Step foot into the Digital World, and you’ll encounter funny little creatures known asDigimon, Digital Monsters. If you were lucky enough to witness a strange phenomenon on Earth, you might even get the chance to be chosen as a DigiDestined. This is where you are destined to change the course of both Earth and the Digital World.
Unlike Pokemon, Digimon always revert to their rookie forms after a large battle. This means they are almost always the forms you see in the anime as their default stages. So, which rookie Digimon are the most memorable? Here are the best rookies of them all.
10Palmon
A Tearful Goodbye
Out of all the original Digimon partners, one would think Gabumon is the second most memorable. However, Palmon deserves plenty of attention as well. She is the last of the original crew to get introduced and the last one to get to say goodbye.
It’s because of that goodbye that Palmon remains at the top of that tier list, as she doesn’t have the courage to say it till the very end. As Mimi searches for her, she almost doesn’t get a chance to part ways. Yet Palmon shows up at the last minute,allowing viewers to breathe a sigh of relief.
9Veemon
Heroic And Comedic
Veemon is one of the spunkiest rookie Digimon of them all. Always willing to fight, assist with romance, and jump into the action, Veemon is just as much of a hothead as his partner, Davis. Veemon is one of the most memorable rookies of Digimon Adventure 02.
There’s always something aboutmore humanoid-looking Digimonthat makes them extra relatable. Veemon comes off as a goofy and positive child, always willing to cheer up those around him. He also goes along with whatever idea Davis comes up with and embodies both friendship and courage.
8Wormon
Seeing The Best In Ken
Wormon may be on the villain’s side during the first part of Digimon Adventure 02, but there’s a very good reason for that. The Digimon Emperor, also known as Ken, wasn’t always as heartless as he is portrayed in the earlier episodes.
He originally embodies the crest of kindness with Wormon as his partner Digimon. After Ken’s corruption, Wormon sticks by his side and even sacrifices himself during the final battle between the Emperor and the DigiDestined. This sacrifice causes Ken to go searching for him once again to make up for everything that he has done.
7Renamon
A Mature Rookie
Renamon is one of the most unique rookie Digimon ever portrayed. Despite being in the same stage as Guilmon and Terriermon, Renamon feels more mature than all the other rookies. She always seems like the only adult in a room full of children. However, her quest for power still shows that Renamon has plenty to learn. After all, Digimon are more than just tools to get stronger.
Renamon is partnered with Rika in Digimon Tamers due to their mutual goal of getting stronger. Despite their relationship seeming completely professional during the early stages of the anime, their bond is much stronger than it seems. Only when Rika admits that she loves Renamon can she Digivolve further.
6Patamon
A Little Dude With Plenty Of Potential
Patamon is an interesting rookie Digimon since he mostly stays in that form unless the stakes are pretty high. Partnered up with TK, Patamon seems like the most defenseless of all the other rookie Digimon. However, he can Digivolve into Angemon to face off against evil.
After finally getting his time to shine as Angemon, he dies and is reborn as an egg. Patamon is also the last one to reach an ultimate form, with his mega form first being revealed during Digimon The Movie. Patamon is also one of the only original Digimon to be capable of Armor Digivolving using a Digiegg in Digimon Adventure 02.
5Tentomon
A Good Dynamic Between Partner And Digimon
Tentomon is the only bug in the group, but you won’t want him to bug off. He is intelligent but also a bit emotional. This is a great contrast to his partner Izzy, who can focus more on calculations than on the emotional state of those around him.
This bond allows Izzy to open up more about how he feels about his friends, his home life, and the battles that loom ahead. Aside from having words of wisdom to hand out, Tentomon has one of the best designs. It only goes uphill from there. Each Digivolution has a cooler design than the one that came before.
4Terriermon
Always Taking It Easy, With No Worries
Terriermon is almost like the Eevee of the Digimon universe. It’s a cute Digimon that appears in plenty of the franchise’s marketing, and for good reason. This big-eared rabbit is not only adorable but also has a memorable catchphrase. This is Momentai, which means to take it easy.
Terriermon appeared as Willis’ partner Digimon in the iconic Digimon movie. Another one also appeared in Digimon Tamers as Henry’s playful partner. They can usually seem aloof, but get ready for battle when they finally Digivolve.
3Guilmon
An OC Digimon
Guilmon may seem like an Agumon clone, but that’s because he’s literally based on him. In the world of Tamers, Digimon Adventure is nothing more than an anime and a card game. Takato takes inspiration from this to draw his very own Digimon.
He comes up with a dinosaur Digimon, with a heat breath stronger than Agumon’s, filling that similar archetype. When Takato’s Digivice scans the drawings, it brings Guilomon to life as his new partner. Let’s face it, which Digimon fan wouldn’t love it if their OC Digimon came to life and joined them on adventures?
2Impmon
One Of The Strongest Digimon Story Arcs
When you get down to it, there aren’t many rookie Digimon that have goals of their own. They usually complement the personality of their human partners. Impmon is one of the best rookies due to his quest for power, mistakes while achieving his goal, and a final epiphany that allows him to get what he wanted all along.
Impmon just wants to Digivolve. This goal results in him turning his back on the DigiDestined and even killing Jeri’s partner, Leomon. His journey is filled with regret and redemption as he finally makes amends with his tamers and grows as a character.
1Agumon
The Face Of Digimon
Agumon is the most iconic rookie Digimon of them all. So much so that there are multiple versions of Agumon scattered throughout the Digital World. This includes samurai Agumon, black Agumons, and even some made out of blocks.
The most iconic Agumon of them all is Tai’s partner Digimon from the original Digimon Adventure. Yet, this isn’t the only Agumon to take center stage, as another one with a mighty punch is one of the leads in Digimon.
