What is a good in-game team for Sword and Shield?

Share your best in-game teams forPokemon SwordandShieldon this thread! Teams should be aimed toward making casual runs of the game efficient, enjoyable and hassle-free.

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Here is the team I used to play Shield. Everything on it is obtainable in Sword too. I designed it to have at least one Pokemon that resists each type, so you have a switch-in to any anticipated attack. I hope you like it!RILLABOOM@ Miracle Seed / Assault VestAbility: Overgrow- Drum Beating- Earthquake- U-Turn- Taunt / Knock Off / Bulk Up / Body Press

I built around Grookey for my in-game team. This Pokémon has a very solid early-game movepool, including Taunt and Knock Off, and supplies strong Grass-type STAB throughout the game, making fights against Nessa and Gordie very simple. Rillaboom has an excellent movepool and will make use of the many TMs and TRs you gain throughout the adventure. I chose to use Ground-type coverage on my Rillaboom, which helps it against Steel and Fire-type opponents. U-Turn uses Rillaboom’s good Speed to deal some chip damage while switching into an ally. Be creative with the last moveslot; Rillaboom has plenty of coverage options and utility moves to contribute to the team, depending on which TRs you get.CORVIKNIGHT@ Rocky Helmet / Sharp BeakAbility: Pressure- Brave Bird / Drill Peck- Iron Head- U-Turn / Body Press- Hone Claws / Bulk Up

Rookidee is a great early-game partner for Grookey, as it can break through the common Grass and Bug-type Pokémon that Grookey isn’t effective against. Early access to Dark-type moves like Payback rounds out your coverage for the opening stages of the adventure. Corviknight’s Flying STAB gets good neutral coverage of most in-game opponents and Gym Leaders. Corvisquire gains its Steel type just in time for the battle against Opal. Corviknight becomes a defensive backbone for the team, as its natural bulk and part-Steel typing allows it to resist a range of threats, including Eternatus and Raihan’s Pokémon. Hone Claws gives Corviknight an offensive edge, and U-Turn can facilitate switches between team members.OBSTAGOON@ Silk ScarfAbility: Guts- Obstruct- Headbutt / Double Edge- Night Slash / Throat Chop- Hone Claws / Gunk Shot / Cross Chop / Close Combat

Zigzagoon fills out the team with dependable Normal-type damage, hitting many targets throughout the story for neutral damage. Linoone is a very strong second-stage form; its Headbutt OHKOs many targets, and flinches the rest. Obstagoon has perfect neutral coverage on its STABs due to its part-Dark typing, which itself comes in handy against Allister and Bede. It also has a great movepool, with options to compliment both its offensive and defensive prowess. Obstruct helps scout for coverage while creating an opening to hit back, while Hone Claws, Gunk Shot and Close Combat are just some of the offensive moves that make Obstagoon such a versatile attacker. (Cross Chop comes from the move relearner!)CENTISKORCH@ Silver Powder / Muscle BandAbility: Flash Fire- Fire Lash- Lunge / Leech Life- Coil- Crunch / Will-O-Wisp

Sizzlipede is tough to find, with an encounter rate of 1% on Route 3. However, it will immediately prove its worth by sweeping Milo’s team using its STAB moves. Together with Obstagoon, Centiskorch renders each battle with Bede trivial. It also has an advantage against Bea, Opal, Melony and Piers, as well as Kabu if you catch one with Flash Fire. Coil is a strong move you get access to early and turns Centiskorch into an unbreakable wall against certain opponents, including multiple Gym Leaders. Crunch is an option that helps you hit more targets for super-effective damage, while Will-O-Wisp makes Centiskorch tankier. I recommend using some TRs for STAB on Centiskorch, as it learns Fire Lash and Lunge quite late.TOXTRICITY@ MagnetAbility: Punk Rock- Poison Jab- Overdrive- Nuzzle- Acid Spray / Boomburst

Toxel becomes catchable in the Wild Area after you beat Nessa, and evolves very soon afterward. Toxtricity goes on to be the sole special attacker of the team; though in actual fact, it’s more than capable as a mixed attacker as well. Poison Jab lets Toxtricity wipe out Fairy-type Pokémon, and you’ll make use of Spark in the early stages of the playthrough as well. Elsewhere, Nuzzle is like an upgraded Thunder Wave, crippling difficult opponents and helping you catch Pokémon more easily. Acid Spray is one of my favourite attacks, as its Special Defence drop lets you offload a massively-powerful, Punk Rock boosted Overdrive onto your opponent. This combo, or alternatively Boomburst, makes Toxtricity a great way to brute-force Dynamax opponents.RUNERIGUS@ LeftoversAbility: Wandering Spirit- Earthquake- Phantom Force / Shadow Claw- Will-O-Wisp- Disable

You can add Yamask to your team and evolve it in the Wild Area before fighting Bea or Allister. Especially against Bea, Runerigus is a great asset thanks to its champion bulk and defensive typing, which grants it multiple immunities and renders many in-game opponents helpless. Will-O-Wisp turns your Pokémon into a blanket check against nearly any physical attacker in the game, including Dynamax opponents. Ghost and Ground STABs help Runerigus capitalise against opponents that are weak to it. Disable can stop your opponent from breaking through with super-effective attacks, while Runerigus slowly recovers health using Leftovers (which you can find infinitely on wild Munchlax).

This is a team I’m planning to use for my run of Pokémon Sword, but it works just as well in Pokémon Shield as well. It doesn’t use a starter as I’m not really a fan of any of them this gen, but it has a Grass/Fire/Water-trio so you could easily swap out one of them for your starter.

Cinccinofound as Minccino in Rolling FieldsAbility:Technician

Cinccino works well as this team’s physical sweeper with a varied movepool of multi-hit moves which, even though Skill Link is a hidden ability, it still gets Technician which powers up each hit. This means that even if the move only hits twice, the total power is 75, and if it hits 5 times, it’s 187.5. Thief is a coverage move which is also boosted by Technician.

Coalossalfound as Rolycoly in the Galar MineAbility:Steam Engine

Coalossal is a bulky tank with a great offensive movepool. Rock Slide and Flamethrower are STAB, Earthquake and Body Press are for coverage. Body Press also hits very hard as Coalossal’s Defense stat is very high.

Whimsicottfound as a Cottonee in the Stony WildernessAbility:Prankster

Whimsicott offers fast support thanks to its speed and Prankster ability. Giga Drain is STAB and recovery, Moonblast is also STAB. Leech Seed and Stun Spore works well to cripple and stall out some more threatening foes, but there are other alternatives such as Tailwind and Cotton Guard.

Sigilyphfound in the Stony WildernessAbility:Magic Guard

Sigilyph is probably one of the most underrated Pokémon in the entire dex. Its stats are great for a special sweeper, its ability is amazing, and it can utilize a very powerful strategy. Stored Power works together with Cosmic Power to set up for a sweep. Cosmic Power increases its defenses while powering up Stored Power with each use. Psychic is STAB for when you just want a quick KO without setting up and Air Slash is also STAB.

Lucariofound as Riolu in Giant’s CapAbility:Inner Focus

Lucario is a mixed sweeper with a huge movepool, so there are many options here. I chose Aura Sphere and Close Combat as Special and Physical STAB, plus Flash Cannon as Steel STAB. Crunch is for coverage which ensures Lucario can hit any Pokémon for at least neutral damage. There are other options with Nasty Plot and Swords Dance but I prefer to have a mixed set.

Toxapexfound on Route 9Ability:Merciless

Toxapex rounds off this team as a defensive tank which relies on poisoning its foes. Its ability means that all attacks become critical hits against poisoned foes. Baneful Bunker is both to inflict Poison as well as letting existing poison inflict damage. Toxic Spikes is for Poisoning entire teams. Venoshock is STAB which powers up if the target is poisoned. Liquidation is Water STAB.

And that’s the team! Feel free to use it or make adjustments that you feel fit. I built this team mostly based of which Pokémon I like, but I still thinks it’s a very balanced team.

