"Pokémon Legends: Z-A" has just received a brand-new trailer showcasing five new Mega Evolutions and what the expansion's gameplay loop will look and feel like in the upcoming Mega Dimension DLC. Before we jump into the new content, players should first focus on ending Season 3 Ranked Battles on a high note.
Yveltal and Xerneas are the most common Pokémon in almost every lineup, but a Generation I Pokémon could be the game-changer for your run. Vaporeon could be the one you need to reach Rank A this season.
Ranked Battles Shake Up the Meta
Pokémon Legends: Z-A does something quite new with regards to battles. Unlike traditional turn-based combat, where Speed tiers dominate most strategies, the game de-emphasizes Speed unless cooldowns are of utmost importance. This, in turn, creates plenty of opportunities for bulky Pokémon to shine and makes Vaporeon one of the most unlikely powerhouses of the current meta.
Why Vaporeon Dominates Ranked Battles
According to GameRant, several reasons contribute to Vaporeon's dominance in "Pokémon Legends: Z-A." Eevee's Water-Pokemon Evolution form can use Calm Mind. This gives Vaporeon extreme staying power. A typical build-252 HP, 100 Defense, 156 Special Attack with a Modest nature and Expert Belt provides maximum bulk against physical attackers while still allowing Surf, Hydro Pump, and Ice Beam to decimate opponents.
It's also good in countering Dragon-types like Garchomp, Dragonite, and Salamence. An Ice Beam from a boosted Vaporeon will one-shot these threats without the need for STAB. It's also good in dealing with popular meta picks like Delphox, Excadrill, Charizard, Yveltal, and Hippowdon. Many players run offense-heavy 252 HP/Attack sets, which makes them weak.
What to Avoid When Using Vaporeon
Despite its dominance, Vaporeon faces counterplay from a few select Pokémon. Its Ice-type counterpart, Glaceon, can easily kill it with Life Orb-boosted Freeze-Dry. Another matchup to avoid is Ampharos, which relies on Light Screen and Thunderbolt. Its Mega Evolution can make the work more difficult for a Vaporean user.
Geomancy-boosted Thunderbolt from Xerneas and a Pikachu holding a Light Ball can one-shot Vaporeon instantly.
If you want to use another Ranked Battle underdog, you can check our previous article about Mega Chesnaught.
Originally published on Player One
