Play your favorite Nintendo Switch games online for free with Amazon Prime.
Amazon just made trading and battling Pokémon online way cheaper.
If you are an Amazon Prime member, you can now claim a new offer of 12 free months of Nintendo Switch Online with a Prime member account. You can get the first three months when claiming the offer, and the other nine months 60 days after making the first claim.
The offer is worth $20 and is available for download from Amazon through Twitch Prime. The 12 months will stack on top of whatever time you may have already purchased for Nintendo Switch online.
This is one deal in a long line of offers Amazon has made with gamers through Twitch and Amazon Prime.
Nintendo has several games that utilize online capabilities available in its store including Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu and Let’s Go Eevee, Super Smash Bros: Ultimate, and Fortnite. With Nintendo Switch Online, you also get access to classic games from the Nintendo Entertainment System’s vast library.
Ready to jump into Pokémon Let’s Go: Pikachu and Eevee? Here’s everything you need to know.
Pokémon Let’s Go: Pikachu and Eevee has been out for a little while now, yet with the holidays last month, many gamers are just starting their newest Pokémon adventure. Let’s Go is like no other Pokémon game has ever been before, and this means that whether you are new to the series or a veteran player, you have a lot to learn about. The game acts as a cross between Pokémon Go and Pokémon’s core series, creating a rather unique hybrid. This guide covers everything from beginner tips to Alolan trade locations. You can find anything you need to know about this unique game right here.
Beginner’s Guide to Pokémon Let’s Go: Pikachu and Eevee
Major differences between Let’s Go and regular Pokémon games
Even if you’ve never played a typical Pokémon game, you are probably familiar with the formula it goes by. You travel around batting and catching a variety of Pokémon. In that sense, Let’s Go is very similar to its predecessors. It’s technically a remake of Yellow, so it follows a similar story and gameplay to that game. Yet, there are key differences between Let’s Go and other Pokémon games that can make it a bit confusing at first.
Catching: The first and most obvious difference between Let’s Go and other core series Pokémon games is how you catch Pokémon. Unlike any other game in the series, you can see Pokémon on the overworld. This lets you avoid unnecessary encounters, while also giving you the opportunity to choose which Pokémon you want to encounter.
Once you’re facing one of these Pokémon, the catching sequence follows a similar mechanic to Pokémon Go. You can give the Pokémon berries to make them easier to catch, and you have to throw a Poké Ball at them. The trick is to try and have the Poké Ball land within the inner circle, while the inner circle is at its smallest. This will optimize your catching experience.
Storage: Other than Let’s Go, each core series Pokémon game features a PC box where you store your excess Pokémon. These boxes were typically only accessible in Pokémon Centers. Let’s Go changes this formula by having your Pokémon storage with you at all times. This means you can switch out your Pokémon whenever you are outside of battle. While this storage system gets full more easily than the box system, you are able to release weaker Pokémon in exchange for special stat-increasing candy.
These 4 hilarious Pokémon Go ripoffs will make you cringe
HMs: While recent Pokémon games have removed HMs in place of alternative means of travel, Let’s Go is the first to have your starter exclusively use these traveling moves. Without taking up one of its precious move slots, and without needing to be in your party, your starter is able to learn a few special techniques that will allow you to do everything that HMs were used for (such as surfing and cutting trees down).
Stats and Candy: Stats work essentially the same way they always have. However, you are now able to see a Pokémon’s Combat Power (CP). This essentially tells you the power difference between two Pokémon of the same level, as one may have better stats than the other. Additionally, this game has introduced candy, similar to Pokémon Go, that will increase specific Pokémon stats. There is a limit to the amount you can use, but it is pretty high, so feel free to maximize the power of your Pokémon.
Abilities: This game features no Pokémon abilities at all.
Limited list of Pokémon: Unlike other Pokémon games, you’re unable to use any Pokémon outside of generation 1 (excluding Meltan, which is exclusive to this game). However, all generation 1 Mega evolutions do appear in this game, and you are able to obtain Alolan versions of gen 1 Pokémon, so there is more variety than you’d originally expect.
Pikachu and Eevee’s unique moves
Since you’re unable to evolve your starter, it may be tempting to scrap them for a more powerful Pokémon. However, the game has given each of them unique moves as incentive for you to keep them on your team. Many fans scoffed at the names of these moves in the trailers, however, they are each powerful and useful in their own right. If you choose to use your starter than be sure to include these on your Pokémon (locations for each tutor will be listed below):
Pikachu
Note: Pikachu only has 4 unique moves, but each one is worth being put on your starter. They give Pikachu powerful type coverage, and one of the best priority moves in the game, Zippy Zap.
Zippy Zap
Physical / Electric / 50 power move
Can be found in the Cerulean Pokémon Center.
This move will always go first and always crits.
That means it is essentially an Electric Quick Attack but with 75 base power. It is incredibly strong.
