Trick Room in the Champions roster: setup, turns and counters

Trick Room is one of the most punishing strategies in the Pokémon Champions format. The goal is simple: reverse speed for five turns, then let slow attackers like Torkoal, Conkeldurr or Snorlax sweep while the room is up. Executing that plan takes precise positioning.

The core duo

Farigiraf and Hatterene are the format's best Trick Room setters. Farigiraf's Armor Tail blocks priority such as Fake Out and Sucker Punch, and it can set the room itself. Hatterene doubles as both setter and sweeper, using Expanding Force and Dazzling Gleam under the reversed speed order.

Setting Trick Room safely

The worst outcome is losing your setter before the room goes up. Lead Farigiraf plus a bulky partner, or Hatterene behind protection, only when you expect priority pressure. Armor Tail covers the setup turn, and a 0 Speed IV ensures you move last under Trick Room.

Using the five turns

Turn one is usually Trick Room plus a supporting move. Turns two through four are your damage window: Torkoal fires Eruption, Conkeldurr hits through with Drain Punch, and Hatterene spreads damage. Turn five is your cleanup window; if the game is not decided, you need a secondary plan.

How to counter it

If you face Trick Room, your priorities are Taunt, stall and type pressure. Taunt the setter to deny the room, use Protect to burn turns, and bring Fighting or Fire coverage to threaten the sweepers directly. Fast attackers like Gengar and Dragapult are liabilities under Trick Room, so keep them in the back until the room expires.

For the full core breakdown, check the Hatterene + Farigiraf page and import the set into the Team Builder.