Flutter Mane has been the top Pokémon in the game since it hit Scarlet and Violet VGC. But, this might change with the arrival of Regulation D’s ruleset.
Flutter Mane’s Reign
Until now, Flutter Mane ruled the charts. It was used by 79% of teams at the Europe International Championships in April. This level of dominance is rare. Many feared it was too powerful for the game.
Regulation D Shakes Things Up
Last week, we learned about Regulation D. It will run from July 1 to September 30. It’s bringing new Pokémon from Pokémon HOME into the mix. This means big changes, including for Flutter Mane.
After a win at the Milwaukee Regionals, a fan mused on Reddit if Flutter Mane’s usage would hit 100% at Worlds. However, most think its popularity will dip. This is because of the strong new Pokémon coming with Regulation D, like Urshifu and Ursaluna. They are expected to redefine the game. They also stack up well against Flutter Mane.
One player mentioned the Urshifu forms can counter Flutter Mane a bit. They have moves that always hit critically and can change their weakness. Ursaluna, being part Normal type, can’t be hit by Flutter Mane’s Shadow Ball. Plus, its strength and bulk mean it can do serious damage.
Another big topic is Heatran’s return to VGC. This Fire/Steel type Pokémon resists Flutter Mane’s Fairy attacks and can strike back hard.
What’s Next?
We haven’t seen these Pokémon face Flutter Mane in big tournaments yet. The first big test will be at the World Championships, under Regulation D. That’s when we’ll really see where Flutter Mane stands.
With so much changing, Flutter Mane’s future isn’t as certain as before. New challengers are stepping up. This makes the upcoming tournaments even more exciting to watch.