Rain Revolution: Unveiling the Ultimate Pokemon for Maximum Dominance in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

Rain is an incredibly advantageous weather condition in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, offering numerous mechanics to exploit. It bolsters the power of water-type moves by 50% while weakening fire-type moves by the same percentage. Additionally, rain can have supplementary effects that synergize with moves, such as enhancing accuracy or altering the properties of opponents' moves. For instance, the healing moves Moonlight and Synthesis will only restore 25% of an opposing Pokemon's HP instead of the usual 50%. With a plethora of strategies to confound opponents and strengthen ally Pokemon, rain proves to be highly beneficial. Below, we present a selection of Pokemon that trainers may want to consider adding to their rain team.

Best Pokemon for Rain Teams in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

Thundurus

Thundurus possesses immense power on its own, especially when equipped with the Prankster ability, allowing it to cause chaos in battles. With its exceptional base stats, Thundurus can effectively utilize moves like Thunder, which boasts a base power of 110, or Wildbolt Storm, a move with 100 base power that not only hits both opponents in a double battle but also has a chance to paralyze them, amplifying its threat level.

What further adds to Thundurus' potency is its formidable base special attack of 125, making these moves even more formidable despite their individual accuracies of 70% and 80%. However, in rainy conditions, the accuracy of these moves improves to a flawless 100%.

Vaporeon

With a wide array of moves at its disposal, including Nasty Plot, Taunt, Substitute, Eerie Impulse, Thunder Wave, Swagger, Agility, and Rain Dance, Thundurus possesses a remarkably versatile moveset that seemingly knows no bounds. The addition of Rain Dance boosts its already formidable skills, granting this powerful Swiss Army knife-like Pokémon moves with a perfect 100% accuracy. As an impressive stand-alone Pokémon in its own right, Thundurus becomes an excellent asset to any Rain team, further enhancing its capabilities.

Vaporeon possesses the potential to serve as an exceptional tank for rain teams as it boasts a considerable 130 base HP, complemented by a solid 95 base special defense and 110 special attack. This implies that when equipped with the appropriate set, Vaporeon will remain on the battlefield for a substantial duration, impeding the opponent's progress and inflicting significant damage. Furthermore, Vaporeon possesses the Hydration ability, which enables it to remedy any status conditions while under the influence of rain. Additionally, Vaporeon has access to a diverse range of moves, allowing it to fulfill various roles within any team configuration.

Vaporeon's Hydro Pump is a powerful and reliable move, especially when used in the rain thanks to its 100% accuracy. With a strong base power of 110, this move can consistently deal significant damage under favorable conditions. However, Vaporeon offers more than just offensive capabilities. It can also serve as a valuable support member on a rain team, utilizing a wide range of moves like Baby-doll Eyes, Haze, Acid Armor, Yawn, Wish, Mud-Slap, Tickle, Charm, Fake Tears, Chilling Water, Icy Wind, and many more. Including Vaporeon in a rain team is a wise decision due to its versatile skill set.

Drednaw

Drednaw, a Pokemon with impressive capabilities, possesses a solid base HP of 90, an Attack stat of 110, and a base defense of 90. These attributes make it highly desirable for trainers seeking to maximize their team's potential. Despite its modest base speed of 74, Drednaw possesses the hidden ability Swift Swim, which significantly alters the dynamics of battles. This ability allows Drednaw's speed to double during rainfall, resulting in an impressive base speed of 148. As a result, Drednaw is capable of outpacing even formidable opponents like Garchomp, known for its base speed of 102.

Drednaw is a formidable Pokemon, excelling in both attack and defense, and surpassing most others in speed. Trainers have a wide array of moves to choose from, allowing Drednaw to become a lethal and versatile force. Its defensive stats can be leveraged to create a fast and deadly Pokemon, capable of setting up and providing support. Notable moves include Stealth Rock, Gastro Acid, Iron Defense, Substitute, Bulldoze, Jaw Lock, Body Press, and Ice Spinner. With its ability to outpace opponents, Drednaw proves to be a valuable asset as both a tank and a swift physical threat.

Politoed

With the release of The Teal Mask DLC, Generation 9 introduced Politoed, an exceptional rain setter. Possessing the Drizzle ability, this Pokemon brings forth rain upon entering battle. When equipped with the Damp Rock item, the duration of the rain is extended to eight turns, surpassing the standard five.

Politoed boasts impressive stats, rendering it resilient and capable of dealing considerable damage. Its extensive move pool positions it as the ultimate support member for any rain-themed team. Moves such as Perish Song, Hydro Pump, Rain Dance, Chilling Water, Swagger, Mud Shot, Hypnosis, and Earth Power, among others, grant trainers the flexibility to utilize Politoed in diverse ways, all the while providing rain and support.

Pelipper

In the early Meta, Pelipper proved to be a valuable asset for rain teams due to its Drizzle ability and solid 100 base defense. Much like Politoed, Pelipper can enter battles with the intention of disrupting and supporting more powerful Pokemon. Pelipper possesses Hydro Pump and Hurricane, moves that have 110 base power and 100% accuracy in rainy conditions.

Trainers have the freedom to customize Pelipper according to their preferred play style, thanks to its versatile movepool. One notable move is Stockpile, which boosts both defense and special defense, while Roost ensures sustained recovery. Additionally, Pelipper's Water/Flying typing allows it to utilize Tailwind, a move that increases the speed of allied Pokemon. With its adaptability and usefulness, Pelipper undeniably remains a valuable addition to any rain team.

Ludicolo

Ludicolo, a beloved choice among fans, may appear underwhelming in terms of its stats compared to other Pokemon. Nevertheless, Ludicolo possesses the remarkable ability Swift Swim, which boosts its average base speed of 70 to an impressive 140 when it's raining. Additionally, with a special attack stat of 90 and a diverse range of moves at its disposal, such as Fake Out, Teeter Dance, Icy Wind, Hydro Pump, and Knock Off, Ludicolo can enter battles with a wide array of strategies.

By harnessing the 140 base speed in rainy conditions, combined with these versatile moves, trainers can strategically utilize Ludicolo in their teams, giving them the ability to employ different sets and catch opponents off-guard. Ludicolo can effectively play the role of a disruptive fast attacker while also inflicting significant damage.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are available for the Nintendo Switch.