Floaty Fall
Physical / Flying / 90 power
Can be found in the Celadon Pokémon Center.
Can cause flinch.
Splishy Splash
Special / Water / 90 power
Can be found in the Fuschia City Pokémon Center.
Can cause paralysis.
Pika Papow
Special / Electric / — power
This moves power is based off your friendship levels with Pikachu. It can range from 1 to 102. Additionally, it will never miss.
This move can only be used occasionally in battle, and doesn’t take up a move slot. Instead, Pikachu will prompt you to shake the Joy-Con when it’s usable.
Eevee
Note: Eevee has one move for each type it can evolve into, plus a Normal type move. Each move is a 90 base power version of another move (typically a status move). This means it’s a more powerful version of an already useful move. If you’re familiar with the base move, then it may help in understanding how this new move works:
Bouncy Bubble
Special / Water / 90 power
Found in Cerulean City.
The user heals for half the damage dealt.
A 90 power Water version of Drain Punch and Leech Life.
Buzzy Buzz
Special / Electric / 90 power
Found in Cerulean City.
Leaves the opponent paralyzed.
A 90 power version of Thunder Wave.
Sizzly Sizzle
Physical / Fire / 90 power
Found in Cerulean City.
Leaves the opponent burned.
A 90 power version of Will-O-Wisp.
Glitzy Glow
Special / Psychic / 90 power
Found in Celadon City.
Doubles Special Defense of your team for 5 turns.
A 90 power version of Light Screen.
Baddy Bad
Special / Dark / 90 power
Found in Celadon City.
Doubles Defense of your team for 5 turns.
A 90 power Dark version of Reflect.
Sappy Seed
Physical / Grass / 90 power
Found in Fuschia City.
Drains the opponent of 1/16th health every turn while healing the user by that much.
A 90 power version of Leech Seed.
Freezy Frost
Special / Ice / 90 power
Found in Fuschia City.
Removes all stat changes from all Pokémon in battle.
A 90 power version of Haze.
Sparkly Swirl
Special / Fairy / 90 power
Found in Fuschia City.
Cures the user’s party of any status conditions.
A 90 power Fairy version of Heal Bell.
Veevee Volley
Physical / Normal / — power
This moves power is based off your friendship levels with Eevee. It can range from 1 to 102. Additionally, it will never miss.
This move can only be used occasionally in battle, and doesn’t take up a move slot. Instead, Eevee will prompt you to shake the Joy-Con when it’s usable.
Rideable Pokémon
You’ll notice if you press the + button on a Pokemon in the party, they will follow you around. Well, certain Pokémon will let you ride on them instead. There are three categories for the speed of these rideable Pokémon, Fast, Moderate, and Slow. Moderate Pokémon have the same speed as your trainer’s walking animation, while Fast and Slow Pokémon vary in relation to that speed. Here are all the rideable Pokémon, their speed, and earliest place they can be caught:
Aerodactyl (Flying)
Fast
Earliest Aerodactyl can be obtained from using the Old Amber in Pewter City at the Pokemon Lab on Cinnabar Island (or transferring from Go).
After the Elite Four is defeated, this Pokémon can fly over trainers and other Pokémon.
Dragonite (Flying)
Fast
Earliest Dratini can be found is Route 10 after getting Sea Skim, or transferring from Go.
After the Elite Four is defeated, this Pokémon can fly over trainers and other Pokémon.
Charizard (Flying)
Fast
Earliest Charmander can be found is on Route 3.
Since Charmander is a rare spawn on Route 3, we recommend chain catching to obtain it, or taking the free one from a trainer on Route 25.
After the Elite Four is defeated this Pokémon can fly over trainers and other Pokémon.
Persian
Fast
Earliest Meowth can be found on Route 24.
Only obtainable in Let’s Go: Eevee or from transferring in Go.
Only Kanto Persians are rideable.
Arcanine
Fast
Earliest Growlithe can be found on Route 5, just before the underground tunnel.
Tauros
Fast
Earliest Tauros can be obtained is on Route 14.
Rhyhorn
Moderate
Earliest Rhyhorn can be obtained is in the Rock Tunnel leading to Lavender Town.
Rhydon
Same as above.
Starmie
Moderate
Earliest Staryu can be found is surfing past Fuchsia City, or transferred from Go.
Dodrio
Moderate
Earliest Doduo can be found on Route 16.
Machamp
Moderate
Earliest Machop can be found in the Rock Tunnel.
Onix
Slow
The earliest location that Onix can be found is Mt. Moon.
Haunter
Slow
Earliest Ghastly can be obtained is in Lavender town after obtaining the Silph Scope (must defeat Erika).
Snorlax
Slow
Earliest Snorlax can be obtained is right after completing the Pokemon Tower, either on route 12 or 16 with the Poke Flute.
