Doubles Tier List - Best Competitive Pokemon for Doubles: November 2021 | Pokemon Sword and Shield

This is our tier list for the strongest Pokemon for Doubles Ranked Battle in the games Pokemon Sword and Shield. If you're planning on getting into Ranked Battle, but don't know what Pokemon to start with, this list will get you started in the right direction. Read on for details about which Pokemon the strongest trainers are using in online play.

Competitive Pokemon Battle Guides
Singles Tier List		Best Builds		Series 11 List of Contenders
Doubles Tier List		Team Building		Rental Teams

Playable Legendary Pokemon in Series 11

Series 11 allows players to use one Legendary Pokemon per team for competitive play. These include the following:

Mewtwo	Lugia	Ho-oh	Kyogre
Groudon	Rayquaza	Dialga	Palkia
Giratina	Reshiram	Zekrom	Kyurem
Xerneas	Yveltal	Zygarde	Cosmog
Cosmoem	Solgaleo	Lunala	Necrozma
Zacian	Zamazenta	Eternatus	Calyrex

Ranked Battle Series 11 | Rules and Legal Pokemon

Tier List Updates as of 2021/12/09

Tier	Changes
Tier 1	No Changes
Tier 2	No Changes
Tier 3	No Changes
Tier 4	No Changes
Delisted	None

Doubles Tier List For Ranked Battle

This tier list is based on the Pokemon HOME Pokemon Rankings for Series 11, beginning on December 1st.

Click a Pokemon to jump to their explanation.

Tier 1
Incineroar	Landorus (Therian Forme)	Regieleki
Tier 2
Zacian	Grimmsnarl	Rillaboom
Whimsicott	Urshifu Single-Strike Style	Thundurus (Incarnate Forme)
Kyogre	Venusaur	Indeedee (Female)
Tier 3
Charizard	Torkoal	Porygon2
Calyrex (Ice Rider)	Urshifu Rapid-Strike Style	Calyrex (Shadow Rider)
Heat Rotom	Groudon	Zapdos
Tier 4
Tornadus (Incarnate Forme)	Amoonguss	Gastrodon
Tapu Fini	Metagross	Galarian Moltres
Dragapult	Entei	Cinderace

Best Pokemon - Tier 1

Incineroar

Moveset & Best Build for Incineroar
Nature	Impish (+Def, -Sp.Atk)
EV Spread	HP 252 / Def 148 / Sp.Def 108
Final Stat Values	HP 202 / Atk 135 / Def 141 / Sp.Def 108 / Spd 80
Ability	Intimidate
Held Item	Safety Goggles
Moveset	・Fake Out ・Flare Blitz ・Darkest Lariat ・Parting Shot

Incineroar's Strong Points

Incineroar is a great offensive pivot and lead in the Doubles Metagame thanks to its great mixed bulk and ability Intimidate.

As the quintessential pivot, it can scout teams with Fake Out and cripple sweepers with Parting Shot.

Incineroar is one of the few support Pokemon that can threaten walls thanks to its naturally high attack stat using its powerful STAB moves, Flare Blitz and Darkest Lariat.

Landorus (Therian Forme)

Moveset & Best Build for Landorus (Therian Forme)
Nature	Impish (+Def, -Sp Atk)
EV Spread	HP 244 / Def 252 / Spd 12
Final Stat Value	HP 195 / Atk 165 / Def 156 / Sp.Def 100 / Spd 113
Ability	Intimidate
Held Item	Figy Berry Sitrus Berry Rocky Helmet
Moveset	・Earthquake ・Rock Tomb ・U-turn ・Stealth Rock

Landorus (Therian Forme)'s Strong Points

Landorus Therian Forme's flagship offensive pivot set remains its most effective set, and its reintroduction pushed several weaker physical sweepers off the Metagame. As the all-in-one check to physical sweepers, Landorus also fills the role of a hazard setter with Stealth Rock.

