Doubles Tier List - Best Competitive Pokemon for Doubles | 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
Tier List		Best Builds		Series 6 Buffs
Doubles Tier List		Team Building		Rental Teams

Excluded Pokemon in Series 6

In the new season of Ranked Battle, some of the top Pokemon from the Tier List have been banned from competitive play. Our latest Tier List shows all the Pokemon who moved to the top after this massive shake-up!

Excluded Pokemon

Venusaur	Gyarados	Porygon2	Tyranitar
Torkoal	Hippowdon	Magnezone	Togekiss
Excadrill	Whimsicott	Incineroar	Mimikyu
Rillaboom	Cinderace	Indeedee	Dragapult

Series 6 Rules and Legal Pokemon

Tier List Updates as of 2020/9/3

Tier	Changes
Tier 1	Amoonguss ↑↑ Arcanine ↑↑↑ Primarina ↑↑↑
Tier 2	Talonflame ↑↑↑ Urshifu Single-Strike ↑ Ferrothorn NEW Clefairy ↑↑ Dracozolt NEW Urshifu Rapid-Strike ↑ Grimmsnarl NEW
Tier 3	Gastrodon NEW Porygon-Z ↑ Sylveon NEW Comfey ↑ Dracovish NEW Politoed NEW Coalossal NEW
Tier 4	Corviknight NEW Rhyperior NEW Hatterene NEW Terrakion NEW Milotic ↓ Sableye NEW Ninetales NEW Durant NEW
Delisted	No change

*Delisted Pokemon do not include those who are Banned from usage.

Doubles Tier List For Ranked Battle

This tier list is based on the Pokemon HOME Pokemon Rankings for Series 5, beginning on August 1st.

Click a Pokemon to jump to their explanation.

Tier 1
Amoonguss	Arcanine	Primarina
Tier 2
Talonflame	Dusclops	Urshifu Single-Strike
Ferrothorn	Clefairy	Dracozolt
Urshifu Rapid-Strike	Lapras	Grimmsnarl
Tier 3
Gastrodon	Porygon-Z	Sylveon
Charizard	Duraludon	Comfey
Dracovish	Politoed	Coalossal
Tier 4
Braviary	Corviknight	Rhyperior
Hatterene	Terrakion	Milotic
Sableye	Ninetales	Durant

Hall of Fame

The following Pokemon were previously found on the Tier List, but were eliminated due to new rule changes in Series 6. We're hoping to see them back again next season!

Tier 1
Rillaboom	Togekiss	Incineroar
Tier 2
Cinderace	Tyranitar	Dragapult
Indeedee (Female)	Whimsicott	Torkoal
Venusaur	-	-
Tier 3
Excadrill	Gyarados	Porygon2
Tier 4
Indeedee (Male)	-	-

Best Pokemon - Tier 1

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

Amoonguss' Strong 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.

Arcanine

Moveset & Best Build for Arcanine
Nature	Jolly (+Spd, -SpAtk)
EV Spread	Atk. 252 / Spd. 252 / HP 4
Final Stat Values	HP 166 / Atk. 162 / Def. 100 / Sp.Def. 100 / Spd. 161
Ability	Intimidate
Held Item	Choice Band
Moveset	・Extreme Speed ・Flare Blitz ・Will-o-Wisp ・Wild Charge

Arcanine's Strong Points

Lack of Cinderace means many players are turning to Arcanine for a Fire-type physical sweeper. Access to the coveted move Extreme Speed make it an unpredictable revenge killer!

Primarina

Moveset & Best Build for Primarina
Nature	Modest (+Sp.Atk, -Atk)
EV Spread	HP 180 / Sp.Atk 252 / Sp.Def 4 / Spd. 72
Final Stat Values	HP 178 / Def. 94 / Sp.Atk. 195 / Sp.Def 137 / Spd. 89
Ability	Liquid Voice
Held Item	Choice Specs
Moveset	・Hyper Voice ・Energy Ball ・Moonblast ・Psychic

Primarina's Strong Points

Primarina is a slow but powerful sweeper in doubles, with the ability to take down frail Pokemon with its coverage moves. It's Liquid Voice abilities makes its Hyper Voice its most powerful STAB attack.

