Utility Pokémon are those that contribute to multiple roles for the team. These Pokémon can sometimes fulfil different tasks, but usually they specialise in one job. Some examples are: catchers, Pokémon whose sole purpose is to make captures as easy as possible through the use of different moves like spore and false swipe; mobility Pokémon, those that help while exploring the world thanks to the different HMs they can learn, like swimmers (surf, waterfall, dive, whirlpool); synchronizers, through the use of the ability synchronize, useful when we need a specific nature on a Pokémon...

These roles usually give a different perspective to some Pokémon that one may not be used to train, giving them a purpose beyond regular battles. Their access to specific move and ability combinations makes them worth investing energy in, as they will ease some tedious tasks for you and probably save you a lot of time.

1. Terminology.

In this guide, multiple names will be used to refer to different roles or Pokémon. If you are new to the concept of utility Pokémon, check out this list:

• Elite 4 cleaner: a Pokémon that is optimised to beat the elite 4 (and champion) of that game without much trouble. These Pokémon are usually glass cannons with a move pool that covers almost all the types present in the league.
• Thief: a Pokémon that steals items from wild Pokémon through the use of the move thief, usually paired with compound eyes to boost the chance of said item appearing.
• Explorer/Swimmer/Airplane: a Pokémon that helps with mobility through the game thanks to having access to multiple HMs, like fly, strength, rock smash, flash, rock climb, surf, waterfall, dive, defog, and whirlwind. This also includes other moves like teleport or dig.
• Healer: a Pokémon that gets access to multiple moves to heal the team, like aromatherapy, soft-boiled, or milk drink.
• Escape: some wild Pokémon have a chance to run away from the battle or directly do so in the first turn of battle. These Pokémon can be found in generation 2, although there's some that continue appearing in later generations, like the roaming legendaries. The main strategy against these, is the move mean look.
• Hatcher: a Pokémon with the ability flame body or magma armor, that helps to halve the steps needed to hatch an egg. Access to multiple HMs is also a bonus.
• Fisher: a Pokémon that makes fishing easier through the use of suction cups or sticky hold.

2. Generation 2.

2.1. Smeargle - The jack-of-all-trades.

Smeargle is a very versatile Pokémon thanks to sketch's copy capabilities, especially in a generation where your options are not very diverse. Due to the lack of double battles, getting Smeargle to learn moves can be a more tedious task. But this doesn't mean that it's impossible, as there is an easy workaround.

First, you will need to have in your team the Smeargle that you want to prepare and whichever Pokémon has the moves you want to teach Smeargle. In this example, we will make a Smeargle with spore, super fang, false swipe, and mean look.

The spot where the strategy will take place is in the area where Smeargle appears in the wild (Ruins of Alph, through one of the Union cave exits). You will need your Pokémon to be fast enough to outspeed it. Find a Smeargle and follow the next steps:

1. Send out your first Pokémon (Parasect in this case) and use your preferred move (spore). The wild Smeargle will sketch your move.
2. Switch your Pokémon with the Smeargle you want to train. The wild one will use the copied move. In this case, it's recommended equipping it with a mint berry to wake up after getting targeted by spore.
3. Make your Smeargle use sketch, copying the move the wild Smeargle just used. You will now have access to that move.

Repeat this process as many times as needed. Remember that Smeargle learns sketch again every 10 levels (1, 11, 21, 31, 41, etc), as long as it doesn't know it currently. If you decide to go for spore, keep using spore until the wild Smeargle wakes up and gets a chance to throw sketch, it still will be able to grab spore even if it fails. It's also useful to catch the wild Smeargle that kept your copied move, to have some backups and alternatives. Here are some example sets Smeargle can use:

Remember that these sets can be easily created for the following generations, with some additions and upgrades.

2.2. Jynx - Escape catcher.

Some Pokémon in the Generation 2 games have the ability to run away from the battle, just like the roaming legendaries. Unlike them, they won't try to escape all the time; it will depend on the Pokémon species. The best way to keep them in check is by using a move that traps them.

