Lycanroc, The Wolf Pokémon. The sharp rocks in its mane can cut like knives. Lycanroc wears its prey down by degrees before finishing them off. The rocks in its mane are sharper than a knife. Fragments that break off are treasured as good luck charms.
Overview
Lycanroc is definitely an interesting Pokémon, but unfortunately one that doesn't particularly field any niche. It's a fast hitting Rock-type, which isn't as common as most, and it can hit hard, but unfortunately it is quite frail and lacks the distinctive movepool that you'd hope.
Positives
+ Midday is the fastest of the Lyncanroc forms
+ While it's not quite as strong as Dusk Form it does arguably have better abilities to choose from
+ Access to a new, powerful, and exclusive Rock Type Z-Move Splintered Stormshards
+ Still doesn't have access to Earthquake, but thanks to USUM move tutors it does get Drill Run and a bunch of other coverage options it previously didn't have before
Negatives
- Mono rock typing
- not as many options as the new Dusk Form
Abilities
Keen Eye: Opponent cannot lower this Pokémon’s accuracy. The Pokémon ignores evasion boosts of the opponent - Not the most useful ability, but can be handy. It just is outclassed by its other abilities
Sand Rush: Speed is doubled within a sandstorm - Put Lycanroc in a sandstorm and it'll outspeed most things to ever possibly exist
Hidden Ability: (Available)
Steadfast: Speed raises by one level every time the Pokémon flinches. - Getting a Speed boost if flinching is very useful, especially in VGC, to let you take the situation to your advantage
Movesets
House Stark
- Swords Dance
- Stone Edge
- Drill Run
- Fire Fang / Accelerock
Item Attached: Lycanium-Z
Ability: Sand Rush / Steadfast
EVs and Nature:
252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
This is your standard Midday Form set. Swords Dance gets Lycanroc's Attack up to disgusting levels, while Stone Edge hits hard, albeit lacking the accuracy you'd hope. However, turning it into Splintered Stormshards lets you do a massive amount of damage and destroy any terrain in place. Drill Run is Lycanroc's only Ground move that's viable and gives more critical hits. Fire Fang provides some solid coverage, but you may wish to switch is to Accelerock to get some priority hits in. After a Swords Dance, that hits hard and is nothing to scoff at
Other Options
- Brick Break
- Thunder Fang
- Sucker Punch
- Iron Head
- Zen Headbutt
VGC, Double, & Triple Battle Options
Lycanroc was not one of the most common Pokemon in VGC 2017, but its Midday form was a very threatening Pokemon. Thanks to Sand Rush, Midday Lycanroc could outspeed even Surge Surfer Alolan Raichu in Electric Terrain. While it did not have the best attack and is greatly weakened by Intimidate, fast STAB Rock Slides could be a major problem with flinches. Its cousin Midnight form did not see as much usage sadly. The loss of speed, Accelerock, and Sand Rush greatly hurt it, though not missing Stone Edge was nice. VGC 2018 brings many new threats to Lycanroc, but the Lycanroc family has a couple of new toys. An entirely new form, Dusk form, still has good speed and an ability that boosts some of its coverage moves, while a signature z move, Splintered Stormshards, is very powerful and eliminates the active terrain, which is quite useful in a format where terrain control can be crucial..
Day Wolf, Fighter of the Night Wolf
-Rock Slide
-Accelerock / Stone Edge
-Fire Fang
-Protect
Item Attached: Focus Sash / Lycanium Z
Ability: Sand Rush
EVs and Nature:
252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant / Jolly Nature
Maximum speed and attack help Lycanroc do its thing. An Adamant Nature was more common last year to give it a bit more power, but Jolly has its merit. Jolly nature guarantees you outspeed Alolan Raichu if you both are boosted by your abilities, and can be useful if the sand is not up. 4 EVs in special defense give opposing Porygon2 an attack boost. A minor detail, but can be important in managing your opponent's damage output. Sand Rush is an awesome ability to boost your speed to insane levels in sand, and is the only ability this form should really use. Focus Sash lets you survive any one attack, which can be key with the bad bulk. Lycanium Z, however, gives you access to your powerful z move to mess with your opponents terrain.
