Monotype's Newest Faces

By Decem, Havens, and maroon. Released: 2020/06/15.
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art

Art by Sephirona.

Introduction

Generation 8 has brought significant changes to the scope of Monotype, between the introduction of Dynamax, the changes to Pokémon movepools, and a massive Pokedex cut that eliminated a large portion of Pokémon from competitive use. However, let us not forget the introduction of brand new Pokémon, some of which are poised to change the landscape of Monotype now and beyond. In this article, we will discuss Pokémon from Generation 8 that have the biggest impact on the current Monotype metagame.

Dragapult (Dragon / Ghost)

Dragapult

Few Pokémon can match the capabilities of Generation 8's pseudo-legendary, Dragapult. Between its fantastic offensive typing, impressive arsenal of moves, and nearly unparalleled Speed tier, it's among the best wallbreakers and revenge killers in Monotype. Both Dragon and Ghost teams appreciate its raw damage output, as defensive answers to its powerful STAB moves are few and far between, and those that can switch in are likely to be threatened by the myriad of coverage moves Dragapult has at its disposal. The highly offensive playstyle Dragon teams are accustomed to, and the solid balance core Ghost teams have are complemented greatly by Dragapult's ability to control the pace of every match, which is heavily greatly appreciated in many matchups for both types. This form of momentum is magnified given the removal of Pursuit this generation, which makes Dragapult incredibly hard to remove. It's by far the greatest new addition to Monotype, a necessity on both types, and perhaps a metagame staple for generations to come.

Corviknight (Steel)

Corviknight

Corviknight has taken the metagame by storm due to a variety of factors, including but not limited to its stellar typing, well-rounded stat distribution, great abilities, pivoting, and longevity. With options in Roost and Taunt to increase its longevity and shut down Haze users, phazing, and slower Taunt users, removing it from play is difficult without trading KOs or incurring significant damage. Its abilities are a cut above most defensive Pokémon in Monotype, as Mirror Armor reflects all stat drops that aren't self inflicted, while the combination of Pressure and Taunt can stallbreak the best walls the metagame has to offer. Its defensive capabilities are even further exemplified by the threatening range of teammates at its disposal; between Aegislash, Duraludon, Ferrothorn, and others, the synergy that Steel-types create can be difficult to combat, especially for Ground teams that struggle to scratch Corviknight. All in all, Corviknight is priming itself to be the premier defensive Pokémon, and needless to say a potential metagame titan too.

Dracovish (Dragon / Water)

Dracovish

Thanks to its signature move, Fishious Rend, Dracovish is a terrifying wallbreaker that can exploit slower Pokémon by doubling its damage. It's mainly preferred on Water teams for the incredible amount of synergy it has; with Pelipper setting the rain for it and Toxapex pressuring grounded foes with Toxic Spikes, Dracovish has the power and support to OHKO or 2HKO any Pokémon that's not Water immune. Though it's not as desired on Dragon teams, its sheer wallbreaking power holds true and is backed up by Dragon's high-powered offensive core, which comes with the likes of Dragapult and Hydreigon.

Hatterene (Fairy / Psychic)

Hatterene

Hatterene comes as a blessing in disguise to both Fairy and Psychic teams, as it compresses the role of a strong special attacker with much-needed entry hazard control for both types through Magic Bounce, replacing the likes of Mega Diancie and Latios from last generation. Additionally, its low natural Speed when combined with Magic Bounce allows it to be a solid Trick Room setter and attacker that is unaffected by Taunt. It truly is necessary given that each type has limited forms of viable hazard control, and its ability to combat and threaten its weaknesses on any type courtesy of its STAB attacks would be necessary regardless of Magic Bounce; Psychic teams appreciate its Fairy-type STAB moves for Dark-types, while Psychic-type STAB moves threaten Poison-types heavily for Fairy teams. Though it may not be as impactful as some other new Pokémon this generation considering the current dominance of Ghost, Steel, and Water teams, it's safe to say that Hatterene is a glue that binds its teams together, one that both types will happily accept.

