Month: October 2020

Spectrier Pre-Vis for VGC 2021

“As it dashes through the night, Spectrier absorbs the life-force of sleeping creatures. It craves silence and solitude.”

OVERVIEW

Spectrier’s role in VGC is a rather awkward one. As a Ghost Type Pokemon, it is fast, powerful, and possesses a great Ability. However, it happens to be introduced after Dragapult, who is not only faster but gets one additional STAB to work with. In a 1 v 1, Spectrier’s relatively lower Base Speed puts it at a clear disadvantage. Players are often better off just using the pseudo Legendary Pokemon instead. However, the Swift Horse Pokemon does have certain niches that Dragapult lacks. Access to Ground Type coverage puts Spectrier in a better position against both Tyranitar and Incineroar, two foes that usually trouble Dragapult. Spectrier also gets Haze and Nasty Plot for an added gameplay element, whether it be to rid the foe of their set up boosts, or to buff Spectrier’s already immense power levels.

MOVES

  1. GHOST Type STAB
    • Shadow Ball – Best non conditional GHOST Type STAB move that Spectrier can learn.
    • Hex – Decent alternative to Shadow Ball. Doubles in damage when the target is afflicted with a status condition. Best used in tandem with Will O Wisp.
  2. Coverage
    • Mud Shot – Best coverage that Spectrier can get. Allows Spectrier to hit certain foes like Incineroar harder. Best used as Max Quake.
    • Dark Pulse – Decent coverage option with a decent chance to flinch, though it overlaps slightly with Spectrier’s sole STAB. Best used as Max Darkness.
    • Hyper Beam – Hits extremely hard at the cost of requiring a recharge turn after usage. Best used as Max Strike.
  3. Utility
    • Nasty Plot – Decent option to greatly amplify Spectrier’s damage output. Allows Spectrier to adopt more bulky EV spreads.
    • Taunt – Decent option to deny unwanted setup play like Trick Room.
    • Snarl – Decent option to reduce the offensive pressure exerted by opposing Special attackers.
    • Will O Wisp – Decent option to cripple the damage output of Physical strikers. best used in tandem with Hex.
    • Haze – Decent option to quickly nullify unwanted stat drops and the foes’ accumulated stat boosts.
  4. Filler
    • Protect – Default filler that allows players to ward off Fake Out and scout for opposing intentions.

HOLD ITEMS

  1. Expert Belt
    • Decent conditional option to increase Spectrier’s damage output without incurring recoil.
  2. Choice Specs
    • Grants 1.5x Special Attack at the cost of locking Spectrier into the first move used. Best used in tandem with Tailwind support.
  3. Focus Sash
    • Decent option to help Spectrier survive a powerful hit.

SAMPLE SET

Spectrier @ Focus Sash
Ability: Grim Neigh
Level: 50
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
– Mud Shot
– Nasty Plot / Taunt
– Protect
– Shadow Ball

Speed Benchmarks:

108 Speed EVs -> Outspeed Urshifu by 1

164 Speed EVs -> Outspeed Nihilego by 1

228 Speed EVs -> Outspeed Gengar by 1

180+ Speed EVs -> Outspeed Inteleon by 1, Cinderace by 2

Damage Benchmarks:

+2 252 SpA Spectrier Shadow Ball vs. 252 HP / 164 SpD Eviolite Dusclops: 140-168 (95.2 – 114.2%) — 68.8% chance to OHKO

252 SpA Spectrier Max Quake vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Raichu: 164-194 (121.4 – 143.7%) — guaranteed OHKO

252 SpA Spectrier Max Quake vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Tapu Koko: 172-204 (117.8 – 139.7%) — guaranteed OHKO

252 SpA Spectrier Max Phantasm vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Dynamax Dragapult: 306-360 (93.2 – 109.7%) — 56.3% chance to OHKO

252 SpA Spectrier Max Phantasm vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Tornadus: 144-171 (92.9 – 110.3%) — 56.3% chance to OHKO

