The 38 Most Horrifying Pokedex Entries Across The Pokemon Games (2024)

While the world of Pokemon is most well known for its adorable electric mouse mascot, Pikachu, the Pokedex is home to a number of unexpectedly dark entries that add depth to its seemingly colorful and fun world by highlighting the cruelty and horror of the series.

From stealing souls to committing acts of violence for violence’s sake, some Pokemon naturally wreak havoc on the world around them, leading many to their doom. Still, whether their actions are intentional or not, trainers may want to think twice about adding these Pokemon to their team after realizing what they are capable of outside of battle.

Updated on May 29, 2024, by Ben Painter: Each Pokemon in the franchise has its own unique Pokedex entry in each game. These provide more context on the Pokemon, explaining how it looks, the background of the Pokemon, and how powerful it can be. With over 1000 Pokemon in the franchise currently, there are bound to be some unsettling Pokedex entries to be found, especially those involving Ghost-type Pokemon. These range from being creepy to downright depressing. This article has been updated to include five more of the most horrifying Pokedex entries across the Pokemon games.

38 Eevee

National Dex Number: #0133

• "Its genes are easily influenced by its surroundings. Even its face starts to look like that of its Trainer."

Most of Eevee's Pokedex entries state that its genes are unstable and that it can adapt to any environment. This is why this Pokemon can evolve into a wide range of different types using a variety of different evolution methods.

But its Pokemon Ultra Moon Pokedex entry takes this one step further. It explains that its face starts to look like that of its trainer. This highlights just how unstable Eevee's genetic makeup truly is. The fact it can change its appearance to look like its trainer is very unsettling. Just imagine an Eevee with a human face. It's a very creepy thought indeed.

37 Ninetales

National Dex Number: #0038

• "Very smart and very vengeful. Grabbing one of its many tails could result in a 1000-year curse."

Considering Pokemon are meant to live among humans in the Pokemon world, it is quite disturbing that Ninetales can put a '1000-year curse' on someone by simply grabbing one of its tails, as explained in its Pokemon Red & Blue Pokedex entry.

Its Pokemon Stadium entry gives a little more background on this, stating that it will know the trainer's intention 'if its tail is pulled as a joke.' Still, the fact that it is 'very vengeful' means that it is best to not cross a Ninetales if the option ever arises. Trainers would do well to keep on the right side of this Fox Pokemon.

36 Gyarados

National Dex Number: #0130

• "Once Gyarados goes on a rampage, its ferociously violent blood doesn't calm until it has burned everything down. There are records of this Pokemon's rampages lasting a whole month."

Gyarados is one of the best and most loved Pokemon, especially in Generation 1, where it was considered the cream of the crop among the original 151 Pokemon. A lot of its Pokedex entries explain that this Pokemon is vicious, violent, and capable of causing mass destruction.

Its Pokemon Sapphire entry takes the cake on this one: "Its ferociously violent blood doesn't calm until it has burned everything down." So, if this Pokemon is angry, it goes on a rampage and does not stop until everything is destroyed. Why do people of the Pokemon world even want to control one of these Pokemon?

35 Basculegion

National Dex Number: #0902

• "Clads itself in the souls of comrades that perished before fulfilling their goals of journeying upstream. No other species throughout all Hisui's rivers is Basculegion's equal."

One of the newer Pokemon in the franchise, Basculegion was introduced in Pokemon Legends: Arceus, a long-awaited evolution of the less-than-admirable fish Basculin. When evolving, it gains the Ghost typing along with its Water-type, which is explained in the Pokedex entry of the same game as its debut.

The souls of its fallen comrades envelop around Basculegion, giving it immense power, which is why it is the alpha species in the waters of Hisui. Putting aside the dead souls of Pokemon, it is a nice sentiment that Basculegion somewhat helps its fallen friends live on through a veil of ghostly armor.

34 Carvanha

National Dex Number: #0318

• "Carvanha's strongly developed jaws and its sharply pointed fangs pack the destructive power to rip out boat hulls. Many boats have been attacked and sunk by this Pokemon."

Known as the Savage Pokemon and for good reason, if its Pokemon Ruby Pokedex entry is anything to go. Its powerful jaws can rip apart boat hulls, apparently sending a full crew of sailors to a watery grave. Just like the piranha that this Pokemon is based on, it works in packs.

Other Pokedex entries state that when this Pokemon is alone, it is timid and will run away. So, if this Pokemon is by itself, it won't cause any problems. When in a group, however, sailing the waters of Hoenn will be absolutely terrifying.

33 Darkrai

National Dex Number: #0491

• "Folklore has it that on moonless nights, this Pokemon will make people see horrific nightmares."

This Pokemon was introduced in Generation 4 as a Mythical Pokemon, and it is a thing of nightmares. Just looking at this Pokemon, gamers can see that it is not to be messed with. It truly looks like a demon.

