The Indigo Disk Expansion: Monotype Edition
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Art by Kiwi.
Introduction
The Indigo Disk expansion opened up teambuilding for multiple types, giving Steel and Flying teams another option for a Steel-type bird in Skarmory, as well as the return of Sand Rush and Swift Swim Pokémon opening up the possibility of sand-based Ground teams and solving the Dragon matchup for Water teams. It also introduced several new Pokémon like Gouging Fire and Iron Boulder and marked the return of key Pokémon, including Swampert, Porygon2, Keldeo, and Kyurem, which quickly became staples for their respective types.
Because of these new additions, Dragon went from being good to dominating the metagame overnight. Similarly, types like Psychic, Normal, Steel, Water, and Fire rose in usage due to their improved rosters, whereas types like Ghost and Bug plummeted in usage due to the lack of new toys or difficulty in dealing with new threats like Gouging Fire. Unfortunately, the Indigo Disk expansion failed to provide some types, like Grass and Electric, with a buff substantial enough to make them fare better in the metagame, leaving them on the edge of viability.
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The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero provides Normal teams with colorful coverage and a busted ability in Tera Shell, which lets it weather any threat provided it is at full HP. This ability had extremely good synergy with Shed Tail, as it meant the Substitute passed by Cyclizar required more than one hit to fade, which could be game ending, as it allowed the turtle to set up and fire off devastating Tera Starstorms with ease. This, alongside Gouging Fire, became the cause of Monotype's decision to quickban Shed Tail. Nowadays, Terapagos can still utilize setup with Calm Mind or Meteor Beam, but getting it to sweep is much harder due to its mediocre Speed, vulnerability to status, lack of recovery, and reliance on coverage. With Rapid Spin, Terapagos doubles as an entry hazard remover. A Choice Specs set is usable on Terapagos too, allowing it to break down walls alongside Ursaluna-B. This is due to Tera Starstorm's sheer power and ability to catch switch-ins like non-Air Balloon Heatran and Corviknight with Earth Power and Thunderbolt.
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Pecharunt @ Black SludgePecharunt deviously sets the stage for teammates to capitalize on with a mix of Toxic poison damage, confusion, and safe switches. Pecharunt's thick shell isn't merely aesthetic, making it one tough nut to crack with physical attacks. For instance, Gliscor's uninvested Earthquake is unable to 2HKO Pecharunt, and Alolan Muk's Knock Off inflicts negligible damage after Pecharunt loses its item. This lets Pecharunt come into these annoyances and threaten them with Hex in the case of Gliscor or use Mean Look to lock down Alolan Muk and Clodsire, using them as setup fodder or outright removing these threats with Curse. Imprison has its uses to shut down Shadow Ball and Recover, which can be invaluable for Ghost teams, but it is extremely unreliable when compared to the aforementioned setup options. Alternatively, Pecharunt can act as a decent pivot with Parting Shot. It also checks Belly Drum Azumarill due to its Speed and takes on strong attackers like the Ogerpon formes with Malignant Chain. Pecharunt also deters setup sweepers like Gouging Fire and Chien-Pao due to Malignant Chain's ability to inflict Toxic poison, which is made even more effective by Pecharunt's ability to confuse whatever it poisons. Kasib Berry is also an option if using Foul Play, as this lets Pecharunt check Ceruledge more cleanly. 28 Speed EVs lets Pecharunt outspeed and check Jolly Azumarill or pivot out of Jolly Kingambit.
Skarmory @ Leftovers / Rocky Helmet- Ability: Sturdy
- EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
- Impish Nature
- - Body Press
- - Spikes / Stealth Rock
- - Roost
- - Whirlwind / Iron Defense
Have you ever wondered what's better than one Steel-type bird? The answer: two Steel-type birds. With Skarmory back in the tier, both Flying and Steel teams find a valuable addition to their defensive cores. On Flying, Skarmory acts as a superior physically defensive answer compared to Corviknight against the top Ice-type threats in the tier: Baxcalibur and Chien-Pao. Body Press is the attacking move of choice, hitting top Pokémon such as Kingambit, Chien-Pao, and Baxcalibur. Leftovers helps with longevity, as well as achieving important benchmarks such as helping avoid a 2HKO from Choice Band Chien Pao's Icicle Crash. Rocky Helmet punishes physical attackers that Skarmory is sent in to answer, though the passive recovery from Leftovers would likely be more appreciated on Flying. On Flying, the entry hazard move of choice generally comes down to what the team needs and whether Gliscor itself wants to run hazards. Whirlwind lets you avoid getting swept by Pokémon Skarmory otherwise cannot handle, such as Calm Mind Keldeo, whereas Iron Defense lets it act as a wincon late-game. Generally speaking, Steel Skarmory has Spikes as the hazard of choice, forming a reliable hazard stack core alongside a Stealth Rock user such as Empoleon or Heatran, and with Gholdengo present, many teams are left unable to remove them.
