In an unusual circumstance, one of the new Pokemon fromPokemon Scarlet and Violetundercuts one of its own strengths by design. As a result, depending on the situation, their utility could waver even though the Pokemon themselves remains in the same form throughout. The end result is a Pokemon that is balanced in an unusual way, with solid potential but a strange and somewhat puzzling niche that could be too situational to matter in many cases. It’s an example that’s worth studying as one ofPokemon Scarlet and Violet’s more peculiar additions to the series.
Competitive history has proven thatPokemonabilities can be remarkably powerful, with a few Pokemon’s abilities lifting them into top-tier battlers. The opposite is true as well, as a few Pokemon abilities are more often than not a detriment to their users. This is what makes a Pokemon’s ability such a vital part of its skillset. Kyogre’s Drizzle makes it rain to boost its already-powerful Water-type moves, but Regigigas' Slow Start weakens it so much that it is unquestionably one of the worst Legendary Pokemon in the series. The introduction of Ability Capsules and Ability Patches shows the importance of abilities in aPokemonbattle.
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Toedscruel’s Mycelian Might Can Hurt As Often As It Helps In Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
Toedscruel is one of many Pokemon that debuted inPokemon Scarlet and Violet’s Paldea region, and it’s a difficult Pokemon to forget. The Grass/Ground-type and its previous form, Toedscool, look very similar to Tentacool and Tentacruel from the originalPokemongames, complete with similar statlines. Toedscool’s silly-looking running animation also helped the line to gain some notoriety upon release. Toedscruel stands out in particular for its rather high Speed stat of 100. Considering that Grass and Ground-type Pokemon tend to be quite slow, Toedscruel’s speed gives it a unique niche, granting players access to a rare speedy Grass or Ground-type Pokemon with a decent moveset at its disposal.
Another notable aspect of Toedscruel is that it features one ofPokemon Scarlet and Violet’s new abilities. Mycelium Might is Toedscool and Toedscruel’s only ability, and it is unique to them. With Mycelium Might, any time that Toedscruel uses a status move, it will automatically move last that turn. However, in return, their move will bypass any ability that would have negated it. For example, if Toedscruel used Screech, it would even be able to lower the Defense of opponents with abilities like White Smoke or Clear Body that normally prevent stat reduction, giving it a unique advantage over such Pokemon.
Even though Mycelium Might does provide a unique perk, the downside is painful enough that it can be argued thatToedscruel is hurt by its ability inPokemon. Speed is a vital stat in Pokemon, because when two Pokemon are roughly evenly matched, the faster one will often win due to being able to deal damage more quickly. Forcing Toedscruel to move last is a major penalty that could easily prove costly. Being able to hit an enemy Pokemon with a move they may normally be immune to isn’t worth it if they knock out Toedscruel before it gets the chance.
Mycelium Might isn’t entirely without merit. Toedscruel has access to Spore, a rare 100%-accurate sleep-inducing move that combines excellently with it, guaranteeing sleep against normally sleep-immune foes. However, the power level ofPokemon Scarlet and Violet’s new competitive metamakes it extremely risky to use. While Mycelium Might can ignore abilities, the chance of Toedscruel facing an opponent with an ability that it can use a specific move to bypass is situational at best. Most of the time, Toedscruel will simply move slower and take a hit it wouldn’t have otherwise, making its ability’s strengths and weaknesses inPokemon Scarlet and Violetvery apparent.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violetare available now for the Nintendo Switch.
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