Summary
Rapidly approaching, a Pokemon meets a trainer’s gaze. The trainer tosses a Poke Ball into battle, and the fastest Pokemon strikes first. Having a Pokemon with a high-speed stat could, therefore, make the difference between winning and losing a battle. After all, thefastest Pokemonattacks first, usually giving them the upper hand.
Of the 1000+ Pokemon in existence, some are considerably faster than others. Evenwithout taking Mega Evolutionsand Gigantamax forms into account, these Pokemon are lightning-fast and will come out on top in most situations. Whether or not they have the offensive and defensive stats needed to back that Speed up, however, is an entirely different matter.
Updated June 14, 2025 by Ben Painter:A key strategy in Pokemon battling is outspeeding the opponent. Making the first move is crucial to set the tone for the contest ahead. To do this, gamers will need a fast Pokemon, and hundreds of ‘mons specialize in speed.
The latest entry in the series, Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, brought out some of the quickest Pokemon for gamers to use. Fans will need to wait patiently for the next batch as Pokemon Legends: Z-Astill has a while until it hits shelves. This update adds five more Pokemon to the roster of the speediest Pokemon.
45Sneasler
Top Speed: 120
First brought to fans’ attention in the ancient land of Hisui, Sneasler is the evolved form of the Hisuian Sneasel, which switches from a Dark/Ice-type to a Fighting/Poison.
Just like its counterpart, Weavile, this Pokemon specializes in Speed and is best used as a fast, Physical Attacker,making use of some powerful STAB(Same Type Attack Bonus) moves like Poison Jab and Close Combat. To get a Sneasler, gamers will need to level up a Sneasel in Hisui while using a Razor Claw during the day. Gamers will then need to transfer this ‘mon intoPokemon Scarlet & VioletusingPokemon Home.
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44Inteleon
First Partner Pokemon aren’t usually considered some of the fastest in the games, but Inteleon ofPokemon Sword & Shieldfame is the exception. With a base Speed of 120, it will hit out against most ‘mons found in the Galar region.
Based on the UK spy, James Bond, it has the apt signature move of Snipe Shot, which has an increased critical hit ratio and ignores abilities and moves that draw in moves such as Follow Me or Storm Drain. Handy, considering this Pokemon will always strike first in battle. Its other top stat is Special Attack, which also works with its iconic move.
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43Arceus
Top Speed: 120
It makes sense that the God of all Pokemon is consideredone of the fastest in the franchise. This is perhaps by default though, as Arceus has clean 120-base stats across the board. There isno weakness to the Mythical Pokemon, but it is very hard to acquire in the games, usually only available through limited-time events.
If gamers are lucky enough to have Arceus then they literally have the best Pokemon in the game, with the best stats. It can also become whatever type it wants to be by holding the specific plate of the chosen type. This pairs well with its signature move, Judgement, which changes type with Arceus. However, gamers will need to level the Alpha Pokemon up to level 100 to know it.
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The final form of the Grass Hoenn starter, Sceptile, is an awesome Pokemon to use in a playthrough as a superb mixed attacker. Of course, its highest stat is its speed of 120. There aren’t too many opponents that will beat this one in a race.
Sceptile can get even quicker if gamers are playingPokemon Omega Ruby or Alpha Sapphiredue to its Mega Evolution, which boosts it up to 145. However, considering Megas aren’t too common in the games anymore, this isn’t really considered. Gamers may remember this Pokemon as the ace of Ash’s team during the Pokemon Advanced and Battle Frontier series.
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41Dugtrio
It’s good that this Pokemon is one of the fastest, as its Defense and HP stats are abysmal. Starting from the very beginning, Dugtrio,the Ground-type mole, has been the go-to speedster since 1999. Remembered inPokemon FireRed & LeafGreenas an annoying pest in Diglett’s Cave with its Arena Trap ability and insanely high level for that stage in the game.
If gamers choose to use Dugtrio in a playthrough, then they will have a great Pokemon, a fast physical attacker capable of hitting hard and fast with a STAB Earthquake, ending the battle before it has even begun, especially against Electric types.
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40Cyclizar
Top Speed: 121
Cyclizar is a fairly importantPokemon in Scarlet & Violetas it is distantly related to the box art Pokemon, Koraidon, and Miraidon. The Dragon/Normal-type Pokemon does not evolve, which may put some gamers off, but regardless of this, it is still an amazing Pokemon to use in the game.
With a base stat total of 501, the Mount Pokemon’s stats are broadly distributed, so they can be used in a variety of different ways in the game. But its best stat is no question its speed, with a whopping 121,the Pokemon across Paldeawill not know what’s hit it when Cyclizar steps out in battle.
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39Tornadus (Therian Forme)
Originally brought out to fans inPokemon Black & Whiteas part of the Forces of Nature Legendary trio along with Thundurus and Landorus. In the game’s sequels,Pokemon Black 2 & White 2,they received new forms that changed their stats slightly. In Tornadus’ case, it went from 111 Speed in its Incarnate Forme to 121 in its Therian Forme.
This Pokemon has a base stat total of 580, it is a strong ‘mon to use and aside from its speed, its other best stats are Sp. Atk at 110 and attack at 100. Therian Forme Tornadus can outspeed and attack with raw power with a move set of Hurricane, Hammer Arm, Breakwind Storm, and Uproar, there is nothing that stands in its way.
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38Greninja
Top Speed: 122
A fan-favorite Pokemon in the series, Greninja is famed for his anime appearances under the control of the former main character of the series, Ash Ketchum. In the anime, Ash forms a special bond with his Greninja and turns him into Ash-Greninja, which gives him a boost to his power.
In the games, Ash-Greninja does make an appearance. If fans played the Demo version ofPokemon Sun & Moonthey could transfer it over to the base game. Ash-Greninja has 132 speed but since it is an in-game transformation and incredibly rare, for the sake of this list, Greninja’s base speed will be considered,even without its Battle Bond ability. Greninja has a speed of 122 and is revered as one of thefastest Pokemon of all time.
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37Meowscarada
Top Speed: 123
One of the final forms of the starter Pokemon inPokemon Scarlet & Violet, and the Grass/Dark-type is actually the fastest starter of all time with a staggering stat of 123. The cat also has an attack stat of 110, with moves in its arsenal such as Flower Trick, Play Rough, Night Slash, and U-Turn, it can become a threat in the Nintendo Switch titles.
If that isn’t enough power for gamers then Petal Blizzard, Giga Impact, and Foul Play can be taught by TMs to hit hard, combined with their high speed, the battle will be over before it has even really begun.
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36Noivern
There is a handful of unique and powerful Flying/Dragon Pokemon in the series, including the daunting and bat-like Noivern. Introducedin the sixth generationofPokemon,Noivern not only uses its 123 Speed to outpace opponents, but it can also use its first move to take advantage of its 97 base stat in Special Attack.
Combined with its impressive Speed and Special Attack, Noivern can cause serious damage using moves like Air Slash, Hurricane, and Boom Burst. If that wasn’t enough, the Pokemon also comes with Dragon Pulse and can even learn powerful Egg Moves, such as Dragon Rush.
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