Rock Slide is just ridiculous in doubles with Lycanroc's speed. Accelerock helps you pick off weakened opponents and can be useful to get off one more attack once brought down to a Sash, but Stone Edge gives you access to the z move. Fire Fang is very good for steel types, especially Kartana. Protect is the best move in doubles, and is great to dodge Fake Out.
Other Options & Team Ideas
-Should you not want to get rid of your own terrain effects, Rockium Z is an alternative z move.
-Life Orb can be used on any set to consistently boost your attack, and Choice Band can be even better if you do not mind being locked into a move.
-Thunder Fang (or Thunder Punch on the Midnight form) gives electric coverage. Iron Head hits fairies, while Crunch (or Throat Chop on the Midnight form for Hyper Voice users) gives dark coverage. Zen Headbutt does not give too much coverage, but has its uses. Brick Break can mainly be used for breaking screens like Aurora Veil.
-Drill Run is only available on the Midday and Dusk forms, but gives a good ground move.
-Rock Tomb provides speed control, while Snarl can also be used on a support set to weaken your opponents' special attacks.
-Roar and Taunt can prevent Trick Room or other setup strategies.
-Gigalith was the Midday form's most common partner in VGC 2017 for sand support, but Hippowdon and Tyranitar are other options now that the full Pokedex is available in VGC 2018. Sand also boosts any of the three forms' special defense.
-Intimidate can boost Lycanroc's physical defense to help it take a hit, especially on sets without a Focus Sash.
-Psychic Terrain prevents priority against the frail wolf, so Tapu Lele makes a good teammate.
-The Midnight form especially appreciates speed control like Tailwind support.
-Defiant and Competitive teammates help deter Intimidate users that greatly weaken your physical attacker.
Countering Lycanroc
While Lycanroc can hit hard and fast, it is exceedingly frail with its 75/65/65 bulk. This means that most super effective hits will do significant damage, if not OHKO it. Steel-types are still a decent choice, even though Lycanroc gets Drill Run, but just go with Grass and Water and hope it doesn't have the Fang to deal with it
Lycanroc, The Wolf Pokémon. It has no problem ignoring orders it doesn't like. It doesn't seem to mind getting hurt at all—as long as it can finish off its opponent. They live alone without forming packs. They will only listen to orders from Trainers who can draw out their true power.
Overview
Lycanroc Midnight Form is a completely different beast to Midday Form. It has more bulk and has access to far more tools such as Outrage and the elemental punches. However, in order to get its extra bulk, it sacrifices its Speed and its bulk isn't that amazing so it's not always the best option
Positives
+ Bulkiest of the Lyncanroc forms
+ Impressive movepool
Negatives
- Mono Rock Typing
- Does not get access to Earthquake or Drill Run
Abilities
Keen Eye: Opponent cannot lower this Pokémon's accuracy. The Pokémon ignores evasion boosts of the opponent
Vital Spirit: The Pokémon cannot be Asleep while having this ability. - Not the best ability, very situational.
Hidden Ability: (Available)
No Guard: The accuracy of all moves known by this Pokémon and all Pokémon targeting this Pokémon raises to 100%. This ability is both a blessing and a curse. You can get off 100% accurate Stone Edge, but it also works against you
Movesets
The Wolfman
- Stealth Rock
- Counter
- Stone Edge
- Sucker Punch
Item Attached: Focus Sash
Ability: No Guard
EVs and Nature:
252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def
Adamant Nature
Here you have the Stealth Rock to do damage to the Pokémon coming in. Counter lets you take some hits but requires significant prediction skills. Stone Edge hits hard, and with No Guard it's 100% accurate so you never have to worry about the random misses, and Sucker Punch can do some signficant priority damage
Other Options
- Brick Break
- Thunder Punch
- Fire Punch
- Iron Tail
- Foul Play
- Outrage
- Rock Polish
- Choice Scarf
VGC, Double, & Triple Battle Options
Lycanroc was not one of the most common Pokemon in VGC 2017, but its Midday form was a very threatening Pokemon. Thanks to Sand Rush, Midday Lycanroc could outspeed even Surge Surfer Alolan Raichu in Electric Terrain. While it did not have the best attack and is greatly weakened by Intimidate, fast STAB Rock Slides could be a major problem with flinches. Its cousin Midnight form did not see as much usage sadly. The loss of speed, Accelerock, and Sand Rush greatly hurt it, though not missing Stone Edge was nice. VGC 2018 brings many new threats to Lycanroc, but the Lycanroc family has a couple of new toys. An entirely new form, Dusk form, still has good speed and an ability that boosts some of its coverage moves, while a signature z move, Splintered Stormshards, is very powerful and eliminates the active terrain, which is quite useful in a format where terrain control can be crucial.