Kangaskhan
Slow
The earliest place Kangaskhan can be found is in the Rock Tunnel.
As a rare Pokémon, it is recommended that you try to catch it through chain catching or transferring from Go.
Gyarados (Water)
Can only be used while surfing.
Fast
Earliest Magikarp can be found on Route 4 after obtaining Sea Skim, or transferring from Go.
Lapras (Water)
Can only be used while surfing.
Fast
Earliest Lapras can be obtained is surfing outside of Fuschia City, or transferring from Go.
Note: Only certain Pokémon are faster to get from Go, since you can’t access the Go Park until you reach Fuschia City, halfway through the game.
If you’ve played Pokémon Go or Sun/Moon, then you are probably familiar with Alolan forms. These are gen 1 Pokémon that have been altered by Alolas climate, giving them unique typing and abilities. You’re able to infinitely trade your Pokémon for their Alolan forms at select locations. These trades are completely random, and can even yield a shiny! Here is the location for each one (listed in order of how soon you can obtain them):
Rattata – Cerulean City
Geodude – Vermillion City
Diglett – Lavender Town
Sandshrew – Celadon City
Note: Sandshrew is exclusive to the Pikachu version. It can only be obtained in Eevee via trade or Go transfer.
Vulpix – Celadon City
Raichu – Saffron City
Marowak – Fuschia City
Meowth – Cinnabar Island
Note: Meowth is exclusive to the Eevee version. It can only be obtained in Pikachu via trade or Go transfer.
Grimer – Cinnabar Island
Note: Grimer is exclusive to the Eevee version. It can only be obtained in Pikachu via trade or Go transfer.
Exeggutor – Indigo Plateau
Note: An Alolan Pokémon will always evolve into their Alolan evolved form. So your Alolan Rattata will evolve into an Alolan Raticate (which is why there is no place to trade for Alolan Raticate).
Let’s Go has frequently been described as a more casual experience for gamers than previous Pokémon games have been. And while the game holds your hand a lot more than older Pokémon games, Master Trainers are the challenge that elite gamers have been waiting for.
Each Pokémon has a Master Trainer associated with them, most of which you are able to battle. These trainers will challenge you to a one on one battle, where both players can only use their featured Pokémon. So when battling the Rapidash Master Trainer, you and your opponent can only use a single Rapidash. Each Master Trainer’s Pokémon is around level 75, and features a moveset specifically designed to take out themselves, since you’re forced to use the same Pokémon. For example, that same Rapidash knows Drill Run, which will be super effective towards your Rapidash.
By beating these Master Trainers, you will receive a special title. If you defeat the Rapidash trainer, then you will receive the title Rapidash Master. If you receive six or more titles, then you are given the chance to battle Red, with a full team of powerful Pokémon. These challenges are truly great for testing your skills as a trainer.
Also, for the Master Trainers who won’t ask you to battle, such as the Ditto trainer, you simply have to show them a powerful Pokémon of this species. For example, that Ditto Master will ask to see a 4000+ CP Ditto in exchange for the title.
It can be a little confusing when you’re trying to connect your Go account to your Let’s Go game, so we’ve created an easy step by step guide on how to connect to your accounts, making the process much easier. This is an important step to do, as it is the only want to obtain certain Pokémon. You’ll also be able to receive some rewards in both games by connecting them.
With the recent release of Pokémon Let’s Go: Pikachu and Let’s Go: Eevee, fans of the popular mobile app Pokémon Go have been excited to connect their account to the new game. You can receive a variety of perks by doing this, which are invaluable for both games. However, you may find it a bit complicated to connect the games and transfer Pokémon, even after the Go Park employee’s explanation in Fuschia City. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to connect the two games, and how to transfer Pokémon once you’ve done so.
How to connect your Pokémon Go account to Pokémon Let’s Go: Pikachu and Eevee
How to connect your accounts
Step 1: On Pokémon Go, click the Poké Ball in the center of the screen, then press settings in the upper right corner and scroll down until you see where it says “Nintendo Switch”.
Step 2: From this menu, simply press “connect to Nintendo Switch”
Step 3: On Pokémon Let’s Go, from the main menu (that you get to from pressing X), press Y. This should open up the options tab. Then press “Open Pokémon Go Settings”
Step 4: From here you simply have to press “yes” when the game prompts to connect to your Go account.
How to transfer Pokémon
Once you’ve connected your devices, you may find it a little confusing as to how you can actually transfer your Pokémon.
Step 1: On Pokémon Go, you’ll need to press the main menu Poké Ball, then press “Pokémon”.
Step 2: From here, you should see a Nintendo Switch icon in the top right corner next to the search bar. If you press this, you’ll be able to select the Pokémon you want to transfer over.
Step 3: On Pokémon Let’s Go, you’ll have to go to the Go Park in Fuschia City, and select “Bring Pokémon” when talking to the desk attendant.
