Boss Techie

The Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s Teal Mask DLC was a welcome addition to the original games, with a more relaxed environment, an engaging plot, and various new and returning species for players to capture and train. The Pokemon VGC community has been thriving since the release of the Gen 9 games, owing to the endless possibilities of Terastallization and the plethora of new pocket monsters that debuted with Paldea, including the very powerful Paradox Pokemon and gimmicky species like Dondozo and Tatsugiri. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s The Teal Mask added over a hundred new species to the mix, including returning mons from previous generations and eight new ones, but the five finest of the DLC may be surprise.

There was a lot of excitement around the debut of The Teal Mask in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet since it would take players to a different area from the primary one in the base games for the first time since Gen 2, as Kitakami is based on the Japanese namesake locale. Furthermore, it was stated before the game’s release that the DLC will include four new Legendary Pokemon, as well as extra regional fakes and a cross-gen Applin evolution. When players first saw Bloodmoon Ursaluna in The Teal Mask, it quickly became a fan favorite and was supposed to be as strong as Hisuian Ursaluna – yet it’s not one of the greatest Pokemon in the DLC.

Ogerpon

The main star of the story for The Teal Mask, Ogerpon, is also hands-down the strongest pocket monster in the DLC thanks to its four masks, each changing its Ability, damage type of its signature move, and providing it with different boosts. Both Ogerpon Fire (with the Hearthflame Mask on) and Ogerpon Water (with the Wellspring Mask on) are unbelievable powerhouses that hit hard and fast, both with very good type combinations. From a competitive standpoint, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet‘s Ogerpon might be one of the best of the entire generation.

Sinistcha

Although it may not seem like much on paper, The Teal Mask’s Sinistcha is probably one of the best support Pokemon in the current format thanks to its access to moves like Dino Game, Rage Powder, Scald, Strength Sap, and Matcha Gotcha. It can even shut down opposing Amoonguss with Imprison and Rage Powder, and with the appropriate partner in 2v2 battles it can reign supreme. Matcha Gotcha unfreezes Sinistcha when used, deals damage to both opposing Pokemon, it can leave them with a burn, and also heals the user back.

Clefairy

Clefairy is in the unique spot where it largely outclasses its own evolution thanks to Eviolite, and with moves like Follow Me, Helping Hand, and Heal Pulse it can be a devastating support. Furthermore, it has access to Friend Guard as its Hidden Ability, meaning it can also reduce incoming damage for allies. With low base Speed, Clefairy can be also effective under Trick Room teams in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.

Empoleon

One of the Gen 4 starters, Empoleon has often struggled to feel like a worthwhile addition to teams. With The Teal Mask, Empoleon gained a new Hidden Ability in Competitive. The reason why Competitive is such a good Hidden Ability in Pokemon games is that it’s a hard counter for Intimidate, given that the user is likely a Special Attacker already, and with its stats being lowered it gains two stages of increased Special Attack. Water/Steel is also a great type combo, and Empoleon is now in a position where it can counter Flutter Mane.

Kommo-o

Another interesting returning Pokemon in The Teal Mask is Kommo-o, which has access to multiple very powerful sound-based moves like Boomburst, Clangorous Soul, and Clanging Scales, all of which can activate Throat Spray and give it a valuable boost to Special Attack. The Pokemon can effectively buff itself all the time, and with Overcoat as its Hidden Ability it’s also immune to Spore-like moves. Furthermore, since it’s 4x weak to Fairy, Kommo-o can Terastallize into a Steel-type and use Flash Cannon as an additional attack.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are available now for the Nintendo Switch.