The “Nifty Or Thrifty” article sequence takes a complete have a look at the meta for PvP Cup codecs: Little Jungle Cup, on this case. As is typical for the NoT sequence, I'll cowl not solely the highest meta picks, but additionally some mons the place it can save you some mud with cheaper second transfer unlock prices or much less powering up. As a result of for these on a stardust price range—and/or people attempting to avoid wasting up some mud for the long run—it may be daunting attempting to determine the place to spend or not spend it. All of us need to subject aggressive groups, however the place can we get the most effective bang for our buck?
It may be arduous to psyche your self as much as actually make investments a lot in a format like this… I imply, Little League codecs are clearly right here to remain, however they've been diverse sufficient that any investments right here could have a looooong hole earlier than you should use them once more. In order I often do, I'll begin with these with the most cost effective second transfer unlock price and work our method up, and attempt to put even a little bit extra emphasis than regular on the “thriftiest” stuff. Gonna to attempt to be complete with this, however can't go into element on all the things I need to. To that finish, I'll solely be highlighting Shadow variations after they're notably related… many are worse, and that's what you may infer if I don't discuss them.
So let's see what I can squeeze in… right here we go!
(Up to date for Little Jungle Cup through the Season of Hidden Gems, August 2023. New related ‘mons [and moves] have been added and marked as NEW all through, so be looking out for these as you scroll!)
10,000 Mud/25 Sweet
COTTONEE
Cottonee
GrassFairy
Attraction | Seed Bomb & Grass Knot
Right here's one which HAS managed to be a gradual presence in Little League, to the purpose that many gamers have already got one constructed and able to go. And that's good, as a result of Cottonee has an insane 78% win rate versus all the things within the format. It's a bit much less scary while you stack it up in opposition to the core meta — the stuff you're almost definitely to truly face — however that's largely as a result of the core meta is shaped partially round what can take down Cottonee as a result of it's so good. Word how, apart from Onix and Lickitung, all the things within the loss column within the core meta offers tremendous efficient (Poison, Ice, Hearth, and/or Metal) or regular impartial Bug injury to Cottonee. That's actually the one strategy to beat it. Attraction, mixed with Cotton's tankiness and simply sufficient protect stress from Seed Bomb particularly implies that it wins mainly all neutral-on-neutral matchups, even in opposition to issues that resist Attraction like Victreebel, Haunter, Magnezone and extra.
Whimsicott
GrassFairy
When you have a REALLY tiny Cotton, you may as an alternative construct a small WHIMSICOTT which is definitely fairly related in efficiency, however has greater Assault and fewer bulk. That implies that, not like Cottonee, it may outrace Abomasnow and Swinub, however loses to Wigglytuff and Galarian Stunfisk that Cotton tends to beat. I feel I nonetheless lean in the direction of Cottonee, personally.
WIGGLYTUFF (NEW MOVE!)
Wigglytuff
RegularFairy
Attraction | Ice Beam & Disarming Voice
The opposite true Charmer on this meta, Wigglytuff has the potential for similar success as in comparison with Cottonee… if you'll find one sufficiently small, after all. (We're speaking below Stage 10, often.) It's not as cumbersome as Cotton (although barely bulkier than Whimsie), and lacks Cottonee's Floor resistance, so Wiggly loses to G-Fisk and Chansey (Cotton beats each), and loses the face to face with Cottonee too. Nonetheless, not having Cottonee's Grass subtyping means Wiggly doesn't have to fret about Flying, Bug, or Ice injury almost as a lot, and it beats stuff that Cottonee can't like Ducklett, Abomasnow, Swinub, and Shelmet in consequence, in addition to Onix by simply outdamaging it. I'm not going to take a seat right here and say that Wiggly is best… beating G-Fisk is a sufficiently big motive to strongly contemplate Cottonee as an alternative. However Wiggly isn't any slouch, and a high quality various for those who don't need the complications that include having Cotton's Grass typing… or need to run an evil multi-Charmer workforce. shudder New transfer Disarming Voice doesn't present drastic enchancment within the sims, however lastly provides it a cost transfer below 55 vitality (truly solely 45 vitality), which solely helps!
