The Pokémon franchise features over a thousand creatures, and the letter A alone encompasses a remarkable variety of pocket monsters. From historical starters to recent additions from the Paldea region, these Pokémon cover almost all types and generations. Browsing through this selection allows you to spot often underestimated creatures, including those that have dominated competitive play since their introduction.
Pokémon starting with A from the ninth generation: names to remember from Paldea
Online alphabetical lists often repeat the same classics (Abra, Arcanine, Absol) without making room for the most recent additions. The ninth generation, introduced with Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, has enriched the letter A with creatures that have become central to the competitive meta.
Armarouge, the Fire/Psychic Pokémon with warrior armor, has established itself in strategic teams thanks to its ability Shield Parade and its signature move Punched Shield. Its exclusive counterpart in the Violet version, Malvalame, does not share the same letter, making Armarouge a unique representative of A among the Pokémon of Paldea.
Another notable name is Arboliva, the Grass/Normal Pokémon inspired by the Mediterranean olive tree. Its evolutionary line (Olivini, Olivado, Arboliva) reflects the Iberian theme of the region. Its ability Harvest and high special defense make it a solid choice for single battles.
To explore each creature in detail, the list of Pokémon that start with A catalogs all of these names with their main characteristics. Annihilape (Courrousinge in French in some sources, but indeed Annihilape in the official Pokédex) also deserves a mention: this Fighting/Ghost Pokémon, an evolution of Colossinge obtained through a unique method, has shaken up the VGC competitive circuit since its introduction.
Pokémon starting with A available in Pokémon GO or absent from the mobile game
Are you playing Pokémon GO and looking to complete your alphabetical Pokédex? Not all Pokémon starting with A are accessible on mobile. This distinction between the console Pokédex and the mobile Pokédex is a point that most generic lists do not specify.
Classics like Abra, Arbok, Arcanine, or Airmure have been available in Pokémon GO for a long time. Their shiny forms have been gradually rolled out over community events.
However, the Paldea Pokémon starting with A have not all arrived in GO. Armarouge and Arboliva, for example, remain exclusive to the Nintendo Switch games for now. This divide between the two platforms creates a situation where a mobile trainer and a console trainer do not have the same Pokédex for the letter A.
- Available in GO: Abra, Alakazam, Arbok, Arcanine, Absol, Airmure, Arceus (special raids), Amphinobi (under event conditions)
- Exclusive to console games (not available in GO to date): Armarouge, Arboliva, Annihilape
- Regional forms accessible in GO: Hisuian Arcanine (Fire/Rock type), appeared during events dedicated to Legends Arceus
If you aim for alphabetical completion, checking the availability on the platform helps avoid searching in vain for a Pokémon that simply does not exist yet in your game.
Legendary and mythical Pokémon starting with A
The letter A concentrates several Pokémon with a special status in the franchise. Knowing their role helps understand why certain names consistently come up in discussions among collectors and competitive players.
Arceus holds a unique place in the entire Pokémon mythology. Presented as the creator of the universe in the official lore, this Normal-type Pokémon can change its type using plates or Z crystals. It lent its name to the game Pokémon Legends: Arceus on Nintendo Switch, which renewed the formula of the main series.
Articuno, the legendary Ice/Flying bird, is part of the original trio from the first generation alongside Zapdos and Moltres. Its Galarian form, introduced in the DLC of the Crown Tundra for Pokémon Sword and Shield, adopts the Psychic/Flying type, a radical change that gives it a completely different role in battle.
Azelf, a member of the lake trio from the fourth generation (Sinnoh), is often overlooked in alphabetical lists. This Psychic Pokémon represents will in Sinnoh’s cosmogony, alongside Uxie (knowledge) and Mesprit (emotion). Its high special attack makes it the most offensive of the trio.
Memorable starters and evolutions starting with A across generations
The letter A does not include a base starter, but it hosts several final or intermediate evolutions that have marked generations of players.
Feraligatr, the final evolution of Cyndaquil… no. Let’s start over. Feraligatr is the final evolution of Totodile, the Water starter from the second generation (Johto). Its bipedal crocodile design and physical power have made it a favorite among players of Pokémon Gold and Silver.
Greninja remains one of the most popular Pokémon across all generations. This final evolution of Froakie (Water starter from the sixth generation) benefits from the ability Protean, which changes its type with each attack launched. Its Ash-Greninja form, linked to the anime, has boosted its popularity well beyond the video game.
- Feraligatr: final Water starter from Johto, pure Water type, high physical attack
- Greninja: final Water starter from Kalos, Water/Dark type, ability Protean or Torrent
- Arcanine: not a starter in the strict sense, but often compared to a pseudo-legendary due to its high stats and versatility in battle
The letter A offers a panorama that spans nine generations of Pokémon games, from the legendary birds of Kanto to the warriors of Paldea. Rather than skimming through a list of names, identifying the Pokémon starting with A that are available on your gaming platform, whether it be the Switch or Pokémon GO, remains the best way to know which ones deserve your attention and training resources.