Hey, hey you. So many poor Pokémon get forgotten in Pokémon Sword and Shield because everyone just uses Corviknight, Toxtricity, Grimmsnarl and the likes. So I have a solution! I tried to build this team as well as I can to remember our forgotten brethren from the past to appease our lord sumwun. Here’s a quick preview!

And yes, I took this photo in dark mode because I care about your eyes. No need to thank me.

Look at all those strengths, (unfortunately) weaknesses, immunities, and resistances! In this team, there’s a Pokémon that resists every type except for Ground, but that’s okay since we have a Flying type who is immune to their attacks!This team has a total of34 resistances and 7 immunitiescompared to the absymal total of24 weaknesses.If you’re wondering about why we don’t have a type that can weaken Normal and Flying types with their STAB moves, that’s fine because those two types are pretty easy to cover anyway.But now there’s gonna be some more daunting questions that you’re gonna throw at me, so I’ll answer them right away.

What about the Galar starter I chose?

I recommend you choose Scorbunny so Hop gets Grookey, eventually becoming Rillaboom who can be dealt with by Roserade, Arcanine, and Togekiss’s STAB moves. Cinderace can be dealt with by Crawdaunt and Mudsdale (but watch out because these two are particularly slow) and Inteleon can be dealt with by Roserade only. As for actually using your starter of choice, you have two (suggested) options:using your starter instead of this team’s counterpart or replacing the starter with its suggested counterpart, both of which you can do.

Where can I actually find these Pokémon?

Roseradecan be found as a Budew in many locations in the Wild Area, however it spawns most often in Dappled Grove as either an overworld encounter or a Max Raid battle.You can also find a Roselia at the far left corner of Rolling Fields just outside Dappled Grove, but be wary because it is quite difficult to catch and may even wipe your entire team.The Shiny Stone can be found at the Lake of Outrage, but it’s usually better to grind for watts and take a shot at the Digging Duo instead.

Arcaninecan be found in the Wild Area in most areas during Intense Sun as a Growlithe (Shield only), and if you’re playing Sword sadly the earliest you can find it is the Hammerlocke Hills in Intense Sun.But never fear, Ninetales is here, and it’s (mostly) exclusive for Sword players. In my opinion, however, Arcanine is stronger and more practical so I recommend it.The Fire Stone can be found very early on. Cross the bridge to Motostoke Riverbank and immediately turn left and you’ll find it.You can evolve Growlithe any time you want, but I suggest keeping it as a Growlithe for around 10-15 levels just for the EXP. If you got one above Level 24 (where it learns Fire Fang), immediately evolve it since there’s not much of a point keeping it as a Growlithe anymore.

Crawdauntcan be found as a Corphish in both Sword and Shield in South Lake Miloch. It can be found in all weather conditions that aren’t called Sandstorm or Intense Sun and is very easy to catch. It’s a very powerful Pokémon as a Crawdaunt because it hits very hard with its STAB moves and is quite a nice switch-in to many Pokémon.

Togekisscan be found as a Togepi as an EXTREMELY rare find in Bridge Field. Prepare to set aside an hour or two hunting it down in the overworld (and rarely as well in Max Raid battles). Alternatively, you can get a Toxel from the lady in Route 5’s daycare and trade it for a Togepi in Hammerlocke City, which has boosted EXP, a very nice Timid nature and above all that Serene Grace.For obtaining the Shiny Stone to evolve Togetic, refer to Roserade’s location guide.

Aegislashcan be found in Hammerlocke Hills as a Honedge during Snowstorms. You have a 15% chance of encountering it under these conditions, which in my opinion isn’t too bad compared to Togepi.You can get the Dusk Stone in Stow-on-Side, or you can get it even earlier with the Digging Duo. You can also grab it at the Lake of Outrage, but why would you want to wait that long?

Mudsdalecan be found as a Mudbray all over the Wild Area during Intense Sun. It’s not hard to miss and is one of the easier Pokémon on this team to find. Aim to get one with Stamina as its ability. If you’ve ever fought a Mudbray (and to an extent Mudsdale) with Stamina in a Max Raid battle and didn’t at the very most kill it in under two turns, you’ll know exactly why this ability matters.

NOTE: If I put some sort of explanation then I’m going to make this too long. Here’s to hoping you can understand the explanation of the Pokémon in their moveset!

Suggested nature: TimidPreferred ability: Poison PointMoveset:Giga Drain/Energy Ball-Energy Ball is a TR and Giga Drain can be accessed at the move relearnerSludge Bomb-Also a TR, but I recommend getting this one through Watt tradersShadow Ball-Yet another TR, can be found in Max Raid battles around Watchtower RuinsDazzling Gleam-Last coverage move it gets along with Shadow Ball, also a TR

Suggested nature: AdamantMoveset:Flare Blitz/Fire Fang-Both at the move relearner. If Flare Blitz’s recoil doesn’t suit your fancy use Fire FangCrunch-Move relearner again. Breaks through Allister’s Cursola in Shield and is a nice move overallClose Combat/Earthquake-Two very formidable TRs and the one you use is up to your choice. I prefer EQWild Charge/Thunder Fang-Water-type coverage. Again, if recoil isn’t your cup of tea use Thunder Fang

As for Sword players who prefer Ninetales…Suggested nature: ModestMoveset:Flamethrower-Move relearner and obvious STAB, not much to sayExtrasensory-Move relearner and very interesting coverage move to hit BeaEnergy Ball-TR, Covers all of Ninetales’s weaknesses and can be used as a Vulpix to try and hit NessaShadow Ball-TR again, and while fairly redundant, gives you another option against Bede and Allister

Suggested nature: AdamantMoveset:Liquidation-Crawdaunt has a volley of amazing Water STAB moves, but TR98 Liquidation is the best oneCrunch-Best Dark STAB move Crawdaunt gets. It’s a TR but it also learns this through level upAvalanche-This TM arrives very late on Route 9 but is Crawdaunt’s best coverage move because it’s slowDig/Rock Slide-The TM for Dig is in Route 6 and the TM for Rock Slide is in Route 9, both nice moves

Suggested nature: TimidPreferred ability: Serene GraceSuggested item: Focus SashMoveset:Dazzling Gleam-TR you can obtain pretty easily. Main STAB move and gets rid of pesky DragonsAir Slash-Make sure your Togekiss has Serene Grace for this one. You can get Togekiss before Milo, so…Aura Sphere-Covers three of Togekiss’s weaknesses and is a nice move overallThunder Wave/Psychic-Two excellent options for if you want a basic Paraflinch set or cover Poison types

Suggested nature: Naughty/Rash

Physical Moveset:Iron Head-TR and Main Physical Steel STAB Aegislash has access to (five capitalized words in a row, wow)Shadow Sneak/Shadow Claw-SS is at the move relearner and SC is in Lake of Outrage. I prefer to use SSFury Cutter/Sacred Sword-Both at the move relearner. FC’s bad but many Fighting moves are already usedKing’s Shield-For when you need to tank an attack and strike back immediately afterward, learns on evo.

Special Moveset:Flash Cannon-TR. Not much to say here, it’s Aegislash’s Special Steel STAB.Shadow Ball-TR again. It’s the only practical Ghost STAB option for Special Aegislash so you may as well…Air Slash-Axew’s Eye once you can Surf. Not too remarkable but Aegislash lacks Special moves anywayKing’s Shield-Same drill, but expect to use it more often in this set

Suggested nature: Brave/Relaxed/SassyPreferred ability: StaminaMoveset:Earthquake-Level 40/TR. Ground STAB that I would lecture you for if you didn’t run it on MudsdaleHeavy Slam-Level 34/TR. Mudsdale is 920kg. Yes, heavier than Wailord, which is why we’re running thisBody Press-TR. Were you hit? Increase your Defense through Stamina and hit Body Press even harder!Payback-Behind the professor’s house on Route 2. Use a -Speed nature and watch Payback destroy foes

Wow. I absolutely loved building that team. I’ll be playing through it soon and I will update this post on my success and I hope every single member will be on your wishlist soon.As for explanations regarding the Pokémon, I might not be able to because of the character limit, but I could put it somewhere else.Goodbye for now! :)

For the first time in history, it’s start raining men! It’s raining men. Hallelujah it’s raining men.

Raining men, you say? Who could’ve caused this. Why it’s my planned SwSh rain team (note that SwSh is the sound rain makes)

Why run rain

Because you’ll hit extremely hard with Water type moves, and the only things that counter rain are Dragons, Grass and opposing weathers, all of which you can account for! Now let’s get into members I’d consider essential.

Essential team members

Pelipper

Pelipper can be obtained as a Wingull and evolves relatively early on. Make sure to get a Wingull with Hydration as its Ability, because then your Pelipper will have Drizzle, allowing you to set up rainfor free. Pelipper can hit hard with its boosted Water moves and Flying attacks, and can bulk up with Stockpile. And he looks like a flying toilet, so that’s a plus.

A good finalized set might look something like

PelipperAbility: Drizzle- Hurricane- Scald- U-turn- Roost

Inteleon

Without spoilers, Sobble and its evolutions would greatly appreciate the power boost to their Water moves that Pelipper provides.

InteleonAbility: Torrent- Rain Dance- Hydro Pump- Ice Beam- Dark Pulse

Ferrothorn

Using rain to remove your Fire weakness, or just have the Water types take out the Fire types, then Ferrothorn can set up with Curse and/or Ingrain and become nigh untouchable. Ferrothorn can take the Rock, Electric and Grass moves targeted at the other core members, and tank a lot of other things too.

FerrothornAbility: Iron BarbsIVs: 0 Spe- Ingrain- Curse- Gyro Ball- Power Whip

The Sobthorn on the Wing Core (Trademark Pending) is a great rain-centered core that features old and new Pokemon alike.

Non-essentials but still would recommend

Ludicolo(Shield exclusive)

You knew this was coming. Ludicolo is a potent rain sweeper or rain wall with Swift Swim and Rain Dish respectively. I would have had Ludicolo in the first category if it weren’t for the fact that the beloved, handsome mariachi is exclusive.

LudicoloAbility: Swift Swim- Hydro Pump- Ice Beam- Rain Dance- Giga Drain

Other Grass types

You may want to get a grass type earlier on than Ferroseed to cover your Electric and Grass weaknesses. The Bounsweet, Oddish and Budew lines are all available around when you pick up Wingull. You may use these throughout the playthrough if you want but Ferrothorn is usually better.

Vikavolt/Galvantula

These two electric bugs both have their advantages. Vikavolt hits harder, whereas Galvantula is faster. Both can use Thunder in rain (though Galvantula gets accurate Thunders anyway due to Compound Eyes), and use their Bug STAB to break through Grass types.

GalvantulaAbility: Compound EyesIVs: 0 Atk- Thunder- Bug Buzz- Volt Switch- Energy Ball

Note that Vikavolt should have a similar moveset to this.

Fighting type of your choice

Fighting types give you strong physical prowess and allow you to more easily counter sand and opposing Steel types (namely Ferrothorn). There are multiple Fighting type lines in SwSh, but my personal favorite for the job is Conkeldurr because he hits like a truck. Pangoro is also a good choice, especially if trading is hard for you (and Parting Shot is fun). Watch out for Ferrothorn’s Iron Barbs ability when using your Fighting type though.

PangoroAbility: Iron Fist- Parting Shot- Crunch / Throat Chop- Hammer Arm / Drain Punch- Taunt

Fairy type of your choice

Fairy types counter Dragons, which give a Water-Grass team troubles. The best Fairy type you could get reasonably early is Gardevoir, so that’d be my top pick.

GardevoirAbility: Trace- Moonblast- Psychic- Calm Mind- Will-O-Wisp

Seismitoad

An underrated Swift Swimmer, Seismitoad offers Electric immunity thanks to its Ground typing. He also gets Muddy Water by level up, which is good for double battles. I don’t think he’s as notable as the others mentioned above, but I just think he’s neat.

I really like the idea of playing a Pokemon game with only Pokemon from that gen (let them have time to shine), so this team will include 6 Galar Pokemon (not the Legendary Trio).

InteleonAbility: TorrentRole:Special Attacker- Surf / Scald / Hydro Pump- Ice Beam / Blizzard- U-turn- Dark Pulse / Shadow Ball / Air Slash

The starters of this gen look really awkward to me, but I always cherish them more than any other Pokemon. The stats of Inteleon look better than the other two, so it’ll be a great start. Choosing him will help you have a good time dealing with Leon’s Charizard and Rillaboom, or if you just want a fast special sweeper. Ice-type moves get rid of Grass-type Pokemon (Rillaboom), U-turn is fun (good for competitive play), and the last slot is a coverage move. This mon looks just like Greninja (but a little bit weaker).

2. EldegossAbility: RegeneratorRole:Special Wall/Weather Supporter- Energy Ball / Giga Drain- Synthesis- Light Screen / Charm- Sunny Day

With its 120 Special Defense, Eldegoss could be a good supporter on the special side. It can eat Electric-moves and protect Inteleon, then hit back with Energy Ball / Giga Drain. You can go with either Light Screen to boost your team’s SpDef or Charm to stop physical foes. Synthesis prolongs its longevity. Sunny Day helps Synthesis and boost something down here.

CoalossalAbility: Steam EngineRole:Physical Tank/Protector- Flame Charge / Rapid Spin- Stone Edge- Flare Blitz- Earthquake / Iron Head / Will-O-Wisp

When a Pokemon on the other side has a Fire-type move, switch this thing out and it gets +3 Speed (outspeeds a lot of mons). Rock/Fire type destroys mons who threaten its teammates above. Use Flame Charge / Rapid Spin if it’s still not fast enough. The last move is coverage, but I recommend Will-O-wisp to cancel physical attackers (especially the ones who have Ground-type moves). 80 Atk is not good, but this mon can do something with its amazing 110 HP and 120 Defense.

Galarian WeezingAbility: LevitateRole:Bulky Attacker- Toxic- Sludge Bomb / Venoshock- Flamethrower / Fire Blast- Thunderbolt / Thunder

Levitate is an awesome ability for Weezing (Neutralizing Gas is better for VGC) and gives you a Ground-immunity. Toxic is essential since this mon has great bulk to last long. Sludge Bomb is a STAB move and has a 30% chance to poison foes, or you might want to have some fun with Venoshock. The other two slots are coverage (Fairy-type moves are found dead). Especially, Fire-type move melts Steel-type Pokemon.

Darmanitan-GalarianAbility: Gorilla TacticsRole:Broken Physical Attacker- Icicle Crash- Flare Blitz / Fire Punch- Stone Edge / Iron Head / Superpower- U-turn

This mon is broken. 140 Atk with a free Choice Band (the Ability) will just punch everyone in the face (You can give it a Choice Scarf then it’s pretty much GG in competitive play). Zen Mode is also broken, but you might not need it for an in-game team. Pray for Dragon-type Pokemon. Flare Blitz gets rid of Steel-type Pokemon, or you just use Fire Punch for no recoil. U-turn help this thing keep everyone in check (deal huge damage and switch in even if the foe resists Darmanitan’s moves). The last slot is coverage.

DragapultAbility: Clear Body / InfiltratorRole:Mixed Attacker/The Last Answer- Phantom Force / Shadow Ball- Dragon Pulse / Dragon Claw- U-turn / Fire Blast- Dragon Dance / Will-O-wisp

Having incredible Speed with both amazing Attack and Special Attack, this pseudo-legendary Pokemon will sweep everything that appears in its way. You can go with physical STAB move and hit as hard as possible, or you can go with special STAB to catch enemies off guard. U-turn will help it just like with Darmanitan (especially for Dark-type mon) or Fire Blast burns Ice-type mons. You can set up with Dragon Dance then kill everything, or you might want to have fun with Will-O-wisp.

