★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (2024)

Incineroar, Rillaboom, and Scarf Urshifu-Rapid-Strike ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (1) ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (2) ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (3) is a fantastic Balance pivoting core where each pokemon covers each other's weaknesses. Can put pressure on the majority of the meta and difficult to check. Core also brings a lot of support for the rest of the team, in damage reduction, Fake out, pivoting, and having a fast nuke option that can break down a lot of the meta. The core of Incineroar, Rillaboom, and Scarf Urshifu-Rapid-Strike ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (4) ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (5) ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (6) creates a lot of free turns through this and why you'll usually find Gholdengo ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (7) or Kingambit ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (8) on those teams, very effective set up pokemon that can wreck teams on their own.

I've also seen variants use Amoonguss ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (9) over Rillaboom ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (10) who brings redirection, healing, and sleep. It is especially strong this format because Incineroar ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (11) has the ability to knock off opposing safety goggles and consistently force out grass types (apart from Ogerpon-Wellspring ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (12) who Amoonguss ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (13) can beat anyway). This change makes set up easier, as well as helps with the Raging Bolt ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (14) and Archaludon ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (15) matchup. This is done by protecting Urshifu from their strong electric moves and safely putting them to sleep, retreating to regenerate off the damage. Dragons in general are a threat to the aforementioned core due to how well they can take the hits and slowly break their team with support.

Speaking of Raging Bolt ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (16), it has shown time and time again that it's here to stay, having a great matchup into the Incineroar, Rillaboom, Urshifu-Rapid-Strike ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (17) ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (18) ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (19) Balance core, or in other words, the revolving door. Raging Bolt ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (20) is also a threat to the still ever-present Tornadus Urshifu-Rapid-Strike ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (21) ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (22) lead, meaning it can fix quite a few holes in teams. I believe its struggling more as Landorus ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (23) rises in popularity with the duo though.

Landorus-I ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (24) can't be seen as a solid niche pick anymore, because it's now a meta staple! Landorus ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (25) rose in popularity in Regulation E alongside Gholengo ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (26), due to the ability to check it and be it's best offensive partner, putting pressure on the handful of Make It Rain resists teams had. But a big issue it was facing was the dominance of Landorus-T ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (27). Took up too many spots and Landorus-I ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (28) had a hard time finding a place in the meta. Now that Incineroar ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (29) is available, It's the far more dominant Intimidator and not only brings Landorus ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (30) significantly less competition, but also brings it another target. Both Incineroar ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (31) and ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (32) are the best DLC pokemon added, and both get deleted off the field by Landorus ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (33). In fact, almost half of the meta is hit super effectively by the Earth Power Sludge Bomb combination.

You may have noticed that the two pokemon above have one bad matchup in common...Chien-Pao ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (34). Chien-Pao ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (35) seems to have become a huge sleeper pick as more people gravitate away from it due to the newly added Incineroar ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (36). But people really forget how much Chien-Pao can actually hit in this meta, it is the ultimate 1v1 pokemon and a great support option simply by being on the field due to due to sword of ruin. Out of my personal top 20, in a 1v1 situation, ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (37) beats; Incineroar ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (38), Flutter Mane ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (39), Rillaboom ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (40), opposing Chien-Pao ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (41) (technically), Gholdengo ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (42), Tornadus ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (43), Ogerpon-Wellspring ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (44), Kingambit ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (45), Urshifu-Single-Strike ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (46), Landorus-I ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (47), Raging Bolt ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (48), Landorus-T ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (49), Roaring Moon, ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (50), Whimsicott ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (51), Iron Bundle ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (52). That's 75% of the meta that Chien-Pao: is capable of annihilating. I know this doesn't directly correlate to meta matchup, as a double up or something like intimidate changing the outcome of the matchup, however this is still an insane feat. Chien-Pao ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (53) by itself is a ridiculous pokemon, and what further boosts it is how well it can pair up with pokemon who appreciate the extra boost. Urshifu-Rapid-Strike, ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (54), Rillaboom ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (55), Ogerpon-Wellspring ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (56), Iron Hearthflame, ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (57), etc.