Latias @ Choice Scarf- Ability: Levitate
- EVs: 252 SpA / 4 Def / 252 Spe
- IVs: 0 Atk
- Timid Nature
- - Psychic / Mist Ball
- - Draco Meteor
- - Healing Wish
- - Trick / Aura Sphere
The Eon duo are back in the tier, with buffs to their signature moves giving viability once more to Mist Ball and Luster Purge. While Latias may not have the same damage output as Latios, it still holds strong as a solid Choice Scarf option due to Healing Wish. Latias certainly doesn't see as much use on Psychic like her brother; however, on Dragon, the support that Healing Wish offers cannot be overstated. Bringing back top-tier threats such as Baxcalibur and Gouging Fire allows you to use your wincons more aggressively early- or mid-game. Draco Meteor is a necessity, particularly in this Dragon-oriented metagame. While Mist Ball may have been buffed, the limited PP in comparison to Psychic makes Psychic a better option. Psyshock is also an option for Volcarona, but being "walled" by Iron Defense Zamazenta is unappealing. The last option is a matter of preference as well, and truthfully there are far more options than listed. Trick annoys common defensive switch-ins into Latias such as Ting-Lu, Empoleon, and Alolan Muk, increasing setup opportunities for Latias's teammates. Aura Sphere most notably hits Chien-Pao and Kingambit, but with Latias's expansive movepool, options such as Ice Beam, Thunderbolt, Grass Knot, and Alluring Voice among others could be considered if you wish to find more coverage for your team.
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Raging Bolt @ Leftovers / Magnet / Heavy-Duty Boots - Ability: Protosynthesis
- EVs: 88 HP / 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 164 Spe
- Modest Nature
- IVs: 0 Atk
- - Dragon Pulse / Draco Meteor
- - Calm Mind
- - Thunderbolt
- - Thunderclap
Raging Bolt is an incredible—and often overlooked—behemoth. While its team synergy isn't the best defensively for Dragon, with the added Ground weakness being the last thing many Dragon teams are looking for, it still finds viability both as an option on Dragon as well as a necessity on Electric. The EV spread is intended to maximize damage, with the Speed investment allowing Raging Bolt to outpace uninvested Gliscor and the rest dumped in HP for added bulk. Calm Mind is Raging Bolt's most threatening set, allowing the thunder cat to boost its already impressive Special Attack and working great in conjunction with its new signature move, Thunderclap, to KO many faster threats in this hyper offensive metagame like Iron Valiant and Enamorus. Calm Mind + 3 attacks works solid enough on its own, with Raging Bolt's solid STAB coverage allowing it to rely solely on Thunderbolt, Dragon Pulse, and Thunderclap, ultimately becoming a successful Calm Mind sweeper and threat. Draco Meteor is an option instead of Dragon Pulse for dealing higher immediate damage, allowing Raging Bolt to have a chance to OHKO Gliscor and heavily damage Swampert at +1. Leftovers helps further Raging Bolt's longevity. Since Raging Bolt largely relies on its Electric-type STAB moves, Magnet is also a fine choice, guaranteeing many KOs at +1, such as Chien-Pao with Thunderclap, as well as uninvested Kingambit and Ogerpon-W with Thunderbolt. Due to Electric's unreliable entry hazard removal and Dragon's complete lack thereof, Heavy-Duty Boots is an option as well, keeping Raging Bolt healthy against hazard stack teams. Alternatively, an EV spread of 252 HP / 92 Def / 108 SpA / 56 Spe leaves Raging Bolt a bit slower, only outspeeding Adamant Azumarill and Kingambit while pouring the rest of its investment in defenses to not get 2HKOed by Gliscor and Quagsire.
