If you’ve ever ventured into competitive Pokémon battling, you know it’s where the series gets hardcore. Catching ’em all may be the aim in the game, but outmaneuvering your opponent with a clever maneuver or surprise tactic? That’s where the good times roll. The meta in Scarlet & Violet is always evolving, but certain Pokémon always take center stage—whether through raw power, underhanded cunning, or sheer disruption to force your opponent to question their choice of occupation. Below are ten of the best Pokémon that are currently destroying the Gen IX meta, listed from 10 down to 1.
10. Gholdengo – Golden and Deadly
Don’t be fooled by its goofy, coin-filled look—Gholdengo is a terror. This Ghost/Steel-type boasts a ton of resistances, making it more than a handful to defeat. Its ability, Make It Rain, slings heavy Steel-type damage and strikes both opponents in doubles. And with its Good as Gold ability shutting down status moves entirely, it has an advantage in nearly every competition. It’s a staple in singles and doubles for a reason.
9. Dondozo & Tatsugiri – The Sushi Strat
These two were meant to go together—literally. Dondozo is a hulking Water-type that becomes a beast when combined with Tatsugiri. With Tatsugiri on the battlefield, it hides inside Dondozo’s maw, using the Commander ability and granting Dondozo a staggering stat increase. This pair can snowball in no time, plowing through teams if not checked. It’s one of the most innovative and lethal pairs in doubles.
8. Chi-Yu – Burn It All Down
Chi-Yu isn’t around for messing around. This Fire/Dark-type Legendary has only one purpose: hit hard, hit quick. Its Beads of Ruin ability drops the Special Defense of everything on the field—except itself—making its Heat Waves and Dark Pulses that much more murderous. With a Timid nature and Life Orb, it outspeeds most threats and incinerates anything in its path. A favorite among offensive players who enjoy dishing out the heat.
7. Chien-Pao – Ice-Cold Killer
Yet another Ruinous Legendary, Chien-Pao, is a glass cannon if there ever was one. Its Sword of Ruin lowers the Defense of all the Pokémon on the battlefield, which complements its scorching Speed and high-brink physical attacks perfectly. Moves such as Ice Spinner and Sucker Punch enable it to sweep and pick off danger. A Focus Sash is a must to allow it to last longer, but once it begins swinging, it’s hard to stop.
6 . Baxcalibur – Dragon Dance Destroyer
Baxcalibur is Gen IX’s response to the pseudo-legendary archetype—and it fits like a glove. With a massive base Attack and Dragon/Ice typing, it can tear apart teams with moves such as Glaive Rush and Icicle Spear. Dragon Dance assists in setting up and sweeping, and Loaded Dice guarantees its multi-hit moves will connect more frequently. It’s durable, it hits like a Mack truck, and it’s arguably the most threatening attacker in the format.
5. Iron Hands – Power Meets Durability
Iron Hands is the sort of Pokémon that just takes blows, dishes out, and keeps going. It is a Fighting/Electric-type Paradox Pokémon with ridiculous bulk and offense. Its Quark Drive ability, combined with the use of Booster Energy, increases its already unholy Attack. With Drain Punch to keep it going, Wild Charge for coverage, and support tricks such as Fake Out, it’s an essential in singles and doubles.
4. Maushold – Adorable but Ruthless
Maushold might look like a squad of harmless mice, but it’s one of the sneakiest supports in the game. Its signature move, Population Bomb, can hit up to ten times in one turn—especially when paired with Loaded Dice. It shines brightest in doubles thanks to moves like Follow Me and Helping Hand, plus Friend Guard for team defense. Slap on Safety Goggles, and you’ve got one of the most annoying and effective utility Pokémon around.
3. Annihilape – Fueled by Rage
What happens when Primeape evolves? Something much more frightening. Annihilape is a Ghost/Fighting-type behemoth with one of the strangest signature moves in the game—Rage Fist, which only increases in power as it gets hit. With its decent bulk, speed, and Defiant ability (which punishes stat reductions), it excels in both attacking and tanking roles. Final Gambit can even sacrifice itself for large threats. It’s a terror to face once it picks up steam.
2. Murkrow – The Support MVP
Indeed, Murkrow. The humble Gen II bird is now a competitive player due to Prankster, which prioritizes status moves. It’s among the most reliable Tailwind setters out there and can utilize Haze to reset stat boosts, Sunny Day to manage weather, and Foul Play to punish physical sweepers. With Eviolite, it’s slightly bulkier than you’d anticipate. Murkrow’s disruption capability has made it a mainstay on many top doubles teams.
1. Hydreigon – The Seasoned Versatile Dragon
Hydreigon may be an old friend, but it’s never outdated. With good Special Attack, excellent Speed, and the Levitate ability, it possesses the means to fit into nearly any team. Terastallization makes it able to conquer its typical type vulnerabilities, and Draco Meteor and Dark Pulse are still lethal choices. It can even provide team support with Tailwind, Reflect, or Snarl. It’s this flexibility that keeps Hydreigon on top of the competitive food chain in Gen IX.
In a meta that’s always evolving, these Pokémon have carved out a lasting impact thanks to their strength, synergy, and sheer utility. Whether you’re new to the competitive scene or refining your team for the next battle, these ten picks are the ones to watch—and fear.