Pokémon Scarlet and Violet have been out for a while now! The below article is about a brand new Pokémon discovered in Gen IX so be warned, spoilers ahead, for those who haven’t gotten to the following Pokémon yet.
One of the most unique aspects of these games (apart from the Terastallization gimmick) is the introduction of Paradox Pokémon, past and future forms that look similar to certain existing Pokémon but are entirely different Pokémon altogether. They are similar in essence to Ultra Beasts, except for the fact that Paradox mons are not from another dimension… rather, they are from different timelines.
Among the various Paradox mons introduced, one of the most coveted ones is Iron Valiant which is essentially Paradox Gardevoir/Gallade. Iron Valiant is arguably the strongest Paradox Pokémon in Violet. It combines elements of both Gardevoir and Gallade to create a futuristic monster that spells disaster.
I have already analyzed the meta potential of Roaring Moon (Paradox Salemence) in Pokémon Go, and I hope to analyze some of the other ones as well.
This particular article will shed light on Iron Valiant. It is interesting to note that Iron Valiant sports a unique and exclusive dual typing of Fairy and Fighting. Needless to say, these are two of the most formidable types in the meta. Will Iron Valiant do justice to any or both of these types? Let’s find out!
Introduction to Iron Valiant
Iron Valiant is a Fairy and Fighting type Paradox Pokémon that is exclusive to Pokémon Violet. It is available post-game.
It has a mechanical design that combines the physical traits of both Gardevoir and Gallade, and is noted to be one of the cruellest and most powerful Paradox mons.
Main Series Stats
Iron Valiant has the following stats in the MSG:
| HP | 74 |
| ATK | 130 |
| DEF | 90 |
| SpA | 120 |
| SpD | 160 |
| Spe | 116 |
Stats in Pokémon GO
The following article explains how one can obtain a Pokémon’s stats in GO from its MSG stats. Based on the mathematical formulae for the same, we obtain the following values for Iron Valiant:
ATK: 279
DEF: 171
HP: 179
Max CP (lvl 50): 3943
Iron Valiant has a monstrous ATK of 279 and average bulk. This gives it possible viability in the Master League and PvE as long as it gets a moveset that it can salvage.
Comparison with Gardevoir and Gallade in Pokémon GO
Iron Valiant is capable of higher damage than Gardevoir/Gallade courtesy of its excellent ATK. In terms of bulk, the two groups aren’t different. With a good Fairy and/or Fighting moveset, Iron Valiant can leave both of them in the dust.
But that really boils down to the moveset.
Viable Moveset Options
Instead of putting across its entire movepool, I shall present moves that can make Iron Valiant interesting in the meta:
| Fast Moves | Charged Moves |
|---|---|
|
|
For PvP
While Iron Valiant lacks both Counter and Charm in its arsenal, Shadow Claw can be an invaluable addition to its arsenal. Add Close Combat and Moonblast to the mix, and you actually have a Pokémon that can deal unresisted damage to the entire meta.
Psycho Cut is also usable due to its fast energy generation.
For PvE
As a Fighting type
This is where Iron Valiant truly justifies its prowess.
With Low Kick and Aura Sphere, Iron Valiant will be the 3rd best Fighting type, just behind Mega Lucario and Mega Blaziken!
Yes, Iron Valiant beats the following in DPS:
- Mega Heracross
- Shadow Machamp
- Terrakion
- Lucario
- Pheromosa
- Urshifu with Counter and Dynamic Punch (theoretical)
In a nutshell, Iron Valiant beats out all existing Shadow Pokémon and Mega Evolutions (except Mega Lucario and Mega Blaziken). Yes, I’ve already mentioned this but the prospects are so interesting, I couldn’t resist!
As a Fairy type
Without Charm or Fairy Wind, Iron Valiant will sadly not make a mark in the Fairy meta. Seriously, why do some of the best Fairy mons in Pokémon Go not learn the only two Fairy fast moves in the game? Maybe Niantic likes Dragon types as much as ai
What to expect?
Iron Valiant can be a top-tier Fighting type with the right moveset. It doesn’t make the cut in the Fairy department though.
The Overall Best Moveset Scenario
Fast moves: Low Kick, Shadow Ball, Psycho Cut
Charged moves: Aura Sphere, Close Combat, Moonblast, Shadow Ball
Type matchups
The dual typing of Fighting and Psychic unfortunately invites a good deal of weaknesses. Coupled with the fact that Iron Valiant’s bulk isn’t something to take home, it can be a concern in the Master League meta. Its weaknesses include the Fairy, , Poison, Psychic, and Steel. Three of these are common in the Master League meta. And Mewtwo exists. Eternatus will be among the rulers of the ML meta. So when it comes to type matchups, Iron Valiant needs to be wary of the various ML heavyweights. It really, really needs Shadow Claw + Close Combat & Moonblast (preferably) to validate itself.
Parting words…
Iron Valiant can be a tremendous Pokémon in the meta. With the right moveset, it can be among the most coveted Fighting tyes for PvE and a good pick in the Master League. Honestly, its stocks as a Fighting tye in PvE look stellar so I really hope Niantic goes that way with it. Low Kick is its only possible Fighting fast move. Furthermore, the addition of Aura Sphere to Iron Valiant’s movepool doesn’t hurt Mega Lucario’s credibility in any way since the mega doggo still retains the Fighting type crown. So Niantic can actually make Low Kick + Aura Sphere Iron Valiant a reality in Pokémon Go!
This Pokémon looks absolutely amazing and can be equally amazing in the game.
Fingers crossed!
