Pokemon Scarlet & Violet has been out for a while now, and that means that the game's competitive battling in PVP is underway. Official Pokemon tournaments have already begun, and fan tournaments have already been taking over the scene in competitive battling.
In Pokemon Scarlet & Violet's large Pokedex, there is a grand majority of Pokemon that are powerful in the game's meta. One of these Pokemon is the dark and steel-type Kingambit. Kingambit is the newest addition to Pawniard's evolutionary line, and one of the best Pokemon for players to use in the game. That said, Kingambit can easily be a beast in battle if strategized correctly.
8 Sweep Set
Kingambit is primarily focused to Pokemon battles within singles, as Kingambit is more so capable of devastating the opposing team by itself. Kingambit has some incredible offensive stats, which makes it a scary combatant when switched out onto the battlefield, or if it is the first to be sent out.
For Kingambit, a sweep set can be proved the most beneficial route in battle, especially with the right ability. Here are the best moves for a player to make use of within Kingambit's moveset for sweeping:
- Kowtow Kleave
- Iron Head
- Swords Dance
- Sucker Punch
7 Best Held Items
Items that Pokemon can hold for use in battle are easily one of the most important aspects for a Pokemon trainer to consider before heading on to battle another opponent. That is because items can truly change the course of a match in seconds.
There are plenty of items that are, in general, great to use in combination with Kingambit. Luckily, there are even items that can help water down the 4x super-effectiveness of fighting-type moves used against Kingambit. Here are the best-held items for Kingambit:
- Assault Vest
- Lum Berry
- Choice Band
- Choice Scarf
- Life Orb
- Weakness Policy
6 Best Doubles Partners
Kingambit may prove deadly within singles in Pokemon battles against other players, but that doesn't mean that the Pokemon isn't as efficient within doubles battles. In fact, Kingambit can easily play as a set-up Pokemon to devastate opposing Pokemon with massive damage.
Not only that, but Kingambit can certainly play into the supportive role in doubles battles if the player wishes. As such, Kingambit will need some amazing partners, and here are the best ones for double battles with Kingambit:
- Armarouge
- Iron Valiant
- Quaquaval
- Mimikyu
- Dragapult
5 Best Pivot Partners
Kingambit is certainly great for being built by players as a lead offensive attacker, or at least an attacker that can be set up to sweep later on in a match. That is because Kingambit has great moves that can cause the Pokemon to mow down an enemy's team if played correctly.
Even with all of the aspects that make Kingambit such an incredible Pokemon though, it is very important to have great pivot Pokemon in Scarlet & Violet that can act as an insurance policy for Kingambit. This is especially true as Kingambit has a 4x weakness to fighting moves.
- Garganacl
- Amoongus
- Toedscruel
- Iron Valiant
- Iron Moth
4 Pivot Set
Kingambit is definitely more than capable as a leading offensive Pokemon that can be set up to sweep the enemy team, or at least most of them. But, Kingambit has a lot more flexibility in the world of competitive Pokemon battling than many players may think.
Kingambit's dual typing makes it a great pivot Pokemon, as the Pokemon has lots of coverage and moves that can support friendly Pokemon. This is true in singles or doubles! Here are the best moves for a pivot Kingambit:
- Kowtow Kleave
- Iron Head
- Tera Blast
- Brick Break
3 Best Tera-Types
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet have introduced that franchise's new gimmick, which Pokemon games are infamous for including. This brand-new gimmick is Terastallizing. Terastallizing a Pokemon allows it to take the form of its Tera-type, which is a single type.
This can help a Pokemon with its weaknesses, coverages, and even enforce STAB damage with various Pokemon types. In Kingambit's corner, there are a few Tera-types that a player should consider with Kingambit for the best outcome in a match.
- Dark
- Steel
- Flying
- Water
2 Best Abilities
Abilities are another important aspect of a Pokemon that players should definitely remark to as they can easily influence the way a Pokemon battles and in achieving victory. In Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, there are plenty of brand-new abilities that Pokemon are able to have, and Kingambit is one of those Pokemon.
This Pokemon has access to a few different abilities, and depending on what build the player has considered for Kingambit, they would want to carefully decide which one to withhold.
- Defiant: If Kingambit's stats are lowered, Defiant raises its attack stat by two stages.
- Supreme Overlord: Kingambit's attack (and special attack) receive a 10% boost for each fainted friendly Pokemon.
1 Best Natures
A Pokemon is randomly spawned into the Pokemon world with an RNG-decided nature. Natures are another aspect that is important to put into consideration if a player wishes to use that Pokemon for a competitive battle against other players.
This is because natures determine what a Pokemon's stats will look like, as it generally will raise one stat while lowering another stat as a result. Kingambit's best stats are easily its attack and defense stats, and as such, should have the best corresponding natures.
- Adamant: Raises Kingambit's attack stat while lowering its special attack.
- Impish: Raises Kingambit's defense stat while lowering its special attack.
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet is available on the Nintendo Switch.