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Ranking the Top Returning Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet from Pokémon HOME

Pokémon HOME Mixes Up Scarlet and Violet

Pokémon HOME now works with Scarlet and Violet. This means lots of old Pokémon are back to change the game in Generation IX.

Some Pokémon are really strong and some aren’t. We’ll show you the top 10 threats from HOME in Scarlet and Violet. They’re ready for the new VGC Regulation D format.

We won’t talk about Hisuian Pokémon or Cover Legendaries and Mythicals here.

The Top 10 Pokémon Coming Back

Zapdos at Number 10

A menacing Zapdos poses airborne.

Image via The Pokémon Company

Zapdos is a go-to choice in VGC. It’s a tough all-rounder.

Zapdos is great for balanced teams. It can both defend and attack well. It uses Tailwind to speed up and can take hits. It also delivers powerful Thunderbolts and Heat Waves.

Regieleki at Number 9

An electrified Regieleki poses while bouncing in the air.

Image via The Pokémon Company

Regieleki might not be as scary as some think. It’s just too frail.

In Gen VIII, Dynamaxing made Regieleki tougher. Now, even with Terastallize, it’s still fragile. Ground and Tera Grass types easily stop it.

Its Transistor ability got weaker, offering less boost to Electric moves. Still, it’s the fastest and can hit hard.

Regidrago at Number 8

A stoic Regidrago poses still.

Image via The Pokémon Company

Regidrago loves going all out. Its Dragon Energy move hits very hard at full health.

With its Dragon Maw ability, Regidrago can sweep teams. Just watch out for Fairy-types.

It also got Earth Power to deal with Steels and Fairies better.

Rillaboom at Number 7

A brooding Rillaboom poses on all fours.

Image via The Pokémon Company

Rillaboom isn’t as strong as before but still packs a punch. It lost Grassy Glide but can still use Wood Hammer hard.

It has priority Fake Out to disrupt opponents and can pivot with U-Turn.

While it lost High Horsepower, Low Kick does a similar job.

Heatran at Number 6

A Heatran filled with bubbling lava poses on all fours.

Image via The Pokémon Company

Pokémon HOME brings back VGC favorites like Heatran. It’s incredibly versatile.

Heatran has strong stats all around. It works well in both Trick Room and Tailwind teams.

Tera Grass makes it resist its usual weaknesses. It also has Earth Power as a strong move.

Cresselia at Number 5

A graceful Cresselia poses while levitating.

Image via The Pokémon Company

Cresselia shines with its durability and Levitate ability.

Even with slight nerfs, it’s tough to take down. It’s great with Earthquake partners and Trick Room.

Its new move, Lunar Blessing, heals and cleanses status conditions.

Tornadus – Incarnate at Number 4

A smug Tornadus - Incarnate crosses its arms while posing as it floats on its personal cloud.

Image via The Pokémon Company

Tornadus is the top choice for setting Tailwind with its Prankster ability.

It’s bulkier and hits harder than Murkrow and Talonflame.

Its new move, Bleakwind Storm, lowers the target’s Speed. It’s very strong.

Landorus in Third Place

Image via The Pokémon Company

Both forms of Landorus are great. Therian is a mix of offense and defense with Intimidate.

Incarnate form is a sheer force in attack, thanks to Sheer Force and Life Orb.

Its new move, Sandsear Storm, makes it even more powerful.

Urshifu – Single Strike at Number 2

Urshifu - Single Strike poses in a dominant martial arts stance.

Image via The Pokémon Company

Both Urshifu forms are tough. Their abilities and moves bypass Protect.

Single Strike’s Wicked Blow always hits critically, ignoring defense boosts.

It’s hard to stop well-placed Single Strike thanks to its Dark typing. Tera types can’t protect against it.

Urshifu – Rapid Strike Takes the Top Spot

Urshifu - Rapid Strike poses in a flowy martial arts stance.

Image via The Pokémon Company

Rapid Strike is number one, beating its sibling. Surging Strikes hits hard and multiple times.

Rapid Strike fits well in teams with its move types. Paired with Tornadus, it becomes unstoppable.

It can also break through Protect. So, balance is out the window with this one.