Pokemon Sun And Moon Pokemon, Ranked

9 – Rowlet/Dartrix/Decidueye

Type: Grass/Flying

Rowlet Classification: Grass Quill Pokemon

Rowlet Pokedex: This wary Pokémon uses photosynthesis to store up energy during the day, while becoming active at night. Silently it glides, drawing near its targets. Before they even notice it, it begins to pelt them with vicious kicks.

Dartrix Classification: Blade Quill Pokemon

Dartrix Pokedex: A bit of a dandy, it spends its free time preening its wings. Its preoccupation with any dirt on its plumage can leave it unable to battle. It throws sharp feathers called blade quills at enemies or prey. It seldom misses.

Decidueye Classification: Arrow Quill Pokemon

Decidueye Pokedex: It fires arrow quills from its wings with such precision, they can pierce a pebble at distances over a hundred yards. Although basically cool and cautious, when it’s caught by surprise, it’s seized by panic.

Explanation: When Rowlet was first announced, I would have easily had him topping the list. He’s cute, he’s dapper, and perfect in every way. But I’m less impressed by his evolutions, which include an archery bird and Justin Bieber. I guess the idea they were going for is that Rowlet is fancy and keeps getting fancier, but I wasn’t aware that boy band member was the next step above Rowlet’s bowtie refinement. Ah well.

Despite my criticism, the trio are well-designed and fun to use, and an interesting typing change when evolving into Decidueye keeps you on your toes. It may be based on the pueo owl, a form traditionally taken by an ancestor spirit, or ʻaumākua, in Hawaiian culture, explaining the Ghost-typing.