The Pokemon Video Game Championships (VGC) meta sees heavy Setup use. Setups usually have high-Speed stats because taking priority is crucial for them to do what they need to. In addition, some can double as Sweepers after they finish their setups if their Attack stats are good for it. These are the best Setup Pokemon for VGC and their best movesets.
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Aerodactyl
HP: 80
Attack: 105
Defense:65
Sp. Atk: 60
Sp. Def: 75
Speed: 130
Aerodactyl is a Rock/Flying-type Pokemon from Generation I. The Fossil Pokemon has a solid setup moveset and a high Speed and Attack, giving it the space it needs to get moves out. Aerodactyl can be used for all weather conditions (excluding Hail), although Sandstorms are the best choice due to ITS immunity. Aerodactyl has Stealth Rock to use with Sandstorm to get passive damage from both.
To make sure it can’t be out-sped, players can use Agility. Then, Aerodactyl can quickly get Taunt on the field to protect allies from Status Conditions. In addition, it’s got Scary Face and Protect to stall its opponents. Its Rock-typing means that it can land some powerful Attacks if players want to try an offensive set.
Froslass
HP: 70
Attack: 80
Defense: 70
Sp. Atk: 80
Sp. Def: 70
Speed: 110
Froslass is another speedy Setup Pokemon. It specializes in entry hazards with Stealth Rock and Spikes in its movepool. Passive damage can be tripled if it triggers Hail onto the field, but players risk their allies since the immunity is not as widespread outsideHail teams. Defensively its Ice-typing leaves it vulnerable to common types in the meta, but it does get immunity to Normal and Fighting-types from its Ghost resistances.
Froslass should almost exclusively act as a lead Pokemon, and players should wisely use its time on the field. However, if they use it as a Hail setter, its Same Type Attack Bonus (STAB) move Blizzard can bypass its accuracy checks and get some good damage.
Gliscor
HP: 75
Attack: 95
Defense: 125
Sp. Atk: 45
Sp. Def: 75
Speed: 95
Gliscor can be used as a good stat-altering and move-effecting Setup Pokemon. It has excellent Defense stats as well as immunity to Electric and Ground. Players can use it to set up Torment to prevent opponents from spamming certain moves. It also can use Screech to lower its target’s defenses so offensive teammates can apply severe pressure.
Gliscor’s ability Hyper Cutter prevents its stats from being lowered, so it can hold its position on the field. Since it no longer has to worry about its Electric-type vulnerability, players can use it without stressing. Its best setup move is Defog, which guarantees its opponents are taking damage even if they use Substitute.
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Heatran
HP: 91
Attack: 90
Defense: 106
Sp. Atk: 130
Sp. Def: 106
Speed: 77
Heatran is a dual Fire/Steel-type Pokemon. It’s got Stealth Rock to work with for entry hazard setup paired with the move Roar, so its opponents cannot avoid it. Players can also use its Fire-type STAB moves if it sets up Sunny Day. It’s a trapper because of the move Magma Storm, which essentially locks the target into a fire tornado. Heatran also has Will-O-Wisp for more passive damage.
Since it is Steel-type, players have the opportunity to run a Sandstorm set rather than Sunny Day. Heatran is very prone to setting up passive damage, and its defensive bulk makes it a wall on the field. Heatran has a good offensive and defensive trade-off that players can use in many ways.
Azelf
HP: 75
Attack: 125
Defense: 70
Sp. Atk: 125
Sp. Def: 70
Speed: 115
Azelf is a popular Setup Pokemon that doubles as a Glass Cannon. Players will have a hard time countering it when it hits the field. It’s quick to set up Stealth Rock, so its team pulls in damage with minimal effort. Azelf is also a Screen setter, so damaging attacks aren’t as much of a threat. The cherry on top is being able to set up Taunt and eliminate status-changing threats.
Azelf gets the opportunity to flex its offensive stats with Nasty Plot and Psychic promising an OHKO. Its defense stats also hold up against quite a few types, even though it is on the more frail side. Its ability Levitate protects it from grounded entry hazards, but it is vulnerable to opposing Stealth Rock sets.
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