Hello Trainers! Welcome to another meta analysis, where we take a look at a Pokémon which is going to make its debut with the upcoming Fall Marathon: Buddy Trek Event. Making its way in Pokémon GO, all the way from Paldea, we have Brambleghast, the Tumbleweed Pokémon. And, as always, the question that arises, how does Brambleghast perform in the current meta? Well, let’s find out!
Brambleghast: Stats, Profile and Typing
Brambleghast
GrassGhost
| Max CP | 2745 |
|---|---|
| ATK | 228 |
| DEF | 144 |
| HP | 146 |
| Weak to |      |
| Resists |       |
| Fast Attacks |
|
| Charged Attacks |
|
Brambleghast is one of Paldea’s more unusual additions to Pokémon GO. Its Grass and Ghost typing is rare, its design is memorable, and its movepool suggests it should have at least some room to work with. Being a Ghost type, it double resists Fighting and Normal type attacks, while also resisting four other types. It has a respectable 228 Attack stat, but only 144 Defense and 146 Stamina. That leaves it vulnerable to taking heavy damage before it can make much of an impact.
Brambleghast in Pokémon GO PvE
Raids
Brambleghast is not a serious raid attacker. It can technically contribute Grass or Ghost type damage, but it does not perform either role particularly well. As a Grass raid attackers, Hex and Power Whip is the preferred moveset. It is a decent move combination, but it does not provide the damage output necessary for Brambleghast to stand beside the Best Grass Attackers. Using our DPS Comparer Tool:
| Pokémon | Moves | DPS | TDO | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Shadow Chesnaught
|
|
17.04 | 358.8 | 15.2 |
Shadow Torterra
|
|
15.97 | 328.6 | 14.2 |
Rillaboom
|
|
15.69 | 361.8 | 14.2 |
Roserade
|
|
15.01 | 267.3 | 13.2 |
Decidueye
|
|
14.37 | 293.8 | 12.8 |
Tangrowth
|
|
13.88 | 348.3 | 12.6 |
Dhelmise
|
|
13.53 | 258.5 | 12 |
Simisage
|
|
13.35 | 203.2 | 11.5 |
|
Brambleghast
|
|
13.01 | 175.1 | 11 |
|
Brambleghast
|
|
12.59 | 169.4 | 10.6 |
Trevenant
|
|
11.63 | 219.3 | 10.3 |
Even if we exclude Mega and Legendary Pokémon, Brambleghast still doesn’t make it among the top remaining picks. It even trails the likes of Simisage and Dhelmise. The Ghost side is equally disappointing, with Brambleghast having no strong Ghost type Charged Attack. Shadow Sneak and Night Shade are both too weak for raid use, particularly when Ghost attackers are expected to compete with options such as Gholdengo, Chandelure, and Dragapult. There is little reason to power-up Brambleghast for raids unless it is a personal favourite. It reaches only modest raid performance and does not turn it into a meaningful budget alternative.
Brambleghast in Pokémon GO PvP
Ideal Moveset: Hex + Power Whip & Night Shade
PvP is where Brambleghast has its best chance to matter. It can use Hex for solid energy generation, and can potentially pressure Ground, Water and Psychic type Pokémon with its Charged Attacks. The problem is that Brambleghast is a glass-cannon, but without a damage ceiling that is usually associated with one. It does not have the bulk to absorb neutral hits, meaning opponents can pressure Brambleghast even before it reaches its own Charged Attacks.
Great League
Brambleghast’s record across all shield scenarios in Great League isn’t an impressive one with its win-loss ratio ranging from 1:3 to 1:5 depending on the number of shields in play. Its wins include Stunfisk, Jellicent, Defense Deoxys and Marowak, while Furret, Fearow, Malamar, Sableye, Feraligatr, Cramorant and Vigoroth make up the loss column. Other Hex users like Jellicent and Dusclops, and even another Ghost and Grass type, Trevenant, perform better than Brambleghast in Great League.
Brambleghast’s ideal IV spread for Great League is: 0/15/15, 1497 CP, Level 23.
Ultra League
Ultra League is much harder on Brambleghast. It can reach the 2500 CP cap, but doing so requires a significant XL Candy investment, and the resulting Pokémon still lacks the bulk needed for consistent success. The performance does improve slightly, when compared to Great League. However, the improvement still isn’t enough to call Brambleghast even an average pick for Ultra League. It picks up wins against the likes of Swampert, Cresselia, Virizion and Skeledirge but loses to Kingdra, Florges, Lapras, Talonflame, Empoleon and Guzzlord. The investment in Brambleghast is difficult to justify when there are more reliable options in the same broad roles. Dusknoir, Jellicent, Virizion, Rillaboom, and several other Grass or Ghost types provide better matchups, better durability, or both. Brambleghast has no real place as an Ultra League staple.
Brambleghast’s ideal IV spread for Ultra League is: 0/15/15, 2499 CP, Level 47.5.
Master League
Brambleghast has no Master League role. Its stat distribution is not built for fighting against legendary Pokémon and fully powered pseudo-legendaries. Rhyperior, Primarina and Resolute Keldeo are its only wins.
Brambleghast’s ideal IV spread for Master League is: 15/15/15, 2745 CP, Level 50.
Is Brambleghast Worth Building?
The correct answer would be no! Brambleghast is more of a collection Pokémon than a meta investment. It has an interesting type combination and enough useful resistances to create the occasional surprising PvP matchup, but it lacks the durability and moveset depth needed to become a reliable performer.
For raids, it is outclassed as both a Grass and Ghost attacker. For PvP, Great League is the only format where it has some practical value, mainly as a surprise pick. Ultra League demands too much Stardust and XL Candy for too little return, while Master League is not worth considering. Brambleghast’s outlook can change if it gets stronger Charged Attacks, which can make Hex’s energy generation valuable. Until then, it is best built for fun rather than a competitive necessity.
Parting Words
Brambleghast has a great design, rare typing, and a few tricks, but Pokémon GO’s current meta is not kind to fragile Pokémon with average movesets. It can potentially surprise opponents in the right Great League matchup, yet it is outclassed in raids and too inconsistent for serious open-league PvP play. Catch and evolve one for the Pokédex, keep a good low-Attack IV specimen if you enjoy GBL experimentation, but be cautious before committing your resources.
Let us know Trainers! What kind of Charged Attack do you think can make Brambleghast more useful? Was Brambleghast in your team of 6 for Pokémon: Scarlet and Violet?
And as always, stay safe!
