Doubles Tier List - Best Competitive Pokemon for Doubles: June 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 8 Tier List Contenders
Doubles Tier List		Team Building		Rental Teams

Legendary Pokemon Excluded in Series 9

With the start of Ranked Battle Series 9, Legendary Pokemon are once again excluded from competitive play!

Ranked Battle Series 9 | Rules and Legal Pokemon

All Excluded Legendary Pokemon

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

Tier List Updates as of 2021/6/14

Tier	Rillaboom ↑
Tier 1	Incineroar ↓
Tier 2	Metagross ↑
Tier 3	Togekiss [red]↑[/red Glastrier ↓
Tier 4	Tornadus (Incarnate Forme) ↑ Zapdos ↓
Delisted	Stakataka ↓

Doubles Tier List For Ranked Battle

This tier list is based on the Pokemon HOME Pokemon Rankings for Series 9, beginning on May 1st.

Click a Pokemon to jump to their explanation.

Tier 1
Regieleki	Urshifu Single-Strike Style	Rillaboom
Tier 2
Incineroar	Landorus (Therian Forme)	Tapu Fini
Grimmsnarl	Torkoal	Whimsicott
Porygon2	Venusaur	Metagross
Tier 3
Glastrier	Indeedee (Female)	Galarian Moltres
Dragapult	Urshifu Rapid-Strike Style	Celesteela
Thundurus (Incarnate Forme)	Spectrier	Togekiss
Tier 4
Garchomp	Zapdos	Charizard
Cinderace	Dusclops	Heat Rotom
Kartana	Tornadus (Incarnate Forme)	Clefairy

Best Pokemon - Tier 1

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.

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.

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.

Best Pokemon - Tier 2

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' Strong Points

Landorus' flagship defensive set is a common sight in Doubles as it's arguably the best all-round counter to physical sweepers. It's Intimidate Ability is useful for patching up the defenses of its teammates and also deters set up sweepers.

Tapu Fini

Moveset & Best Build for Tapu Fini
Nature	Bold (+Def, -Atk)
EV Spread	HP 252 / Def 32 / Sp.Atk 132 / Sp.Def 92
Final Stat Values	HP 177 / Def 152 / Sp.Atk 132 / Sp.Def 92 / Spd 105
Ability	Misty Surge
Held Item	Wiki Berry
Moveset	・Heal Pulse ・Nature's Madness ・Draining Kiss ・Protect

Tapu Fini's Strong Points

Tapu Fini is one of the best support Pokemon in Doubles, and also fills the role of a healer. Despite this, it can still threaten frailer sweepers and walls alike thanks to its great special attack.

It's a popular support Pokemon in offensive-oriented teams as its Misty Surge ability instantly sets Misty Terrain, which prevents Status effects.

Grimmsnarl

Moveset & Best Build for Grimmsnarl
Nature	Bold (+Def, -Atk)
EVs	HP 232 / Def 252 / SpDef 12 / Spd 12
Final Stat Values	HP 199 / Def 128 / Sp.Def 97 / Spd 82
Ability	Prankster
Held Item	Light Clay
Moveset	・Reflect ・Light Screen ・Taunt ・Foul Play

Grimmsnarl's Strong Points

Grimmsnarl is a popular support Pokemon for Hyper Offense Double Teams thank to its Prankster-boosted Reflect and Light Screen. With these two moves, it can boost the defenses of its teammates, allowing them to set up and sweep easier.

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!

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!

Porygon2

Moveset & Best Build for Porygon2
Nature	Bold (+Def, -Atk)
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 ・Thunder Wave ・Foul Play ・Discharge

Porygon2's Strong Points

Porygon2 is a non-fully-evolved Pokemon, allowing it to use Eviolite to weather any medium-level damage. It's bulky enough to survive and Recover, and is only weak to Fighting, making it difficult for opponents to break through its wall.

It's also capable as a Trick Room attacker, as it can set up Trick Room on its own and use moves in a variety of types, allowing it to hit opponents across the board while dishing out damage of its own.

Venusaur

Moveset & Best Build for Venusaur
Nature	Timid(+Spd, -Atk)
EV Spread	Sp.Atk 252 / Sp.Def 4 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values	HP 155 / Def 103 / Sp.Atk 152 / Sp.Def 121 / Spd 145
Ability	Chlorophyll
Held Item	Focus Sash
Moveset	・Leaf Storm ・Sludge Bomb ・Sleep Powder ・Protect

Venusaur's Strong Points

Venusaur is a surprisingly fast special sweeper under Sun thanks to its ability Chlorophyll, and makes great use of this speed boost with its high-powered special attacks.

What sets it apart from other sweepers is that it can potentially put an opposing Pokemon to sleep with Sleep Powder before they get a chance to move!