The best and safest move to use in this situation is mean look. The wild Pokémon will not be able to escape as long as you keep your mean look-user in battle. But we still need a move that will put the Pokémon to sleep in order to catch it, and there aren't many Pokémon that have a trapping/sleep combination. The list gets narrowed down to the Gengar and Jynx evolution lines. These are the only Pokémon that know both mean look and a move to make the opponent fall asleep. Between the two, Jynx wins the race with its 75 accuracy lovely kiss, beating Gengar's hypnosis at 60 accuracy with a notable difference.

This is a list of the Pokémon that have a chance to flee (which can be found in the wild):

There's also some species that can't appear in the wild but still have this mechanic programmed:

2.3. Parasect - Catcher.

Thanks to the lack of abilities in this generation, Parasect can fit the role of catcher without having to worry about effect spore. It gets access to false swipe thanks to the egg moves passed down by a Scyther, and spore by level up. It's the most effective combination of moves available for catching, although on a weak Pokémon (stats-wise), so train it as much as possible.

2.4. Lanturn / Azumarill - Swimmer.

Lanturn and Azumarill get access to surf, waterfall, and whirlpool, which make them perfect for a swimmer role. They also get different tools to traverse through caves. Lanturn gets access to flash, while Azumarill gets strength. You can choose any of them, depending on your preference.

2.5. Dragonite - Airplane / Swimmer

Dragonite's HM versatility lets it do the job of a swimmer too, while also boasting some other extra moves. It is very useful if you only want to use one Pokémon to travel around.

2.6. Gengar / Alakazam - Elite 4 cleaner

Both Gengar and Alakazam can easily sweep through the elite 4's and champion's teams with no effort. With these sets, you can be sure that every single Pokémon will be hit by super-effective damage (except Umbreon and Houndoom). Gengar has a slightly lower special attack, which is considerably compensated by having access to thunderbolt in GSC, while Alakazam only gets thunder punch. They can still break through their defenses like a hot knife on butter. The items are there just to give you a boost if you feel like it. Don't forget to maximise the stats.

3. Generation 3.

3.1. Butterfree - Thief (Emerald only)

Butterfree's ability compound eyes increases by 50% the chance for wild Pokémon to be carrying items, as well as the accuracy of the moves during battle. This, paired with the move thief, can make your farming runs much easier. You can also add sleep powder, which will have 97% accuracy, just in case you ever need to catch something in a pinch, and flash, which is the only HM it can learn.

3.2. Metagross - Elite 4 cleaner (Ruby/Sapphire)

Metagross stats and move pool can make your runs through the Elite 4 feel like a breeze. Its clear body ability lets it shrug off all the intimidates that you can find, protecting it from hindering its attack. This moveset lets you knock out any Pokémon they have in one hit, if used correctly. The nature ensures a high enough special attack without lowering the attack or speed. You won't be getting hit, so the defense or special defense isn't that important, especially because it will be at level 100. Maximise the EVs in both attack and special attack.

The never-melt ice guarantees the kill on Steven's Skarmory using ice punch, even if your IVs are low.

3.3. Metagross - Elite 4 cleaner (Emerald)

Much like the Ruby/Sapphire Metagross set, but this time adding psychic instead of earthquake to be able to defeat new foes like Ludicolo. The rest should work almost the same, using the best moves on each occasion (for example, remember that Milotic is a special tank, so you should use shadow ball instead of psychic).

3.4. Gengar / Dragonite - Elite 4 cleaner (Fire red/Leaf green)

This Gengar set works similarly to the one for Generation 2. Ice and fire punch may be a bit more difficult to get, as you need to trade Gengar to Emerald in order to teach them it. Full special attack to one-hit everything, and 252 EVs in special defense in case Tyranitar survives thunderbolt (will most likely use crunch and then spam potions).

If you don't have access to Emerald's move tutors, Dragonite can still work as a cheaper option. It doesn't have as much power as Gengar, and lacks access to psychic, but it can still do the work. Ice beam and flamethrower get less PP than their punch counterparts, so keep an eye on those or use a PP up.

Legendaries are being kept away in this article, but if you still want to use one, Mewtwo (with thunderbolt, ice beam, flamethrower, and psychic) will work the same way as Gengar, with much more power.

