Tapu Fini - Moveset & Best Build for Ranked Battle

This is a strategy guide for using Tapu Fini in competitive play for the games Pokemon Sword and Shield. Read on for tips on the best Nature, EV spreads, Movesets, and Held Items to use with Tapu Fini, as well as its strengths and weak points.

Tapu Fini - Related Guides
Evolution and Learnset	Build for Ranked Battle

Basic Information for Tapu Fini

Types and Abilities

Pokemon	Type 1	Type 2
Tapu Fini
Abilities
Misty Surge	The Pokemon creates a Misty Terrain when it enters a battle.
Telepathy (Hidden)	Anticipates an ally's attack and dodges it.

Tapu Fini Weaknesses and Resistances

	Type
Takes 4x damage	-
Takes 2x damage
Takes 0.5x damage
Takes 1/4x damage	-
Takes 0x damage

What is Type Effectiveness?

Base Stats

HP	Attack	Defense	Sp. Atk	Sp. Def	Speed
70	75	115	95	130	85

Best Nature for Tapu Fini

Best Natures
Bold (+Def, -Atk)	Modest (+Sp.Atk, -Atk)	Timid (+Spd, -Atk)

What are Natures?

Singles Movesets for Tapu Fini

Nature's Madness Moveset & Best Build

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 high defenses are its cornerstone, and this build works to maximize them.

About Tapu Fini's Moves

Surf and Moonblast serve as Tapu Fini's main STAB moves that each deal respectable amounts of damage.

Each time it forces an opponent to switch out, it can slash the HP of whatever comes in with Nature's Madness. It can also use Taunt to prevent an opponent from setting up against it and slash down its HP after the foe is disabled.

About Tapu Fini's EV Spread

This set utilizes as a standard physically defensive spread with maximum investment in HP and Defense. The rest of the EVs can be placed in Sp.Def to add a bit more bulk.

About Tapu Fini's Ability

Misty Surge brings in Misty Terrain every time it switches in. The team can benefit from this terrain by being safe from status conditions and taking reduced damage from Dragon-type moves.

About Tapu Fini's Held Item

As Tapu Fini doesn't learn a recovery move, it relies on healing items for restoration, so a Sitrus Berry or Leftovers are best to maximize the number of times it can be switched in.

Other Viable Moves

Move	Description
Hydro Pump	An alternate for Surf, when prioritizing damage over accuracy.
Icy Wind	Decreases an opponent's Speed by 1 stage. Good for supporting its teammates.
Ice Beam	Useful for hitting Dragon/Flying types. Can use Max Hailstorm to cause Hail and knock out Focus Sash users.

Trick + Choice Item Moveset & Best Build

Nature	Timid (+Spd, -Atk)
EV Spread	Sp.Atk. 252 / Sp.Def. 4 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values	HP 145 / Def 135 / Sp.Atk 147 / Sp.Def 151 / Spd 150
Ability	Misty Surge
Held Item	Choice Scarf Choice Specs
Moveset	・Surf ・Moonblast ・Ice Beam ・Trick

About Tapu Fini's Moves

This set uses Trick to force the opponent to hold a Choice item unexpectedly, disabling a Physical Attacker or a Wall with a useless bonus. For other moves, it's set with two STAB attacks and Ice Beam for hitting the prominent Dragon and Flying types in the current metagame.

About Tapu Fini's EV Spread

This set utilizes as a standard specially offensive spread with maximum investment in Sp.Atk and Speed. The rest of the EVs can be placed in Sp.Def to add a bit more bulk.

About Tapu Fini's Held Item

In favorable matchups, Tapu Fini can directly benefit from the offensive bonuses provided by Choice Specs or Choice Scarf. Against walls and physical attackers, a well-timed Trick can cripple the enemy.

Other Viable Moves

Move	Description
Hydro Pump	An alternate for Surf, when prioritizing damage over accuracy.
Icy Wind	Decreases an opponent's Speed by 1 stage. Good for supporting its teammates.
Blizzard	An alternate for Ice Beam. For prioritizing power over accuracy.
Shadow Ball	For hitting Psychic-types and Poison-types. Unfortunately, Max Phantasm's Defense drop does not benefit Tapu Fini.
Grass Knot	For hitting Water-types. Can recover HP with Max Overgrowth, but this eliminates the benefits of Misty Terrain.

Calm Mind Moveset & Best Build

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 ・Calm Mind ・Substitute

About Tapu Fini's Moves

With its high defenses, Tapu Fini is able to set up against a variety of opponents, and can use Calm Mind together with Substitute to build itself up. This set only uses STAB moves which have wide adaptability, but if you want to widen its attacking potential, it's possible to run a set without Substitute and utilize a third attacking move instead.

