'Pokémon Sword and Shield' Dracovish is Becoming Popular in Competitive - Best Builds

The first official Pokémon Sword and Shield online tournament is about to begin, and, while many trainers are still trying to figure out what the "meta" of online Pokémon battles will be, there's one Galar Pokémon that is getting a lot of attention.

Fossil Pokémon in Sword and Shield have an interesting gimmick. Instead of a single fossil being revived, two of four different fossils combine together to make a new hybrid Pokémon. One such monster, Dracovish, is starting to lead the pack in terms of pure power.

Dracovish's Water and Dragon-typing make it resistant to many attacks and only weak to two (Dragon and Fairy), but its move pool and ability give it a ton of firepower.

Many Pokémon trainers have begun to see Dracovish with the Strong Jaw ability, one of two possible abilities the Pokémon can have. This ability powers up biting moves like Crunch or elemental fang attacks, but the monster's potent signature move, Fishious Rend, falls under the "biting" moves category as well.

Fishious Rend has a base power of 85 and is a Water-type attack, giving Dracovish the same type attack bonus (STAB). Fishious Rend's special effect is that its base power doubles if Dracovish moves before the target, giving it a base power of 170 without taking STAB or its Strong Jaw ability into account.

Putting all of these factors together, Fishious Rend can hit a target with a physical attack with more than 200 base power.

Dracovish has a respectable 90 base attack and 75 speed, which makes it a powerful physical sweeper if trained correctly. Trainers will also want to have an Adamant or Jolly Nature, which boosts attack and speed respectively at the cost of Special Attack.

EV training your Dracovish in Attack and Speed can further maximize the potential in those stats.

Choice Scarf and Choice Band are strongly suggested hold items too. The Choice Scarf increases the Pokémon's Speed in battle but will limit your Dracovish to using just one move. Choice Band does the same but with the Pokémon's Attack.

So, if you want to get a Jolly Natured Dracovish, you can get extra attack by equipping the Choice Band. Or, if you want to have an Adamant Natured Pokémon, you can equip the Choice Scarf to outspeed some opponents. Ideally, you'd want to outspeed the Pokémon to get the most out of Fishious Rend and trainers should spam that attack until all of the opponent's team is gone.

Psychic Fangs and Ice Fang are a couple of good attacks that take advantage of Strong Jaw and give Dracovish more coverage against Grass types that might otherwise tank Fishious Rend.

Just be careful of Water Absorb or Storm Drain Pokémon that will nullify all Water-type attacks useless.

Pokémon Sword and Shield is available now for Nintendo Switch.

What do you think of Dracovish in competitive play? What is your ideal build for this Pokémon? Let us know in the comments section.

Pokemon Go's Community Day For December Brings Back All Previous Featured Pokemon

We're less than a month away from 2020, which means there's only one Pokemon Go Community Day left before the new year arrives. Niantic has now announced the first details for December 2019's Community Day, and like last year, the developer is doing something special for the final event of 2019.

While most Community Days only run for three hours, December's will be a two-day affair. The event takes place on December 14 and 15 and runs from 9 AM - 9 PM local time each day. During both days, all of the featured Pokemon from every previous Community Day this year will spawn more frequently in the wild, while the featured Pokemon from 2018's events will appear in Raids. On top of that, you'll have another chance to learn each featured Pokemon's Community Day move if you can evolve them into their final form before the event ends.

Finally, special bonuses will be available each day during specific windows of time. You can see all of the Pokemon and bonuses that will be available during December's Community Day weekend below. You can also read more details about the event on the official Pokemon Go website.

Before December's Community Day arrives, Niantic still has a few Pokemon Go events lined up for November. From now until November 26, the developer is holding a Supereffective Week event, during which Pokemon that are effective against Team Rocket will appear more often in the wild and Raids. After that, the Legendary Pokemon Terrakion is set to make its debut in Pokemon Go starting November 26, and the game's first-ever Friend Fest kicks off on November 27.

Pokemon Go players also have a chance to catch their first Galarian Pokemon. To celebrate the release of Pokemon Sword and Shield on Nintendo Switch, Galarian Weezing appeared for a special Raid Hour event following November's Community Day. While that Raid Hour has since ended, you'll still have a chance to encounter the Galarian Pokemon in four-star Raids.

December 14-15: 9 AM - 9 PM local time

Pokemon appearing more frequently in the wild: Totodile, Swinub, Treecko, Torchic, Mudkip, Ralts, Slakoth, Trapinch, Bagon, Turtwig, and Chimchar

Pokemon appearing in Raids: Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, Pikachu, Eevee, Dratini, Chikorita, Cyndaquil, Mareep, Larvitar, and Beldum

Pokemon that may hatch from eggs: Bulbasaur, Charmander, Pikachu, Dratini, Totodile, Mareep, Swinub, Larvitar, Treecko, Torchic, Slakoth, and Bagon

December 14-15: 11 AM - 2 PM local time

Bonuses: 2× Catch Stardust, 2× Catch XP, and 1/2 egg hatch distance

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Cyber Monday Pokemon deals: $48 for Sword or Shield, $89 for both

Look for Gigantamax Pikachu in Pokemon Shield and Sword.