It can also go on the offensive, eschewing it's usually defensive set for a Swords Dance physical sweeper set. Landorus' versatiltiy means teams must always have a check or counter for Landorus.

Regieleki

Moveset & Best Build for Regieleki
Nature	Modest (+Sp.Atk, -Atk)
EV Spread	Sp.Atk 252 / Sp.Def 4 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values	HP 155 / Def 70 / Sp.Atk 167 / Sp.Def 71 / Spd 252
Ability	Transistor
Held Item	Life Orb
Moveset	・Rising Voltage ・Thunder Cage ・Volt Switch ・Ancient Power

Regieleki's Strong Points

Regieleki is a formidable mono-type sweeper in Doubles. When partnered with a Pokemon that can instantly set up Electric Terrain, it can fire Transistor boosted Rising Voltage at the opposing team - knocking out anyone that doesn't resist or is immune to Electric-type moves.

Best Pokemon - Tier 2

Zacian

Moveset & Best Build for Zacian
Nature	Jolly (+Spd, -Sp.Atk)
EV Spread	Atk 252 / Def 4 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values	HP 167 / Atk 182 / Def 136 / Sp.Def 135 / Spd 209 (Hero of Many Battles) HP 168 / Atk 244 / Def 136 / Sp.Def 135 / Spd 209 (Crowned Sword)
Ability	Intrepid Sword
Held Item	Rusted Sword
Moveset	・Iron Head (Behemoth Blade) ・Close Combat ・Swords Dance ・Play Rough

Zacian is one of the most powerful physical attackers in the game and is an oppresive force in competitive battle that pushed the metagame into its current state of hyper offense.

With the return of Dynamax, it will once again find a niche in offensive teams as the primary Dynamax counter, with its Behemoth Blade doing double damage against opposing Dynamax Pokemon.

Grimmsnarl

Nature	Impish (+Def, -Sp.Atk)
EVs	HP 252 / Def 252 / SpDef 4
Final Stat Values	HP 202 / Atk 140 /Def 128 / Sp.Def. 96 / Spd 80
Ability	Prankster
Held Item	Light Clay
Moveset	・Reflect ・Light Screen ・Taunt ・Spirit Break

Grimmnsarl's Strong Points

This is the most common Wall Builder set for Grimmsnarl currently found in the metagame. Grimmsnarl's main role is setting up Reflect and Light Screen, and crippling opposing setup sweepers and support Pokemon with Taunt.

Rillaboom

Moveset & Best Build for Rillaboom
Nature	Jolly (+Spd, -SpAtk)
EV Spread	HP 4 / Atk 252 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values	HP 176 / Atk 177 / Def 110 / Sp.Def 90 / Spd 150
Ability	Grassy Surge
Held Item	Choice Scarf / Choice Band
Moveset	・U-turn ・Drum Beating ・Knock Off ・Grassy Glide

Rillaboom's Strong Points

Rillaboom's excellent attack and great mixed defenses make it one of the best Choice Band users in the Doubles Metagame.

Unlike most doubles sweepers, it can function well on its own without support, though it still appreciates it!

With its new Hidden Ability, Grassy Surge, and a new Tutor Move Grassy Glide from The Isle of Armor, Rillaboom is able to set up Grassy Terrain and attack with priority from the first turn. This allows it to bypass its somewhat mediocre speed stat and threaten faster and frailer Pokemon that would usually outspeed it.

Whimsicott

Moveset & Best Build for Whimsicott
Nature	Timid(+Spd, -Atk)
EV Spread	HP 4 / Sp.Atk 252 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values	HP 136 / Def. 105 / Sp.Atk. 129 / Sp.Def. 95 / Spd. 184
Ability	Prankster
Held Item	Focus Sash
Moveset	・Beat Up ・Tailwind ・Protect ・Dazzling Gleam

Whimsicott's Strong Points

Though often used in its typical role of a Prankster supporter, Whimsicott also functions as a Beat Up supporter. Using this move on a partner Pokemon like Terrakion or Lucario, it can boost their attack up to four or six stages!

