Best starting team for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet DLC The Teal Mask

The Teal Mask offers Trainers a new map to explore and a unique story to play through. Most players will be tackling the DLC after beating the Scarlet and Violet story, and the level of Pokémon in the Teal Mask reflects that. Although your opponents are high-level, they shouldn’t be too challenging until much later. Still, if you’re looking for team recommendations, I can help with that. Let me show you the best Starting Team for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet DLC: The Teal Mask.

Best Starting Team for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet DLC: The Teal Mask

Before I explain my ideal team, I must stress that you can defeat the DLC with any Pokémon you like. If you’ve got a handful of well-trained Pokémon, you’ll likely breeze through the Teal Mask even with a type disadvantage. If you want a recommendation, this team is easily obtainable in Scarlet and Violet, and several Pokémon are very popular on Surprise Trade.

Skeledirge (Fire/Ghost)

Skeledirge is the final evolution of the Fire-type starter, Fuecoco. Each of the Scarlet/Violet starters learns a host of fantastic moves, and Skeledirge can learn Torch Song. This Fire attack hits hard and increases Skeledirge’s SP. ATK stat every time it’s used. This means Skeledirge gets stronger the longer a fight goes on and can fall back on Ghost attacks if needed.

Meowscarada (Grass/Dark)

Meowscarada is the final form of the Grass Starter, Sprigatito. Like every Scarlet/Violet starter, Meowscarada is a powerful Pokémon that can flatten opponents with its dangerous abilities. Flower Trick may not hit as hard as Skeledirge’s Torch Song on paper, but it never misses and always lands as a critical hit. Combined with decent Dark moves like Night Slash, Meowscarada is a force to be reckoned with.

Image: PC Invasion

Quaquaval (Water/Fighting)

You probably saw this one coming, but Quaquaval is a superb Water type and the final evolution of Quaxly. Aqua Step is a decent ability that increases Quaquaval’s speed every time it’s used. The dual typing gives this Pokémon some utility against Normal types, and you can throw in a flying move to take out Fighting types, too. Quaquaval has great coverage and deserves a spot on your Teal Mask team.

Annihilape (Fighting/Ghost)

Normal types are pretty prominent during the start of the Teal Mask DLC, so a strong Fighting type works well. You can pick your favorite to fill this niche, but Annihilape is arguably one of the best. We’ve recommended Annihilape for countless 7 Star Tera Raids, so building one for the DLC is time well spent as you can use it anywhere.

Mew (Psychic)

Once upon a time, this legendary Pokémon was nigh impossible to obtain. Now, there’s a straightforward way to get Mew; check out our guide if you’ve not got one yet. Mew makes the team because there are a few powerful Poison types in the Teal Mask DLC. Poison Pokémon are weak to Psychic and Ground, so any of those will be a valuable asset to your team. If you’re not a fan of using Legendaries, Gardevoir, Iron Treads, and Great Tusk are viable alternatives.

Image: PC Invasion

Who should I pick as my 6th Pokémon?

Why not try one of the new Kitakami-exclusive Pokémon for the final spot in your roster? The new Poltchageist is available near the starting area of the Teal Mask and evolves into Sinistcha. Check out our guide for everything you need to know about this Pokémon, from where to find it to its various forms. I usually like a bulky Pokémon like Snorlax on my team, but I didn’t find it necessary in the DLC.

These Pokémon make a complete team and one that you can crush the entire Teal Mask DLC with. As I mentioned at the start, you’ll be fine with a well-trained team, no matter what they are. The squad above has decent coverage, while the Fighting Pokémon will handle any Normal threats. I don’t want to spoil anything, but the Poison counter will come into play at some point during the DLC, so have a good one ready. Until then, enjoy your adventure in Kitakami.