These 13 Pokémon Absolutely, 100% Need To Be In The New Games

    Not all Pokémon will be making an appearance in Sword and Shield, here are 13 that I can't live without.

    Parker Ortolani
    by Parker Ortolani

    BuzzFeed Staff

    I don’t know if you’ve heard, but the Pokémon community is in a state of complete chaos.

    Giphy / Via gph.is

    Video game producer Junichi Masuda restated in a message to fans on Friday that not all Pokémon will make an appearance in the next games, Sword and Shield. This was in response to the exploding hashtag #bringbacknationaldex, a reference to the fact that every previous game has included all announced Pokémon at the time of their release.

    Pokémon @Pokemon

    A message for Pokémon video game fans: https://t.co/BSt8ANyW4d

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    Masuda noted that “After so many years of developing the Pokémon video games, this was a very difficult decision..."

    Giphy / Via gph.is

    As a huge Pokémon fan, I’m disappointed by this news. Here are the monsters I will riot over if they’re not included in the new games:

    1. Dratini

    The Pokémon Company / Via pokemon.com

    Type: Dragon

    Debut Games: Pokémon Red, Green and Blue

    Evolutions: Dragonair and Dragonite

    Why I Can't Live Without It:

    Dratini is one of the original 151 pocket monsters and its final evolution, Dragonite, is iconic. If this adorable little dragon doesn't make the cut for Pokémon Sword and Shield, I will be more than disappointed.

    2. Totodile

    The Pokémon Company / Via pokemon.com

    Type: Water

    Debut Games: Pokémon Gold and Silver

    Evolutions: Croconaw and Feraligtr

    Why I Can't Live Without It:

    Everyone has a favorite starter Pokémon and mine is Totodile from Pokémon Gold and Silver. It's simultaneously adorable and deadly. Totodile's happy nature in the Pokémon anime also never fails to brighten my day.

    3. Bagon

    The Pokémon Company / Via pokemon.com

    Type: Dragon

    Debut Games: Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire

    Evolutions: Shelgon and Salamence

    Why I Can't Live Without It:

    Bagon has one of the coolest final evolutions in the form of Salamence. While Bagon itself may be less interesting than the others on this list, this little guy ends up being the most badass at the end of the day.

    4. Ducklett

    The Pokémon Company / Via pokemon.com

    Type: Water and Flying

    Debut Games: Pokémon Black and White

    Evolutions: Swanna

    Why I Can't Live Without It:

    I mean c'mon, who doesn't love an adorable goofy looking duck??? Especially one that evolves into a majestic freaking swan!!!

    5. Skiddo

    The Pokémon Company / Via pokemon.com

    Type: Grass

    Debut Games: Pokémon X and Y

    Evolutions: Gogoat

    Why I Can't Live Without It:

    Skiddo is one of the happiest looking Pokémon and it's ideal for cruising around. Plus, its evolution Gogoat is the perfect candidate for traversing the mountainous Galar region.

    6. Teddiursa

    The Pokémon Company / Via pokemon.com

    Type: Normal

    Debut Games: Pokémon Gold and Silver

    Evolutions: Ursaring

    Why I Can't Live Without It:

    Just look at this little smush. Even though its evolution Ursaring is overwhelmingly powerful, Teddiursa never fails to inspire that "awwwwww" feeling.

    7. Shinx

    The Pokémon Company / Via pokemon.com

    Type: Electric

    Debut Games: Pokémon Diamond and Pearl

    Evolutions: Luxio and Luxray

    Why I Can't Live Without It:

    Shinx is such a good boy, you'd have to be a monster to axe it from the Pokédex.

    8. Phanpy

    The Pokémon Company / Via pokemon.com

    Type: Ground

    Debut Games: Pokémon Gold and Silver

    Evolutions: Donphan

    Why I Can't Live Without It:

    Phanpy is an adorable little elephant that can't be overlooked. It's by far one of the cutest characters in the entire franchise.

    9. Houndour

    The Pokémon Company / Via pokemon.com

    Type: Fire and Dark

    Debut Games: Pokémon Gold and Silver

    Evolutions: Houndoom

    Why I Can't Live Without It:

    Houndour is probably the least cute character on this list, but its evolution Houndoom is totally rad.

    10. Mareep

    The Pokémon Company / Via pokemon.com

    Type: Electric

    Debut Games: Pokémon Gold and Silver

    Evolutions: Flaffy and Ampharos

    Why I Can't Live Without It:

    The newest sheep Pokémon, Wooloo, has been getting all the love since its announcement a few weeks ago. But the OG, Mareep, deserves more time in the spotlight. I want nothing more than to see a field of Mareep gleefully rolling around with Wooloo.

    11. Pineco

    The Pokémon Company / Via pokemon.com

    Type: Bug

    Debut Games: Pokémon Gold and Silver

    Evolutions: Forretress

    Why I Can't Live Without It:

    Pineco isn't really useful at all; it's primary move is self-destruct. But Pineco takes no shit. Its listing in the Pokédex says, "If the Pokémon is disturbed while eating by someone shaking its tree, it drops down to the ground and explodes with no warning."

    12. Delibird

    The Pokémon Company / Via pokemon.com

    Type: Ice and Flying

    Debut Games: Pokémon Gold and Silver

    Evolutions: none

    Why I Can't Live Without It:

    Who else will deliver presents?!?!

    13. Bonsly

    The Pokémon Company / Via pokemon.com

    Type: Rock

    Debut Games: Pokémon Diamond and Pearl

    Evolutions: Sudowoodo

    Why I Can't Live Without It:

    Bonsly is one of the baby Pokémon and it's by far the most anxious. We are all bonsly.

    Which Pokémon do you want most to make it into Sword and Shield? Let us know in the comments below.