The Craziest and Cutest Pokemon Rides in Pokemon Let's Go
"Out of my way! I'm a Pokemon jockey!"
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Pokémon Let's Go Pikachu and Let's Go Eevee for the Nintendo Switch is a modern re-creation of Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow for the Game Boy. There are notable changes made to present-day Kanto, and you notice a big one early in your adventure: You can no longer rent a bike.
That's OK, though. In the world of Pokémon Let's Go, bikes are for losers and punks who want to aggravate the omnipresent soul of Professor Oak by attempting to ride indoors. No, if you need to get anywhere in a hurry, you can jump on the back of select Pokémon and ride them through fields, cities, and even over water and through the skies. Riding Pokémon is one of the best things about Pokémon Let's Go.
But not all Pokémon mounts are created equal. Some are swift, while others are much slower—but they'll cradle you protectively while you travel, like the tender babe you are. Here's a list of the best, cutest, and most awesome mounts in Pokémon Let's Go. Study them, and keep dreaming of the day we'll all live in a Pokémon world.
Arcanine
Let's start with Arcanine. I haven't shut up about riding Arcanine since the earliest Pokémon Let's Go trailers demonstrated it's possible. Arcanine was my main mount for most of the game, though. It's fast, it looks cool, and oh, that mane-floof and handsome tiger-striped fur. It must be so comfortable to ride. Even its padded feet make a pleasant tap-tap-tap sound as it runs through Kanto. I've made this comparison before, but riding Arcanine in Pokémon Let's Go is indeed the Pokémon universe's equivilent to riding Aslan through Narnia's budding springtime in The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe.
Rapidash
Next: Rapidash. Yeah, it's probably not a surprise you can ride the Pokémon series' quintessential horse-beast, even though it's perpetually on fire (but since you don't get burned when you ride, that means it likes you! That's what the anime told me, anyway). Rapidash is almost (almost) as cool as Arcanine. Its fiery mane streams behind it when it runs; I like how your avatar subtly leans to the side so their face isn't buried in the horsey-scented inferno. Rapidash also goes clop-clop-clop when it gallops, like a proper horse should. Choose an appropriate name for your epic mount. I recommend "Princess."
Charizard
Charizard tops off the Fire-type mounts. While it (and select other Flying-type Pokémon) flies close to the ground on your quest to take on the Elite Four, it's allowed to soar over the treetops when you become Kanto champion. This opens a near-seamless map for you to explore from a great height, and wild Pokémon still scurry underneath you as you travel. Awwww yeah. Out of my way. Pokémon god coming through.
Rhyhorn
Believe it or not, the steadfast and steady Rhyhorn is a swift mount in Pokémon Let's Go! Then again, long-time fans of the series probably aren't surprised: Rhyhorn races are a big deal in the Pokémon universe, and the protagonist's mom in Pokémon X and Y is a champion Rhyhorn jockey herself. I just wish your avatar uses a Rhyhorn saddle in Let's Go. Look at the positioning of my (male!!) avatar's legs in the enclosed image. One sudden stop and Mom isn't getting any grandkids.
Snorlax
Snorlax is a mount in Pokémon Let's Go, and boy, does it lumber. It's still worth taking it for a ride just because you (and your companion Pokémon) cling to its belly like the young protagonists from Studio Ghibli's classic movie, My Neighbor Totoro. When you ride Snorlax, make sure to yell "OH LAWD HE COMIN" to clear your path of gawkers.
Machamp
Machamp is a slow mount as well, but rest assured nobody will mess with you when you're riding on its broad shoulders. Look at how gently it cradles Pikachu. Try not to think about how one squeeze would leave the yellow mouse looking like a stomped-on mustard packet.
Kangaskhan
Kangaskhan is another huge, slow-moving Pokémon plonks you on her shoulder like you're her parrot. Since your companion is baby-sized, it rides in Kangaskhan's pouch alongside her joey. Safety first. Officer Jenny approves.
Haunter
Finally: You can ride on Haunter. This is incredible for several reasons. First, it's jarring to see how big Haunter is when it exits its ball. Pokémon Let's Go does its best to show Pokémon in scale with the rest of the world, and Game Freak's efforts are not wasted. Second, Haunter is not what you'd call a "cuddly" Pokémon; it actively searches for human victims, and if you land afoul of one of its curses, you grow weaker by the day until you inevitably die. Third, despite Haunter's dangerous aura, your trainer avatar just crosses their arms over Haunter's head as they ride. "Yeah, I'm riding a Pokémon that steals souls on moonless nights. This one's tame, though. Go ahead and stick your hand in its mouth, you'll see."
Want to know more about ride-on Pokémon? Sure you do. Visit our guides for Pokémon Let's Go Eevee and Let's Go Pikachu for tons of information, hints, and tips about the games.