Top 5 competitive Pokémon returning in the new Indigo Disk DLC

The second part of the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet DLC , The Indigo Disk, is almost here! With the new DLC comes lots of new and returning Pokémon. While some Pokémon fly under the radar, others have the competitive Pokémon community worried for the upcoming Regulation F. There are lots of new and returning stars, so let's dive into the top five returning Pokémon for the new Indigo Disk DLC.

The menace is back. Incineroar returns in The Indigo Disk DLC of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. The bulky, fire and dark type starter from Generation 7 has been one of the strongest support Pokémon of all time. The combination of Incineroar's typing, his bulk, his amazing ability in Intimidate, and his move pool allows the luchador cat to fly high on the ropes.

Incineroar's move pool and ability are truly why the Pokémon shines. With support moves like Parting Shot and Taunt balanced by high base power moves like Flare Blitz, Incineroar gets the best of both worlds. The starter Pokémon isn't frail, either. With its Intimidate ability and access to Parting Shot, Incineroar can feely switch in and out while also constantly reducing your opponent's offensive stats.

Now Duraludon and its new evolution Archaludon were a surprise addition to The Indigo Disk DLC. The dragon and steel type made its debut in Pokémon Sword and Shield as the ace Pokémon of the eighth gym leader. Although the physically defensive special attacker had some popularity, it was eclipsed by the pseudo legendary of the Galar region, Dragapult. However now, in the DLC, Duraludon might regain some momentum.

However, in The Indigo Disk DLC, Duraludon received an evolution. Archaludon shares the same strong defensive typing of steel and dragon and further plays into the physically defensive special attacker. The new evolution also has a great selection of abilities in Stalwart, Sturdy or Stamina. Not to mention its signature new move Electro Shot, which is essentially an electric type Solar Beam for the rain that also boosts your special attack stat. The cherry on top is that now Duraludon can carry a Eviolite, making it an alarmingly bulky Pokémon with the additional defensive bonuses the item provides to unevolved Pokémon.

In short, it's the Prankster Tailwind setter that blows Murkow out of the water. Whimsicott makes its return in the new Indigo Disk DLC much to the chagrin of the community. Whimsicott is one of the best Pokémon with the Prankster ability, which allows Pokémon's non-damaging moves to have priority. This means Whimsicott can set Tailwind, Leech Seed, Stun Spore, and Taunt before your opponent can use non-priority moves. On top of its already impressive speed, Whimsicott is a premier support Pokémon that can be built in countless ways.

Another great support Pokémon makes its return in The Indigo Mask DLC — Skarmory. The Generation 2 steel and flying type has incredible bulk coupled with great utility. With access to both Stealth Rocks and Spikes, Skarmory is one of the few Pokémon that can set so many entry hazards. Additionally, Skarmory also has access to Defog, Taunt, Toxic, and Whirlwind to become a true stalling machine. Despite its low offensive stats, Skarmory also gets Body Press to still be able to deal some hefty damage.

Among the various legendaries returning in the new Indigo Disk DLC, there's an important duo making its return. It's the Pokémon Sun and Moon duo of Solgaleo and Lunala. Additionally, the third member, Necrozma also makes its return. However, the third member isn't as popular as the other two. The steel and psychic Solgaleo plus psychic and ghost Pokémon Lunala have been popular since their debut.

Solgaleo is a prime Choice Band or Scarf Pokémon that can decimate teams with its wide move pool. Complemented by its signature ability, which is essentially Clear Body. This prevents Solgaleo's stats from being lowered. On the other hand, there's the bulky Lunala with its signature ability Shadow Shield, which is just Multiscale. With access to Roost for recovery and the item Leftovers for even more, Lunala can take its time to utilize its vast move pool to deal with any threat.

You can check out the full list of new and returning Pokémon from The Indigo Disk DLC here. For more gaming and esports news, stay tuned to esports.gg!