Pokémon Sword & Shield: 8 Pokémon To Dominate Multiplayer

Excadrill is a bit of a glass cannon; in previous generations it easily fell prey to faster Pokémon thanks to its middling speed and low defenses, despite its high offensive capabilities. There are a few ways around this, such as Choice Scarf sets, but changes in Sword and Shield give it more (and better) options to outspeed opponents. Excadrill is often run as a Rapid Spin user, a move that removes stage hazards like Spikes and Stealth Rocks, which damage Pokémon when they switch in. In the past this was a weak move with limited use, but now it also boosts the user's speed by one stage, so it now allows Excadrill to get rid of stage hazards and set itself up to start sweeping opponents at the same time.

Dynamaxing also offers new opportunities to Excadrill, particularly the ability to set up sandstorms by using Max Rockfall. Sandstorms are key to two of Excadrill's abilities - boosting its speed if it has Sand Rush, or multiplying the damage of its rock, steel and ground type moves if it has Sand Force. Like Mudsdale, it can also shore up its defences with Max Steelspike and Max Quake, giving it more longevity once its Dynamax ends.