Speculative meta analysis of Iron Leaves, aka Paradox Virizion

Trainers!

The recent Pokémon Presents during Pokémon Day 2023 brought us exciting news about the upcoming Pokémon games, Scarlet and Violet. Not only did we get a sneak peek at the upcoming DLC, but we were also introduced to two new Paradox Pokémon: Walking Wave (Paradox Suicune) exclusive to Scarlet and Iron Leaves (Paradox Virizion) exclusive to Violet.

One of the most intriguing aspects of these games, aside from the Terastallization gimmick, is the introduction of Paradox Pokémon. These Pokémon have past and future forms that resemble existing Pokémon but are entirely different entities. While similar to Ultra Beasts, Paradox Pokémon are not from another dimension but rather from different timelines.

In this article, we’ll delve into the details of Iron Leaves, the Grass and Psychic type Paradox Pokémon exclusive to Pokémon Violet. Iron Leaves is a mechanical/robotic version of Virizion, featuring design upgrades similar to other Paradox Pokémon like Iron Thorns (Paradox Tyranitar) and Iron Jugulis (Paradox Hydreigon). The design maintains similarities with the original Pokémon but adds mechanized elements.

In the main series games, Iron Leaves possesses the following stats:

• HP: 90
• Attack: 130
• Defense: 88
• Special Attack: 70
• Special Defense: 108
• Speed: 104

For Pokémon GO players, the corresponding stats can be derived from the main series stats using mathematical formulas. The stats for Iron Leaves in Pokémon GO are as follows:

• Attack: 259
• Defense: 213
• HP: 207
• Max CP (level 50): 4253

With its good stats, Iron Leaves has the potential to be a viable contender in the Master League and PvE meta, as long as it receives a favorable moveset.

Naturally, Iron Leaves is speculated to be a Grass and Psychic type Pokémon. However, there are a few important factors to consider:

1. Grass type potential: Iron Leaves has a workable moveset as a Grass type. With its relatively higher Attack stat compared to many other Grass Pokémon in the Master League meta, it has the potential to perform well. Its success will depend on the moveset it receives.
2. Psychic type competition: The Psychic type category is highly competitive, with strong Pokémon like Mewtwo, Alakazam, Azelf, and Espeon. Iron Leaves will face tough competition within this type.

It’s essential to note that the Grass and Psychic dual typing comes with seven weaknesses, including Bug, Dark, Fire, Flying, Ghost, Ice, and Poison types. This weakness profile may affect its reliability in PvP battles. However, Iron Leaves shows promising potential in PvP scenarios.

Let’s explore the possible moveset options for Iron Leaves:

Fast Moves: Magical Leaf, Leaf Blade, Grass Knot, Leaf Storm Charged Moves: Sacred Sword, Close Combat

As a Psychic type, Iron Leaves does not have any learnable moves in Pokémon GO. This limitation makes it relatively underwhelming compared to other Paradox Pokémon. Unfortunately, Iron Leaves lacks Psychic-type moves, which limits its versatility.

On the other hand, as a Grass type, Iron Leaves fares better. In PvP battles, it benefits from having Magical Leaf as its fast move. Although it lacks a move like Vine Whip, Magical Leaf has a decent Energy Per Turn (EPT) value of 3.33 and deals satisfactory damage. Iron Leaves can access charged moves like Leaf Blade (35 energy), Grass Knot (50 energy), and the powerful Leaf Storm (130 damage at only 55 energy). This moveset allows Iron Leaves to perform well in PvP battles, threatening Pokémon such as Swampert, Groudon (beware of Fire Punch), Kyogre, and Rhyperior.

Sacred Sword (preferably over Close Combat) can be a viable move to consider, even though it doesn’t receive Same Type Attack Bonus (STAB).

In PvE raids, Iron Leaves has a higher Attack stat compared to Pokémon like Zarude, Sceptile, Roserade, and Tapu Bulu. With the right moveset, consisting of Magical Leaf, Grass Knot, and Leaf Blade, Iron Leaves can become a premier Grass-type raid attacker, capable of dealing significant damage. Leaf Storm, while being a 1-bar charged move, is still powerful and adds to its versatility in raids.

Considering all factors, the overall best moveset scenario for Iron Leaves is:

Fast Move: Magical Leaf Charged Moves: Leaf Blade, Grass Knot, Leaf Storm, Sacred Sword

Iron Leaves has an unconventional type profile when it comes to matchups. It lacks Psychic moves to counter Fighting types, but its Grass moves provide some advantages against certain Pokémon in the Master League. However, Iron Leaves also faces challenges due to its seven weaknesses, including Bug, Dark, Fire, Flying, Ghost, Ice, and Poison types. While it may not be the most reliable Pokémon in PvP battles, Iron Leaves demonstrates great potential in the right matchups.

Keep these factors in mind while strategizing with Iron Leaves in your battles. Despite its limitations, Iron Leaves can still be a formidable force in the Pokémon Violet game and provide an exciting gameplay experience for trainers.

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