Blacephalon and Naganadel: Evaluating them as Raid Attackers
Blacephalon and Naganadel are currently in Tier 5 raids until June 1st. While Naganadel can now be evolved from Poipole during the Ultra Space Wonders event, today we will focus on their performance as raid attackers. Blacephalon proves to be a formidable Fire attacker, especially for those in need of top-tier Fire Pokémon. Its Ghost attacking abilities are also noteworthy but hindered by its low bulk. On the other hand, Naganadel is one of the best non-mega Poison attackers, alongside Nihilego. However, both Blacephalon and Naganadel face challenges due to the limited use of Poison-type attacks in raids.
Blacephalon as a Fire attacker shines among other Fire-type Pokémon. Ranked at #7 without considering mega evolutions or shadows, Blacephalon compares closely to Shadow Blaziken. Although it falls slightly behind Fusion Flare Reshiram and top-tier shadow Pokémon, Blacephalon remains a solid choice for players lacking supreme teams or seeking diverse counters. Despite its low bulk, Blacephalon benefits from its unique 3-bar charged move, Mystical Fire, which enhances its consistency compared to other Fire-type attackers.
As a Ghost attacker, Blacephalon faces similar challenges due to its fragile nature. Its theoretical DPS is impressive, just behind Shadow Gengar and Shadow Chandelure, among all non-shadow dark and ghost types. However, its lack of bulk limits its overall performance. When compared to Giratina-O, Tyranitar, and Hydreigon, Blacephalon falls into the second-tier category of dark/ghost attackers, along with Gholdengo, Yveltal, Incineroar, and Chandelure. The main drawback is its unreliability, as it can be easily knocked out even by neutral moves. Additionally, its typing as a Ghost Pokémon is inferior to dark-type Pokémon in terms of defense.
Naganadel, while being a strong Poison attacker, faces limitations due to the lack of raid bosses weak to Poison-type attacks. Poison attackers have low utility overall, with few Fairy and Grass-type raid bosses vulnerable to them. The only mandatory use for poison attackers in raids is against Tapu Bulu. Players without a steel team can also consider Naganadel when battling Xerneas and Zacian. Comparing Naganadel to Nihilego, although Naganadel has slightly higher DPS, Nihilego still holds the upper hand.
Moving forward, Blacephalon’s future signature move, Mind Blown, is highly anticipated. However, it is uncertain how much it will enhance Blacephalon’s performance. As for upcoming articles, we can expect an in-depth analysis of Necrozma and Marshadow, with a focus on their signature moves. Speculation regarding Ultra Necrozma and potential improved moves for Marshadow will also be explored. Additionally, the upcoming season’s GBL moveset changes, especially the inclusion of Fly Salamence, are generating excitement among trainers.
In conclusion, Blacephalon and Naganadel demonstrate their strengths and weaknesses as raid attackers. While Blacephalon excels as a Fire attacker and Naganadel proves to be a strong Poison attacker, their limited raid utility poses challenges. Trainers will need to carefully consider their team compositions and the raid bosses they face to maximize these Pokémon’s potential.
Additional facts about Blacephalon and Naganadel:
1. Blacephalon and Naganadel are both Ultra Beasts, a group of powerful and exotic Pokémon from the Ultra Space dimension.
2. Blacephalon is famous for its explosive head, which it can detach and launch as a fireworks display.
3. Naganadel is the evolved form of Poipole, another Ultra Beast that was introduced in the Generation VII games.
4. Both Blacephalon and Naganadel have unique Dragon and Poison typing, making them resistant to certain types of attacks.
5. Blacephalon has a base stat total of 570, with balanced offensive stats, while Naganadel has a base stat total of 540, with a focus on special attack and speed.
6. Blacephalon’s ability is Beast Boost, which raises its highest stat after defeating an opponent, while Naganadel’s ability is Beast Boost as well, but its highest stat is always its speed.
7. Both Blacephalon and Naganadel have access to a wide range of moves, including powerful STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) moves like Flamethrower, Shadow Ball, Sludge Wave, and Draco Meteor.
8. Blacephalon’s Hidden Ability is Beast Boost, which allows it to further increase its highest stat after defeating an opponent in battle.
9. Naganadel’s Hidden Ability is Ultra Beast Boost, which increases the power of its special attacks when its HP is full.
Important questions and answers:
1. What are the advantages of using Blacephalon and Naganadel in raids?
– Blacephalon excels as a Fire attacker, dealing significant damage to raid bosses weak to Fire-type moves. Naganadel, on the other hand, is a strong Poison attacker and can be useful against certain raid bosses weak to Poison-type moves.
2. What are the challenges or controversies associated with these Pokémon?
– Blacephalon and Naganadel face limited raid utility due to the lack of raid bosses weak to their respective typing. Poison-type attackers, in general, have limited use in raids.
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Blacephalon and Naganadel?
– The advantages of using Blacephalon include its high DPS, diverse movepool, and the unique 3-bar charged move, Mystical Fire, which enhances its consistency. Naganadel has high DPS as a Poison attacker and can be useful in specific raid scenarios. However, both Pokémon suffer from low bulk, making them easily knocked out in battle.
Key challenges and controversies:
1. Limited raid utility: Blacephalon and Naganadel face challenges due to the lack of raid bosses weak to their respective typing. This limits their usefulness and makes it difficult to fully utilize their attacking potential.
2. Fragile nature: Both Blacephalon and Naganadel have low bulk, making them susceptible to being easily knocked out in battle. This limits their overall performance and requires careful consideration when building a team for raids.
Advantages of Blacephalon:
– Excellent Fire attacker, ranking high among Fire-type Pokémon.
– Unique 3-bar charged move, Mystical Fire, enhances its consistency.
– Diverse movepool allows for more strategic options in raids.
Disadvantages of Blacephalon:
– Low bulk and fragility, making it easily knocked out in battle.
– Inferior defense as a Ghost Pokémon compared to dark-type Pokémon.
Advantages of Naganadel:
– Strong Poison attacker with high DPS.
– Can be useful against specific raid bosses weak to Poison-type moves.
Disadvantages of Naganadel:
– Limited raid utility due to the lack of raid bosses weak to Poison-type moves.
– Faces competition from Nihilego, which still holds an advantage in certain aspects.
Suggested related links:
– Blacephalon – Pokémon Wiki
– Naganadel – Pokémon Wiki