+1 252 SpA Spectrier Max Quake vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Dynamax Stakataka: 404-476 (120.2 – 141.6%) — guaranteed OHKO

+1 252 SpA Spectrier Max Quake vs. 52 HP / 0 SpD Shuca Berry Heatran: 194-230 (112.1 – 132.9%) — guaranteed OHKO

+1 252 SpA Spectrier Max Phantasm vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Dynamax Articuno-Galar: 360-426 (109 – 129%) — guaranteed OHKO

+1 252 SpA Spectrier Max Phantasm vs. 252 HP / 252 SpD Cresselia: 236-282 (103.9 – 124.2%) — guaranteed OHKO

+2 252 SpA Spectrier Max Quake vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Dynamax Regieleki: 464-548 (124 – 146.5%) — guaranteed OHKO

+2 252 SpA Spectrier Max Phantasm vs. 236 HP / 12 SpD Tapu Fini: 190-225 (108.5 – 128.5%) — guaranteed OHKO

+2 252 SpA Spectrier Max Phantasm vs. 172 HP / 4 SpD Assault Vest Rillaboom-Gmax: 211-250 (107.1 – 126.9%) — guaranteed OHKO

+2 252 SpA Spectrier Max Quake vs. 236 HP / 236+ SpD Incineroar: 212-250 (106 – 125%) — guaranteed OHKO

+2 252 SpA Spectrier Max Phantasm vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Dynamax Tapu Koko: 304-358 (104.1 – 122.6%) — guaranteed OHKO

+2 252 SpA Spectrier Max Quake vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Tyranitar in Sand: 180-214 (102.2 – 121.5%) — guaranteed OHKO

+2 252 SpA Spectrier Max Phantasm vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Assault Vest Dynamax Metagross: 348-410 (93 – 109.6%) — 56.3% chance to OHKO

+2 252 SpA Spectrier Max Quake vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Tyranitar in Sand: 180-214 (86.9 – 103.3%) — 18.8% chance to OHKO

+2 252 SpA Spectrier Max Phantasm vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Dynamax Landorus-Therian: 288-340 (87.2 – 103%) — 25% chance to OHKO

+3 252 SpA Spectrier Max Phantasm vs. 68 HP / 252 SpD Assault Vest Dynamax Kartana: 289-342 (101 – 119.5%) — guaranteed OHKO

+3 252 SpA Spectrier Max Phantasm vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Dynamax Zapdos-Galar: 327-385 (99 – 116.6%) — 93.8% chance to OHKO

TEAMMATES

Togekiss / Indeedee F

Considering that Spectrier loses to Dragapult in Speed, having a redirector alongside it helps keep it alive against its rival. This support can also buy Spectrier the breathing space required to set up Nasty Plot. Togekiss and Indeedee F are the more notable candidates, each resisting one of Spectrier’s Type Weakness. Togekiss helps deal with Dark Type foes like Galarian Moltres, while Indeedee F nullifies threats posed by Ghost Type adversaries. Indeedee F’s Psychic Surge also helps to block Sucker Punch and Prankster shenanigans like Thunder Wave and Taunt.

Whimsicott / Tornadus

Spectrier’s arch nemesis often necessitates the usage of Tailwind so that the Swift Horse Pokemon can land the hit in first. Tailwind also allows Spectrier to outspeed other faster foes like Regieleki and Pheromosa. Both candidates featured here carry Taunt, which is near compulsory to deny Trick Room. Whimsicott can learn Fake Tears and STAB Moonblast. The former helps increase the damage output of Spectrier and reduce its reliance on Nasty Plot for the first KO. The latter is fantastic at dealing with the Dark Type Pokemon that threaten Spectrier. Tornadus allows for riskier play, like Defiant sets that would catch Incineroar off guard. This would then allow players to run Superpower for dealing with Tyranitar.