Its Pokemon Pearl Pokedex entry states that it makes people see 'horrific nightmares,' so getting a decent night's sleep around this Pokemon is unheard of. The only saving grace is that this only happens on moonless nights, which is a rare occurrence, and it is also a nice reference to its counterpart, Cresselia, who has ties to the Moon.

32 Dusclops

National Dex Number: #0356

• "Dusclops's body is completely hollow - there is nothing at all inside. It is said that its body is like a black hole. This Pokemon will absorb anything into its body, but nothing will ever come back out."

This Pokemon may look goofy, but reading into its Pokemon Sapphire Pokedex entry will make gamers think otherwise. Like all Ghost Pokemon there is terrifying lore behind them, and Duslops is no exception.

With a body like a black hole, anything will get absorbed into it, and there will be no escape. Whoever is unlucky enough to be absorbed by the Beckon Pokemon is subjected to who knows what for eternity. Maybe fans should reconsider when they are thinking about adding Dusclops to one of their teams.

31 Golbat

National Dex Number: #0042

• "It can drink more than 10 ounces of blood at once. If it has too much, it gets heavy and flies clumsily."

Pokemon is a child-friendly franchise, but certain Pokedex entries bring this fact into question. Golbat's Pokemon Silver entry suggests it is a blood-sucker, and it seemingly has no end to its lust for blood.

Vampires don't exist in the Pokemon universe, but why would they need to when Golbat is so much of a danger to begin with? There isn't much information on what Pokemon eat in the wild, but it is quite apparent that they eat each other or at least suck the blood of each other, which is quite a chilling thought.

30 Honedge

National Dex Number: #0679

• "If anyone dares to grab its hilt, it wraps a blue cloth around that person's arm and drains that person's life energy completely."

The Generation 6 Pokemon was introduced as the first Pokemon in a three-stage evolution line as it evolved into Doublade and Aegislash. The Ghost/Steel types are based around possessed swords, and gamers should think again about catching a Honedge.

Its Pokemon Y Pokedex entry states that if anyone grabs its hilt they have their energy drained completely. One can imagine that this Pokemon disguises itself as a sword, and when an unsuspecting person grabs it, they are drained of their energy and killed. If this Pokemon existed in real life, it would be classed as a weapon of mass destruction.

29 Sinistcha

National Dex Number: #1013

• "It pretends to be tea, trying to fool people into drinking it so it can drain their life force. Its ruse is generally unsuccessful."

Sinistcha is a convergent evolution of Polteageist, but the two are separate species. Sinistcha is based on matcha tea, and its whole gimmick is tricking people into drinking it, according to its Pokemon Scarlet entry.

Whereas Honedge's entry speculates that Honedge wants to trick people, Sinistcha's downright says this, but it also reveals that it is generally unsuccessful. It's good to know that not many trainers are stupid enough to think this Pokemon is a lovely cup of tea.

28 Cubone

National Dex Number: #0104

• "Wears the skull of its deceased mother. Its cries echo inside the skull and come out as a sad melody."

Cubone may look cute in its little skull helmet, but that is until the truth is revealed that it is actually the skull of its mother. It is even noted in its Pokemon Yellow entry that the cries inside the skull can be heard as a sad melody, which is very upsetting.

What makes this even more disturbing is when Cubone evolves into Marowak, the skull becomes a part of its head. Assuming when the Marowak dies, its Cubone child wears this skull, and the cycle continues. It feels like something from a horror movie. Cubones aren't seen without a skull helmet, which suggests that Marowak must not live much longer after their child is born.

27 Araquanid

National Dex Number: #0752

• "It delivers headbutts with the water bubble on its head. Small Pokemon get sucked into the bubble, where they drown."

Pokemon deaths are not really shown in the games or the anime, but it is assumed that it does happen with the inclusion of the Pokemon Tower in Lavender Town.

When it comes to Araquanid, it is revealed in its Pokemon Sun entry that it murders small Pokemon as they drown in the water bubble that encases its head. Pokemon battles do not normally result in deaths, as the Pokemon faint, awaiting to be revived at a Pokemon Center, but if Araquanid is a foe, then fans expect a slow and painful death by drowning.

26 Drifloon

National Dex Number: #0425

• "It is whispered that any child who mistakes Drifloon for a balloon and holds on to it could wind up missing."

Drifloon's Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver entry is just spine-chilling. The fact that this Pokemon will take children away is very sinister. Its balloon design is merely a ruse used to lure in its victims. Though it may be cute, that is just a distraction.

Pokemon Sun's entry even goes on to say it dislikes 'heavy children.' What is the obsession with children? Where does it take them? This Pokemon raises so many questions and provides very few answers.

25 Gliscor

National Dex Number: #0472

• "It glides soundlessly on pitch-black wings and sinks sharp fangs into the throat of its prey. It takes on a look of satisfaction once it has entirely drained its prey of blood."

