Why is Espathra broken in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet certainly added some intense threats to the game. With the advent of Terrastalizing, though, seemingly average Pokémon became much more powerful than some fans initially thought. Case and point is Espathra, a Psychic-type bird that recently got banned to Ubers by Smogon because of how badly it was tearing up online matches.

What makes Espathra so strong in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?

The stats really have nothing to do with Espathra's performance in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet; it's more to do with its moveset and ability. Espathra gets the Speed Boost ability, which raises its Speed after each turn. This pairs beautifully with Stored Power, a move that increases in power for every stat boost that the user gets.

After one Calm Mind (which raises Special Attack and Special Defense), Stored Power gets 80 BP. If Espathra protects afterwards, that number goes to 100. This led many players to run this Espathra set with Leftovers as the item:

• Protect
• Calm Mind
• Stored Power
• Dazzling Gleam

Dazzling Gleam was used as a way to hit Dark-types, which are immune to Stored Power. This set had two big weaknesses, though: it couldn't hit Steel-types, and Sucker Punch could still knock out Espathra if it clicks an attacking move.

Related: All Psychic Type Pokémon Weaknesses and Counters

Pokémon players found a way to solve both these problems. Enter Terra Fighting Espathra, a Pokémon that can resist Sucker Punch as well as hit Steel-types for super effective damage. It now runs this set with Leftovers:

• Protect
• Calm Mind
• Stored Power
• Terra Blast (Fighting)

Giving Espathra an 80 BP Fighting move is more than it needs to break through walls like Iron Treads, Orthworm and Kingambit. Espathra doesn't even need to Terrastalize right away, if it wants to tank hits like Brave Bird from Corviknight. All these things combined make it a force to be reckoned with in the world of Pokémon.

Want more Pokémon Scarlet and Violet guides? Pro Game Guides has you covered with All Amoongus Weaknesses and Best Counters in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet.