Pokemon Scarlet and Violetmight be the most expansive mainline game in the franchise, and the Paldea region is filled with a variety of Pokemon for players to add to their team. But building a good team can be difficult, and if players aren’t careful, they might end up regretting their choices, as some team combinations inPokemon Scarlet and Violetaren’t for the faint of heart.
Every Pokemon has their uses, from the weaker early game rodents to the powerful dragons and monstrous legendaries, but not all of them can work together properly. While there aren’t any ‘bad’ Pokemon, it’s obvious that some are less viable than others, especially when factoring inweak Pokemon type combinations, move pools, and stats. Some Pokemon are even designed to fill a specific niche for players who want to try unique strategies, but if used incorrectly, can fall short of their potential. For those reasons and more, one team of Pokemon fromScarlet and Violetmight be the most difficult to complete the game with. For trainers up for a challenge, though, this particular team might allow them to prove their mastery of the game.
A Scarlet and Violet Team Only for Seasoned Trainers
Meowscarada
Everyone’sPokemonjourney starts somewhere, and in Paldea, it begins by choosing from Sprigatito, Fuecoco, or Quaxly. In general, starter Pokemon and their final evolutions are designed to be strong enough to grow with the player for the whole game, so none of these choices are the wrong answer. But, for players looking for a tough team,Meowscarada is comparatively the weakest starterinScarlet and Violet. This is because of its Grass/Dark typing leaving it weak to 7 different types, compared to Skeledirge and Quaquaval, who are only weak against 5. It is also resistant to 6 other types, and completely immune to Psychic moves though, so it balances out in the end.
Greedent
The next team member players are likely to find is Greedent, who can be obtained bycatching a Skwovet in the early gameand evolving it. Greedent falls into the category of bulky normal-type Pokemon, almost like a smaller Snorlax, but also comes with a particular gimmick that can be difficult to maneuver. Greedent is designed to be used while always holding an edible berry. One of its earliest learned moves, Stuff Cheeks, causes Greedent to eat its held berry, which is important, as its most powerful move, Belch, only works after having eaten. Its Stuff Cheeks and Gluttony abilities reinforce that idea. So, while Greedent can be a powerful Pokemon, if trainers don’t give it a berry to hold, it may be very difficult to raise properly.
Luvdisc
Luvdisc is very common in the oceans of Paldea, so catching one is hardly a problem. Using it effectively in battle, though, can be. Its pure water typing does give it more type advantages than weaknesses, but even a strong type advantage is only as good as the moves that it’s boosting. Unfortunately, Luvdisc doesn’t learn many powerful attacking moves by leveling up. Its access to a few good status and defensive moves is a plus, but onlytracking down the right TMswill give Luvdisc the strongest attacks. Even then, though, its lackluster base stats hold it back from the big leagues.
Pincurchin
This Pokemon is hard to raise for almost the opposite reason as Luvdisc.Pincurchin’s Attack, Defense, Special Attack, and Special Defense statsare all good enough that, with the proper moves, it stands a good chance at dealing damage. It even has access to somewhat powerful moves at higher levels, and more by the use of TMs. However, Pincurchin’s base HP is very low, and its speed stat is absolutely dismal. This is a Pokemon that has strong potential, if it can live long enough into the battle, as it will almost always attack last, and is very fragile.
Delibird
Sometimes a Pokemon gets created purely for aesthetic reasons.Delibird thrives at Christmas, basically being the Santa Clause of thePokemonworld, so it’s hard to dislike it on principle, but it’s not exactly built for battle. Delibird’s signature move, Present, sees it hurl a gift at the opponent that will either hurt or heal them. The only other move it learns by leveling up is Drill Peck, which isn’t a weak move, but only becomes available at level 25. To top it all off, Delibird’s base stats are low across the board, and its Ice/Flying type gives it 4 type disadvantages. Delibird might be a good team mascot, but it should probably stay at the North Pole, away from battles.
Indeedee
Another Pokemon designed to be used with a specific strategy,Indeedee is best suited for double battles. While the male and female forms have different base stats and slightly different move pools, the general idea is that Indeedee should support its partner’s attacks rather than attack itself. Although this is a good strategy for double battles, when going it alone, Indeedee is at a marked disadvantage. It does learn several attacking moves of various strengths, but it’s clear that Indeedee was always meant to play support rather than take the stage alone.
ScarletandVioletare unique for being the first games in the series that offer achallenge for every Pokemon type, so a team with a diverse spread of types is a must. Players also prefer using different strategies; that’s part of what keepsPokemoninteresting. If every team focused on the same gameplay goals, the games would lose their appeal. Not all players will be able to make use of the Pokemon included here, but those who can have truly proven themselves aPokemonmaster.
