Pokémon based on inanimate objects have long endured an unfair reputation, struggling to move past the initial wave of skepticism. When Pokémon Black and White debuted the franchise’s fifth generation, a vocal segment of the fanbase voiced their frustration over the new creature designs. Critics argued that the Unova region’s roster felt uninspired, claiming designers were simply affixing eyes to ice cream cones and calling it a day. While it’s true that not every monster can achieve the iconic status of a Pikachu or Sprigatito, these “object” Pokémon deserve more appreciation. Many are masterfully crafted, and the concept itself has been a staple of the series since the very beginning.
When discussing the brilliance of everyday objects turned into pocket monsters, Chandelure is the quintessential example. It is, quite simply, magnificent. The final stage of the adorable Litwick line, this Ghost/Fire-type isn’t just a chandelier with a face; it’s a sophisticated reimagining of the form. Its design cleverly utilizes a stained-glass base as its focal point, while the elegant, curving arms serve as spectral limbs. Its lore is equally captivating and macabre; according to the Pokémon White Pokédex, “Being consumed in Chandelure’s flame burns up the spirit, leaving the body behind.”
Image: Game Freak/The Pokémon Company, Nintendo via Polygon
The reality is that many of the most successful object-based designs thrive within the Ghost-type category. Much like how “poisonous trash” Pokémon explore the environmental impact of human waste, object Pokémon delve into the supernatural residue left behind by the living. The idea of spirits possessing mundane artifacts provides a rich thematic foundation for unique creature concepts.
Take Drifloon, for instance—a deceptive balloon formed by drifting souls. Its Pokémon Pearl entry warns that it “tugs on the hands of children to steal them away,” though it hilariously notes that the balloon often ends up being the one dragged around. This trend of homicidal household items continues with Sinistcha from Pokémon Scarlet: “It pretends to be tea, trying to fool people into drinking it so it can drain their life-force.” While its ruse is usually unsuccessful, the underlying menace makes it fascinating.
While my preference for Ghost-types might color my perspective—finding a possessed tea set far more compelling than a generic cloud of gas—there are plenty of fantastic non-spectral objects. Consider Honedge, the living blade; Stonjourner, the walking megalith; Carkol, the industrious coal cart; or Klefki, the whimsical, key-thieving fairy.
Admittedly, not every design hits the mark. The gear-based Klink line feels somewhat pedestrian, and Bronzor is essentially just a floating ancient mirror. Sandygast, meanwhile, struggles to be truly intimidating when its primary design feature is a plastic shovel lodged in its head.
Image: TV Tokyo
However, we often overlook the simplicity of the revered Generation 1. As a millennial fan, I hold Red, Blue, and Yellow in high regard for introducing legendary icons like the original starters, Eevee, and Gyarados. Yet, Gen 1 also harbored some remarkably basic concepts.
Think of Geodude—literally a boulder with arms. Magnemite is a metallic sphere with magnets attached, and Voltorb is quite literally a Poké Ball with eyes. Much of the franchise is built on slightly embellished versions of real-world animals; if we can accept a generic dog or bird as a Pokémon, there is no reason we can’t embrace a key ring or a teapot. As we look toward Generation 10, I’m eager to see what new household items will join the Pokédex—whether they’re trying to steal my soul or just sit on my shelf.
Source: Polygon