Best Pokemon - Tier 2

Talonflame

Moveset & Best Build for Talonflame
Nature	Adamant (+Atk, -SpAtk)
EV Spread	252 Atk. / 252 Spd. / 4 Def.
Final Stat Values	153 HP / 146 Atk. / 92 Def. / 89 Sp.Def. / 178 Spd.
Ability	Gale Wings
Held Item	Life Orb
Moveset	・Brave Bird ・Flare Blitz ・U-turn ・Steel Wing

Talonflame's Strong Points

With its Hidden Ability Gale Wings, Talonflame is able to use Flying-type Moves with priority while at full health. This build adds Life Orb to allow it to deal even more damage. When Dynamaxed, it can use Max Airstream together with Gale Wings to hit with priority and deal extreme damage from the outset.

Dusclops

Moveset & Best Build for Talonflame
Nature	Sassy (+Def, -Spe)
EV Spread	HP 252 / Def 4 / Sp.Def 252.
Final Stat Values	HP 147 / Def 151 / Sp.Atk 80 / Sp.Def 200
Ability	Frisk
Held Item	Eviolite
Moveset	・Trick Room ・Will-O-Wisp ・Pain Split ・Night Shade

Dusclops's Strong Points

Dusclops is the premiere Trick Room setter in the doubles metagame thanks to its massive mixed defenses granted by Eviolite, as well as great utility moves such as Will-O-Wisp and Pain Split.

Urshifu Single-Strike

Moveset & Best Build for Urshifu Single-Strike Style
Nature	Jolly (+Spd, -SpAtk)
EV Spread	4 HP / 252 Atk. / 252 Spd.
Final Stat Values	175 HP / 182 Atk. / 120 Def. / 80 Sp.Def. / 163 Spd.
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.

Ferrothorn

Moveset & Best Build for Ferrothorn
Nature	Relaxed (+Def, -Spd)
EV Spread	HP 252 / Def 252 / Sp.Def 4
Final Stat Values	HP 181 / Atk 114 / Def 201 / Sp.Def 137 / Spd 36
Ability	Iron Barbs
Held Item	Rocky Helmet
Moveset	・Gyro Ball ・Leech Seed ・Protect ・Knock Off

Ferrothorn's Strong Points

Ferrothorn's Iron Barbs ability as well as access to support moves like Leech Seed and Knock Off make it a great defensive wall and even a surprisingly powerful physical attacker with Gyro Ball!

Clefairy

Moveset & Best Build for Clefairy
Nature	Bold(+Def, -Atk)
EV Spread	HP 252 / Def 252 / Sp.Def 4
Final Stat Values	HP 252 / Def 110 / Sp.Atk 80 / Sp.Def 86 / Spd 55
Ability	Friend Guard
Held Item	Eviolite
Moveset	・Follow Me ・Wish ・Dazzling Gleam ・Helping Hand

Clefairy's Strong Points

While its evolution, Clefable, may seem like a better choice for redirection, Clefairy sets itself apart by having relatively higher defense thanks to Eviolite and its ability Friend Guard. As long as Clefairy is in the battlefield, its teammates receive 25% less damage from attacks!

Dracozolt

Moveset & Best Build for Dracozolt
Nature	Jolly (+Spd, -SpAtk)
EV Spread	Atk. 252 / Spd. 252 / Def. 4
Final Stat Values	HP 165 / Atk. 152 / Def. 111 / Sp.Atk. 90 / Sp.Def. 90 / Spd. 139
Ability	Hustle
Held Item	Choice Band
Moveset	・Bolt Beak ・Low Kick ・Earthquake ・Outrage

Dracozolt's Strong Points

Dracozolt is one of the most frequently Dynamax Pokemon since it eliminates the accuracy drop of its best ability, Hustle, while keeping the attack boost.

It's often equipped with a Choice Band to further boost the power of its strong physical attacks, such as Max Lightning and Max Wyrmwind. Alternatively. it's sometimes equipped with Choice Scarf so it can guarantee the damage boost from Bolt Beak.

Urshifu Rapid-Strike

Urshifu Rapid-Strike Style - Moveset & Best Build for Ranked Battle

Moveset & Best Build for Urshifu Rapid-Strike Style
Nature	Jolly(+Spd, -Sp.Atk)
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 ・Aqua Jet ・U-Turn

Urshifu Rapid-Strike's Strong Points

Urshifu Rapid-Strike is a powerful Choice Band user with a unique dual STAB typing. It's ability Unseen Fist allows it to bypass Protect and Detect, hitting opposing Pokemon directly that are trying to scout or revover HP.

Lapras

Moveset & Best Build for Lapras
Nature	Quiet(+Sp.Atk, -Spd)
EV Spread	HP 132 / Atk. 4/ Def 84 / Sp.Atk. 252 / Sp.Def. 36
Final Stat Values	HP 222 / Atk. 106 / Def. 111 / Sp.Atk. 150 / Sp.Def. 120
Ability	Water Absorb
Held Item	Assault Vest
Moveset	・Freeze-Dry ・Hydro Pump ・Ice Shard ・Body Slam

Lapras' Strong Points

Lapras is a bulky attacker that can function in and out of Trick Room thanks to its great natural bulk and ability Water Absorb. Opposing Water-type Pokemon have a hard time switching to it because it can hit back with a super-effective Freeze Dry.

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 one of the most commonly used support leads in Doubles thanks to its Prankster ability. While it's well-known for its priority dual screens and Taunt, it can also punish stronger physical attackers with Foul Play.

Best Pokemon - Tier 3

Gastrodon

Moveset & Best Build for Gastrodon
Nature	Bold (+Def, -Atk)
EV Spread	HP 252 / Def. 252 / Sp.Def. 4
Final Stat Values	HP 218 / Def. 132 / Sp.Atk. 112 / Sp.Def. 103 / Spd. 59
Ability	Storm Drain
Held Item	Sitrus Berry Rocky Helmet Rindo Berry
Moveset	・Scald ・Clear Smog ・Recover ・Yawn

Gastrodon's Strong Points

Gastrodon is a quintessential bulky Water-type that has a specific niche in doubles as a passive redirection support with its ability Storm Drain. It's a great answer to Rain Teams and boasts reliable recovery in Recover, as well as useful support moves such as Clear Smog and Yawn.

Porygon-Z

Moveset & Best Build for Porygon-Z
Nature	Timid (+Spd, -Atk)
EV Spread	Sp.Atk. 252 / Sp.Def. 4 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values	HP 160 / Def 90 / Sp.Atk 187 / Sp.Def 96 / Spd 156
Ability	Adaptability
Held Item	Choice Specs
Moveset	・Tri Attack ・Shadow Ball ・Ice Beam ・Thunderbolt

Porygon-Z's Strong Points

Porygon-Z is a powerful special attacker that easily finds itself in many hyper offense teams. It's one of the few special sweepers in the tier with the coveted BoltBeam coverage, and its Adaptability ability also boosts the power of its Tri Attack.

Sylveon

Moveset & Best Build for Sylveon
Nature	Modest (+SpAtk, -Atk)
EV Spread	HP 236 / Sp.Atk. 252 / Spd. 20
Final Stat Values	HP 200 / Sp.Atk. 178 / Sp.Def 150 / Spd. 83 / Def. 85
Ability	Pixilate
Held Item	Choice Specs Throat Spray
Moveset	・Hyper Voice ・Quick Attack ・Mystical Fire ・Psyshock

Sylveon's Strong Points

Sylveon's Pixilate ability make it a formidable sweeper, with its Hyper Voice becoming its most powerful STAB attack. It also has respectable coverage through its moves, such as Mystical Fire and Psyshock.

Charizard

Moveset & Best Build for Charizard
Nature	Timid(+Spd, -Atk)
EV Spread	Def 4 / Sp.Atk 252 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values	HP 153 / Def 99 / Sp.Atk 161 / Sp.Def 105 / Spd 167
Ability	Solar Power
Held Item	Choice Scarf
Moveset	・Heat Wave ・Overheat ・Air Slash ・Scorching Sands

Charizard's Strong Points

Choice Scarf Charizard is a great revenge killer in the Doubles Metagame, and works well when used as part of a Sun Team - with it's ability, Solar Power, essentially giving it a Life Orb boost.

Duraludon

Moveset & Best Build for Duraludon
Nature	Modest (+SpAtk, -Atk)
EV Spread	Sp.Atk. 252 / HP 236 / Spd. 20
Final Stat Values	HP 175 / Def. 135 / Sp.Atk. 189 / Sp.Def. 70 / Spd. 108
Ability	Stalwart
Held Item	Assault Vest
Moveset	・Draco Meteor ・Flash Cannon ・Thunderbolt ・Solar Beam

Duraludon' Strong Points

Thanks to Duraludon's Stalwart ability, all of its moves are unaffected by redirection. This makes it a great answer to the commonly used redirection supporters in the Doubles Metagame, hitting their teammates without issue with its powerful special attacks!

Comfey

Moveset & Best Build for Comfey
Nature	Timid (+Spd, -Atk)
EV Spread	Sp.Atk 252 / Sp.Def 4 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values	HP 126 / Def 110 / Sp.Atk 252 / Sp.Def 131 / Spd 167
Ability	Triage
Held Item	Leftovers
Moveset	・Floral Healing ・Draining Kiss ・Giga Drain ・Aromatherapy

Comfey's Strong Points

In a metagame dominated by Hyper Offense teams and bulky sweepers, Comfey carves a niche as a reliable team cleric and healer. Thanks to its ability Triage, all of its healing moves get priorty. This alllows Comfey to heal its teammates with Floral Healing and ensure it's health is up with Draining Kiss and Giga Drain.

Dracovish

Moveset & Best Build for Dracovish
Nature	Jolly (+Spd, -Sp.Atk)
EV Spread	Spd. 252 / Atk. 252 / HP 4
Final Stat Values	HP 166 / Atk. 142 / Def. 120 / Sp.Def. 100 / Spd. 139
Ability	Strong Jaw
Held Item	Choice Scarf
Moveset	・Fishious Rend ・Outrage ・Ice Fang ・Crunch

Dracovish's Strong Points

Like Dracozolt, Dracovish is a powerful physical attacker and wallbraker that's equipped with Choice Scarf to boost the power of its Fishious Rend move.

Politoed

Moveset & Best Build for Politoed
Nature	Calm (+Sp.Def, -Atk)
EV Spread	HP 252 / Def 120 / Sp.Def 80 / Spd 56
Final Stat Values	HP 197 / Def. 110 / Sp.Atk 110 Sp.Def. 143 / Spd. 97
Ability	Drizzle
Held Item	Damp Rock
Moveset	・Scald ・Icy Wind ・Helping Hand ・Protect

Politoed's Strong Points

Politoed is valuable part of rain teams thanks to its ability to instantly set up Rain with Drizzle. It can also support its teammate with Helping Hand or lower the opposing team's speed with Icy Wind.

Coalossal

Moveset & Best Build for Coalossal
Nature	Adamant (+Atk, -Sp.Atk)
EV Spread	HP 92 / Atk 252 / Def 4 Sp.Def 84 / Spd 76
Final Stat Values	HP 197 / Atk 145 / Def. 141 / Sp.Def. 121 / Spd. 60
Ability	Steam Engine
Held Item	Weakness Policy
Moveset	・Stone Edge ・Heat Crash ・Heavy Slam ・High Horsepower

Coalossal's Strong Points

Coalossal is often used in conjunction with Aqua Jet users that can activate its Weakness Policy and increase its attack and speed, often activating Gigantamax to get increased bulk. It then sweeps with its high powered STAB mvoes such as Stone Edge and Heat Crash.

