With each new Pokemon generation comes a competitive format, and Pokemon Scarlet & Violet have introduced many unique Pokemon and a new evolution gimmick that could shift the competitive field. Competitive matches include singles and double battle formats. While players can technically join online battles at any time, there are official tournaments they can participate in, including the Pokemon Video Game Championships (VGC) hosted by Play! Pokemon or the Battle Stadium Ranked Singles.

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The 2023 VGC first season lasts from December 2, 2022, to January 31, 2023. All Paradox Pokemon, the Ruinous Quartet, and the box Legendaries are banned from competition in this format. Outside of that, players are free to choose any Paldean Pokemon, and there are no current restrictions on Tera forms and Terastallizing. While waiting for the official 2023 season to start, competitive players are already planning their teams. There are a few key Pokemon that have the potential to dominate the field, with many considering them to be the most competitive Gen 9 Pokemon.

Dondozo

Dondozo's size means it is no surprise this Pokemon packs a punch. It looks like a mix of a whale and a catfish from the recognizable whiskers, and its main territory in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet is out in Casseroya Lake. While Dondozo's Speed does leave room for improvement, it works as an exceptional tank on competitive teams, specifically in Double Battles. Dondozo and Tatsugiri, a Dragon/Water-type Pokemon, will team up and work together when they are used in battle simultaneously. The already powerful Dragon-type move, Order Up, is boosted due to Tatsugiri's ability, Commander.

Suppose players want to avoid committing to Tatsugiri or choose to use Dondozo in competitive Singles. In that case, it has quite a few Water-type Same Type Attack Bonus (STAB) moves that will tear through their opponents, including Liquidation, Waterfall, and Surf. In addition, the move Rain Dance can set up Rain on the field, strengthening its attacks. This, paired with its stacked HP, makes it quite the problem in the area and a fantastic offensive choice.

Annihilape

Before Generation 9, Mankey's only evolution form was Primeape, but now it has another level it can reach. Nevertheless, Annihilape's world lore is somewhat dark; whenever Primeape gets so angry that its physical body can not handle the rage, it dies and becomes Annihilape hence the dual Fighting/Ghost-typing. Primeape's evolution method in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet has a unique condition - it must use Rage Fist at least 20 times, and then it will evolve.

Annihape is a beast when it comes to hand-to-hand combat and Physical moves. Moves like Rage Fist, Close Combat, and Stomping Tantrum have the potential to be OHKOs against almost any opponent. However, the best strategy for Annihilape in the competitive world is the move Final Combat and Choice Scarf. Choice Scarf will increase its Speed, making it most likely to move first, and Final Gambit will deal damage equal to the user's HP. Players should work with this move wisely, as the user immediately faints after using it, but it will destroy any Pokemon with 110 HP or less.

Palafin (Hero Form)

Palafin is the evolved form of the Water-Type dolphin Pokemon Finizen. Palafin is special because it has two forms: Zero and Hero. Zero form, its standard form, looks almost the same as Finizen except for a heart design in the middle of its chest. On the other hand, its Hero form is bipedal and stands very tall and posed, resembling a superhero. It switches to Hero form the first time it leaves the field in battle, so the move Flip Turn comes in handy when using Palafin on a team.

There are a couple of reasons Palafin would do well on competitive teams. Palafin's signature move, Jet Punch, is almost unavoidable because it takes priority on the field and deals quite a bit of damage in Hero form. Palafin works well with switch-out Pokemon such as Raichu and Volt Switch or Grimmsnarl and Parting Shot. Hero form also gives Palafin an enormous stat increase, especially its Attack stats.

Baxcalibur

Baxcaliber is an offensive physical attacker. It is a dual Dragon/Ice-type Pokemon with an Attack stat that sits far above the average. Defensively-minded players should only try and get a little out of it based on its Defense stats and typing, making it weak to Fighting, Rock, Steel, Dragon, and Fairy-type attacks. Certain Tera types can be used to counter some of these weaknesses though, giving it more strategy options.

Its best perk is its signature move, Glaive Rush. Glaive Rush has a power of 120 damage, but it also forces the user to be the center of attention for all attack moves and doubles their damage. Baxcaliber can function as a tank with the right recovery moves or supportive allies, but players should be cautious against Fairy and Steel-types. Equipping it with a Choice Scarf is the best way to ensure it has the opportunity to dish out damage.

Skeledirge

Skeledirge is the final form of the Fire-type starter Fuecoco and is one of seven Ghost/Fire-types in the series as of Generation 9. This typing has solid resistances, including the popular Steel, Fire, and Fairy-types. Skeledirge leans towards being a Special attacker with a Special over 100, and its ability Blaze doubles all Fire-type moves' power. Its move Torch Song adds to this by dealing damage and increasing its Sp. Atk by one stage.

Players should also take advantage of its Ghost-type STAB moves like Shadow Ball, Shadow Claw, and Lick, which also has a 30% chance of paralyzing its target. Skeledirge has some other status condition options too, such as Will-O-Wisp and Sing. Finally, even though it is on the slower side, its HP and Defense keep it on the field even if it takes a couple of hits.

Meowscarada

Users of Meowscarada will most likely use a far different strategy in competitive Pokemon compared to the other starter final evolutions. Meowscarada is a dual Grass/Dark-type Pokemon, and its Speed and Attack stats make it work well as a sweeper or glass canon. Players will want to have flexibility with Meowscarada on the field because of its nonexistent bulk, so a switch-out move like U-turn or a stall move like Protect is a great way to keep it from having to take too much damage.

Its offensive prowess is also reflected in its signature move Flower Trick. Flower Trick has a base power of 70, but it will always land as a critical hit, so its power varies. It also has good type coverage with access to strong Dark-type moves such as Dark Pulse and Night Slash. Players will get the most out of Meowscarada by utilizing recovery items, moves, or healer Pokemon.

Pokemon Scarlet & Violet are available now for the Nintendo Switch.