In the world of competitive Pokémon, teams often follow specific plans like Trick Room or weather strategies. These plans help players know how to win.
But, not all strategies are simple to use.
Take the Perish Trap strategy, for example. It combines Perish Song with Shadow Tag. Perish Song makes all Pokémon faint in three turns unless they switch out. Shadow Tag stops most Pokémon from switching, making a deadly combo.
Once Perish Song and Shadow Tag hit the field, the opposing player could be in trouble. But, pulling this off isn’t always straightforward.
Using Perish Trap in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet VGC
Wolfe Glick’s win with Perish Trap at the 2023 Orlando Regionals has made it more popular. But in Scarlet and Violet, choices are limited. Only Gothitelle has Shadow Tag, and few Pokémon learn Perish Song.
It helps to have several Pokémon that can use Perish Song.
Your team will then focus on damage and waiting until the enemy Pokémon fall to Perish Song. Amoonguss is great for this because it can heal, block attacks, and make foes sleep.
Once you have your team, you need to test and adjust it in battle.
What counters Perish Trap
Knowing how to beat Perish Trap helps you use it better. Offensive Ghost-types are big threats to it.
Ways to stop Perish Song:
- Moves like Taunt stop Perish Song for two turns.
- Some Pokémon are immune to it.
- You can switch out Pokémon if Gothitelle isn’t around.
Ways to bypass Shadow Tag:
- Ghost-types and other specific Pokémon are immune.
- Certain moves let Pokémon switch out.
- Skill Swap can remove Shadow Tag from the foe.
Get the numbers advantage
Having more Pokémon is key with Perish Trap. You’ll want to switch out Pokémon affected by Perish Song. Losing Pokémon early or knocking out the opponent’s fast leaves them unable to switch, ending the battle in your favor.
Keep Gothitelle healthy
For Perish Trap to work, Gothitelle needs to last. Give it lots of HP and defenses. Healing items or moves like Pollen Puff help. Amoonguss, with Pollen Puff and Rage Powder, is an excellent partner for it.
Stall with different moves
After using Perish Song, stalling is your next goal. Moves like Protect, Fake Out, and Spore can waste the opponent’s turns.
Cycle your Pokémon in and out
Switching Pokémon is crucial for avoiding fainting and stalling. Fake Out and moves like Intimidate can be reused by switching. This helps against opponents trapped by Shadow Tag.
Having an Amoonguss with Regenerator is also a smart move. It heals whenever it switches out, making it hard to deal with.
Swapping Pokémon correctly can waste your opponent’s turns and keep you in control.
Have a backup plan
Sometimes Perish Trap might not work. Be ready to attack aggressively if needed. Pokémon like Flutter Mane and Azumarill can hit hard. They, along with Gothitelle and Amoonguss, can still do damage in other ways.
Additionally, focusing on offense with part of your team can surprise your opponent. Even the threat of Perish Song can be an advantage, forcing your opponent to make risky moves.