What’s great about the mainline Pokemon games is that while they usually add more than a hundred new mons per generation, they still feature Pokemon from previous generations. In the latest game, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, the Paldea Pokedex consists of classic monsters like Salamence, Garchomp, Panphy, Electrode, and Dragonite. It also added heavy hitters from the previous installment, like Dragapult and Toxtricity. There’s a certain fairy-type Pokemon from that generation that dominated the competitive scene, too, and it seems to be doing the same in the latest game.

Competitive Pokemon involves doubles battles, which means that each trainer will bring out two Pokemon on the field. Then, they’ll battle on until all six Pokemon are defeated on one side. This is called the Pokemon Video Game Championships (VGC) format, and it’s significantly different to what most players are used to, since the mainline games are often played in singles battles. Additionally, the format gives more importance to support-type mons that shield and buff their allies, and debuff or weaken their opponents. One support Pokemon from Generation 8 is excellent at most of these tasks, and it’s wreaking havoc again in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.

Grimmsnarl Feels Right at Home in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

The Generation 8 Pokemon lighting up Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s competitive scene is Grimmsnarl. This Pokemon is a fairy/dark type with exceptional Attack and Sp. Attack stats, minimal type weaknesses, and great support moves. These qualities make this Pokemon a good fit for defensive teams.

Grimmsnarl’s best skills include Light Screen, which reduces special attack moves directed toward it and its ally by half. Players also pair this with Reflect, which reduces the damage done by physical attacks for five turns. Another great defensive tool in Grimmsnarl’s arsenal is Fake Out, a first-round skill that causes the target to flinch, preventing them from making their move. This is especially crucial when going against Pokemon with setup moves like Trick Room or possible one-hit KO skills like Earthquake.

Grimmsnarl also learns Spirit Break, its signature move, during evolution. This damages the target and lowers their special attack by one stage. Spirit Break is excellent for countering strong special attack Pokemon in the current meta. This Pokemon also gained Parting Shot in the latest round of buffs, which lets it lower a target’s attack and special attack while also switching with a dormant ally Pokemon.

Grimmsnarl’s Best Matchups and Teammates in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

Grimmsnarl is a great choice in the current meta because it is strong against the most popular Pokemon in competitive right now: Flutter Mane. This mon is known for its high-speed stats and powerful special attack moves like Shadow Ball, Dazzling Gleam, and Moonblast. While Flutter Mane can’t be hit by Fake Out, Grimmsnarl can still minimize the power of its attacks using Light Screen. Grimmsnarl can also render Flutter Mane almost useless with Spirit Break.

Players often add Grimmsnarl to bulky, defensive teams which consist of Pokemon like Gholdengo, Dragonite, Bombardier, Garchomp, and Volcarona. These types of compositions are designed to wear the enemy down with Pokemon with high defense stats and health pools, as well as Grimmsnarl’s defensive moves and debuffs. During this time, the trainer can chip away their opponent Pokemon’s health with damage dealers like Dragonite, Gyarados, and Gholdengo.

Grimmsnarl was dominant in its debut in Generation 8 because of its many defensive options, and it seems that it’s still the go-to assist for Generation 9. It’s also quite versatile, as it can protect glass cannons and make tank Pokemon even harder to take down. Plus, this Pokemon’s fairy typing also means that it’s resistant to powerful Dragon-type attacks. Grimmsnarl is the ultimate bodyguard. Until other Pokemon can offer a more versatile defensive skill set, it will continue to dominate the competitive ladder.