In the world of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, the current VGC meta is defined as Regulation G. This format permits teams to include a single Restricted Pokémon, specifically allowing Legendary Pokémon such as Calyrex Shadow Rider and Miraidon. Regulation G commenced on January 5, 2025, at 4:00 PM PDT and is scheduled to continue until April 30, 2025, at 4:59 PM PDT.
For players aiming to enhance their rankings before the conclusion of the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Regulation G meta, this article offers valuable insights and strategies to effectively construct competitive teams in the evolving VGC landscape.
Effective Strategies to Ascend the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet VGC Ladder
1) Trick Room Synergy with Smeargle
Smeargle has maintained its presence in the VGC format for an extended period, primarily due to its ability to learn virtually every move in the game via its signature move, Sketch. As a crucial support Pokémon, Smeargle excels in teams designed to set up Trick Room, a tactic that temporarily allows slower Pokémon to move first.
This strategy typically commences with Smeargle teamed up with a reliable Trick Room setter, such as Calyrex Ice Rider or Farigiraf. The common moves in Smeargle’s arsenal include:
- Fake Out – a priority move to disrupt opponents,
- Wide Guard – offers protection against spread attacks,
- Spore – the only sleep-inducing move with 100% accuracy, and
- Follow Me – redirects attacks aimed at its ally.
By judiciously employing these techniques, players can effectively establish Trick Room, setting the stage for their team to capitalize on its benefits.
2) “Protect the King”Strategy Featuring Terapagos
Since its introduction in the Indigo Disk DLC, Terapagos has risen to prominence as a popular choice for a Restricted Pokémon in Regulation G. Its utility primarily comes from its ability to undergo Terastallization, dramatically altering its potential for offense.
The “Protect the King”strategy involves safeguarding Terapagos until it is fully prepared to unleash its power. This typically requires setting up at least two instances of Calm Mind (which enhances both special attack and special defense) while making clever use of moves like Protect and Substitute for defense. Once adequately prepared, Terapagos can Terastallize and unleash Tera Starstorm, a potent dual-target move boasting a base power of 120.
To ensure Terapagos remains secured during setup, it is essential to pair it with formidable support Pokémon like Incineroar and Ogerpon.
3) Miraidon: The Balance/Hyper Offense Powerhouse
Miraidon boasts impressive stats, specifically a staggering 135 in Special Attack and Speed. Its Hadron Engine ability enhances Electric-type moves, benefiting from STAB, while also establishing Electric Terrain, further amplifying its damage output. Terastallizing into an Electric type augments its moves, rendering it a formidable opponent, even against resistant adversaries.
4) Koraidon Sun Team Strategies
Much like its counterpart Miraidon, Koraidon fits strategically into the Regulation G format, boasting 135 base stats in Attack. Its unique ability, Orichalcum Pulse, summons a harsh sun and amplifies Koraidon’s attacking prowess.
This sunlight not only enhances Fire-type Pokémon like Heatran and Chi-Yu but also activates abilities from past Paradox Pokémon under the form of Protosynthesis, empowering their highest stat by 30%, or by 50% if it’s their Speed. This notably boosts the effectiveness of Pokémon such as Walking Wake and Flutter Mane.
5) Calyrex Shadow Rider’s Dominance
When employing Calyrex Shadow Rider, the primary focus is on maximizing the damage potential of Astral Barrage, a strong 120 BP Ghost-type attack capable of targeting both foes. With its ability As One, not only does a successful KO bolster its Special Attack, players can further enhance this advantage with Nasty Plot to gain an additional boost of +2 in Special Attack.