Urshifu Single-Strike Style

Moveset & Best Build for Urshifu Single-Strike Style
Nature	Jolly (+Spd, -SpAtk)
EV Spread	HP 4 / Atk 252 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values	HP 175 / Atk 182 / Def 120 / Sp.Def 80 / Spd 163
Ability	Unseen Fist
Held Item	Life Orb
Moveset	・Wicked Blow ・Close Combat ・Iron Head ・Aerial Ace

Urshifu Single-Strike Style's Strong Points

Single-Strike Urshifu, much like its counterpart, is a formidable sweeper in both Singles and Doubles. It's Unseen Fist ability allows it to hit Pokemon even if they use Protect or Detect.

Thundurus (Incarnate Forme)

Moveset & Best Build for Thundurus (Incarnate Forme)
Nature	Timid (+Spd, -Atk)
EV Spread	Def 4 / Sp.Atk 252 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values	HP 154 / Def 91 / Sp.Atk 177 / Sp.Def 100 / Spd 179
Ability	Prankster
Held Item	Life Orb Focus Sash
Moveset	・Nasty Plot ・Thunderbolt ・Focus Blast ・Sludge Wave

Thundurus (Incarnate Forme)'s Strong Points

Thundurus' Incarnate Forme is notorious for being one of the fastest setup sweepers in the metagame. Thanks to its ability Prankster, it can set up Nasty Plot before its opponent and sweep on its next turn.

Kyogre

Moveset & Best Build for Kyogre
Nature	Timid (+Spd, -Atk)
EV Spread	Def 4 / Sp.Atk 252 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values	HP 175 / Def 111 / Sp.Atk 202 / Sp.Def 160 / Spd 156
Ability	Drizzle
Held Item	Choice Scarf
Moveset	・Water Spout ・Thunder ・Ice Beam ・Origin Pulse

Kyogre's Strong Points

Kyogre's flagship Choice Scarf set from the Advance Generation is still as potent as ever, and can now threaten opposing teams after getting worn down thanks to its Origin Pulse move.

It's best used as a lead Dynamax Pokemon so that it immediately sets up rain and can unleash powerful Water Spouts to sweep or severely weaken the opposing team right at the very beginning.

Venusaur

Moveset & Best Build for Venusaur
Nature	Modest (+Sp.Atk, -Atk)
EV Spread	HP 188 / Sp.Atk 252 / Spd 68
Final Stat Values	HP 179 / Def 103 / Sp.Atk / 167 / Sp.Def 120 / Spd 109
Ability	Chlorophyll
Held Item	Life Orb
Moveset	・Solar Beam ・Earth Power ・Sludge Bomb ・Weather Ball

Venusaur's Strong Points

This build of Venusaur is based around setting up sunlight and running with it. It's recommended to use this build together with a Pokemon with the Ability Drought, which changes the weather to sunlight.

Indeedee (Female)

Moveset & Best Build for Indeedee (Female)
Nature	Calm(+Sp.Def, -Atk)
EV Spread	HP 252 / Def 212 / Sp.Def 44
Final Stat Values	HP 117 / Def 112 / Sp.Atk 115 / Sp.Def 144 / Spd 90
Ability	Psychic Surge
Held Item	Sitrus Berry
Moveset	・Follow Me ・Helping Hand ・Expanding Force ・Protect

Indeedee (Female)'s Strong Points

Indeedee (Female) sets itself apart from other redirection support by instantly setting up Psychic Terrain with its ability Psychic Surge, which prevents the use of priority moves. This makes it a great counter to the likes of Rillaboom and Talonflame who have priority-boosted attacks thanks to their respective abilities.