ALTARIA
Altaria
Dragon
Dragon Breath | Sky Assault & Dragon Pulse/Moonblastᴸ
It might be arduous sufficient to get one among these forward of time already, seeing as the way it prices 400 sweet to evolve and chances are you'll not actually have a Swablu sufficiently small for the ensuing developed Altaria to slide in beneath 500 CP anyway. However one other unlucky wrinkle: IVs matter fairly a bit right here too. A median Altaria (with excessive Protection and HP IVs however common Assault) looks notably less effective than an Altaria with good PvP IVs. The variations, by the best way, are Deino and Shadow Stunky, and actually good IV Altaria may also overcome Vigoroth, so perhaps these aren't such an enormous deal for you. However the higher IVs you'll find forward of time (low Assault, excessive D/HP), the higher. Possibly strive some buying and selling, as a result of Altaria has an overall win percentage JUST beneath Cottonee. Regardless of being critically weak to Charmers like Cotton, Altaria could be very legit on this meta. (Sadly not so for Swablu, nonetheless.)
PYROAR
Pyroar
HearthRegular
Hearth Fang | Flame Cost & Overheat
There are valuable few methods to cope with Cottonee AND G-Fisk, however Hearth is one among them, and Pyroar is the best Fire in this format (or no less than was till the rise of Charizard!), simply clearing Cotton and G-Fisk (although it does want a protect for the latter), in addition to burning by way of each single Metal and Ice kind, all Bugs however Crustle and Dwebble, and all Grasses besides Lotad/Lombre/Ludicolo and Alolan Exeggutor, none of which ought to be notably prevalent on this meta. And as a bonus, it may burn down Golbat and even the mighty Chansey too. Nonetheless, Pyroar is admittedly fairly area of interest… although it's a critically necessary area of interest.
Litleo
HearthRegular
You'll have hassle (as I'm!) discovering a LITLEO sufficiently small to evolve to a sub-500 CP Pyroar, however sure, you may use Litleo itself in the same function.
CHARIZARD (UPDATED MOVE!)
Charizard
Hearth
Wing Attackᴸ | Dragon Claw & Blast Burnᴸ/Overheat
You want a tiny one — I'm speaking like Stage 6 or so — however man, is it value it now with Wing Attack. Final time in LJC, Charizard was simply mediocre, caught on the time with Fire Spin, which left it truly dropping to issues like Togekiss, Wigglytuff, and typically even Cottonee. Wing Assault brings all of these into the win column, together with Altaria, Golbat, Nidoqueen, Lickitung, Obstagoon, Scrafty, Vigoroth, Litleo, and even Pelipper, Wooper, and Swampert! The Wing Assault/Dragon Claw spam alone is unreal, however Wing Assault permits Charizard to succeed in Blast Burn MUCH extra reliably than final time by way of LJC, or Overheat which works almost as properly (simply lacking out on issues like Steelix and Chansey) for those who (fairly understandably) don't have such a tiny Zard with its unique transfer and don't need to burn an Elite TM on one. Do take into account that Shadow just isn't potential resulting from being too excessive degree to suit below 500 CP.
Talonflame
Hearth
Different Flying Birds like TALONFLAME and even FLETCHINDER work too, however the latter often loses to G-Fisk, so preserve that firmly in thoughts. Not too surprisingly, for the document, Talonflame is the best of all with shields down, however NONE of them can overcome G-Fisk with out having a protect to throw up in opposition to Rock Slide.
BARBOACH
Barboach
WaterFloor
Mud Shot | Aqua Tail & Ice Beam
A Mud Boy makes whole sense as a G-Fisk slayer, after all, however as one thing that may beat Cottonee too? Sure and no. With Ice Beam, Barboach has a good way to threaten Cottonee and different Grasses, however with lower Attack IVs, usually the popular unfold in PvP, it fails to get the job carried out. What you need as an alternative is a Barboach with relatively high Attack, which wins CMP versus most Obstagoons and flips that to a win, offers sufficient injury to Swinub with Aqua Tail to complete it off earlier than it may attain a KO cost transfer of its personal, and sure, simply manages now to outrace Cottonee too. This all along with already decimating G-Fisk and beating all kinds of Poisons, Fires, Grounds, Dragons, and Flyers. When you have a Barboach with good Assault, run it by way of a few of these sims and see if it may obtain these excessive marks, as a result of if it may, it's very, very strong within the Little Jungle and possibly the most effective Mud Boy right here.
Swampert
WaterFloor
PvPoke additionally likes to suggest SWAMPERT, and whereas it's fairly straightforward to see why, as with Charizard you must have a REALLY low degree one, and in contrast to Charizard it merely HAS to have its unique transfer — Hydro Cannon — to work properly. With Surf instead it now not has ample punch to beat Golbat, Scrafty, or Chansey. Viable nonetheless, however at that time you're in all probability higher off with Boach or Wooper or the like. I don't suggest constructing a Swampert only for this format… however do be ready to face a couple of and plan accordingly. Do notice that the reply to the query of “can Sludge Wave beat Cottonee?” is a very clear no except it simply doesn't protect for some motive. Too sluggish and too frail. MAYBE a small WHISCASH as an alternative, because it no less than has Blizzard than probably CAN beat Cottonee.
DIGGERSBY
Diggersby
FloorRegular
Mud Shot | Hearth Punch & Earthquake
May be simpler to construct from scratch for those who've been stockpiling Bunnelby sweet, as Diggs clocks in round Stage 12 or 13 at Little League dimension, twice the extent of stuff like Swampert. And whereas Diggs can also be sadly incapable of overcoming Cottonee, it will get darn close because of Hearth Punch, and does plenty of other good besides. It's not ranked impressively excessive, however I feel Diggs might be a BIG participant on this meta… and in contrast to Nice League, you don't must promote a serious appendage to construct it!
BEEDRILL
Beedrill
BugPoison
Poison Jab | X-Scissor & Drill Runᴸ
And the opposite facet of the coin, as Bee easily beats Cottonee and others, however has to have an vitality lead or one thing to have a shot at G-Fisk. Shadow Bee could also be higher (gaining Umbreon and typically Chansey) however nonetheless suffers from the identical downside: doubtless burning an Elite TM to construct, and actually solely dealing with half of the Cotton-Fisk core whereas merely threatening the opposite half. It's an issue that's much more excessive for issues like ARIADOS, SPINARAK, and different Toxic Bugs. They've a spot, however they're restricted.
BULBASAUR
Bulbasaur
GrassPoison
Vine Whip | Seed Bomb & Energy Whip/Sludge Bomb
Which is the place little Bulbasaur is available in. The primary thought is that absolutely you need to run Sludge Bomb to cope with Cottonee, proper? Really, Bulba can beat the Cotton Ball with just Grass moves, and it NEEDS Energy Whip to reliably get G-Fisk in time too. So Power Whip/Sludge Bomb then, proper? Effectively, NOW you miss out on Scrafty, Toxicroak, Vigoroth, and Obstagoon with out the relative pace of Seed Bomb. I feel Seed Bomb/Power Whip is the most effective compromise, buying and selling theoretical protection (and a wider margin of victory over Cottonee) for reliability and finest general utility. Hopefully you might have a Bulbasaur from Factor Cup that's only a TM away from being prepared right here.
Or one different possibility, whereas we're on the subject: Shadow Bulbasaur truly CAN principally get away with operating Seed Bomb/Sludge Bomb, as it may end off G-Fisk with out Energy Whip, reliably deal with Cottonee, and beat all the things non-Shadow, all-Grass Bulba can besides Umbreon. When you have a Shadow Bulba to make use of, that's the best way to go along with it.
There are different Grass starters that work right here too, after all, together with CHIKORITA, TURTWIG (finest as a Shadow), TORTERRA (no unique transfer required!), and others, however Bulbasaur actually stands out right here as the most effective, even moreso than Frenzy Plant VENUSAUR.
DUBWOOL (NEW!)
Dubwool
Regular
Double Kick | Physique Slam & Payback/Wild Cost
If you happen to deliberate forward and obtained a Dubwool sufficiently small for Little League, props. You're about to be rewarded. If, like me, you probably did not… properly, come have a chilly one with me. For you forward-thinkers, I like to recommend operating it not with Wild Charge, however with Payback. Whereas it's true that Wild Cost smacks Ducklett out of the sky, solely with the large impartial closing energy (and no self-nerfing) of Payback can Dubstep as an alternative take down issues like Galarian Stunfisk, Steelix, Wooper, and Onix.
PIKACHU (LIBRE)
Pikachu (Libre)
Electrical
Thunder Shock/Attraction | Flying Press & Thunder Punch
In maybe the last word case of have-or-have-not, we've the Legend tier reward for GBL for the final a number of seasons… and that's been the ONLY strategy to get Libre in any respect. Even additional, if in case you have one with too excessive IVs, it received't match below 500 CP, so that you want one with one thing like 10-12-11 IVs or decrease for it to even work. (seems sadly at my very own Libres, none below 500 CP 
) If you happen to meet all these standards, then sure, you might have a pretty nice little weapon in your fingers… a strong Electrical that may additionally tough up G-Fisk, Swinub, Aboma, and quite a few Normals (together with Chansey!) and Darks, all because of the overpowered Flying Press. However Libre can do greater than that… you may legit run it as a Charmer! In that configuration, it provides up G-Fisk, Swinub, a number of Flyers (Ducklett, Golbat, Skarmory), and Chansey to as an alternative beat Altaria, Deino, Umbreon, Swampert, and Shadow Stunky and REALLY dominate Obstagoon, Scrafty, and Toxicroak as an alternative of the tight races they had been earlier than.
