Welcome to Sword and Shield Anything Goes! This thread will be used for all things related to the new metagame - theorymonning, metagame observations, and set sharing are all encouraged! Since we're entering a new generation, I'll clarify exactly how AG is going to work:
- No Megas, Primals or Z-moves: This should go without saying, but since these mechanics have been removed in Sword and Shield they will not be usable in the gen 8 metagame. Bye-bye Mega Rayquaza, Primal Groudon and Ultra Necrozma!
- Galar Dex and Released Pokemon only: This is probably the most significant change from last generation. No more Arceus, no more Primal Groudon, no more Ultra Necrozma, etc. In addition, Pokemon or movesets that are coded into Sword and Shield but aren't yet available ingame will not be usable.
- In-game Restrictions only: As it's always been in Gen6 and Gen7 of Anything Goes, you're allowed to use whatever you want provided it's available via normal cartridge play. That means you can run OHKO moves and Evasion to your heart's content, but you still can't put Fissure on a Pichu since it doesn't learn it normally.
Calyrex-Shadow
This is metagame defining, it outspeeds basically everything, has an insane special attack stat, gets good STABs, coverage moves and Nasty Plot, can hold items and even Dynamax. This will probably be a staple in the metagame due to which revenge killers like Ditto and Marshadow might become popular options.
Kyogre
Kyogre seems to be one of the most dangerous pokemon in this metagame without Primal Groudon and Mega Rayquaza. Choice Specs Kyogre can easily break through bulky and stall teams. The Life Orb CM set continues to be a massive threat, but HP Flying not making it past DLC2 does harm its viability a bit. The Choice Scarf variant can outspeed nearly the entire unboosted metagame and does a fine job as a breaker or late-game sweeper.
Zygarde-C
Zygarde-Complete has always been a solid defensive wall. Support Arceus formes not existing anymore boosts its viability by a lot - the Dragon Dance set is likely to extremely popular as there aren’t many viable Zygarde-C checks.
Necrozma-DM, Yveltal and Zacian
These 3 will likely continue to be the premier pokemon of the metagame. Zacian-C’s viability might be hurt a little because of Calyrex potentially taking its spot as the 'best pokemon' but only time will tell.
Weather
In a metagame with viable weather setters and sweepers, and no permanent weather (Harsh Sunlight, Primordial Sea and Delta Stream), weather is bound to flourish. Sand and Rain seem to be really good and will possibly become a really common playstyle.
Ditto
Ditto loves an offensive metagame. This metagame is flooded with breakers and sweepers and we lack solid defensive walls to check these. Ditto might be our lord and saviour for this generation.
Thats all - Feel free to discuss!
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