Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: The competitive meta of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet is undergoing a significant transformation with the introduction of Regulation F, welcoming both familiar and novel contenders.
Highlights
- With the unveiling of the Indigo Disk DLC, numerous Pokémon, both new and familiar, have become permissible in Regulation F, barring a few Restricted Legendary and Mythical Pokémon.
- Incineroar makes a comeback featuring its Hidden Ability, Intimidate. Trainers have the option to employ a strategic moveset including Fake Out and Parting Shot to pivot and offer defensive support to their team.
- Raging Bolt proves effective in countering the prevalent Urshifu-Rapid Strike and Tornadus duo, showcasing resistance against Water-type and Flying-type attacks, along with its potent signature move, Thunderclap.
The competitive landscape of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet is on the brink of a significant transformation. As the Indigo Disk DLC reintroduces and introduces numerous crucial Pokemon, players might find themselves grappling with a sense of inundation as Regulation E concludes its three-month tenure. Yet, with adequate readiness, ascending to the upper echelons of the rankings can undoubtedly be achievable.
The competitive scene of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet has witnessed a dynamic shift in the relevance of numerous Pokemon, making it challenging to stay abreast of the swiftly evolving metagame. As Regulation F is set to commence, here’s an overview of what to anticipate in the initial weeks and optimal strategies for its utilization.
Who Is Legal In Regulation F (Pokemon Scarlet and Violet)
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: All Pokemon featured in the Indigo Disk DLC are now permissible, excluding Restricted Legendary and Mythical Pokemon like Mew, Lugia, Dialga, and more. However, numerous other returning Legendaries, including Entei, Suicune, and Raikou, are authorized and anticipated to be in active use. Yet, there are fresh and returning Pokemon that demand trainers to intricately craft their teams in anticipation.
The Return Of Incineroar (Pokemon Scarlet and Violet)
Incineroar, the Fire and Dark-type starter Pokemon from the seventh generation, makes a return for the first time since its appearance in Sword and Shield. Recognized by the community as a dominant force in competitive Pokemon, this defensive powerhouse has been a linchpin for many trainers’ teams, especially after gaining access to its Hidden Ability, Intimidate. This ability allows Incineroar to lower the Attack stats of both opposing Pokemon, indirectly boosting the Defense stats of itself and its partner. With a base Attack stat of 115, Incineroar serves an offensive role, effortlessly taking down more fragile opponents.
Ideal companions for the Heel Pokemon include Urshifu-Rapid Strike and Rillaboom, forming the crucial Grass-Fire-Water core for secure switch-ins. Additionally, the Ghost and Fairy-type Paradox Pokemon, Flutter Mane, is anticipated to be a notable ally for Incineroar. Here is a commonly expected set that trainers will likely employ as Regulation F kicks off.
- Item: Sitrus Berry
- Ability: Intimidate
- Level: 50
- Tera Type: Grass
- EVs: 252 HP / 100 Attack / 76 Defense / 76 Special Defense / 4 Speed
- Adamant Nature
- Moves: Fake Out, Parting Shot, Flare Blitz, Knock Off
Incineroar, the Fire and Dark-type starter Pokemon from the seventh generation, makes a return for the first time since its appearance in Sword and Shield. Recognized by the community as a dominant force in competitive Pokemon, this defensive powerhouse has been a linchpin for many trainers’ teams, especially after gaining access to its Hidden Ability, Intimidate. This ability allows Incineroar to lower the Attack stats of both opposing Pokemon, indirectly boosting the Defense stats of itself and its partner. With a base Attack stat of 115, Incineroar serves an offensive role, effortlessly taking down more fragile opponents.
Ideal companions for the Heel Pokemon include Urshifu-Rapid Strike and Rillaboom, forming the crucial Grass-Fire-Water core for secure switch-ins. Additionally, the Ghost and Fairy-type Paradox Pokemon, Flutter Mane, is anticipated to be a notable ally for Incineroar. Here is a commonly expected set that trainers will likely employ as Regulation F kicks off.
