Highlights
- Setups in Pokemon VGC are crucial for putting entry hazards in place and altering the outcome of a match.
- High Speed stats are crucial for Setups in VGC, as they often need to take priority to execute their strategies effectively.
- Glimmora, Iron Moth, and Great Tusk are some of the best Setup Pokemon in VGC Generation Nine, each with their own unique abilities and movesets.
In Pokemon, Setups refer to Pokemon who are sent out early on the field to put entry hazards in place, activate weather conditions, alter stats, Screens, or stall moves. These setups will benefit the whole team and sometimes change the outcome of the entire match. Even though they are sometimes called Leads, Setups fit around the rest of the team rather than the other way around.
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.
Updated September 17, 2023, by Taylor Pittman: Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are the latest generation of Pokemon. There are new Pokemon, including a concept known as Paradox Pokemon, that have made their mark on the competitive meta. Despite the new format, players are still using the same team-building strategies that are common in the Pokemon VGC. So, this article has been updated to include more of the best setup Pokemon from Generation Nine.
Glimmora
HP: 83
Attack: 55
Defense: 90
Sp. Atk: 130
Sp. Def: 81
Speed: 86
Glimmora is a dual Rock/Poison-type Pokemon Generation Nine Pokemon. Its unique typing gives it multiple entry hazards to choose from. If players want to use Glimmora as a lead, they can beef up its defense with Harden, Acid Armor, and Spikey Shield to give it enough time to put the traps in place. Glimmora can use both Toxic Spikes and Stealth Rock. Stealth Rock takes care of Flying-types, while Toxic Spikes has a chance of Poisoning targets.
Glimmora can use Rock Polish to give it a Speed boost, and while its Attack stat is small, its Special moves make up for it immensely. Poison STAB moves like Sludge Wave and Venoshock increase the chance of applying a status condition. An alternative status would be to use it as a Sandstorm setup and use its Rock moves.
Iron Moth
HP: 80
Attack: 70
Defense: 60
Sp. Atk: 140
Sp. Def: 110
Speed: 110
Iron Moth is a rare phenomenon known as Paradox Pokemon introduced in Scarlet and Violet. It is a dual Fire/Poison-type Pokemon, but it has some Flying moves in its arsenal for a well-spread moveset. With its high speed, Iron Moth is reliable as a setup and can keep up with Sweepers. Since it is a Paradox Pokemon, players can use it to set up an Electric Terrain. This also helps any Electric-type allies on the field.
Iron Moth has several Electric-type moves, making it a strong force to be reckoned with during Electric Terrain. Even more so because of its Special stats, there aren't many Pokemon that will hold up against it. Discharge and Charge Beam are good Electric options; players can use Fiery Dance if they want to get a STAB.
Great Tusk
HP: 115
Attack: 131
Defense: 131
Sp. Atk: 53
Sp. Def: 53
Speed: 87
Great Tusk is another Paradox Pokemon that makes a great setup. The Ground/Fighting-type Pokemon can be set up for Sun or Sandstorm teams. Sand is a good strategy for players to take advantage of its typing. It can also set up Stealth Rock in tandem, so opponents will face two types of passive damage when they enter the field.
Sand teams will want to include Rock, Ground, and Steel-type Pokemon to ensure they are immune to the sand damage. Great Tusk is tanky as a Fighting-type, so players will want to use it as an Attack Pokemon. There's also a window of opportunity for the move Earthquake or Bulldoze if it is alone on the field.
Aerodactyl
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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 outside Hail 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.
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.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are available on the Nintendo Switch.