Galarian Corsola (Ghost)

Galarian Corsola

Even though the Monotype metagame has shifted towards offense, Pokémon like Galarian Corsola remind us that some Pokémon don't easily break. It has made its name known for its solid, Eviolite-boosted defenses and its rather annoying movepool; with options like Strength Sap, Will-O-Wisp, and Stealth Rock, it becomes a menace to physical attackers like Galarian Darmanitan and Excadrill while also putting other defensive Pokémon to shame, and Ghost teams greatly appreciate its presence as a result. Galarian Corsola can maintain itself with greater ease knowing that there are fewer forces that can threaten it this generation, especially considering the minimal number of viable Knock Off and Toxic users that Monotype currently offers. It also permits Ghost to opt for balance-oriented builds instead of limiting it to hyper offense. For the moment, it's among the best defensive Pokémon in Monotype.

Barraskewda (Water)

Barraskewda

Barraskewda was on top of the metagame for a while, being a blazingly fast Pokémon both inside and out of rain. Due to its amazing natural Speed tier alongside a decent arsenal of physical moves, it could easily run an Adamant nature and become a potent glass cannon. However, with Pokémon Home releasing Pokémon such as Keldeo, Blastoise, and Primarina, this fish got left by the curb, since the roles that they provide, with Keldeo being a staple breaker, Blastoise being a Shell Smash sweeper, and Primarina being an amazing Dragon check, are much more valuable than Barraskewda's sweeping, which is easily covered by the former three and is already outclassed by Seismitoad. While the fish still can be used, it got trolled by Pokémon Home leaving it less than desirable on teams that are not dedicated to solely rain offense. That being said, it still is a terrifying Pokémon to face inside rain and can easily rip apart teams, so do not underestimate it even though it has become less common.

Galarian Darmanitan (Ice)

Galarian Darmanitan

When Galarian Darmanitan was introduced alongside its pseudo-Choice Band of an ability in Gorilla Tactics, many feared that it would be too much for Monotype to handle, similarly to how it was perceived in OU. As time progressed, it was determined that it lacks the necessary team support to become an overwhelming threat, which ties in to Ice being weak in Monotype prior to the release of Pokémon Home. If anything, this works in favor of Ice teams, as they now have an invaluable asset in the fight against Steel teams that is capable of decimating entire cores single-handedly, especially considering how Pokémon Home reintroduced Kyurem and Alolan Ninetales to give Galarian Darmanitan greater offensive synergy and team support. With its Fighting-, Fire-, and Ground-type coverage, it covers all of the weaknesses in Steel teams while having a strong STAB move in Icicle Crash to OHKO or 2HKO anything that doesn't resist it. Add the fact that it can pivot out of unfavorable positions with U-turn and consistently generate momentum on its own, and it's safe to say that the introduction of Galarian Darmanitan has made Ice teams see a significant jump in viability.

Indeedee (Normal / Psychic)

Indeedee Indeedee-F

When you look at Indeedee's underwhelming stats and not-so-great coverage, you would think that this Pokémon doesn't have much to do in Monotype. Yet at the same time, this odd cross between Meloetta and Tapu Lele is pivotal for Psychic's playstyle. The primary reason for this is because of Psychic Surge; being able to boost Psychic-type moves while being unaffected by priority moves in Shadow Sneak and Sucker Punch is extremely beneficial for Psychic teams, and it was a primary reason why Tapu Lele was quickbanned in the last generation. Additionally, the Normal typing gives Psychic teams a means of switching into Ghost-type moves, which have plagued Psychic teams for the longest time, especially against Choice-locked foes such as Gengar. Indeedee's Choice Specs variant magnifies its wallbreaking power greatly, though its female counterpart can perform just as well with an additional support option in Healing Wish at the cost of some power. Despite Indeedee's lackluster stats, it's a huge reason why Psychic teams are consistently great in the metagame.

Final Thoughts

The impact these Pokémon have had on Monotype's current state is undeniable, despite the loss of so many other Pokémon. With future DLC presenting Pokémon both old and new, it will be interesting to see how this generation's threats will match up. Regardless of the circumstances, this is only a new chapter in the history of Monotype, and I daresay it's looking bright.

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