Happy with my own run as well – two ICs, two trophies. Got to face off against some fantastic battlers and showcase a fun team 🐸

Gameplay a lil shaky in clutch moments, but that just means there's room to grow. I may never get that second gold, but I'll take consistent Top 8s.

my š

I was wondering, too. Whole timeline on about innies and outies and I have no clue what the actual fuck either is supposed to be

I actually think that Blast Burn will be like the 4th most desirable move on it, unless they change it to Hydro stats in the future. Make sure to pick up one just in case, but the best Skeledirges should be the ones without the legacy move

While Dual Destiny was merely a small patch to what we had in Max Out!, the Might and Mastery meta drops a whole DLC worth of changes that WILL impact how tournament teams are looking.

We may have never had this many viable Pokémon. Time to get creative!

However, it's not all misery. Blastoise, Swampert (direct buffs) and Greninja (better environment) will have a four-way scuffle for best water starter. Forretress might be incredible. Mew is viable again, and there’s even an argument to try out Armarouge, now!

FUN AND LACK THEREOF

Some changes annoy me personally a little. Talonflame is about to be worse with more waters and fewer targets. Wigglytuff looks menacing, and that’s not a fun thing to see in the meta. The Discharge rework feels like a nerf and impacts Charjabug.

Furret is a new, capable generalist. Dragons might see an opening if Azumarill usage plummets. Cradily with Rock Tomb will be difficult to remove while boasting great coverage. A-Sandslash may pick up Shadow Claw again. Golisopod gained consistency, plus I guess there’s Swalot!

BUT WAIT. THERE’S MORE

Some staples will drop slightly, but still be around (ShGatr, Diggersby). Overall, the meta's set to grow: Previously unseen Pokémon now sit on the meta's fringes at least. Togetic? Galarian Weezing? Sure, why not. Double buffed Emolga? Put it in the bag.

… but there’s a chance a drop in fighters could lead to it picking up Snarl again.

Mud Slappers should still thrive. Claydol with its Psychic resistance and access to Rock Tomb could have a moment! Jumpluff and Serperior will remain viable, too.

HERE TO STAY

So, how does the current top meta stack up against the new threats?

Out of the main Ghost answers, Shadow Drapion will continue to thrive. Some players might even opt for the non-shadow for an improved Lapras match up!

Mandibuzz also isn’t going anywhere, …

The Ghosts are here to keep newly-buffed Grumpig in check – and they’re plentiful: Drifblim utilizes Hex to spam debuffs, Dusknoir achieves perfect coverage with Dynamic Punch, and the Rock Tomb buff makes Spiritomb a prime target for low friendship trades.

WHO YOU GONNA CALL?

Even beyond Sableye, the field of Ghost types competing for a place in the meta is broadening up. Galarian Corsola loses some of its oppressive Night Shade damage, while bulky Dusclops and Jellicent benefit from buffed Hex improving their neutral match ups.

Lapras' obvious meta status will make certain hard counters more attractive. I’m thinking Morpeko, Pangoro, maybe a Cresselia resurgence.

The Foul Play energy reduction will also see people try out more Malamar, and Shadow Sableye, to fend off that Psywave pressure!

It is deadly with a shield advantage (see below), consistent and versatile. Lapras will decrease the amount of Dewgong we see, it will challenge Azumarill for the bulky water role, and it will scare Annihilape and Primeape with its Psychic type damage. Non-shadow preferred!

LAPPING THE COMPETITION

We like to talk about Pokémon not only in terms of their individual potency, but also in terms of their *gravity*.

Lapras with Psywave and Sparkling Aria will arrive as a Top 5 Pokémon and is set to significantly shift its surroundings in a big way.