The second generation of Pokemon built on the successes of the first generation. Instead of merely creating one new region, Pokemon's creators combined Johto and Kanto into one comprehensive game. The result was the most detailed Pokemon generation in history.
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The Grass-type Pokemon of the second generation aren't extraordinarily powerful due to balancing. Despite this, more than a few make-worthy additions to any lineup. Based on their movesets and stats, it can be deduced which Pokemon are the most powerful. While many are reluctant to use a Grass-type because of its low stats, a Grass-type can add to a robust lineup if utilized properly.
Updated on August 17, 2021 by Kirkland Fortner: While not all of these Pokemon are top-notch, this list really does have more than a few winners. However, players can't catch 'em all, unless they can find them. With that in mind, we have updated this list to include where these creatures can be found and caught.
Additionally, we've added some vital information about abilities and moves that can greatly increase the usefulness of these Pokemon. That said, let's take a closer look at these super-strong, Gen 2 Grass-types, that add significant value to any team.
10 Chikorita
This starter Pokemon of the second generation is a powerful asset. Most players will opt to evolve Chikorita into a Bayleef at level 16 and into a Meganium at level 32. However, it's possible to force Chikorita to not evolve by pressing the B button in the middle of its evolution. As a standalone Pokémon, Chikorita packs a wallop. It can learn powerful moves like Razor Leaf, Body Slam, and Solar Beam.
Chikorita kind of suffers similarly to Charmander from Gen 1, where the typing for the first 2 gyms in the game are not very kind to it, but after that this Pokemon can really shine. It has a nice ability in Overgrow, increasing the damage of Grass-type moves when Chikorita is at 1/3 of its health or less. Due to it being a starter, it is impossible to obtain more of this Pokemon without trading it in from another game.
9 Bellossom
According to Bellossom's Pokemon Gold Pokedex entry, "Bellossom gather at times and appear to dance. They say that the dance is a ritual to summon the sun." This Pokemon loves the sun like most Grass-types. A Grass-type Pokemon can learn Solar Beam by leveling up, which becomes a one-turn move if Sunny Day is activated. Generation II doesn't have as many Grass-types as the other elements, yet Pokémon like Bellossom are a worthy addition to any lineup.
The weather condition of Harsh Sunlight also combines great with Bellosom's ability, Chlorophyll, which doubles its speed stat whenever the sun is out. It can also learn some other useful moves such as Drain Punch, Energy Ball, and Sludge Bomb.
It is quite the journey to get a Bellossom, however. First, players need to catch an Oddish. These are found on Routes 5, 6, 24, and 25, or Ilex Forest, and only at night. It then needs to evolve into Gloom at level 21. Finally, Gloom needs to use a Sun Stone. Fortunately, a Sun Stone can be won if the player scores first place in the Bug Catching Contest at National Park.
8 Jumpluff
It's a blue round Pokemon with a gentle appearance, yet it definitely displays fighting prowess in battle. Starting as a Hoppip, it becomes a Skiploom at level 18. After Skiploom reaches level 27, the second evolutionary process is activated, and a Jumpluff appears.
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This third-stage Pokemon receives stat upgrades with each evolution, even if it's not the most powerful Grass-type. It's worth having on your team mid-game, but not against final trainers like the Elite Four.
Hoppip, Jumpluff's first form, is an incredibly common Pokemon. It can be found on Routes 13, 14, 15, 32, and 33, in the morning or day. Both of its abilities need the sun to function, Chlorophyll doubles Jumpluff's speed, while Leaf Guard blocks status conditions. Jumpluff also has access to some solid moves such as Stun Spore, Solar Beam, and Aerial Ace.
7 Bayleef
If you choose Chikorita as your Generation II starting Pokemon, it's a no-brainer decision to evolve it into a Bayleef. It grows in size and power as the Pokemon evolves. As a Grass-type Pokemon, Bayleef is an essential part of any lineup. Although it has fewer base stats than the other Generation II Pokémon, it can still inflict immense damage against Water-types, Ground-types, and Rock-types. Resembling a dinosaur, it has a long neck and leaves around its neck.
Bayleef thankfully keeps the good Overgrow ability, as well as all of the same moves Chikorita had. Reflect and Light Screen are great utility, Iron Tail is a strong but fairly inaccurate Steel move, and Swords Dance can make Bayleeef a huge threat. The same situation from Chikorita applies here though, it's the starter. So, if it wasn't the first pick, players can only get more Bayleef by trading them in from other games.
