Skip to main content
Join The Community
- Join our community
11
Premium Benefits
24/7
Access Available
21K+
Active Members
Commenting
Join the discussion
Exclusive Articles Coming Soon
Member-only articles
Weekly Newsletters
Weekly gaming & entertainment news
Member Badges
Earn badges as you go
Exclusive Competitions
Members-only prize draws
Curated Deals Coming Soon
Tech and gaming deals worth grabbing
GET COMMUNITY ACCESS QUICK
For the quickest way to join, simply enter your email below and get access. We will send a confirmation and sign you up to our newsletter to keep you updated on all your gaming news.
By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
FIND OUT ABOUT OUR MAGAZINE
Want to subscribe to the magazine? Click the button below to find out more information.
Find out more
GET Community ACCESS QUICK

Join the GamesRadar community for quick access. Enter your email below and we'll send confirmation, and sign you up to our newsletter.

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Background
Welcome to GamesRADAR+ Community !
Hi ,

Your membership journey starts here.

Keep exploring and earning more as a member.

MY ACCOUNT

Badge picture
Earn your first badge
Read 1 article to unlock your first badge.
Keep earning badges
Explore ways to get more involved as a member.
Latest Games News

Latest Games News

Breaking gaming news and updates

Read Now
Latest Games Reviews

Latest Games Reviews

Expert verdicts on the newest releases

Read Now

See what you’ve unlocked.

Explore your membership benefits.

Explore
Member Exclusives

Stay Ahead with GamesRadar+

Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.

Explore

Sign Out
GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+
US EditionUS CA EditionCanada UK EditionUK AU EditionAustralia
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Games
    • Game Insights
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
    • Genres
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
    • Franchises
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Hardware
    • Insights
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
    • Computing
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
    • Accessories & Tech
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Game Deals
    • Tech Deals
    • TV Deals
    • Buying Guides
  • Video
    • Video
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
    • Total Film
  • home
  • Games
    • View Games
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • View Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • View Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • View TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • View Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • View Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • View Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Hardware
    • View Hardware
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • View Deals
    • Game Deals
    • Tech Deals
    • TV Deals
    • Buying Guides
  • Video
    • View Video
    • Video
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
    • Total Film
Trending
  • Crimson Desert
  • Arc Raiders
  • The Boys S5
  • Best turn-based RPGs
  • Submit your clips. Win prizes
Don't miss these
Pickmon
Survival Games Pokemon and Palworld clone Pickmon changes its name by one letter to "better align with our brand identity and lore"
Tatora, the Pokemon Champions ranked battle NPC, smiles.
Pokemon All Pokemon Champions ranks
A female, pink-haired Pokemon trainer stands victorious after a battle in Pokemon Champions.
Pokemon I spent 12 hours making a Pokemon Champions team that's caused so many forfeits I almost feel bad
Incineroar gets ready for battle in Pokemon Champions.
Pokemon The best Pokemon in Pokemon Champions
Pickmon
Survival Games Pokemon and Palworld clones are officially out of hand, as fans react to "lawsuitmaxxing" new game Pickmon
Pokemon Gold and Silver
Pokemon The best Pokemon games, ranked from worst to best
A screenshot from the Pokemon Pokopia trailer shows Ditto transformed into a human.
Pokemon 13 things I wish I knew before starting Pokemon Pokopia
Pokemon Pokopia screenshot
Pokemon Pokemon Pokopia review: "A brilliantly bizarre blend of Pokemon and Animal Crossing"
Posing with Altaria in Pokemon Pokopia with Ditto wearing a Team Rocket costume
Pokemon How to get new outfits and hairstyles in Pokemon Pokopia
A night time scenic view in Pokemon Pokopia
Pokemon How to level up environments in Pokemon Pokopia
The lighthouse in Pokopia
Pokemon Pokemon Pokopia Team Initiation Challenge and how to get every item needed
Ash holding his fist up with Pikachu on his shoulders during Pokemon the Movie: I Choose You.
Pokemon The best Pokemon movies of all time, ranked from worst to very best
Tomodachi Life living the dream screenshot showing a giant woman looking at a smaller woman
Simulation Games Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream players turn the life sim into a Pokemon game with pixel art pets
Pokemon Champions
Pokemon Pokemon Champions matches end in draws when the timer runs out, and no one can decide if that's a good thing
Lugia in Pokemon XD Gale of Darkness
Pokemon Nasty Pokemon XD Gale of Darkness Switch 2 bug that was costing players progress has been fixed
  1. Games
  2. Adventure
  3. Pokemon

The 15 most awkward, angst-ridden middle-stage Pokemon

Features
By GamesRadar Staff published 1 April 2017

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

  • Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest
  • Flipboard
  • Email
Share this article
Join the conversation
Follow us
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more


By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

You are now subscribed

Your newsletter sign-up was successful


Want to add more newsletters?

