Pokemon Sword and Shield | Best Pokemon Tier List - Ranked Battles | Isle Of Armor

Best Physical Damage Dealer Tier List

*Tap the Pokemon to see details!!!

S Tier
▼Dragapult	▼Mimikyu	▼Galarian Darmanitan
▼Excadrill	▼Cinderace
A Tier
▼Gyarados	▼Tyranitar	▼Urshifu (Single Strike) (NEW!)
▼Mienshao (NEW!)	▼Dracovish	▼Zeraora
▼Rillaboom	▼Arcanine	▼Dracozolt
▼Braviary	▼Aegislash
B Tier
▼Scizor (NEW!)	▼Bisharp	▼Incineroar
▼Conkeldurr	▼Grimmsnarl	▼Cloyster
▼Diggersby	▼Kommo-o	▼Centiskorch
▼Haxorus	▼Drednaw	▼Blastoise
▼Durant

Dragapult (Rating: S)

Total Base Stats	600
Type

>> Check Out More Info on Dragapult Here!

Reason For Rank

Dragapult is a force to be reckoned with thanks to its incredible 120 Attack stat and 142 Speed stat. The Pokemon also has a great pool of moves and possible builds to choose from, which are not limited to only physical damage.

Mimikyu (Rating: S)

Total Base Stats	476
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Mimikyu Here!

Reason For Rank

Mimikyu's unique "Disguise" ability allows it to take one free attack without taking any damage, allowing it to set up moves such as Swords Dance to deliver a nasty comeback surprise. Curse and Trick Room variants are also seeing increased play. This is one of the most common Pokemon in the metagame currently, so it is important to learn all of its possible builds and know how to counter them.

Galarian Darmanitan (Rating: S)

Total Base Stats	480 // 540 (Zen Mode)
Type	// (Zen Mode)

>> Check Out More Info On Galarian Darmanitan Here!

Reason For Rank

Galarian Darmanitan's built-in Choice Band in the form of Gorilla Tactics is extremely powerful, allowing him to take out almost anything. Seeing as it already has a Choice Band, we feel that a Choice Scarf is much more preferable here to go first & OHKO your opponent.

Other Builds

Zen Mode variants are also viable. To activate Zen Mode, Darmanitan's HP must be below 50%. So it's imperative that he survive one-shot attacks. In such cases, some points in Defense & HP might be necessary.

Excadrill (Rating: S)

Total Base Stats	508
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Excadrill Here!

Reason For Rank

Great type for dealing with Fairy types, in addition to a stellar 135 Attack stat allow this Pokemon to shine. Mold Breaker is excellent for taking out Mimikyu. It also has access to OHKO moves to threaten bulky tanks, making it great in the current meta.

Cinderace (Rating: S)

Total Base Stats	530
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Cinderace Here

Reason For Rank

Cinderace has a fairly decent Attack stat coupled with a well above average Speed, allowing him to get the first hit. Its ultimate move, Pyro Ball, is a 120 Power 90 Accuracy move that can burn the target. Court Change is also a powerful move that swaps the side of field effects. What really catapulted Cinderace to the top recently however, is its incredibly Hidden Ability: Libero. This makes all of its attacks STAB, making it quite lethal.

Gyarados (Rating: A)

Total Base Stats	540
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Gyarados Here

Reason For Rank

Gyarados has a great 125 Attack stat, with access to Max Airstream in the form of Bounce. With the ability Moxie, it can naturally raise its attack by defeating Pokemon.

Tyranitar (Rating: A)

Total Base Stats	600
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Tyranitar Here!

Reason For Rank

Tyranitar's base stats are simply too high to ignore. STAB Stone Edge, as well as access to Dragon Dance, Earthquake, and Crunch makes him an incredible threat. Sandstorm can some

Urshifu (Single Strike) (Rating: A)

Total Base Stats	550
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Urshifu Here

Reason For Rank

Urshifu, the new Pokemon added in Isle of Armor, is a relatively bulky Pokemon with excellent moves and high attack. Wicked Blow in particular always critically strikes, making it incredibly powerful with a Choice Band.