There are different Pikachu varieties which might be enjoyable, however not fairly as helpful. ROCK STAR may also work as a classic Electric or Charmer and do good, however neither have any probability in opposition to G-Fisk and the one method it even takes benefit of Meteor Mash versus Cottonee is that if Cotton simply fails to shield. POP STAR actually solely works as a Charmer. FLYING simply doesn't actually work in any respect, failing to beat even a shieldless Cottonee. REGULAR PIKACHU truly works out fairly properly… IF it has Legacy, first-ever-Group-Day-move Surf, with which it may beat Swinub, Onix, Nidoqueen, and Toxicroak… although sadly not G-Fisk and not using a protect or severe vitality benefit. And all that's all WAY greater than I ever anticipated to kind about Pikachu in PvP! 
GOLBAT
Golbat
Poison
Wing Assault | Poison Fang & Shadow Ball
Once more, gotta be kinda small (below Stage 10, often), however no less than you don't want any fancy Legacy strikes or something. Golbat is definitely in all probability one the very best issues to exit and construct recent for this meta and do a lot for you, clearly shredding Fairies and Grasses and Bugs, but additionally capably dealing with Fighters, enemy Flyers (Altaria, Ducklett, and even Skarmory!), the nice evil generally known as Chansey, and even preventing Nidoqueen to a standstill. Shadow Bat is an fascinating sidegrade, flimsier and subsequently a bit shakier general, but it surely beats all the things regular Golbat can apart from Altaria, and really can beat Aboma to compensate. Both method you go, Golbat is a superb filler.
Zubat
Poison
Additionally completely viable is pre-evolution ZUBAT, supplied you might have a purified one with the closing energy of Return. It's a unique taste of Golbat, buying and selling in Wooper, Scrafty, Ducklett, and Skarmory that Golbat beats to as an alternative take out Umbreon, Mandibuzz, Pyroar, and probably Deino too. And being purified clearly means it's so much cheaper to energy up too, so yay!
NOCTOWL (NEW!)
Noctowl
Regular
Wing Assault | Sky Assault & Shadow Ball
Noctowl was kinda-sorta interesting before, however now that it comes packing Shadow Ball, I feel it's worthy of another look. Identical to in Nice League, Shadow Ball permits Noctowl to straight up beat Galarian Stunfisk (even without any baiting with Sky Assault!), which alone is sweet sufficient for me to present it a thumbs up. The truth that it may additionally beat Skarmory now (and once more, with simply straight Shadow Ball if you wish to) is only a candy, candy bonus. There's lastly causes to run it slightly than Hoothoot at this degree.
CRUSTLE
Crustle
BugRock
Fury Cutter | Rock Slide & X-Scissor
There are definitely instances for Smack Down (wins over Ducklett and Pyroar, for instance), however Fury Cutter is simply higher right here, resulting in wins over Scrafty, Deino, Obstagoon, Nidoqueen, Vigoroth, Swinub, and Shelmet. It's a really good efficiency, however sadly it can't overcome Cottonee (and naturally falls method brief versus G-Fisk too).
Dwebble
BugRock
If you would like Smack Down, chances are you'll as properly simply run DWEBBLE, who truly does all the things SD Crustle does besides it beats Deino as an alternative of Chansey.
WORMADAM (TRASH)
Wormadam (Trash)
BugMetal
Bug Chew/Confusion | Iron Head & Bug Buzz
Two alternative ways you may go right here: Bug Bite for Darks (beating Umbreon, Obstagoon, and Deino), or Confusion for large impartial injury and tremendous efficient wins over Poisons like Toxicroak, Skorupi, Nidoqueen, and Golbat. Both method, Trashy is a dependable counter to stuff like Shelmet, Abomasnow, Chansey, and sure, Cottonee. Which selection would match YOUR workforce higher?
SWALOT
Swalot
Poison
Infestation | Ice Beam & Acid Spray/Sludge Bomb
Not surprisingly, probably the greatest counters to Cottonee (and Wigglytuff, for that matter), however with the bonus of additionally beating a number of different Cotton counters like Nidoqueen, Golbat, Shelmet, and Pyroar, making it an honest bodyguard on your personal Charmer, must you run one. Huge bonuses like Obstagoon, Mandibuzz, Abomasnow, Swinub, and Altaria are simply icing on the cake.