3.5. Breloom / Parasect / Smeargle - Catcher (sleep)

Breloom and Parasect have the useful combination of spore and false swipe, as well as swords dance in case some boost is needed. Their drawback is their effect spore ability, which has the chance to be problematic if the target makes a contact move. Smeargle, on the other hand, doesn't have to worry about that and gets access to other useful moves like super fang to quickly lower down the HP to half or ingrain and recover to keep Smeargle healthy during long encounters. Ingrain paired with leftovers can make for a very reliable passive recovery against strong legendaries.

Breloom can be easily obtained in the Hoenn games, while Parasect would work as a counterpart in the Kanto games. Smeargle's versatility makes it a very strong alternative that can surpass the other two in multiple scenarios. Other useful moves for Smeargle are substitute, sweet scent, foresight (to hit ghosts with false swipe), and mean look. Another strategy worth mentioning is the use of the move recycle with a leppa berry, which gives you access to an infinite amount of PP.

3.6. Zangoose - Catcher (paralyze)

Zangoose is the only Pokémon in generation 3 that gets access to both thunder wave (through move tutor) and false swipe. Paralysing is not as effective as sleep, but this is the best alternative against Pokémon with the ability insomnia or vital spirit, especially paired with taunt.

If you feel that Zangoose has enough attacking power, you can always swap swords dance with refresh by purifying a shadow Zangoose from XD: Gale of Darkness and trading it into your GBA. This move can be helpful with some targets that may inflict a status condition, like poison or burn. But this is more of a vanity in most scenarios.

3.7. Golduck - Damp catcher

Golduck's damp ability blocks the use of self-destruct and explosion from the wild Pokémon. It learns hypnosis, which is its main move for this role. Waterfall, surf, and rock smash are there to help with mobility, although you can always swap them for other HMs like strength, flash, and dive. Wide lens give a small boost of accuracy to hypnosis, but don't expect it to connect a lot more. You can teach it seismic toss if you have a specific strategy or target in mind, although it's not a reliable damage input for general purposes.

3.8. Meowth - EV trainer and pickup

Meowth is the only Pokémon that gets access to pay day and the pickup ability. By using pay day to EV train your low-level Pokémon, you will be receiving 500 money at the end of each battle. Pair it with pickup, and you will also be obtaining items after some battles, or you could choose to get more money by equipping it with amulet coin instead.

3.9. Gardevoir / Alakazam / Umbreon - Synchronizer (Emerald only)

This set lets Gardevoir be able to act somewhat as a catcher, as well as get itself out of the way quickly with memento (while also reducing the target's stats). Ralts is not a common Pokémon to find, but if you're getting memento, you will already be making eggs for it, which will not be as tedious as finding them in the wild.

As an alternative, if you're not interested in memento and want to speed things up, Abra can be easily obtained in bulk in the game corner from FireRed and LeafGreen for only 180 and 120 coins respectively. The only drawback is having to trade it.

Umbreon can also fill a different role inside the group of synchronizers, as it gets access to baton pass, which lets it set up mean look on behalf of the catcher. It also learns taunt, which can be handy in some situations.

3.10. Blissey / Miltank - Healer

This one is very straight-forward, use soft-boiled to heal your team, and aromatherapy or heal bell to remove their status conditions. It's useful if you don't usually carry healing items. Miltank works in the same way, but with milk drink.

On a side note, it's only in this generation where you can get a Clefable or a Togetic with soft-boiled, thanks to FireRed/LeafGreen and Emerald's move tutors, and although they don't learn aromatherapy or heal bell here, they get access to heal bell thanks to move tutors in HGSS. If you are a shiny hunter, you like rare Pokémon, and you want to have a one-of-a-kind healer, get yourself a shiny Togepi from the egg you get gifted in the Sevii Islands, teach it soft-boiled, and bring it to generation 4 to have the whole healing set, although it's understandable if you don't like to transfer them up.

3.11. Ludicolo / Golduck - Swimmer / Explorer

Both Ludicolo and Golduck are among the Pokémon that learn the most HMs, so it's no surprise they can take on this role. You can find both in Hoenn, but for Kanto, Golduck is the only one available without trading. These two have a good synergy with the next Pokémon on the list.

