Is Hawlucha banned?

Is Hawlucha banned?

Direct Answer: No, Hawlucha is not banned from Generation 8 UU (Upper Unseen) tier in the official Pokémon competitive battling format.

Background: In the latest Pokémon games, Generation 8, many Pokémon were reevaluated and adjusted in terms of their ban status. Hawlucha, being a Dragon/Fighting-type Pokémon with impressive stats, was previously considered to be a potent addition to competitive battling, but it didn’t reach the threshold of being completely banned.

Why Eternatus wasn’t banned: While discussing Hawlucha, we should address Eternatus, as it is one of the most powerful Pokémon in the current meta. Eternatus‘s astronomical base stat total of 1125, combined with its powerful movepool and typing, has led some to wonder why it wasn’t banned from competition. To clarify, its stats in its Eternamax form make it even more devastating, but that doesn’t mean it needs to be banned.

Eternatus vs. Arceus: An interesting discussion emerges when considering Eternatus‘s strength in relation to that of Arceus, the deity of the Pokémon world. Eternatus, with 1125 BST, compares to Arceus‘ 720 BST. Hawlucha, however, is a much more balanced and well-rounded Pokémon compared to both, making it harder to find fault with.

Battle statistics: Hawlucha’s base stat total comes out to be 525, which might seem a bit underwhelming compared to the behemoth that is Eternatus. Additionally, Eternatus‘ 1125 BST means its stats eclipse those of any other known Pokémon, as seen below:

Conclusion: Based on official Pokémon ban lists and tier rankings, Hawlucha is not currently banned. While it doesn’t seem to have reached the highest tier of banned Pokémon alongside Eternatus, its well-rounded stats, movepool, and fighting capabilities mean it can hold its ground in competitive battling. Additionally, considering its balance compared to Eternatus and the likes, we can trust that it has earned a place in the competitive tier without the need for prohibition.

For further comparison: Some statistics to solidify the relative strength and weaknesses of Hawlucha against other potential competitors can be seen in the following chart:

Next Steps: When considering an Hawlucha for your battling team, be aware that its strongest traits are likely its STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus) boosted moves from its dual types, excellent defense, and decent support options. Understanding its battle potential will enhance your enjoyment and performance when using Hawlucha on the battlefields.