About Tapu Fini's EV Spread

This set utilizes as a standard physically defensive spread with maximum investment in HP and Defense. The rest of the EVs can be placed in Sp.Def to add a bit more bulk.

About Tapu Fini's Held Item

As Tapu Fini doesn't learn a recovery move, it relies on healing items for restoration, so a Sitrus Berry or Leftovers are best to maximize the number of times it can be switched in.

Other Viable Moves

Move	Description
Hydro Pump	An alternate for Surf, when prioritizing damage over accuracy.
Icy Wind	Decreases an opponent's Speed by 1 stage. Good for supporting its teammates.
Ice Beam	Useful for hitting Dragon/Flying types. Can use Max Hailstorm to cause Hail and knock out Focus Sash users.
Shadow Ball	For hitting Psychic-types and Poison-types. Unfortunately, Max Phantasm's Defense drop does not benefit Tapu Fini.
Grass Knot	For hitting Water-types. Can recover HP with Max Overgrowth, but this eliminates the benefits of Misty Terrain.
Taunt	For avoiding being used to set up against. Effective against Walls.
Iron Defense	Can further stack on Tapu Fini's defenses. When used with Calm Mind, can become surprisingly bulky.
Draining Kiss	A STAB move that can give Tapu Fini recovery options outside of Leftovers and Sitrus Berry

Doubles Moveset for Tapu Fini

Bulky Special Attacker Moveset & Best Build

Nature	Modest (+Sp.Atk, -Atk)
EV Spread	HP 244 / Def 12 / Sp.Atk 156 / Sp.Def 36 / Spd 60
Final Stat Values	HP 176 / Atk 72 / Def 137 / Sp.Atk 148 / Sp.Def 155 / Spd 113
Ability	Misty Surge
Held Item	Leftovers
Moveset	・Moonblast ・Protect ・Muddy Water ・Calm Mind

This Doubles build for Tapu Fini centralizes on using Calm Mind while being able to withstand most attacks thanks to its high defensive stats.

About Tapu Fini's Moves

Calm Mind will allow Tapu Fini to boost its Sp. Atk to prepare its attacks while also bulking up its Sp. Def. Once set up, Tapu Fini can then start damaging opponents.

Moonblast is effective against opposing special attackers, especially those that may have Electric-type attacks which could easily overpower Tapu Fini.

Muddy Water can be used to hit both of your opponents in one move. Muddy Water is also more effective when it is raining in the battlefield, in the case if any of your other Pokemon has Drizzle or has previously used Max Geyser.

You can use Protect for a mini-stall and recover HP for a single turn from Leftovers.

About Tapu Fini's EV Spread

This EV spread improves Tapu Fini's bulkiness by having 244 EVs in its HP with a few points in Def and Sp. Def to slightly boost its durability. 156 EVs are given to Sp Atk to give it a strong foundation for the Calm Mind boost. The rest is given to Speed to give it a little boost in facing quicker opponents.

About Tapu Fini's Ability

Misty Surge is still useful in Doubles primarily against Dragon-type attackers, and acts as a blockade against utility Pokemon planning to inflict status conditions on your team.

Other Viable Moves

Icy Wind	Useful against Zapdos, a common Tapu Fini threat, and Dragon-type Pokemon. Also useful for Speed control.
Nature's Madness	Allows Tapu Fini to soften up any bulky opponents by halving its health.
Heal Pulse	Lets Tapu Fini play a more supportive role.

Doubles Support Moveset & Best Build

Nature	Bold (+Def, -Atk)
EV Spread	HP 252 / Def 180 / Sp.Def 76
Final Stat Values	HP 177 / Atk 72 / Def 173 / Sp.Atk 115 / Sp.Def 160 / Spd 105
Ability	Misty Surge
Held Item	Sitrus Berry
Moveset	・Heal Pulse ・Aqua Ring ・Protect ・Dazzling Gleam

This build lets Tapu Fini play a healer role in Doubles by giving constant heals to its ally with Heal Pulse, backed up by healing from Aqua Ring and Sitrus Berry.

About Tapu Fini's Moves

Dazzling Gleam can be used to chip away both of your opponent's health if you do not need to heal Tapu Fini's teammate.

About Tapu Fini's EV Spread

EVs are poured into Tapu Fini's HP and defensive stats to make it as bulky as possible, allowing it to play the healer role longer.

Tapu Fini's base Defense stat is lower than its Special Defense, which is why more EVs are given to it. It also gives it durability against physical Grass and Electric-type attacks.

About Tapu Fini's Held Item

For this build, Sitrus Berry is the better option in case Tapu Fini drops its health to half so it can immediately recover.