50,000 Mud/50 Sweet
SWINUB
Swinub
IceFloor
Powder Snow | Icy Wind & Returnᴸ/Physique Slam
It doesn't do it simply, however Swinub CAN beat G-Fisk from a good begin (it will get so much simpler with top notch IVs, and handles Cottonee and a number of Flyers, Dragons, and/or Grounds, plus Umbreon, Chansey, and Shelmet as bonuses. Ice/Floor nonetheless isn't a terrific defensive typing, being weak to a LOT of issues, however on this meta it's not TOO large a evident gap. Nubbie has obtained some NICE strikes to work with right here, and I like to recommend Return for its closing energy the place potential (essential to get these Chansey and Shelmet wins, and gives the facility to beat Wooper and win the mirror match too). Shadow Nubbie is a little bit bit worse, principally resulting from not with the ability to use Return and having to accept Physique Slam as an alternative.
WOOPER
Wooper
WaterFloor
Mud Shot | Returnᴸ & Mud Bomb/Physique Slam
Equally, Wooper actually solely seems fascinating when you might have Return as a closing transfer, so right here we're speaking purified Wooper solely. Mud Bomb is critical to ensure G-Fisk, however general higher is Body Slam, which might as an alternative beat Golbat, Obstagoon, and even Mandibuzz. The hope for those who go along with that gutsy play is that G-Fisk will attempt to keep away from Wooper anyway, considering you MUST have Mud to fling. (And with high enough Attack you may nonetheless beat G-Fisk even with out Mud wthout giving up something, so there's that to think about too!)
QWILFISH
Qwilfish
WaterPoison
Poison Sting/Water Gun | Aqua Tail & Ice Beam
Poison and Water… should imply it may take down G-Fisk AND Cottonee, proper? Sure, simply not each on the similar time. Qwil is finest with Poison Sting, dealing with Cotton and Wiggly, Fighters, Flyers (thanks, Ice Beam!), Fires, and Grounds (Nidoqueen, Swinub)… simply not G-Fisk. To do THAT, you should run Water Gun, however you lose a boatload of different wins within the course of. When you have no different strategy to deal with G-Fisk, then certain, go for it. However I actually assume it's Sting Qwil or nothing, IMO.
SKRELP is finest off operating Water Gun AND a great Poison transfer (Sludge Bomb), and whereas it comfortably beats Cottonee and most of the similar issues Qwilfish does, even with Water Gun and Aqua Tail, it nonetheless fails to beat G-Fisk. Arrrrrgh. Identical with Tentacool and Tentacruel, that are even worse. That CottonFisk core is robust to interrupt with anybody Pokémon.
TOXICROAK
Toxicroak
PoisonCombating
Counter | Mud Bomb & Sludge Bomb
One among few true Fighters right here, so does Fighter things, beating up Darks, Steels, Normals, and Ices. However no, not even with Poison Jab as an alternative of Counter does it handle to beat Cottonee… although it must be cautious of a Toxicroak with vitality, after all, as Sludge Bomb is a transparent and current hazard.
Croagunk
PoisonCombating
CROAGUNK does beat Cottonee and current an fascinating various, however has the other downside: it may't overcome G-Fisk, or Pyroar or others that Toxicroak's Counter injury can.
SHADOW GLOOM/ODDISH
Gloom (Shadow)
GrassPoison
Oddish (Shadow)
GrassPoison
Razor Leaf | Sludge Bomb & Moonblast/Seed Bomb
So this is about as good as it gets for Razor Leafers in Little Jungle Cup. Quite a lot of good issues, like shredding G-Fisk and most each different Floor, plus Fighters and Chansey and Wigglytuff… however not Cottonee. You'd hope their Poison half would flip that round, however except they someway handle to drop a Sludge Bomb on Cotton, it's a no go. Drat.
LURANTIS
Lurantis
Grass
Fury Cutter | Leaf Blade & Superpower
Does a lot of the Grass things you'd need it to, however has particular standout wins over issues like Swinub, Abomasnow, Chansey, Galarian Stunfisk, and others thanks largely to Superpower. Fomantis does a lot of the identical with out Combating protection, buying and selling Umbreon for a win versus Scrafty as an alternative, and is equally viable for those who simply need to play with the newer toys.
ABOMASNOW
Abomasnow
GrassIce
Powder Snow | Climate Ball (Ice) & Power Ball
Related frustrations right here… you may get Cottonee with regular Aboma, however it may't end off G-Fisk quick sufficient. Shadowbama does outrace G-Fisk, however is now too frail to outlive Cottonee. Flyers and Grounds and Dragons fall both method, certain, but it surely's irritating that one of many large fishes at all times will get away.
LOMBRE
Lombre
WaterGrass
Bubble | Bubble Beam & Ice Beam
Aha! Below the appropriate circumstances, Lombre is the one member of the Lotad/Ludicolo household that CAN truly overcome G-Fisk AND Cottonee, although it wants fairly excessive Assault to KO Cotton with Ice Beam, AND must bait a protect fro, it with Bubble Beam first. We'll name it “spice”, eh? The others are higher off operating with Razor Leaf and have their place, simply not as potential anti-Cotton contributors.
DUCKLETT
Ducklett
Water
Water Gun/Wing Assault | Bubble Beam & Courageous Chook/Aerial Ace
Now I KNOW you keep in mind this man from the final Little League format we had. Most likely hoped to by no means see it once more. Sorry to disappoint, however you can expect to, as a result of with Water Gun it fairly simply overcomes G-Fisk, and with Courageous Chook it may ALSO take out Cottonee, so add it to the elite membership of issues that may knock out each. As with Lombre, it takes a Bubble Beam bait to get Cotton, however nonetheless. You'll be able to play issues so much safer with Aerial Ace as an alternative and never have to fret about BB's extreme nerf (and really acquire Obstagoon and Skorupi that method), however Cotton slips away. Or you may even run a extra Element Cup-esque set with Wing Assault and make Cotton simpler (and choose up Aboma and Altaria), however then you definitely lose G-Fisk and different Grounds. Choices, selections. At the least the choice of whether or not or not SOME model of Ducklett is value utilizing right here is a simple “sure”.
CHINCHOU
Chinchou
WaterElectrical
Spark/Bubble | Bubble Beam & Thunderbolt
One other carryover from Factor Cup, Chou definitely has a place here, it's simply in cleansing up the riff-raff… even with Bubble, it's not beating G-Fisk… not except you exchange Thunderbolt with the horrible Water Pulse. (Don't try this… it's not worth it.) Chinchou is sweet filler, particularly if you have already got one floating round.
DEDENNE
Dedenne
ElectricalFairy
Thunder Shock | Discharge & Play Tough
One of the more exciting new Pokemon last time, regardless of failing arduous versus G-Fisk and Cottonee, due to the way it does all of the stuff you'd need an Electrical to do (principally clearing out Flyers and Waters) AND slams the door on Darks, Fighters, and Dragons, multi function very useful (and cute!) little bundle.
SCRAFTY
Scrafty
DarkishCombating
Counter | Energy-Up Punch & Foul Play
Most likely wants no introduction anymore, because it has now entrenched itself — for higher or for worse — in Nice AND Extremely Leagues, so why not Little League too? Clearly this takes a wild-caught Scraggy to evolve and match, so not all people goes to have even the prospect to make one for this format, however for these that may, it's nearly as good as you'd anticipate at terrorizing G-Fisk, Darks, Ices, Normals, Rocks… you already know, all the traditional Combating stuff. Foul Play doesn't do as a lot as chances are you'll be used to right here, but it surely's no less than a great weapon to throw at Poisons and such.
BRELOOM
Breloom
GrassCombating
Counter | Seed Bomb & Sludge Bomb/Dynamic Punch
Conveniently resists G-Fisk's Floor AND Rock strikes… it's ranked as a Prime 5 G-Fisk counter on this meta, and the opposite 4 don't have a lot play in any other case, however Breloom does. It fends off Darks, Ices, Normals, and Rocks as you'd anticipate a Fighter to do, but additionally conveniently resists Water and Grass, which assist it beat stuff like Swampert and nearly all of Grasses too.
HERACROSS
Heracross
BugCombating
Counter | Rock Blast & Megahorn/Shut Fight
IF you might have one sufficiently small, sure, Heracross works here fine. Not like Loom, it beats Toxicroak, Wooper, and with Shut Fight, Shelmet, however not like Loom, loses to Swampert and Onix (because it doesn't resist Water or Rock).