Best Pokemon - Tier 3

Charizard

Moveset & Best Build for Charizard
Nature	Timid (+Spd, -Atk)
EV Spread	Sp.Atk 252 / Sp.Def 4 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values	HP 153 / Def 98 / Sp.Atk 161 / Sp.Def 106 / Spd 167
Ability	Solar Power
Held Item	Weakness Policy Life Orb Expert Belt
Moveset	・Blast Burn ・Hurricane ・Solar Beam ・Dragon Pulse

Charizard's Strong Points

Thanks to Dynamax, Charizard is able to take hits even from attacks it is weak to, and by using Max Flare it's able to put its Hidden Ability, Solar Power, to good use.

Torkoal

Moveset & Best Build for Torkoal
Nature	Quiet(+Sp.Atk, -Spd)
EV Spread	HP 252 / Def 4 / Sp.Atk 252
Final Stat Values	HP 177 / Def 161 / Sp.Atk 150 / Sp.Def 90 / Spd 22
Ability	Drought
Held Item	Charcoal
Moveset	・Eruption ・Solar Beam ・Earth Power ・Protect

Torkoal's Strong Points

Though it's often used as a Sun setter with its ability, Drought, Torkoal in doubles functions as a powerful special attack sweeper under Trick Room. Teams find it hard to switch in to Torkoal once it's already established momentum and is using Eruption!

Porygon2

Moveset & Best Build for Porygon2
Nature	Bold
EV Spread	HP 244 / Def 252 / Spd 12
Final Stat Values	HP 191 / Def 156 / Sp.Atk 125 / Sp.Def 115 / Spd 82
Ability	Trace
Held Item	Eviolite
Moveset	・Recover ・Ice Beam ・Tri-Attack ・Discharge

Porygon2's Strong Points

Porygon2's great natural bulk that's further boosted by Eviolite makes it a great defensive Pokemon in the current metagame. It's Trace Ability further boosts its defensive prowess, as it's able to copy an opposing Pokemon's Ability such as Heatran's Flash Fire.

Calyrex (Ice Rider)

Moveset & Best Build for Calyrex (Ice Rider)
Nature	Adamant (+Atk, -Sp.Atk)
EV Spread	HP 252 / Atk 252 / Def 4
Final Stat Values	HP 207 / Atk 238 / Def 170 / Sp.Def 151 / Spd 70
Ability	As One
Held Item	Life Orb Weakness Policy Assault Vest Lum Berry
Moveset	・Glacial Lance ・High Horsepower ・Seed Bomb ・Swords Dance

Calyrex' Strong Points

This build focuses on Ice Rider Calyrex's offensive prowess with a Life Orb and Swords Dance while taking advantage of Trick Room. Swords Dance can also be used as Max Guard while Dynamaxed and with Glastrier's Chilling Neigh Ability bundled into Calyrex's As One Ability, it can boost its Attack even further upon KOing an enemy, further strengthening Glacial Lance with its base 130 power.

Urshifu Rapid-Strike Style

Moveset & Best Build for Urshifu Rapid-Strike Style
Nature	Jolly
EV Spread	Atk 252 / Def 4 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values	HP 175 / Atk 182 / Def 121 / SpDef 80 / Spd 163
Ability	Unseen Fist
Held Item	Choice Band
Moveset	・Surging Strikes ・Close Combat ・Aerial Ace ・U-turn

Urshifu Rapid-Strike Style's Strong Points

Urshifu in its Rapid-Strike Style can break through Focus Sash and Mimikyu's Disguise with its multi-hit Surging Strikes, a hugely powerful move in its own right.

Calyrex (Shadow Rider)

Moveset & Best Build for Calyrex (Shadow Rider)
Nature	Timid (+Spd, -Atk)
EV Spread	Def 4 / Sp.Atk 252 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values	HP 175 / Def 101 / Sp.Atk 217 / Sp.Def 120 / Spd 222
Ability	As One
Held Item	Life Orb Focus Sash
Moveset	・Astral Barrage ・Psychic ・Giga Drain ・Nasty Plot

Calyrex (Shadow Rider)'s Strong Points

Calyrex's Shadow Rider form is one of the most threatening sweepers in the current metagame, capable of outrunning and knocking out many Pokemon with its STAB moves.