3.12. Tropius - Airplane / Explorer

Tropius gets access to the two HMs that the previous Ludicolo and Golduck didn't have access to, fly and cut. It still gets access to rock smash, strength, and flash, so you can always make it learn the two moves that the previous swimmer didn't learn. For example, a good combination in Hoenn would be Tropius with fly, cut, rock smash, and strength, along with Golduck with surf, waterfall, dive, and flash, covering all the possibilities with only two Pokémon.

3.13. Camerupt - Hatcher (Emerald only)

Magma armor halves the number of steps that an egg needs to hatch. This effect was added in Emerald. Camerupt also has a few useful moves under its sleeve: strength, rock smash, and dig. They can be of help in some situations if you don't have your regular explorer on your team.

3.14. Shedinja - Recoil catcher

Shedinja's ghost type lets it avoid all the recoil damage moves that exist in this generation (submission, take down, and double edge). It's the only Pokémon with this trait that also learns false swipe, so it can work as a catcher against some Pokémon that can't deal any damage to it thanks to wonder guard.

To ensure it learns the moves it needs, make sure your Nincada learns false swipe at level 25 and evolves at that same level. That way, the newly evolved Ninjask will want to learn swords dance, which, due to a bug, will also appear in Shedinja's moveset.

3.15. Octillery - Fisher

Suction cups makes Pokémon more likely to fall for the bait while fishing. Octillery's access to multiple water-relatted HMs is perfect for this role. Other alternatives to this are Swalot, Muk, and Cradily, although they don't get as many useful moves as this one.

3.16. Delcatty / Clefable - Cute charm (Emerald only)

If you lead with a Pokémon with cute charm, wild Pokémon will be of the opposite gender 66.67% of the time. Sadly, the cute charm users available have a 25/75 gender ratio, so it may require a bit more work to find a male version of them. Either way, both Delcatty and Clefable also get some useful moves like sing, heal bell (as a Skitty), or soft-boiled (through move tutor). They also get access to some HMs that may come in handy. Wigglytuff has cute charm too, but it doesn't have as many interesting moves as the previous choices.

3.17. Rhydon - Lightning rod (Emerald only)

Lightning rod makes your PokéNav contacts more likely to call you. This ability is especially useful with Rhydon, as it gets access to multiple mobility HMs, specifically surf. Another alternative to this could be Marowak, but with a different role as a catcher, as it gets access to false swipe, swords dance, and sing (through purification in XD: Gale of Darkness).

4. Generation 4.

4.1. Torterra / Garchomp - Elite 4 cleaner (Diamond and Pearl)

Torterra will hit with super-effective damage almost every Pokémon from the league, except Bronzong, but it won't cause much problem. On the other hand, Garchomp can sweep through each team using almost the same two moves most of the time. Overall, this Elite 4 isn't too difficult, especially without new rematch teams.

4.2. Dragonite / Garchomp - Elite 4 cleaner (Platinum)

Sinnoh's elite 4 gets more difficult due to Platinum's new rematch teams, so you have to be more careful. Dragonite can easily sweep through this, getting rid of Scizor and Gliscor easily thanks to fire and ice punch respectively. They won't cause many problems in general, but I still recommend using PP-up just in case. Garchomp theoretically could also fill the same role, but it lacks the moves needed to knock out some Pokémon in one hit, so beware.

4.3. Dragonite - Elite 4 cleaner (Heart gold and Soul silver)

This elite 4 also gets a stronger team for a rematch, but the previous Dragonite can still easily cut through their Pokémon with ease. Same strategy as before; the only Pokémon that may not be knocked out in one hit are Bronzong, Lance's Gyarados, and Lance's Charizard (he has two Pokémon with intimidate), but they won't be a problem.

4.4. Breloom / Smeargle - Catcher (sleep)

In this generation, Breloom gets access to a new ability, poison heal, which, paired with the toxic orb, will let you regenerate HP each turn without taking poison damage. A tool that helps Breloom with passive recovery as well as getting rid of its unfortunate effect spore ability.

Smeargle works the same as in previous generations. Keep in mind other moves like substitute, sweet scent, foresight, recycle (leppa berry), and mean look.