A cool pokemon I'd like to mention that has received hate is Gouging Fire ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (58). Both it's supportive movepool consisting of Breaking Swipe, Howl, Snarl, and even Dragon Tail, as well as Offensive movepool with Dragon Dance, Heat Crash/Flare Blitz, Dragon Claw/Scale Shot, Stomping Tantrum, Stone Miss, Crunch, etc look pretty good. It even has recovery in morning sun if it wants it. Pokemon has ridiculous amount of bulk to pull off the sets, being bulkier than Kingambit ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (59) and relative bulk to Intimidate Landorus-T ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (60) for example. What stands out the most though, has to be its signature move. Burning Bulwark has the downside of not protecting you from parting shot or spore (its two best items answer the two, so you'll only have to watch out for one), but burns with contact, like spiky shield. Making Iron Hands ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (61), Rillaboom ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (62), Chien-Pao ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (63), Ogerpon-Wellspring ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (64), Kingambit ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (65), Landorus-T ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (66), Roaring Moon ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (67), etc second guess before attacking you, as one wrong read can lead to a practically useless pokemon on their side, is incredible. Support sets can stick on the field and neutralise Incineroar ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (68) switch ins with Howl, or cripple special attackers like Gholdengo ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (69) and Flutter Mane ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (70) with Snarl. Dragon Dance sets also pose a threat, being able to 1v1 the majority of the meta and have an even easier time setting up with Fake out and redirection support. It's also a good way to make up for Gouging Fire ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (71)'s rather underwhelming speed tier, making it outspeed this like Roaring Moon ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (72) and Adamant Chien-Pao ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (73) when you invest. Gouging Fire ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (74) does notably face issues as you'll probably sacrifice your Incineroar ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (75) slot in the building process, and Clear Amulet sets can be pinned by Fake out spore if you're not careful. I think it's a very cool pokemon and felt I needed to explain what it fulfils further.

A relatively unorthodox pick I've seen on ladder a few times is Rocky Helmet Latias ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (76). Its typing is poor into Flutter Mane ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (77) and Chien-Pao ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (78), but walls Urshifu-Rapid-Strike ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (79), Iron Hands ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (80), High Horsepower Rillaboom ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (81), and the popular Ogerpon ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (82) formes. Packs damage reduction and a great overall stab in Mist Ball and has the Draco Meteor nuke option. Has Tailwind, Breaking Swipe, Helping Hand, Recover, and Dragon Cheer as solid support moves. Latios ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (83) also looks like it can preform the same set, sacrificing bulk for power. Or even just an all out offensive set, since it wields all the coverage you could possibly ask for and a good speed tier. Though I think the Offensive sets will be much more niche as many pokemon can replicate it.

Pelipper Archaludon ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (84) ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (85) has been a popular archetype since Day 1, as Archaludon ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (86) being able to spam an electric type Meteor Beam is absolutely ridiculous, allows for more defensive EV spreads with as little as Special Attack as 36 Modest. As most of these teams run Urshifu-Rapid-Strike ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (87), Self Surging Strikes or Self U-turn is effective for stamina boosts, making Archaludon wall the majority of the meta. It can also run Stalwart on some niche teams, ignoring Amoonguss ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (88) or Ogerpon-Wellspring ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (89) from stopping what it can do best. Not to mention Archaludon ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (90) has a superb defensive typing and when paired with Incineroar ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (91) and Amoonguss ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (92) it can really stick on the field, setting up to one shot your entire team. Its poor Special Defense unfortunately locks it into Assault Vest as an item to not be annihilated by Flutter Mane ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (93), but not many want to go for Fake out and give you a stamina boost. I don't expect this archetype to ever be bad this Regulation however I do expect it to fall off a bit after new toy syndrome dies down.

