5 best Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet heading into the 2024 World Championships

With the Pokémon World Championships just a few days away, VGC players are busy prepping and practicing with their teams in Scarlet and Violet. Part of that preparation involves identifying the biggest threats in the metagame.

Pokémon Worlds kicks off on Friday, Aug. 16, with so much on the line for VGC, TCG, Go, and UNITE competitors. On the VGC side, the international event will follow Scarlet and Violet’s Regulation G ruleset, which currently allows the use of one restricted Legendary Pokémon alongside other dominant forces.

There are plenty of options regarding all the legal ‘mons that may appear at the World Championships, but we’ll be focusing on the five best to watch for.

The 5 strongest Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet VGC at the 2024 World Championships

The Pokémon and teams we see at Worlds will vary based on each competitor’s preferences and playstyle. Of course, we’ll likely see some interesting off-meta picks, but we can’t just ignore the most popular and dangerous ones at the core of Reg. G.

Let’s talk about the best restricted Legendary and four other mega threats.

1) Shadow Rider Calyrex

When it comes to restricted Legendary Pokémon, top contenders include Miraidon, Terapagos, Kyogre, and Calyrex’s two special forms—Ice Rider and Shadow Rider. Even before Reg G started, pros were already anticipating the meta would revolve around Shadow Rider Calyrex, and this continues to be true as we head into Worlds.

While Shadow Rider Calyrex was overshadowed by its Ice Rider counterpart at NAIC in June, the dark horse found its way back to the top of the usage charts for the Victory Road to Honolulu Two online tournament (July 27 to 28) with 227 players. It’s easy to see why VGC players gravitate to it—it has incredible Special Attack and Speed, a 120 base power spread move, and Astral Barrage. It also gets a Special Attack boost for each knockout, so this bunny-horse duo can trample through your whole team if you aren’t careful.

Thankfully, Shadow Rider Calyrex’s reign of terror will be put on pause after Worlds when Regulation H removes all Legendary and Paradox Pokémon from the format.

2) Rapid Strike Urshifu

Infamous for being one of the most broken Pokémon in VGC, Rapid Strike Urshifu has so much going for it. This water bear can hit through Protect with its Unseen Fist ability, land guaranteed critical hits with Surging Strikes, and move first with Aqua Jet to finish off weakened foes. And with its 130 base Attack, it can deal meaningful damage to most ‘mons that stand in its way outside of hard counters like Amoonguss.

3) Incineroar

Incineroar might not dish out the most damage, but it’s one of the best utility ‘mons thanks to its handy Ability and move pool. Just by sending Incineroar onto the field, you get a free Attack drop onto the opposing Pokémon with the Fire Starter’s Intimidate ability.

After that, it can flinch one of its foes with Fake Out, drop their stats further, and pivot out with Parting Shot, burn them with Will-O-Wisp, or attack. This cat just keeps the other big threats in check, which helps the meta stay healthy.

4) Rillaboom

Rillaboom rounds out the Fire/Water/Grass core with Rapid Strike Urshifu and Incineroar. Like Incineroar, the Gen VIII Grass Starter gets access to Fake Out for flinches and U-turn for pivoting. In other words, Rillaboom and Incineroar can be used together to constantly cycle in more Fake Outs and gain better positioning.

Meanwhile, the combination of Grassy Surge and Grassy Glide gives the monkey a strong and reliable way to attack first. Plus, its Grass typing comes in clutch against Rapid Strike Urshifu’s Water attacks and Amoonguss’ powder moves.

5) Raging Bolt

Raging Bolt is a newer face in the franchise, having just made its debut in The Indigo Disk DLC, but it’s already proven to be a mighty force in VGC. Along with its strong Electric/Dragon typing, the long-necked Paradox Pokémon has fantastic bulk and Special Attack. Thanks to its bulk, it can take time to set up with Calm Mind or hold the Assault Vest for an automatic boost in Special Defense. For offense, it can go all out with Draco Meteor or take advantage of Thunderclap’s priority.