Mienshao (Rating: A)

Total Base Stats	510
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Mienshao Here

Reason For Rank

Mienshao's 125 Attack and reasonable 105 Speed allow it to maneuver around your opponents adeptly, weaseling its way in and out of the fight. Regenerator restores about 33% of its health when switching out, making it surprisingly persistent. It is a bit frail, however, so it can't take much of a beating.

Dracovish (Rating: A)

Total Base Stats	505
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Dracovish Here!

Reason For Rank

Dracovish's move Fishious Rend allows it to do massive damage if it is able to attack first. This makes it ideal for breaking down slow, defensive threats like Corviknight, Toxapex, and Ferrothorn.

Choice Band VS Choice Scarf

If you want to get the element of surprise, you can switch to a Choice Scarf and outspeed targets you normally wouldn't be able to.

Arcanine (Rating: A)

Total Base Stats	555
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Arcanine Here!

Reason For Rank

Arcanine's Base Stats is well balanced with 110 Attack and 95 Speed. By using its ability Intimidate and Will-O-Wisp together, you can significantly lower the opponent's Attack.

Aegislash (Rating: A)

Total Base Stats	520
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Aegislash Here!

Reason For Rank

Aegislash has the Stance Change ability, allowing it to fulfill a role as both physical attacker and tank. The variant here focuses on Weakness Policy and sweeping teams with buffed attack, as well as speed from Autotomize. A tankier variant is also possible.

Dracozolt (Rating: A)

Total Base Stats	505
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Dracozolt Here!

Reason For Rank

Dracozolt is a good counter to Rotom and also works really well with Dynamax due to its varied move pool. Access to a flying move also gives it a speed boost post-Dynamax, allowing it to get 170 Power Bolt Beaks off more reliably.

Braviary (Rating: A)

Total Base Stats	510
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Braviary Here!

Reason For Rank

Braviary is an excellent Dynamax sweeper with access to STAB Max Airstream and a great ability that can boost its attack power when its stats are lowered. Max Knuckle and U-Turn also give it a surprising amount of flexibility.

Zeraora (Rating: A)

Total Base Stats	600
Type

Reason For Rank

Zeraora's 600 total base stats, coupled with an unrivaled 143 Speed and a strong monotyping make it unstoppable. Its signature ability Plasma Fists has a power of 100, which deals devastating damage. Access to Grass Knot means it doesn't have to be so scared of Ground types, either.

Scizor (Rating: B)

Total Base Stats	500
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Scizor Here

Reason For Rank

Scizor's Technician ability gives moves that are under 60 power a 1.5x multiplayer, meaning Bullet Punch can deal huge damage with a Choice Band equipped. STAB U-Turn also allows it to escape from battles easily. A 4x weakness to Fire and the lack of Pursuit in Gen 8 has hurt it somewhat, however. It is quite powerful in Double Battles, however.

Bisharp (Rating: B)

Total Base Stats	490
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Bisharp Here

Reason For Rank

Bisharp's STAB Sucker Punch gives it a priority move that can take out major threats like Dragapult. Its ability Defiant also gives it a great attack boost when its stats are lowered, making it a good counter to Intimidate users. Consider a Life Orb or a Focus Sash if you're having trouble staying alive.

Rillaboom (Rating: B)

Total Base Stats	530
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Rillaboom Here!

Reason For Rank

Rillaboom is on the list for similar reasons as Cinderace. He is slower, but significantly bulkier. His move pool gives him access to Drum Beating, which is only 80 Power but lowers the opponents speed, which is quite useful.

Conkeldurr (Rating: B)

Total Base Stats	505
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Conkeldurr Here

Reason For Rank

Conkeldurr's base 140 Attack is absolutely unstoppable. Although its Ability Sheer Force (removes secondary effects, damage increased by 30%) is good, we recommend the ability Guts (when afflicted with a status condition, deals 50% more damage) in conjunction with a Flame Orb. Drain Punch and Mach Punch are recommended moves here for their extra effects.