Porygon2 ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (94) and Farigiraf ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (95) Trick Room is seeing success right now, Incineroar ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (96) being a fantastic enabler that can also parting shot into your sweepers to not waste valuable TR turns. I've seen the standard Ursalunas ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (97), ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (98), Kingambit ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (99), and Torkoal ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (100). But something that piques my interest is Araquanid ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (101). One of the slowest pokemon available and with water bubble, can 2hko even resists. Only a handful of pokemon live a Tera Water Wave Crash and even those may have a bad matchup into Araquanid ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (102), such as Amoonguss ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (103) who falls victim to Substitute. I think these teams are doing pretty well right now, especially because they function as Semi-Room compositions and have a strong Balance mode.

Lastly, I'd like to cover Indeedee ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (104) Psyspam, which is much better right now. The trick room variants now have access to Hatterene ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (105), who is harder to stop, as you can't call your matchup fine because of a dark type anymore. Even Incineroar who can stomach 3 or so hits struggles to do much due to Hatterene ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (106)'s Magic Bounce. The duo does now begin to find issues into Gholdengo ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (107) if Hatterene ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (108) doesn't run Mystical Fire. That's not all though! With the Indigo Disk, Armarouge ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (109) has gained access to Meteor Beam and now Incineroar ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (110) isn't a reliable answer but set up fodder for Armarouge ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (111). Life Orb was bad? Now imagine facing it at +1, wow. Indeedee ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (112) has become even more versatile now that Expanding Force also spread to fast threats outside of Trick room. Iron Crown ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (113) has been terrorising the ladder, giving Psyspam a new light. However, I don't think these Iron Crown ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (114) teams are very good, in fact, I consider Iron Valiant ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (115) the better Expanding Force user right now. This is because of how versatile it can be when you look at its supportive movepool, and having a more consistent option of hitting Incineroar ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (116) and Kingambit ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (117) (ohkoing with Helping Hand). The two are some of the most popular pokemon and Iron Crown ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (118) not bring able to damage them or relying on Focus Blast is a bad look. Iron Crown ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (119) is also fundamentally not a reliable pokemon, the two pokemon it wants to snipe with Tacheon Cutter just outspeed and ohko it, and it struggles to play into a lot of the top pokemon right now (the previously mentioned Incineroar ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (120) and Kingambit ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (121), Gholdengo ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (122), Ogerpon-Hearthflame ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (123), Landorus-I★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (124), Roaring Moon ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (125), etc). While Iron Valiant ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (126)'s extra speed and superior offensive typing let it best the majority of said picks. Not to say Valiant ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (127) is without issues either, it's bulk is very underwhelming and struggles to damage Gholdengo ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (128) or Rillaboom ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (129), and this is one of the only teams it can actually work so I can see it as a niche pick.

To end it off, here's my personal top 30 pokemon right now

1. Incineroar ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (130)
2. Flutter Mane ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (131)
3. Amoonguss ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (132)
4. Iron Hands ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (133)
5. Urshifu-Rapid-Strike ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (134)
6. Rillaboom ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (135)
7. Chien-Pao ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (136)
8. Gholdengo ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (137)
9. Tornadus ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (138)
10. Ogerpon-Wellspring ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (139)
11. Kingambit ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (140)
12. Landorus-I ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (141)
13. Urshifu ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (142)
14. Raging Bolt ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (143)
15. Ogerpon-Hearthflame ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (144)
16. Roaring Moon ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (145)
17. Landorus-T ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (146)
18. Whimsicott ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (147)
19. Iron Bundle ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (148)
20. Farigiraf ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (149)
21. Porygon2 ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (150)
22. Archaludon ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (151)
23. Dondozo ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (152)
24. Dragonite ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (153)
25. Regidrago ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (154)
26. Tatsugiri ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (155)
27. Glimmora ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (156)
28. Pelipper ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (157)
29. Indeedee ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (158)
30. Walking Wake ★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (159)

★ - VGC 2024 Regulation F Metagame Discussion (2024)

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