Werewolf of London
-Stone Edge
-Fire Punch
-Sucker Punch
-Protect
Item Attached: Focus Sash / Life Orb
Ability: No Guard
EVs and Nature:
252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly / Adamant Nature
Similar to the Midday form, the Midnight set wants to hit hard and fast. Jolly may be more necessary since the loss in speed really hurts (and the bulk gain does not really help much), but Adamant can be good if you have speed control. The EVs achieve the same objectives as its cousin. A Focus Sash lets it live any one hit again, which is important with the lower speed. Life Orb was one of the most common items to boost its attack though. A z move can certainly be used here, but this Lycanroc is a much slower and less reliable to use it. No Guard makes it so Stone Edge cannot miss, and it's nice to not worry about evasion boosts from Minimize or Moody.
Stone Edge is the strongest STAB move, and with perfect accuracy thanks to No Guard, is an awesome move with no drawback. Fire Punch is stronger than Fire Fang for Midnight form for steel types. Sucker Punch is strong priority that helps make up for some of the speed loss. Protect is again great in doubles to help you set up speed control for Lycanroc or dodge threatening attacks.
Other Options & Team Ideas
-Should you not want to get rid of your own terrain effects, Rockium Z is an alternative z move.
-Life Orb can be used on any set to consistently boost your attack, and Choice Band can be even better if you do not mind being locked into a move.
-Thunder Fang (or Thunder Punch on the Midnight form) gives electric coverage. Iron Head hits fairies, while Crunch (or Throat Chop on the Midnight form for Hyper Voice users) gives dark coverage. Zen Headbutt does not give too much coverage, but has its uses. Brick Break can mainly be used for breaking screens like Aurora Veil.
-Drill Run is only available on the Midday and Dusk forms, but gives a good ground move.
-Rock Tomb provides speed control, while Snarl can also be used on a support set to weaken your opponents' special attacks.
-Roar and Taunt can prevent Trick Room or other setup strategies.
-Gigalith was the Midday form's most common partner in VGC 2017 for sand support, but Hippowdon and Tyranitar are other options now that the full Pokedex is available in VGC 2018. Sand also boosts any of the three forms' special defense.
-Intimidate can boost Lycanroc's physical defense to help it take a hit, especially on sets without a Focus Sash.
-Psychic Terrain prevents priority against the frail wolf, so Tapu Lele makes a good teammate.
-The Midnight form especially appreciates speed control like Tailwind support.
-Defiant and Competitive teammates help deter Intimidate users that greatly weaken your physical attacker.
Lycanroc, The Wolf Pokémon. Bathed in the setting sun of evening, Lycanroc has undergone a special kind of evolution. An intense fighting spirit underlies its calmness. This strange form is the result of its evolving at dusk. It’s very rare in Alola.