Step 4: Once you’ve selected a place for the Pokémon to go to, you just have to press “yes” to continue the communication.
Note: Transferring is one-way from Go to Let’s Go. Once a Pokémon is transferred to Let’s Go, there is no way for it to return to Go.
What is the Pokémon GO Park Play Yard
You’ll notice another option in the Pokémon Go Park, then just transferring and catching Pokémon, called the Play Yard. In case you’re curious as to how this works, if you have 25 of the same species of Pokémon in the Go Park, then you can play a minigame with them. This minigame is one of the only ways to get unique Pokémon candy, so it’s worth doing if you want to make a particular Pokémon more powerful.
While this is the main connectivity between Pokémon Go and Let’s Go, you may also want to note that transferring Pokémon lets you use a Mystery Box once a week. Since this is the only way to get Meltan and Melmetal, it’s worth transferring Pokémon to Let’s Go at least once a week.
It’s been many, many years since Pokémon has had a major theatrical movie release outside of Japan. Longtime fans of the series remember that during Pokémania’s hight in the 90’s, “Pokémon: The First Movie” smashed the box office, due in no small part to the exclusive Pokémon cards handed out at every showing.
Nintendo has since chosen not to adapt their properties to the big screen, including Pokémon, assumedly due to the critical and commercial failure of the bizarre live-action 1993 “Super Mario Bros.” movie. Rumors of Legendary Pictures working on a Pokémon movie have popped up over the last few years, with most people expecting a typical CGI animated kids film. However, nobody expected anything quite like what we saw in the “Detective Pikachu” trailer:
I don’t think anyone was expecting a live-action movie with realistic Pokémon designs. I think people were expecting to hear Ryan Reynolds when Pikachu opened his mouth even less. Hot off the success of “Deadpool 2,” it’ll be interesting to see Reynolds voice a much cuter and significantly less vulgar character. This isn’t actually the first time Pikachu has spoken in a movie, as shown by the hilariously baffling clip below:
It’s also surprising to see a Pokémon movie that takes place in a relatively grounded world. In one shot, you see a food vendor using Charmander’s flaming tail to cook his food, showing how in this world Pokémon aren’t anything spectacular, but a part of everyday life. There are very few mentions of Pokémon trainers, and we see dense urban environments that are infrequently seen in the games or show. The neon look of the city gives the trailer a neo-noir vibe, especially coupled with the detective characters and plot.
While the trailer is upbeat and full of energy, the grounded tone prevents the film from looking like the typical “live-action cartoon character in the real world” schlock seen in movies like “Alvin and the Chipmunks” or “The Smurfs.”
It is also surprising to see the trailer feature Pokémon beyond the original 151. The Pokémon Company likes to push the original 151, which features icons like Pikachu, Charizard, Squirtle, and Mewtwo, as they are easily the most recognizable Pokémon among general audiences. Featuring Pokémon beyond Generation 1 was a smart move by the filmmakers, as it opens up the movie to more potential characters and gags. Speaking of featured Pokémon, here are all the Pokémon we spotted in the trailer:
Dodrio
Bouffalant
Comfey
Pidgey
Flabébé
Charmander
Emolga
Audino
Jigglypuff
Bulbasaur
Squirtle
Pachamp
Greninja
Psyduck
Morelull
Charizard
Mr. Mime
Judging by audience reactions, the realistic design of the live-action Pokémon was by far the most polarizing aspect of the trailer. Instead of creating new designs for the Pokémon, the filmmakers decided to keep each Pokémon’s basic silhouette and color scheme intact. This ensures each Pokémon is instantly recognizable, but it also makes certain designs stick out more in live-action. Pikachu himself looks fantastic, he looks as emotive as ever and the fur applied to his design just adds to the cuteness.
I don’t think the same can be said for Jigglypuff, whose live-action incarnation is a strange mix of cute and absolutely horrifying:
However, no design in the trailer even approaches Mr. Mime:
Featured in an interrogation scene, Mr. Mime is pure nightmare fuel. Unlike Jigglypuff and Pikachu, Mr. Mime doesn’t have cute fur, but an unholy mix of human-like skin and strange plasticky textures, allowing him to dive headfirst into the uncanny valley. In the show, Mr. Mime is characterized as a cheery and helpful Pokémon who likes to entertain people. In “Detective Pikachu,” he’s a bonafide antagonist who literally tells Pikachu to shove it, further cementing how unsettlingly horrifying he is. It’s honestly shocking that the filmmakers chose to include Mr. Mime in the first place. To be fair, it does seem that Mr. Mime is supposed to be a smarmy jerk, and the animators nailed that. Plus the scene where Pikachu plays bad cop is hilarious as well.
Are you excited for Detective Pikachu? What do you think of the live-action Pokémon? Let us know!
