Pokemon Sword and Shield have been shaking up the Pokemon scene ever since Game Freak announced the games. Now it seems as though some changes in the mechanics made for the newest generation of games is having a prominent effect on Pokemon competitive play, making one Pokemon a must-have for pros.

The Pokemon in question is Whimsicott, the grass/fairy type introduced in the 5th generation of games with the titles Pokemon Black and White. However, thanks to the complex nature of how competitive play works, Pokemon Sword and Shield's mechanics are a game changer for the otherwise innocuous Pokemon.

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What Pokemon Sword and Shield does different that makes Whimsicott stand out as one of the best Pokemon is in the way that the game calculates status effect changes in real time, as opposed to applying buffs and debuffs at the end of the turn. In previous games, if a Pokemon were to use a stat altering ability, the effect would take place after the turn, having the current turn play out without negative or positive effect. This has a stronger effect than ever in doubles battles, where  Whimsicott can use a speed altering move that affects its whole team and allow its teammate to attack faster than it normally would.

whimsicott jumping

Whimsicott in particular is singled out by this mechanic change thanks to its Prankster ability, which allows Whimsicott to act first if it is using a non-damaging move. Combining the Prankster ability with moves like Tailwind that can raise the speed of the entire party means that Whimsicott can set up its partner to attack earlier in the opening turn, grabbing a huge advantage right out of the gate. This can work out wonderfully if the player has one of their strongest Pokemon waiting to attack alongside Whimsicott's buff.

With the Pokemon Sword and Shield competitive circuit revving up to gather pros from all over the world in online competitions, as well as official tournaments and competitions beginning in January, players will be looking for how to tighten up their strategies soon. The competitive world of Pokemon is almost unrecognizable when compared to the general gameplay of the games in the series, with strange Pokemon standing out as prime fighters fairly often. So once the competitions start getting underway, more players diving deep into the meta of Sword and Shield might find the next best strategy to unseat Whimsicott soon.

Pokemon Sword and Shield are available now for Nintendo Switch.

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Source: WWG