It's best used at the very start of the match as a lead, with its mere presence usually allowing it to get a free turn when the opponent switches so that it can safely use Nasty Plot and sweep afterwards.

Heat Rotom

Moveset & Best Build for Heat Rotom
Nature	Bold (+Def, -Atk)
EV Spread	HP 252 / Def. 252 / Spd. 4
Final Stat Values	HP 157 / Def 174 / Sp.Atk 125 / Sp.Def 127 / Spd 107
Ability	Levitate
Held Item	Sitrus Berry
Moveset	・Volt Switch ・Discharge ・Overheat ・Will-o-Wisp

This is a build which takes advantage of Rotom's high Base HP and Defense to make it a potent physical defender.

Groudon

Moveset & Best Build for Groudon
Nature	Adamant (+Atk, -Spd)
EV Spread	HP 252 / Atk 252 / Sp.Def 4
Final Stat Values	HP 207 / Att 222 / Def 160 / Sp.Def 111 / Agility 110
Ability	Drought
Held Item	Assault Vest
Moveset	・Precipice Blades ・Fire Punch ・Thunder Punch ・Solar Beam

Groudon's Stroing Points

Precipice Blades works as Groudon's signature move. This 120BP STAB-move is guaranteed to deal significant damage. Additionally it grants Groudon additional Sp.Def boosts when used as Max Quake. It's exceptional to consider that after one Max Quake, Groudon can live a Max Geyser from Kyogre in the rain.

Fire Punch and Thunder Punch serve as great coverage moves for Groudon. Both of these moves can help Groudon against the types its' weak to and provide added utility by inflicting status. Notably, Fire Punch also gets a boost from the sun.

Solar Beam serves as the final coverage move for Groudon which can become a one-turn move in the sun. But it also has the added benefit of adding Grassy Terrain thanks to Max Overgrowth. This will provide Groudon with passive recovery.

Zapdos

Moveset & Best Build for Zapdos
Nature	Timid (+Spd, -Atk)
EV Spread	Sp.Atk 252 / Sp.Def 4 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values	HP 165 / Def. 105 / Sp.Atk 177 / Sp.Def 111 / Spd 167
Ability	Static
Held Item	Life Orb
Moveset	・Thunderbolt ・Hurricane ・Heat Wave ・Roost

Zapdos' Strong Points

As Zapdos can get STAB on both Electric and Flying moves, and possesses Fire moves as well, it's difficult to wall it effectively, making Zapdos effective even when compared to other offensive Pokemon.

Best Pokemon - Tier 4

Tornadus (Incarnate Forme)

Nature	Jolly (+Spd, -Sp.Atk)
EV Spread	Atk 252 / Def 4 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values	HP 154 / Atk 167 / Def 91 / Sp.Def 100 / Spd 179
Ability	Defiant
Held Item	Weakness Policy
Moveset	・Acrobatics ・Lash Out ・Brick Break ・Tailwind

A physical attacking Torndaus is an effective lead in Doubles where it can surprise its usual counters and take advantage of the common Intimidate users that are very common in the battle format.

Amoonguss

Moveset & Best Build for Amoonguss
Nature	Calm (+Sp.Def, -Atk)
EV Spread	HP 252 / Def 184 / Sp.Def 72
Final Stat Values	HP 221 / Def 113 / Sp.Atk 105 / Sp.Def 119 / Spd 50
Ability	Regenerator
Held Item	Black Sludge
Moveset	・Rage Powder ・Spore ・Protect ・Pollen Puff

Amonguss' Stroing Points

Amoonguss' functions as redirection support in the Doubles Metagame, and can easily find itself in all kinds of teams - from Hyper Offense to more balanced or weather-centered teams. It's unique Grass/Poison typing makes it a great answer to the common Water, Fighting, Fairy, and Grass-type sweepers in the format.