Metagross

Moveset & Best Build for Metagross
Nature	Adamant (+Atk, -Sp.Atk)
EV Spread	HP 40 / Atk 252 / Spd 216
Final Stat Values	HP 160 / Atk 205 / Def 150 / Sp.Def 110 / Spd 117
Ability	Clear Body
Held Item	Choice Band
Moveset	・Meteor Mash ・Zen Headbutt ・Earthquake ・Bullet Punch

Metagross' Strong Points

Metagross is the Doubles Metagame's best fairy check and counter, and often runs a Choice Band set to guarantee KOs on even the bulkiest of Fairy-types. It also has a niche as an anti-Terrain check as its new move Steel Roller gets rid of Terrain while also damaging the opposing Pokemon.

Best Pokemon - Tier 3

Glastrier

Moveset & Best Build for Glastrier
Nature	Adamanat (+Atk, -Sp.Atk)
EV Spread	HP 252 / Atk 252 / Def 4
Final Stat Values	HP 207 / Atk 216 / Def 151 / Sp.Def 130 / Spd 50
Ability	Chilling Neigh
Held Item	Sitrus Berry Lum Berry
Moveset	・Swords Dance ・Avalanche ・High Horsepower ・Body Press

Glastrier's Strong Points

Glastrier's low speed makes it a great user of Avalanche, surprising its usual checks and counters by surviving a blow and retaliating with a powerful Ice-type Move.

Indeedee (Female)

Indeedee - Best Build for Ranked Battle

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.

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

Galarian Moltres' Strong Points

Galarian Moltres is a powerful setup sweeper in Doubles, with its dual STAB capable of hitting the entire Doubles Metagame for neutral damage. It also has a high Special Defense stat, meaning it has plenty of opportunities to switch into - especially if facing an opposing special sweeper.

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 / Spd 213
Ability	Clear Body Infiltrator
Held Item	Focus Sash / Choice Scarf / Choice Band / Weakness Policy
Moveset	・Dragon Darts ・Phantom Force ・Fire Blast ・Steel Wing / U-turn

Dragapult's Strong Points

Although it faces stiff competition from more powerful special sweepers, Dragapult is a great choice for offensive support in the Doubles Metagame.

It's often partnered with Dynamax Pokemon holding Weakness Policy, such as Groudon, with Dragapult's speed almost always ensuring that it can hit first to activate its partner's item.

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 / Sp.Def 80 / Spd 163
Ability	Unseen Fist
Held Item	Choice Band Choice Scarf Focus Sash
Moveset	・Surging Strikes ・Close Combat ・Thunder Punch ・Aqua Jet

Urshifu Rapid-Strike Style's Strong Points

Urshifu's Rapid-Strike Style is a powerful offensive lead, especially when partnered with a Pokemon that can use Helping Hand to boost its Surging Strikes. It's a great choice for offensive teams that need to power through more defensive-oriented Doubles Teams, as its Unseen Fist can bypass Protect and Substitute.

Celesteela

Moveset & Best Build for Celesteela
Nature	Timid (+Spd, -Atk)
EV Spread	HP 244 / Def 4 / Sp.Atk 4 / Sp.Def 4 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values	HP 203 / Def 123 / Sp.Atk 127 / Sp.Def 121 / Spd 124
Ability	Beast Boost
Held Item	Leftovers
Moveset	・Air Slash ・Protect ・Substitute ・Leech Seed

Celesteela's Strong Points

Celesteela is a formidable lead Pokemon in the Doubles Metagame. Access to Max Airstream and its ability to check defensive teams with Leech Seed make it a great Pokemon for hyper offensive teams that need a relatively bulky lead.

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 ・Rising Voltage ・Focus Blast ・Weather Ball

Thundurus' Strong Points

Thundurus' Incarnate Forme is a great choice for lead sweeper in Doubles - especially in Rain Teams. Access to multi-target moves and Prankster Nasty Plot make it a powerful special attacker that can potentially sweep entire teams with its teammates.

Although potentially powerful, it needs both Rain and Electric Terrain support to function properly!

Spectrier

Moveset & Best Build for Spectrier
Nature	Timid (+Spd, -Atk)
EV Spread	Sp.Atk 252 / Sp.Def 4 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values	HP 175 / Def 80 / Sp.Atk 197 / Sp.Def 101 / Spd 200
Ability	Grim Neigh
Held Item	Focus Sash Life Orb
Moveset	・Shadow Ball ・Dark Pulse ・Hyper Beam ・Will-O-Wisp

Spectrier's Strong Points

Spectrier's base 130 Speed stat make it an excellent lead in the current metagame and is a good choice for lead Dynamax Pokemon thanks to its ability, which boosts its special attack every time it knocks out an enemy.

It's even more effective in the Doubles Metagame as a partner Pokemon with the moves Follow Me or Rage Powder can help alleviate its relative fraility.

