Best moves for Chi Yu in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

Chi Yu is a gem of a Special Attacker in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. This is because most of the special tanks in the game just don't work against Chi Yu. Beads of Ruin, Chi Yu's ability, cuts other Pokémon's Special Defense by 25%, so it's not like switching in Blissey, Clodsire or Toxapex will really do anything to deter Chi Yu from flat out spreading destruction.

Best Build for Chi Yu

• Flamethrower
• Overheat
• Dark Pulse
• Psychic

Given Chi Yu's godly stats, it's effective to use a Choice item, preferably Choice Specs. 90% of the time, Chi Yu wants to spam Dark Pulse or Flamethrower. Overheat is a one-time nuke option for really annoying walls such as Blissey or Ting Lu. Psychic is a nice tech for Clodsire, since many of them run high Special Defense.

While Choice Specs is the preferred option, Choice Scarf can also work well. Scarf Chi Yu loses out on beating things like Blissey and Toxapex, but can outspeed other threats such as Chien Pao and Dragapult. It's up to the trainer to decide what their team really needs.

Chi Yu definitely works best with the Timid nature. This is because, without Timid, it will fail to outspeed Annihilape (one of the most annoying threats at the moment). There are a couple other Pokemon, like Baxcalibur and Lucario, which Chi Yu outspeeds with Timid.

Related: Best Miraidon build for Terra Raids in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

What are the best counters to Chi Yu?

Countering Chi Yu really depends on the item it's holding. While it can seem really easy to switch to Toxapex or Gastradon to use a Water move, Specs Chi Yu will break through these Pokémon easily. If Chi Yu is holding Choice Specs, it's best to find an offensive threat to outspeed and kill it (e.g., Dragapult, Roaring Moon, Iron Valiant).

On the other hand, Choice Scarf Chi Yu can be dealt with using Pokémon like Blissey and Toxapex. The latter needs to be careful about Psychic, but these bulky Pokémon can take most of Chi Yu's attacks and recover the damage.

Want more Pokémon Scarlet & Violet guides? Check out Best movesets for Gholdengo in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet here at Pro Game Guides!