Overview
Lycanroc Dusk Form is a bit of an odd one. While looking very similar to Midday Form, it shares much of its stats, except it has 2 more in Attack and 2 less in Speed. This is very unusal and makes it hit a bit harder, but when you factor in its ability of Tough Claws, it can truly be a force to be reckoned with
Positives
+ Strongest of the Lycanroc forms sporting an impressive Base 117 Attack stat
+ Great offensive ability in Tough Claws
+ While Dusk Form is slightly slower than its Midday counterpart, it's still pretty fast with that Base 110 Speed stat
+ Access to a new, powerful, and exclusive Rock Type Z-Move Splintered Stormshards
+ Still doesn't have access to Earthquake, but thanks to USUM move tutors it does get Drill Run and a bunch of other coverage options it previously didn't have before
+ more options than its previous forms, even if typically prefers to function like its Midday form
Negatives
- Still has the same mono rock typing
- Its ability Tough Claws unfortunately doesn't benefit its main stab Stone Edge / Splintered Stormshards
Abilities
Tough Claws: Increases the power of moves that make physical contact by 33% - No choice here, but this is a great ability
Movesets
Old Wolf, New Tricks
- Swords Dance
- Stone Edge
- Drill Run
- Fire Fang / Accelerock
Item Attached: Lycanium Z
Ability: Tough Claws
EVs and Nature:
252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
This is basically the same set as the Midday Form, and for good reason. It really works. Swords Dance to boost up, Stone Edge for a lot of damage + Splintered Stormshards, then Drill Run, Fire Fang and Accelerock for good coverage and, to top it off, those three moves are boosted by Tough Claws
Other Options
- Normalium Z + Happy Hour
- Brick Break
- Sucker Punch
- Outrage
- Thunder Fang
- Iron Head
- Zen Headbutt
VGC, Double, & Triple Battle Options
Lycanroc was not one of the most common Pokemon in VGC 2017, but its Midday form was a very threatening Pokemon. Thanks to Sand Rush, Midday Lycanroc could outspeed even Surge Surfer Alolan Raichu in Electric Terrain. While it did not have the best attack and is greatly weakened by Intimidate, fast STAB Rock Slides could be a major problem with flinches. Its cousin Midnight form did not see as much usage sadly. The loss of speed, Accelerock, and Sand Rush greatly hurt it, though not missing Stone Edge was nice. VGC 2018 brings many new threats to Lycanroc, but the Lycanroc family has a couple of new toys. An entirely new form, Dusk form, still has good speed and an ability that boosts some of its coverage moves, while a signature z move, Splintered Stormshards, is very powerful and eliminates the active terrain, which is quite useful in a format where terrain control can be crucial.
Midna
-Rock Slide
-Accelerock / Stone Edge
-Fire Fang
-Protect
Item Attached: Focus Sash / Lycanium Z
Ability: Tough Claws
EVs and Nature:
252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
Like every other Lycanroc set, this one tries to hit hard with maximum attack. Max speed with a Jolly nature is more necessary on this set than the Midday form, as Dusk form Lycanroc has less speed and may be outsped by many important targets with an Adamant nature. Tough Claws is its only ability, but is awesome to boost Accelerock or Fire Fang. Focus Sash lets it survive any attack, but Lycanium Z again gives it access to Splintered Stormshards.
Rock Slide is great again on a Pokemon with good speed. Accelerock is STAB priority, but Stone Edge can avoid Wide Guard and pair with the z move. Fire Fang again hits steel types, and Protect is Protect.
Other Options & Team Ideas
-Should you not want to get rid of your own terrain effects, Rockium Z is an alternative z move.
-Life Orb can be used on any set to consistently boost your attack, and Choice Band can be even better if you do not mind being locked into a move.
-Thunder Fang (or Thunder Punch on the Midnight form) gives electric coverage. Iron Head hits fairies, while Crunch (or Throat Chop on the Midnight form for Hyper Voice users) gives dark coverage. Zen Headbutt does not give too much coverage, but has its uses. Brick Break can mainly be used for breaking screens like Aurora Veil.
-Drill Run is only available on the Midday and Dusk forms, but gives a good ground move.
-Rock Tomb provides speed control, while Snarl can also be used on a support set to weaken your opponents' special attacks.
-Roar and Taunt can prevent Trick Room or other setup strategies.
-Gigalith was the Midday form's most common partner in VGC 2017 for sand support, but Hippowdon and Tyranitar are other options now that the full Pokedex is available in VGC 2018. Sand also boosts any of the three forms' special defense.
-Intimidate can boost Lycanroc's physical defense to help it take a hit, especially on sets without a Focus Sash.
-Psychic Terrain prevents priority against the frail wolf, so Tapu Lele makes a good teammate.
-The Midnight form especially appreciates speed control like Tailwind support.
-Defiant and Competitive teammates help deter Intimidate users that greatly weaken your physical attacker.
Locations in Games
Red/Blue/Yellow:
Not in game
Gold/Silver/Crystal:
Not in game
Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald:
Not in game
FireRed/LeafGreen:
Not in game
Colosseum/XD:
Not in game
Diamond/Pearl/Platinum:
Not in game
HeartGold/SoulSilver:
Not in game
Black/White:
Not in game
Black 2/White 2:
Not in game
X/Y:
Not in game
Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire:
Not in game
Sun/Moon:
Vast Poni Canyon
Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon:
Vast Poni Canyon
Animé Appearences