Grimmsnarl (Rating: B)

Total Base Stats	510
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Grimmsnarl Here

Reason For Rank

Grimmsnarl has the unique role of setting up defensive buffs for your team using Light Clay and its Prankster ability. This will allow you to set up and sweep with other Pokemon. It can also be a safe counter for common dragon types like Dragapult.

Cloyster (Rating: B)

Total Base Stats	525
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Cloyster Here!

Reason For Rank

The use of Shell Smash allows Cloyster to drastically increase its attack capabilities and take out major threats. Its high defenses also allow it take a hit before setting up to sweep.

Diggersby (Rating: B)

Total Base Stats	423
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Diggersby Here!

Reason For Rank

Don't be thrown off by its low stats, Diggersby shines because of its Hidden Ability "Huge Power", which doubles its Attack. Give it an Assault Vest and Dynamax it to deal massive damage. Choice Scarf builds are also possible!

Kommo-o (Rating: B)

Total Base Stats	600
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Kommo-o Here!

Reason For Rank

Kommo-o's high Physical and Special attack capabilities makes this one of the most versatile Attackers on this list. Although can fall a bit short on HP and multiple weaknesses, Kommo-o still owns a formidable movesets and stats to be used competitively.

Centiskorch (Rating: B)

Total Base Stats	525
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Centiskorch Here!

Reason For Rank

This is a Gigantamax specific build which makes use of Centiskorch's decent attack stat and good movepool. It can give many steel types, including the popular Corviknight, a run for their money. G-Max Centiferno also traps opponents in for 4-5 turns, forcing them to fight you whether they like it or not. Be wary of Centiskorch's 4x Rock weakness and avoid bringing it vs. Stealth Rock users, however!

Haxorus (Rating: B)

Total Base Stats	600
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Haxorus Here!

Reason For Rank

Haxorus occupies the important role of checking Mimikyu, due to its massive attack power and Mold Breaker ability. Penetrating its Disguise, as well as Rotom's Levitate, allows it to deal well with 2 major threats in the meta. It also works well as a Dynamaxer and has a variety of move options available to it.

Drednaw (Rating: B)

Total Base Stats	485
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Drednaw Here!

Reason For Rank

Drednaw has high attack and access to a strong Water GMax move which also lays Stealth Rocks around the field. This is excellent, but needs to be used relatively early in the fight in order to get the most use out of it. It works well on a Rain team, as it can't set up its own rain (as this is a Gigantamax build).

Blastoise (Rating: B)

Total Base Stats	530
Type

Reason For Rank

Blastoise is a Shell Smash user with fairly high defensive stats and an excellent move pool. In addition to the 4 moves listed above, it also has access to Dragon, Rock, and Dark moves, meaning it's highly customizable as well.

Durant (Rating: B)

Total Base Stats	484
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Durant Here

Reason For Rank

Durant is a surprisingly strong physical attacker that has fairly decent speed. Its steel typing allows it to deal with common fairy threats, and the priority move First Impression is great for revenge kills.

Incineroar (Rating: B)

Total Base Stats	530
Type

Reason For Rank

Incineroar has excellent overall stats, all at the expense of its rather low 60 speed. However, this can be supplemented by Dynamaxing and using Max Airstream. This coupled with Intimidate will allow it to be a surprising mix of bulky, deadly, and (kind of) fast. There is also an Assault Vest variant of this on our detailed build page, so make sure to check that out.

Special Damage Dealers Tier List

*Tap the Pokemon to see details!!!

