When it comes to dominating the Pokémon battle scene, selecting the right moveset for your Pokémon is crucial, and Tapu Fini is no exception. This Fairy/Water-type Legendary Pokémon from the Alola region has a unique combination of stats, typing, and movepool that makes it both versatile and powerful in competitive gameplay. In this guide, we’ll explore the ideal Tapu Fini moveset, giving you insights into its best moves, strategies, and how to maximize its potential in various battle scenarios.
The Best Tapu Fini Moveset for Competitive Play
Tapu Fini’s combination of Fairy and Water typing gives it a solid defensive and offensive foundation. With a decent Special Attack and Special Defense stat, it excels as both a utility Pokémon and a special attacker. To make the most of Tapu Fini, it’s important to build a moveset that takes advantage of its strengths while covering potential weaknesses.
# 1. **Moonblast** – Your Primary STAB Move
As a Fairy-type Pokémon, Tapu Fini’s access to **Moonblast** makes it an essential part of its moveset. Moonblast is a powerful Special Fairy-type move with 95 base power and a 30% chance to lower the opponent’s Special Attack. It can easily take down Dragon, Dark, and Fighting-types, which are common threats in competitive battles. This move not only provides great coverage but also serves as a reliable offensive tool for Tapu Fini.
# 2. **Scald** – A Reliable Water-type STAB Move
Since Tapu Fini is also a Water-type, **Scald** becomes an excellent secondary STAB move. With 80 base power and a 30% chance to burn the target, Scald adds both offensive and utility value to Tapu Fini’s moveset. The burn effect can cripple physical attackers, making Tapu Fini even harder to break through. Scald also allows Tapu Fini to deal with Fire, Ground, and Rock-types that might otherwise threaten it.
# 3. **Taunt** – Shutting Down Setup Sweepers
A key component of Tapu Fini’s versatility is its ability to disrupt opponents with **Taunt**. This move prevents the opposing Pokémon from using non-damaging status moves, including setup moves like Swords Dance or Calm Mind, and utility moves like Stealth Rock or Toxic. With its decent speed and ability to outspeed many setup sweepers, Tapu Fini can easily shut down key threats and force them into a more passive position. Taunt is an excellent option for Tapu Fini when you need to control the pace of the battle and prevent the enemy from gaining momentum.
# 4. **Defog** – Clearing Hazardous Terrain
One of Tapu Fini’s greatest strengths is its ability to support the team, and **Defog** is a prime example of this. Defog removes entry hazards like Stealth Rock, Spikes, and Toxic Spikes from the battlefield, which can be crucial in maintaining the longevity of your team. Tapu Fini’s access to this utility move makes it an invaluable support option in any competitive environment, especially against teams that rely heavily on hazards for chip damage. By clearing the field of hazards, Tapu Fini helps ensure that your team stays in fighting shape for the long haul.
Maximizing Tapu Fini’s Potential: EVs and Nature
To get the most out of your Tapu Fini, the right distribution of Effort Values (EVs) and Nature is essential. Given that Tapu Fini is primarily a Special Attacker, investing in Special Attack and Speed is often the best approach. Here’s an example of a strong EV spread:
– **EV Spread**: 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 SpD
– **Nature**: Timid (Boosts Speed, Lowers Attack) or Modest (Boosts Special Attack, Lowers Attack)
This spread allows Tapu Fini to hit hard with its Special Attacks while outspeeding many threats. The rest of the EVs are allocated into its HP to ensure it can take hits more effectively.
Tapu Fini’s Role in Team Composition
Tapu Fini’s ability to use **Misty Surge** and set up Misty Terrain adds an extra layer of protection for your team. Misty Terrain prevents status conditions like Paralysis and Sleep from affecting your team, giving your Pokémon a much-needed advantage against teams with status-based strategies. In addition, Misty Terrain boosts the power of Fairy-type moves, making Tapu Fini even more dangerous on the offensive side.
Conclusion: Tapu Fini’s Balanced Moveset for Victory
Tapu Fini’s power lies in its versatility. With Moonblast for offensive pressure, Scald for utility, Taunt to shut down setup sweepers, and Defog to clear hazards, Tapu Fini can fit into many roles within a team. Whether you’re using it as a special attacker, a utility Pokémon, or a defensive pivot, Tapu Fini’s unique combination of stats and movepool makes it a top-tier choice in competitive play. By building a solid moveset around its strengths and considering its support capabilities, Tapu Fini can be the key to securing victory in even the most challenging battles.
For a Pokémon that balances offense and support, Tapu Fini is an invaluable asset that can turn the tide of battle in your favor. So, next time you build your team, consider Tapu Fini’s powerful moveset to secure that crucial win!
