*'''Japanese:''' {{tt|擬似伝説|ぎじでんせつ}}

{{Project Fandom notice}}

[[Category:Fanon terminology]]

[[ja:擬似伝説]]