With the anticipation building for the first mainline Pokémon DLC offering, many of our competitive readers will be wondering how the expansion’s additions will affect the state of competitive play. Techstomper has the full heal you need to cure the confusion around The Isle of Armor and the rest.
Let’s start with the Pokémon Home data mine leak. It contained news of 21 new moves being added to the game, which isn’t a surprise. Of the 21 new moves, at least nine of these new moves are reserved for new Gigantamax and legendary Pokémon. That leaves 12 moves, which isn’t something to be too ‘Meinfoo’ of considering over 100 legacy Pocket Monsters are returning.
Before getting Drowzee thinking about all the possible team synergies, sit your Ash down and consider the cast of returning competitive Pokémon. Competition favourites such as Blissey, Scizor and Volcarona are returning to the fray providing new dynamics to online play, a full list has been kindly provided by Bulbapedia.
Dee-Fence
In terms of special defence walls, Blissey is one of the best considering its special defence stat. Scizor is built with solid type resistances thanks to its bug/steel typing, with a high attack stat for STAB moves such as bullet punch.
Volcarona is, in theory, an effective sweeper thanks to its high special attack and speed stats. With the right type matching, Valcarona has a lot of potential. Another interesting returning Pokémon is Skarmoury, given its high defence stat. Chances are it’s going to give Corviknight a run for its money as the definitive flying steel type. There’s going to be plenty of new opportunities to score a winning ‘GOALduck’ overall competitively…
The Isle of Armor DLC is part one of a two-part pass for Pokémon Sword and Shield, with the Isle of Tundra being released later this year. The Isle of Armor DLC is available on 17th June digitally on the Nintendo eShop, in-game and selected online retailers. Players can expect additional storyline, new and Glarian form Legendaries and new Gigantamax forms. If players haven’t completed the Galarian Dex and become the Galarian champion yet, now is a good time to ‘Roggenrolla’!