Incineroar

Incineroar fits in nicely beside Spectrier, with Fake Out and Intimidate all valuable assets in the VGC metagame. As a Dark Type Pokemon, the Heel Pokemon is one of the best candidates to deal with threats to Spectrier. This coverage extends to managing Indeedee F, which would otherwise have neutralized Max Phantasm through Follow Me. In return, Max Phantasm lowers the Defense of vulnerable enemies so that Incineroar’s attacks do more damage.

CHECKS & COUNTERS

Galarian Moltres / Tyranitar

Galarian Moltres is arguably the biggest challenge for Spectrier to overcome, since it resists nearly everything viable in Spectrier’s arsenal. After a Nasty Plot (and/or Berserk) of its own, the Malevolent Pokemon can easily burn through Spectrier. Tyranitar, on the other hand, is particularly annoying because of the Sand that it sets up. Not only does it break a potential Focus Sash on Spectrier, it also gives Tyranitar a Special Defense boost, enough for it to survive a +2 Max Quake, trigger its Weakness Policy, and KO in retaliation with Max Darkness.

Indeedee F

Indeedee F’s immunity to Ghost Type moves works both ways, protecting from and nullifying Ghost Type moves depending on which side of the battlefield it is on. Hence, its presence as a redirector makes it a particularly troublesome matchup. It is often played alongside a Trick Room setter, where it can nullify Fake Out through the Psychic Terrain that it sets up. The propensity for it to enable Trick Room is another obstacle that Spectrier finds it hard to overcome.

Dragapult

The elephant in the room when it comes to using Spectrier is that Dragapult exists. Since both are weak to each other while Dragapult is naturally faster, a head on collision between the two usually leads to a loss for Spectrier. As a result of Dynamax, holding a Choice Scarf is not a reliable option, since Spectrier has to match modes to secure the KO on Dragapult. Likewise, the foe can easily match Tailwind.

Glastrier Pre-Vis for VGC 2021

“Glastrier has tremendous physical strength, and the mask of ice covering its face is 100 times harder than diamond.”

OVERVIEW

Ice Type has largely been a shafted existence in Pokemon VGC, better as a coverage rather than a STAB. Glastrier’s introduction in the Crown Tundra DLC has sought to rectify that. It is blessed with at least 100 in almost every Base Stat, with the exception of Special Attack (which it completely ignores) and Speed, which is low enough to be a good Trick Room abuser. In the age of Dynamax, this phenomenal bulk allows the Wild Horse Pokemon to excel as a juggernaut, with its Chilling Neigh granting it sweeping powers once it accumulates 1 KO.

MOVES

  1. ICE Type STAB
    • Icicle Crash – Best non conditional ICE Type STAB move that Glastrier can learn.
  2. Primary Coverage
    • High Horsepower – Allows Glastrier to hit ROCK, FIRE, and STEEL Type foes for super effective damage.
  3. Secondary Coverage
    • Heavy Slam – Decent option to smash ROCK, ICE, and FAIRY Type foes while utilizing the weight mechanic. Best used as Max Steelspike to give Glastrier a DEFENSE boost.
    • Smart Strike – Decent alternative to Heavy Slam to avoid missing and/or failing against Dynamax/Gigantamax targets.
    • Close Combat – Decent option to smash ROCK, ICE, and STEEL Type foes at the cost of lowering Glastrier’s DEFENSE and SP. DEF per use. Best used as Max Knuckle to give Glastrier an ATTACK boost.
    • Body Press – Decent alternative to Close Combat to avoid the weakening side effects and Intimidate drops.
  4. Filler
    • Protect – Default filler that allows players to ward off Fake Out and scout for opposing intentions.
    • Lash Out – Decent filler to abuse Intimidate and Max Move stat drops to double its Base Power.