6 Victreebel
This Generation I Pokemon appears in subsequent generations, including Generation II. Victreebel is a dual-type Grass and Poison Pokemon. It is the third-stage Pokemon in its evolutionary line. To evolve Weepinbell (the second-stage Pokemon) into a Victreebel requires a Leaf Stone. Evolving the Pokemon too early can mean it misses out on learning Slam, a powerful Normal-type move. However, those with a vast collection of TMs need not wait to evolve Weepinbell.
Bellsprout is an extremely common Pokemon much like Hoppip, it can be found on Routes 5, 6, 24, (Kanto) 25, 31, 32, and 44 (Johto). Players can get a Leaf Stone from Picknicker Gina as a gift on Route 34 if you have her number, but only in Crystal and the remakes. They can also get one as a prize from the Bug Catching Contest, but only after they've received the National Dex.
5 Vileplume
Gym Leader Erika uses Vileplume as one of her final Pokemon. According to Vileplume's Pokemon Gold Pokedex, "It has the world's largest petals. With every step, the petals shake out heavy clouds of toxic pollen." Vileplume is a reliable Grass-type to have on your lineup. Although it isn't capable of learning the most powerful Grass-type moves, it can be taught moves like Giga Drain and Solarbeam with TMs.
The method for players getting a Vileplume is the exact same as Bellossom, except the Gloom will need a Leaf Stone instead of a Sun Stone. It also likes being in the Sun, as its only ability is Chlorophyll.
4 Exeggutor
Judging a Pokemon based on its appearance is often misleading. Exeggutor might not have the most intimidating appearance, but it more than makes up for it in power. This is a dual-type Grass and Psychic Pokémon that can draw moves from both elements. Its most powerful learned move, however, is the Normal-type move Egg Bomb. Only a few Pokémon can learn the coveted Egg Bomb move. Not to be confused by Alolan Exeggutor, Kantonian Exeggutor has a stocky appearance and no visible neck.
Thanks to its Psychic typing, Exeggutor gets some interesting moves such as Psychic, Reflect, and Light Screen. It can also be used in the Sun due to its ability, Chlorophyll. Exeggcute is located on Routes 26, 27, 34, 35, 36, 37, and 38. It also needs a Leaf Stone to evolve.
3 Meganium
Kanto Professor Oak and Johto Professor Elm ensure that trainers are well-equipped when starting their journies. The primary way they do this is by providing trainers with a powerful starter Pokemon. If the player was fortunate, Professor Elm gave them a Chikorita, which evolved into a Meganium on its final stage.
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This Pokemon's average base stats are lower than its Water and Fire-type counterparts, but in the right scenario, Meganium proves to be an invaluable aid.
Once evolved into Meganium, the Pokemon stays true to its previous forms. Meganium keeps the same ability and moves, but it does learn the powerful move Earthquake while the other 2 don't.
2 Venusaur
Sometimes it's hard to beat the original. In this case, Venusaur is the second most powerful Pokemon of Generation II. As a dual-type Grass and Poison, Venusaur is a well-rounded Pokemon that can learn effective moves like Solar Beam and Razor Leaf. Add in Generation II moves like Giga Drain, and there is no stopping Venusaur. According to Venasaur's Pokemon Silver Pokedex entry, "It is able to convert sunlight into energy. As a result, it is more powerful in the summertime."
Venusaur is capable of learning good moves like Sleep Powder, Earthquake, and Sludge Bomb. It also has the nice Overgrow ability like Meganium's family.
1 Celebi
After Mewtwo and Mew's introduction in Pokemon's first generation, it opened the page for a new mythical Pokemon. Celebi is the guardian of the Illex Forest and the last known Pokemon in the Johto Pokedex. According to Pokemon Gold's Pokedex, "This Pokemon wanders across time. Grass and trees flourish in the forests in which it has appeared."
Based on its stats and moveset, Celebi is the most powerful Generation II Pokemon. By leveling, it learns moves like Magical Leaf, Future Sight, and Leaf Storm. It also has a good ability in Natural Cure, healing status problems whenever you switch it out.
Celebi is quite the interesting one, if you are playing on anything other than the 3DS virtual console release of Gen II, it is impossible to get without hacking. However, if you are playing that version, the event needed to get it will be already baked into the game. The steps to find it are as follows.
- Beat the Pokemon League
- Fly to Goldenrod City and go to the Communication Center and the Nurse will give you the GS Ball.
- Fly to Azalea Town and give the GS Ball to Kurt.
- After giving the Ball to Kurt, need to wait a full real-time day.
- Kurt will give you the GS Ball and you have to bring it to the shrine in Ilex Forest.