The further and further the calendar heads into autumn, the more eager Pokémon fans get for the release of the Crown Tundra DLC for Pokémon Sword and Shield. With the expansion’s focus on exploration, players can expect to find a vast area chock-full of new discoveries.
Though many are understandably excited for the new Pokémon set to make an appearance, others are happy to see familiar favorites make their return. Of course, with new Pokémon comes a new competitive scene. A recent news update showed that a number of strong contenders will make their way back onto the field, so strategize accordingly before the inevitable metagame shift.
10 Swampert
With only one weakness and some handy resistances, Swampert’s strength lies in its ability to sponge incoming attacks. Its sizeable Attack stat also ensures that opponents will take some hefty damage in return from same-type attacks like Waterfall and Earthquake. Swampert has the highest HP stat of the three Hoenn starters, and through Dynamaxing, it can get even higher. However, the presence of Grass-type powerhouses like Rillaboom and Mow Rotom will likely keep this Pokémon at bay. Swampert’s return was leaked by a datamine that found files containing the starter’s Pokédex entries.
9 Dragonite
Out of all Pokémon from the original games, Dragonite deserves respect for its longevity in the competitive meta. Its main appeal comes from its incredibly diverse offensive movepool, making it unpredictable in battle.
Although its defensive capabilities are only above average, its excellent Multiscale ability mitigates damage taken from those looking to take it out early. All in all, the franchise’s first Dragon type has retained its place among the greats; its wide array of moves make it a capable fit on almost any team.
8 Tapu Koko
The guardian of Melemele Island quickly proved itself useful in Generation 7 competitive play (which is fitting when considering its impressive Speed stat). Its Electric Surge ability makes any incoming Electric-type attacks from Tapu Koko an instant threat. It also comes with a helpful secondary effect of preventing sleep, meaning opponents won’t be able to use Rest to counteract the damage taken. Though its pool of available moves lacks the diversity some other Pokémon have, it will undoubtedly prove to be a threat against the likes of Corviknight and Gyarados.
7 Suicune
Pokémon with a single type are few and far between in the competitive scene, simply due to the advantages that come with a dual typing. Water types, however, stand out with their low number of weaknesses. Combine that with solid bulk, and trainers get a strong Pokémon that stops offensive opponents in their tracks. Suicune finds ample usage as a wall for these exact reasons. While not as strong offensively when compared to its fellow Legendary Beasts, Suicune boasts much higher defensive stats. It also gains access to great support moves like Tailwind and Icy Wind, both of which place the opponent at a disadvantage in terms of speed.
6 Salamence
Salamence is an intimidating Pokémon in terms of both appearance and competitive play. It has access to powerful special attacks like Fire Blast and Draco Meteor. Alternatively, it can make use of its hefty Attack stat to dish out serious damage with Outrage.
Like most Dragon types, Salamence remains susceptible to Ice attacks; it also fares poorly against Rock with its secondary Flying type. Fortunately, its Moxie ability increases its Attack stat with each Pokémon it knocks out, making it a near-constant threat to unprepared opponents.
5 Tapu Lele
Although a few Pokémon with the Psychic-Fairy typing already exist in-game, none really live up to their potential the same way Tapu Lele does. Its Psychic Surge ability cancels priority moves like Bullet Punch and Sucker Punch while also increasing power for Psychic attacks. These, alongside an incredible Special Attack stat, make the Alolan legendary a great sweeper. And thanks to the tutor moves introduced in the Isle of Armor expansion, it will likely gain access to incredible new moves like Expanding Force and Misty Explosion. Just be sure to take care of any opposing Steel types before putting Tapu Lele to work.
4 Cresselia
One of the most notorious walls in the game, Cresselia’s defensive capabilities are second to none. Very few Pokémon with a similar HP stat have the defenses to match, yet Cresselia breaks this mold to become a near-constant presence on the field. Most trainers use the Lunar Pokémon to set up Trick Room for slower teams. It also has access to Lunar Dance, a move that fully heals a teammate at the cost of Cresselia fainting. Use this when Cresselia’s HP is low to rejuvenate a badly injured reserve Pokémon and gain the upper hand.
3 Metagross
As many veteran trainers can attest after facing Steven in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, Metagross should not be taken lightly. And not just because it’s a half-ton supercomputer! Its physical prowess, both offensively and defensively, make it a sizeable threat against unwary teams.
Its Steel typing gives it a multitude of resistances alongside an immunity to incoming Poison moves. Furthermore, its Clear Body ability ensures that opposing Pokémon can’t lower any of its stats. This means Metagross will benefit greatly from its newfound access to stat-boosting Dynamax moves.
2 Landorus
Landorus saw a ton of usage since its debut, largely due to its sheer versatility. It pulls of an interesting Ground-Flying typing very well despite the increased damage from Ice attacks. The typing grants immunity to common spread attacks like Earthquake and Discharge, enabling Landorus to sweep through teams with Electric-type partners. With a lack of proper Ground types in the meta, Landorus and its Therian Forme can expect to see a major comeback. If Dynamaxed, its same-type moves will prove even more terrifying; Max Airstream will boost its Speed while Max Quake will help its longevity against special attacks.
1 Garchomp
Even with all these veteran Pokémon making their comeback, most pale in comparison to the behemoth that is Garchomp. To say that the Mach Pokémon defines nearly every meta is an understatement. Garchomp’s popularity stems not only from its amazing stat spread, but also its access to incredible moves like Earthquake and Outrage. With the potential to Dynamax, trainers can expect this land shark to decimate its opponents like it has since Generation 4. When exploring the Crown Tundra for the first time, find this Pokémon as soon as possible. It will undoubtedly make short work of any and all Max Raid Battles.
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