Ansena's Antics

One of three new Ultra Beasts introduced in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, Naganadel finds its niche as a speedy and offensive Poison type in a Tapu filled format. With a decent speed stat, access to Tailwind, and the flexibility of Z Moves, Naganadel can serve as a check to major threats in the format. Pros *Poison Dragon is an excellent Offensive and Defensive typing in the current format *127 Special Attack allows Naganadel to OHKO all Tapus with the exception of Tapu Fini, and also provides 2HKOs with Super Effective attacks *121 Speed allows Naganadel to outspeed most of the format barring Tapu Koko and Mega Gengar, and is the fastest Tailwind setter available *Decent coverage and access to Tailwind allow Naganadel to fulfill multiple roles *Choice Scarf Naganadel outspeeds Ludicolo in the Rain, and KO’s with Sludge Bomb Cons *73 / 73 / 73 Defensive stats are lackluster; Naganadel requires Intimidate support to survive most STAB and Super Effective Physical ...

One of seven Ultra Beasts introduced in Pokemon Sun and Moon, Kartana filled the niche of a fast and incredibly powerful Grass type Attacker. With an insane Attack stat coupled with a high speed tier, Kartana continues its dominance into 2018. Pros *181 Attack stat is the highest base value in the entire VGC 2018 format; Kartana hits over 200 Attack without any investment or boosting nature. *109 Speed Allows Kartana to hit 177 Speed, outspeeding numerous most Pokemon. Its naturally high speed means that Kartana does not have to invest too much into Speed to outspeed Positive Base 100 threats. *Kartana’s ability, Beast Boost, raises Kartana’s Attack by one stage for every KO it gets. *Thus, Kartana, with its high speed and Attack stat, can quickly snowball through opposing teams if given a kill *There is a distinct lack of viable Grass types and Fighting types in VGC 2018, which Kartana fulfills with the help of Sacred Sword *Along with USUM came USUM m...

The Tapu that just recently won Oceania Internats, Tapu Lele is currently one of the most dominant Pokemon in the format. With Psychic terrain boosting its already powerful attacks, Tapu Lele can easily tear through opponents as an offensive threat. Pros *130 Special Attack is the highest among the Tapu Pokemon, allowing for Lele to dish out heavy damage *95 Speed allows Tapu Lele to outspeed Landorus, and also enables Lele to be a potent user of Choice Scarf *Psychic Terrain allows blocks opponent’s priority moves from hampering your Pokemon, such as Fake Out and Prankster Moves *Psychic Terrain also boosts Psychic moves from grounded Pokemon by 1.5x, effectively giving Psychic types a Choice Item in terrain Cons *70 / 75 / 115 Defenses are frail; its Low base HP holds Lele back from withstanding Super Effective attacks *Tapu Lele is outsped by Base 100 Pokemon and notably Mega Metagross, the most common Pokemon in the format that can outright KO Tapu Lel...

Rising out of obscurity, Latias takes a place as a viable Mega Evolution in the 2018 format. With well distributed defenses and an above average Special Attack stat, Latias serves as a formidable check to common threats such as Landorus, Charizard Y, and Rain teams. Pros *80 / 120 / 150 Defenses allows Latias to soak up numerous hits and simply heal up with Roost or Recover *140 Special Attack means that Latias does not have to invest in SpA to deal damage *110 Speed allows Latias the option of running speed investment to outspeed Kartana and tie with Mega Metagross *Access to Tailwind, Recovery, and a plethora of coverage moves *Dragon / Psychic typing alongside Levitate allow Latias to freely switch into Landorus and weather teams Cons *Despite being so naturally bulky, Latias still requires investment to survive crucial Super Effective attacks *Therefore relies on Calm Mind set up to deal significant damage; Latias can feel very weak or lackluster wit...