Having learned to fly with more grace than its pre-evolution, Gligar, Gliscor often hunts down unsuspecting prey, using any means necessary to satisfy its need for violence and blood.

Many of Gliscor’s Pokedex entries acknowledge its sharp fangs and talent for capturing prey mid-flight. However, few are more concerning than its description from Pokemon Legends: Arceus, which implies Gliscor enjoys its own bloodlust as it “takes on a look of satisfaction” after it completely drains the life from its victim’s body, leaving it shriveled in shock and despair.

24 Toxapex

National Dex Number: #0748

• "Those attacked by Toxapex's poison will suffer intense pain for three days and three nights. Post-recovery, there will be some aftereffects."

Using its legs as a dome to keep itself comfortable under the waves, Toxapex is a solitary Poison/Water-type Pokemon whose poison barbs trainers will want to avoid as they travel across oceans and shorelines.

While Toxapex’s description in Pokemon Moon states that those poisoned by the Brutal Star Pokemon will be in pain for “three days and three nights” with lingering effects, its entry in Shield implies that the misfortune will last much longer, as even Wailords suffer for three days after a Toxapex attack.

23 Hattrem

National Dex Number: #0857

• "The moment this Pokemon finds someone who's emitting strong emotions, it will pummel them senseless with its braids to silence them."

While Hattrem’s final evolution, Hatterene, is known as both the Forest Witch and the Raging Goddess for its powerful presence and willingness to rule by violence, the smaller hat-wearing Pokemon expresses its anger and distress without the same sense of restraint as its final form. This makes it all the more dangerous around unsuspecting Pokemon and trainers.

According to its Pokedex entries in the Galar and Paldea regions, Hattrem tends to avoid strong feelings, even positive ones, as they “feel like incredibly loud noises” that upset the Pokemon. Should anyone, friend or foe, express intense emotions around the Pokemon, Hattrem will desperately restore the peace and quiet by permanently silencing them using its braids as a weapon.

22 Musharna

National Dex Number: #0518

• "When dark mists emanate from its body, don't get too near. If you do, your nightmares will become reality."

Believed to have shared a common ancestor with Drowzee, Musharna is a gentle-seeming Pokemon that eats the dreams of other nearby creatures while sleeping. As it eats, the mist emanating from its head often changes colors, allowing Musharna to materialize what it sees in dreams.

While Musharna is generally peaceful, its Pokedex entry from Pokemon Sword warns trainers against approaching the Pokemon when it releases a dark, smog-like haze into the air. Ignoring this advice could cause nightmares to “become reality,” a more terrifying fate than most are prepared to overcome.

21 Nihilego

National Dex Number: #0793

• "One of several mysterious Ultra Beasts. People on the street report observing those infested by it suddenly becoming violent."

For those terrified by the possibility of a parasite infecting trainers and Pokemon alike, Ultra Beast Nihilego is a nightmare come true. While, at times, the Pokemon can be seen acting like a young girl, the beast’s main interest in others is purely symbiotic.

Known as the Parasite Pokemon, Ultra Beast Nihilego’s Pokedex entries in the Alola region note that it can infest a number of hosts at a time, unlocking their dormant potential for violence and chaos until they are no longer an adequate source of food for the Pokemon.

20 Cacturne

National Dex Number: #0332

• "If a traveler is going through a desert in the thick of night, Cacturne will follow in a ragtag group. The Pokemon are biding their time, waiting for the traveler to tire and become incapable of moving."

Although Cacturne sports a similar smile to its playful pre-evolution, Cacnea, the taller cactus Pokemon inherently appears more intimidating due to its sinister scarecrow-inspired design and haunting yellow eyes.

Most of Cacturne’s Pokedex entries focus on its nocturnal nature, but its nightly hunts appear most horrifying in the one from Pokemon Sapphire. According to the game, when Cacturne spots wayward travelers moving through the desert at night, a “ragtag group” of the Pokemon will form to pursue them, waiting for the adventurers to tire themselves to the point of immobility. While the entry ends there, its other descriptions reveal that exhaustion is the Pokemon’s preferred state for its prey, suggesting a torturous end for any who enter Cacturne territory unprepared.

19 Sliggoo

National Dex Number: #0705

• "It has trouble drawing a line between friends and food. It will calmly try to melt and eat even those it gets along well with."

With its charming, lopsided smile and indistinct shell, it could be difficult to believe that Sliggoo is capable of brewing chaos outside of battle. Nonetheless, the pure Dragon-type Pokemon leaves an impressive trail of destruction in its wake wherever it goes.

Many descriptions of Sliggoo acknowledge its ability to dissolve whatever it touches with its slime-like mucus, but its entries from Pokemon Sun and Shield add another layer of horror to the creature’s actions by implying it is oblivious to the harm it causes. Sliggoo continually thinks of food, but with its poor eyesight, struggles to differentiate between “friends and food,” leading it to harm even its closest allies without a second thought.