You’ve probably noticed that some letters in the Pokedex just feel... heavier. If you’re looking at Pokemon that start with M, you aren't just looking at a random list of names. You're looking at the heavy hitters. We are talking about the literal genetic ancestor of all species, the strongest artificial weapon ever created, and a steel-clad supercomputer that can process data faster than a high-end PC.
Honestly, the letter M might be the most "stacked" section of the entire National Dex.
Whether you're trying to fill a niche in your competitive roster or you're just curious why a certain blue mud-fish became the face of the internet in 2005, there is a lot to unpack here. From the Kanto classics to the power-crept monsters of the Paldea region, these Pokemon aren't just entries in a digital book. They are icons.
The Psychic Titans: Mew and Mewtwo
It is impossible to talk about this category without starting at the top.
Mew is basically the "Holy Grail" of the Pokemon world. Lore-wise, it contains the DNA of every single Pokemon, which is why it can learn almost every TM, HM, and Technical Record in existence. It’s tiny, pink, and playful, but don't let the cuteness fool you. In the original games, it was a myth—a secret tucked away on Cinnabar Island that most kids only heard about through playground rumors.
Then there is Mewtwo.
If Mew is nature’s miracle, Mewtwo is humanity’s hubris. Created in a lab by scientists who wanted to "improve" on Mew, it ended up being a Psychic-type powerhouse that has dominated the competitive scene for decades. Even in 2026, when we look at the meta, Mewtwo’s Mega Evolutions (specifically Mega Mewtwo Y) still hold some of the highest base stat totals in the history of the franchise.
In a straight-up fight? Most experts agree that while Mew is "smarter" and more versatile, Mewtwo is built for one thing: pure, unadulterated destruction.
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From "Useless" Fish to Sea Serpent
We have to talk about Magikarp.
It is the ultimate underdog story. You spend twenty levels watching this fish flop around using "Splash," a move that literally does nothing. But then, level 20 hits. Suddenly, that pathetic carp transforms into Gyarados, a Water/Flying terror that can sweep entire teams with a single Dragon Dance.
Why Gyarados isn't a Dragon Type
A lot of people get annoyed that Gyarados isn't a Dragon-type. It looks like one, right? Well, the lore actually explains this. The evolution is based on an old Chinese legend about a carp that jumps over the "Dragon Gate" waterfall. As a reward for its perseverance, it becomes a dragon. However, Gyarados is often depicted as having a "short fuse" and a destructive nature. Some fans believe it was stripped of its "Dragon" divinity as punishment for its rage, leaving it as a Water/Flying type instead.
Wait, did you know that in the original Pokemon Snap, you actually had to knock a Magikarp into a waterfall to get it to evolve into a Gyarados for a photo? It’s those little details that make the "M" list so much more interesting than others.
The Steel-Clad Supercomputer: Metagross
Moving into the Hoenn region, we find Metagross.
This thing is a beast. It’s a Pseudo-Legendary, which means it has a base stat total of 600—the same as many actual Legendary Pokemon. Biology-wise, Metagross is fascinating because it is formed by two Metang fusing together, which were themselves formed by two Beldum.
- Typing: Steel/Psychic
- Ability: Clear Body (prevents stat reduction)
- Intelligence: It has four brains that process info faster than a supercomputer.
In competitive play, Metagross is often the "anchor" of a team. Its Mega Evolution was so strong in previous generations that it was frequently banned from certain tournament tiers. Even without the Mega stone, its access to moves like Meteor Mash and Bullet Punch makes it a nightmare to switch into. If you're looking for a Pokemon that combines raw physical bulk with high-IQ utility, this is it.
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The Meme That Won't Die: Mudkip
"So I herd u liek Mudkippz."
If you were on the internet in the mid-2000s, you couldn't escape this. Mudkip became an accidental mascot for the early web. But beyond the memes, Mudkip is actually one of the most solid starters ever designed.
Choosing Mudkip in Pokemon Ruby/Sapphire is basically "Easy Mode." Its final evolution, Swampert, is a Water/Ground type. This is one of the best defensive typings in the game because it only has one weakness: Grass. It is completely immune to Electric attacks, which is hilarious when you're fighting a Gym Leader like Wattson who relies entirely on shocking people.
The Heartbreak of Mimikyu
Then there's Mimikyu.
This is arguably the most brilliant piece of meta-commentary Game Freak has ever produced. Mimikyu is a Ghost/Fairy type that hides under a tattered, hand-drawn Pikachu costume. Why? Because it just wants to be loved. It saw how much everyone loved Pikachu and thought, "If I look like that, maybe someone will take me home."
It’s heartbreaking, honestly.
But don't let the sad backstory distract you from its lethality. Mimikyu has an ability called Disguise, which lets it take a "free hit" without losing health (though this was slightly nerfed in recent years to deal a tiny bit of damage upon breaking). This one free turn allows it to set up a Swords Dance, making it a terrifying sweeper in the late game.
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A Quick Glance at Other Notable "M" Pokemon
There are way too many to go deep on every single one, but several others deserve a shoutout for their unique roles in the franchise:
- Machamp: The original four-armed bodybuilder. It’s the gold standard for Fighting-types and has been a staple since Red and Blue.
- Mamoswine: A massive ice-age pig that is surprisingly fast. It is one of the few reliable counters to the "Dragon-type meta" because of its STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) Ice Shard.
- Marill: Once known by the fake fan-name "Pikablu," this "Aqua Rabbit" became a powerhouse once the Fairy type was introduced.
- Miraidon: The newest legend on the block. As the mascot for Pokemon Violet, this "Iron Serpent" redefined what high-speed Special Attackers look like in Generation 9.
- Meowscarada: The final form of the grass starter Sprigatito. It’s a magician cat with a 100% accuracy, always-crit move called Flower Trick. It's basically a cheat code.
The Paradox of Choice
So, why does this list matter?
Because "Pokemon that start with M" covers every single base you could possibly need.
Want a legendary that can rewrite reality? Mew.
Need a tanky wall that can't be poisoned? Metagross.
Looking for a trickster that can survive a hit? Mimikyu.
Need a literal god of the future? Miraidon.
The sheer diversity here is staggering. Most other letters have a "theme"—for example, many "S" Pokemon are fast and sleek, while many "G" Pokemon are bulky and grounded. But the "M" group is chaotic. It ranges from the smallest, most fragile spirits like Mesprit to the literal heavy metal of Melmetal.
Your Next Steps in the World of M
If you're looking to actually use these in your next playthrough or competitive ladder climb, here is what you should do:
- Check the Meta: If you're playing Scarlet/Violet, look into Meowscarada or Miraidon. Their speed tiers are currently dominating the higher ranks.
- Shiny Hunting: If you have the patience, hunting for a Shiny Metagross is a rite of passage. That silver-and-gold color scheme is widely considered one of the best in the game.
- Lore Digging: Read the Pokedex entries for Malamar if you want to see the darker side of Pokemon. It's a hypnotic squid that has some genuinely creepy lore regarding mind control.
- The Magikarp Challenge: If you’re bored, try a "Magikarp-only" run of an older game. It’s agonizing, it’s frustrating, and it’s the ultimate way to prove your status as a Master.
The letter M represents the full spectrum of the Pokemon experience: the struggle of the weak, the danger of the strong, and the mystery of the ancient. Whether you're a casual fan or a hardcore pro, you've definitely got at least one "M" Pokemon that has defined your journey.
Go check your PC boxes. Odds are, your MVP starts with M.