One of the most underrated aspects of Pokémon GO is the very first thing you notice about the game: the loading screen. Every few months, Niantic comes up with some memorable and gorgeous loading screens that leave a lasting impression. And it goes without saying that the Halloween screen attracts a lot of attention, with artwork by Niantic artist Saro Orfali. This year, we once again have an amazing Halloween-themed loading screen:
The focal point of this image is that intimidating silhouette in the distance: The Ultra Beast Guzzlord. We’ve also seen teasers on Pokémon GO social media, including one of the new ‘found footage‘ style previews that suggest Guzzlord is coming soon.
Guzzlord represents gluttony and is among the most fearsome Ultra Beats (UBs) out there. This behemoth can and will eat everything. Yes, EVERYTHING.
Being a Dark and Dragon type, it shares its typing with the Hydreigon family. But will it make the impact you would expect it to? While we still don’t have any idea of the movepool it would get, let alone when it would make its debut in Pokémon Go, we can be sure of the fact that it’s coming (ideally as a part of the Halloween event). It fits!
But no matter when it comes, we can still speculate how it would fare. So would it be as scary in the meta as it looks? It is Hydreigon/Zweilous lite, pro, or just a shadow of the Brutal Pokémon?
We will find out. But let’s check out this beast’s stats.
Stats
Guzzlord
DarkDragon
|
|||||
| Max CP at Level 40 2887 | Max CP at Level 50 3264 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATK 188 | DEF 99 | HP 440 | |||
| Weak to | Strong Against | ||||
| Bug Dragon Fighting Fairy Ice | Dragon Ghost Psychic | ||||
At first glance, that HP stat of 440 is mind blowing! But then again, its defenses are that of a wet tissue paper. Seriously, its HP and DEF are polar opposites.
Sadly, its ATK is pretty underwhelming. So it won’t function as a glass cannon even.
In a nutshell, this Ultra Beast can’t hit hard, is supposed to last long, but cannot take hits at all. Sigh… just a lost cause.
Possible Moveset
The following highlights all the possible moves that Guzzlord can have in Pokémon Go:
| Fast Moves | Charged Moves |
|---|---|
|
|
Viable fast moves
The best fast moves Guzzlord can get are Snarl, Bite, Dragon Tail, or Shadow Claw.
Viable charged moves
The best charged moves Guzzlord can get are Outrage, Dragon Claw, or Dark Pulse.
Ideal Moveset
The ideal moveset for Guzzlord would be Snarl / Dragon Tail paired with Crunch and Dragon Claw.
In PvE
NO… Just NO. Hydreigon’s taking serious offense to the fact that this abomination is an Ultra Beast when Hydreigon is the legit beast… at least as a Dark type.
As a Dragon type, almost every dragon is better than Guzzlord.
Doesn’t matter even if it gets the best possible moves… Guzzlord’s in a sad state, courtesy of its DEF stat breaking down its viability. Not to mention, its ATK won’t be doing it any favors.
Over to PvP…
In PvP
PvP is sort of a saving grace for Guzzlord.
- With Snarl paired with Crunch and Dragon Claw, it can only dream of competing in the Master League. However, it is surprisingly viable in the Great League and Ultra League meta.
- But even though Snarl gives Guzz the better energy gains, when it learns Dragon Tail (paired with Crunch and Dragon Claw), it ends up doing quite well in both the Great League and the Ultra League. In fact, Dragon Tail even helps Guzzlord become a super spice pick in the Master League!
- That’s not all! With the non-STAB Shadow Claw (paired with Dragon Claw and Crunch), it is useable in the Great League as well as the Ultra League.
Parting Words
Giving Guzzlord any of these moves would be the ideal case scenario:
Fast moves: Snarl / Dragon Tail / Shadow Claw
Charged moves: Crunch / Dragon Claw
Guzzlord turns out to be viable in the Great and Ultra Leagues but it obviously isn’t going to be the most reliable mon even if it gets the best moveset. That said, it is one of the most interesting Ultra Beasts, has an amazing design, fun typing, and one of the most ridiculous anime cries. 😆 Yes, go check it out. It’s literally AAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!
By the looks of it, Guzzlord would make its debut at the Halloween event. When it does, I will be back to analyze its performance and tell you all about the nitty-gritty of Guzzlord in PvP and just how bad it would be in PvE 😳
Till then, have fun!
