Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are here! The below article is about a brand new Pokémon discovered in Gen IX so be warned, spoilers ahead!
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 Roaring Moon which is essentially Paradox Salamence. With an absolutely badass design that combines elements from Mega Salamence, regular Salamence, and even Bagon (the head), many people have begun preferring it to the base and Mega counterparts.
It should be noted that Paradox Salamence is NOT a pseudo legendary Pokémon. The same applies to Paradox Tyranitar and Paradox Hydreigon.
Introduction to Roaring Moon
Roaring Moon is a Dragon and Dark type Paradox Pokémon that is exclusive to Pokémon Scarlet. It is available post-game.
It has a very avian-draconic design, complemented with more vibrant colors than Salamence. It is the most powerful Paradox Pokémon from Scarlet and is analogous to Iron Valiant (Paradox Gallade) in Violet.
Main Series Stats
Roaring Moon has the following stats in the MSG:
| HP | 105 |
| ATK | 139 |
| DEF | 71 |
| SpA | 55 |
| SpD | 101 |
| Spe | 119 |
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 Roaring Moon:
ATK: 254
DEF: 178
HP: 212
Max CP (lvl 50): 3975
Alike to Gen 9’s pseudo legendary Baxcalibur, Roaring Moon has stats similar to those of Hydreigon, which has 256 ATK, 188 DEF, and 211 HP. In fact, the gap between Roaring Moon and Hydreigon narrows down when you realize that Roaring Moon is also a dual Dragon and Dark type!
Comparison with Hydreigon in Pokémon GO
Hydreigon has a marginal edge over Roaring Moon in terms of DPS and is a little bulkier. But with the right moveset, Roaring Moon can be the better Pokémon, both as a Dragon type as well as Dark type.
While both Hydreigon and Roaring Moon (even with the best moveset possible) are clearly surpassed by many as Dragon types, Hydreigon is a top-notch Dark type in PvE. With a good moveset, Roaring Moon can achieve the same.
Comparison with Salamence in Pokémon GO
While Salamence clearly takes the lead in terms of raw DPS with an ATK stat of 277 over Roaring Moon’s 254, the latter (Paradox) is bulkier.
Add the fact that Roaring Moon can possibly get a better moveset, it could actually end up finding use in the Master League. Something that Salamence has been unable to do so far.
Viable Moveset Options
Instead of putting across its entire movepool, I shall present moves that would make Roaring Moon meta relevant. So here are the moves that would matter:
| Fast Moves | Charged Moves |
|---|---|
|
|
For PvP
This is Roaring Moon’s trump card. Assuming that it learns Snarl and Dragon Claw/Dragon Tail as fast moves, and with charged moves such as Crunch, Dragon Claw, and the nuke Outrage in its arsenal, Roaring Moon can surpass Hydreigon hands-down and establish itself as among the premier Dark types in ML that also gets Dragon STAB.
Snarl, in particular, gives great energy gains that can let Roaring Moon reach Crunch and Outrage on quick notice. This would be similar to the infamous Mud Shot + Sand Tomb & Outrage set of Garchomp, although with lower flexibility. But, you get the gist.
Alternatively, Roaring Moon could also taste success with Dragon Breath + Dragon Claw & Crunch. However, that would rob Roaring Moon of nuking potential.
But regardless of what combination you try from these possible moveset combinations, you are going to get a better Pokémon than Hydreigon for PvP, and a very serviceable Dark as well as Dragon type. Needless to mention, Fairy types are still going to give you nightmares! And yes, Steel types will still trouble you (except Metagross, whom you will own!)
To sum it up, Roaring Moon can become a formidable Pokémon in the ML meta if it gets Snarl/Dragon Breath/Dragon Tail paired with Crunch and Outrage or Dragon Claw.
Psst! Iron Head is mentioned because it’s miles better than Hydreigon’s Flash Cannon. So, umm… coverage.
For PvE
As a Dragon type
Dragon Tail and Outrage is any Dragon type’s bread and butter for max DPS. Unfortunately for Roaring Moon… Rayquaza, Salamence, Garchomp, and Dragonite all learn this combo. But as mentioned, Roaring Moon would still be a very viable Dragon type in raids, unlike Hydreigon. Hehe.
As a Dark type
Oh how the turntables… Hydreigon gets the W in this one, mainly because it learns Brutal Swing. Roaring Moon doesn’t. But once again, Roaring Moon will be a useful Dark type as long as it gets the right moveset (Dark Pulse fits).
What to expect?
Roaring Moon would find more value as a Dark type than a Dragon type (with the right moveset).
The Overall Best Moveset Scenario
Fast moves: Dragon Breath, Dragon Tail, Snarl, Bite (for PvE)
Charged moves: Dragon Claw, Outrage, Crunch, Dark Pulse
Type-matchups
The dual typing of Dragon and Dark leads to some concerning weaknesses such as the Dragon, Fairy, Fighting, Bug, and Ice types. It is worth noting that the Fairy weakness is 2x in Pokémon Go. Charm-ing, eh?
But otherwise, Mewtwo would have another dragon to worry about, Kyogre should be concerned and other dragons will take note of it. If Roaring Salamence ends up having a good moveset in terms of both a Dragon and Dark type, trainers would definitely choose it over Hydreigon any day in the Master League.
Parting words…
Salamence is yet to find use in PvP and would be left in the dust if Haxorus learns Outrage in its eventual Community Day. Roaring Moon, on the other hand, is not only a fresh and enticing concept in the world of Pokémon but it can also be a legitimate threat in the Master League meta.
Special note on how Roaring Moon looks waaayyyyyy cooler and more frightening than base Salamence and even Mega Salamence.
This could be among the most coveted Pokémon in the meta if done right, and I look forward to analyse the same when Roaring Moon marks its debut in GO.
Till then…
Dracarys.
