Meowscarada, the final evolution of Sprigatito, is a popular Grass/Dark type Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet. Known for its speed and high attack stat, many trainers wonder if it can learn Swords Dance to further boost its offensive capabilities. Unfortunately, Meowscarada cannot learn Swords Dance through leveling up, TMs, breeding, or any other traditional methods in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
Meowscarada’s Movepool Analysis: Why Swords Dance is Missing
While Meowscarada can’t utilize Swords Dance, it possesses a diverse movepool that caters to its offensive strengths. Let’s explore the ways Meowscarada can still achieve high damage output:
Level-Up Moves:
Meowscarada learns a variety of physical and special Grass and Dark type moves as it levels up. Key moves include:
- Flower Trick: This signature move boasts perfect accuracy and high base power, making it a reliable damage dealer.
- Leaf Storm: A powerful special Grass-type move, but comes with a Special Attack drop afterward.
- Night Slash: A physical Dark-type move with a high critical hit ratio, synergizing with Meowscarada’s high Attack stat.
- U-Turn: A Bug-type move allowing Meowscarada to pivot out of unfavorable matchups while dealing damage.
Meowscarada using Flower Trick
TM Moves:
Meowscarada has access to a wide range of TMs, further expanding its offensive options:
- Play Rough: A powerful Fairy-type move providing coverage against Dragon, Fighting, and Dark types.
- Knock Off: A Dark-type move that removes the opponent’s held item and deals significant damage.
- Grassy Glide: A Grass-type move with increased priority when used in Grassy Terrain.
- Throat Chop: A Dark-type move that prevents the target from using sound-based moves for two turns.
Alternative Attack Boosting Strategies:
Although Swords Dance is unavailable, Meowscarada can employ other strategies to enhance its attack power:
- Hone Claws: Learned at level 10, this move raises Meowscarada’s Attack and accuracy.
- Nasty Plot (TM): This TM significantly boosts Meowscarada’s Special Attack, making special moves like Leaf Storm even more devastating.
- Choice Band/Specs: Holding these items significantly increases Meowscarada’s Attack or Special Attack, respectively, at the cost of locking it into one move.
Conclusion: Maximizing Meowscarada’s Potential Without Swords Dance
Meowscarada’s inability to learn Swords Dance doesn’t diminish its offensive prowess. Its natural speed, high Attack stat, diverse movepool, and access to alternative boosting methods allow it to function as a potent attacker in competitive battles. By strategically utilizing its available moves and items, trainers can maximize Meowscarada’s damage output and secure victories. While Swords Dance would undoubtedly be a valuable addition, Meowscarada remains a formidable force without it.
