- Primary Subject: Pokemon First & Secondary Evolution Designs (Aesthetic & Mechanical Value)
- Key Update: In February 2026, the Pokemon community has reignited the "middle-stage" debate following the announcement of the 30th Anniversary retro-inspired collections, highlighting classic designs like Grovyle and Dewott as peak franchise aesthetics.
- Status: Confirmed (Community Consensus / Official 30th Anniversary Design Features)
- Last Verified: February 20, 2026
- Quick Answer: Many fans prefer pre-evolutions like Grovyle or Dewott because they strike a perfect balance between "cute" and "cool" that over-designed final stages often lose.
The world of Pokemon is full of vast and mysterious creatures, and the best part is that you get to meet every single one of them. In regard to their design, there are some that definitely look cooler than others, most of which are the final stages of the evolution line.
However, there are some Pokemon whose first and/or middle stages actually look much better and more striking than their final stage. For those of you wondering which ones, here are a few names that you'll hopefully agree with:
1. Geodude and Graveler Over Golem
We'll be starting with classic generation one rock-type Pokemon. Golem can look somewhat intimidating, but it feels like both Geodude and Graveler have much more personality on top of looking tough. The first stage of the evolution looks like it's ready to rough you up in a deadly serious manner, while the second stage knows it's tough to beat and is acting all smug about it.
Golem feels like it lost all the charm the previous two had, and while it has better stats, it does not make up for it. Also, the fact that it requires a trade evolution to obtain is another contributing factor to why Geodude and Graveler are much better.
2. Vigoroth Over Slaking
Next, we have a third-generation entry, one that I feel particularly strong about. After evolving Slakoth, you're immediately met with a highly intimidating and more agile-looking Pokemon in the name of Vigoroth. On looks alone, it's much cooler compared to its sleepier-looking predecessor, and is actually pretty decent in a fight.
So when it evolves and turns into Slaking, it feels like such a disappointment. Gone is the nimbleness and speed that came with the appearance of Vigoroth, and instead replaced with a much slower-looking, albeit powerful, design of the final evolution. Slacking also looks like he's the least bit interested in taking fights for you, which isn't really something you want in a Pokemon.
3. Grovyle Over Sceptile
This is yet another third-generation entry, but one that many fans share the same sentiments for. When people evolve Treecko into Grovyle for the first time, they were likely very happy they chose the grass starter, as the middle stage in its evolutionary line has one of the most objectively cool designs in the franchise.
The confident look in its appearance and poses really helps it stand out, which is why it's a shame that its next evolution, Sceptile, somewhat loses all that. While it still retains some of the coolness, its overall look feels too much, almost as if it's compensating for what it no longer has. This makes Sceptile one of the more disappointing evolution designs of Pokemon, which is a shame considering what came before it.
4. Crabralwer Over Crabominable
First introduced in Sun and Moon, Crabrawler immediately made an impression on me. Unlike the other crab Pokemon, specifically Krabby and Kingler, this one looked like it was designed to dish out and put up a fight, even if it's not really going to do so initially. This is what gave Crabrawler its charm, and why I think it looks cool.
Its evolution, Crabomiable, however, does not embody the tough guy personality of its previous stage at all. While it has the body that makes it feel like it's going to put up a fight, that goes away once you take a good look at its face. The open mouth, the two protruding teeth, and the wide-open eyes make it look very goofy, which feels like a mistake when comparing it to Crabrwalers' design.
5. Dewott Over Samurott
Many would say that the fifth generation of Pokemon had some of the best designs, and based on the appearance of something like Dewott, it would be hard to argue with that. It's essentially a cooler and tougher-looking Oshawott, while still retaining some of the cuteness of its previous stage, which is rather impressive.
But when it evolves into Samurrot, a lot was lost. Instead of being bipedal, it became a quadruped, which feels like a huge step down, given the cooler design we could have gotten. The addition of a horn and aesthetic elements that make it look like it's wearing armor is kinda nice, but not enough to make up for what could have been. Some would say it's a Pokemon evolution that makes no sense, and, unfortunately, I have to agree with that.
6. Scyther Over Scizor
While this may come as a shock to some, Scyther actually feels like it has a much cooler design compared to its evolution. Many likely argue that Scizor is arguably the better in terms of its appearance, considering how its wings and claws look like they would help it take opponents down quickly in a really painful manner.
However, Scyther isn't a slouch in that department and may, in fact, hold the edge over its evolution. The scythes it's known for make it feel much deadlier than Scizor, and the fact that we can see its mouth lets it give off a more vicious expression compared to its final stage. Those two things make Scyther cooler in appearance, but not by much, considering Scizor still has a really amazing design.
So there you have it, Pokemon whose initial and second stages look better than the final evolution. Hopefully, the next mainline Pokemon game can provide us with even cooler designs for every stage in the evolutionary line, not just the beginning and middle.
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