Halloween has become Pokémon Go’s standard time for releasing a new generation by having an early release of ghost-type Pokémon from that new generation. Generation 4 is following that same standard, though some non-ghost types have already been leaked into the game. This generation actually has a special connection to Halloween, by having a ghost type legendary, Giratina, to appear in raids from now until November 20.
Not only can you now get Sinnoh Pokémon, you may soon be able to get the newly revealed mythical Pokémon: Meltan. If you haven’t heard of this little guy, you can check out our coverage of his reveal to find out more about his initial release.
Since then Pokémon has released two new videos hinting at the future of Meltan. The first is episode two in a series called “Two Professors”, where Oak and Willow discuss the a new discovery involving how to obtain Meltan. It seems like they are hinting at a new field research being released soon, like the special research for Mew and Celebi.
The second video reveals another secret surrounding Meltan. It seems multiple Meltan can be put together to make a stronger one. Only time will tell the truth, and hopefully, these updates keep coming regularly until we have all of Meltan’s secrets uncovered.
Ready to battle the big boys in competitive Pokémon? Start here!
So, you want to be the very best, like no one ever was?
There’s much more to being the world’s best trainer than just beating the Elite Four. In order to really find out who the best is, Game Freak and the Pokémon Company frequently host competitive Pokémon tournaments called the Video Game Championships. The rules for VGC are different than your standard Pokémon battle. The current ruleset is as follows:
Ruleset Overview
All matches are to be played as Double Battles in Pokémon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon.
All Pokémon must have the black clover icon, meaning they must be caught or hatched in Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun or Ultra Moon, or obtained from an event distribution in these games.
For all series formats, GS Cup rules apply, meaning only two restricted Pokémon can be used per team: Mewtwo, Lugia, Ho-oh, Groudon, Kyogre, Rayquaza, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Reshiram, Zekrom, Kyurem, Xerneas, Yveltal, Zygarde, Solgaleo, Lunala, Necrozma
Mythical Pokémon are banned. (Note: Mythical Pokémon include event-only or otherwise inaccessible Pokémon, such as Mew, Celebi, or Arceus)
The “your timer” system has been changed, with the maximum player time increased from 5 minutes to 7 minutes.
Like most competitive games, Pokémon VGC comes in seasons, ending with the prestigious Worlds tournament. 2019 is a unique season in that it is being divided into three different series, all with slightly different rules. The rules of each series are listed below:
Sun Series
September 4, 2018–January 7, 2019
Z-Crystals and Mega Stones are not permitted.
Blue Orb and Red Orb items are not permitted.
Rayquaza may not know the move Dragon Ascent.
Moon Series
January 8, 2019–April 1, 2019
Ultranecrozium Z is not permitted, but other Z-Crystals are permitted.
Mega Stones are not permitted.
Blue Orb and Red Orb items are not permitted.
Rayquaza may not know the move Dragon Ascent.
Ultra Series
April 2, 2019–Pokémon World Championships in August 2019
All moves and items obtainable through normal gameplay are permitted.
5 Best Competitive Pokémon for VGC 2019 Sun Series
Unlike standard trainer battles in the games, in VGC all battles are double battles. Before each battle, the player can view the other player’s team in Team Preview (but not their moves or held items). Each trainer then chooses 4 out of their 6 Pokémon. It is important to pick Pokémon that synergize well with each other and hold type advantages over your opponent.
Certain moves or abilities that are useless in single battles become amazing in double battles. For example, the move Helping Hand powers up your partner’s attack, which can prove to be the difference between a hard hit and a game-winning KO. Additionally, spread moves such as Earthquake, Surf, Rock Slide, and Dazzling Gleam are incredibly important for their ability to hit both of the opponent’s Pokémon. You need to be careful when using these moves, however, as some spread moves hit your partner Pokémon as well.
Another extremely important move is Fake Out. Fake Out has priority (meaning it will always hit first) and makes your target flinch, causing them to waste a turn. While nearly useless in single battles, proper use of Fake Out is important as it can turn the momentum in your favor. Fake Out can only be used on the first turn the Pokémon using it is sent out, and it doesn’t work while Psychic Terrain is up, so be careful.
One of the most common and important moves in VGC is Protect. You can use Protect to shield your Pokémon, scout out the opponent’s moves, or soften the impact of a hard-hitting z-move. If you’re building a team and you can’t think of a fourth move to put on one of your Pokémon, you can’t go wrong with Protect.
Getting the band together
These were some of the most commonly used Pokémon in VGC last year
If you want to succeed, your Pokémon team needs to be balanced in multiple ways. First, it needs to be balanced when it comes to type matchups. Don’t follow the Gym Leader route and pick a bunch of Pokémon with the same type weakness. You want to make sure your type coverage is broad and versatile. If a Pokémon gets destroyed by an extremely common Pokémon like Incineroar or Tapu Koko, you probably shouldn’t use them.