Best Pokemon - Tier 4

Braviary

Moveset & Best Build for Braviary
Nature	Jolly(+Spd, -Atk)
EV Spread	Atk 252 / Sp.Def 4 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values	HP 175 / Atk 175 / Def 95 / Sp.Def 96 / Spd 145
Ability	Defiant
Held Item	Heavy-Duty Boots
Moveset	・Bulk Up ・Brave Bird ・Close Combat ・Roost

Braviary's Strong Points

Thanks to its ability Defiant, Braviary can fill the role of an anti-Intimidate lead in most teams. What sets it apart from its competition is that it can Dynamax and provide valuable speed control with Max Airstream.

Corviknight

Moveset & Best Build for Corviknight
Nature	Impish (+Def, -SpAtk)
EV Spread	HP 252 / Def. 252 / Spd. 4
Ability	Mirror Armor
Held Item	Leftovers
Moveset	・Brave Bird ・Body Press ・Bulk Up ・Roost

Corviknight's Strong Points

Access to Mirror Armor and viable recovery in Roost make Corviknight one of the best set-up sweepers in the Doubles Metagame. Using Bulk Up, it boosts both its Attack and Defense, ensuring its Brave Bird and Body Press hits hard!

Rhyperior

Moveset & Best Build for Rhyperior
Nature	Adamant (+Atk, -Sp.Atk)
EV Spread	HP 176 / Atk 252 / Def 4 / Sp.Def 76
Final Stat Values	HP 212 / Atk 211 / Def 151 / Sp.Def 76
Ability	Solid Rock
Held Item	Weakness Policy
Moveset	・Rock Slide ・High Horsepower ・Hammer Arm ・Protect

Rhyperior's Strong Points

Rhyperior is often partnered with Aqua Jet users that can activate its Weakness Policy and increase its attack and speed to sweep with its powerful moves. Thanks to its ability Solid Rock, it can withstand super effective attacks with enough HP investment.

Hatterene

Moveset & Best Build for Hatterene
Nature	Quiet(+Sp.Atk, -Spd)
EV Spread	HP 244 / Def 76 / Sp. Atk 188 (0 Spd IV Recommended)
Final Stat Values	HP 163 / Def. 125 / Sp.Atk. 198 / Sp.Def. 123 / Spd. 30 (Speed is calculated at 0 IV)
Ability	Magic Bounce
Held Item	Babiri Berry
Moveset	・Trick Room ・Psychic ・Dazzling Gleam ・Mystical Fire

Hatterene's Strong Points

Hatterene is a great Trick Room lead and sweeper in the Doubles Metagame. Thanks to its ability Magic Bounce, it's immune to status moves like Taunt that can otherwise prevent it from setting up Trick Room for its team. It also boasts a massive special attack stat and great special coverage, allowing it to easily break down walls and defensive Pokemon.

Terrakion

Moveset & Best Build for Terrakion
Nature	Jolly (+Spd, -SpAtk)
EV Spread	HP 4 / Atk 252 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values	HP 167 / Atk 181 / Def 110 / SpDef 110 / Spd 176
Ability	Justified
Held Item	Weakness Policy
Moveset	・Stone Edge ・Close Combat ・Iron Head ・Air Slash

Terrakion's Strong Points

Terrakion is another great user of Weakness Policy and also has a niche as the best answer to Dark-type Pokemon thanks to its Justified ability. It's also a frequent Dynamax Pokemon, with its Aerial Ace attacking turining into Max Airstream that grants a speed boost to it and the rest of its team.

Milotic

Moveset & Best Build for Milotic
Nature	Calm(+Sp.Def, -Atk)
EV Spread	HP 252 / Def 56 / Sp.Atk 116 / Sp.Def 84
Final Stat Values	HP 202 / Def 106 / Sp.Atk 135 / Sp.Def 171 / Spd 101
Ability	Competitive
Held Item	Leftovers
Moveset	・Coil ・Hypnosis ・Recover ・Muddy Water

Milotic's Strong Points

Milotic carves a unique niche in the Doubles Metagame, functioning as a hybrid wall and special attacker with reliable recovery.

With one Coil, Milotic's Hypnosis and Muddy Water gets perfect accuracy, allowing it to shut down opposing walls and hit back with Muddy Water.