Gastrodon

Moveset & Best Build for Gastrodon
Nature	Bold (+Def, -Atk)
EV Spread	HP 244 / Def. 228 / Sp.Def. 36
Final Stat Values	HP 217 / Def. 128 / Sp.Atk. 112 / Sp.Def. 107 / Spd. 59
Ability	Storm Drain
Held Item	Sitrus Berry Rocky Helmet Rindo Berry Leftovers
Moveset	・Scald ・Clear Smog ・Recover ・Yawn

A build which takes advantage of Gastrodon's high defensive stats and its lone weakness to Grass. While forcing difficult opponents to switch with Yawn, it can use its damaging attacks together with Recover to hold on and continue the fight.

Tapu Fini

Moveset & Best Build for Tapu Fini
Nature	Bold (+Def, -Atk)
EV Spread	HP 252 / Def. 252 / Spd. 4
Final Stat Values	HP 177 / Def. 183 / Sp.Atk. 115 / Sp.Def. 150 / Spd. 106
Ability	Misty Surge
Held Item	Sitrus Berry Leftovers
Moveset	・Surf ・Moonblast ・Nature's Madness ・Taunt

Tapu Fini's Strong Points

Tapu Fini is shaping up to be the most ubiquitious Bulky Water in the new metagame. Apart from providing Misty Terrain support with its Ability, it's also an excellent defensive Pokemon that can Taunt opposing walls or cut down their HP with Nature's Madness.

Metagross

Moveset & Best Build for Metagross
Nature	Adamant (+Atk, -Sp.Atk)
EV Spread	HP 252 / Atk 252 / Spd 4
Final Stat Values	HP 156 / Atk 205 / Def 150 / Sp.Def 110 / Spd 91
Ability	Clear Body
Held Item	Weakness Policy
Moveset	・Meteor Mash ・Earthquake ・Hammer Arm ・Zen Headbutt

Metagross is a powerful physical sweeper and is arguably the best answer to Fairy-types thanks to great STAB moves and massive attack stat. It's natural bulk also makes it a great Weakness Policy Sweeper and Dynamax lead.

Galarian Moltres

Moveset & Best Build for Galarian Moltres
Nature	Timid (+Spd, -Atk)
EV Spread	Def 4 / Sp.Atk 252 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values	HP 165 / Def 111 / Sp.Atk 152 / Sp.Def 145 / Spd 156
Ability	Berserk
Held Item	Weakness Policy Sitrus Berry
Moveset	・Nasty Plot ・Fiery Wrath ・Hurricane ・Taunt

Thanks to its great special bulk, Galarian Moltres has plenty of chances to switch in and set up with Nasty Plot.

Dragapult

Moveset & Best Build for Dragapult
Nature	Naive (+Spd, -Sp.Def)
EV Spread	HP 4 / Atk 252 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values	HP 164 / Atk 172 / Def 95 / Sp.Atk 120 / Sp.Def 86 / Sp. 213
Ability	Clear Body Infiltrator
Held Item	Life Orb Focus Sash
Moveset	・Dragon Darts ・Fire Blast ・U-turn ・Phantom Force

Dragapult's Strong Points

Dragapult is a fast physical Pokemon capable of sweeping any team not ready for it. This build allows you to maximize his mixed attacking potential with Phantom Force and Dragon Darts as your STAB moves.

Entei

Moveset & Best Build for Entei
Nature	Adamant (+Atk, -Sp.Atk)
EV Spread	HP 132 / Atk 252 / Def 52 / Sp.Def 52 / Spd 20
Final Stat Values	HP 207 / Atk 183 / Def 112 / Sp.Def 102 / Spd 123
Ability	Inner Focus
Held Item	Assault Vest
Moveset	・Sacred Fire ・Stone Edge ・Stomping Tantrum ・Extreme Speed

Entei's Strong Points

Entei is also an effective Assault Vest user thanks to its great HP stat and respectable bulk.

