Items have always added spice and strategic depth to competitive Pokémon battles. They are the unseen weapons and shields that can turn a match on its head in an instant. While some items are simply good, others are absolutely necessary, becoming staples across multiple formats.
Without the right item in hand, even the strongest Pokémon can crumble against a smart opponent. So you are looking to get into competitive Pokémon? Well, here is your first big step into the world where items often make the champion.
1. Leftovers
First up is one of the oldest and most reliable items: Leftovers. Healing 1/16 of your Pokémon’s HP every turn may not sound flashy, but over time, it makes a massive difference.
Leftovers are the lifeline of bulky Pokémon who want to stay on the field for as long as possible, absorbing hits and slowly whittling down the opposition.
Pro Tip
Pokémon like Snorlax, Toxapex, Corviknight, and Ferrothorn are fantastic users of Leftovers because their whole strategy revolves around staying alive and wearing you down.
2. Choice Items
Next, we cannot talk about competitive battling without mentioning Choice Items. Whether it is Choice Scarf, Choice Specs, or Choice Band, these powerful tools boost your Pokémon's Speed, Attack, or Special Attack by 1.5 times.
The catch is that you are locked into the first move you pick until you switch out. Choice Items are crucial when you want to outspeed opponents or punch holes early in the game.
Pro Tip
Pokémon like Garchomp, Dragapult, and Hydreigon love Choice Items because they are already dangerous and just need a little extra edge to dominate.
3. Air Balloon
Then we have the clever Air Balloon. It grants the holder immunity to Ground-type moves and Spike hazards until it gets popped by damage.
This is an amazing item for Pokémon that are normally weak to Ground attacks or need to avoid nasty battlefield traps like Spike and Toxic Spikes.
Pro Tip
Pokémon like Heatran and Excadrill can make great use of the Air Balloon, dancing around would-be Earthquakes and setting up devastating plays.
4. Rocky Helmet
Another sneaky item worth your attention is the Rocky Helmet. If an opponent Pokémon uses a contact move against you, they lose 1/6 of their maximum HP. This might not seem like much at first, but across a game, it stacks up beautifully, punishing physical attackers for simply doing their job.
Pro Tip
Bulky Pokémon like Druddigon, Skarmory, Landorus-Therian, and Slowbro wear Rocky Helmet very well, acting as both walls and hidden sources of chip damage.
5. Heavy-Duty Boots
But if there is one item that might be considered the king of competitive battling today, it is Heavy-Duty Boots. This glorious invention grants Pokémon complete immunity to battlefield hazards like Stealth Rock, Spikes, and Toxic Spikes.
For Pokémon that have devastating weaknesses to entry hazards, Heavy-Duty Boots are a game-changer.
Pro Tip
Pokémon like Charizard, Volcarona, and Mandibuzz basically treat Heavy-Duty Boots like part of their official design kit at this point.
So, if you are ready to step into the real world of competitive Pokémon, your first job is making sure your team is not just strong but properly equipped with the necessary competitive items.
The right item in the right hands can be the difference between a crushing defeat and a glorious victory. Try experimenting with different combinations, find out what fits your strategy, and most of all, have fun. The battlefield awaits, and it is yours for the taking.