Additionally, each Pokémon on your team should be chosen to fulfill a certain role. When choosing offensive Pokémon, you need to have both physical and special attackers to be able to cover all of the threats. Support Pokémon, like Cresselia and Amoongus, can provide invaluable help to your team. These Pokémon can often tank hits easily, spread status conditions, and disrupt your opponent’s plans with moves like Follow Me and Rage Powder.
Not knowing where to begin when putting together a team is very common. To start, pick one or two Pokémon that you really want to use and then build a team around them, based on their typing and roles.
It may be surprising to new competitive players that you can use legendary Pokémon in competitive. Certain legendaries, such as the legendary birds, the genies, and the legendary dogs, have always been allowed in competitive play, as they’re generally not considered strong enough to be imbalanced.
However, cover legendaries such as Groudon, Kyogre, and Dialga, are not always allowed in competitive play, it just so happens this year Game Freak is switching it up and allowing their use. The last time cover legendaries were allowed was back in 2016, which saw competitive play dominated by Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre.
You can only choose 2 cover legendaries to use on your team. So far, the most popular cover legendaries being used are Xerneas, Kyogre, Groudon, and Necrozma-Dusk-Mane. Xerneas’ Geomancy allows it to boost its stats to obscene levels, which will quickly allow it to destroy your team unless dealt with quickly. Kyogre’s bulk, automatic rain, and high special attack allow it to tear through unprotected teams. Groudon’s insane attack, bulk, and automatic sun allow it to cancel Kyogre’s rain and clean up opposing teams.
To be competitive, it is HIGHLY recommended to have a couple of legendaries on your team, though it’s not necessary to pick them for every battle depending on your opponent’s team.
Advice from a top player
Softonic spoke to Nate Innocenti aka NotasVGC, a top VGC player from Illinois who got 42nd at last year’s World tournament. Here is the advice he offered:
1. Don’t expect to be amazing right out the gate. It takes time to develop the fundamentals needed to be successful in the game. Different people learn at different paces. Don’t get frustrated if things don’t come to you right away. They will in time!
2. You can still use Pokémon you like, even if they are not strong in VGC. Your road becomes more difficult if you choose to use less powerful Pokémon, but finding success with them feels that much more of an accomplishment!
3. Don’t be discouraged if you have bad luck. Pokémon is a game with many RNG components, no trainer has gone a playthrough without experiencing critical hits, untimely burns, game-breaking freezes, or sleep lasting 3 turns. It’s all part of the game, so if it happens it’s best to analyze the battle to try and determine how else you could’ve gone about it. This breeds a very constructive mindset that’ll allow you to improve your skill quicker!
4. Talk to people. If ever you find yourself at a VGC event, you’re literally surrounded by people who share your passion for Pokémon. If at any point you get a chance, strike up a conversation with people. Compliment your opponent’s team while talking about your battles afterward. VGC becomes much more rewarding when you have friends within the community!
5. Never give up. As someone who went an entire season without earning a single point towards a trip to Worlds, I can tell you how frustrating it might be. Keep at it. The very next year, I found myself not only making Worlds, but placing in the top 50 after being 1 of only 25 people to move from day 1 to day 2. Anyone can play this game, so long as you’re willing to put in the work, you’ll find the success to reflect it.
Yeah yeah, I skimmed through all that. So where do I start?
You can look up “VGC 2019 teambuilding guide” on YouTube to see tips from top players on how to build your team. Once your team is planned out, you can practice using it without having to go through the trouble of breeding it in-game using Pokémon Showdown.
Pokémon Showdown is an online battle simulator that allows you to play a variety of competitive Pokémon formats, including VGC, without having to go through the tedium of building your team in-game. It is incredibly popular in the Pokémon community and should be used to practice before committing to your team.
Once you feel confident in your team and skills, you can use the Pokémon Company’s official tournament locator to find a tourney. Once you find a tournament, show off your skills!
Want to do battle in Pokémon VGC 2019 Sun Series? Here are your best bets.
The Pokémon VGC Sun Series has been underway for about a month now, and the addition of cover legendaries has caused pandemonium within the format. With so many gods and elemental beasts running around, it can be hard to choose which two to use on your team. Before jumping in, here are the rules for VGC 2019 and the Sun Series:
All battles will be Double Battles played in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon.
All Pokémon from National Pokédex No. 001 through 807 are allowed, with the following restrictions:
Mythical Pokémon and Ash-Greninja are not permitted.
Players may only include two of the following Pokémon in their teams: Mewtwo, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Reshiram, Zekrom, Kyurem, Xerneas, Yveltal, Zygarde, Cosmog, Cosmoem, Solgaleo, Lunala, Necrozma.
Pokémon must have the Alola symbol, showing they were caught in the Alola region.
Duplicate Pokémon are not allowed.
Duplicate held items are not allowed.
All Pokémon are set to Lv. 50, including Pokémon below Lv. 50.
