Hello, new to the meta game here. I’ve been playing Pokémon for close to 20 years, so I’m comfortable with mechanics, abilities, EVs, etc., but I’m completely new to VGC/doubles and how all of that actually translates into the meta. This is the first team I’ve built from scratch based on what I know plus some beginner competitive content, and I’ve been testing it a bit on my own. I wanted to build my own team instead of just renting what everyone else is using, and while It’s been getting me more wins than losses, I’m certainly not sweeping my way through anything. So I’m trying to get better but I don’t know if my strategy has the holes or it’s the pokemon that have them. Getting into this competitive thing has been an absolute blast, so thank you all for helping me learn!!
Empoleon (usually 5/6)
Competitive ability
Bulky with Yawn + Protect to stall
Mainly there to punish stat drops and create awkward board states
Serperior
Contrary + Leaf Storm to ramp SpA
Giga Drain for sustain
Gastro Acid for ability suppression (Lookin at you Fairgiraf)
Mega Dragonite (usually 5/6)
Tailwind for speed control
Rain Dance for weather support
Can enable Thunder
Palafin (usually lead)
Flip Turn to safely activate Hero form
Main physical damage dealer
Noivern (usually lead)
Fast Tailwind
Frisk for early info
Sunny Day + Solar Beam as an option
Incineroar
Fake Out / Parting Shot cycling
Intimidate support
Slight speed investment to hopefully outspeed other incins (since I know most people run a minimum speed stat spread)