While the main catchphrase of the Pokémon universe has always been "Gotta Catch 'Em All", this does not always mean literally. Not only are starter Pokémon essentially given as gifts to new trainers, but Pokémon can be obtained in many different ways in both the anime and the games.
Over the years, the games have included particular trainers who either offer rare Pokémon as trades or as gifts out of goodwill. There have been several instances throughout the eight generations of Pokémon where trainers will gift the player rare or highly sought after Pokémon to add to their team, without them having to hatch it from an egg.
10 A Porygon With Its Hidden Ability Can Be Obtained In The Sword & Shield DLC, Isle Of Armor
The unusual Normal-type Porygon is obtainable as a gift in multiple games in the franchise, most notably in Platinum, Sun & Moon, and the Sword & Shield Isle of Armor DLC. It can be obtained in the latter from Hyde after defeating Mustard for the third time at the Battle Court, with the player getting a level 25 Porygon with its Hidden Ability of Analytic.
Analytic can allow Porygon to deal more damage if it moves after all other Pokémon in the battle. This can allow for creative strategies to be thought of by the player to get the best out of Porygon and its ability.
9 Beldum Is A Valuable Gift Pokémon, Even If The Timing Is A Little Off
Receiving a Beldum from Steven at his Mossdeep City house in the Gen III games and their remakes is a fantastic addition to the party, but it comes with the drawback of only happening after the player's completion of the Elite Four challenge and induction into the Hall of Fame.
Given to the player at a low level 5, with enough care and training, this Beldum can become the powerful Psychic-Steel Metagross, a behemoth in its own right. While such an acquisition would be more valuable in the leadup to challenging the Elite Four, it doesn't change the fact that it is an impressive Pokémon to receive as a gift.
8 Hitmonlee & Hitmonchan Can Be Useful Additions In Time For The Elite Four
The Saffron City Fighting Dojo in the Gen I games and their remakes is essentially a secondary but unofficial Gym. It gives the player an extra challenge and comes with an enticing incentive that cannot really be ignored. By defeating the Karate Master, named Koichi in FireRed and LeafGreen, the player can obtain either a Hitmonchan or Hitmonlee.
While both exceptional Fighting-types, they differ in fighting styles, stats, and moves that they can learn. With a sensible approach to deciding how to incorporate them into a team, either one can be a valuable addition.
7 Getting A Shiny Pokémon As A Gift Is An Opportunity Not To Be Missed
While Dratini can be obtained as a gift from the Dragon's Den Master in the Gen II games and remakes, there is an especially exciting Gift Pokémon opportunity in Black 2 & White 2. Depending on the game, the player gets either a Shiny Dratini or a Shiny Gible from Benga.
In White 2, the player can receive the Shiny Dratini after defeating Benga at White Treehollow, while in Black 2, the Shiny Gible can be obtained after beating Benga at Black Tower. The Gift Pokémon are only level 1, but they are incredible and usable Dragon-types in their respective shiny forms, making them an instant addition to any team.
6 Lapras Can Be A Game Changer If Integrated Well Into A Balanced Team
It is an absolute game-changer when the player receives a Lapras as a gift while taking on Team Rocket at the Silph Co. building in the Gen I games and the subsequent remakes. Not only is Lapras a Water-type that can help the player by using Surf outside of battle, but it is also an Ice-type, a rare commodity in the early generations.
Ice-types are often considered to be one of the weaker types due to their sheer number of weaknesses, and Lapras's dual Water-Ice typing is even more problematic. Still, it is a bulky Pokémon that can be especially useful against Giovanni's Ground-types and eventually Lance's Dragons.
5 Silvally Can Become Any Type That Its Trainer Wishes It To Be
Type: Null is certainly one of the more unique species of Pokémon, in part due to its synthetic nature and origin. Introduced in Gen VII, with it being created by Faba, it has appeared as a Gift Pokémon in both the Alola and Galar regions and is another Gift Pokémon that provides unique adaptable capabilities.
Type: Null's evolved form Silvally is able to change its type if holding the corresponding Memory Disk, which in turn changes the typing of its signature move, Multi-Attack. This versatile Pokémon can be acquired as a post-game gift in Sun & Moon and is available at the Battle Tower in Sword & Shield.
4 Playing The Sword & Shield DLC Will Get The Player A Powerful Gigantamaxing Urshifu
The first of two DLCs to be introduced to Sword & Shield, Isle of Armor re-introduced a considerable number of returning Pokémon to the games, albeit it in an exciting new location, made up of several islands and different terrains. While the additional story isn't particularly heavy, it revolves around the Master Dojo, with the Fighting-type specialist Mustard leading the way.
If the player can pass three trials set by Mustard, they earn a Kubfu as a prize, and can then decide between two paths for evolving it into an Urshifu, the Single Strike Style dual Fighting-Dark route or the Rapid Strike Style Fighting-Water alternative. Regardless of the chosen path, Urshifu can become a powerful and reliable member of any team, especially with its Gigantamax capabilities.
3 The Powerful Lucario Can Be Obtained As A Gift In X & Y
In the Gen IV games of Diamond & Pearl and their recent remakes, a Riolu can be obtained as a Gift Pokémon but with the catch that it's in a Pokémon Egg. In X & Y, however, it is possible to get the evolved form Lucario as a Gift Pokémon at an impressive level of 32, cutting out plenty of training time and effort.
The player can get their Lucario from Korrina at the Tower of Mastery upon utilizing Mega Evolution with a Lucario loaned to them, which will subsequently choose to stay with the player following the battle. Lucario is one of the most powerful Pokémon in the entire franchise, so to receive one at a decent level as a gift can be considered a win for any player.
2 Leon Shares The Sensation Of Having A Gigantamaxing Charizard In The Sword & Shield Post-Game
The Gen VIII games Sword & Shield are not often discussed as being among the best Pokémon games of all time, but there are several things that they did get right, with one being the Gift Pokémon available. While starter Pokémon are often not applicable in the same breath as the likes of Eevee, in these games, it is possible to get a Charmander from Leon's house after becoming the Champion.
Charizard is Leon's ace throughout the games, and this is also showcased in the Pokémon Journeys anime. Leon's gift gives the player the chance to have their very own Gigantamaxing Charizard, which is an exciting prospect in itself. Post-game gifts often offer up that annoyance of not being given sooner, but that annoyance is quickly forgotten in this case.
1 Receiving An Eevee Opens Up Plenty Of New Opportunities
Receiving an Eevee as a gift is a common occurrence in the Pokémon games, even more so than getting a Togepi Egg. With there now being eight different species to evolve an Eevee into, they can become an instant member of any team, with plenty of possibilities to evolve according to overall team type matchups and balance.
Eevee has been gifted by trainers during the normal Pokémon Gym Badge grind in both the Gen I and II games, with a trainer on the Celadon Mansion rooftop and Bill in Goldenrod, respectively. However, there have also been times when Eevee can't be acquired until after defeating the Elite Four and the main portion of the game. Regardless, Eevee is still easily one the best Gift Pokémon in the entire series.