Pokémon Sword & Shield: 8 Pokémon To Dominate Multiplayer
Do you want to be the very best, like no one ever was?
Pokémon Sword and Shield are finally here, and despite the Dexit controversy, Poké-fans around the world have been digging into the new games.
But after you've conquered Galar's gym challenge, caught 'em all and explored everything the region has to offer, you're left with the real challenge: facing off against other players to prove you're the greatest trainer in the REAL world.
With a more restricted Pokédex, the competitive scene for the 8th generation games is shaping up to be very different to past ones, with old favourites shelved and a whole host of new Pokémon there to take their place, as well as old Pokémon which have gained new uses thanks to added moves and items. To help get you started in destroying your opposition, these are some of the most useful Pokémon to have on your team when heading into battle.
Before you jump into competitive, you should brush up on some of the deeper Pokémon mechanics you might not have encountered before - make sure you understand EVs, IVs and Natures before you build your ultimate team.
All caught up? Then meet your new best friends in monster battling...
8. Zacian
The main legendary of Pokémon Sword, Zacian is a force to be reckoned with. As well as having high base attack and speed stats, Zacian's signature ability Intrepid Sword boosts its attack by one stage when it enters the battle, giving it massive physical attacking power right off the bat. This can be boosted even further if you give it a Choice Band as its held item, which adds a further attack boost at the cost of only being able to use the first move it executes each time you send it out. With this combination alongside its high speed stat, Zacian is a formidable physical threat.
Zacian has plenty of other options, too. Swap out the Choice Band for a Choice Scarf to exchange raw power for speed, or hand it a Rusted Sword to change it into its powerful Crowned Sword form, which boasts higher stats, an added Steel typing and the powerful Behmoth Blade move which deals double damage against Dynamaxed or Gigantamaxed Pokémon.
It's worth noting that it's as yet unconfirmed whether Zacian or its co-legendary Zamazenta will be allowed in official Pokémon tournaments given their enormous power, but if Zacian is allowed in it'll be a powerful asset to your team.