Though there have been criticisms regarding Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, the new games certainly deliver when it comes to the new Pokemon. A few additions, such as Tinkaton, are already fan favorites while regional variants and regional fakes like Toedscool add a nice twist to old classics. Among the new critters in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, Orthworm makes an appearance, and it is surprisingly powerful when its defensive capabilities are considered.
A lot of its defensive abilities come from being a Steel-Type Pokemon with high Defense stats. It also has a very helpful signature ability that can backfire on a competitor's plan, and access to a rare move that is a pain to deal with. Orthworm is a nice party member for Trainers lacking a defensive Pokemon.
Orthworm the Titan
Of all the new Pokemon introduced in Scarlet and Violet, Orthworm is one of the most unassuming. It looks like a goofy worm colored like a Poke Ball, and with its lack of an evolutionary form, one would be forgiven for believing it's pretty boring. The most exciting interaction with Orthworm occurs during the Path of Legends storyline which has players teaming up with Arven to take on Titan Pokemon and collect Herba Mystica. The massive titan puts up a good fight, but with a little perseverance and strategizing, it is possible to take it down.
According to the Pokedex, Orthworm maintains its metal exterior by munching on iron in the soil. Though it may be easy to overlook Orthworm after the Path of Legends encounters, competitive players should not neglect this weird worm. Certain aspects of it make it a unique player on the field capable of causing opponents great frustration.
Orthworm's Defensive Capabilities
Like many other Steel-Type Pokemon, Orthworm's strengths lie in its defensive capabilities. With a Defense stat of 145, it will take a lot for even the strongest Pokemon to wear it down. As is the case with all other Steel-Types, it is immune to Poison-Type moves, which gives it an extra layer of defense from a wide range of moves, including Toxic, which is a powerful status move that a great many Pokemon can learn. There are also unique traits Orthworm has that make it even more defensive.
Orthworm's signature ability is Earth Eater. With this ability, it is granted immunity to Ground-Type moves. Rather than being damaged, it regains a quarter of its maximum HP. This is exceptionally helpful because Steel-Type Pokemon are typically weak to Ground-Type moves. Orthworm is also one of two Pokemon capable of learning Shed Tail, a move that can be a pain if used by the right Trainer. By sacrificing half its HP, it puts a substitute up and allows the player to switch out Pokemon in the same turn. This leaves Orthworm protected by its Substitute and the Pokemon that has been swapped out. Cyclizar is the only other Pokemon capable of learning this move which is a good thing, as it can easily be abused.
Orthworm may not be the prettiest Pokemon, but it is certainly a good team member to have for gamers looking for something tanky. With Earth Eater and Shed Tail used together, the worm can take opponents by surprise with just how hard it is to finally take down. While it might never gain the popularity of Pokemon like Pawmi and Quaxly, which have already stolen the show with their cuteness, it definitely has something unique to offer.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are available on Nintendo Switch.