S Tier
▼Hydreigon	▼Heat Rotom	▼Wash Rotom
▼Togekiss
A Tier
▼Chandelure	▼Sylveon	▼Inteleon
▼Duraludon	▼Mow Rotom	▼Glaceon
▼Volcarona (NEW!)	▼Magnezone (NEW!)	▼Alakazam (NEW!)
B Tier
▼Charizard	▼Lapras	▼Hatterene
▼Porygon-Z (NEW!)	▼Seismitoad	▼Toxtricity
▼Lucario	▼Butterfree	▼Fan Rotom
▼Lanturn

Hydreigon (Rating: S)

Total Base Stats	600
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Hydreigon Here!

Reason For Rank

Hydreigon's high Special Attack stat, coupled with a generally high base stat pool, allows him to be a formidable threat. Its dark typing can also come in handy to deal with ghost threats like Dragapult.

Heat Rotom (Rating: S)

Total Base Stats	520
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Heat Rotom Here!

Reason For Rank

Heat Rotom's typing and stats make it a formidable threat. It is no longer S tier because it appears that Rotom has lost Toxic in Sword and Shield. However, STAB Overheat and Volt Switch are still incredible moves. The fire type lets it demolish Ferrothorn and Corviknight, which are two common threats.

Wash Rotom (Rating: S)

Total Base Stats	520
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Wash Rotom Here!

Reason For Rank

Wash Rotom's typing is simply excellent, being weak to only the Grass type. Hydro Pump also gives amazing coverage against many bulky Ground and Rock threats.

Togekiss (Rating: S)

Total Base Stats	545
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Togekiss Here!

Reason For Rank

A Togekiss with the move Nasty Plot can set up and destroy a team with ease. Adding Roost as a means of recovery is also recommended.

Other EV Allocation

If you want to stall a bit longer and power up more with Nasty Plot, 252 HP and 252 Speed are okay too.

Chandelure (Rating: A)

Total Base Stats	520
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Chandelure Here!

Reason For Rank

Great typing and a whopping 145 Sp. Atk, along with access to strong moves like Fire Blast and Shadow Ball make Chandelure a stellar attacker. Supplementing its low speed with a Choice Scarf is also a good idea. It is also possible to do Trick Room builds here as well!

Sylveon (Rating: A)

Total Base Stats	525
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Sylveon Here!

Reason For Rank

Sylveon's Hidden Ability Pixellate causes Normal moves to become the Fairy type and deal more damage. This can lead to massive damage from the move Hyper Voice, especially when coupled with a Choice Scarf. Tankier variants with Leftovers are also quite effective.

Other EV Allocation

EV allocation recommended in the table above is for Choice Scarf user. Use if want to use Leftovers, allocate EV to 252 Sp. Attack and 252 HP.

Inteleon (Rating: A)

Total Base Stats	530
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Inteleon Here!

Reason For Rank

Inteleon's high Speed and Special Attack and mono-typing will make it an excellent sweeper. Consider using Life Orb or Choice Specs.

Duraludon (Rating: A)

Total Base Stats	535
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Duraludon Here!

Reason For Rank

Duraludon's great overall stats and great typing allow it to handle many major threats. An Assault Vest will make up for its lower Sp. Def stat, while the move Rock Tomb allows it to slow down opponents.

Mow Rotom (Rating: A)

Total Base Stats	520
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Mow Rotom Here!

Reason For Rank

Mow Rotom is being seen more frequently in the meta these days as a direct response to Quagsire, Seismitoad, and Gastrodon, against which it can deal 4x damage. A Choice Scarf build is also worth considering!

Glaceon (Rating: A)

Total Base Stats	535
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Glaceon Here!

Reason For Rank

Glaceon's 130 Sp. Atk stat easily makes it a contender with many top tier special attackers. The move Freeze-Dry also allows it to deal super-effective damage against Water types, which are particularly common in the current meta. The EVs here are specifically adjusted to outspeed Corviknight.

Volcarona (Rating: A)

Total Base Stats	550
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Volcarona Here!

Reason For Rank

Volcarona is a staple of previous generations which always struggled against Stealth Rock due its 4x weakness. With the Heavy Duty Boots, however, it no longer has to worry about that. This Poke can even deal with pesky Toxapex due to its access to Psychic.