Players will have 7 minutes of Your Time, up from 5 minutes in 2018.
The following additional rules will be in place only during their respective series.
Sun Series
September 4, 2018–January 7, 2019
Z-Crystals and Mega Stones are not permitted.
Blue Orb and Red Orb items are not permitted.
Rayquaza may not know the move Dragon Ascent.
Now that that’s out of the way, here are some of the best Pokémon in Sun Series so far.
These 4 hilarious Pokémon Go ripoffs will make you cringe
5 Best Competitive Pokémon for VGC 2019 Sun Series
Incineroar
Incineroar @ Assault Vest/Figy Berry
Ability: Intimidate
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD
Adamant Nature
– Fake Out
– Flare Blitz
– Knock Off
– U-turn/Roar/Protect/Snarl
The controversial heel wrestler absolutely dominated VGC 2018, and Sun Series looks no different so far, once again becoming the most commonly used Pokémon in the format. Incineroar’s monstrous attack stat and fantastic offensive typing allow it to hit opponents hard with STAB Flare Blitz and Knock Off. It’s bulky too, allowing it to survive a rain-boosted Origin Pulse from Kyogre while holding an Assault Vest.
Incineroar’s greatest strength, however, is its amazing utility with Fake Out and Intimidate. Intimidate is obviously one of the most broken abilities in doubles, lowering both of the opponents’ physical attack stats on a switch in. This broken ability combined with Fake Out pressure allows Incineroar to support its teammates, allowing them to set up utility moves like Tailwind or Trick Room. If you want additional utility, you can replace U-turn and your Assault Vest with a few different options. Roar can be used to phase out the terrifying threat that is Geomancy Xerneas, while Snarl does spread chip damage and lowers your opponent’s special attack stats.
Xerneas
Xerneas @ Power Herb
Ability: Fairy Aura
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid/Modest Nature
– Geomancy
– Dazzling Gleam
– Protect
– Moonblast
This roided-out Bambi is arguably the biggest threat in Sun Series so far. Once it gets its Geomancy up, there is very little in the metagame that’s able to stop it. The set is fairly straightforward: set up Geomancy, then win. While using Xerneas, you need to make sure you can get your Geomancy up safely.
Common anti-Geomancy Pokémon include the aforementioned Roar Incineroar and Haze Crobat, both of which can waste Xerneas’s Power Herb, making it significantly less effective. Make sure you support your Xerneas with Fake Out and Taunt users that can ensure your precious deer’s ascent into godhood.
Kyogre
Kyogre @ Choice Scarf/Life Orb
Ability: Drizzle
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
– Origin Pulse
– Water Spout
– Ice Beam
– Thunder
Even though it doesn’t have access to Blue Orb in Sun Series, Kyogre is still one of the best Pokémon in the game. If you can avoid Fake Out ruining your momentum, spamming scarfed Water Spout can net you a win. If you’ve been damaged a bit already, Origin Pulse still hits like a truck. Kyogre’s Drizzle ability also provides a lot of useful utility if you build your team around it. Swift Swim Pokémon like Ludicolo can run circles around the enemy team, abusing their blazing speed to remove threats to Kyogre and give you the win. Kyogre alone counters strong offensive Pokémon like Groudon and Incineroar, and if you can remove threats like Amoonguss and Ferrothorn, Kyogre should be able to clean up the enemy team easily.
After making waves in Ubers, Necrozma-Dusk-Mane makes its VGC debut with a vengeance. Its amazing ability Prism Armor reduces damage from super effective attacks by 25%, allowing it to tank through common moves like Earthquake or Flare Blitz. After taking a super effective hit, NDM’s Weakness Policy will activate, allowing it to sweep. In order to make sure NDM can sweep, your team must utilize speed control. Either have another Pokémon set up Tailwind or have NDM activate Trick Room itself. NDM is arguably the most powerful Xerneas counter in the format. If you can establish speed control and eliminate threats like Incineroar, your NDM sweep will be extremely hard to stop.
Ferrothorn
Ferrothorn @ Leftovers
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SpD
Brave Nature
– Gyro Ball
– Power Whip
– Leech Seed/Thunder Wave
– Protect
This thorny annoyance has made constant appearances in competitive play ever since its debut in Black and White. Ferrothorn’s insane bulk and fantastic defensive typing allow it to tank hits from some of the most powerful Pokémon in the game. The two most powerful Pokémon in Sun Series, Xerneas and Kyogre, both fear Ferrothorn. It can easily absorb hits from both of them and respond in kind with a Power Whip for Kyogre or a Gyro Ball to a boosted Xerneas. Depending on their set, Ferrothorn can one-hit-KO either of those two Pokémon.
It can also easily stall out enemy teams with Protect and Leech Seed, proving once again that it’s an unkillable parasite. If you come up against a Ferrothorn, break out the Incineroar and light it up with Flare Blitz. Just be wary of its Rocky Helmet.
