As of right now, there are 400 Pokémon in Pokémon Sword and Shield. Of these, 397 are legal to use in competitive play. The upcoming DLC will add around 200 older-generation Pokémon to the game; some will come in June while the rest will arrive in Autumn.
When the DLC drops, these Pokémon will surely have an impact on the competitive metagame. While we don’t know all of the Pokémon that are coming yet, here are a few that have been confirmed and should see a lot of use.
The Isle of Armor
This is the first part of the expansion pass and is scheduled to release sometime in June. Each expansion will release a separate set of Pokémon. Here are the strongest from the Isle of Armor.
Chansey
Chansey has always been a great tank in competitive play. It has an incredible 250 HP stat and can hold an Eviolite to boost its Defense and Special Defense stats. Unfortunately, one of Chansey’s signature moves, Toxic, is not currently available to Pokémon who don’t learn it naturally or through breeding, so that could impact its performance. This could change with the DLC, however. Expect to see it more in singles than doubles.
Volcarona
This Fire/Bug-type Pokémon can be menacing. It has a unique typing and 135 base Special Attack stat, along with access to Quiver Dance to give it a Speed and Special Attack boost. It functions well in both singles and doubles battles and could offer a stronger Bug or Fire option than any currently available.
Kingdra
At first glance, Kingdra doesn’t have the most impressive stats. It does have access to Swift Swim, however, which makes it a great option for Rain teams. Rain teams haven’t been performing too badly so far, and having another option could help them out.
The Crown Tundra
This is the second part of the expansion that will release in Autumn. These Pokémon should help further diversify the meta.
Metagross
Metagross was one of the pseudo-legendary Pokémon from Ruby and Sapphire. It has access to a great ability for VGC in Clear Body, along with a unique kit. It’s a Psychic/Steel-type physical attacker. Like other pseudo-legendaries, it has an excellent stat spread and can be used as a bulky sweeper.
Garchomp
Another pseudo-legendary, Garchomp is a fast physical attacker that should excel in Sword and Shield. Ground and Dragon-type moves are always strong, and Garchomp has the stats to be a fast sweeper with decent bulk. Excadrill users will have to watch out for this guy when he goes live.
Landorus
Landorus is among the legendary Pokémon that will be available in the Crown Tundra. While this Pokémon is Legendary, it has always been usable on the ladder and in VGC. It has an incredible 145 base attack, along with one of the best abilities in the game — Intimidate. If he is legal, he is bound to be one of the top Pokémon in the meta yet again.
Keep an eye out for more news coming up on Pokémon Day on February 27. It is more than likely that we will get to see a lot more Pokémon set to be released with this expansion.
