Ice-type Pokemon are among some of the strongest in the franchise. There might not be plenty of pure Ice-types in the series, but it’s a popular dual typing that has given trainers some reliable companions. With so many different options out there, choosing the right Ice-type can be a daunting task.
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Just like any other type of Pokemon out there, some Ice-types are better than others. Base stats, movesets, weaknesses, and plenty more factor into just how good a given Ice-type will compare to its peers. These Pokemon might not be perfect, but they’re incredibly strong and stand out as the best of the best when it comes to Ice-types.
10 Alolan Sandslash
Sandslash's design wasn't the only thing that changed with its Alolan variant. This Gen I favorite made the move from Ground-type to an Ice/Steel-type, improving some stats changing around some of its weaknesses, immunities, and resistances.
Alolan Sandslash maintains the original's 450 total base stat, making slight improvements to defense and special defense stats at the cost of its already low special attack. Trainers will have to find their way around quadruple weaknesses to Fighting and Fire-types, alongside a weakness to Ground. Immunity to Poison and a host of new resistances that include Dragon and Fairy-types should help balance things out.
9 Glalie
Mega Glalie greatly improves upon the original with a massive boost to a handful of key stats. Seeing as mega evolution isn't supported in the current-gen games, trainers will have to make use of Glalie in its natural form. Its mega evolved counterpart might be stronger, but Glalie is still a solid well-balanced Ice-type.
Glalie comes in at an 80 in all of its base stats from HP to speed. So while it doesn't excel at one particular thing, this Pokemon gives trainers plenty of options to work with. Weaknesses to Fighting, Rock, Steel, and Fire-types stand out as Glalie's biggest red flag. But the versatility it offers trainers makes it a fun Pokemon to work with.
8 Galarian Darmanitan
First introduced in Gen V as a Fire-type, Darmanitan’s Galarian variant switches things up. As an Ice-type, Darmanitan loses its weaknesses to Water and Ground but gains new weaknesses to Fire, Steel, and Fighting. In its Zen Mode, Galarian Darmanitan becomes an Ice/Fire-type, subbing out its weakness to Fire and Steel for Water and Ground, while giving it a quadruple weakness to Rock-type moves.
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It does manage to gain a few additional resistances, including Fairy-types, and receives a massive boost in base attack and speed to go alongside already high HP. Galarian Darmanitan has plenty of great physical moves it can use to take advantage of the high attack, but most are sadly not Ice-type.
7 Alolan Ninetales
Like Sandslash, Ninetails received a regional variant in the Gen VI games. Alolan Ninetails makes the move from a Fire-type to an Ice/Fairy-type, gaining slightly more speed at the cost of its already middling attack.
The Ice/Fairy-typing gives Alolan Ninetails a quadruple weakness to Steel, adding in weakness to Fire and Poison-types and carrying over Ninetails’ weakness to Ground. Luckily, Alolan Ninetails can learn some great Ice-type moves that take advantage of its special attack stat. Its learnset includes various Psychic, Fairy, and Fire-type moves that can give it some much-appreciated versatility in battle.
6 Aurorus
Aurorus’ biggest strength lies in its high HP stat. With mediocre defense and abysmal speed, this Ground/Ice-type Pokemon knows its strengths and sticks to them. A whopping six different weaknesses – including two quadruples, one to Fighting and the other to Steel – make Aurorus a challenging Pokemon to train.
High special stats definitely help Aurorus stand out among its peers. 99 base special attack makes teaching it a variety of special moves a no-brainer. Moves like Blizzard, Ice Beam, and Freeze-Dry all get STAB when used by Aurorus. Aurorus can still be plenty useful in battle, despite its low speed, mediocre defense, and various weaknesses.
5 Lapras
Aside from being one of the stronger Pokemon of its kind, Lapras is also one of the better-known Ice-types in the franchise. First introduced in Gen I, this Water/Ice-type has a distinct design and doubles as an absolute powerhouse in battle.
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Speed is the only statistical issue with Lapras. Its 60 base speed typically guarantees that it will be hit first. Four type weaknesses don’t do it any favors either. But high HP and special defense help balance things out. With equal attack and special attack, Lapras can make the most of various powerful moves in its arsenal. Despite its learnset being very Water and Ice heavy through leveling up, Lapras has access to some amazing TM/TRs that give it a highly versatile skill set.
4 Articuno
One of the most powerful Ice-types at the time of its introduction, Articuno remains one of the best of its kind. Sporting a dual typing of Ice and Flying, Articuno has some concerning weaknesses but makes up for that with immunity to Ground and resistance to Grass and Bug-types.
Articuno has solid stats across the board, but what truly stands out is its special attack. High speed and special defense stats coupled with well above average HP and defense let Articuno hit opposing Pokemon fast while ensuring longevity in battle.
3 Ice Rider Calyrex
Calyrex is the newest Pokemon on this list, as it was first introduced as part of Sword & Shield’s Crown Tundra DLC. It might not stand out very much on its own, but fusing it with Glastrier will give trainers one of the strongest Ice-types in the series to date.
Ice Rider Calyrex is a Psychic/Ice-type with great stats that come at the cost of a bevy of weaknesses. Trainers will have to deal with relatively mediocre speed during battle, but high defense and special defense compensate for that. With 165 base attack, Ice Rider Calyrex can do some real damage with its signature move; Glacial Lance.
2 Regice
Gen III introduced many unique Pokemon to the mix, with the Legendary Titans standing out as some of Hoenn’s most desirable. Regice was one of the strongest pure Ice-types at the time of its introduction to the series and still holds that title years later.
Low speed doesn’t hinder Regice in battle, as it has 100 base defense to go alongside 200 base special defense. It has its fair share of weaknesses, but this titan can tank most hits and hit back with enough force to get trainers through most battles.
1 Kyurem
Gen V’s Legendary Dragon/Ice-type Pokemon is one of the most versatile in the game, offering players two alternate forms to make use of. Kyurem is a force to be reckoned with in battle and its White and Black variants drastically improve whether it's special attack or attack, respectively.
A weakness to Dragon and Fairy-types alongside three others is concerning, but Kyurem should make quick work of most foes in battle regardless. With powerful moves like Outrage, Blizzard, and Ice Beam getting STAB alongside White Kyurem’s Ice Burn and Black Kyurem’s Freeze Shock, most Pokemon won’t stand a chance.