Whether Pokemon fans are into the Table Card Game (TCG), Video Game Championships (VGC), or Ranked Singles, there are many venues for competitive play. The online play features two battle formats: Singles and Doubles. While some Pokemon may thrive in Double Battles, others do better in Single Battles.

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Single refers to the amount of Pokemon on the field in a match, so each player throws one Pokemon at a time during the battle. This is the classic battle format in the series, and competitors are allowed up to 6 Pokemon on their teams. Players should choose with a purpose to be successful. In Single Battles, each Pokemon must shine on their own as they won't have the instant help of an ally with them on the field. Playing offense is crucial to keep up the momentum in these matches, but don't forget about support. All-in-all having a well-rounded team is the most reliable strategy, so here are all the best Pokemon for competitive Single Battles.

7 Grimmsnarl

• HP: 95
• Attack: 120
• Defense: 65
• Sp. Atk: 95
• Sp. Def: 75
• Speed: 60

First making its appearance in Generation VIII, Grimmsnarl is an excellent offensive and support option. This dual Dark/Fairy Pokemon's high attack stats mean that it is equipped with powerful Same Type Attack Bonus (STAB) moves such as Spirit Break and False Surrender, so it can dish out decent damage. Perhaps one of its most useful tools, however, is its screen setting ability.

Grimmsnarl can learn both Reflect and Light Screen, which protects the user from damage dealing Attacks and Special Attacks by halving their damage. This is a necessary perk to help keep Grimmsnarl on the field since it has a low Defense stat and few recovery options outside Held Items. It also is a great way for players to set up more "tanky" Pokemon in their arsenal and double up on both damage and defense.

6 Gyarados

• HP: 95
• Attack: 125
• Defense: 79
• Sp. Atk: 60
• Sp. Def: 100
• Speed: 81

Gyarados is a recognizable favorite in the series and game and has been since Generation 1. Since Dynamaxing became available in Pokemon Sword and Shield, it has been an undeniably strong attacker on Single and Double teams alike. Its ability Intimidate knocks down its opponents' Attack stat pairs perfectly with its high Sp. Def, so it won't be easy to get rid of.

Gyarados has quite a few moves with great type coverage, including but not limited to Waterfall, Hurricane, and Earthquake. Type-wise, it does have one notable weakness; Gyarados has a 4x weakness to Electric-Type moves, so players should prepare for that with a strong defensive front.

5 Zapdos

• HP: 90
• Attack: 90
• Defense: 85
• Sp. Atk: 125
• Sp. Def: 90
• Speed: 100

Zapdos is one of 3 legendary birds from Generation I that players can use in competitive play. Unsurprisingly, the Electric/Flying type Pokemon is a popular pick with its high attack stats and impressive Speed. With Water-types like Gyarados and Kyogre being popular offensive choices, players can get an edge up. Additionally, STAB moves like Thunderbolt and Hurricane could have potential status effects after landing that can be taken advantage of to get passive damage or stall.

Zapdos could take a more defensive route with moves like Roost, a solid recovery option, and Volt Switch, which not only deals damage but switches out the user with the next Pokemon waiting to battle. Beware of entry hazards, traps set up by the opposing Pokemon that cause damage when a new Pokemon enters the field.

4 Gastrodon

• HP: 111
• Attack: 83
• Defense: 68
• Sp. Atk: 92
• Sp. Def: 82
• Speed: 39

Gastrodon makes a great ally on any team. It is an incredible defensive Pokemon with its ability Storm Drain, which eliminates any Water-type threats. Storm Drain sucks in water attacks, so to speak, making them ineffective and instead raising Gastrodon's Sp. Atk. Its high HP also gives it the defensive stronghold on the field.

Keep an eye out for Grass-type foes as it is 4x Weak, but its Water/Ground typing means it has a few weaknesses outside of that. Players can use Scald to deal STAB damage and burn their opponent, so they can also pull in passive damage. Pair this with Yawn, and Gastrodon becomes increasingly tricky to deal with on the battlefield.

3 Alakazam

• HP: 55
• Attack: 50
• Defense: 45
• Sp. Atk: 135
• Sp. Def: 95
• Speed: 120

Alakazam, another Generation I Pokemon, can be a daunting force in both Single and Double Battles. It's classified as a Special Attacker due to its stellar Sp. Atk and Speed stats, and with a Psychic-typing, it has access to powerful moves. So, it often manages to hit first, and there's a good chance it will land detrimental damage or even KO its opponent. Its STAB options like Psychic and Psyshock can be boosted with the move Nasty Plot, making it even more likely to make quick work of targeted Pokemon.

Alakazam has Taunt as a support option to protect it and its team from status conditions. However, it's best to use Alakazam as a Glass Cannon and hit hard, then pull it from the field as soon as possible to avoid losing it because of its meager Defense stats.

2 Togekiss

• HP: 85
• Attack: 50
• Defense: 95
• Sp. Atk: 120
• Sp. Def: 115
• Speed: 80

Togekiss is a jack of all trades in competitive Pokemon. It's got surprisingly good bulk, decent speed, and noteworthy Sp. Atk, so it can fall into almost any team role. Not to mention, it has a plethora of support moves to choose from, including recovery and stall moves like Heal Bell and Thunder Wave.

Togekiss is Dragon and Fighting Pokemon's nightmare as a Fairy/Flying type. Its STAB move Air Slash is its most powerful move, and its ability Serene Grace grants this move a 60% flinch rate making it trouble for almost all targets. Players can handle Dragon foes with moves like Dazzling Gleam, but it generally has good type coverage with some fire and fighting options for its movesets.

1 Corviknight

• HP: 98
• Attack: 87
• Defense: 105
• Sp. Atk: 53
• Sp. Def: 85
• Speed: 67

What makes Corviknight an obvious choice is its defensive powers in battle from its stats and typing. Steel/Flying gives it power over pesky Dragon and Fairy Types. Furthermore, Its defensive bulk means that it is hard to get off the field once there.

If players teach it the Egg Move, Defog, they also have a solution to entry hazards as it clears the field of Stealth Rocks and Toxic Spikes. This creates a safer space for Glass Cannons to do their thing without immediately taking damage. Players would also do well by giving it some quick recovery help through Held Items like Sitrus Berries and Leftovers when it goes against Fire or Electric types.

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