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Keldeo makes its grand return to Monotype with the introduction of the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, providing a massive buff to both Fighting and Water teams. Substitute + Calm Mind is an old staple that helps annihilate Ice and Dark teams. Keldeo plays a highly significant part for Water, as Water teams may struggle against Ice and Dark due to the presence of Kyurem and Meowscarada. This staple set also helps Fighting teams combat Ground teams much more effortlessly. While threats like defensive Great Tusk and Landorus-T could stop the incoming cascade of Surging Strikes from Urshifu-R, they prove ineffective against Keldeo's Surf. Keldeo can also use Substitute on Gliscor's Toxic, causing issues for Flying teams by setting up. Either Surf or Hydro Pump can be used, depending on whether a player wants more accuracy or more power. Choice Specs, on the other hand, is another valuable set to consider, allowing Keldeo to come onto the field and deal massive damage in one fell swoop. Keldeo's new access to Vacuum Wave renders Dark-type threats like Kingambit and Chien Pao as well as Ursaluna-B is completely helpless. Thanks to Choice Specs Keldeo, Fighting now has another valuable special attacker, allowing Iron Valiant to run Choice Scarf or mixed attacker sets. This provides Fighting teams with a much-needed priority move user other than relying on Fake Out from Sneasler or Iron Hands and Shadow Sneak from Iron Valiant. Hydro Pump makes progress against bulky foes like Iron Hands and Gouging Fire. On the other hand, Flip Turn can be used over Hydro Pump for players who prefer momentum over power. Icy Wind is also another alternative, allowing Keldeo to OHKO foes like Dragonite and Scale Shot Garchomp. Choice Specs Keldeo is also an unstoppable force on rain teams, forcing Ground to run Water Absorb Clodsire. However, Steel lacks a decent switch-in to Choice Specs Keldeo, with the threat of Secret Sword constantly looming over Water-resistant Pokémon like Empoleon and Hisuian Goodra.
- Archaludon @ Leftovers
- Ability: Stamina
- Tera Type: Steel
- EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
- Bold Nature
- IVs: 0 Atk
- - Thunder Wave / Draco Meteor
- - Stealth Rock
- - Flash Cannon
- - Body Press
The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero brought a lot of new treasures for Dragon, with one of them being an evolution to Duraludon. Archaludon has proven itself to be a vital addition to the metagame, with the ability Stamina and part Steel typing giving it a resistance to a large assortment of attacks. Its access to Stealth Rock allows it to be a viable entry hazard setter for Dragon teams, and its high Defense stat benefits its use of Body Press against Dark-type threats like Meowscarada, Chien-Pao, and Kingambit. It can effortlessly switch into Ice-type attacks from foes like Baxcalibur and Chien Pao while boosting its Defense at the same time, and it can force progress by using Body Press or Flash Cannon. Stamina renders Triple Axel Meowscarada, Tail Slap Cinccino, Population Bomb Maushold, and Icicle Spear Cloyster completely useless. As a result, it absolutely tears through Dark, Normal, and Ice teams, which used to be a problem for Dragon before the release of this DLC. Thunder Wave is a fantastic utility move, as it helps Hex Dragapult and provides openings for Baxcalibur to sweep. However, Draco Meteor is a more offense-oriented option so as to not be walled by opposing Gouging Fire, Walking Wake, and Raging Bolt. While Archaludon is more common on Dragon teams, it can also be used on Steel teams as a hazard setter and a switch-in to Ogerpon-H and Gouging Fire, which are huge problems for Steel. Access to Body Press makes it useful in the Steel mirror, and Draco Meteor helps secure OHKOs in the Dragon matchup, thus providing a great amount of utility to Steel teams as well.