Magnezone (Rating: A)

Total Base Stats	535
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Magnezone Here!

Reason For Rank

Magnezone will act as a powerful blocker to the ever-present Corviknight, trapping it and dealing massive super-effective damage. It can also deal with the newly added Skarmory, as well as pesky water types.

Alakazam (Rating: A)

Total Base Stats	500
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Alakazam Here!

Reason For Rank

The addition of the new tutor move Expanding Force, which doubles if on Psychic Terrain, is great news for Alakazam. A standard glass cannon with great coverage, he also gets Nasty Plot this time around! Consider a Life Orb build with proper set up to make use of that as well.

Charizard (Rating: B)

Total Base Stats	534
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Fan Rotom Here!

Reason For Rank

Charizard works very well in a setting where he can Dynamax and set up sunlight. Due to its many weaknesses, Dynamaxing and eating a super-effective move with Weakness Policy is recommended to boost your Sp. Atk even further!

Lapras (Rating: B)

Total Base Stats	535
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Lapras Here!

Reason For Rank

Lapras doesn't have particularly excellent Sp. Atk, but it does have quite a lot of bulk and access to the stellar move Freeze-Dry. This means that it excels at taking out common tanky water types like Quagsire and Toxapex.

Hatterene (Rating: B)

Total Base Stats	510
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Hatterene Here!

Reason For Rank

Hatterene's good typing and decent stats, coupled with Trick Room, allow it to be an extremely dangerous presence. Mirror Bounce also allows it to reflect status moves, giving it even more utility.

Porygon-Z (Rating: B)

Total Base Stats	535
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Porygon-Z Here!

Reason For Rank

Porygon-Z's excellent 135 Sp. Atk, coupled with great move coverage, allows it to take out a variety of foes. One other advantage is that it has several viable builds. In addition to the Life Orb build above, you could run Conversion, as well as the moves Conversion or Nasty Plot.

Seismitoad (Rating: B)

Total Base Stats	509
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Seismitoad Here!

Reason For Rank

Seismitoad is a great Dynamax user, as it can set up rain for itself with Max Geyser and proc Swift Swim. Doing so, it will have massive damage using Water moves, as well as doubled speed. Capable of also raising its Sp. Atk further with Max Ooze, and a great grass move to take out water types, it is a surprisingly powerful Life Orb user.

Toxtricity (Rating: B)

Total Base Stats	502
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Toxtricity Here!

Reason For Rank

Toxtricity's high Special Attack and great typing will be very useful for dealing with Fairy threats. The Electric typing will also help deal with common Water and Flying types, like Gyarados, Inteleon, Milotic, and others. It's worth noting that you cannot outspeed a 252 Speed Gyarados, so watch out, as Earthquake will bring you down in one hit.

Lucario (Rating: B)

Total Base Stats	525
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Lucario Here!

Reason For Rank

Lucario's access to STAB Steel Beam, with its 140 Power, is quite incredible. Although it's a bit slow and squishy, a Focus Sash can make sure it survives long enough to wreak incredible damage on opponents.

Butterfree (Rating: B)

Total Base Stats	395
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Butterfree Here!

Reason For Rank

Butterfree's Compound Eyes ability allow it to get off Sleep Powders with a 97% accuracy. Sleep -> Substitute -> Quiver Dance can make it a surprisingly threatening and annoying foe to play against.

Fan Rotom (Rating: B)

Total Base Stats	520
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Fan Rotom Here!

Reason For Rank

Fan Rotom is excellent because of its access to Max Airstream, allowing it to sweep if necessary. The Sitrus Berry will allow you survive and continue your sweep.

Lanturn (Rating: B)

Total Base Stats	460
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Lanturn Here!

Reason For Rank

Lanturn is primarily a way to deal with all variants of Rotom (except Mow). It has relatively decent bulk and, most importantly, an immunity to Electric moves! This Pokemon is definitely worth running if you have trouble dealing with Rotoms.

