Best moves for Chein Pao in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

Anyone who's ever enjoyed using Weavile will love Chien Pao. This new Pokémon has Weavile's typing (Dark/Ice) as well as Weavile's Attack stat. However, Chien Pao has higher speed and, arguably, a much better ability which lowers opponents' Defense. All these factors lead to a menace that outspeeds even the faster threats and punches holes in opposing teams.

Best build for Chien Pao in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

• Crunch
• Ice Shard
• Ice Spinner
• Sacred Sword/Swords Dance

While setting up a Swords Dance may sound enticing, players may be surprised at how much damage Chien Pao does normally. Chien Pao's ability, Sword of Ruin, lowers the enemy's defense by 25%. This means that targets who would normally live a neutral Crunch may end up perishing.

Given this ability, Chien Pao rarely needs the Swords Dance boost to get value. Giving it a Choice Band is all it really needs to break through Corviknight, Amoonguss, Scream Tail, and the like. Ice Shard is here to beat Scarf Dragapult as well as a Roaring Moon that has already used Dragon Dance.

That being said, if trainers are struggling with bulky Pokémon like Garganacl, they certainly have the option of running Swords Dance. In this case, they may want to use Heavy Duty Boots, as any Ice Pokémon would love to be immune to Stealth Rocks.

Related: Best moves for Roaring Moon in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

What are the best counters to Chien Pao in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet?

The safest way to defeat Chien Pao is to run Scarf Chi Yu, since it resists both of Chien Pao's priority moves (Ice Shard and Sucker Punch). There's also no way Chien Pao is surviving a Flamethrower. Otherwise, Toxapex has a pretty good shot at beating Chein Pao with Chilling Water reducing its Attack stat.

In theory, Corviknight is also a decent check to Chien Pao. In practice, though, the steel bird will take loads of damage from Choice Band powered Crunch. Even if Corviknight uses Bulk Up, Chien Pao can ignore the boosts with Sacred Sword. Also, if Chien Pao carries Swords Dance, then Corviknight likely goes down no matter what. Its best bet is to fire off a Body Press and hope Chien Pao stays in.

Want more Pokémon Scarlet and Violet guides? Pro Game Guides has you covered with Best movesets for Gholdengo in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet.