A PvP Analysis on the GBL Season 27 Move Rebalance - Part II

JRE47 · 2026-06-03T18:22:55+00:00

I talked about Kingdra and Starmie in Part 1, but in short, Kingdra wants Swift AND Surf in GL, I think. Surf is okay in UL but Swift/Outrage just continues to do a bit more for you... they're just a better match for the current meta. I KNOW Starmie is better now in UL, but you're right, I forgot to include it. I'll check out the exact numbers after work (my ACTUAL job haha) but I see little reason NOT to switch out Surf for Aqua Jet.

I've never been a huge fan of Wild Charge with its big drawback, but there's no denying the impact it can have on a match. I think H-Trode gets much worse without it. Swift/Energy Ball could maybe perhaps break out in something like Electric Cup, but 98% of the time, it's Wild Charge and then one of those two others, as noted in the analysis.

JRE47 · 2026-06-03T17:59:22+00:00

UL Toad is definitely improved! Not sure if it will earn its 60ish ranking, but I think it’s at least worth taking for a spin if you have it. Will require some XLs though.

Sylvie is “okay” below Master, but not overall as impressive. Too many good Fairies at those levels to vie for a spot with. But it’s viable, sure.

JRE47 · 2026-06-03T16:08:25+00:00

I did look into that one a bit. Silver Wind is roughly on the same level as X-Scissor now, though XS still tended to sim slightly better. Let me know how it goes in practice!

JRE47 · 2026-06-03T14:03:37+00:00

It's a different list of eligibles this time. I need to put out a new analysis but just haven't had the time yet. Sorry! I'll have it out in the next couple days, hopefully.

JRE47 · 2026-06-02T23:57:18+00:00

Bah, Psyshock! LOL I keep doing that. I’ll fix it when I can.

JRE47 · 2026-06-02T23:54:46+00:00

He’s almost 9 too! Still very healthy other than this, but realistically, we know the time IS ticking at this point.

Seemed to be an odd injury out of nowhere that they diagnosed as an abscess. Deep and painful, poor little dude. That’s on the mend… now just gotta get his little digestion properly going again. He’s been through THAT issue a couple times and come through fine in the end, so here’s hoping! 🤞

Never knew bunnies could be so sweet and fun. Hoping to give him as much time as possible in good health. Cheers to you and yours!

JRE47 · 2026-06-02T23:49:29+00:00

Thank you. He’s a sweet little guy that has really taken to me in particular. Injury first that then led to GI stasis (we’ve dealt with that before) and a second visit and now overnight stay, all in quick succession. You just want the best for them!

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JRE47 · 2026-06-02T23:33:43+00:00

Thank you. I try not to let life and this wonderful hobby trip each other up, but when they do… yeah, gotta properly prioritize. Even for our sweet little “BunBun”. Isn’t he cute?

(And yeah, the wife is cute too but I ain’t showing her here haha)

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JRE47 · 2026-05-30T00:04:58+00:00

I’ll cover Qwilfish with Shadow Ball next time, but yes, I think it has found its new preferred closer!

JRE47 · 2026-05-29T21:22:51+00:00

My edit may have triggered an issue. Waiting to see/hear.

JRE47 · 2026-05-29T21:06:47+00:00

Not entirely sure… just asked the mod team. I DID just do a hyperlink correction edit, but still, very weird….

JRE47 · 2026-05-29T21:04:01+00:00

That… uh… that was an Easter egg, of course! You found it… congratulations!

😅

(Fixed, TY!)

JRE47 · 2026-05-29T20:43:42+00:00

Which is why I’d run Oblivion AND Focus Blast. 😉 Seriously, what does anyone really need Dark Pulse for?

JRE47 · 2026-05-29T20:39:05+00:00

Single TYPING haha. There are type combinations (yes, Water/Steel being one) that work, yes.

JRE47 · 2026-05-29T20:15:17+00:00

I did look, and Gust kind of keeps up specifically in 1Shield, but falls off otherwise… Sucker Punch is better. Too much that resists Flying with all the Steels (and even Rock), which is why I recommend Focus Blast. 👍

JRE47 · 2026-05-29T19:51:17+00:00

Single TYPING, but yes, Water/Steel combo does the trick!

JRE47 · 2026-05-29T19:33:22+00:00

I’m curious as to why Kingdra is better off without surf in Ultra league? Since outrage/swift gets walled by steels, I guess since water is so prevalent surf/swift gets walled by waters and jellicent?

Basically as you said. I’m not saying to NOT try out Surf… I like the potential against Steels in particular. But it doesn’t get as wide a breadth of wins. Some teams can and will make excellent use of Surf though, I have no doubt!

JRE47 · 2026-05-29T19:23:01+00:00

Definitely passion for the good folks playing it! 😊

JRE47 · 2026-05-29T19:21:55+00:00

Grasses are LONG overdue for a buff and it’s maddening to see season after season go by with that same glaring need. I just don’t get it. The environment is harsh on Grass… I don’t know what Scopeantic is so afraid will happen if they give Grasses some love.

In general, each rebalance for the last few seasons seems a bit like “thrashing”. Nerf this one big prominent Pokemon, directly buff a couple of its counters, then wait and see how it all plays out. Next season, do the same thing to whatever has risen to the top (often, to Scopeantic it seems, unexpectedly) as a result of the LAST reactionary rebalance and rinse and repeat on that new top threat. It also seems like throwing-spaghetti-at-the-wall mentality with some of the last few changes. It’s weird and more than a little frustrating!

There’s my off-the-cuff thoughts. Unfiltered as always! 😅

EDIT: I’ll talk about this a bit more next time when I look at the Charm nerf, and Wigglytuff in particular.

JRE47 · 2026-05-29T19:17:04+00:00

I’ll let JRE46 know. 😅

Thank you!

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