VGC TEAM BUILDING GUIDE – BUILD YOUR WINNING TEAM
A "core" is a group of 2-3 Pokémon that are perfectly matched
work together and support each other.
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Example cores:
→ Trick Room Core:
Slow Attacker + Trick Room Setter
→ Weather Core:
Weather Setter + Weather Abuser
→ Redirection Core:
Follow Me User + Setup Sweeper
Important: Your core should be able to withstand the most common meta-threats!
You want to build your first competitive VGC team.
or improve your strategy?
Here you will find the most important basics of team building – from cores and synergies to role distribution.
💡 NOTE: This is an introductory guide. For detailed meta-analyses,
For team reviews and advice, visit our Discord server!
Synergies arise when Pokémon strengthen each other:
→ Offensive synergies:
Coverage moves complement each other
→ Defensive synergies:
Resistances cover weaknesses
→ Support Synergies:
Moves like helping hand, coaching, etc.
→ Ability Synergies:
Intimidate + Physical Attacker
🛡️ DEFENSIVE CORE
→ Tanks/Walls that take the hits
→ Redirection (Follow Me, Rage Powder)
→ Screens/Support
(Light Screen, Reflect)
⚔️ OFFENSIVE CORE
→ Physical Attacker
→ Special Attacker
⚡ SPEED CONTROL
→ Tailwind Setter
→ Trick Room Setter
→ Icy Wind/Electroweb User
🎯 UTILITY
→ Fake Out User
→ Taunt/Encore for Disruption
→ Healing/Recovery
Important: Not every team needs all roles, but you should have a plan!