Additionally, Tapu Fini can rely on Aqua Ring instead of Leftovers for its constant healing.

Sitrus Berry vs Leftovers

Other Viable Moves

Icy Wind	Useful as Speed control against faster Pokemon that may outspeed your main attackers.
Haze	Negates any stat boost setups from opposing Pokemon.

How to Use Tapu Fini Effectively

Prevents Status and Reduces Dragon-type Damage

Tapu Fini's access to Misty Surge allows it to bring in Misty Terrain whenver it switches in. Many offensive teams can take advantage of this bonus since Misty Terrain makes sure that Pokemon on the field can't be afflicted with status conditions. It also halves the damage dealt by the plethora of Dragon-types running around the metagame.

A Support Pokemon that Hits Back

Although Tapu Fini primarily functions as a support Pokemon in both Singles and Doubles, its great dual STAB and respectable special attack stat allow it to threaten frailer Pokemon with its powerful attacks even with little to no investment.

How to Build a Team with Tapu Fini

Tapu Fini is a great choice if your team is looking for a bulky Water-type Pokemon, and fits comfortably in both the Singles and Doubles format. Despite this, it's important to use it for its unique attributes as there are other Pokemon with better support moves - especially in Doubles.

A Bulky Healer in Doubles

A combination of great bulk, relatively high speed for a support Pokemon, and great dual typing make Tapu Fini one of the best healers in Doubles. It's best paired with Life Orb users or Pokemon that use moves with recoil damage. When used properly, Tapu Fini can keep its teammates in great condition while also defending against common attacking types.

Example Balanced Doubles Team

Dynamax Attacker	Doubles Support
Galarian Zapdos	Tapu Fini
Special Sweeper	Redirection Support
Volcarona	Amoonguss

Galarian Zapdos is susceptible to getting burned or paralyzed and often relies on a Life Orb to boost its power further. As a result, prolonged matches will leave it with low health and make it easy to take out.

Tapu Fini is a great partner since it automatically sets up Misty Terrain that prevents status effects while also keeping Galarian Zapdos healthy with Heal Pulse.

Volcarona is this team's back up sweeper and can replace Galarian Zapdos as the lead attacker, while Amoonguss provides redirection support.
Check out our full article below to learn how to build a Doubles Team.
How to Build a Doubles Team

Counters for Tapu Fini

Weakness

Overpower it with a Super Effective Attack

Despite its great bulk, there are some sweepers that can potentially KO even the bulkiest Tapu Fini. Many of these also have great type matchups against the Land Spirit Pokemon.

Best Pokemon to Use

Pokemon	Description
Thundurus	Ranking: ★★★★★ ・Incarnate Forme can set up in front of Tapu Fini and threaten it with Thunderbolt ・Choice Specs Therian Forme can KO it with Thunderbolt or Rising Voltage Moveset & Best Build for Thundurus
Tapu Koko	Ranking: ★★★★★ ・Threathens Tapu Fini with Thunderbolt ・Sets up Electric Terrain with its Electric Surge Ability Moveset & Best Build for Tapu Koko
Zapdos	Ranking: ★★★★ ・Threathens Tapu Fini with Thunderbolt ・Defensive variants can switch out to a counter using Volt Switch Moveset & Best Build for Zapdos
Rillaboom	Ranking: ★★★★ ・Sets up Grassy Terrain with its Grassy Surge Ability and can threaten with boosted Grassy Glide ・ Moveset & Best Build for Rillaboom
Kartana	Ranking: ★★★★ ・Resists both of Tapu Fini's STAB moves ・Threatens Tapu Fini with Leaf Blade Moveset & Best Build for Kartana

Wall it with a Grass-type Pokemon

Tapu Fini has trouble handling bulky Grass-types, especially ones that resist both its STAB moves.

Pokemon	Description
Ferrothorn	Ranking: ★★★★★ ・Resists both of Tapu Fini's STAB moves ・Can threaten Tapu Fini with Leech Seed or STAB Gyro Ball Moveset & Best Build for Ferrothorn
Venusaur	Ranking: ★★★★ ・Resists both of Tapu Fini's STAB moves ・ Threatens Tapu Fini with Giga Drain or Sludge Bomb Moveset & Best Build for Amoonguss

Related Guides

All Competitive Builds for Ranked Battle

Competitive Guides for Pokemon Sword and Shield

Competitive Pokemon Battle Guides
Tier List		Best Builds		Series 10 List of Contenders
Doubles Tier List		Team Building		Rental Teams

Best Builds for The Crown Tundra Pokemon

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	Regirock
Palkia	Regigigas	Registeel
Regice	Giratina	Solgaleo
Lunala	Kyurem	Necrozma
Uxie	Mesprit	Azelf
Calyrex