Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: Chien Pao Best Moveset / Build

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Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Chien Pao Best Moveset and Build

Chien Pao is one of the legendary Pokemon in Scarlet and Violet and with the best moveset and build it can become extremely strong.

Specifically, Chien Pao is a Dark/Ice-type Pokemon and bears one of the highest Attack and Speed stats in the game.

If you’re interested in the main legendaries of Generation 9, consider checking out our guide on the best nature for Koraidon and Miraidon.

In this guide, I will showcase the best build for Chien Pao showcasing its best moveset, nature, held item, and EV spread.

Best Moveset for Chien Pao in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

Chien Pao summary screen in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.

Chien Pao utilizes a combination of STAB moves and Sword Dance to become a solid threat in the field.

Specifically, I recommend going for the following moveset.

  • Swords Dance
  • Ice Spinner
  • Crunch
  • Sucker Punch

The strategy is fairly straightforward. Start with Swords Dance on turn one, and then follow with the required STAB move, either Ice or Dark.

If you’re going for Dark, you’ll want to go with Crunch unless you think the opponent can outspeed you.

In that case, go for Sucker Punch since it’s a priority move and combined with Sword Dance can even one-shot enemies.

Combine its STAB bonus and the Sword Dance buff with its Sword of Ruin ability that reduces enemies’ defenses, and you’ll be one-shotting everything.

Best Nature for Chien Pao

Chien Pao has two great options in terms of nature: Adamant (+Attack, -Special Attack) and Jolly (+Speed, -Special Attack).

For a heavy-hitting build, Modest offers the best damage and allows Chien Pao to take down even the toughest Pokemon.

For a faster build, Jolly should be your go-to. With Jolly, Chien Pao is almost always guaranteed to move first, thus allowing it to set up Sword Dance easily and start one-shotting enemies.

If you’re newly-caught Chien Pao doesn’t have either of these two natures, consider checking out our guide on how to get nature mints. These allow you to change the nature of a Pokemon easily.

Best Held Item and EV Spread for Chien Pao

Focus Sash buy price and item effect in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.

In terms of held items, there’s one option that outranks everything else: Focus Sash.

Since Chien Pao utilizes Attack and Speed and requires a turn to set up with Swords Dance. Having the safety net of Focus Sash will ensure you’ll have a chance to utilize your full kit.

In addition, if you use Swords Dance on the first turn, and the opponent moves faster than you, Focus Sash will ensure you’ll survive even the strongest move.

Then, you can follow up with Sucker Punch and have the priority attack.

As for EV spread, focus everything equally on Attack and Speed since your goal is to hit fast and to hit hard.

If you decide not to use Focus Sash as an item, remove some EVs from Speed and add them to HP.

Best Tera Type and Combat Order for Chien Pao

For Tera type, there are two main options and it’s entirely up to the player. You can either go with Ice or Dark Tera type.

In both cases, you’ll be boosting the damage of some of your STAB moves to further increase your chances of one-shotting your opponent.

In terms of combat order, Chien Pao’s best position is as a lead Pokemon.

Chien Pao should be the first Pokemon you send since its ability puts the enemy Pokemon at an immediate disadvantage.

Conclusion

To sum up, that’s everything you need to know on the best build and moveset for Chien Pao in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.

Use it as a lead Pokemon and take advantage of its high Attack and Speed stats to one-shot enemies.

With Chien Pao on your team, perhaps you feel ready to start tackling the end-game 6-star raids. To make sure you’re prepared, take a look at our guide on the best Pokemon for 6-star raids.

Have you caught your Chien Pao yet? Are you using it in your main PvE or PvE team? Let us know in the comments below.

Harry
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