Best Physical Tanks Tier List

*Tap the Pokemon to see details!!!

S Tier
▼Corviknight	▼Ferrothorn	▼Toxapex
▼Hippowdon	▼Galarian Corsola
A Tier
▼Quagsire	▼Tangrowth (NEW!)	▼Umbreon
▼Rhyperior	▼Gastrodon	▼Aegislash
▼Type: Null	▼Milotic
B Tier
▼Gyarados	▼Greedent	▼Mandibuzz
▼Reuniclus	▼Whimsicott	▼Sandaconda

Corviknight (Rating: S)

Total Base Stats	495
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Corviknight Here!

Reason For Rank

Corviknight has good defensive stats and access to the moves Bulk Up, Iron Defense, and Roost. Coupled with the ability Pressure, it can be a frustrating wall for some teams to deal with due to its sustain.

Ferrothorn (Rating: S)

Total Base Stats	489
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Ferrothorn Here!

Reason For Rank

Ferrothorn has incredible defensive stats, at 131 Defense and 116 Sp. Def. His extremely low speed allows him to benefit from Gyro Ball. Land a Leech Seed on certain targets and stall them out with Protect and Leftovers!

Toxapex (Rating: S)

Total Base Stats	495
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Toxapex Here!

Reason For Rank

Toxapex is a classic defensive wall that can frustrate opponents with Regenerator and Recover. Instead of Liquidation, Toxic Spikes are also a very good choice.

Hippowdon (Rating: S)

Total Base Stats	525
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Hippowdon Here!

Reason For Rank

Hippowdon has good Defense and HP, in addition to a fairly good Attack stat. He is a good Stealth Rock user and his ability to summon a Sandstorm can also be beneficial depending on the rest of your team (Excadrill is recommended).

Galarian Corsola (Rating: S)

Total Base Stats	410
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Galarian Corsola Here!

Reason For Rank

Galarian Corsola being able to hold Eviolite allows it to raise its defensive stats by 50%, making it a huge threat. The move Strength Sap also allows it to restore health and wall physical attackers.

Quagsire (Rating: A)

Total Base Stats	430
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Quagsire Here!

Reason For Rank

Quagsire is a good counter to many Rotom variants that are popping up in the meta, especially Wash and Heat. Instead of Unaware, it also has the option of running Water Absorb, making it quite pesky.

Tangrowth (Rating: A)

Total Base Stats	535
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Tangrowth Here!

Reason For Rank

Tangrowth's high 125 Defense and resistances to Water, Electric, Grass, and Ground type moves make it a very potent physical wall. It struggles massively against special attackers, however, so be careful. With the ability to self heal, Leftovers aren't really necessary. If running a Sun team, consider the ability Leaf Guard as well, as it prevents status effects like Toxic.

Milotic (Rating: A)

Total Base Stats	540
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Milotic Here!

Reason For Rank

Milotic has great defensive stats and the ability to stop a sweeper in their tracks with Haze (reduces stat gains to normal). Access to Scald allows it to inflict Burns, and Recover allows it to heal up its Flame Orb damage. With the burn triggering Marvel Scale's defensive bonus, you'll be in a good position to handle most threats.

Umbreon (Rating: A)

Total Base Stats	525
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Umbreon Here!

Reason For Rank

Umbreon has great Defensive stats across the board, with 110 Defense and 130 Special Defense. Its purpose is to switch in and survive attacks from sweepers long enough to Yawn them or take them out with Foul Play. Wish and the item Leftovers are recommended here.

Rhyperior (Rating: A)

Total Base Stats	535
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Rhyperior Here!

Reason For Rank

Rhyperior's incredible Defense stat, coupled with the Ability Solid Rock make it a great physical wall. To combat being one shot by common Water and Grass special moves, Sp. Def EVs are recommended. A Choice Band is also a very viable alternative item here. Consider running it in a Trick Room party.