Team Preview: Inteleon, Orbeetle, Alcremie, Sirfetch’d/Hawlucha, Runerigus, Duraludon(All moves and Pokémon shown are available before the post game)

Inteleon@ Bright Powder (found in Glimwood Tangle)Ability - Torrent

When I first saw the final stages of the starters, I was pretty disappointed, but Inteleon has really grown on me since the games release, and it has some really cool artwork too. This thing was also really good in-game due to its amazing Speed and Special Attack. Scald is the best Water STAB available, but if you don’t like searching for TR’s, Snipe Shot is a good substitute, Ice Beam and Air Slash provide coverage for Inteleon’s Grass weakness (personally, I think Ice Beam is the better option), U-turn works well with Inteleon given his high speed, and also helps with his Grass weakness and Shadow Ball, Dark Pulse and Sucker Punch all help provide a little more coverage. Sucker Punch can be good if you can’t get the a TR for Shadow Ball or Dark Pulse, but it only has 5PP and is quite prediction-reliant.

Orbeetle@ Leftovers (found in Giant’s Seat in the Wild Area)Ability - Swarm

Even though Orbeetle has numerous weaknesses, she was incredibly useful throughout my journey. It helped out massively early on due to getting Reflect/Light Screen early, and also covering the Grass types that would beat Sobble otherwise. It remained useful due to great STABs, great Defenses, as well as solid Special Attack and Speed. Bug Buzz and Psychic are both great STAB moves, Confuse Ray helps cripple opponents, Calm Mind can allow Orbeetle to set up, which normally isn’t too hard due to her bulk, and Reflect or Light Screen allow her to play a team support role.

Alcremie@ Life Orb (found in Slumbering Weald)Ability - Sweet Veil

Alcremie is definitely my favourite Pokémon introduced in Sword and Shield. It’s just so adorable! To be honest, I didn’t think she was gonna be very good in battle, but I was wrong. While she’s slow and not very Physically bulky, her Special stats are both great. Dazzling Gleam is STAB, Psychic helps her cover her Poison weakness, although I used Energy Ball since my team couldn’t cover Water-types well for a while, Recover makes up for her Life Orb damage, and also allows her to heal after setting up some Acid Armour or Charm, since they help with her mediocre Physical Defense. Unfortunately, some of Alcremie’s coverage attacks such as Mystical Fire and Giga Drain are locked to the post-game, but Alcremie still works great without them.

Sirfetch’d@ Leek (can be found on wild Galarian Farfetch’d)Ability - Steadfast

Sirfetch’d is exclusive to Sword version. If you are playing Shield, I would recommend Hawlucha as your Fighting-type.Sirfetch’d is probably my second favourite new Pokémon. I’m surprised it took Farfetch’d this long to get something new, but at least Sirfetch’d is great. I think it’s design is both funny and amazing. This thing is also great in battle; he has massive Attack, usable defenses, and a pretty good movepool too. The only negatives are that Sirfetch’d is pretty slow, and evolving him is a bit of a pain (it basically requires him to have the Leek held item). Close Combat deals massive damage to anything it touches, Brave Bird is a very powerful coverage attack, but it does a hefty amount of recoil damage, so be careful, Knock Off covers his Psychic weakness and removes any held item the opponent might have, and Leaf Blade also helps with the struggle of beating Water-types.

Runerigus@ Rocky Helmet (found in Stow-on-Side)Ability - Wandering Spirit

I was super surprised when I saw that Yamask of all Pokémon received a Galarian Form, but when I saw Runerigus, I actually really liked him. I think Runerigus has a much cooler design than Cofagrigus does. His stats are quite similar to Cofagrigus’s, but with good Attack instead of Special Attack, and an additional Ground typing, which helped my team a lot of Electric-types. Earthquake and Shadow Claw are both STAB (Phantom Force has more power than Shadow Claw, but takes two turns to use), Will-o-Wisp hinders a lot of Physical attacker, and mixed with Rocky Helmet and Runerigus’s high Defense, means that he utterly destroys Physical attackers, and Toxic Spikes allows him to act as an effective lead.

Duraludon@ Assault Vest (found in Lake of Outrage in the Wild Area)Ability - Heavy Metal/Light Metal (doesn’t really matter)

Duraludon appears pretty late in SwSh, so I would recommend Corviknight or Toxtricity if you need early Fairy coverage.At first, I didn’t think much of Duraludon, but I wasn’t sure how to round off my team. There was a decent amount of criteria that I needed for one Pokémon, and Duraludon was the only thing I could find to fit the criteria. After hunting down a Gigantamax Duraludon for a VERY long time, it really grew on me. I started to like it’s design a lot, and it was pretty good in battle, with it’s only bad stat being Special Defense, which I managed to patch up with Snarl and an Assault Vest. Flash Cannon and Dragon Pulse were good STAB moves, Thunderbolt helped cover Flying and Water types, and Snarl helped cover Ghost types and helped with his lacking Special Defense (Dragon Claw and Rock Slide can work, but Dragon Pulse and Thunderbolt are much better given Duraludon’s stats).

I’ve Played through the game with Scorbunny and I’m currently in the middle of a playthrough with Grookey so here’s my plan for a Sobble Team.

Boltund (Cordgi) Type: ElectricLocation Route 2, Overworld (As Yamper)Ability: Strong JawNature (Not Essential): AdamantMoveset:- Thunder Fang (STAB, Boosted by Strong Jaw to 97 Base Power) TM66, Bought in Hammerlocke for 30000 pokedollars- Psychic Fangs (Fighting Coverage, Boosted by Strong Jaw to 127 Base Power) TR97, Bought in Wild Area/ Won in Max Raid Battles (Random)- Crunch (Psychic and Ghost Coverage , Boosted by Strong Jaw to 120 Base Power) Level 34- Fire Fang (Grass and Ice Coverage, Boosted by Strong Jaw to 97 Base Power) TM66, Bought in Hammerlocke for 30000 pokedollars

Centiskorch (Flareficatus) Type: Fire/ BugLocation: Route 3, Random Encounter (As Sizzlipede)Ability: White SmokeNature (Not Essential): AdamantMoveset:- Fire Lash (STAB, Lowers target’s Defence) Level 53- Leech Life (STAB, Recovery) TR18, Bought in Wild Area/ Won in Max Raid Battles (Random)- Crunch (Ghost Coverage, Chance to lower Defence) Level 46- Power Whip (Water and Rock Coverage) TR72, Bought in Wild Area/ Won in Max Raid Battles (Random)

Darmanitan (Snowzaru) Type: IceLocation: Route 8, Random Encounter (As Darumaka)Ability: Gorilla TacticsNature (Not Essential): AdamantMoveset:- Icicle Crash (STAB, Chance to Flinch) Learnt upon Darumaka evolving into Darminitan- Earthquake (Fire, Rock and Steel Coverage) TR10, Bought in Wild Area/ Won in Max Raid Battles (Random)- Zen Headbutt (Fighting Coverage, Chance to Flinch) TR69, Bought in Wild Area/ Won in Max Raid Battles (Random)- Superpower (Filler, Raw, Unfiltered Power) Level 56P.S Ice Stone used to Evolve Darumaka is found in the Lake of Outrage.

Dragapult (Ghostrider) Type: Dragon/ GhostLocation: Lake of Outrage, Overworld (As Drakloak)Ability: Clear BodyNature (Not Essential): LonelyMoveset:- Dragon Darts (STAB, Hits twice dealing a total of 100 base power) Learnt upon Drakloak evolving into Dragapult- Shadow Ball (STAB, Chance to lower target’s Special Defence) TR33, Bought in Wild Area/ Won in Max Raid Battles (Random)- Steel Wing (Fairy Coverage, Chance to raise Defence) TM30, Route 6- Dragon Dance (Setup, Boosts Attack and Speed) Level 42 as Drakloak

And that’s the team! Hope you like it.