Sableye

Moveset & Best Build for Sableye
Nature	Impish(+Def, -Sp.Atk)
EV Spread	HP 252 / Def 252 / Sp.Def 4
Final Stat Values	HP 157 / Def 139 / Sp.Def 86 / Spd 70
Ability	Prankster
Held Item	Leftovers
Moveset	・Recover ・Will-O-Wisp ・Encore ・Knock Off

Sableye's Strong Points

Sableye is often used as both a lead and a support Pokemon in doubles. It can shut down physical attackers with Will-O-Wisp and can use Knock Off on Pokemon that rely on their held items. Thanks to its Prankser ability, all of its support moves, including Recover, get a priority boost.

Ninetales

Moveset & Best Build for Ninetales
Nature	Timid (+Spd, -Atk)
EV Spread	Def 4 / Sp.Atk 252 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values	HP 148 / Def 96 / Sp.Atk 133 / Sp.Def 120 / Spd 167
Ability	Drought
Held Item	Charcoal
Moveset	・Nasty Plot ・Heat Wave ・Solar Beam ・Scorching Sands

Ninetales' Strong Points

Ninetales is a fast and powerful sweeper, with its Drought ability powering up its Heat Wave and eliminating the need to recharge Solar Beam.

Durant

Moveset & Best Build for Durant
Nature	Jolly (+Spd, -SpAtk)
EV Spread	Atk. 252 / Spd. 252 / HP 4
Final Stat Values	HP 134 / Atk. 161 / Def. 132 / Sp.Def. 68 / Spd. 177
Ability	Hustle
Held Item	Life Orb
Moveset	・Iron Head ・X-Scissor ・Thunder Fang ・Superpower

Durant's Strong Points

Durant carves a niche in the Doubles Metagame as a powerful Dynamax user since it eliminates the accuracy drop of its ability Hustle. It's often partnered with speed leads that can boost its rather mediocre speed stat to ensure it outpaces its opponents.

Hall of Fame

These Pokemon have enjoyed their reign at the tops of the Tier List, but it was time for them to extend the crown for others. All the following Pokemon are banned in Series 6 of Ranked Battle. They might be returning again for Series 7, but only time will tell!

Best Pokemon - Tier 1

Rillaboom

Moveset & Best Build for Rillaboom
Nature	Jolly (+Spd, -SpAtk)
EV Spread	Atk. 252 / Spd. 252 / HP 4
Final Stat Values	HP 176 / Atk. 177 / Def. 110 / Sp.Def. 90 / Spd. 150
Ability	Grassy Surge
Held Item	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.

Togekiss

Moveset & Best Build for Togekiss
Nature	Calm(+Sp.Def, -Atk)
EV Spread	HP 252 / Def 144 / Sp.Def 48 / Spd
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

Togekiss is the best Pokemon for redirection support in the current Doubles metagame. It boasts a wide support movepool, excellent mixed bulk, and Fairy and Flying-type that gives it four resistances and two immunities to very common attacking types.

Apart from redirecting attacks using Follow Me, it can also heal its teammate with Life Dew or boost the power of their attacks with Helping Hand.

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.

Best Pokemon - Tier 2

Cinderace

Moveset & Best Build for Cinderace
Nature	Jolly(+Spd, -Sp.Atk)
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

Cinderace is a fearsome and fast physical attacker in the Doubles Metagame and is the only sweeper that gets STAB on all of its moves thanks to its ability Libero. The fact that it has a wide physical movepool means you'll never know what Cinderace has in store!

It's also a frequent Dynamax or Gigantamax user, and is one of the few with the coveted Max Airstream courtesy of Bounce. This allows Cinderace to support its team by increasing their speed stat by one stage.

Tyranitar

Moveset & Best Build for Tyranitar
Nature	Adamant(+Atk, -Sp.Atk)
EV Spread	HP 252 / Atk 200 / Sp.Def 20 / Spd 36
Final Stat Values	HP 207 / Atk 196 / Def 130 / Sp.Def 123 / Spd 86
Ability	Sand Stream
Held Item	Lum Berry
Moveset	・Stealth Rock ・Crunch ・Rock Slide ・Protect

Tyranitar's Strong Points

Tyranitar is a slow but powerful physical attacker with great mixed bulk and a wide offensive movepool. This makes it the premiere Sandstorm setter in Sand Teams courtesy of its ability Sand Stream.

