Cores
All figures are estimated trends based on available data and do not guarantee competitive results. Matchups are situational. See our methodology for how these figures are calculated.
A core is a small group of Pokémon that work together so well they become the foundation of a team. Good cores cover each other's weaknesses, enable consistent leads, and create win conditions across multiple matchups. In this list you will find offensive cores built around speed and damage, defensive cores built around redirection and recovery, and utility cores built around speed control or field effects. Each entry explains the synergy, the main weaknesses, how to play the core, and how to beat it. Use these cores as building blocks: you can copy one directly or adapt it to your own playstyle and the rest of your six.
Incineroar + Whimsicott
53.5%speed control core
Prankster Tailwind gives the team an instant speed advantage while Incineroar cycles Intimidate and pivots, letting slower attackers move first and stay healthy.
Torkoal + Venusaur
53.0%weather core
Drought sets Sun that doubles Venusaur's Speed via Chlorophyll and boosts Torkoal's Eruption, creating overwhelming turn-one offensive pressure.
Hatterene + Farigiraf
52.8%Trick Room core
Farigiraf's Armor Tail blocks priority while both set Trick Room, letting Hatterene sweep with Expanding Force and Dazzling Gleam under the reversed speed order.
Tyranitar + Excadrill
52.5%sand core
Tyranitar's Sand Stream grants Excadrill doubled Speed under Sand Rush while sand-boosted Rock Slide and Earthquake pressure both slots.
Incineroar + Garchomp
52.4%pivot pressure core
Incineroar buys Garchomp safe turns with Intimidate, Fake Out and Parting Shot, while Garchomp threatens both slots with Ground spread damage and Rock coverage.
Whimsicott + Dragapult
52.1%fast tempo core
Prankster Tailwind turns Dragapult's already high Speed into immediate board control, while Encore and Taunt punish passive responses and Dragapult pressures with flexible special coverage.