HOLD ITEMS

  1. Weakness Policy
    • Decent option to greatly amplify Glastrier’s damage output against a super effective hit.
  2. Assault Vest
    • Grants 1.5x Special Defense at the cost of restricting the usage of Status moves. Decent option to increase Glastrier’s staying power against Special hits.
  3. Life Orb
    • Decent option to give Glastrier a guaranteed 1.3x power boost, at the cost of 10% HP per attack.

SAMPLE SET

Glastrier @ Weakness Policy / Assault Vest
Ability: Chilling Neigh
Level: 50
Brave Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
– Close Combat
– Heavy Slam
– High Horsepower
– Icicle Crash

Damage Benchmarks:

+2 52+ Atk Glastrier Icicle Crash vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Dynamax Moltres-Galar: 330-390 (100 – 118.1%) — guaranteed OHKO

+2 52+ Atk Glastrier Max Knuckle vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Dynamax Tyranitar: 416-492 (100.4 – 118.8%) — guaranteed OHKO

+1 92+ Atk Glastrier Max Quake vs. 244 HP / 252 Def Incineroar: 202-238 (100.4 – 118.4%) — guaranteed OHKO

+1 116+ Atk Glastrier Max Hailstorm vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Dynamax Zapdos-Galar: 396-468 (100.5 – 118.7%) — guaranteed OHKO

+1 116+ Atk Glastrier Max Hailstorm vs. 252 HP / 220+ Def Indeedee-F: 177-208 (100 – 117.5%) — guaranteed OHKO

+1 132+ Atk Glastrier Max Hailstorm vs. 172 HP / 4 Def Dynamax Rillaboom-Gmax: 396-468 (100.5 – 118.7%) — guaranteed OHKO

204+ Atk Glastrier Max Hailstorm vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Tapu Koko: 147-174 (100.6 – 119.1%) — guaranteed OHKO

220+ Atk Glastrier High Horsepower vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Tapu Koko: 146-172 (100 – 117.8%) — guaranteed OHKO

+1 220+ Atk Glastrier Max Knuckle vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Dynamax Tyranitar: 352-416 (100 – 118.1%) — guaranteed OHKO

228+ Atk Glastrier Max Hailstorm vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Dynamax Dragapult: 330-390 (100.6 – 118.9%) — guaranteed OHKO

-1 252+ Atk Glastrier Icicle Crash vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Tornadus: 152-182 (98 – 117.4%) — 93.8% chance to OHKO

252+ Atk Glastrier Icicle Crash vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Regieleki: 148-175 (95.4 – 112.9%) — 75% chance to OHKO

+2 252+ Atk Glastrier Max Hailstorm vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Cresselia: 225-265 (99.1 – 116.7%) — 93.8% chance to OHKO

-1 252+ Atk Glastrier Max Hailstorm vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Dynamax Landorus-Therian: 384-456 (97.9 – 116.3%) — 87.5% chance to OHKO

+2 252+ Atk Glastrier Max Quake vs. 52 HP / 0 Def Shuca Berry Dynamax Heatran: 336-396 (97.1 – 114.4%) — 81.3% chance to OHKO

+2 252+ Atk Glastrier Icicle Crash vs. 252 HP / 220+ Def Indeedee-F: 168-198 (94.9 – 111.8%) — 68.8% chance to OHKO

252+ Atk Glastrier Max Hailstorm vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Dynamax Articuno-Galar: 302-356 (91.5 – 107.8%) — 50% chance to OHKO

+2 252+ Atk Glastrier Max Quake vs. 236 HP / 4 Def Tapu Fini: 155-183 (88.5 – 104.5%) — 31.3% chance to OHKO

+2 252+ Atk Glastrier Max Knuckle vs. 68 HP / 0 Def Dynamax Kartana: 204-242 (71.3 – 84.6%) — guaranteed 2HKO

+2 252+ Atk Glastrier Max Steelspike vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Dynamax Glastrier: 282-332 (68.1 – 80.1%) — guaranteed 2HKO

