Doubles Tier List - Best Competitive Pokemon for Doubles: May 2022 | 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 12 List of Contenders
Doubles Tier List		Team Building		Rental Teams

Playable Legendary Pokemon in Series 12

Series 12 allows players to use two 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 12 | Rules and Legal Pokemon

Tier List Updates as of 2022/5/26

Tier	Changes
Tier 1	No Changes
Tier 2	No Changes
Tier 3	No Changes
Tier 4	No Changes
Delisted	No Changes

Doubles Tier List For Ranked Battle

This tier list is based on the Pokemon HOME Pokemon Rankings for Series 11, which began on February 1 and is ongoing. We update it daily, so check back for the best Pokemon in ranked battle as of May 2022!

Click a Pokemon to jump to their explanation.

Tier 1
Zacian	Incineroar	Kyogre
Tier 2
Regieleki	Grimmsnarl	Groudon
Rillaboom	Calyrex (Shadow Rider)	Whimsicott
Indeedee (Female)	Landorus (Therian Forme)	Thundurus (Incarnate Forme)
Tier 3
Charizard	Amoonguss	Gastrodon
Yveltal	Calyrex (Ice Rider)	Solgaleo
Venusaur	Porygon2	Tornadus (Incarnate Forme)
Tier 4
Palkia	Urshifu Single-Strike Style	Dialga
Zapdos	Mimikyu	Blastoise
Tapu Fini	Kartana	Reshiram

Best Pokemon - Tier 1

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.

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.

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.

Best Pokemon - Tier 2

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Yveltal

Moveset & Best Build for Yveltal
Nature	Timid (+Spd, -Atk)
EV Spread	Sp.Atk 252 / Sp.Def 4 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values	HP 201 / Def 115 / Sp.Atk 183 / Sp.Def 119 / Spd 166
Ability	Dark Aura
Held Item	Life Orb
Moveset	・Dark Pulse ・Oblivion Wing ・Heat Wave ・Sucker Punch

Yveltal's Strong Points

Yveltal is a powerful special sweaper with access to great dual STAB and its signature move letting it stay in matches longer despite the recoil damage from Life Orb.

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.

Solgaleo

Moveset & Best Build for Solgaleo
Nature	Jolly (+Spe, -Sp. Atk)
EV Spread	Atk 252 / Sp. Def 4 / Spe 252
Final Stat Values	HP 212 / Atk 189 / Def 128 / Sp. Def 110 / Spe 163
Ability	Full Metal Body
Held Item	Weakness Policy
Moveset	・Sunsteel Strike ・Psychic Fangs ・Earthquake ・Protect

Solgaleo's Strong Points

Solgaleo's typing and many weaknesses work to its advantage, allowing it to have many different ways of activating Weakness Policy. Its sky-high Attack stat with a Weakness Policy boost turn Solgaleo into a very efficient physical sweeper that is very difficult to wall.

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

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.

Porygon2

Moveset & Best Build for Porygon2
Nature	Bold (+Def, -Atk)
EV Spread	HP 244 / Def 148 / Sp/ Def 116 IVs: 0 Spe
Final Stat Values	HP 191 / Def 141 / Sp. Atk 125 / Sp. Def 130 / Spe 65
Ability	Download
Held Item	Eviolite
Moveset	・Ice Beam ・Tri Attack ・Recover ・Trick Room

Porygon2's Strong Points

Porygon2 is one of the most defensive Pokemon available. With access to Trick Room and a good variety of support moves and coverage moves, Porygon2 proves itself to be a worthy addition to any team.

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.

Best Pokemon - Tier 4

Palkia

Moveset & Best Build for Palkia
Nature	Modest (+Sp. Atk, -Atk)
EV Spread	HP 252 / 4 Def / Sp. Atk 252
Final Stat Values	HP 197 / Def 121 / Sp. Atk 222 / Sp. Def 140 / Spe 120
Ability	Pressure
Held Item	Life Orb
Moveset	・Spacial Rend ・Hydro Pump ・Earth Power ・Protect

Palkia's Strong Points

Palkia matches up favorably against other popular restricted Pokemon such as Groudon, Kyogre, and Zacian. Ideally, Palkia gets to Dynamax and take 3 KO's in 3 turns, but if not, increasing its team's Special Defense with Max Quake is still a great help for its team.

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.

Dialga

Moveset & Best Build for Dialga
Nature	Modest (+Sp.Atk, -Atk)
EV Spread	HP 252 / Sp.Atk 252 / Sp.Def 4
Final Stat Values	HP 207 / Def 140 / Sp.Atk 222 / Sp.Def 121 / Spd 110
Ability	Pressure
Held Item	Weakness Policy Life Orb Assault Vest
Moveset	・Roar of Time ・Flash Cannon ・Earth Power ・Fire Blast

Dialga's Strong Points

Dialga's great typing and mixed defenses make it a great candidate for Dynamaxing. With Dynamax boosting its HP, the Temporal Pokemon can further boost its team's natural bulk with Max Steelspike and Max Wyrmwind.

