Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s Iron Valiant stands out for being both the most powerful of the future Paradox Pokemon, but also for being a fusion between Gallade and Gardevoir. This unique design and incredibly versatile moveset have drawn trainers to this Pokemon, and for good reason. Iron Valiant has a truly staggering arsenal of moves at its disposal, learning moves from15of the 18 types. You may encounter an Iron Valiant, but you will not know what set it runs. It could use Close Combat, Leaf Blade, Knock Off, or hit you with a Moonblast. There’s really no way to know until you battle one - so let’s get a headstart and dive into what makes this Pokemon tick.
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Iron Valiant is a Fairy- and Fighting-type Pokemon, a unique combination never seen until now. It has the Quark Drive ability, similar to its fellow future Paradox Pokemon. Iron Valiant’s stats point it toward being a mixed attacker, with relatively equal Attack, Special Attack, and Speed. Of course, it’s also quite frail, with low HP and meager Defenses. Despite this, Iron Valiant has countless tools at its disposal to ruthlessly clean up any threat it encounters - a real Swiss army knife.
Physical Options
Iron Valiant’s highest stat is its Attack, being a comfortable base 130. Paired with a decent 116 base speed, Iron Valiant can make use of its stylish double-bladed sword and put the hurt on its opponents in a variety of ways. Iron Valiant learns plenty of moves, most notably moves like Spirit Break, Close Combat, Knock Off, and the elemental punches. Spirit Break is Iron Valiant’s only physical Fairy STAB option, and while it may be a bit weak, Spirit Break can shut down special attackers quite efficiently.
Close Combat is a reliable Fighting-type attack that needs no introduction. Knock Off is invaluable in competition, disabling your opponent’s item. The Elemental Punches may not pack a lot of punch, but also give Iron Valiant valuable coverage options against a variety of types. And, if you feel like you’re lacking in firepower, you can boost your attack with Quark Drive and/or a Swords Dance!
Special Options
In addition to Iron Valiant’s impressive physical moveset, Iron Valiant’s base 120 Special Attack should not be forgotten. Of note, Iron Valiant learns Moonblast, the de facto special Fairy-type attack, and moves like Aura Sphere, Focus Blast, and Dazzling Gleam… The list goes on.
Aura Sphere is a mid-tier but reliable Fighting-type option due to bypassing accuracy checks, though most online formats prohibit the use of strategies involving evasion. Focus Blast is incredibly powerful, but unreliable due to its lackluster accuracy. Iron Valiant learns a myriad of coverage options as well, ranging from Psyshock, which deals physical damage despite its special classification, Thunderbolt, Shadow Ball, Hyper Voice, and more. There really is no end to Iron Valiant’s move pool!
Quark Drive
Sharing its ability with the other future Paradox Pokemon, Iron Valiant can make perhaps the best use of Quark Drive thanks to the multiple possibilities one can utilize the ability. Iron Valiant’s Attack, Special Attack, and Speed being fairly close to each other allow you to pick one of those three stats to boost with Quark Drive, allowing for an incredible amount of versatility.
Even if you run a predominantly physical set, you’re able to also heighten your Special Attack to deal with physically bulky opponents and hit them where it hurts. Iron Valiant can outspeed threats like Flutter Mane, Miraidon and Koraidon, and Chien-Pao if its speed is heightened by Quark Drive - quite an impressive feat!
Recommended Builds
These are just a few of the possible ways you can train your Iron Valiant in order to obtain the best performance in battle. The two builds below are great options for players looking for a strong competitor.
Iron Valiant - Booster Energy
This build relies on Swords Dance to turn Iron Valiant into a late-game sweeper. With Quark Drive boosting its speed, Iron Valiant can easily outspeed many threats, knocking them out with a combination of Close Combat and Liquidation. Knock Off is useful when dealing with Ghost-types like Gholdengo or Hisuian Zoroark, though Spirit Break is a reliable STAB option as well. If you’re dealing with a Pokemon that relies on status moves, you may also use Taunt to stop them in their tracks.
Iron Valiant - Choice Specs
Alternatively, run Iron Valiant as a special attacker - it has the move set for it, after all. Moonblast is a fantastic option thanks to its above-average 95 base power and Fairy-typing, letting it hit many types for neutral damage. Psyshock is useful if you come across especially bulky opponents like Blissey. Though it’s a special move, Psyshock hits the target’s defense, allowing you to bypass special bulk and hit Blissey on its much weaker physical side.
Shadow Ball is a good option against Ghost-types like Gholdengo, and Thunderbolt can reliably deal with Dondozo or Quaquaval. If you’re feeling lucky, you can run Focus Blast for a powerful STAB option that can undoubtedly blow holes in your opponents - just watch out for that 70 accuracy. Trick can be used to shut down physical attackers by swapping items - Choice Specs boost your Special Attack but lock you into your first move, so make sure to give them to a physically oriented opponent who can’t make use of them.