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Like mentioned previously, the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero provided a huge buff for Dragon. The introduction of Gouging Fire has proven to be the most influential buff of them all, as it's an unstoppable force on both Dragon and Fire teams. Its multifarious movepool allows it to use both offensive and defensive tools, some previously known and some new ones like Raging Fury and Burning Bulwark. Due to its balanced stats, it is used both as a bulky sweeper on balance teams and as a purely offensive threat on hyper offense, allowing the use of all kinds of tools that are in Gouging Fire's wide arsenal. Specially defensive Gouging Fire acts as a great switch-in to special attacks, including Flutter Mane and Iron Valiant's Moonblast, which can be a huge problem for Dragon. Dragon Dance allows it to set up on special attackers like the aforementioned Iron Valiant, Volcarona, and Gholdengo, while access to Morning Sun guarantees recovery and provides longevity. Access to Earthquake along with a Fire-type STAB move completely demolishes Fire and Steel teams. Heat Crash can be used over Flare Blitz for players who wish to avoid recoil damage; however, Flare Blitz is preferred on this set, as the recoil can be easily recovered with Morning Sun. The combination of 30 Attack IVs and an EV spread of 252 HP / 160 SpD / 96 Spe allows Protosynthesis to boost Gouging Fire's Speed in sun instead of its Attack. Hyper offense prefers that Gouging Fire rely solely on its offensive tools, exchanging Morning Sun for a Dragon-type STAB move, which helps in the Dragon mirror. Loaded Dice + Scale Shot can be used to further boost Gouging Fire's Speed; however, players can opt to use Dragon Claw to avoid the Defense drop and to guarantee accuracy, or they can opt to use Outrage if more damage output is desired and they don't mind being temporarily locked into one move. The offensive set prevents Gouging Fire from being walled by Air Balloon Heatran as well, thus proving to be a complete menace for Steel. Gouging Fire has proven to be a centralizing part of Monotype's current metagame, as it is a sizeable asset to Fire teams and, more importantly, Dragon teams, as Dragon can now beat opposing Ice, Steel, and Dragon teams, which it previously had trouble with.
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Excadrill @ Choice Band
The Steel-type mole makes its return in this DLC, and Hippowdon has finally found its long-lost partner to fully utilize the sand it sets. Excadrill is a valuable addition, significantly boosting the usage of Ground teams, especially sand variants. On Ground, Excadrill can effectively use sand with its ability Sand Rush allowing it to outspeed most Choice Scarf users, with the exception of Dragapult and Flutter Mane. The Choice Band set with X-Scissor is designed to KO threats like Ogerpon-W and Meowscarada, which can cause trouble for Ground-types. Alternatively, running Swords Dance with Rock Blast and Rapid Spin provides versatility for Excadrill to be used outside of sand as a setup sweeper. The Choice Scarf variant is commonly used on sandless Ground and Steel teams as speed control. Standard EVs with a Jolly nature help Excadrill outspeed Choice Scarf Meowscarada in sand. However, a significant drawback is its Speed compared to its typing counterpart, Iron Treads, which excels as a Choice Scarf user for Steel teams. This makes Excadrill more effective at taking advantage of sand on Ground teams.
- Swampert @ Leftovers
- Ability: Torrent
- Tera Type: Water
- EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SpD
- Careful Nature
- - Flip Turn
- - Earthquake
- - Stealth Rock
- - Roar / Knock Off
Swampert makes a triumphant return in this DLC, asserting its dominance as an excellent Electric-immune and specially defensive companion on a Water team. Swampert received significant buffs with the addition of powerful moves like Knock Off, enhancing its offensive capabilities. However, what truly sets Swampert apart is its typing, which proves advantageous in dealing with threats like Raging Bolt, Water Absorb Clodsire, Iron Hands, and more. Flip Turn allows Swampert to switch freely while dealing damage to enemies such as Meowscarada and Ogerpon-H. Roar proves useful for forcing out setup users and chipping away at non-Heavy-Duty Boots users. Meanwhile, Knock Off becomes a valuable tool for removing crucial items like Leftovers, Heavy-Duty Boots, and Black Sludge from Pokémon such as Corviknight, Zapdos, and Toxapex. To counter Swampert's vulnerability against Grass-type Pokémon, it finds support from teammates like Toxapex and Empoleon. The EV spread with a Careful nature ensures that Swampert functions as a reliable specially defensive wall, effectively handling the aforementioned threats. Swampert's wide moveset and typing make it a valuable asset to Water teams in this DLC.