Togekiss

Moveset & Best Build for Togekiss
Nature	Calm (+Sp.Def, -Atk)
EV Spread	HP 252 / Def 144 / Sp.Def 48 / Spd 64
Final Stat Values	HP 192 / Def. 133 / Sp.Atk. 142 / Sp.Def. 155 / Spd. 108
Ability	Super Luck
Held Item	Sitrus Berry
Moveset	・Dazzling Gleam ・Follow Me ・Life Dew ・Helping Hand

Togekiss' Strong Points

Celesteela is a formidable lead Pokemon in the Doubles Metagame. Access to Max Airstream and its ability to check defensive teams with Leech Seed make it a great Pokemon for hyper offensive teams that need a relatively bulky lead.

Best Pokemon - Tier 4

Garchomp

Moveset & Best Build for Garchomp
Nature	Jolly(+Spd, -Sp.Atk)
EV Spread	Atk 252 / Def 4 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values	HP 183 / Atk 182 / Def 116 / Sp.Def 105 / Spd 169
Ability	Rough Skin
Held Item	Choice Scarf
Moveset	・Outrage ・Earthquake ・Stone Edge ・Fire Fang

Garchomp's Strong Points

Although it's no longer the fastest Dragon-type in the metagame, Garchomp is still a powerful threat that teams need to have an answer for. It's one of the few attackers that can overpower Toxapex with its Swords Dance set, and there are even variants that make use of Scale Shot to surprise its checks and counters!

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	・Rising Voltage ・Hurricane ・Heat Wave ・Roost

Zapdos' Strong Points

Zapdos' flagship defensive set makes a return in Sword & Shield. A combination of good dual typing, excellent support moves, and great abilities make it an excellent check to Fighting-type Pokemon and physical sweepers in general. It's also the best answer to its Galarian counterpart, who can't do much against it with its STAB moves.

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	・Fire Blast ・Air Slash ・Solar Beam ・Dragon Pulse

Charizard's Strong Points

Thanks to Dynamaxing, 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. Solar Power provides a Special Attack boost in harsh sunlight, which Max Flare provides, allowing Charizard to dish out massive damage without needing a turn to set up a boosting move. And with Max Airstream on deck too, Charizard can boost its Speed to ensure it attacks first, making it a menace of a Special Attacker.

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.

While this makes it a fearsome physical attacker in Singles, it's lack of multi-target moves mean it's often used as a backup sweeper rather than a lead attacker in the current Doubles Metagame.

Cinderace is best partnered with support Pokemon such as Indeedee, who can boost its attack with Helping Hand.

Dusclops

Moveset & Best Build for Dusclops
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	Misty Seed Electric Seed Grassy Seed Psychic Seed
Moveset	・Acrobatics ・Lash Out ・Brick Break ・Tailwind

Dusclops' Strong Points

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.

Heat Rotom

Moveset & Best Build for Heat Rotom
Nature	Modest (+SpAtk, -Atk)
EV Spread	HP 4 / Sp.Atk. 252 / Spd. 252
Final Stat Values	HP 125 / Def. 127 / Sp.Atk. 172 / Sp.Def. 128 / Spd. 138
Ability	Levitate
Held Item	Choice Specs
Moveset	・Volt Switch ・Thunderbolt ・Overheat ・Shadow Ball

Heat Rotom's Strong Points

Heat Rotom is an excellent Choice Specs user and makes an excellent pivot thanks to access to Volt Switch. It's dual STAB also allows it to hit common Pokemon in the Metagame, such as Tapu Fini and Rillaboom.

Kartana

Moveset & Best Build for Kartana
EV Spread	Atk 252 / Sp.Def 4 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values	HP 134 / Atk 233 / Def 151 / Sp.Def 52 / Spd 177
Ability	Beast Boost
Held Item	Focus Sash
Moveset	・Leaf Blade ・Smart Strike ・Sacred Sword ・Aerial Ace

Kartana's Strong Points

Access to Max Airstream when it uses Dynamax makes Kartana a powerful lead sweeper, with its Ability making it stronger the more Pokemon it KOs. It's a great check and counter to bulky Water and Ground-types such as Tapu Fini and Hippowdon, and can function as a a backup sweeper or late-game cleaner as well.

Tornadus (Incarnate Forme)

Moveset & Best Build for 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

Tornadus {Incarnate Forme}'s Strong Points

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.

Clefairy

Moveset & Best Build for Clefairy
Nature	Bold(+Def, -Atk)
EV Spread	HP 252 / Def. 192 / 64 Sp.Def.
Final Stat Values	HP 177 / Def. 101 / Sp.Atk. 80 / Sp.Def. 93 / Spd. 55
Ability	Friend Guard
Held Item	Eviolite
Moveset	・Follow Me ・Helping Hand ・Life Dew ・Icy Wind

Clefairy's Strong Points

Although often outclassed by its evolution, Clefable, Clefairy has a niche in the Doubles Metagame as a bulky redirection supporter thanks to its Eviolite held item and Friend Guard Ability.

