Summary
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s Teal Mask DLC was a refreshing addition to the base games because of a more laid-back setting, a good story, and several new and returning critters for players to catch and train. ThePokemonVGC scene has been going strong since Gen 9 games dropped thanks to the infinite possibilities of Terastallization and the many new pocket monsters that came with Paldea, from the incredibly strong Paradox Pokemon to gimmicky creatures like Dondozo and Tatsugiri.Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s The Teal Maskbrought over one hundred critters into the mix, between returning mons from past generations and a total of eight new ones, but the five best of the DLC might be unexpected ones.
There was a lot of hype surrounding the release of The Teal Mask inPokemon Scarlet and Violetbecause players would visit for the first time since Gen 2 a different region from the base games' main one, as Kitakami is based on the Japanese namesake location. Not only that, but it was revealed before launch that the DLC would have four new Legendary Pokemon as well as additional regional fakes and a cross-gen Applin evolution. When players first discoveredBloodmoon Ursaluna in The Teal Mask, it too instantly became a fan-favorite and was thought to be as powerful as Hisuian Ursaluna - however, it’s not one of the best Pokemon in the DLC.
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Ogerpon
The main star of the story for The Teal Mask, Ogerpon, is also hands-down the strongest pocket monster in the DLC thanks to its four masks, each changing its Ability, damage type of its signature move, and providing it with different boosts. Both Ogerpon Fire (with the Hearthflame Mask on) and Ogerpon Water (with the Wellspring Mask on) are unbelievable powerhouses that hit hard and fast, both with very good type combinations. From a competitive standpoint,Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s Ogerponmight be one of the best of the entire generation.
Sinistcha
Although it may not seem like much on paper,The Teal Mask’s Sinistchais probably one of the best support Pokemon in the current format thanks to its access to moves like Trick Room, Rage Powder, Scald, Strength Sap, and Matcha Gotcha. It can even shut down opposing Amoonguss with Imprison and Rage Powder, and with the appropriate partner in 2v2 battles it can reign supreme. Matcha Gotcha unfreezes Sinistcha when used, deals damage to both opposing Pokemon, it can leave them with a burn, and also heals the user back.
Clefairy
Clefairy is in the unique spot where it largely outclasses its own evolution thanks to Eviolite, and with moves like Follow Me, Helping Hand, and Heal Pulse it can be a devastating support. Furthermore, it has access to Friend Guard as its Hidden Ability, meaning it can also reduce incoming damage for allies. With low base Speed, Clefairy can be also effective under Trick Room teams inPokemon Scarlet and Violet.
Empoleon
One of the Gen 4 starters, Empoleon has often struggled to feel like a worthwhile addition to teams. With The Teal Mask, Empoleon gained a new Hidden Ability in Competitive. The reason why Competitive is such a goodHidden Ability inPokemongamesis that it’s a hard counter for Intimidate, given that the user is likely a Special Attacker already, and with its stats being lowered it gains two stages of increased Special Attack. Water/Steel is also a great type combo, and Empoleon is now in a position where it can counter Flutter Mane.
Kommo-o
Another interestingreturning Pokemon in The Teal Maskis Kommo-o, which has access to multiple very powerful sound-based moves like Boomburst, Clangorous Soul, and Clanging Scales, all of which can activate Throat Spray and give it a valuable boost to Special Attack. The Pokemon can effectively buff itself all the time, and with Overcoat as its Hidden Ability it’s also immune to Spore-like moves. Furthermore, since it’s 4x weak to Fairy, Kommo-o can Terastallize into a Steel-type and use Flash Cannon as an additional attack.