ESCAVALIER
Escavalier
BugMetal
Counter | Drill Run & Aerial Ace
On paper, Escav ought to be a PERFECT match for this meta: Counter and Drill Run for G-Fisk, Aerial Ace and a resistance to Attraction for Cottonee. (Megahorn is a little bit too sluggish.) However sadly, even with prime notch IVs, it falls short against both, although it does sufficient good to nonetheless think about using and simply hope for an vitality lead ought to G-Fisk or Cotton present themselves later. It will get only one or two quick strikes away from beating each. 
Karrablast
Bug
Pre-evolution KARRABLAST truly does handle to KO G-Fisk with its personal Drill Run, however regardless of having Bug quick AND cost strikes, can't beat Cottonee.
SHELMET
Shelmet
Bug
Infestation | Physique Slam & Bug Buzz
Sure, Bug Buzz is a little bit sluggish, but it surely's THE method for Shelmet to take out Cottonee. Past that, Shelmet is a solid contributor that hates on Bugs, Grasses, and Grounds (sadly not named “Galarian Stunfisk”… Rock Slide dooms it). Needing to be within the mid-20s and with its second transfer costing 50,000 mud, it's costlier than the numerous 10k Bugs, but it surely DOES appear value it.
HAUNTER/GENGAR
Haunter
GhostPoison
Gengar
GhostPoison
Shadow Claw | Shadow Punchᴸ & Sludge Bomb
Not Shadow Ball? 
Keep on with me right here. Sludge Bomb is best on this meta, as a result of it pulls in wins in opposition to issues that resist Ghost injury: Umbreon, Mandibuzz, and Chansey. That every one stated, whereas the win total seems fairly good, particularly with high rank IVs (with new however shut wins over Golbat, Skorupi, and Ducklett), be cautious: quite a few these wins depart Haunter/Gengar with lower than 10 (typically lower than 5) HP, to allow them to swing relying on opponent IVs, lag, or different elements. However sure, I feel the OG Ghosts do sufficient to maintain up their function of useful generalists. (Gengar, by the best way, wins many of those matchups more efficiently, AKA with extra remaining HP, but it surely has hassle overcoming Umbreon like Haunter does.)
NIDOQUEEN
Nidoqueen
PoisonFloor
Poison Jab | Poison Jab & Earth Energy
Run-of-the-mill IVs are high quality, but when it's potential to get, a decent Attack Queen or high rank IV Queen can flip a tie in opposition to Golbat right into a win, with the excessive Assault model additionally profitable the mirror however dropping to Umbreon. Queen handles Charmers and Grasses and Fighters and plenty of different issues, however wants some luck or a protect benefit to tangle with G-Fisk and most different Grounds, Waters, Ices, and Flyers.
NIDORINA (NEW MOVE!)
Nidorina
Poison
Poison Sting | Poison Jab & Thunderbolt/Sludge Bomb
Operating off Poison Fang and now Poison Sting, Nidorina used to must depend on an all-Poison moveset with Sludge Bomb as its nearer. However now with Thunderbolt within the combine, it does quit Vigoroth and Deino (which Bomb might beat), however positive factors new wins versus Chansey and a slew of Flyers (Golbat, Skarmory, Noctowl, and Ducklett amongst them). Boltarina is a really intriguing possibility now on this meta!
Nidoran (F)
Poison
NIDORAN is capable of make the most of Return for her closing transfer and beating Nidoqueen, Golbat, Mandibuzz, Pyroar, Shelmet, Umbreon, and Swinub with it, lots of these being past even Nidoqueen's grasp. When you have a great Shadow one you can purify, now can be the time, however do notice that NOT all IV spreads will work for a purified, Stage 25 Nidoran… some will find yourself over 500 CP. Examine earlier than you purify!
75,000 Mud/75 Sweet
House is getting tight, and I actually am attempting to focus on how do play this format CHEAPLY (thrifty!) anyway, so apart from the primary couple entries right here, I'm gonna undergo these fast hearth.
GALARIAN STUNFISK
Stunfisk (Galarian)
FloorMetal
Mud Shot | Rock Slide & Flash Cannon/Earthquake
HAVE to go considerably in depth on this one, as a lot as I've talked about it. As a result of sure, it really IS that good. It's truly form of silly the variety of issues that can't overcome G-Fisk… you should carry a fairly devoted counter to take it out. Be taught the matchups, seek for “G-Fisk” on this article to pluck out the issues I've written about that may beat it (I've tried to level most of them out particularly!), and prepare. As a result of whether or not you might have one or not, most everybody that DOES have a sub-500 CP G-Fisky is definitely going to toss it on the market. Right here's the one tidbit I'll particularly provide you with: anybody that runs one will achieve this with Flash Cannon in the event that they're notably intelligent, because it beats all the things that Earthquake does in 1v1 shielding (and all the things however Chansey and Wooper in 0-shield)… plus Cottonee. 