+3 252+ Atk Glastrier Max Quake vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Dynamax Metagross: 350-412 (93.5 – 110.1%) — 62.5% chance to OHKO

+3 252+ Atk Glastrier Max Knuckle vs. 68 HP / 0 Def Dynamax Kartana: 256-302 (89.5 – 105.5%) — 37.5% chance to OHKO

TEAMMATES

Riolu / Pheromosa

Coaching is a pretty useful way to increase Glastrier’s damage output outside of Weakness Policy and Chilling Neigh, and the duo are two of the best Coaching learners in the metagame. Riolu offers Prankster, which helps it outspeed even when under Trick Room, as well as Feint to lift Protect. Pheromosa, on the other hand, offers naturally high Base Speed, so it often outspeed foes on its own under normal battle conditions. Its specialty over Riolu lies in Speed Swap, which frees Glastrier from the shackles of Trick Room.

Dusclops / Cresselia

As a slow Pokemon, Glastrier relies heavily on the setting up of Trick Room to perform at its maximum potential. Enter two of the best Trick Room setter in the VGC 2021 metagame. Dusclops is largely the preferred choice here, since it has access to Rock Tomb and Brick Break, both fantastic moves to trigger Glastrier’s Weakness Policy. It can also use Ally Switch to help take an incoming attack, especially a Fighting Type one that would have struck Glastrier for super effective damage. Cresselia, on the other hand, has always been one of the premier Trick Room setters in formats that it was legal in. It offers greater offensive potential than the Beckon Pokemon, with Calm Mind and Psychic all doing wonders against Fighting Type foes.

Tapu Fini

As a Physical striker, Glastrier detests having its damage output crippled by Burn. This is where Tapu Fini’s Misty Surge comes in handy. The Misty Terrain that it sets up upon entry blocks unwanted Status conditions like Burn and Sleep, which would greatly limit its effectiveness. Tapu Fini’s STAB combination comes in handy against three quarters of the Pokemon Types that strike Glastrier for super effective damage, while the Wild Horse Pokemon returns the favor by flattening Grass Type threats like Rillaboom.

CHECKS & COUNTERS

Metagross

One of the best Dynamax candidates in VGC 2021, Metagross is a fearsome roadblock to Glastrier. Thanks to its fantastic base bulk, it can easily endure a Max Quake by entering Dynamax. A battle between the two usually winds up being a war of attrition, as players would want to avoid powering up each other inadvertently.

Charizard / Entei / Heat Rotom

Glastrier’s lack of access to a Rock Type move spells trouble when facing against certain Fire Type Pokemon. Charizard and Heat Rotom, for example, are airborne, meaning that they aren’t affected by Max Quake, and can deal massive damage in return with their STAB. Charizard goes one step further and resists Max Knuckle, the next most common coverage on Glastrier after Max Steelspike, which the Flame Pokemon already resists. Entei acts as a special breed, largely due to Sacred Fire’s high chance of inflicting a Burn, even if it is vulnerable to Max Quake.

Ferrothorn

A Glastrier that lacks Fighting Type coverage could find Ferrothorn a tough nut to crack, since the latter is well known for abusing Iron Defense + Body Press shenanigans to stall out the opponent. Leech Seed stalling is a legitimate way to drag out Glastrier’s precious Dynamax turns while slowly whittling it down for a follow up Body Press. When stuck in this scenario, Glastrier players might find it easier to target Ferrothorn’s allies as much as possible to start racking up Chilling Neigh’s Attack boosts in an attempt to power through the Thorn Pod Pokemon.

Galarian Moltres Pre-Vis for VGC 2021

“The sinister aura that blazes like molten fire around this Pokémon is what inspired the name Moltres.”