Cinderace

Moveset & Best Build for Cinderace
Nature	Jolly (+Spd, -SpAtk)
EV Spread	HP 4 / Atk 252 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values	HP 156 / Atk 168 / Def 95 / Sp.Def 95 / Spd 188
Ability	Libero
Held Item	Life Orb
Moveset	・Pyro Ball ・High Jump Kick ・Sucker Punch ・Bounce

Cinderace's Strong Points

With its new Hidden Ability Libero, Cinderace is now able to use every attack with STAB, giving 1.5x boost to all its attacks. In essence, this liberates it from STAB, as per its name - Cinderace has no incentive to use Fire-type moves over other types, as it can gain the same bonus with any type. This makes Cinderace equally threatening no matter what type of move throws out.

On top of that, it benefits from a wide movepool to counter a variety of potential opponents.

Its exclusive attack Pyro Ball is also a potent threat that's kept it in the metagame since before Libero. A 120-power Physical Fire move, it's a perfect fit for Cinderace's stat makeup to form a highly threatening fast attacker.

How to Make the Best Team

There is no unbeatable team

Unlike in previous Pokemon metagames, there is no party or Pokemon that can defeat anything used against it. However, there are teams which can win consistently, as long as the right Pokemon are chosen for the battle.

Party composition is key

Battles are not won by individual Pokemon. The team as a whole must be constructed to balance type strengths and weaknesses, and have built-in strategies to defeat opponents. In the current metagame, crafting a party that works together is more essential than ever.

Start off with a Rental Party

It's no easy feat to make a killer team from scratch. It can be a good idea to start off with rental teams, which any player can download and use in Ranked Battle. This can help to understand how a team is built, how to select which Pokemon to use in a battle, and how to use the party's built-in strategies in battle to rack up wins.

Our Best Teams guide has all teams available for rental, so you can try out your favorites to get a feel for some of the most popular Pokemon and strategies in the metagame!
Best Teams for Ranked Battle

Trends of the Current Doubles Metagame

A Strong Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokemon

Dyanamax and Gigantamax are playable again! This means teams will need a strong Gigantamax and Dynamax Pokemon, preferably a legendary. However, teams can also have one non-legendary Dynamax Pokemon and one of the playable legendaries to maximize the firepower of any team.

Redirection Support is Invaluable

The fast-paced and offensive nature of doubles means redirection support is now a requirement for almost every team. It's not uncommon to see the likes of Togekiss, Indeedee(Female), and Amoonguss as well as Pokemon that use the move Ally Switch as an unorthodox form of redirection support.

Hyper Offense and Weakness Policy

Weakness Policy is easier to set up and activate in Doubles and there are dedicated leads for this purpose used in Hyper Offensive teams. While the item itself is still good, the removal of Dynamax made Weakness Policy weaker. Be cautious when setting it up.

Weakness Policy Effects and How to Obtain It

Teams Need a Landorus Check

Although Landorus is easier to beat in Doubles, teams still need to have at least one dedicated Landorus check as the fast-paced nature of the battle format means the Abundance Pokemon will have an easier time pivoting in and out of the battle to its teammates.

A balanced team needs to have at least one Pokemon that counters Landorus completely, such as Galarian Articuno who benefits from Intimidate thanks to Competitive and can easily knock it out with its STAB moves.

Summary

With new Pokemon from the Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra DLC having just been released, the Doubles metagame is continuing to shift and evolve!

Looking to get into the fast paced battles of the Doubles format? Check out our article below to learn the fundaments of Competitive Doubles.

Basics of Competitive Doubles Team Building

Pokemon Sword and Shield Related Guides

Best Pokemon Builds for Ranked Battle

Other Competitive Guides

Competitive Pokemon Battle Guides
Singles Tier List		Best Builds		Series 11 List of Contenders
Doubles Tier List		Team Building		Rental Teams