Eevee, the most versatile Pokémon of all, has eight evolutions so far. Every fan has their favorite Eeveelution, but some definitely outrank others

Eevee is, without a doubt, the most versatile Pokémon in the franchise. A timeless concept and a winning design make it not only one of the most iconic Pokémon of Generation I, but of the franchise as a whole. It currently has eight different evolutions, each one a different type. Affectionately known by fans as "Eeveelutions," these eight Pokémon are beloved fan-favorites.

Each of these Pokémon has its fair share of charms and advantages, thus explaining their overwhelming popularity among the community. However, objectively speaking, some Eeveelutions are better than others, whether because of their typing, their stat distribution, or their effectiveness in their home region.

8 Glaceon

Without a doubt, Ice is one of the lamest types in Pokémon. It has four weaknesses and only resists itself. Ice Pokémon are Super Effective against four types, including the overpowered Dragon, but that's not enough to make up for their many liabilities. With this in mind, it's easy to understand why Glaceon is the worst of the Eeveelutions. It is definitely in the upper-tier of Ice-types, and its design perfectly captures the chilly essence of icy Pokémon, but it's still no competition for its fellow Eeveelutions.

Furthermore, Eevee evolves into Glaceon while leveling up near an Ice Rock, which usually hides in the late game's routes. For example, in Sun & Moon, the Ice Rock lies in Mount Lanakila, the last place players visit before the Pokémon League. Glaceon is therefore unavailable for most of the playthrough, and players never get to use it properly.

7 Leafeon

Generation IV usually has some of the best Pokémon in the franchise, but it dropped the ball with its Eeveelutions. There's nothing inherently wrong with Leafeon, in all fairness. It's a decent Pokémon and one of the upper-tier Grass-types in Sinnoh. However, as a pure Grass-type, it has to deal with a whopping five weaknesses while being Super Effective against three types only.

In the Sinnoh League, Leafeon is Super Effective against one Gym Leader, Wake, and one Elite Four member, Bertha, but weak against Candace's Ice-types and Aaron's Bugs. What's more, any strengths that it has against Bertha or Wake, Torterra--an overall better Grass-type--also has. Leafeon is one of the best-designed Eeveelutions, successfully combining the Grass elements with the line's trademark sleek design, but that's not enough to grant it a spot on a Sinnoh playthrough.

6 Jolteon

Jolteon might have the most to-the-point design out of all the Eeveelutions. An inspired combination between a coyote and a chain of lightning, this yellow Pokémon breaks traditions with the Eeveelutions' traditionally sleek design. In terms of battle prowess, its typing's innate characteristics leave it with only one weakness, Ground, and three resistances, including the overpowered Steel-type.

However, Jolteon loses points for its effectiveness in its home region. Jolteon is only Super Effective against Water-type Gym Leader Misty, and not many players will have access to an Eevee or the Thunder Stone to evolve it by that point in the game. It will also be effective against Lance's Gyarados but neutral against every other of his mighty dragons. Furthermore, Jolteon will be weak against Giovanni's Ground-types, adding another con to this otherwise impressive Pokémon.

5 Flareon

Out of all the Eeveelutions, Flareon is the one that looks the least like one. Perhaps it's the tufts of fluffy fur that surround its neck and tail that make it stand so much; indeed, most other Eeveelutions have little to no visible hair. However, ironically, Flareon also looks like the most logical progression for Eevee, on top of being one of the cutest Fire-type Pokémon.

In terms of typing, Flareon's pure Fire-type leaves it with three weaknesses and four advantages. In the Indigo League, Flareon is weak against the first two Gym Leaders, but no player will have a Flareon at that point in the game. In the latter part of the story, Flareon will fare well against Erika's Grass-types and Lorelai's Ice-types but underperform against Giovanni's Ground Pokémon. Flareon is not the worst option for a Kanto playthrough, but it is certainly not the best.

4 Vaporeon

The honor for the best of Kanto's Eeveelutions goes to Vaporeon. For starters, it's the best Eeveelution in terms of design, successfully incorporating the aquatic elements without overwhelming, thus maintaining a polished look (no wonder it often ranks among the cutest Water-types in Pokémon). Secondly, Water is a tremendously beneficial type, being Super Effective against three types and resisting four, while only being weak against two.

Talking about the Indigo League, Vaporeon will come in handy against Blaine and Giovanni, thanks to its primary Water-typing. On top of that, it will excel against Erika and Lance, thanks to its ability to learn Ice-type moves. Vaporeon is everything a player could want from an Eeveelution: it's cute, fierce, versatile, and worthy of a spot in any playthrough.

3 Espeon

Design-wise, Espeon is the simplest Eeveelution, by far. However, it still looks very much like one of Eevee's successors. Espeon is elegant, smooth, arguably the most delicate-looking of the Eeveelutions. Its appearance is just an act because, once engaged in battle, it becomes clear this Pokémon is more than capable. The Psychic-type is one of the strongest in the games. Even after a considerable nerf in Gen II, it remains one of the franchise's best. Logically, any Eeveelution with the type will become top-tier almost instantly.

Indeed, Espeon is a Special Attack beast, and its 110 Speed guarantees it will almost always go first. Espeon will hit fast and very hard, as long as the player goes for the right Special attack. When it comes to the Johto League, Espeon will excel against one Gym Leader, Chuck, and two Elite Four Members, Koga and Bruno. It will also be weak against Morty's Ghosts and Karen's Dark-types, but the benefits outweigh the cons.

2 Sylveon

As the first-ever Fairy Pokémon to debut, Sylveon is one of the type's top representatives, synonymous with its might. In terms of design, Sylveon is the most overwhelming of Eevee's progressions. It's also the runner-up for the one that looks less like an Eeveelution, second only to Flareon. But what Sylveon lacks in cohesiveness, it makes up for in strength and utility.

A player could win all of Pokémon X & Y using only a Starter and Sylveon. In fact, three of Diantha's team are weak to Fairy, meaning Sylveon could go in and OHKO half of the Champions team. On top of that, Sylveon will be Super Effective against Gym Leader Korrina and the Elite Four's Drasna. Without a doubt, Sylveon is one of Kalos' most overpowered Pokémon and a proud carrier of the Eevee torch.

1 Umbreon

When it comes to Eeveelutions, Umbreon reigns supreme. None of its siblings even come close to its level of popularity. Umbreon came in fifth place in the 2020 Pokémon of the Year poll, proving how beloved it is among the community. It's easy to understand why it's so popular. Its design is straightforward but effective, the perfect representation of what an Eeveelution design should be. Plus, the combination of black and yellow makes it instantly memorable, especially among the other monochromatic Eeveelutions.

Umbreon will have a balanced performance in the Johto League. It will be Super Effective against Ghost-type specialist Morty and Elite Four Will, but weak against Gym Leader Chuck and Elite Four member Bruno, both Fighting-type specialists. Overall, Umbreon is an ideal tank for any team while also adding a touch of darkness. It may not be the strongest of the Eeveelutions, but it is the ultimate one.

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