One thing that many Pokemon fans like to do is to pour over all the fantastically designed creatures throughout the series' long, long history. Out of the many variations, types, and directions of those designs, some of the most popular and inventive ones feature Pokemon who tend to stick to their shells.
No one could blame you for assuming that pretty much all of the shelled Pokemon from the series would likely be water-types, but you’d actually be wrong! Pokemon come in all shapes and sizes and due to that, a wide variety of Pokemon types utilize shells. While some simply incorporate their shell into their design, some even come with additional abilities that utilize their shells.
10 Shellder
There are few ways better to kick off a list of shelled Pokemon than with a Pokemon that is basically all shell. Many Pokemon fans loved the first generation Shellder and its unique evolution, Cloyster. In the world of Pokemon, a Shellder’s shell is said to be so durable that it’s equivalent to diamonds in how hard it is. Apparently, people would use Shellder’s shells to create shields, though what the inhabitants of that world would need shields for is a bit of a mystery.
9 Shuckle
Shuckle is a strange little Pokemon that has managed to garner a surprising fanbase amongst the Pokemon community. It’s a vibrant creature with a worm-like design that protrudes from its bumpy red shell.
Rather than hunting for any kind of food, Shuckles are said to forage for berries and store them within their shell. The Shuckle turns the berries into a liquid and then drinks it for sustenance. Aside from that, Shuckles can also retreat into their shells for protection from threats.
8 Lapras
It can feel like there aren’t enough Lapras fans in the world to many Pokemon fans. The creature is both majestic and incredibly powerful in the right hands. As we’ve now seen Gigantamax Pokemon, we’ve found out that roughly 5,000 people are able to comfortably ride on a Gigantamax Lapras’ shell. While many people assume the shell is part of a Lapras, it is possible that a Lapras’ shell may not be naturally occurring on the creature.
7 Omastar
One of the fossil Pokemon from the first generation of the games is Omastar. It’s one of the more sinister-looking Pokemon from the first generation, which made it an easy pick for players looking to have a scary team. A rather sad fact about Omastars is that a reason for their possible extinction may have actually been their own shells. It’s been said that the shells progressively got heavier over the years, which had a significant impact on its ability to maneuver.
6 Shelmet
While many shelled Pokemon do come from the water-type line, Shelmet bucks that trend and is instead a bug-type Pokemon. The snail-like Pokemon has a shell that resembles a knight’s helmet. While the shell design is fascinating on its own, the shell actually does function as a kind of armor for the Shelmet. When in danger, the Shelmet can shut its helmet-like shell in order to negate any potential damage. Somehow, Shelmets are so skilled with their shells that parts of the shell function as legs.
5 Forretress
Forretress is one of the most uniquely designed Pokemon of the second generation. It’s not only a bug-type but also a steel-type Pokemon. It’s actually the evolved form of a Pineco, and it features a rather unique outer shell compared to many other shelled creatures. The Pokemon has a unique defense mechanism that sees it launching pieces of its shell toward its enemies. The entire shell does open when a Forretress is hunting, but only when it intends to finally latch onto its prey. Apparently, no one actually knows what the creature inside the shell looks like.
4 Clamperl
There are many Pokemon fans that tend to gravitate toward cuter Pokemon, and those people may actually love Clamperl. The shell gives it a unique look, but it also has both offensive and defensive capabilities.
It should be mentioned that Clamperls can actually produce pearls, but their shells are used for much more than housing precious gems. Clamperls actually use their defensive shells to attack their prey by clamping shut on them. In a way, that almost makes Clamperls seem a bit more sinister than they appear at a first glance.
3 Shelgon
You may be a fan of Shelgon purely because it eventually evolves into the incredible Salamence, but Shelgon is unique in its own right. Shelgon is not only shelled, but it is also a dragon-type Pokemon. While many Pokemon have shells that they simply rest inside of, it seems that a Shelgon's shell is actually a part of the Pokemon. It’s said that the creature's shell is actually a bone structure that is formed as a protective layer, almost like a kind of tough cocoon.
2 Togepi
Few shelled Pokemon are as iconic as Togepi. While its shell may not be in the same style as many of the other shelled Pokemon, Togepi stands out as a fan-favorite. As far as mascots for the series go, Togepi could have been a contender alongside Pikachu. Most Pokemon tend to use shells as some form of protection, but Togepi’s egg likely isn’t offering all that much added safety from threats. However a Togepi’s body works, it is apparently able to hide inside of its shell when threatened or when it’s trying to get some sleep.
1 Blastoise
When pretty much any Pokemon fan thinks of shelled Pokemon, it’s entirely possible that the first creature that jumps to mind is Blastoise or one of its less-powerful evolutions. For many, Squirtle was the first Pokemon they ever picked, giving its evolutionary line a special place in their heart. As far as shells go, it’s hard to argue that Blastoise doesn’t have the most visually striking thanks to the two cannons sticking out of it. While there isn’t much information on how tough the creature's shell is, it must be strong since a Blastoise can quickly hide in its shell to protect itself from danger.