Want to put these powerhouses into practice? Find an event near you with Game Freak’s official VGC event locator!
If you’ve been playing Pokémon Go over the weekend, you may have noticed this little guy:
This unique little creature had never been seen before in the Pokémon world, and fans everywhere were theorizing what it might be. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to find out much right away, since catching the new Pokémon would cause it to transform into a Ditto.
Rumors circled quickly that this was a new undiscovered Pokémon, while many theorized it was a Missingno-like glitch that got put into the game by accident.
After a few days, however, the Pokémon Company finally revealed it as their new mythical Pokémon: Meltan!
This mythical Pokémon is classified as the Hex Nut Pokémon and is revealed to be a Steel-type. Other than a Pokédex-like explanation of its liquid metal body producing electricity, not much is known about the Pokémon or how to obtain it, though it’s likely to be from field research like previous mythical Pokémon in Go. However, it is likely we’ll see it in Pokémon’s upcoming Switch title: Let’s Go! Pikachu and Eevee, set for release on November 16.
During the summer of 2016, it was impossible to escape Pokémon Go. Everywhere you went, people were either playing the game or talking about it. Both presidential candidates even gave it a shoutout. With over 800 million downloads, Pokémon Go was a huge success for Nintendo and developer Niantic. However, it would be naive to assume that something that popular could exist without being ripped off. Developers quickly cranked out half-baked apps that desperately tried to capitalize off of the Pokémania. The results range from okay-at-best to shameful to downright bizarre. Here are a few of our favorites:
1. Pixelmon Go
This shameless ripoff seems like it was spat out in 10 minutes by a room of old corporate dudes. “Kids like Minecraft? Kids like Pokémon? What’re you waiting for? Get it out!”
Despite its title, this app has no relation to the popular Minecraft mod Pixelmon. Instead, it features gameplay that can generously be described as a gutted version of Pokémon Go. There are no gyms to battle, plus, you don’t even need to walk around to find Pixelmon, you just tap the screen to make your character walk around. That’s right, they took the core gameplay innovation of Pokémon Go (as in, actually going outside and exploring) and stripped it away.
We’ll give the other ripoffs credit, they realized that part of the appeal of Pokémon Go is the assortment of colorful creatures you collect. Whoever is responsible for Garfield Go clearly did not understand this. Instead, you run around outside looking for treasure. While in Pokémon Go, you use your phone camera to throw Pokéballs at monsters, in Garfield Go, you throw lasagna at the lethargic cartoon cat. You need to actually point your camera around until you find Garfield, and until you do, he endlessly repeats “MEOW MEOW MEOW MEOW.” Garfield Go doesn’t even make sense as a concept. I am under 50 so I’m no Garfield expert, but isn’t the whole point of the comic strip that he’s a lazy cat that lounges around the house all day? Why would he be running around outside looking for treasure? I may be thinking too hard about this but I’m at least thinking harder than the people who created this game.
This particular ripoff has the dubious honor of being accused of plagiarism by Niantic itself. The game shamelessly copies concepts like Pokéstops, gyms, Pokéballs, and catching. The monsters featured in-game even use CP points to represent their power, just like Pokémon Go. Niantic was not having it. Draconius Go developer Elyland defended themselves against the clearly baseless accusations by saying, among other ramblings, this:
“When we developed this game, we consulted leading world-class lawyers, and we are 100% certain that Niantic’s claim is unjustified. Niantic’s reaction shows that they consider us as a serious rival. By doing so, they actually prove that our product is better.”
We’re sure Niantic is shaking in their boots, cowering in fear as Draconius Go inevitably becomes the most downloaded app in existence, leaving Pokémon Go as nothing but a faint memory.
4. Go Catch Em All! – Hungry Monster.IO World Chasing Color Dots
Yes, that word-vomit is the actual title of the game. This particular ripoff became infamous after releasing in countries that Pokémon Go hadn’t yet. So many people were fooled into downloading this that it shot up to the top of the App Store charts in countries like Canada and Norway. We don’t necessarily blame people for being fooled either, as the App Store page features screenshots literally taken directly from Pokémon Go. As for the game itself, it’s just Agar.io with Pokémon faces, which again, is copyrighted content.
We all love battling the villain teams from Pokémon (generally). We all feel a sense of something being at stake, be it your own Pokémon or the entire region. Which team is the best?
We all love battling the villain teams from Pokémon (generally). We all feel a sense of something being at stake, be it your own Pokémon or the entire region. Please note that only the main series Pokémon game villains will be posted here, if your favorite villain team is from a spin-off, leave it in the comments so we can see!
Warning: There is an extreme Pokémon Sun/Moon spoiler and Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon spoiler, so go check out those games BEFORE voting if you want the storyline to be a mystery.
Amazon just made trading and battling Pokémon online way cheaper.
