Kyurem Black

Legal regulations: regulation-m-a

Kyurem Black is the physical counterpart to Kyurem White, and it fills a very different role in Regulation M-A. Its Attack stat is the headline — with the right setup it becomes one of the hardest physical breakers in the format, and its Dragon/Ice coverage threatens the same bulky Ground, Dragon and Flying anchors that define defensive cores. Where it differs from the White forme is in how it gets to its damage: it wants physical support and a slow, methodical game where it can take the hits it needs to take. Its Speed is good but not elite, and its defensive profile is fragile against Fighting and Rock coverage, so it relies on redirection and speed control to function. Teams usually bring it in against a weakened board and let it clean with its Ice STAB, or use it as a wallbreaker that forces the opponent to overcommit. It appreciates Intimidate partners to soften the physical hits it must absorb, and it struggles against the format's faster special attackers. If your team needs a physical Ice answer and you can protect it, Kyurem Black is one of the format's most efficient options.

Use this page to understand Kyurem Black's role in the current VGC metagame. Check the base stats and Level 50 benchmarks to plan your EV spreads. Review common moves, items, abilities and Tera types to see what the community uses most. The partners section shows which Pokémon pair well with Kyurem Black, while counters and checks highlight what to watch out for in team preview.

Last updated: July 2026 (Regulation Set M-A). Data is based on available competitive trends and editorial review.

Kyurem Black performs best when its role is clearly defined in team preview. As a Physical Attacker and Support Pokémon, focus on positioning it where it can execute its job without being forced into unfavorable exchanges. As a restricted Pokémon, it will attract significant counterplay — plan support and speed control around it.

When teambuilding, pair Kyurem Black with Pokémon that cover its type weaknesses (see counters section below) and provide the speed control or redirection it needs to function. Review the common moves and items section for established sets, then adjust based on your team's specific needs.