OVERVIEW

Relocating to Galar has seen Moltres full embrace the Dynamax mechanic, with the doubling of HP helping the Malevolent Pokemon trigger Berserk while remaining relatively healthy. Its signature move is effectively a stronger and more accurate Rock Slide, which is itself already a very powerful move in VGC. It does lose out in terms of offensive firepower when compared to its Kantonian counterpart, but its STAB Max Moves help to make up for it. Most importantly, it deals with the early metagame defining Pokemon, Metagross really well.

MOVES

  1. DARK Type STAB
    • Fiery Wrath – Galarian Moltres’ best DARK Type STAB. Hits both foes with a 20% chance to flinch.
  2. FLYING Type STAB
    • Hurricane – Hits extremely hard with a chance to confuse at the cost of accuracy. Best used as Max Airstream.
    • Air Slash – Hits for moderate damage with a chance to flinch, with a slightly improved accuracy as compared to Hurricane.
  3. Utility
    • Taunt – Decent option to deny unwanted setup play like Trick Room.
    • Nasty Plot – Decent option to greatly amplify Galarian Moltres’ damage output. Allows Galarian Moltres to adopt more bulky EV spreads. Best used in tandem with Weakness Policy.
    • Sucker Punch – Decent option for Galarian Moltres to snipe faster foes. Best used in tandem with Weakness Policy.
  4. Filler
    • Protect – Default filler that allows players to ward off Fake Out and scout for opposing intentions.

HOLD ITEMS

  1. Weakness Policy
    • Decent option to greatly amplify Galarian Moltres’ damage output.
  2. Sitrus Berry
    • Gives 1 time recovery, which can be used to retrigger Berserk.
  3. Life Orb
    • Decent option to give Galarian Moltres a guaranteed 1.3x power boost, at the cost of 10% HP per attack.

SAMPLE SET

Moltres-Galar @ Weakness Policy
Ability: Berserk
Level: 50
Calm Nature / Modest Nature / Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
– Fiery Wrath
– Hurricane / Air Slash
– Protect
– Taunt / Nasty Plot / Sucker Punch

Damage Benchmarks:

+2 44 SpA Moltres-Galar Hurricane vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Tornadus: 156-184 (100.6 – 118.7%) — guaranteed OHKO

+2 212 SpA Moltres-Galar Fiery Wrath vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Indeedee-F: 180-212 (101.6 – 119.7%) — guaranteed OHKO

228 SpA Moltres-Galar Max Darkness vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Regieleki: 156-184 (100.6 – 118.7%) — guaranteed OHKO

+1 236 SpA Moltres-Galar Max Airstream vs. 68 HP / 252 SpD Assault Vest Kartana: 144-169 (100.6 – 118.1%) — guaranteed OHKO

+1 252 SpA Moltres-Galar Max Airstream vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Dynamax Zapdos-Galar: 326-386 (98.7 – 116.9%) — 93.8% chance to OHKO

+1 252 SpA Moltres-Galar Max Darkness vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Cresselia: 222-264 (97.7 – 116.2%) — 87.5% chance to OHKO

+2 116 SpA Moltres-Galar Max Darkness vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Dynamax Articuno-Galar: 330-390 (100 – 118.1%) — guaranteed OHKO

+2 172 SpA Moltres-Galar Max Darkness vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Dynamax Metagross: 374-444 (100 – 118.7%) — guaranteed OHKO

+2 252 SpA Moltres-Galar Max Airstream vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Landorus-Therian: 160-189 (96.9 – 114.5%) — 81.3% chance to OHKO

+2 252 SpA Moltres-Galar Max Darkness vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Dynamax Dragapult through Light Screen: 313-370 (95.4 – 112.8%) — 75% chance to OHKO

+2 252 SpA Moltres-Galar Max Airstream vs. 236 HP / 12 SpD Tapu Fini: 159-187 (90.8 – 106.8%) — 43.8% chance to OHKO

+3 116 SpA Moltres-Galar Max Airstream vs. 236 HP / 12 SpD Tapu Fini: 175-207 (100 – 118.2%) — guaranteed OHKO