The New Paradox Pokemon: Raging Bolt (Pokemon Scarlet and Violet)
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: Among the formidable combinations in Regulation E, Urshifu-Rapid Strike and Tornadus emerge as a highly potent pair, delivering both substantial offensive power and effective speed control. Interestingly, it appears that Game Freak recognized the synergistic nature of these two Legendary Pokemon, evident in the creation of the new Paradox Pokemon, Raging Bolt, which seems to have been purposefully designed to act as a countermeasure against this duo.
Being an Electric and Dragon-type, the counterpart to Raikou demonstrates resistance against both Urshifu’s Water-type moves and Tornadus’ Flying-type attacks. Its distinctive move, Thunderclap, stands as a special Electric-type version of Sucker Punch, ensuring priority if the opponent opts for a damaging attack. With an impressive base Special Attack stat of 137, this guarantees that neither Urshifu nor Tornadus can feel secure when facing it. This particular configuration is expected to gain popularity among trainers.
- Item: Leftovers
- Ability: Protosynthesis
- Level: 50
- Tera Type: Fairy
- EVs: 252 HP / 4 Defense / 180 Special Attack / 4 Special Defense / 68 Speed
- Modest Nature
- Moves: Protect, Calm Mind, Thunderclap, Dragon Pulse
Raging Bolt boasts exceptional bulkiness, and this arrangement maximizes its potent offensive and defensive attributes. By allocating 68 EVs to its Speed stat, the Pokemon can surpass all other competitively significant Pokemon in the game, provided Tailwind is in effect, with the exception of Dragapult. The move Calm Mind heightens both its Special Attack and Special Defense stats by one stage, posing a considerable threat if executed even once. The pairing of Protect and Leftovers facilitates modest yet vital recovery. Additionally, the inclusion of a Fairy Tera-Type grants it immunity to Dragon-type moves, addressing one of its limited vulnerabilities.
To round out its skill set, Dragon Pulse delivers essential Dragon-type STAB coverage to handle adversaries like Raging Bolt and other potential threats like Roaring Moon. While there’s an option to substitute it with Draco Meteor for increased damage, it’s important to note that the significant Special Attack reduction that ensues from the move can be pivotal and game-changing in specific situations.
A More Niche Pick In Smeargle (Pokemon Scarlet and Violet)
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: Experienced VGC players are familiar with the infamous second-generation Pokemon, Smeargle. Absent from the mainline series since Sun and Moon, it has now made a comeback in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. Despite having some of the lowest base stats in the game, Smeargle’s uniqueness lies in its ability to learn nearly every existing move, making it a distinctive choice for Pokemon trainers.
While this might seem potentially overpowered, the practical utility of Smeargle is limited due to its weak offensive and defensive capabilities. Additionally, the presence of Urshifu-Rapid Strike complicates its existence. The signature move of Urshifu-Rapid Strike, Surging Strikes, hits three times, breaking the Focus Sash that Smeargle relies on to remain on the field. Nevertheless, trainers can employ the following set if they aim for success with the Painter Pokemon.
- Item: Focus Sash
- Ability: Moody
- Level: 50
- Tera Type: Ghost
- EVs: 252 HP / 4 Defense / 252 Speed
- Jolly Nature
- Moves: Fake Out, Follow Me, Spore, Mortal Spin
To compensate for Smeargle’s frail stats, the inclusion of a Focus Sash is almost always essential for its sustained presence beyond a single turn. Utilizing Fake Out, which exerts consistent flinch pressure, contributes to the Pokemon’s longevity. The move Follow Me serves to redirect all single-target attacks towards Smeargle, providing a defensive shield for its partner. With the potent 100% accuracy of Spore, an inducing move for sleep, combined with the effects of Moody, Smeargle gains the potential to outpace every other Pokemon on the field and promptly induce sleep.
Mortal Spin, the signature move of Glimmora, enables Smeargle to poison both opposing Pokemon, compensating for its limited offensive power. This move also proves crucial in case of Taunt, a condition that hinders the use of non-damaging moves. Lastly, the incorporation of a Ghost Tera-Type grants Smeargle immunity against priority moves like Fake Out and Extreme Speed.
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