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The competitive Pokemon field focuses heavily on strategy-based play with different team options based on movesets, speed control, or weather conditions. The Sun weather condition was introduced in Generation II, and players have learned to use it to their advantage in online battles.
Sun teams are Pokemon with types, moves, abilities, and stats that Sunlight affects. Furthermore, weather-based teams sometimes have a high risk but can have higher pay when used successfully. The best way to ensure a Sun team will thrive in the Pokemon VGC is to balance teammates offensively and defensively.
How To Activate Sun On The Field
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The counterpart to Rain, Sun teams depend on bright sunny weather to maximize their power. Sunny weather, referred to as Harsh Sunlight in the game, can be triggered by the move Sunny Day or the Ability Drought for 5 turns. If the user holds a Heat Rock, it lasts 8 turns. In Pokemon Sword and Shield, Dynamaxing introduced the move Max Flare which also brings on the Sun.
Drought is one of the best methods because it happens automatically as soon as the Pokemon enters the field. Groudon, Ninetales, and Charizard Mega-Y are all powerful offensive fronts with the ability. However, from Gen VI onward, Torkoal has the ability as well. For players who want more versatility, the moves Sunny Day and Max Flare are better options to activate the Sun since so many Pokemon can learn it through TM.
What Happens In Sunny Weather
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Both Grass and Fire-type Pokemon benefit from Sun. Here are the following ways it affects the battlefield:
- Fire's power is increased by 50%
- Water's power is decreased by 50%
- Pokemon abilities are activated
- Pokemon can no longer be Frozen
- Some recovery moves are more effective
- Solarbeam and Solar Blade do not require charging
Choosing Pokemon For A Sun Team
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After selecting the set-up Pokemon, players should ensure their next Pokemon supports them. This support can come offensively or defensively. Venusaur's Poison-typing allows passive damage, and Sleep Powder is a classic supportive move to stall opponents. While a Grass-type Pokemon can help cover Fire-type weaknesses, they will be vulnerable to any Fire-type foes who also benefit from the weather. Players can knock out opposing Fire-type Pokemon with Ground or Rock-type Pokemon.
Equipping other Fire users is an offensive strategy since Same Type Attack Bonus (STAB) moves are even deadlier. They can also last longer against aquatic Pokemon due to the Water's weakness from the Sun. However, don't forget the Pokemon VGC is usually a speed game, and if a Pokemon triggers a different weather condition, such as Rain or a Sandstorm, Fire-types will have trouble.
Important Abilities In The Sun
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Players should keep in mind the following abilities that Sunny Weather activates:
- Chlorophyll: Doubles the Speed of the Pokemon.
- Dry Skin: The Pokemon takes 1/8 damage in the Sunlight.
- Flower Gift: The Pokemon and allies' Attack and Sp. Def stats are increased.
- Harvest: There is a chance the Pokemon's berry can be restored after using it.
- Leaf Guard: The Pokemon is protected from status conditions and Yawn.
- Solar Power: It is a give-and-take system. The Pokemon's Sp. Atk is increased, but it loses HP at the end of every turn.
Chlorophyll is an ability that players will want to abuse. Venusaur, Whimsicott, and Lilligant are fantastic choices with this ability. Whimsicott, in particular, is a reliable support Pokemon and its move Tailwind almost guarantees it will be the faster Pokemon on the field. Cherrim is the only Pokemon that can use Flower Gift, but it's worth having for the stat boosts it gives the entire team.