4.5. Bibarel / Golduck - Swimmer / Explorer

Although Empoleon is the Pokémon that can learn the most HMs in the Sinnoh games, Bibarel is much easier to find. It can work both as a swimmer and as an explorer, as it is thankfully only one HM away from Empoleon, which gives it a lot of versatility.

Golduck can also fulfil the same role in case you're playing in Heart Gold or Soul Silver, as it will be easier to find than Bibarel, although it doesn't have access to cut.

4.6. Tropius / Dragonite - Airplane / Explorer

Tropius also gets access to a high amount of HMs, which can pair well with Bibarel, as it can learn the only two moves that Bibarel can't (fly and defog). A good combination would be Tropius with fly, defog, cut, and rock smash, along with a Bibarel or a Golduck that knows surf, waterfall, rock climb, and strength.

Dragonite can be an easy alternative for HGSS, as it can also take on the role of a swimmer if needed (defog isn't an HM there).

4.7. Absol - Catcher (paralyze)

Zangoose has lost the ability to learn thunder wave in this generation, even if the move is a TM now. The only way to obtain it is by trading it from generation 3. Hence, the need for a new set brings us to Absol, which gets the exact same set as Zangoose (although without its false swipe STAB).

4.8. Camerupt / Magmar - Hatcher

Both Camerupt and Magmar get access to some HMs, although the availability of each of them depends on the game you're playing. You can also go with Magcargo, which only gets access to strength and rock smash.

4.8. Clefable - Cute charm

Clefable is easily obtainable in Sinnoh. In HGSS, it can only be found in the safari, or Kanto. It's still the best option for a cute charmer. It loses soft-boiled through the generation shift but still has access to aromatherapy and heal bell. DO NOT shiny hunt while using a Pokémon with cute charm in this generation, as it will mess up the odds due to a glitch.

4.9. Gastrodon / Octillery / Muk - Fisher

Due to a typo in the game's code, suction cups and sticky hold don't work in Diamond and Pearl. So the only generation 4 games that get access to this are Platinum, and Heart Gold, and Soul Silver. Luckily, the Pokémon needed aren't too difficult to find, although Platinum has an advantage.

Gastrodon appears very early on in the adventure and has access to multiple HMs that make it a perfect swimmer and explorer. Octillery, on the other hand, is more difficult to find. Remoraid only appears on swarms (post-league) and in the Pokéwalker (White Lake and Beyond the Sea). So if you don't have access to either of those, you may want to choose Muk for this role, as Grimer appears in the HGSS Safari Zone. All of them get access to some HMs that will help during the adventure.

4.10. Blissey / Miltank - Healer

Same set as in generation 3, there is not much more to explain; use soft-boiled or milk drink to heal the HP of your team; and use aromatherapy or heal bell to cure altered status effects. If you are interested in more obscure and rare Pokémon as a healer, check the previous generation 3 healer section for more information.

4.11. Gardevoir / Alakazam / Umbreon - Synchronizer

Once again, Abra can be easily obtained in HGSS through the game corner, although it's not too uncommon in Sinnoh either.

Same Umbreon set as before. Can pass mean look through baton pass.

4.12. Xatu - Synchronizer / Airplane

Xatu has the combination of being a synchronizer and being able to learn fly. It is useful if you need to move around a lot. It also gets access to thunder wave in case you need to catch something with it.

4.13. Meowth - EV trainer and pickup

Meowth is still the only Pokémon that gets access to pay day and the pickup ability. By using pay day to EV train your low-level Pokémon, you will be receiving 500 money at the end of each battle. Pair it with pickup, and you will also be obtaining items after some battles, or you could choose to get more money by equipping it with amulet coin instead.

4.14. Butterfree / Dustox - Thief

Dustox is the easiest thief to obtain in Sinnoh, while Butterfree appears very early on in Johto. Sadly, Dustox doesn't get any sleeping moves, but the best alternative only appears after the league (Butterfree, Yanma).

5. Generation 5.

5.1. Gallade - Elite 4 cleaner (Black and White)

Gallade gets the perfect moves to hit almost everything in the league with super-effective damage. There are a few things that will mess with your runs, but they are nothing to worry about. Mienshao and Liepard's fake out will always hit you, but it doesn't matter, as steadfast will get a damage boost out of it. Krookodile's intimidate will lower the attack, but it's not a problem. Drifblim will be able to hit you with aftermath, Sharpedo with rough skin, and Sawk will always survive a hit due to sturdy, but they are not dangerous.

