Facebook
Reddit
Email
In this guide learn which unlikely Pokemon may end up performing surprisingly well in the VGC section of Worlds 2025
Pokemon Worlds 2025 is coming on August 15, 2025. There will be several competitions in different avenues of the Pokemon franchise, including Pokemon GO, Pokemon TCG, and, of course, Pokemon VGC. While there are some Pokemon that people will expect to make Top 8, like Smeargle, Incineroar, and Amoonguss, there are some Pokemon that can end up performing surprisingly well.
In this article, we will be looking at these dark horses (which are not meant to be confused with Pokemon based on actual horses like Ice Rider Calyrex and Shadow Rider Calyrex. Those two are expected to do well).
5 Pokemon That May Surprise VGC Players at Worlds 2025
These Pokemon could end up doing surprisingly well at Worlds 2025:
- Volcarona
- Clefairy
- Scream Tail
- Annihilape
- Brute Bonnet
5) Volcarona
As a Fire-type, Volcarona faces immense competition for a team slot with Incineroar, who is the closest thing to a staple of Pokemon VGC. However, Volcarona has a few noteworthy traits over the Alolan cat in the lead up to Worlds 2025. It is capable of dealing with Fighting-types head-on, something Incineroar struggles to do even with its ability Intimidate.
Common top-tier Pokemon countered by Volcarona include Crowned Zamazenta, Iron Hands, and Urshifu. Not only does it resist their Fighting moves, but thanks to its ability Flame Body and a held item like Rocky Helmet, it punishes them further for even making contact. It also has the redirection Rage Powder to force opponents to attack it instead of its partner.
4) Clefairy
Clefairy may seem like an odd choice for Worlds 2025, even over its evolution, Clefable. But experienced VGC players know not to be deceived by its cute charm and are more than aware of its traits that have made it a dark horse selection for teams. For starters, as a Pokemon that can evolve further, Clefairy can hold the item Eviolite, which boosts the defense and special defense of unevolved Pokemon by 50%.
But what gives it a place in the meta is its ability Friend Guard, which lets its allies take reduced damage from the opponents’ attacks. Combine these traits with a useful support movepool consisting of moves like After You, Follow Me, Encore, and Helping Hand makes Clefairy a Pokemon worth considering every time.
3) Scream Tail
Scream Tail has fallen a bit in usage in Regulation I. But that doesn’t mean it’s a bad Pokemon by any means. Its deceptively fast, has just enough offense capability to not be passive, and can provide disruptive support with moves like Encore and Disable. Grimmsnarl is its most noteworthy competition as its access to Prankster lets it guarantee that its status moves will go first and has a better attack stat.
However, Grimmsnarl has less longevity as a result of its poor bulk, and its part Dark-typing means it takes neutral damage from Fighting attacks. Scream Tail, on the other hand, takes 4x less damage from Fighting moves thanks to its secondary Psychic typing. So don’t be surprised if it springs a few surprises at Worlds 2025.
2) Annihilape
Annihilape commonly plays a particular role in this entire VGC scene. It sacrifices itself with Final Gambit in the hopes of taking down one of the opponents’ Pokemon with it. However, players have started to utilize this role less and less as it means dedicating their team slots to a mon whose role means its won’t last long on the field. That said, nobody has even come close to being anywhere near as efficient as it is in this role.
Additionally, it’s part Ghost-typing means other Fighting-types cannot touch it, and its access to the move Coaching means it can give its allies a stat boost. Expect quite a few Annihilape Final Gambitting on Restricted Legendaries at Worlds 2025.
1) Brute Bonnet
Brute Bonnet often feels overshadowed by its Unovan descendant, Amoonguss. Not only does it have to compete with it for a Grass-type slot, Amoonguss has Regenerator, which means better longevity.
However, Brute Bonnet has access to most of the moves that Amoonguss uses, e.g., Spore and Pollen Puff. In addition to that, it also has access to Dark-type moves, e.g., the priority move Sucker Punch. For VGC teams at Worlds 2025 looking for an offensive Amoonguss, Brute Bonnet might just be their answer.
Thank you for reading the x Guide. We provide the latest news and create guides for Pokemon TCG Pocket. Also, watch Deltia play games on Twitch or visit the YouTube channel!