Dragapult

Moveset & Best Build for Dragapult
Nature	Timid(+Spd, -Atk)
EV Spread	Def 4 / Sp.Atk 252 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values	HP 163 / Def 96 / Sp.Atk 152 / Sp.Def 95 / Spd 213
Ability	Infiltrator
Held Item	Weakness Policy
Moveset	・Shadow Ball ・Draco Meteor ・Fire Blast ・Thunderbolt

Dragapult's Strong Points

Dragapult is the best Pokemon in the Doubles metagame to use the item Weakness Policy thanks to its high natural speed and wide special movepool. It's often partnered with Dusclops, who can use Shadow Sneak to activate Dragapult's held item, allowing it to sweep with its high-powered moves.

Indeedee (Female)

Indeedee - Evolution and Learnset

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.

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!

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!

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!

Best Pokemon - Tier 3

Excadrill

Moveset & Best Build for Excadrill
Nature	Jolly(+Spd, -Sp.Atk)
EV Spread	Atk 252 / Sp.Def 4 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values	HP 185 / Atk 187 / Sp.Def 86 / Spd 252
Ability	Sand Rush
Held Item	Life Orb
Moveset	・Iron Head ・Earthquake ・Rock Slide ・Protect

Excadrill's Strong Points

Excadrill remains one of the most fearsome Sandstorm sweepers thanks to its ability Sand Rush. With a massive attack stat boosted by Life Orb, few Pokemon can withstand its high powered moves like Earthquake and Iron Head!

Gyarados

Moveset & Best Build for Gyarados
Nature	Jolly(+Spd, -Sp.Atk)
EV Spread	HP 4 /Atk 252 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values	HP 171 / Atk. 177 / Def. 99 / Sp.Def. 120 / Spd. 146
Ability	Moxie
Held Item	Lum Berry
Moveset	・Dragon Dance ・Waterfall ・Bounce ・Power Whip

Gyarados' Strong Points

Gyarados is one of the best Pokemon to Dynamax thanks to its immediate offensive presence and access to Max Airstream courtesy of Bounce.

Opposing teams need to watch out! Once it's set up Dragon Dance and starts accumulating boosts from its ability Moxie, Gyarados is nearly impossible to stop!

Porygon2

Moveset & Best Build for Porygon2
Nature	Quiet(+Spa, -Spd)
EV Spread	HP 252 / Def 160 / Sp.Atk 16 / Sp.Def 80
Final Stat Values	HP 192 / Def 130 / Sp.Atk 139 / Sp.Def 125 / Spd 58
Ability	Download
Held Item	Eviolite
Moveset	・Trick Room ・Recover ・Thunderbolt ・Ice Beam

Porygon2's Strong Points

Porygon2 is a strong contender for one of the best Pokemon that can set up Trick Room for its team. Access to Recover and an Eviolite boost make it very difficult to knock out, and it's Download ability allows it to get a Special Attack boost that it can use to threathen opposing Pokemon.

Best Pokemon - Tier 4

Indeedee (Male)

Moveset & Best Build for Indeedee (Male)
Nature	Timid(+Spd, -Atk)
EV Spread	Def 4 / Sp.Atk 252 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values	HP 135 / Def 76 / Sp.Atk 157 / Sp.Def 115 / Spd 161
Ability	Psychic Surge
Held Item	Focus Sash
Moveset	・Expanding Force ・Dazzling Gleam ・Mystical Fire ・Protect

Indeedee (Male)'s Strong Points

While it's female counterpart functions as a redirection support Pokemon, Indeedee (Male)'s role is that of a powerful special attacker that makes use of Expanding Force. Access to Mystical Fire means it's not easily walled by Steel-type Pokemon that otherwise take little damage from its main STAB attacks.

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 s 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

Summary

With new Pokemon from the Isle of Armor 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 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

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

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

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

Competitive Pokemon Battle Guides
Tier List		Best Builds		Series 6 Buffs
Doubles Tier List		Team Building		Rental Teams