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

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.

Dynamax can Turn the Tide of Battle

The boost which Dynamaxing provides to HP, as well as the effects of each Max Move are taken heavily into consideration when planning teams for Ranked Battle. Pokemon like Gyarados and Cinderace are the usual choice due to their access to flying moves that turn into Max Airstream when Dynamaxed.

Weakness Policy and Hyper Offense

Weakness Policy is easier to set up and activate in Doubles and there are dedicated leads for this purpose used in Hyper Offensive teams. The fact that you can now Dynamax to further boost the Weakness Policy lead's bulkiness to survive a hit means the boost is often guaranteed.

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.

Prepare for Dynamax Legendary Leads

With Series 8 now allowing Legendary Pokemon, many players will often use these as Dynamax Leads to quickly establish an offensive presence at the very start of the battle.

Dynamax Leads such as Xerneas and Calyrex (Shadow Rider) have the ability to steamroll through entire teams, so it's important to have a check

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

Related Links

All Competitive Builds for Ranked Battle

Movesets & Best Builds for The Crown Tundra Pokemon
Galarian Articuno	Galarian Zapdos	Galarian Moltres
Raikou	Entei	Suicune
Articuno	Zapdos	Moltres
Tornadus	Thundurus	Landorus
Tapu Koko	Tapu Lele	Tapu Bulu
Tapu Fini	Regieleki	Regidrago
Latios	Latias	Heatran
Cresselia	Glastrier	Spectrier
Nidoking	Swampert	Dragonite
Salamence	Garchomp	Metagross
Galarian Slowking	Nihilego	Naganadel
Pheromosa	Buzzwole	Celesteela
Kartana	Stakataka	Blaziken
Kyogre	Yveltal	Xerneas
Necrozma (Dusk Mane)	Calyrex (Shadow Rider)	Mewtwo
Calyrex (Ice Rider)	Dialga	Lugia
Black Kyurem	Zekrom	Ho-Oh
Rayquaza	Zygarde	Reshiram
White Kyurem	Groudon

Movesets & Best Builds for Isle of Armor Pokemon
Scizor	Kingdra	Magnezone
Volcarona	Chansey	Blissey
Talonflame	Azumarill	Galarian Slowbro
Porygon2	Urshifu Single-Strike Style	Urshifu Rapid-Strike Style
Slowbro	Alolan Marowak	Dragalge
Klefki	Lycanroc	Amoonguss
Poliwrath	Palossand	Mienshao
Starmie	Heracross	Comfey
Porygon-Z	Alakazam

Movesets & Best Builds for New Pokemon
Dragapult	Galarian Corsola	Toxtricity
Galarian Darmanitan	Corviknight	Dracovish
Grimmsnarl	Rillaboom	Duraludon
Cinderace	Alcremie	Dracozolt
Hatterene	Eiscue	Inteleon
Pincurchin	Frosmoth	Zacian
Sirfetch'd	Flapple	Coalossal
Centiskorch	Arctozolt	Zarude
Galarian Weezing	Eternatus	Indeedee (Female)

Movesets & Best Builds for Returning Pokemon
Mimikyu	Wash Rotom	Gyarados
Ferrothorn	Aegislash	Excadrill
Tyranitar	Hydreigon	Heat Rotom
Arcanine	Mamoswine	Toxapex
Togekiss	Cloyster	Durant
Snorlax	Charizard	Sylveon
Lucario	Hippowdon	Umbreon
Conkeldurr	Quagsire	Gastrodon
Lapras	Whimsicott	Rhyperior
Goodra	Haxorus	Glaceon
Mow Rotom	Type: Null	Gengar
Milotic	Gardevoir	Flygon
Chandelure	Lanturn	Torkoal
Bisharp	Seismitoad	Silvally
Butterfree	Primarina	Incineroar
Blastoise	Decidueye	Venusaur
Darmanitan	Alolan Ninetales	Gothitelle
Crawdaunt	Clefable	Reuniclus
Kommo-o	Terrakion	Cobalion
Virizion	Noivern	Fan Rotom
Toxicroak	Pelipper	Jellicent
Celebi	Clefairy	Hitmontop
Diggersby	Ditto	Raichu

Movesets & Best Builds for Gigantamax Pokemon
Gigantamax Grimmsnarl	Gigantamax Snorlax	Gigantamax Charizard

Competitive Pokemon Battle Guides
Singles Tier List		Best Builds		Series 8 Tier List Contenders
Doubles Tier List		Team Building		Rental Teams