GamesRadar+

Every Friday

GamesRadar+

Your weekly update on everything you could ever want to know about the games you already love, games we know you're going to love in the near future, and tales from the communities that surround them.

GTA 6 O'clock

Every Thursday

GTA 6 O'clock

Our special GTA 6 newsletter, with breaking news, insider info, and rumor analysis from the award-winning GTA 6 O'clock experts.

Knowledge

Every Friday

Knowledge

From the creators of Edge: A weekly videogame industry newsletter with analysis from expert writers, guidance from professionals, and insight into what's on the horizon.

The Setup

Every Thursday

The Setup

Hardware nerds unite, sign up to our free tech newsletter for a weekly digest of the hottest new tech, the latest gadgets on the test bench, and much more.

Switch 2 Spotlight

Every Wednesday

Switch 2 Spotlight

Sign up to our new Switch 2 newsletter, where we bring you the latest talking points on Nintendo's new console each week, bring you up to date on the news, and recommend what games to play.

The Watchlist

Every Saturday

The Watchlist

Subscribe for a weekly digest of the movie and TV news that matters, direct to your inbox. From first-look trailers, interviews, reviews and explainers, we've got you covered.

SFX

Once a month

SFX

Get sneak previews, exclusive competitions and details of special events each month!


Join the club

Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.


An account already exists for this email address, please log in.
Subscribe to our newsletter

It isn't just humans who experience that tumultuous, teenage period of growth, angst and self-discovery. Certain Pokemon go through this transition as well. Look at any three-stage Pokemon - meaning one that has three evolutions - and you'll see a pretty clear child to teenager to adult progression happening. The child stages are typically cute with their big eyes and chubby little bodies, while the adult stages look strong and powerful. Then there are the teenage stages, those awkward middle years. Some Pokemon - such as the too-cool-for-school Wartortle - sail through this stage with style and class. Others, well, let's just say they're bit messier. Here are our top 15 picks for the most awkward middle-stage Pokemon, ranked in order of personal awkwardness. Never fear, however, as each entrant is destined for greater things in about 15 levels or so.

15. Shelgon

Most Awkward Aspect: Shelgon's shell. This Pokemon won't get anywhere in life until it learns to break out of that hard exterior. And by 'get anywhere' we of course mean 'transform into a giant freaking dragon'.

14. Vanillish

Most Awkward Aspect: Vanillish's resemblance to an ice cream cone. This in and of itself isn't all that bad. However, it does create some very awkward moments when your friend scarfs down a tasty frozen treat only to realize it was YOUR NEW POKEMON YOU MONSTER!!

Article continues below
You may like
  • Pokemon Winds and Waves Pokemon Winds and Waves Browt already has quite the fan following despite agreement that the grass starter is kinda ugly
  • Pokemon Gold and Silver The best Pokemon games, ranked from worst to best
  • Pokemon The Pokemon Day return of FireRed and LeafGreen has me reminiscing over the series' most lucrative XP farm

13. Golbat

Most Awkward Aspect: Golbat's giant, gaping mouth. Do you have any idea how many dead bugs and leaves and who-knows-what-else must be caked up inside there? I know bats eat bugs so that's not so bad, but it should really know to close its mouth while eating.

12. Gurdurr

Most Awkward Aspect: Gurdurr's bulging blood vessels. Do you think if you put your hand up to one you could feel it move? Can you see it pulsating when Gurdurr lifts that heavy girder? And why pink? That's an interesting complement to its completely grey body.

11. Sliggoo

Most Awkward Aspect: Sliggoo's gooey body. This Pokemon looks like the sort that just loves to give hugs. Too bad its slug-like body means it's going to leave a little bit of itself behind after each one. And don't expect that stuff to wash out, either.

10. Piloswine

Most Awkward Aspect: Piloswine's hair. This Pokemon's hairy body symbolizes every teenage hairstyle. It's long, shaggy, and the bangs hang down in front of its eyes. We bet its mom has to constantly brush them out of the way whenever it's time for a family photo.

Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

09. Weepinbell

Most Awkward Aspect: Weepinbell's foul mouth. How do you think Weepinbell gets around? Does it use that little hook on its head, or maybe those leaf arms? Nope, it has to be the mouth; the same mouth that drags it through the mud and the dirt and who knows what else.

08. Palpitoad

Most Awkward Aspect: Palpitoad's creepy smile. Why does it have to look so devious? Did it just play some sort of horrible prank on me, and I haven't realized it yet? I thought we were friends, Palpitaod. Also, that smile reaches a whole new level of creepy in its next form.

07. Eelektrik

Most Awkward Aspect: Eelektrik's unreadable expression. Is it supposed to be confused? Surprised? Happy? It doesn't look like it's entirely sure of what's happening right now, but would certainly appreciate it if someone could please stuff some food into its mouth.

