Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: Best Garganacl Builds for Ranked Matches

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet‘s PokéDex introduced Garganacl bringing new strategies to the meta this season for Ranked Battles. Garganacl is the final evolution of Nacli and is one of the best monotype Pokémon introduced this year. Its signature move, Salt Cure, inflicts damage on target opponents each turn dealing double the damage to the Steel- and Water-type Pokémon, which are very common.

This could mean trouble for any opposing best Gholdengo build, or Dondozo stuck in play. On top of this new move, Garganacl gains the ability Purifying Salt, making it immune to status conditions and taking half the damage from Ghost-type moves. Garganacl evolves from Nacli in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet or be caught in Area Zero. This three-tier evolution boasts heavy defensive stats and resistances to Flying-, Normal-, Poison-, and Fire-type moves. Additionally, if Garganacl has Purifying Salt as its ability, this also adds Ghost-type to this list.

Training Garganacl’s Solid Defense

Garganacl’s defensive stats should be considered when Hyper Training in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. According to the Pokémon Database, Garganacl’s base physical defense is 130, and its special defense is 90, which is decent enough to train up and take hits to survive a strong attack. Additionally, consider boosting its physical defense stat specifically because of a move it learns called Body Press. A common strategy for Garganacl in battle after training is to use the Iron Defense move and slam the opponent with a Body Press abusing its physical defense stat instead of attacking.

Best Support Team For Garganacl’s

Players should consider certain teammates that complement Garganacl as a Rock-type physical defensive wall in Ranked Battles Series 1 Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. For example, Pokémon such as Indeedee-F can provide good support with its move Trick Room making Speed Priority reversed so that Garganacl can move first. Another great supporting Pokémon to Garganacl is Tyranitar with Sand Stream, which releases a Sand Storm, giving Ground-, Steel-, and Rock-type Pokémon a Special Defense boost. Finally, if a trainer decides to Terastillize Garganacl to Flying-type, Garchomp is an excellent ally setting off an Earthquake while Garganacl follows up with a powerful Rock Slide.

Garganacl Shines in Doubles

Garganacl is an excellent ally in a Double Battle with its large move pool of protection and “stalling” moves. A key move for Garganacl is Wide Guard, which protects itself and its allies. This move is only found on certain Pokémon, so to have Garganacl learn this move, there is no need to use TM Machine recipes. Having moves to protect Pokémon in Double Battles not only seek out what opponents are trying to do but can also help turn the game’s tide very quickly. This also gives a turn for Salt Cure to deal damage, as all Garganacl has to do is Protect, Recover, and wither opponents away in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Source: Pokémon Database, Youtube/Nintendo Of America

• Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

  Franchise: Pokemon

  Platform: Nintendo Switch

  Released: 2022-11-18

  Developer: Game Freak

  Publisher: Nintendo, The Pokemon Company

  Genre: RPG, Adventure, Action

  Multiplayer: Online Co-Op, Online Multiplayer

  ESRB: E

  Summary: Pokémon returns in its next installment series: Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Set in a fictional town near Mediterranean Spain, gamers will explore Paldea, catching new and classic Pokémon. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is the first ever open-world game in the series and features new Pokémon that can transform into vehicles. Pokémon staples like gym battles are still present, but co-op exploration and Terastallize battles are also introduced.

  How Long To Beat: 31 Hours

  Prequel: Pokémon Sword and Shield

  Mode: Single Player, Multiplayer