Come away, O human child! To the waters and the wild. With a faery, hand in hand, these Fairy-types for to all command. Alright, we may not be W.B. Yeats, but Fairy-types were a marvelous addition to Pokémon with the release of Pokémon X & Y. 22 separate Pokémon were retroactively made into Fairy-types, and Charm, Moonlight, and Sweet Kiss changed move typings as well.
With their introduction, Dragon-types suddenly had a new threat and the competitive nature of the games changed forever. While Fairy-types have recently been removed from the Pokémon TCG they still play a large role in the games today, and pure Fairy-types provide serious variety that should not be ignored.
19 Cleffa
There has never remotely been a good use for Cleffa in any mainline Pokémon game. Its biggest claim to fame in a game is likely its inclusion as a trophy in Super Smash Bros. Melee, not even from its own game! Not to mention, Cleffa is responsible for one of the most annoying decks to ever be used in the Pokémon TCG: Babyporter.
Using Dark Vileplume to block Trainer cards, players then attacked with Dark Alakazam which allowed them to switch with a benched Pokémon. Players would inevitably choose Cleffa who's ability at the time forced opposing players to flip a coin to even be able to attack. Players had to rely on pure luck to attain victory while their prizes and spirits were slowly chipped away.
18 Florges
Florges is one of the only four Pokémon that evolves with a Shiny Stone. It has the highest Special Defense stat of all Fairy-types as well. The reason we're focusing on stats here is that Florges lacks any other major impacts in the world of Pokémon minus one notable deck in the Pokémon TCG where it was combined with Sawsbuck to take some notable regional placements.
17 Milcrey
Milcrey was one of the newest Pokémon to join the ranks in Pokémon Sword & Shield and has one of the most fascinating ways to evolve that has ever existed within the series. Not only do its forms change depending on which direction players spin but the time of day also affects its evolution as well. Unfortunately, these are the only notable things about Milcrey and while trainers enjoy its sweetness most want to evolve it as soon as possible.
16 Swirlix
Swirlix is one of the large selection of Pokémon that can come out of a Pokéball in Smash Bros. Ultimate. However, Swirlix is most often known for its minor appearances in the anime and games. Swirlix can join players teams in Battle Trozei and Rumble World and has its own stages in both Pokémon Picross and Pokémon Shuffle.
The reason fans likely remember Swirlix most however is as the gluttonous stewardess of the Expedition Society in Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon. Swirlix isn't about to be strong in battle by any means, but this cotton candy pup will keep being adorable for games to come.
15 Flabébé
For a series with one in its very own title, it is remarkable that Flabébé is the only Pokémon with a diacritical mark in its name. It was also the first new Fairy-type in the Pokédex when they were originally introduced. These adorable colorful flower friends are also notable for their cameos in the Detective Pikachu movie. While trainers aren't likely to use it in battle in the games itself Mairin, Grey, and Shauna all use one in the anime.
14 Aromatisse
Aromatisse was one of the new Fairy-type Pokémon that came with Generation VI. At one point it boasted Aromatic Mist as a signature move but these days others can use it to help boost an ally's Special Defense in battle. It's also the only Pokémon with a base stat total of 462! Which is a distinction. We guess. While it isn't instrumental in the real-life competitive scene, it was used by Kalos Queen Aria in the anime during her competitive reign.
13 Slurpuff
Trade a Swirlix who's holding Whipped Dream and voilà — a trainer becomes the proud owner of a Slurpuff. Then what? Minus a Belly Drum set that can easily be outclassed by other Pokémon, it has little use competitively. Fans at least have positive memories of Slurpuff from the anime where Miette used it in every Pokémon Showcase. Slurpuff was also featured in Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel as a member of one of Raleigh's team. Plus who can forget the adorable dancing scene between Slufpuff and Ash's Pikachu?
12 Comfey
Who hasn't wanted to own a living lei capable of battle? This Fairy-type holds the distinction of being the only one in the Plant egg group that isn't a Grass-type. While it doesn't pack much of a punch in battle, it does offer a strong support option in its unique move Floral Healing as well.
Outside of the games, the Comfey were a big part of the anime in the Alola region as they accompanied each Nurse Joy. Plus Brock "Drying Pan" Harrison (yes that is Brock's real last name) had his own Comfey that was kind, caring, and even helped heal a baby Kangashkan. Awwwwww!
11 Granbull
Other than Madame Muchmoney's Garnbull, this Fairy-type never really saw much relevance in the anime nor in the video games. However, in the Pokémon TCG, Granbull had tremendous popularity. The Granbull card from Lost Thunder was the basis for one of the most powerful budget decks the game has ever seen. With its extreme affordability, even players newer to the game could get a deck that could take first place at major tournaments. Players a little light on cash will always have fond memories of Granbull in their hearts.
10 Spritzee
Spritzee is incredibly bulky for not being fully evolved which has made it a metagame standard in Little Cup since its initial release. Pop on an Eviolite and that bulk become impossible to surpass for other small Pokémon. It may not have any competitive uses in the games outside of this but it has been shown to be a fierce battler in the anime. Valerie uses it in three separate major battles, two of which are gym battles, and Spritzee manages to take down at least one opponent each time.