As we move into Season 2 of ZA Ranked Battles, one Pokémon that stands out is Yveltal. With its incredible offensive potential and versatile move pool, it promises to be a game-changer. Known for its power in competitive formats, Yveltal’s return brings excitement to many trainers eager to test out new strategies. In this guide, we’ll explore the best movesets, key synergies, and how to maximize Yveltal’s potential in the current meta.

Yveltal: A Versatile Attacker in Competitive Play

Yveltal has always been an iconic Pokémon due to its balanced offensive and defensive stats. As a Dark/Flying-type, it brings strong offensive coverage to any team, making it a versatile choice for many trainers. Yveltal’s most notable moves include Oblivion Wing, a Flying-type signature move that deals significant damage while healing Yveltal for 75% of the damage dealt. This healing aspect helps Yveltal stay in the fight longer and provides solid sustainability.

Additionally, Dark Pulse is an excellent Dark-type attack with decent damage and the chance to flinch opponents. Though Snarl is an option for lowering the opponent's Special Attack, it doesn't pack the same offensive punch as Dark Pulse. Focus Blast provides coverage against Steel-types, ensuring Yveltal can handle a variety of threats.

For players who prefer to buy shiny Pokémon to enhance their roster, having a shiny Yveltal can make it a visually stunning centerpiece while still maintaining its competitive edge.

Best Yveltal Builds for Season 2

Yveltal can be played in various ways, depending on your team composition and strategy. Below are the two most popular builds for Yveltal in Season 2.

1. Special Attacker Set with Life Orb

The Life Orb set allows Yveltal to maximize its damage output. By focusing on special moves like Oblivion Wing, Dark Pulse, and Focus Blast, this set can break through defensive walls and deal heavy damage to most opponents. The Life Orb boost increases the power of these moves, making it a reliable choice for an offensive approach.

Key Moves:

• Oblivion Wing for healing and solid Flying-type damage.

• Dark Pulse for reliable Dark-type coverage.

• Focus Blast to target Steel-types that might otherwise resist Yveltal’s Dark-type moves.

While Life Orb does cost Yveltal some health, the healing from Oblivion Wing makes it a worthwhile risk. If you want a reliable source of powerful attacks and sustainability, this build is a great choice.

2. Bulky Assault Vest Set

For those looking to take a more defensive approach with Yveltal, the Assault Vest set is an excellent option. With the Assault Vest, Yveltal becomes more resilient to special attacks, allowing it to absorb hits from powerful special attackers while dealing consistent damage with moves like Oblivion Wing and Dark Pulse. The added bulk makes Yveltal difficult to take down, especially when combined with screens support from a teammate.

Key Moves:

• Oblivion Wing for healing and offense.

• Dark Pulse for consistent damage output.

• Focus Blast for Steel-type coverage.

This build works well when Yveltal is supported by Pokémon that set up screens or provide healing. Its tankiness, combined with its offensive moves, allows Yveltal to perform as both a bulky attacker and a reliable support option.

Exploring Yveltal’s Physical Moves: The Mixed Attacker Build

Though Yveltal excels in special attacking, it does have access to physical moves such as Fly, Dragon Rush, and Phantom Force. While these moves are useful in specific situations, they aren’t as powerful as Yveltal’s special attacks, particularly because its stats lean towards special offense. However, a physical set with moves like Fly or Dragon Rush can catch your opponents off guard, especially if you’re running a Life Orb to boost physical damage.

However, if you’re planning on running a mixed attacker, be cautious about missing out on Dark-type coverage, which is a vital component of Yveltal’s offensive toolkit.

Synergies with Steel-type Pokémon

Given the increasing popularity of Xerneas and its dominance in the meta, pairing Yveltal with Steel-type Pokémon can provide excellent synergy. Steel-types are resilient to Fairy-types and can act as an excellent counter to Xerneas, one of Yveltal’s natural counters. Here are a few notable Steel-type partners:

Mawile (Mega)

Mawile’s Steel/Fairy typing is great against both Xerneas and Yveltal. Iron Head and Play Rough are powerful tools against Xerneas, while Mawile’s bulk allows it to survive and dish out significant damage. The synergy between Mawile and Yveltal is undeniable, especially in the presence of Xerneas.

Metagross (Mega)

Metagross offers strong coverage against Xerneas and can provide reliable offensive pressure with moves like Meteor Mash and Zen Headbutt. While Metagross is slightly weaker against Yveltal, its ability to handle Xerneas is essential in balancing a team with Yveltal.

Excadrill (Mega)

Excadrill provides great coverage with Iron Head to handle Xerneas. As a Steel-type with Mega potential, it serves as a reliable offensive presence while also benefiting from its Steel typing to withstand Fairy-type moves.

For those looking to buy Alpha Pokémon ZA for added competitive edge, picking up a few Steel-types with good stats can help you better navigate the meta, especially when pairing them with Yveltal.

Building a Balanced Yveltal Team

A well-constructed team with Yveltal can help you take full advantage of its versatility. Here are a few key elements to consider when building around Yveltal:

1. Screens Support: Having a Pokémon like Magneton or Magnezone to set up Reflect and Light Screen will allow Yveltal to take even less damage and heal effectively with Oblivion Wing. Screens also make it harder for opponents to take down your Yveltal before it can unleash its powerful moves.

2. Steel-type Partners: Incorporating Steel-types like Mawile, Metagross, or Excadrill provides defensive and offensive support against threats like Xerneas.

3. Offensive Power: Yveltal is best played as a mixed attacker, and when paired with supportive teammates, it can take on almost any role in battle. The flexibility of Oblivion Wing, Dark Pulse, and other moves ensures that Yveltal can consistently deal damage while also supporting the team through healing.

Yveltal's introduction in Season 2 of ZA Ranked Battles brings a fresh dimension to the competitive scene. Its versatility in both special and physical attacking roles, combined with its incredible healing potential from Oblivion Wing, makes it a formidable Pokémon in any battle. With the right support and partners, Yveltal can dominate opponents and change the tide of battle in your favor. Whether you're building a team with offensive power or one that leans on Yveltal's bulk, it's sure to be a valuable asset in your roster.