Gastrodon (Rating: A)

Total Base Stats	475
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Gastrodon Here!

Reason For Rank

Gastrodon is an excellent counter to many common Rotom types, and its excellent ability and decent bulk allow it to be a surprisingly powerful presence in the current meta.

Aegislash (Rating: A)

Total Base Stats	520
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Aegislash Here!

Reason For Rank

Aegislash has the Stance Change ability, allowing it to fulfill a role as both physical attacker and tank. The variant here focuses on bulk and surviving, while also still having offensive capabilities.

Type: Null (Rating: A)

Total Base Stats	534
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Type: Null Here!

Reason For Rank

Type: Null with an Eviolite has over 140 Def and Sp. Def, making it extremely tanky. This means that it can take a hit from almost anything and then U-Turn into a different Pokemon. Type: Null is often seen clearing a path for Durant, so using these two together.

Gyarados (Rating: B)

Total Base Stats	540
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Gyarados Here!

Reason For Rank

Gyarados may seem like an unexpected candidate here, but with the right EVs and item, it can be quite hard to take down. Put on a Rocky Helm and teach it Taunt and Thunder Wave in order to stop sweepers in their tracks.

Greedent (Rating: B)

Total Base Stats	460
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Greedent Here!

Reason For Rank

Greedent's ability allows it to restore health while eating a berry and the move Stuff Cheeks gives it a substantial defensive boost. This means a Ganlon Berry, which raises defense when eaten, is excellent here. Body Press then uses the defense stat to calculate damage and overpower opponents. The EV spread is specifically to outspeed Ferrothorn.

Mandibuzz (Rating: B)

Total Base Stats	510
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Mandibuzz Here!

Reason For Rank

Mandibuzz has very high defensive stats and access to the self-healing ability Roost. It also knows Foul Play, so it's capable of stopping a Swords Dance or Dragon Dance user. Overcoat allows you to bring it in vs. Sandstorm users without issue. Good counter to Hippowdon.

Reuniclus (Rating: B)

Total Base Stats	494
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Reuniclus Here!

Reason For Rank

Although Reuniclus seems to have higher Special Defense than Defense, the function of Reuniclus here is more to act as a wall and disabler of massive physical threats via Burn. This is done with the Flame Orb / Trick Combo. Access to Recover and Calm Mind also help it force changes in the enemy team.

Whimsicott (Rating: B)

Total Base Stats	480
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Whimsicott Here!

Reason For Rank

Whimsicott isn't so much a tank as it is a sticky nuisance. With Leech Seed, Protect, and Substitute, it can whittle down opponents by making use of Prankster, which gives it priority status moves. It can also learn many other great moves like Taunt, Memento, and Light Screen, so it is quite versatile as well.

Sandaconda (Rating: B)

Total Base Stats	510
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Sandaconda Here!

Reason For Rank

Sandaconda is an interesting Gigantamax user that can readily overwrite your opponent's weather with its ability Sand Spit. It also has a very good 125 Defense stat, which lets it take serious hits from opponents.

Best Special Tanks Tier List

*Tap the Pokemon to see details!!!

S Tier
▼Toxapex	▼Snorlax	▼Galarian Corsola
▼Chansey (NEW!)
A Tier
▼Sylveon	▼Alcremie	▼Glaceon
▼Hippowdon	▼Gastrodon	▼Lapras
B Tier
▼Goodra	▼Umbreon	▼Wobbuffet

Toxapex (Rating: S)

Total Base Stats	495
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Toxapex Here!

Reason For Rank

Toxapex is can also be specced to have to strong Special Defense. Adjust its EVs and Nature according to your team's needs.

Snorlax (Rating: S)

Total Base Stats	540
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Snorlax Here!

Reason For Rank

Snorlax is a Special Defense wall with incredible HP and a powerful Attack stat. An alternative build could use the move Recycle, which allows him to use his held item multiple items in a battle. Coupled with the Gluttony ability, he can be very hard to deal with. Use of Yawn can also stop enemy Dynamax in its tracks.

