Yveltal

Legal regulations: regulation-m-a

Yveltal is the dark presence that Regulation M-A's balance and offense teams use to answer the Ghost and Psychic pressure of the format. Its Dark/Flying typing gives it an immunity to the format's common spread Psychic attacks, a resistance to Ghost, and a neutrality that lets it switch into many of the threats that would punish a standard restricted. Its signature move, Oblivion Wing, combines damage with recovery, which makes it one of the few restricted Pokémon that can sustain itself through long games. Its coverage options let it hit the Fighting, Fairy and Electric threats that the rest of the team cannot. The costs are real: it is vulnerable to Rock, Ice and Fairy coverage, and its Speed, while good, is not elite, so it appreciates Tailwind support. It can be built as a special attacker or a bulky support with Snarl and Foul Play pressure. Teams that commit to Yveltal usually build a fast, tempo-driven team that pressures the board while Yveltal cycles in and out with recovery. It is one of the most flexible restricted slots available in the format.

Use this page to understand Yveltal'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 Yveltal, 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.

Yveltal performs best when its role is clearly defined in team preview. As a Physical Attacker and Special Attacker 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 Yveltal 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.