Summary
Pokemon Scarlet and Violetmoved the needle significantly when it comes to introducing strong pocket monsters, as Gen 9 added some of the best critters ever seen in the series' history in the form of several Paradox Pokemon, mons like Kingambit and Dondozo, and Legendaries like Chien-Pao and Chi-Yu. This is because there were several new moves and Abilities in Gen 9 that made some Pokemon just a bit too strong, but there was also a tendency to add multiple critters with near-perfect stat distributions, such as min/maxed points into offensive stats. The base game is not where the story ended, either, and both The Teal Mask andThe Indigo Disk’s new Pokemonfurther shook up the meta, with some returning Pokemon also claiming a top spot.
Creatures like Ogerpon and Bloodmoon Ursaluna can become powerhouses under the right conditions, sweeping through enemy teams with powerful moves and type combinations. The same holds true for creatures like Archaludon or the newPokemon Scarlet and VioletGouging Fire, Raging Bolt, Iron Crown, and Iron Boulder. With such a stacked lineup of Pokemon, it’s not easy to pick and choose between some of the very best, but five critters in the current meta do shine a bit brighter.
This list of Pokemon is determined based on the double-battle Regulation F ruleset currently employed in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.
The Best Pokemon in The Indigo Disk’s Competitive Meta
Incineroar
To the surprise of no one within the competitive VGC community, Incineroar’s return immediately put it at the very top of the ladder thanks to its incredible bulk combined with one of thebest type combos inPokemongamesas well as moves that make it straight up OP. Incineroar has access to Intimidate, which reduces the Attack of every opposing Pokemon by 1 stage whenever it enters the battlefield, and with pivoting moves like U-Turn and Parting Shot, this is often guaranteed to happen twice a game or more. Incineroar also gained access to Knock Off inPokemon Scarlet and Violet, and it can also threaten meta picks like Rillaboom and Flutter Mane with Flare Blitz and Fake Out.
Tornadus
Much like Murkrow rose at thetop ofPokemon Scarlet and Violet’s metaat the very beginning of VGC tournaments for Gen 9, Tornadus is now the de facto best Tailwind setter in the game. With Prankster as its Ability and access to moves like Tailwind and Taunt, Tornadus is just a fantastic pick for most teams. Bleakwind Storm also makes it an amazing damage dealer, and it allows Tornadus to further control Speed on the field.
Rillaboom
Similar to Incineroar,Rillaboom inPokemon Scarlet and Violetis a colossal threat thanks to its access to Fake Out. On top of that, the Gen 8 starter finally got access to Grassy Glide again, which is a decently powerful Grass-type move with increased priority. Moves like Wood Hammer can help it pick up KOs at the cost of a bit of health, but it also has access to Knock Off to take out Flutter Mane and remove dangerous items from opposing critters, High Horsepower to threaten Incineroar and other Fire-types, and U-Turn to pivot into something else or out of Intimidate. Paired with an Assault Vest, Rillaboom becomes nearly unkillable.
Flutter Mane
There has rarely been an overpowered pick like Flutter Mane in the series, but this Pokemon is simply too good. Not only doesPokemon Scarlet and Violet’s Flutter Manehave a great type combo in Ghost and Fairy, but it also has a stat distribution that makes it incredibly fast and powerful, and it even comes with top-notch moves to boot. With Moonblast, Dazzling Gleam, Shadow Ball, Icy Wind, and Protect, it’s hard to even pick the best moves on Flutter Mane, and players can’t go wrong with a Booster Energy for its item.
Urshifu Rapid-Strikes
Urshifu was one of the best Gen 8 Pokemon when it came out, and it retains its status inPokemon Scarlet and Violet. Urshifu Rapid-Strikes' signature move is Surging Strikes, which hits three times and always crits, making it incredible to deal with mons weak to physical attacks or Water moves. It’s supereffective into big threats like Incineroar and Landorus, and it can also hit through Protect, making Urshifu just a bit too strong.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
WHERE TO PLAY
The school that you’ve enrolled in as you playPokémon ScarletandPokémon Violethosts a special independent study project. The theme of this assignment is “A Treasure Hunt.” Explore the world and seek out your very own treasure!Three stories will be woven into your adventure while traversing the sprawling Paldea region. Along Victory Road, you will go to Gyms in different locations to to achieve Champion Rank. On the Path of Legends, you’re able to join Arven in search of rare ingredients. And in ★ Starfall Street ★, you’ll challenge Team Star, a group of delinquents causing trouble for the school.These stories are set in an open world, so where you go is all up to you. A world teeming with Pokémon and people to meet is waiting for you—traverse the Paldea region wherever you heart desires.