Don't use any contact moves on Chandelure, it has flame body, and it can burn Gallade.

5.2. Gallade - Elite 4 cleaner (Black 2 and White 2)

Same set as before, but this time it should be able to beat everything without any problem. Keep in mind the same stuff; Drifblim's aftermath, Liepard and Mienshao's fake out boost, Krookodile's intimidate, and Sawk's sturdy. Watch out for Iris' Haxorus, as it's wearing a focus sash and will survive at least one hit, and it knows guillotine.

5.3. Breloom / Smeargle - Catcher (sleep)

Breloom and Smeargle will work the same way as before. This time, Smeargle only appears as a swarm in Black and White, while Shroomish appears in Black as a swarm, and Breloom can appear in the wild in Black 2 and White 2 (hidden grotto only).

Keep in mind other moves for Smeargle, like substitute, sweet scent, foresight, recycle (leppa berry), and mean look.

5.4. Basculin - Swimmer

Basculin gets access to all three water-related HMs, and it's a commonly found Pokémon. There isn't much more to say about Baculin; it does its job cleanly and without problems.

5.5. Beartic - Swimmer / Explorer

Beartic can learn other useful moves that Basculin can't, like strength and dig. It can be a useful Pokémon, as long as you're not planning to go into any waterfalls.

5.6. Golurk - Airplane / Explorer

Yes, you have heard right; this thing can learn fly. But it isn't too surprising if you know how it turns into a rocket in the anime. Either way, it has good synergy with Basculin, as these are the only two HMs missing from its set, and also gets access to flash.

5.7. Galvantula / Butterfree - Thief

Galvantula also gets access to compound eye, which gives the wild Pokémon a higher chance of having an item. It's easily obtainable in both games during the adventure, and also learns flash. Butterfree can still be found later on if you prefer access to sleep powder. It can also learn roost with a move tutor (Black 2 and White 2 only).

5.8. Lillipup / Meowth - Pickup

Lillipup appears very early on in the adventure, so it's a guaranteed source of items right at the start of the game. It can be further improved in Black 2 and White 2 by teaching it covet, a move that works the same way as thief, although it's not necessary. In these two games, you get access to a Meowth trade, which you can use to get a better one with pickup as an ability and its egg move hypnosis. It also learns thief, taunt, and cut. But its most important move is pay day, as it will also let it work as an EV trainer, obtaining money after each battle.

5.9. Volcarona - Hatcher

Volcarona has flame body and can learn fly. You don't need much more from a hatcher; the mobility it gives is enough. You can quickly fly to the battle subway, where you can leave your character running by just leaving one button pressed. Other easily found Pokémon that get the same ability are Chandelure's evolution line, although they can't learn any HMs.

5.10. Musharna / Alakazam / Umbreon - Synchronizer

Munna can be found very early on in the adventure and can play the role of a synchronizer without trouble. It also learns hypnosis at a decently low level to be able to catch things. Alakazam can be obtained later on, but it only gets access to teleport as an extra.

Same Umbreon set as before. Can pass mean look through baton pass.

5.11. Cinccino / Clefable - Cute charm

Cinccino is available easily during the story, while Clefable can be obtained close to the end of it. Clefable's advantage over Cinccino's early appearance is having access to multiple other support moves.

5.12. Octillery / Muk - Fisher

The earliest Pokémon you can find that can work as a fisher is Trubbish, but you receive the fishing rod after the league, so it won't matter; you will only get to use it when there are better options available, like Octillery and Muk.

5.13. Blissey / Miltank - Healer

Same set as in Generations 3-4, there is not much more to explain; use soft-boiled or milk drink to heal the HP of your team; and use aromatherapy or heal bell to cure altered status effects. If you are interested in more obscure and rare Pokémon as a healer, check the Generation 3 healer section for more information.

5.14. Bisharp - Catcher (paralyze)

Although Absol can still fill this task like in the previous generation, Bisharp is a much easier-to-find alternative in Unova. It also surprisingly gets access to mean look through egg moves, thanks to Sableye.