+3 124 SpA Moltres-Galar Max Airstream vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Glastrier: 207-244 (100 – 117.8%) — guaranteed OHKO

+3 188 SpA Moltres-Galar Max Airstream vs. 244 HP / 148+ SpD Incineroar: 202-238 (100.4 – 118.4%) — guaranteed OHKO

+1 156+ SpA Moltres-Galar Max Airstream vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Dynamax Zapdos-Galar: 332-392 (100.6 – 118.7%) — guaranteed OHKO

+2 252+ SpA Moltres-Galar Max Airstream vs. 236 HP / 12 SpD Tapu Fini: 174-205 (99.4 – 117.1%) — 93.8% chance to OHKO

+2 252+ SpA Moltres-Galar Max Airstream vs. 172 HP / 4 SpD Assault Vest Dynamax Rillaboom-Gmax: 390-458 (98.9 – 116.2%) — 87.5% chance to OHKO

+3 252+ SpA Moltres-Galar Max Airstream vs. 68 HP / 252 SpD Assault Vest Dynamax Kartana: 265-313 (92.6 – 109.4%) — 56.3% chance to OHKO

TEAMMATES

Raichu / Togedemaru

Lightningrod + Galarian Moltres has been a strategy that has quickly seen popularity in the early days of VGC 2021, since it leaves the Malevolent Pokemon with only 2 Type Weaknesses to worry about. Raichu and Togedemaru both carry Fake Out and Nuzzle. The former buys Galarian Moltres the breathing space it needs to set up Nasty Plot, while the latter helps as a valuable form of Speed control. Togedemaru extends the service further through Zing Zap and/or Iron Head, which maximizes the chances of inflicting a flinch when combined with Fiery Wrath. This, coupled with Paralysis, can easily shut down opposing teams with some favorable RNG luck. The cherry lies in their access to Volt Switch, which can not only be used to trigger Weakness Policy but also to pivot in a better equipped ally.

Landorus Therian

Landorus Therian’s Intimidate helps immensely at shielding Galarian Moltres’ softer Physical hide. Since the Malevolent Pokemon is similarly airborne, Landorus Therian can abuse Earthquake easily without worrying about hitting its ally. Like Togedemaru, Landorus Therian can also combine with Galarian Moltres to flinch opponents, this time through Rock Slide. When combined, this duo has about a 50% chance to flinch each foe, a scarily powerful mechanic that players can exploit.

Comfey

Thanks to Triage, Comfey actually performs fantastically as an ally to Galarian Moltres. Draining Kiss triggers Weakness Policy, while Floral Healing keeps the Malevolent Pokemon healthy after triggering Berserk. This also allows players to repeatedly trigger the Special Attack boost to turn Galarian Moltres into a true juggernaut.

CHECKS & COUNTERS

Tyranitar

Tyranitar is no doubt the biggest threat to Galarian Moltres on the Physical spectrum, the Malevolent Pokemon’s weaker hide. Its Type combination allows the pseudo Legendary Pokemon to comfortably absorb any Special Max Move from Galarian Moltres, while retaliating with a super effective Max Rockfall. The Sand that the Armor Pokemon sets up acts as a further filter against Galarian Moltres’ ineffective moves.

Togekiss

While Togekiss still takes respectable damage from Max Airstream, it is the redirection capabilities that make it a hard nut to crack. Players cannot Max Darkness in peace while knowing that Togekiss can easily absorb that move. Even if it does not use Follow Me, there is nothing stopping the Jubilee Pokemon from punishing Galarian Moltres with either of its STAB, whether it be Dazzling Gleam or Max Starfall.

Tapu Koko

As a threat, Tapu Koko performs similarly to Tyranitar, but on the Special spectrum. The Electric Terrain that it sets up powers up Electric Type moves for not only itself but also its common partner in crime, Regieleki. Together, the duo not only outspeed the Malevolent Pokemon but easily combine for a KO.