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Scarlet & Violetis the perfect Pokemon game to try out these challenges. So, whether players are looking to complete a challenge or simply want to breeze through the game, they’ll want to have the right Pokemon on their team. Furthermore, some of these must-have Pokemon are quite easy to obtain in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, meaning building the right team has never been easier.

6 Iron Bundle (Paradox Delibird)

Paradox Delibird A.K.A Iron Bundle is a Pokemon Violet exclusive Pokemon that players should consider adding to their team. While Iron Bundle isn’t a Pokemon that will OHKO (One Hit Knockout) Pokemon, it does serve a unique purpose: quickly decreasing a Pokemon’s HP. And that’s because Paradox Delibird’s Base Speed is 136, making it one of the fastest Pokemon in Pokemon Violet.

But, players can further exploit that Base Speed with Iron Bundle’s Secret Ability “Quark Drive.” This Secret Ability boosts Paradox Delibird’s most powerful stat (in this case Speed) while being on an Electric Terrain or holding Booster Energy. This massive Speed boost can be particularly effective while attempting the Nuzlocke Challenge, as it’ll allow players to strike more often.

5 Goodra

Goodra is often dubbed a Pseudo-Legendary Pokemon because of its Dragon monotype and S-Tier Moves, like Draco Meteor and Outrage. So, it’s no surprise that Goodra is a must-have Pokemon in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet. But, the main strength of Goodra comes from its abilities, mostly Hydration and Gooey.

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If a player’s Goodra has the Hydration ability, it’ll cure itself of any status conditions during rain, which can be forced by using Rain Dance (TM18). While Gooey (Hidden ability) lowers the attacker’s Speed stat every time Goodra comes in contact with them. And the best part is that Goomy (the first evolution of Goodra) can be caught early in a Pokemon Violet & Scarlet playthrough.

4 Dondozo

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are chock-full of powerful Water-type Pokemon, and among them is the False Dragon Dondozo. What makes Dondozo a remarkable (and must-have) Pokemon is its high Base Defense stat, 115. So, players considering adding Dondozo to their team must keep in mind that it’s more of a swimming tank than OHKO Pokemon. Players can push Dondozo’s Defense further by changing its Nature to Relaxed since it increases Defense by 10%.

But, Dondozo has another unique trick up its sleeve which is the ability to combine itself with the Tatsugiri, the Pokemon of many Shiny forms. Once combined, Dondozo gains +2 Overall Stats and a specific stat boost, depending on Tatsugiri (Curly - Defense, Droopy - Attack, and Stretchy - Speed).

3 Wo-Chien

Wo-Chien is one of the many Legendary Pokemon players can catch by activating Stakes scattered around Paldea. And while Wo-Chien is a Legendary Pokemon, it’s not its Legendary status that makes it a must-have Pokemon on any team, but rather its abilities. Tablets of Ruin is a rare Hidden ability Wo-Chien can have when caught, and this ability significantly lowers the attack of all Pokemon.

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Additionally, Wo-Chien is 50% Resistant to Ghost-, Dark-, Ground-, Water-, Grass-, and Electric-type moves. Even though Wo-Chien is a dual-type Pokemon (Dark- and Grass-type), players should focus on teaching it Grass-type moves, like Leaf Storm or Solar Beam. As for Nature, the best one is Sassy since it boosts Special Defense by 10%.

2 Roaring Moon (Paradox Salamence)

Yet another Paradox Pokemon that deserves a spot on any Pokemon team is Roaring Moon, the Paradox version of the Pseudo-Legendary Salamence. One reason it’s a must-have Pokemon is its Hidden ability “Protosynthesis,” which is among the best abilities in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet. Protosynthesis boosts a Pokemon strongest stat in harsh sunlight or while holding Booster Energy.

And since Paradox Salamence has a naturally high base Attack stat, players can further boost it thanks to Protosynthesis. On top of that, if Roaring Moon has Adamant Nature, it’ll boost its Attack by 10%, essentially becoming an OHKO Pokemon. Unfortunately, Roaring Moon is exclusive to Pokemon Scarlet, so players that want to add this behemoth of the skies will have to find someone willing to trade for it.

1 Arcanine

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have several decent options when it comes to Generation 9 Fire-type Pokemon, but most pale in comparison with the OG fire dog, Arcanine. And that’s because this Generation 1 Pokemon has lots to bring to the Pokemon battle scene, from pure Attack to powerful Fire-type moves. For starters, Arcanine has a Base Attack of 110 (which can be increased with the Lonely Nature) while its Base Special Attack is 100.

As for Moves, Arcanine can learn Overheat, which is undoubtedly the strongest Fire-type move in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. The best part is that Growlithe is a Very Common Pokemon to find in Scarlet & Violet, so players can add this must-have Pokemon fairly early in the playthrough. But, players will need to ensure they have a Fire Stone since Growlithe can only evolve by means of it.

Pokemon Scarlet & Violet is available for the Nintendo Switch.

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