Porygon2 @ Eviolite- Ability: Download
- Tera Type: Normal
- EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
- Bold Nature
- IVs: 0 Atk
- - Discharge
- - Ice Beam
- - Substitute / Foul Play
- - Recover
The mechanical duck graces us with its presence this DLC, proving to be a boon for Normal teams with its exceptional ability and wide movepool. Porygon2, alongside Blissey, forms an impenetrable defensive core, effectively handling a wide range of types prevalent in the current metagame. Its susceptibility to Fighting is nullified by Hisuian Zoroark thanks to the latter's secondary Ghost typing. The BoltBeam combo, featuring Discharge and Ice Beam, proves instrumental in dealing with Water, Flying, and Dragon teams, countering Pokémon like Barraskewda, Gliscor, Dragonite, and Dragapult. Utilizing Substitute allows Porygon2 to evade status move users such as Toxapex, Amoonguss, and Clodsire, while Foul Play serves as a punishing move against physical setup sweepers like Baxcalibur, Gouging Fire, and Ogerpon-H. Download is strategically employed to maximize damage output based on the defenses of the opposing Pokémon. With a standard EV spread, a Bold nature, and Eviolite, Porygon2 assumes the role of a formidable physical wall, effectively handling numerous physical attackers in battle.
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Deoxys-Speed @ Expert BeltSpeeding through the metagame like a cosmic blur, Deoxys-S's assortment of coverage options and a blazing Speed tier give it a role on Psychic teams as both a wallbreaker and a premier late-game cleaner. Deoxys-S's combination of Ice Beam and Thunderbolt allows it to pick apart Flying teams, as the former is great in the Ground matchup and the latter in the Water matchup, further accentuated by Psychic-type coverage and Energy Ball. Deoxys-D boasts impenetrable defenses and endless utility options, letting it function as a niche stallbreaker and physically defensive wall. Cosmic Power in conjunction with Taunt enables Deoxys-D against setup-oriented types such as Dragon, Fairy, and opposing Psychic teams, preventing recovery and dealing damage over time via Night Shade and Rocky Helmet. Both Deoxys formes provide their own unique contributions to Psychic teams and play a huge factor in the type's quick rise in viability following The Indigo Disk's release.
- Iron Boulder @ Choice Scarf
- Ability: Quark Drive
- EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
- Jolly Nature
- - Mighty Cleave
- - Zen Headbutt
- - Close Combat
- - Earthquake / Wild Charge
Possessing an impeccable Speed tier and a mighty Attack stat, Iron Boulder cleaves through difficult matchups like Dark and Steel with the help of coverage moves such as Close Combat and Earthquake. Iron Boulder is an incredible revenge killer, notably outpacing opposing Choice Scarf users like Meowscarada, Sneasler, Greninja, and Roaring Moon. Iron Boulder also outspeeds Agility Galarian Moltres, Trailblaze Ogerpon-H, and Adamant Gouging Fire after it uses Dragon Dance twice. Rock teams heavily appreciate the removal of Fighting-types, while Psychic teams values Iron Boulder's great matchup against Ghost teams, removing most Pokémon except Choice Scarf Flutter Mane and Dragapult at +1. Overall, Iron Boulder is a great choice and is a really strong addition to Rock and a nice option for Psychic teams.
Kyurem @ Choice Specs- Ability: Pressure
- EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
- Timid Nature
- IVs: 0 Atk
- - Draco Meteor
- - Ice Beam
- - Freeze-Dry
- - Focus Blast / Earth Power
Kyurem is a terrifying wallbreaker with a nearly unresisted STAB combination and a deadly Special Attack stat, tearing apart types like Water, Flying, and Ground. While facing competition from Baxcalibur on Dragon and Ice teams, it still serves as a great wallbreaker due to its ability to brute force past walls like Skarmory and Archaludon for Dragon teams, as well as Toxapex and Skeledirge for Ice teams. Coverage moves such as Focus Blast and Earth Power allow it to take out the aforementioned Archaludon as well as other Steel-types like Empoleon, Heatran, and Kingambit. Kyurem's raw power has proven to be a fierce factor generation after generation, and that still hasn't changed.
Final Thoughts
The Indigo Disk completes most Monotype cores and opened up several new archetypes, breathing new life into SV Monotype. Now more than ever is a great time to explore the tier, so check out the SV Monotype forum and Monotype room to join the fun.
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