Competitive Ogerpon Guide for Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

Ogerpon is one of the most adorable and flexible Legendary companions in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, capable of switching masks to adapt to different battle scenarios. With its unique ability to change types based on the mask it holds, Ogerpon requires strategic planning to maximize its potential in battles. In this guide, we'll break down how to strategize with Ogerpon and explore its competitive movesets, items, and stats.

Understanding Ogerpon's Type-Changing Ability

Ogerpon's ability to switch masks allows it to change its type, making it a versatile Pokémon with multiple type advantages. While it can only hold one mask at a time, this ability opens up various strategic possibilities. The moveset that comes with Ogerpon upon catching it is basic and serves as a starting point for building a more effective strategy.

Competitive Ogerpon Movesets

Ogerpon's competitive movesets depend on the mask it holds, and we'll explore four different mask-based movesets below.

Moveset for Cornerstone Ogerpon

Cornerstone Ogerpon comes with the ability Sturdy, which prevents it from fainting in the first turn, even if hit by a critical hit. This ability can be leveraged with moves like Counter and Zen Headbutt to take advantage of the opponent's weaknesses.

• Ivy Cudgel (Rock-type, Physical, 100 power, 100% accuracy, 10 PP)
• Seed Bomb (Grass-type, Physical, 80 power, 100% accuracy, 15 PP)
• Counter (Fighting-type, Physical, – power, 100% accuracy, 20 PP)
• Zen Headbutt (Psychic-type, Physical, 80 power, 90% accuracy, 15 PP)

Moveset for Hearthflame Ogerpon

Hearthflame Ogerpon has the ability Mold Breaker, which protects it from opponents' abilities. This ability can be combined with moves like Brick Break and Throat Chop to take advantage of Hearthflame Ogerpon's Fire/Grass typing.

• Ivy Cudgel (Fire-type, Physical, 100 power, 100% accuracy, 10 PP)
• Brick Break (Fighting-type, Physical, 75 power, 100% accuracy, 15 PP)
• Wood Hammer (Grass-type, Physical, 120 power, 100% accuracy, 15 PP)
• Throat Chop (Dark-type, Physical, 80 power, 100% accuracy, 15 PP)

Moveset for Wellspring Ogerpon

Wellspring Ogerpon has the weaknesses of a Water-type but the versatility of a Grass-type with its potential moves. It's essential to include at least one Grass-type move to take advantage of the Grass typing while defending against Water-type weaknesses.

• Ivy Cudgel (Water-type, Physical, 100 power, 100% accuracy, 10 PP)
• U-Turn (Bug-type, Physical, 70 power, 100% accuracy, 20 PP)
• Seed Bomb (Grass-type, Physical, 80 power, 100% accuracy, 15 PP)
• Stomping Tantrum (Ground-type, Physical, 75 power, 100% accuracy, 10 PP)

Moveset for Standard (Grass) Ogerpon

Standard Ogerpon is straightforward, with only one type to its name: Grass. The recommended moveset includes STAB moves like Ivy Cudgel and Play Rough, as well as type coverage moves like U-Turn and Brick Break.

• Ivy Cudgel (Grass-type, Physical, 100 power, 100% accuracy, 10 PP)
• Play Rough (Fairy-type, Physical, 90 power, 90% accuracy, 10 PP)
• U-Turn (Bug-type, Physical, 70 power, 100% accuracy, 20 PP)
• Brick Break (Fighting-type, Physical, 75 power, 100% accuracy, 15 PP)

Competitive Ogerpon Items

When it comes to Ogerpon's items, the standard form that doesn't require a mask offers various strategic options. Here are some recommended held items that you can try out on Ogerpon:

• Big Root: Big Root is an excellent choice for Ogerpon, especially when paired with Horn Leech, a powerful Grass-type move that drains HP. This can make Ogerpon a potentially deadly, HP-stealing, fast target with high Attack potential.
• Life Orb: Ogerpon already has high Attack, so the Life Orb can make its damage output even more impressive. This can take the damage boost to the next level, exceeding even the Mask's potential for damage boost (1.3x instead of 1.2x).
• Rocky Helmet: If you decide to play an Ogerpon that uses Spikey Shield, the Rocky Helmet can make that strategy even more effective. The double damage you get from defending against physical moves can be a significant advantage, especially if your opponent doesn't see the defense coming.
• Miracle Seed: If you'd rather run Ogerpon as if it had a boosting green mask on, the Miracle Seed has the same effect as the masks do. It improves Grass-type moves by 1.2x of their power.

Competitive Ogerpon Stats

When building a competitive Ogerpon, it's essential to prioritize the right stats. Ogerpon's Attack stat is higher than its Special Attack stat, making it a physical attacker. The second most important stat to focus on is Speed, as it allows Ogerpon to land its moves before the opponent has a chance to strike. A good Nature for Ogerpon is Adamant, which boosts its Attack stat while decreasing its Special Attack stat.

If you're looking for more Pokémon Scarlet & Violet strategies, tips, or tricks, be sure to check out the full guide to Gen 9 for additional help.