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.

Mimikyu

Moveset & Best Build for Mimikyu
Nature	Brave (+Atk, -Spd)
EV Spread	HP 180 / Atk 252 / Def 76
Final Stat Values	0 Speed IVs: HP 153 / Atk 156 / Def 110 / Sp.Def 125 / Spd 90
Ability	Disguise
Held Item	Mental Herb
Moveset	・Trick Room ・Will-o-Wisp ・Play Rough ・Taunt

These values are from base stats with 0 Speed IVs, excluding external factors.

Mimikyu's Strong Points

Mimikyu's Disguise Ability makes it a great choice for main or secondary Trick Room setter for a dedicated Trick Room team. On top of its great dual Ghost and Fairy typing, it can further support its team with Taunt and Will-O-Wisp.

This lets Mimikyu cripple both defensive and physically offensive Pokemon expecting a pure attacking Mimikyu.

Blastoise

Moveset & Best Build for Blastoise
Nature	Impish (+Def, -Sp,Atk)
EV Spread	HP 252 / Def 132 / Sp.Def 120 / Spd 4
Final Stat Values	HP 186 / Atk 103 / Def 150 / Sp.Def 140 / Spd 99
Ability	Rain Dish
Held Item	Sitrus Berry
Moveset	・Fake Out ・Flip Turn ・Life Dew ・Helping Hand

Blastoise's Strong Points

Blastoise's great mixed defense and solid Water-typing make it a great support Pokemon in Doubles, with Flip Turn giving it extra utility over other support Pokemon - essentially letting it function as a Defensive Pivot.

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.

Kartana

Moveset & Best Build for Kartana
Nature	Jolly (+Spd, -Atk)
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

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.

Reshiram

Moveset & Best Build for Reshiram
Nature	Modest (+Sp.Atk, -Atk)
EV Spread	HP 252 / Sp.Atk 188 / Sp.Def 68
Final Stat Values	HP 207 / Def 120 / Sp.Atk 213 / Sp.Def 149 / Spd 110
Ability	Turboblaze
Held Item	Expert Belt
Moveset	・Blue Flare ・Draco Meteor ・Solar Beam ・Earth Power

Reshiram's great Dragon/Fire dual typing makes it one of the few Dragon-type Pokemon that don't fear Fairy and Ice-types, allowing it to freely switch into common Dragon counters and threaten them with its powerful moves.

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

Powerful Restricted Pairs

Series 12 gives players the opportunity to bring two restricted Pokemon to the team, which is one more compared to the previous season and opens up more possibilities for team synergy.

In the previous season, players would have to think twice sending out a restricted Pokemon to a match-up or risk losing them. Conversely, not having access to one of the restricted Pokemon puts the entire team at a disadvantage since most teams are built around it.

With Series 12, your second restricted Pokemon can assist the first one against poor match-ups. Not only can it fill the role of a solid defensive switch-in, it may also serve as a direct counter to the other restricted Pokemon's difficult matchups, making it so you can always bring a restricted Pokemon to a match. This makes matches less matchup intensive and more skill intensive.

There's lots of fun to be had in team building and battling with so many restricted pair combinations to choose from, although it's still important to consider both Pokemon's strengths and weaknesses when choosing pairs.

Speed Control is Invaluable

With the introduction of more restricted Pokemon, the overall speed of the metagame has also gotten much faster. This in turn makes speed control even more important.
Prankster Pokemon with Tailwind or Thunder Wave can help your team gain the speed advantage. Regieleki's Electroweb or a Dynamaxed Pokemon's Max Airstream can help as well.

And with plenty of fast Pokemon available, Trick Room becomes even more impactful, allowing slower Pokemon to move first.

Weather Effects

Kyogre and Groudon make their presence known in Series 12 with the weather that they bring. Kyogre's Rain and Groudon's Sun open up tricks and options for their teams. Whether its teammates with Swift Swim or Chlorophyll or the damage buffs that the weathers give them, teams with weather-related synergies are teams that one must be ready for.

How to Build a Weather Team

Teams Need a Zacian Check

Zacian is quite possibly the breakout star of Series 12, fitting nicely into most teams thanks to its monstrous damage output. Having Pokemon that can take a +1 Behemoth Blade or reduce its damage output with Intimidate or Will-O-Wisp will help your team survive Zacian's onslaught.

Of course, outright knocking it out with a powerful super-effective move is also a good option. Do remember that not too many Pokemon can outspeed Zacian so positioning and speed control is important as well.

Summary

With new and exciting Restricted Pairs making their appearance, 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 12 List of Contenders
Doubles Tier List		Team Building		Rental Teams