How to Use Snow Teams for Ranked Matches – Armessa Movie News

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet gave a buff to Ice-type Pokémon of the Paldea region making them some of the best Pokémon in the competitive scene.

Generation 9 Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Ranked Battles have introduced the power of Snow Teams, replacing the previous Hail weather mechanics. As a result, Ice-type Pokémon get a 50% physical defensive buff and a 100% chance for a Blizzard to hit. Additionally, Aurora Veil can now activate with Snow instead of setting up dual defense and special defense “screens.” This gives trainers opportunities to use new Ice-type Pokémon like Cetitan and Baxcalibur with more longevity since Ice-type Pokémon have no resistances.

Like Rain Dance for Rain or Sunny Day for Sun, Snowscape is now applicable for competitive matches, aiding some of the best Ice-type in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Abomasnow still tops usage with these teams due to its ability Snow Warning to set up a snowstorm without needing to spend a turn on this move. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet also introduced a new way to set up snowstorms with Chilly Reception. However, the only Pokémon right now that can learn this move is Slowking. The Pokémon using this move spends a turn to set up the snowstorm, then leaves the battlefield to switch with its ally.

Related: The Best Ground-Type Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet

Core Pokémon to Use on a Snow Team

Abomasnow and Cetitan are important as they set up Snow which threatens opposing Dragon- or Grass-type Pokémon. Youtube content creator AtmosphereVGC won a recent 200+ person tournament with a Snow Team, using these Pokémon’s abilities which work synonymously when a snowstorm starts. Cetitan’s Slush Rush activates, giving it double Speed making it faster than the best Meowscarada builds in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, which dominate the competitive scene. To finish off these teams, because of access to Aurora Veil, popular Pokémon picks such as Hydreigon or Armarouge survive longer and can sweep easier.

Steps to Keep the Snowstorm Up

Trainers should know how to win a “weather war” in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Ranked Battles. This is when trainers facing each other have opposing strategies that require weather conditions. First, determine which Pokémon will be used, such as a Drought Torkoal, Drizzle Pelipper, or Sand Stream Tyranitar. Next, predict when the other trainer will be using their Pokémon, possibly by looking at how many other Pokémon rely on weather conditions. In the case of Snow, this is where Chilly Reception is helpful because the move activates Snow instead of immediately starting it on the battlefield.

Experiment with Terastillization

According to Youtube creator Jamie Boyt, Tera Types also benefit from Snow, making more strategies possible for Snow Teams versatile. For example, giving Tera Type Ice to a Pokémon like Hydreigon erases its original weaknesses and gives it a 50% defensive boost. Adding to Pokémon Scarlet & Violet‘s Baxcalibur‘s overwhelming attack stat, a Terastillized Icicle Spear with the item Loaded Dice can do around 90 damage knocking out most Pokémon with only four hits. However, be mindful of Ice-type Terastillization because although there are no resistances, their weaknesses are extensive.

More: Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: Hyper Training Guide

Source: YouTube/AtmosphereVGC