By Lee Provost, contributing writer
As of October 1, 2023, the Pokémon Video Game Championship series is transitioning into Regulation Set E. With the introduction of the Pokémon appearing in the land of Kitakami in The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero Part 1: The Teal Mask, Trainers will find themselves in an expanded format brimming with new and returning Pokémon to shape their strategies.
Just as Regulation Set D brought significant changes to the battles at the World Championships in Yokohama, Japan, the latest regulation set introduces a plethora of Pokémon—both fresh and familiar—to the competitive scene. Battles in this format are just getting started, so let’s prepare by delving into some of the most promising choices that are poised to shape the evolving landscape of Regulation Set E.
Ogerpon (Teal Mask Form)
Ogerpon is a newly discovered Pokémon in The Teal Mask, sporting the thematic Teal Mask Form as its default appearance. As a pure Grass type with the Defiant Ability, this form also has Grass as its Tera Type. Ivy Cudgel is Ogerpon’s signature move—you’ll likely see it used by each of the Mask Pokémon’s forms—with its typing determined by the mask it holds. In Ogerpon’s Teal Mask Form, Ivy Cudgel is a potent Grass-type attack with a high critical-hit rate. Upon Terastallizing, Teal Mask Ogerpon’s Ability changes to Embody Aspect, granting it a Speed boost both upon activation and reentry into battle.
Teal Mask Ogerpon’s remarkable Attack and Speed stats make it a valuable addition to many teams in Regulation Set E. It outpaces significant threats previously seen in Regulation Set D, such as Rapid Strike Urshifu, and can deal a lot of damage with its Grass-type moves. Furthermore, its support moves like Follow Me can protect ally Pokémon, particularly against popular threats such as Amoonguss, which relies on Spore to put opposing Pokémon to sleep. The Defiant Ability, which Ogerpon has in this form before Terastallizing, helps counter Intimidate-based strategies, such as those that use Therian Forme Landorus, Gyarados, and Hisuian Arcanine.
While Teal Mask Ogerpon may not be the most favored choice early in the Regulation Set E format, it has advantages that set it apart from its other forms—most notably, not having to commit to a specific held item helps provide flexibility in team building.
Ogerpon (Cornerstone Mask Form)
When Ogerpon dons the Cornerstone Mask, it transforms into a Grass- and Rock-type Pokémon with the Sturdy Ability. Its Ivy Cudgel attack likewise becomes a Rock-type move. With Rock as its Tera Type, Cornerstone Mask Ogerpon’s Ability shifts to Embody Aspect when it Terastallizes, providing a Defense boost both upon activation and whenever it returns to the field after switching out.
Although not the most common choice among the Mask Pokémon’s forms early in Regulation Set E, Cornerstone Mask Ogerpon’s Ivy Cudgel excels as one of the only 100% accurate Rock-type attacks seen in competitive play, making this form a potent threat against Flying- or Ice-type Pokémon.
Cornerstone Mask Ogerpon offers appealing offensive capabilities as a Grass- and Rock-type Pokémon, especially alongside other strong coverage moves like Stomping Tantrum, Play Rough, and Knock Off. This combination grants it a unique set of resistances and weaknesses while enabling it to hit most opponents for supereffective damage. The added durability when it Terastallizes enables an effective defensive pivot—particularly with Follow Me against Fire- and Flying-type attacks that may become more prevalent in Regulation Set E to counter opponents such as Sinistcha and Ogerpon’s other forms.
However, it’s essential to note that the influx of Grass-type attackers in this format may pose a significant challenge for Trainers looking to maximize Cornerstone Mask Ogerpon’s potential. As the metagame unfolds, Trainers will need to devise creative strategies to harness the strengths of this form for it to compete alongside its masked counterparts.
Ogerpon (Wellspring Mask Form)
Wellspring Mask Ogerpon has emerged as a popular choice in the early stages of Regulation Set E. Its Grass and Water typing provides a balanced approach to both offense and defense against common threats. Ogerpon’s access to Follow Me enhances its supportive capabilities, taking full advantage of its Water typing to frustrate key opponents such as Rapid Strike Urshifu. Encore also sees some usage, offering strategic possibilities to provide allied Pokémon room to set up.
Ogerpon’s Wellspring Mask Form not only provides a solid foundation for defense and support but also boasts impressive offensive potential. With access to physical Water- and Grass-type attacks, it can effectively dismantle many opposing teams.
Wellspring Mask Ogerpon becomes a pure Water-type Pokémon when it Terastallizes, and its Embody Aspect Ability grants it a Sp. Def boost that can reactivate once it returns to the field after switching out.
Commonly paired with Tornadus for Tailwind support and Chien-Pao for its Swords of Ruin Ability, Wellspring Mask Ogerpon can become an immediate threat that Trainers will need to answer. Doing so becomes even tougher when Encore gives it the option to disrupt opponents who try to out-stall the onslaught, giving it room to further boost its damage with Swords Dance.
As with its Cornerstone Mask Form, Wellspring Mask Ogerpon does need support against the Grass-type threats that are becoming more prominent under Regulation Set E, since they will be resistant to both Grass- and Water-type damage. It will be far more difficult for this Grass- and Water-type Pokémon to effectively leverage Terastallization compared to its counterparts.
Ogerpon (Hearthflame Mask Form)
Ogerpon’s Hearthflame Mask form stands as one of the more popular choices in the initial stages of Regulation Set E. Hearthflame Mask Ogerpon gains Fire typing and the Mold Breaker Ability. Ivy Cudgel becomes a powerful, single-target, physical Fire-type attack, and upon Terastallizing, Hearthflame Mask Ogerpon receives an Attack boost through Embody Aspect. While it retains access to moves like Follow Me and Spiky Shield, it primarily focuses on offense, unlike some of its counterparts. Often paired with Chien-Pao to enhance its attacking power, the Hearthflame Mask Form is a meta-defining Pokémon in Regulation Set E. Ogerpon’s Mold Breaker Ability also allows it to bypass certain opposing Abilities, such as Heatran’s Flash Fire, ensuring Ogerpon can still hit them with its Fire-type attacks.
Hearthflame Mask Ogerpon excels when backed by the support of Pokémon that know Speed control moves like Tailwind or Icy Wind, much like the more offensive variations of Ogerpon’s other forms. An intriguing development to watch for is its potential partnership with Iron Bundle, which can deliver offensive coverage against opposing Water types via Freeze Dry. Iron Bundle can also use Icy Wind for essential Speed control, especially if it’s holding the Booster Energy item to raise its highest stat (ideally, its Speed stat). This tactic allows Ogerpon to act before its opponents, providing it an opportunity to unleash devastating attacks.
Sinistcha
Sinistcha is another Pokémon that was newly discovered in Kitakami. This Grass- and Ghost-type Pokémon makes for a versatile supportive option. Its unique Ability, Hospitality, heals an ally by 1/4 of their maximum health when Sinistcha enters battle. Sinistcha’s wide pool of utility moves includes Trick Room for slower offensive strategies, Strength Sap for recovery, and a signature move, Matcha Gotcha, that deals Grass-type damage to both opponents while healing Sinistcha for 50% of the damage dealt—on top of a 20% chance to burn its targets.
Trainers looking for a more selfish Sinistcha strategy can consider Calm Mind as an option that can boost its own Sp. Atk and Sp. Def, allowing it to pose a greater offensive threat while still supporting allies.
Overall, Sinistcha is shaping up to be one of the best new Pokémon available in Regulation Set E. It has good typing, decent offensive pressure, and even solid Speed control. Sinistcha looks to be especially powerful when paired alongside Iron Hands, which can provide Fake Out support and amazing bulk. This combination is sure to thrive under Trick Room’s twisted dimensions.
Ursaluna (Bloodmoon Form)
Ursaluna’s Bloodmoon Form, introduced in The Teal Mask, offers a special new offensive threat. Its Ability, Mind’s Eye, allows it to hit Ghost-type Pokémon with its Normal- and Fighting-type moves while ignoring accuracy drops. Bloodmoon Ursaluna also boasts a potent Normal-type signature move, Blood Moon, which has 120 base power and 100 accuracy with the drawback that it can’t be selected on consecutive turns in battle. Its low Speed stat makes it a prime candidate for Trick Room teams, where it can thrive with partners such as Cresselia, Farigiraf, and Sinistcha. Trainers often equip it with the Throat Spray item for a Sp. Atk boost after using Hyper Voice, enhancing its damage output.
Being able to learn Earth Power alongside its Normal-type attacks gives Bloodmoon Ursaluna additional coverage for supereffective damage against the Steel types and Rock types that resist its Normal-type attacks.
Just like its Hisuian counterpart, Bloodmoon Ursaluna will be a huge threat under a Trick Room environment in Regulation Set E—and unlike its brethren, it has the advantage of not being as hindered by Intimidate users.
Empoleon
Empoleon, now with access to the Competitive Ability in place of Defiant, capitalizes on its strong Sp. Atk stat to punish overuse of the popular Intimidate Ability. Its Water and Steel typing provides many resistances with only a few weaknesses, countering several threats from the previous format. Empoleon’s Flash Cannon deals high damage to popular Pokémon such as Flutter Mane, and its Icy Wind contributes to Speed control. The combination of Air Slash and a Water-type move offers excellent coverage against Grass-type Pokémon—including Heatran, which is commonly given Grass as its Tera Type.
Players may want to opt for the Assault Vest item to bolster Empoleon’s Sp. Def stat while taking advantage of a full four offensive moves, or a Life Orb to maximize its offensive potential with the Competitive Ability. Sitrus Berries can also extend Empoleon’s longevity while it provides invaluable Speed control to support its team.
The rise of Grass-type Pokémon like Ogerpon and Rillaboom—especially with their access to Grassy Glide—doesn’t help Empoleon to come as freely into Regulation Set E as it would like, but with some smart Terastallizing, it has the tools unconventionally bypass these threats and become a prominent figure in the new format.
Ninetales (Alolan Form)
Making its Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet debut in the DLC, Alolan Ninetales becomes a valuable weather setter under Regulation Set E. Its Snow Warning Ability summons snow for five turns, offering a defensive boost to Ice-type Pokémon. With a high Speed stat, Alolan Ninetales excels at setting up Aurora Veil to enhance the team’s defensive capabilities. It leverages its Fairy and Ice typing with Blizzard and Moonblast for powerful attacks, while moves like Icy Wind and Encore provide additional support and disruption options.
One thing that Alolan Ninetales may struggle against is the influx of other weather setters capable of preventing the use of Aurora Veil. There’s already high motivation to invoke harsh sunlight to help boost the power of Paradox Pokémon with Protosynthesis, and there are a number of Water-type Pokémon that would thrive with help from the Drizzle Ability or Rain Dance. If Alolan Ninetales faces obstacles like this, it doesn’t carry the defensive stability to regularly win out in a weather war. Still, Alolan Ninetales is worth keeping an eye on as Regulation Set E unfolds!
Common Partnerships
Under the evolving Regulation Set E, these are some of the Pokémon partnerships that we may see.
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Cresselia and Ursaluna
Cresselia sets up Trick Room for Ursaluna, a fearsome physical attacker strengthened by Guts. Safety Googles and Lunar Blessing also offer crucial support. -
Politoed and Ludicolo
Politoed’s Drizzle Ability activates Ludicolo’s Swift Swim Ability, creating a rain-based offensive strategy. -
Chien-Pao and Ogerpon
Chien-Pao’s Sword of Ruin Ability complements Ogerpon’s offensive capabilities, particularly when holding a Hearthflame Mask. -
Sinistcha and Iron Hands
Iron Hands supports Sinistcha’s Trick Room or Calm Mind strategies with Fake Out and pairs nicely against some of Sinistcha’s biggest threats under the twisted dimensions. -
Gothitelle and Ogerpon
Ogerpon’s use of Follow Me, Spiky Shield, and U-turn provides exceptional support for Gothitelle’s Trick Room setup. -
Iron Bundle and Hearthflame Mask Ogerpon
Iron Bundle supports Ogerpon with Speed control and Freeze Dry for Water-type threats.
Parting Thoughts
Regulation Set E promises to be an exciting and challenging format for Pokémon Trainers. Adapting to the influx of new and returning Pokémon can be daunting, but remember that innovation often stems from experimentation and learning from both successes and failures. Embrace the evolving metagame and forge your path to success in Regulation Set E. Best of luck, Trainers, as you showcase your innovative team compositions in upcoming events over the next few months!
Lee is a VGC competitor, caster, and content creator. After competing at his first event in 2009 at the UK National Championships, Lee went on to many top finishes in the competitive scene, including two third place Nationals finishes, multiple Regional Top Cuts, and a 7th place finish at the 2014 World Championships in Washington D.C. In more recent years, Lee has focused on creating online content. He joined the live commentary team for VGC streams in 2017.