I’ll try to make a team for all three starters as well as I can. I won’t designate items because they’re mostly situational and you won’t really need them in the game. Natures are the same thing too. When I list what these Pokemon are good against, I will only list gym leaders because you should be able to decode the Champion Cup and your rivals as soon as you get the general idea about the gym leaders. Starting with Rillaboom…Rillaboom(pick Grookey as your starter)Rillaboom is going to be your starter. He doesn’t actually perform all that bad in this generation. Grass is actually a pretty dominant type.Type: Grass

Moves:Drum Beating (move relearner)U-Turn (Glimwood Tangle after a small maze-like detour)Earthquake (TR. I recommend getting it from the Watt Traders)Darkest Lariat (TR. I recommend getting it from the Watt Traders)

Good against: Nessa, Kabu (if you somehow picked up Earthquake before the gym and evolved Thwackey already), Allister (Shield exclusive, and if you picked up the TR beforehand), Gordie (Sword exclusive), Melony’s Lapras (Shield exclusive), Piers, and half of Raihan’s team (Gigalith and Duraludon w/ Earthquake).

/Coalossal/Centiskorch(both Route 3)These two Fire types will help you out tremendously during your adventure with Rillaboom. There’s not much of a difference between them except their secondary typings (or Coalossal’s primary in this case), which does differentiate them a lot in this game.Type: Rock/Fire or Fire/Bug

Moves (Coalossal):Rock Slide (TM in Route 9 after surfing)Fire Punch (Wyndon Pokemon Center)Bulldoze (TM in the Wild Area, you can use Earthquake but this is also fine)Gyro Ball (TR, I recommend you get it from the Watt Traders)

Moves (Centiskorch)Fire Lash (level 53. Use Fire Fang from Hammerlocke for your main STAB beforehand)Leech Life (TR, but Bug-type Max Raid battles are pretty easy with Sizzlipede/Centiskorch and you can pick it up from there)Crunch (level 46)Coil/Thunder Fang (either move relearner for Coil or Hammerlocke for Thunder Fang)

Good against (Coalossal): Milo (if you can evolve Rolycoly fast enough), Nessa’s Drednaw (but that’s a bad idea in general), Kabu (Bulldoze or your early Rock moves plus Steam Engine will destroy him and his Centiskorch), Allister (Shield exclusive), Opal (which will practically destroy her via. Gyro Ball), both Gordie and Melony (but be careful for Melony’s Lapras in Shield), and half of Raihan’s team (Gigalith and Duraludon again). Be sure to destroy Leon’s Charizard with Max Rockfall because you will probably be able to hang on versus its Max Overgrowth.

Good against (Centiskorch): Milo (assuming you find it early enough), Allister (Shield exclusive), and Melony (be careful for Lapras).

Barraskewda(fish at Hulbury)I’m actually surprised nobody’s really bringing up this powerhouse of a Pokemon. 123 Attack and 136 Speed is nothing to gawk at.Type: Water

Moves:Liquidation (TR in the Wild Area which is fairly easy to get from Max Raid battles)Drill Run (TR in the Wild Area which you can get from the Watt Traders or from winning Rock/Ground Max Raid battles)Close Combat (TR in the Wild Area from Watt Traders. This thing has low defenses anyways and you don’t have anything to lose)Poison Jab (TR in the Wild Area from either Poison Max Raid battles or Watt Traders, covers both Grass and Fairy types)

Good against: Nessa’s Drednaw (if you are able to pick up Close Combat/Drill Run before then), Kabu (pretty easy to destroy him), Opal (Poison Jab obliterates her, but you’ll want to let the next Pokemon here handle Mawile), both Gordie and Melony, and Raihan’s team except Flygon.

Moves:Flash Cannon (TR in the Wild Area via. Watt Traders)Aura Sphere (learnt upon evolution)Zen Headbutt (TR in the Wild Area via. Watt Traders)Ice Punch (Wyndon Pokemon Center, use Shadow Ball/Shadow Claw beforehand)

Good against: Bea (Sword exclusive), Allister (Shield exclusive with the Shadow moves), Opal, both Gordie and Melony, Piers, and half of Raihan’s team. Funny how Lucario completely destroys everything from Bea/Allister to Piers, eh?

Grimmsnarl(Glimwood Tangle)Grimmsnarl is good for both games. Problem is, Impidimp evolves a little too late, which is why I think I should just stick to looking for Morgrem instead. And you can get it before Bea or Allister.Type: Dark/Fairy

Moves:False Surrender (move relearner)Play Rough (level 48, use Spirit Break from the move relearner beforehand)Leech Life/Brick Break (if you’re using Coalossal over Centiskorch, run Leech Life, but if you’re using Centiskorch run Brick Break which you can find on Route 8)Sucker Punch (move relearner, nothing special but will provide some much-needed priority against some Pokemon like Leon’s Dragapult)

Good against: Bea (Sword exclusive), Allister (Shield exclusive), both Gordie and Melony (but with Brick Break of course), Piers, and Raihan (if you’re running Brick Break)

Espeon(Route 4 as Eevee)Espeon will be a pretty valuable team member, as it can dish out huge hits and punish status users too.Type: Psychic

Moves:Psychic (TR or Level 40. Your choice)Shadow Ball (TR from the Wild Area)Dazzling Gleam (TR from the Wild Area)Attract (TM from Route 5, because why not)

Good against: Bea (Sword exclusive), Allister (Shield exclusive), Piers, and Raihan’s Flygon.

Here’s one last preview of the team, and in the order you can get them.RillaboomCoalossal/CentiskorchEspeonBarraskewdaLucarioGrimmsnarlAnd this team is usable in both Sword and Shield.

Disclaimer:I will include nicknames and ONLY gen 8 pkm. Also this is just to enjoy the game and not competitive so probably all Pokemon will have all damage moves :)My Pokemon Sword Team :

Inteleon (Mr.Pond)Type: WaterAbility: TorrentMoves:Snipe Shot/Scald (STAB)Ice Beam (Covers Grass)Air Slash (Also covers Grass)Shadow Ball/Dark Pulse

Hatterene (Joy)Type: Psychic FairyAbility: AnticipationMoves:Psychic (STAB)Dazzling Gleam (STAB)Shadow Ball (Covers Ghost)Mystical Fire (Covers Steel)

Toxtricity (Amped Form) (Prince)Type: Electric PoisonAbility: Punk RockMoves:Overdrive (STAB)Poison Jab/Sludge Bomb (STAB)Boomburst (Gets extra damage with ability)Throath Chop (Covers Psychic)

(Galarian) Darmanitan (Yeti)Type: IceAbility: Gorilla TacticsMoves:Icicle Crash (STAB)Fire Punch (Covers Steel)Superpower (Covers Steel and Rock)Earthquake (Covers Rock and Fire)

Corviknight (Chrome)Type: Flying SteelAbility: UnnerveMoves:Drill Peck/Brave Bird (STAB)Iron Head (STAB)Payback/Revenge (Honestly idk but I really couldn’t find anything else I tried roost but he does’nt learn :(U-turn (Just in case

Dragapult (Sly) actually (1%) actually (Dontknowhowimgonnacatchyoubutyouretoocoolnottohave)Type: Dragon GhostAbility: Clear BodyMoves:Dragon Darts (STAB)(and it’s new and wanna try it out)Phantom Force Force (STAB)Flamethrower (Covers Ice)Psychic Fangs (Was between that and Thunderbolt but I went with Psychic Fangs cause I never had a pkm with it.

Finished.

This is a well-balanced team, whose STAB covers all types but Normal super effectively. The items may not be the best, but they proved useful for me. This team is intended for the main storyline, and you don’t need the DLC to access any team members.

Rillaboom @ Miracle SeedAbility: Overgrow- Drum Beating (Learned upon evolution)- Brick Break (TM on Route 8)- Knock Off (Level 24)- Earthquake (TR10) / High Horsepower (TR94)

Drum Beatingis Rillaboom’s signature move, and it’s pretty solid.Brick Breakprovides a way to hit Normal types super effectively, which the rest of the team can’t do.Knock Offis generally a nice move to have, despite most Trainers in- game not having any items.Earthquakeis a powerful Ground move, but you can useHigh Horsepowerif you don’t want to hit allies in Max Raid Battles.

Flamethrower, despite Centiskorch’s Special Attack being a bit worse than its Attack, still works quite well.LungeorLeech Lifeare both STAB; the one you choose depends on whether you want to recover HP or lower an opponent’s Attack.Crunchis a very nice coverage move.Coilprovides a bit of a stat boost, should it ever be necessary.

Drednaw @ Hard RockAbility: Strong Jaw / Shell Armor- Liquidation (Level 48)- Head Smash (Level 66) / Rock Slide (TM on Route 9)- Crunch (Move Reminder)- Poison Jab (TR57)

Liquidationis a very nice physical STAB move.Head Smashis unreliable yet powerful, whileRock Tombis more reliable, but less powerful – choose which one suits your preferences.Crunchis a nice coverage move, andPoison Jabcovers Drednaw’s crippling Grass weakness.

Corviknight @ LeftoversAbility: Pressure- Iron Head (TR74)- Brave Bird (Level 50) / Drill Peck (Level 34)- Hone Claws (Move Reminder, or Level 8 as a Rookidee)- U- turn (TM in the Glimwood Tangle)

Iron Headis STAB.Brave Birdis a very powerful STAB move, but it has recoil. If you don’t like that, opt forDrill Peck.Hone Clawsprovides a stat boost if necessary.U- turnis a nice pivot.

Grimmsnarl @ Black GlassesAbility: Frisk / Prankster- Play Rough (Level 48)- False Surrender (Learned upon evolution)- Fake Out (Move Reminder)- Thunder Wave (TM from the Rotom Rally) / Leech Life (TR18)

I chosePlay Roughover Spirit Break, as it’s more powerful, and simply worked better for me.False Surrenderis solid STAB.Fake Outis nice for that first-turn flinch.Thunder Wave, while I rarely used it, is nice for potentially crippling an opponent.Leech Lifeis coverage that also heals Grimmsnarl.

Sandaconda @ Soft SandAbility: Shed Skin- High Horsepower (TR94)- Fire Fang (TM purchased at Hammerlocke for 30,000 Pokedollars)- Glare (Level 25)- Iron Head (TR74)

High Horsepoweris a good STAB move. I prefer it over Earthquake so you don’t hit allies, but Earthquake could certainly be used as well.Fire Fangdeals with Sandaconda’s Grass and Ice weaknesses.Glareis an effective means of paralysis, as it’s able to hit Ground types.Iron Headis coverage, and can help counter Sandaconda’s Ice weakness.

Inteleon @ Mystic Water•Snipe Shot•Dark Pulse•Ice Beam•Scale ShotCorviknight @ Sharp Beak•Iron Head•Body Press•Brave Bird•Bulk UpBoltund @ Magnet•Wild Charge•Play Rough•Psychic Fangs•CrunchChandelure @ Charcoal•Shadow Ball•Flamethrower•Energy Ball•PsychicObstagoon @ Black Glasses•Throat Chop•Double Edge•Obstruct•Close CombatHaxorus @ Dragon Fang•Dragon Dance•Dragon Claw•Close Combat•Earthquake

All of these are obtained fairly early in the game, with the latest being Axew at route 6. They utilize TRs a lot. Sobble is your starter, and Inteleon can prove very helpful against Kabu and Raihan with it’s STAB as well as Gordey (in Sword). It can also hit Allsiter (in shield) with Dark Pulse. Corviknight is obtainable almost immediately, and can prove helpful against Milo, Bea (sword), Opal, Gordey (sword), Melony (shield), Raihan, and Rose. Boltund is obtainable early, and can prove useful against Nessa, Piers, Bea (sword), and Allister (shield). It’s got nice Speed and attacking stats, good coverage, and Strong Jaw, which is quite helpful. Obstagoon is, again, obtainable early, and can put a dent in Allister (shield), Melony (shield), Gordey (sword), and Piers. Chandelure can be found as a Litwick in Kabu’s gym, and has amazing SpA and coverage options, having a good matchup against the 4th, 5th, and 6th gyms, as well as Rose. Haxorus can be obtained as an Axew on route 6, and it has incredible attack and Dragon Dance, allowing it to tear through just about every single gym. Now, let’s take a look at the Champion, shall we?Aegislash, Dragapult, Rhyperior, Haxorus, Rillaboom, and GMAX CharizardIf you set up Dragon Dance with Haxorus on Aegislash, you can ravage through the majority of his team, hitting 4/6 with super effective damage. Inteleon and Boltund can help with that Charizard of his. Chandelure and Corviknight can take care of Rillaboom. Obstagoon’s dark coverage and Chandelure’s ghost coverage takes out Aegislash and Dragapult. Overall, you have an amazing matchup against the “unbeatable” champ.

This is the team I used to play Sword

Centiskorch @ Expert BeltAbility: White Smoke- Fire Lash- Thunder Fang- Power Whip- Leech Life

Fire Lash is STAB and you get that guaranteed Defense drop. Thunder Fang is Coverage for Flying types and with the Expert Belt it will deal even more damage. Power Whip is Coverage for Water and Rock types and with Expert Belt it will deal even more damage. Leech Life is STAB and it will heal you 50% depending on how much damage you dealt.

Inteleon @ Scope LensAbility: Sniper- Snipe Shot- Ice Beam- Mud Shot- Dark Pulse

Snipe Shot is STAB, combined with Scope Lens and Sniper, you’ll be getting a crit almost every turn and it will do massive damage. Ice Beam is coverage for Grass types. I know Mud Shot is weak with only a BP of 55, but it’s the only Ground Coverage move and it lowers Speed, combined with Inteleon’s high Special Attack, this move could still hit hard. Dark Pulse is just random Coverage for Psychic and Ghost types.

Flapple @ Life OrbAbility: Hustle- Grav Apple- Wing Attack- U-Turn- OutrageGrav Apple is STAB and is guaranteed a Defense drop. Wing Attack is Coverage against Bug types. U-Turn is there to deal damage before switching in to another Pokemon. And Outrage is STAB and Coverage against other Dragon types.

Toxtricity @ Wise GlassesAbility: Punk Rock- Overdrive- Boomburst- Snarl- Sludge Bomb

Overdrive is Toxtricity’s signature move and is STAB, also gets boosted by Punk Rock, which boosts sound-based moves. Boomburst is just there to hit real hard, plus it is boosted by Punk Rock. Snarl is for just lowering the opposing Pokemon’s Special Attack, plus it is boosted by Punk Rock. It can also cover Psychic and Ghost types. Sludge Bomb is STAB and has a 30% chance to poison.

Obstagoon @ Razor ClawAbility: Reckless- Night Slash- Cross Poison- Fire Punch- Double-Edge

Night Slash is STAB and has a high critical-hit ratio, combined with the Razor Claw, you will be getting a crit with this move almost every time. Cross Poison is coverage for Fairy types, has a 10% chance to poison, and has a high critical-hit ratio, combined with the Razor Claw, you will be getting a crit with this move almost every time as well. Fire Punch is Coverage for Bug types, and has a 10% chance to burn. Double-Edge is your go to move in most situations. 120 base power, STAB, and gets boosted by Reckless, combined with a chance to crit thanks to Razor Claw. Basically this move could hit super hard.

Corviknight @ Muscle BandAbility: Mirror Armor- Iron Head- U-Turn- Body Press- Brave Bird

P.S. Flapple is Sword-exclusive. So if you playing Shield, you are gonna have to replace it with Appletun.

Hope you liked it!

This team is for Cinderace. Items and natures don’t really matter to me, you can do whatever you want. And the “Good against” part will only count the gym leaders. Anyways…

Cinderace(pick Scorbunny as your starter)This Pokemon is pretty good for an in-game playthrough. Hits hard and it’s fast, too.Type: FireMoves:Fire Punch (Wyndon Pokemon Center, use Blaze Kick beforehand)Pyro Ball (upon evolution)U-Turn (Glimwood Tangle)Low Sweep (Axew’s Eye, Wild Area)

Good against: Milo, Opal’s Mawile, Melony (Shield exclusive), and Piers

Roserade(Budew is in the Wild Area’s Rolling Fields, don’t know about the weather conditions but I do know overcast. Roselia is also chilling in the far left corner on most conditions too)You can grab the Shiny Stone from the digging brothers at Bridge Field. If you’re concerned about your Watts for some reason, you can get one at Route 8. Roserade is a great Pokemon with solid stats. Both Grass and Poison are really helpful in this generation too, when you compare it to most other generations.Type: Grass/PoisonMoves:Giga Drain/Energy Ball (move relearner for Giga Drain or TR for Energy Ball, really it’s your option)Sludge Bomb (TR)Dazzling Gleam (TR)Shadow Ball (TR)

Good against: Milo (if you can utilize Budew/Roselia’s Poison moves), Nessa, Bea (Sword exclusive, and if you picked up Dazzling Gleam beforehand), Allister (Shield exclusive, and if you picked up Shadow Ball beforehand), Opal (except her Mawile), Gordie (Sword exclusive), Piers, and Raihan’s team except Duraludon.

Barraskewda(fish at Hulbury)Barraskewda’s amazing stats will obliterate anything that gets in its way. Dynamax it and use Max Geyser for some sweet rainy fun.Type: WaterMoves:Liquidation (TR)Drill Run (TR)Poison Jab (TR)Ice Fang (Hammerlocke)

Good against: Nessa’s Drednaw (if you picked up Drill Run), Kabu, Opal’s team except for Mawile, Gordie (Sword exclusive), and Raihan

Excadrill(Drilbur is in Galar Mine no. 1)Excadrill always felt like a strange Pokemon to me. But it’s still here on this team for good reason.Type: Ground/SteelMoves:Earthquake (TR)Iron Head (TR)Brick Break (TM, Route 8)Swords Dance (Level 40)

Good against: Kabu’s team except Centiskorch, Opal’s team except Mawile, both Gordie and Melony, Piers, and Raihan’s team except Flygon.

Gardevoir(Ralts can be found all over the Wild Area, but it’s pretty rare)Gardevoir feels redundant, especially knowing pretty much everyone has used it at least once in an in-game playthrough. You can use Hatterene if you want, but it’s pretty slow so Gardevoir is here instead. Oh well, at least it’s still good.Type: Psychic/FairyMoves:Psychic (TR)Moonblast (move relearner)Thunderbolt (TR)Shadow Ball (TR)

Good against: Nessa (if you got Thunderbolt), Bea (Sword exclusive), Allister (Shield exclusive), Opal’s Weezing and Togekiss, Gordie’s Barbaracle (Sword exclusive), Melony’s Lapras (Shield exclusive), Piers' team except for Skuntank, and Raihan’s Flygon.

Obstagoon(Zigzagoon can be found at Route 2)He’s way better in Shield than he is in Sword, mainly because you can destroy Allister but you die to Bea. Still, he has that Normal blessing which gives him a really good movepool.Type: Dark/NormalMoves:Night Slash (Zigzagoon’s evolution into Linoone)Double-Edge (Level 56, use Headbutt beforehand)Cross Poison (Surfing at Dusty Bowl)X-Scissor (TR)

Good against: Milo (if you overlevel yourself into Obstagoon, which I must admit is a little too easy), Allister, and Piers' team except Skuntank.

Heres a final look at the team, along with the order you get them in.CinderaceObstagoonRoseradeGardevoirExcadrillBarraskewdaThis team is usable in both games, but it does do better in Shield.

This team is for Inteleon. Items and natures don’t matter, do whatever you want with them. Only the gym leaders will be taken into account in the “Good against” section. Anyways…

Inteleon(pick Sobble as your starter)Inteleon is probably the worst of the bunch. Will probably be the most competitively viable, though.Type: WaterMoves:Snipe Shot (upon evolution)Ice Beam (TR)Mud Shot (Galar Mine no. 2)Shadow Ball (TR)

Good against: Milo (with Ice Beam), Kabu, Allister (Shield exclusive), Gordie (Sword exclusive), Piers' Skuntank, and Raihan.

Roserade(Budew is in Rolling Fields)I’ve already explained this one in Cinderace’s team, but basically Roserade is the best Grass-type in these games. Sorry, Rillaboom.Type: Grass/PoisonMoves:Giga Drain/Energy Ball (move relearner for Giga Drain or TR for Energy Ball)Sludge Bomb (TR)Dazzling Gleam (TR)Shadow Ball (TR)

Good against: Milo (with Budew/Roselia’s Poison moves), Nessa, Bea (Sword exclusive), Allister (Shield exclusive), Opal’s team except Mawile and Weezing, Gordie (Sword exclusive), Melony’s Lapras (Shield exclusive), Piers' team except for Skuntank, and Raihan’s team except for Duraludon.

Coalossal(Route 3 as Rolycoly or Galar Mine for Carkol)Coalossal is just so much better than Centiskorch, and we’re already gonna use another Bug-type later on in the team. Feel free to abuse it against all of Leon’s Charizard though.Type: Rock/FireMoves:Rock Slide (TM, Route 8)Earthquake (TR)Fire Punch (Wyndon, use Fire Fang from Hammerlocke beforehand)Gyro Ball (TR)

Good against: Milo (just make sure to have Carkol), Nessa’s Drednaw, Kabu, Opal, Gordie (Sword exclusive), Melony (Shield exclusive), and Raihan’s team except Sandaconda and Flygon.

Aegislash(Honedge can be found at Hammerlocke Hills, at a 15% encounter rate in shaking grass. The Dusk Stone is in Stow-on-Side behind the Pokemon Center.)Aegislash should just be the mascot of both games. Huh, maybe that’s why Leon has one.Type: Steel/GhostMoves:Iron Head (TR)Shadow Ball (TR)Sacred Sword (move relearner)King’s Shield (move relearner)

Good against: Allister (Shield exclusive), Opal’s team except Mawile, both Gordie and Melony, Piers' team except Skuntank and Malamar, and Raihan’s Duraludon and Gigalith.

Galvantula(Joltik can be found at South Lake Miloch, at least that’s where I like finding mine)The ability actually matters this time. Make sure the Joltik you catch has Compound Eyes.Type: Bug/ElectricMoves:Thunder (TR)Bug Buzz (TR or Level 56)Sticky Web (move relearner)Volt Switch (North Lake Miloch during the Rotom Rally)

Good against: Milo, Nessa, Opal’s Togekiss, Gordie’s Barbaracle (Sword exclusive), Melony’s Lapras (Shield exclusive), and Piers' team except for Scrafty and Malamar

Snorlax(Munchlax is at Motostoke Riverbank, and it can hold some Leftovers too)Snorlax is thick, can destroy things, and is terrifying. That’s that.Type: NormalMoves:Body Slam (Level 28 or TR)Heavy Slam (Level 32)High Horsepower (Level 40)Ice Punch (Wyndon)

Good against: Nessa’s Drednaw, Kabu (if you’re wayyyyy overleveled for this fight), Allister’s Mimikyu and Gengar (Shield exclusive), Opal, both Gordie and Melony, and Raihan’s Gigalith and Duraludon.

Here’s a final preview of the team in all its glory. And it’s in order of when you can get them:InteleonRoseradeGalvantulaCoalossalSnorlaxAegislash

Nobody said I can’t post a Monotype in-game team :P

Inteleon @ Scope LensAbility: Torrent- Snipe Shot (Learned upon evolution)- Air Slash (TM obtained in Axew’s Eye)- Dark Pulse (TR)- Ice Beam (TR)

InteLeon is given to you by LeonInteleon is a great glass cannon. Scope Lens + Snipe Shot decimates everything with critical hits (works better with Sniper, though) and the rest of it’s moveset is coverage. (My level 60 Inteleon outsped and one-shot Leon’s Gigantamaxed Charizard with a non-critical Snipe Shot in my first playthrough. Inteleon is great.)

