How To Use Baxcalibur

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Pseudo-legendary

Pokemon has been consistently churning out powerful, meta-game-defining dragon-type monsters since 98. The tradition continues in Pokemon S/V with the Ice/Dragon beast, Baxcalibur.

It looks like the first iteration of Godzilla all the way down to the unique spike on its back. And similar to Gen 8's pseudo-legendary, Dragapult, Baxcalibur has its own signature move, Glaive Rush.

The move has 120 base power and 100% accuracy. This mirrors the move Outrage, which it shares the same type, but does not have the drawback of confusing the user.

The move is not perfect, however. It only has a base PP of 5 and when used your opponent's next attack cannot miss. In addition, any attack that they launch will inflict double the damage.

This could spell disaster for Baxcalibur if it doesn't manage to knock the opponent out in a single shot. Although its defenses are very bulky for a sweeper, the right attack will knock it out cold...pun intended.

What is the best Baxcalibur move set?

Given Baxcalibur's monstrous 145 attack base stat and decent speed stat of 87, it would seem only natural to run it as fast physical attacker. Here is a simple but effective ev spread for Baxcalibur along with some great move sets.

EV Spread: 252 Attack / 252 Speed / 4 HP - The best nature for Baxcalibur for this set is Adamant which increases its attack and decreases its special attack.

Tera Type: Steel. The best ability for Baxcalibur is Thermal Exchange as it prevents burns and boosts its attack if it is hit by one. The best item for Baxcalibur when using this set is a Choice Band.

This set requires no set up and gives Baxcalibur a 50% attack boost via its held item, Choice Band. Granted, you do lose the ability to switch moves without first switching out but the uptick in power is well worth the sacrifice.

Baxcalibur's Tera type is Steel on this set to prevent it from being destroyed by common counters like Tinkaton and other Fairy-type monsters.

Here is another option if you prefer the Dragon Dancing variant of this ice Kaiju. Running a Jolly nature (+ Speed / - Special Attack) with a 252 Attack / 252 Speed / 4 Defense EV spread works best with this set.

This set requires you to equip Baxcalibur with Loaded Dice. Loaded Dice will guarantee at least 4 hits with Icicle Spear, bringing its minimum base power up to 100.

With this strategy, you get a more powerful and accurate ice STAB move. The drawback of course is that it will cost you the ability to run Life Orb (+30% attack power / -10% HP each attack), Choice Band, or any other power-boosting item.

If you don't like either of these sets, you may have some fun with this one that capitalizes on Baxcalibur's bulk.

EV Spread: 252 Attack / 252 HP / 4 Speed - for this set is Jolly. For item choice, Leftovers, Icy Rock, or Rocky Helmet work well.

With your defenses bolstered by Snowscape, you will have less to fear in the turn following a Glaive Rush. In addition, the extra padding provided by the snow will make it much easier to fire off a couple of Dragon Dances.

The main hindrance of this set is that there is not much coverage afforded to it. You need to run Snowscape, Dragon Dance, and Glaive Rush, so you are just left with one move slot.

Overall, this move set is the most fun to use and will probably catch your opponent's off guard. Surprise is always a key factor to victory in games like Pokemon where players are often reliant on prediction.

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