Doubles Tier List - Best Competitive Pokemon for Doubles: January 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
Tier List		Best Builds		Crown Tundra Tier List Contenders
Doubles Tier List		Team Building		Rental Teams

New Pokemon in Series 7

Pokemon reintroduced in The Crown Tundra DLC will be useable in the new season of Ranked Battle, with many ranking high in the current metagame!

Crown Tundra Tier List Contenders

Returning Pokemon from Series 6

Additionally, Pokemon that were banned from competitive play in the previous Ranked Battle series will be making a return!

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

Tier List Updates as of 2021/1/18

Tier	Changes
Tier 1	Urshifu Single-Strike Style ↑
Tier 2	Tapu Fini ↓
Tier 3	No Change
Tier 4	Togekiss New
Delisted	Heatran

Doubles Tier List For Ranked Battle

This tier list is based on the Pokemon HOME Pokemon Rankings for Series 7, beginning on November 1st.

Click a Pokemon to jump to their explanation.

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

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.

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.

Urshifu Single-Strike

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.

Best Pokemon - Tier 2

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.

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.

Glastrier

Moveset & Best Build for Glastrier
Nature	Adamant (+Atk, -SpAtk)
EV Spread	HP 252 / Atk. 252 / Def 4
Final Stat Values	HP 207 / Atk. 197 / Def 151 / Sp.Def. 130 / Spd. 50
Ability	Chilling Neigh
Held Item	Sitrus Berry
Moveset	・Swords Dance ・Avalanche ・High Horsepower ・Body Press

Glastrier's Strong Points

Despite its very low speed stat, Glastrier makes a formidable Swords Dance user with its STAB Avalance always powering up to 120 Base Power as it always moves second.

It's best partnered with a Pokemon that can provide redirection support, ensuring it gets a Swords Dance boost so that it can knock out the opposing Pokemon with its STAB and coverage moves.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 one of 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.

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!

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 Grim Neigh ability, which boosts its special attack every time it knocks out an enemy.

Although it has a very shallow movepool, it's ability to lower the team's Special Defense and Speed with Max Darkness and Max Strike respectively gives it a niche in Hyper Offense teams.

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.

Dusclops

Moveset & Best Build for Dusclops
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.

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.

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!

Celesteela

Moveset & Best Build for Celesteela
Nature	Timid (+Spd, -Atk)
EV Spread	Sp.Atk 252 / Sp.Def 4 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values	HP 172 / Def 123 / Sp.Atk 159 / Sp.Def 122 / Spd 124
Ability	Beast Boost
Held Item	Weakness Policy Life Orb Power Herb
Moveset	・Flash Cannon ・Air Slash ・Fire Blast ・Meteor Beam

Celesteela's Strong Points

Although better known as a powerful defensive Pokemon, Celesteela can run a special attacking set that will surprise its usual counters and checks! It's natural bulk also makes it a great candidate for Dynamax, turning it into a powerful and bulky sweeper.

Although more commonly used in Singles, Celesteela as a Dynamax user is even more threatening in Doubles - especially in teams that provide it Redirection and Helping Hand support. The fact that it has Max Airstream makes it a popular lead in Hyper Offense teams.

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.

When Gigantamaxed, its G-Max Rapid Flow can hit through Max Guard and Protect, giving it an advantage in a Dynamax showdown.

Best Pokemon - Tier 4

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's 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.

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!

Kartana

Moveset & Best Build for Kartana
Nature	Jolly (+Spd, -SpAtk)
EV Spread	Atk 252 / Sp.Def 4 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values	HP 134 / Atk 223 / Def 151 / Sp.Def 52 / Spd 177
Ability	Beast Boost
Held Item	Life Orb
Moveset	・Swords Dance ・Leaf Blade ・Smart Strike ・Sacred Sword

Kartana's Strong Points

Kartana is a threatening sweeper with a great dual-typing that lets it hit common Fairy and Bulky Waters in the current Metagame. In Doubles, it plays the role of a lead physical sweeper and Dynamax user - getting early-game KOs so that it can power up with its Beast Boost Ability.

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.

Nihilego

Moveset & Best Build for Nihilego
Nature	Timid (+Spd, -Atk)
EV Spread	HP 84 / Sp.Atk 172 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values	HP 195 / Def 67 / Sp.Atk 169 / Sp.Def 151 / Spd 170
Ability	Beast Boost
Held Item	Power Herb
Moveset	・Meteor Beam ・Sludge Wave ・Thunderbolt ・Grass Knot

Nihilego's Strong Points

Nihilego is a glass cannon that boasts unique coverage with its Rock/Poison dual STAB. Access to Meteor Beam now gives it a way to boost its Special Attack, as well as a stronger Rock-type STAB.

Its unique dual typing gives it a niche in Mono Rock teams that are in need of a good counter for Grass-types. It's also a competent Dynamax user, with its Max Ooze further boosting the power of its special attacks on top of any Beast Boosts it gets.

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 normally 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 its Friend Guard - the latter, boosting its teammates defenses by 25% as long as Clefairy is on the field.

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.

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

Amoongus' 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.

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

With it's great dual typing and excellent mixed bulk, Togekiss is the best Pokemon to use for redirection support in the Doubles Format and can easily fit in most teams - from hyper offense to more balanced ones.

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

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

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

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		Crown Tundra Tier List Contenders
Doubles Tier List		Team Building		Rental Teams