Gyarados @ Mystic WaterAbility: Intimidate- Waterfall (Learned at lv. 21)- Crunch (Learned at lv. 24)- Iron Head (TR)- Dragon Dance (Learned at lv. 36)

Magikarp can be fished up next to Professor Magnolia’s houseDragon Dance is a fantastic set-up move. Waterfall is STAB, Crunch and Iron Head are coverage which the rest of the team doesn’t have.

Whiscash @ Soft SandAbility: Oblivious- Earthquake (Learned at lv. 40)- Zen Headbutt (Move relearner)- Liquidation (TR)- Dragon Dance (TR)

Barboach can be found at South Lake Miloch and fished up in MotostokeWhiscash is your Electric counter. It doesn’t have great attacking stats, but this moveset makes the most of what it does have (Whiscash is underrated). With TRs, Whiscash has easy access to Dragon Dance as set-up without having to go through all that breeding stuff.

Golisopod @ Silver PowderAbility: Emergency Exit- Swords Dance (Learned at lv. 40/TR)- Leech Life (TR)- Liquidation (Learned at lv. 44/TR)- Poison Jab (TR)

Wimpod can be caught in Galar Mine No.2Golisopod is your tank. It can set up with Swords Dance and sweep (that is, if Emergency Exit isn’t acivated). Leech Life regains health to make sure you stay out of Emergency Exit zone, Liquidation is strong STAB, and Poison Jab is for Fairies.

Jellicent @ Shell BellAbility: Cursed Body- Shadow Ball (Learned at lv. 32/TR)- Water Spout / Scald (Learned at lv. 53/TR)- Psychic (TR)- Dazzling Gleam (TR)

Frillish can be caught in West Lake Axewell and Bridge FieldJellicent is usually a wall, but it has a great movepool this generation. Lots of needed coverage (it’s the Fighting type killer for the team). Shell Bell is for if you need to regain some health for Water Spout.

Ludicolo @ LeftoversAbility: Swift Swim- Rain Dance (Learned at lv. 47 as Lombre/TM)- Ice Beam (TR)- Giga Drain (Learned at lv. 36 as Lombre)- Surf (TR)

Lotad can be found as a “! Encounter” on Route 2/Water Stone is found in Bridge FieldLudicolo can make a potent sweeper with Rain Dance. Ice Beam is for Dragon and Grass types, Giga Drain is STAB that heals, and Surf is extremely powerful STAB in Rain.

I’m going to use this team in a playthrough myself. I’ll update on how it goes :)

Edit: Well, I fixed the sprites, but I haven’t gotten to this playthrough yet. Oops.

This is my current team for Pokémon Shield. They are all pretty easy to get and are reasonably balanced

Rillaboom:Type: Grass-Wood Hammer-Drum Beating-Mega Kick-Your choice

Obstagoon:Type: Dark Normal-Night Slash-Headbutt (Stab)-Obstruct-Shadowball

Toxitricity:Type: Poison Electric-Overdrive-Poison Jab-Toxic-Sludge Bomb

Sandaconda:Type: Ground-Earthquake-Fire Fang-Dig-Iron Head

Frosmoth:Type: Ice Bug-Bug Buzz-Blizzard-Tailwind-Quiver Dance

Falinks:Type: Fighting-Megahorn-Close Combat-Smart Strike-Rock Slide

I spent hours researching a really good team for all starters and found what I thought to be one of the best teams i’ve ever made. The Pokemon cover every type and can easily defeat Zamazenta or Zacian.Inteleon (Water)Snipe shotSoakTearful LookAir SlashAbility: Torrent

Excadrill (Ground, Steel)EarthquakeSwords DanceMetal ClawRock slideAbility: Sand Rush

Centiskorch (Fire, Bug)Fire LashLungeCoilWill-O-WispAbility: Flash Fire

Drifblim (Ghost, Flying)TailwindShadow BallSpit UpStockpileAbility: Aftermath

Hatterene (Psychic, Fairy)PsychicCalm MindDazzling GleamAromatherapyAbility: Anticipation

Toxtricity Amped Form (Electric, Poison)Shift GearBoomburstOverdrivePoison JabAbility: Punk Rock

Not the best team but I like it.

Cinderace; Charcoal: BlazeFire Punch/Flame ChargePyro BallLow Sweep/Double KickZen Headbutt /Double Edge/ Acrobatics

Corviknight@Mirror Force/ PressureBrave BirdSteel Wing/ Iron HeadU-TurnHone Claws/ Tailwind

Toxtricity: Punk Rock @ Wise Glasses/ MagnetOverdrivePoison JabBoomburstToxic/ Volt Switch

Snorlax: Leftovers @ Thick FatBody SlamRock Slide/ Heavy Slam/ EarthquakeZen HeadbuttCrunch

Rapidash-Galar: Pasteil Veil @Pixie PlatePsycho CutPlay RoughMegahornWild Charge

Dragapult: Infiltator @Assault VestDragon DartsPhantom ForceSurfU-Turn

Here’s the team I plan to use when I playthrough with Cinderace for the Second Time

Cinderace (Hareth Bale) Type: FireAbility: BlazeNature (Not Essential): Lonely/ HastyMoveset:- Blaze Kick (TR41, Bought in Wild Area, Random/ Won in Max Raid Battles)- Gunk Shot (TR73, Bought in Wild Area, Random/ Won in Max Raid Battles)- Pyro Ball (Upon Evolution)- Zen Headbutt (TR69, Bought in Wild Area, Random/ Won in Max Raid Battles)

Corvinight (Nevermore) Type: Flying/ SteelLocation: Route 1 (As Rookidee)Ability: PressureNature (Not Essential): AdamantMoveset:- Drill Peck (Level 34)- Iron Head (TR74, Bought in Wild Area, Random/ Won in Max Raid Battles)- U-Turn (TM56, Glimwood Tangle)- Bulk Up (TR48, Bought in Wild Area, Random/ Won in Max Raid Battles)

Mamoswine (Tusk) Type: Ice/ GroundLocation: Rolling Fields, Snowstorm (As Swinub)Ability: Snow CloakNature (Not Essential): Adamant/ JollyMoveset:- Ice Fang (Move Reminder)- Earthquake (Level 51)- Iron Head (TR74, Bought in Wild Area, Random/ Won in Max Raid Battles)- Ice Shard (Level 15)

Roserade (Poison Ivy) Type: Grass/ PoisonLocation: Route 4 (As Budew)Ability: Natural CureNature (Not Essential): Modest/TimidMoveset:- Energy Ball (TR65, Bought in Wild Area, Random/ Won in Max Raid Battles)- Sludge Bomb (TR22, Bought in Wild Area, Random/ Won in Max Raid Battles)- Shadow Ball (TR33, Bought in Wild Area, Random/ Won in Max Raid Battles)- Dazzling Gleam (TR92, Bought in Wild Area, Random/ Won in Max Raid Battles)

Barraskewda (Torpedo) Type: WaterLocation: Hulbury, Fishing (As Arrokuda)Ability: Swift SwimNature: AdamantMoveset:- Liquidation (Level 48)- Ice Fang (TM67, Bought in Hammerlocke for 30000 pokedollars)- Poison Jab (TR57, Bought in Wild Area, Random/ Won in Max Raid Battles)- Psychic Fangs (TR97, Bought in Wild Area, Random/ Won in Max Raid Battles)

This is my current team on my second play through on shield. This team was way better than my first and are really easy to get. Hope y’all enjoy it and let me know what you think. I’m gonna include nicknames as well.

Cinderace (ADHD):

Manectric (Thunder Pup):

Noctowl (DJ)

Toxicroak (Toxic Gurl):

Alcremie (Créme):

Runerigus (Chat :()