Ever sincePokemonGold and Silver, the Pokemon featured on the game’s cover art are the game’s signature Legendary Pokemon, with few exceptions. These Pokemon are usually the most powerful Pokemon you’re able to obtain on your journey, have a significant role in the game’s plot, and are considered the mascot of their respective game.
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It’s a staple of the series, and they are among the most prestigious Pokemon in the franchise. However, just because they make the front cover box art doesn’t mean they’re the best legendary from that game. While there are many Box Art Legendary Pokemon in the series, these are the ones that stand high above the rest.
10Zacian
Known as the Warrior Pokemon, Zacian is one of the most heroic Legendary Pokemon in the series. Zacian’s unmatched abilities in combat are famous in the Pokemon world for being able to take down any opponent with one strike of its sword, inspiring all who see it.
Its blue fur and golden armor in its crowned form give it a very royal look, and as the starring Pokemon ofPokemon Sword, one of its most distinctive features is the sword it carries by mouth, quickly making it a fan-favorite. Zacian left a great impression on Pokemon fans and has stood the test of time as one of Galar’s finest.
9Kyurem
Pokemon Black and White 2were the first true sequels in the series and the first games to feature the same Legendary on both covers. In Kyurem’s standard form, it generates ice; however, when it takes form with either Reshiram or Zekrom, it changes to their respective elements, fire or electricity.
Kyurem is a very intimidating Pokemon in all three of its forms. One of its most distinct aesthetic traits is its unevenness. The wing and horn on the right side both appear to be damaged, showcasing its toughness. Its other forms take aesthetic queues from the other Legendary Pokemon from Unova, Resiram and Zekrom. Kyurem was the first Box Art Legendary to have forms based on its fellow Legendaries, making it a very important Legendary in Pokemon history.
8Koraidon And Miraidon
Pokemon Scarlet and Violetshook things up by introducing the Box Art Legendaries at the start of the game. Before your treasure hunt begins, you are greeted by either Koraidon or Miraidon. They accompany you throughout your journey, allowing you to explore the world with their abilities, such as traveling faster, gliding through the air, and climbing up mountains.
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They also play a major role in the story of Scarlet and Violet. This gives the player a reason to care for the legendary throughout the game and makes earning new abilities for their respective legendary something to keep looking forward to.
7Giratina
The ruler of the notorious Distortion World is one of the series' best legendaries. Giratina, the mascot of Pokemon Platinum, is the third member of Sinnoh’s creation trio,created by Arceusto rule over the Pokemon world. While sometimes painted as a villain, Giratina is known to be more gentle around humans and even helped stop Team Galactic’s goal to recreate the universe.
Giratina has two different forms that, while similar, have distinct features. Giratina is naturally a dark and ominous Pokemon, fitting as the first legendary Ghost-type Pokemon. In its Altered Forme it stands on its six legs, but in its Origin Forme, native to the Distortion World, it flies around in the air and has six wings instead of two. Giratina is one of the most terrifying Legendary Pokemon worthy of being a Box Art Legendary.
6Lugia
Acting as the Guardian of the seas and the leader of the Legendary Birds,Lugia is one of the most iconic Legendary Pokemon in the series.Known for having the ability to control the weather and dispel conflicts between Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres, Lugia is a Pokemon with many responsibilities. Despite this, Lugia is rarely seen and hides under the sea to suppress its power, but it comes out when necessary.
Lugia’s wings are strong enough to cause storms that can last 40 days and tear down buildings. While it may make very few appearances, Lugia is a very graceful Pokemon that any trainer would be lucky to catch a glimpse of.
5Xerneas
The first 3D games in the series graced us with theLife Pokemon, Xerneas. While its counterpart, Yveltal, is known for destruction, Xerneas has the power to give eternal life, though if it gives out too much, it is put into a long slumber. The stark contrast between the two offer a hero vs. villain dynamic that many box art legendaries haven’t yet given.
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Given its antlers and its four-legged stance, it’s obvious that Xerneas has a great resemblance to deer. Its antlers are particularly interesting, as according to many Pokedex entries, when its antlers begin to shine in various colors, it indicates Xerneas giving its life energy. Xerneas is a great choice to represent Pokemon’s jump to 3D.
4Ho-Oh
Ho-Oh is one of the rare Pokemon whose first official appearance wasn’t in one of the games.Appearing at the end of the first episode of the anime, titled “I Choose You!”, every kid experiencing the Pokemon craze of the 90s was shocked to see a Pokemon they hadn’t seen in the games yet. While it had to wait for its video game debut, Ho-Oh delivered when Pokemon Gold came out.
Ho-Oh is known to roam across the skies and promises eternal happiness to those who encounter it while simultaneously searching for trainers with pure hearts. Its design resembles a phoenix and features various colors that complement each other wonderfully. Ho-Oh is a great Pokemon and a perfect choice to usher in the era of box art legendaries.
3Groudon
Of all the legendary Pokemon, box art or not, Groudon is easily among the most intimidating. Known for being the master of land, Groudon is a towering giant with the power to shift continents and dry up entire bodies of water. Its infamous conflicts with Kyogre are enough to putthe entire Hoenn regionat risk, showcasing how powerful the two creatures are.
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One of the most noteworthy aspects of Groudon’s design is its sheer size. When it was introduced in Ruby and Sapphire, it was the heaviest Pokemon in the series and one of the tallest. Its toughness complements its size perfectly, featuring various blades, claws, and skin that can’t even be pierced by lava. For its gritty nature, the mascot of Pokemon Ruby has remained one of the series' all-time greats.
2Suicune
The first ever legendary to be featured on a “third version” game in Pokemon was Suicune. Suicune is the water representative of the Legendary Beasts, and while Game Freak may have been playing favorites by giving Suicune their own game, it is more than deserving of the spot. Suicune is known for roaming across Johto after the Brass Tower burns down and is a major Pokemon of interest in your journey across Crystal, HeartGold, and Soul Silver. Suicune is also known to be very courageous, being the Pokemon that put out the Brass Tower fire in its game, as well as protecting Celebi in the movie Pokemon 4Ever.
Suicune has a very majestic design. Sporting primarily the color blue, it also features a purple cape, two white streamers, and various diamond markings across it, making it one of the most elegant legendary Pokemon.
1Rayquaza
A cutscene any 2000s kid would remember, Rayquaza coming down from the sky inEmeraldto end Team Magma and Aqua’s feud, forever cemented its legacy. Rayquaza is known to fly in the ozone layer without interruption and only returned to the surface when Groudon and Kyogre were put against each other.
Rayquaza’s design has become one of Pokemon’s most iconic for a reason. Boasting primarily the color green and being what is essentially a flying serpent, it is the perfect Pokemon to represent Emerald. Rayquaza has also made many other high-profile appearances, such as in the movie Destiny Deoxys and as a boss in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Rayquaza has left a major impact on the Pokemon series and is easily one of the best Legendary Pokemon of all time.