Other EV Allocation

252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Atk with an Impish Nature is also a good physical build which can be paired with Gluttony and Recycle. Check out our in-depth article for more possible options.

Galarian Corsola (Rating: S)

Total Base Stats	410
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Galarian Corsola Here!

Reason For Rank

Galarian Corsola being able to hold Eviolite allows it to raise its defensive stats by 50%, making it a huge threat. The move Strength Sap also allows it to restore health and wall physical attackers.

Chansey (Rating: S)

Total Base Stats	450
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Chansey Here!

Reason For Rank

Chansey's 105 Sp. Def, when buffed by Eviolite, makes it one of the best special walls in the game. Self-sustain via the Soft-Boiled, the ability to paralyze and poison foes, and the threat of non-negligible damage with Seismic Toss make it a formidable foe.

Sylveon (Rating: A)

Total Base Stats	525
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Sylveon Here!

Reason For Rank

Sylveon's base 130 Special Defense allows it to act as a very formidable special wall. In addition to the above build, as a variant you could try running Rest and Snore, in addition to Calm Mind. If you're worried about being knocked out by a physical steel move, give it a Kee Berry (raises defense if hit with a physical move).

Alcremie (Rating: A)

Total Base Stats	495
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Alcremie Here!

Reason For Rank

Alcremie has good Sp. Def and can use Recover, making it a surprisingly sticky target. Calm Mind allows it to set up on unsuspecting opponents, while Mystical Fire lets it contend with Steel types.

Glaceon (Rating: A)

Total Base Stats	535
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Glaceon Here!

Reason For Rank

Glaceon has a pretty good 95 Sp. Def stat which is further augmented by equipping an Assault Vest. Unfortunately, its 65 HP is somewhat lacking, so we recommend supplementing it with EVs. The purpose of this build is to stand up against common Tanky Water types using Freeze-Dry (which deals super-effective damage to them!) whille also being able to take special hits.

Hippowdon (Rating: A)

Total Base Stats	525
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Hippowdon Here!

Reason For Rank

Hippowdon is typically seen as a physical wall, but he can also hold his own as a special wall as well. Run Slack Off with Leftovers to stay up as long as possible.

Gastrodon (Rating: A)

Total Base Stats	475
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Gastrodon Here!

Reason For Rank

Gastrodon is an excellent counter to many common Rotom types, and its excellent ability and decent bulk allow it to be a surprisingly powerful presence in the current meta. It can function as both a physical or special tank.

Lapras (Rating: A)

Total Base Stats	535
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Lapras Here!

Reason For Rank

Lapras has a great 130 HP and a fairly good 95 Sp. Def stat, allowing it to take many hits. Making Lapras hold the Assault Vest enables it to stand up against a much wider pool of Pokemon. In particular, it gives some much needed durability vs. the Rotom line, which can deal super-effective Electric damage. Freeze-Dry also allows you to deal super-effective damage vs. Water types, which are very common!

Goodra (Rating: B)

Total Base Stats	600
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Goodra Here!

Reason For Rank

Goodra is a highly durable Dragon type with few weakness and an excellent 150 Sp.Def stats. If you don't want to limit yourself with Assault Vest, running Toxic with Leftovers is also a possibility.

Umbreon (Rating: B)

Total Base Stats	540
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Umbreon Here!

Reason For Rank

Umbreon is a reliable Special Tank as well as a Physical Tank. Yawn, Wish, and Leftovers can all stall out a special attacker.

Wobbuffet (Rating: B)

Total Base Stats	525
Type

>> Check Out More Info On Wobbuffet Here!

Reason For Rank

Wobbuffet is a wall that serves to trap one enemy Pokemon using its ability Shadow Tag, Encore (enemy is forced to repeat their moves) and Counter/Mirror Coat. As an alternative to Leftovers, put a berry on Wobbuffet to benefit from its massive HP pool.