06. Boldore

Most Awkward Aspect: Boldore's black, soulless eyes. They're the sort of eyes that make you feel as if you're sinking into the endless maw of the abyss. The yellows around them draw you in, deeper and deeper, slipping away until you until you... wait, what were we talking about?

  • 1
  • 2

Current page: Page 1

Next Page Page 2
CATEGORIES
iPhone Wii-u Nintendo Platforms Mobile Gaming
PRODUCTS
Pokemon Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire Pokemon X and Y Pokemon Conquest Pokemon Go
GamesRadar Staff
GamesRadar Staff
Social Links Navigation
The GamesRadar+ Team

GamesRadar+ was first founded in 1999, and since then has been dedicated to delivering video game-related news, reviews, previews, features, and more. Since late 2014, the website has been the online home of Total Film, SFX, Edge, and PLAY magazines, with comics site Newsarama joining the fold in 2020. Our aim as the global GamesRadar Staff team is to take you closer to the games, movies, TV shows, and comics that you love. We want to upgrade your downtime, and help you make the most of your time, money, and skills. We always aim to entertain, inform, and inspire through our mix of content - which includes news, reviews, features, tips, buying guides, and videos.

Read more
Pokemon Winds and Waves
Pokemon Pokemon Winds and Waves Browt already has quite the fan following despite agreement that the grass starter is kinda ugly
 
 
Pokemon Gold and Silver
Pokemon The best Pokemon games, ranked from worst to best
 
 
Pokemon
Pokemon The Pokemon Day return of FireRed and LeafGreen has me reminiscing over the series' most lucrative XP farm
 
 
A screenshot from the Pokemon Pokopia trailer shows Ditto transformed into a human.
Pokemon 13 things I wish I knew before starting Pokemon Pokopia
 
 
Pokemon Go Guzzlord Raid
Pokemon Pokemon Ultra Beasts are "a manifestation of my own resentment," Game Freak artist says after designs were rejected
 
 
Black Kyrum leaps against a black, lightning background, from Pokemon Black and White 2
Pokemon These five Pokemon Black & White features took a fresh approach to evolving the series, setting a new standard for gens
 
 
Latest in Pokemon
Lugia in Pokemon XD Gale of Darkness
Pokemon Nasty Pokemon XD Gale of Darkness Switch 2 bug that was costing players progress has been fixed
 
 
A female, pink-haired Pokemon trainer stands victorious after a battle in Pokemon Champions.
Pokemon I spent 12 hours making a Pokemon Champions team that's caused so many forfeits I almost feel bad
 
 
A pink-haired player punches the air in victory in Pokemon Champions.
Pokemon Does Pokemon Champions require NSO?
 
 
Pokemon Champions
Pokemon Pokemon Champions matches end in draws when the timer runs out, and no one can decide if that's a good thing
 
 
Incineroar gets ready for battle in Pokemon Champions.
Pokemon The best Pokemon in Pokemon Champions
 
 
Tatora, the Pokemon Champions ranked battle NPC, smiles.
Pokemon All Pokemon Champions ranks
 
 
Latest in Features
Mouse: P.I. For Hire screenshot featuring an enemy melting down to their skeleton
FPS Games Mouse: P.I. For Hire is great for a couple hours, fine for several more, and then a long exhausting exercise
 
 
Tomodachi Living The Dream
Simulation Games I love Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, but having no Switch 2 version is a mistake
 
 
A man on a red motorbike during one of the best sci-fi movies ever made, Akira.
Anime Movies As Akira heads back to the big screen, the anime masterpiece hasn't lost any impact almost 40 years later
 
 
The Big Preview frame for Star Wars: Galactic Racer, showing space ships flying through a white space
Racing Games Star Wars: Galactic Racer – The Big Preview
 
 
Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era key art showing a knight charging across a field, with a dragon swooping in the distance
Strategy Games Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era is leveraging player feedback to deliver the strategy RPG I've longed for since 2005
 
 
A collection of board and card games laid out on a wooden table
Board Games These are the best travel board games to take with you on vacation in 2026
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 screenshot showing two player characters
    1
    The new Dragon Ball game that everyone thought was Xenoverse 3 has finally been confirmed as Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3
  2. 2
    Ryan Reynolds has "some stuff kind of written" for Deadpool 4, but it won't be centered around himself
  3. 3
    Disney accused of "sequel erasure" after new Star Wars merchandise only covers the original trilogy and prequels
  4. 4
    Crimson Desert Kliff mocap actor says "what it lacks in narrative it more than makes up for"
  5. 5
    Link's leaked look from The Legend of Zelda movie is Twilight Princess-coded, with a bold new design choice

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • Terms and conditions
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Accessibility statement
  • Careers
  • About us
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...