The term “cores” typically refers to a strategic team composition consisting of two Pokémon that complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses. A core is designed to cover a wide range of threats commonly seen in the Great League meta, ensuring that the team remains versatile and able to handle various opposing Pokémon.
Players often choose their cores based on factors such as typing, movesets, stats, and overall synergy between the chosen Pokémon. Building a strong core is essential for success in PvP battles, as it allows trainers to adapt to various opponents and strategies they might encounter.
In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of cores in the Great League, uncovering why a strong core is important, breaking down what they’re made of, and revealing some of the current meta’s strongest cores.
Whiscash and Skarmory
Whiscash and Skarmory form one of the oldest and strongest cores in the entire game, they perfectly cover each other’s typing disadvantages. Whiscash covers for Skarmory’s Fire & Electric type weakness, while Skarmory covers for Whiscash’s Grass type weakness. This was the most popular core in Season 18 that battlers used. Not only is it bulky, their movesets can be superior to other common cores.
Whiscash having access to Scald which has a 50% chance of lowering the opponent’s Attack while dealing a tremendous amount of damage AND being a low energy cost charge move, makes it one of the strongest charge moves in the game. Skarmory had a recent buff to Steel Wing which generates energy faster and is a heavier-hitting move than Air Slash means that it has a lot better matchups than it used to. Some core breakers would be Jellicent, Sirfetch’d, and Drifblim.
Azumarill and Alolan Sandslash
Azumarill covers for Alolan Sandslash’s Fighting & Fire weaknesses while Alolan Sandslash covers for Azumarill’s Grass & Poison weaknesses. While both of these Pokémon cover their weaknesses well, they both also do exceptionally well versus Dragon types which are very common in the current meta since there are so many Water types roaming around.
Annihilape and Lickitung
Annihilape effectively counters Lickitung’s vulnerability to Fighting type moves, thanks to its Ghost typing, while Lickitung, being a pure Normal type, provides a solid neutralization against Annihilape’s weakness to Ghost type attacks. Their synergy isn’t just about moves; it extends to how they balance each other’s bulk. Lickitung makes up for Annihilape’s low defense and HP stats which can be great to absorb damage and save shields for Annihilape to sweep the end game with.
Bastiodon and Victreebel
Bastiodon’s Steel typing covers for Victreebel’s Poison and weaknesses, while Victreebel’s Grass typing neutralizes Bastiodon’s vulnerability to Water and Ground attacks. With its access to powerful Grass type moves like Razor Leaf and Leaf Blade, Victreebel can effectively counter [Water] type Pokémon, which are prevalent in the Season 18 meta.
Lanturn and Gligar
Lanturn’s dual Electric and Water typing effectively protects Gligar from its detrimental Ice vulnerabilities, while Gligar’s Ground and typing neutralises Lanturn’s susceptibility to Grass and Ground attacks. Some of Gligar’s biggest threats in the current meta include Pokémon such as Dewgong, Skarmory, and Azumaril to name a few which Lanturn can handle extremely well.
Dragonair and Lanturn
(Shadow) Dragonair and Lanturn create a dominating core in the Great League which many battlers take advantage of. Dragonair covers for Lanturn’s vulnerability to Grass and Ground types while Lanturn covers for Dragonair’s weakness to Ice, Fairy, and Steel types. Some common threats to Dragonair are almost identical to Gligar as mentioned above, this is where Lanturn comes in to neutralise its weaknesses.
In conclusion, mastering core synergies is crucial in constructing winning teams for PvP. By understanding the intricacies of type coverages and move sets between Pokémon, you can elevate your performance to new heights.
Now that you are better educated about the intricacies of what makes a solid core, I encourage you to experiment with diverse combinations, adapt to the meta, and refine your skills to emerge as a formidable battler. If you’re building your own unique core, just make sure to learn what some of the most common Pokémon are in the current meta, and work around building your team accordingly to the biggest threats.
Best of luck out there, trainers!
Until next time,
–Adam ‘avrip’