STEELIX (NEW!)
Steelix
MetalFloor
Thunder Fang/Dragon Tail | Psychic Fangs & Heavy Slam/Crunch
You had me at Thunder Fang. I don't must let you know why that's such an enormous deal on this Ducklett-dominated meta, do I? Even with that, Steelix didn't do fairly sufficient last time for me to incorporate, however with the addition of Psychic Fangs, I feel it's ready for a breakout. Not solely does Thunder Fang shred Waters (all of them besides Mud Boys, Lotad, and Lanturn/Chinchou) and Flyers (once more, all besides Grounds and a pair Grassy Flyers) as you'd anticipate, but it surely's simply nearly as good as Dragon Tail at stuff you would NOT anticipate, like beating Altaria, Onix, Whimsicott, and plenty of extra. I like to recommend Fang myself, however Dragon Tail DOES make a powerful case by — as an alternative of beating Flyers like Pelipper, Skarmory, and naturally Ducklett — taking down stuff like Swinub, Deino, Nidoqueen, and Shelmet as an alternative. For the second cost transfer, I typically lean Heavy Slam right here for the hate it brings to Fairies and extensive impartial protection, however Crunch works okay too and may flip video games when that debuff goes off!
And the remainder….
Now the fast hearth to carry it dwelling:
Skorupi
PoisonBug
- SKORUPI is probably not on a whole lot of radars, however ought to be. In fact it does regular Poison issues, like beating Chamers and Grasses and Fighters, and Bug issues like chewing by way of Darks, however enjoyable truth: with simply ONE quick transfer's value of vitality lead, it has the potential to Aqua Tail G-Fisk to death too, together with several others like Pyroar, Onix, Shadow Stunky, Deino, and Nidoran
. I name that fairly nifty!
Onix
RockFloor
- ONIX has no inherant benefits versus Cottonee however wins anyway, together with doing Rock issues (smashing Flyers, Bugs, Poisons, Ices) and outlasting tanks like Umbreon, Chansey, and the aforementioned Cotton Ball. G-Fisk makes it unhappy, however Onix can tangle with a LOT on this meta thanks partially to its ridonkulous Protection.
Stunfisk
FloorElectrical
- G-Fisk is all the trend, however original STUNFISK continues to be good too, and often beats G-Fisk straight up.
Skarmory
Metal
- Virtually as a lot a “no duh” as G-Fisk, however simpler to get at Little League dimension, is SKARMORY. Sure, after all it's good. And sure, it beats up on Cottonee properly. If you would like, it can save you mud and run it with just one charge move and solely miss out on shut wins versus Mandibuzz and Ducklett. Simply sayin'.
Vigoroth
Regular
- Sure, VIGOROTH does Fighter issues with out simply curling up within the fetal place versus the Fairies, however that doesn't appear particular sufficient to me to be value the fee. Possibly you're feeling in a different way although!
Deino
DarkishDragon
- Authentic Little Cup standout DEINO is ok right here, simply nothing notably particular.
Drifloon
Ghost
- DRIFLOON actually is simply mini-Drifblim, and handles G-Fisk and others high quality whereas conserving even Cottonee in test, notably with high rank IVs….
Forretress (Shadow)
BugMetal
- It's fairly a splurge, however Shadow FORRETRESS with double Metal strikes does some actually good issues right here for those who're trying to make an enormous splash. The usual Earthquake is a bit too sluggish… run Heavy Slam as an alternative. You'll thank me later!
Gligar
Floor
- Effectively how about that: GLIGAR can truly beat the CottonFisk core, and a fairly a bit else too. It's one among my few robust suggestions amongst these pricier choices.
Chansey
Regular
- As soon as once more, repeat after me: DO NOT RUN CHANSEY.
However research these matchups and know the way to beat it, no less than, as a result of some gamers identical to to observe the world burn and could have it on the market.
I do know that was lengthy, however that's it… we're carried out! Till subsequent time, you may at all times discover me on Twitter or Patreon, or please be at liberty to remark right here with your individual ideas or questions and I'll attempt to get again to you!
Thanks for studying! I sincerely hope this helps you grasp Little Jungle Cup, and within the thriftiest method potential. Better of luck, and catch you subsequent time, Pokéfriends!
The put up Nifty Or Thrifty: Little Jungle Cup appeared first on Pokémon GO Hub.