Nintendo/Screenshot by Corinne Reichert/CNET This story is part of Holiday Gift Guide 2019, your source for the season's best gifts and deals, hand-picked by the experts at CNET.

You can catch a super-hot Nintendo Switch Pokemon game for under $50 with eBay seller Rushhourwholesaler's tempting Black Friday deal (which seems like it's going to extend through Cyber Monday): get Pokemon Sword or Shield for $47.99. 

There's yet another option worth considering: Geek Alliance (via Rakuten) has Pokemon Sword or Pokemon Shield for $55.49 -- and your purchase also nets you Rakuten points worth $11. Those points (which require you to have a Rakuten account) are nearly as good as cash: They can be applied to any other purchase you make from the online store. In fact, you could purchase one of the games for $55.49, claim your points, then come back and get the other for $44.49. (The math: $55.49 minus $11.)

These two new Pokemon games sold more than 6 million copies over launch weekend. I won't suggest which one to get; it depends on which exclusive Pokemon you want: Monsters like Deino, Hydreigon and Farfetch'd come in Sword, while Tyranitar, Goodra and Galarian Ponyta are exclusive to Shield. 

So, are these games the answer to all your Pokemon hopes and dreams? That depends upon how you want to feel about them: The internet is outraged, as it often is, over seemingly inconsequential details, like the fact that Sword and Shield don't include, you know, every Pokemon ever. But if you're OK with that, rest assured that GameSpot rated the game "Superb" with a rating of 9.

Now playing: Watch this: Nintendo shows latest Pokemon game, Sword and Shield

2:13

Originally published last week. Updated to reflect new sale prices and availability.

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Pokemon Cyber Monday Deals 2019: Sword And Shield For $48, Let's Go Games, And More

With Black Friday over, we're now moving on to different deals for Cyber Monday. Well, sort of different. Most of the deals from Black Friday are still active, including a bunch for Pokemon games, accessories, and other merchandise. That also includes Cyber Monday deals on the recent Pokemon Sword / Shield versions, which just released a couple of weeks ago.

Right now, you can get either Pokemon Sword or Shield for $48 from Ebay. While the Cyber Monday deal is expected to last through December 2, the stock isn't. However, the stock has refreshed a couple of times this weekend, so if you find the games are sold out, it's probably worth keeping an eye on just in case. As of our last update, both games are in stock.

Some older Pokemon games are also on sale ahead of Cyber Monday. You can pick up last year's Switch Pokemon titles, Let's Go Pikachu and Let's Go Eevee, for $43 each at Amazon, while Pokemon Ultra Moon for 3DS is $32.84.

Those are just a few of the good Pokemon deals we've seen for Cyber Monday 2019; we've rounded up even more below. Plus, check out more of this year's best Cyber Monday deals across gaming, tech, and entertainment.

More Cyber Monday 2019 deals

Pokemon Sword and Shield (Switch) Pokemon Sword & Shield | $48 ($60)

The first Gen 8 Pokemon games take players to Galar, a picturesque region that's home to a variety of new and familiar Pokemon to catch and raise. While the games don't stray very far from the series' established formula, Sword and Shield introduce a handful of new features to help keep the experience fresh, including the Wild Area, an open-world locale where some incredibly strong Pokemon roam about. There are also some new battle mechanics to master like Dynamaxing, which temporarily supersizes a Pokemon during battle.

Right now, the best deal on Pokemon Sword and Shield is $48 with free shipping as part of Ebay's Cyber Monday sale.

Luigi's Mansion 3 + Pokemon Sword Pokemon Sword / Shield + Luigi's Mansion 3 Bundle | $97 ($120)

If you're looking to big up two of this year's biggest Switch games, you can get a copy of Luigi's Mansion 3 bundled with either Pokemon Sword or Shield at Ebay. Purchasing both titles together would normally set you back $120, but you can get both games right now for only $97--a good deal on two of 2019's best Switch exclusives.

Pokemon Ultra Sun and Pokemon Ultra Moon (3DS) Pokemon Ultra Moon | $32.84 ($40)

The final mainline Pokemon games to hit the 3DS, Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon are, at their core, upgraded versions of 2016's Sun and Moon versions. While the basic storyline generally remains the same, the Ultra games expand the narrative with a new subplot focusing on the Legendary Pokemon Necrozma. A new organization called the Ultra Recon Squad also figures into the story, and there are several new Ultra Beasts to catch as well. Unfortunately, Ultra Sun is sold out almost everywhere, but Ultra Moon is available at Amazon for $32.84 for Cyber Monday.

Best Pokemon collectible deals

Pokemon Adventures manga set Pokemon Adventures manga box set | $24.74 ($55)

The Pokemon Adventures manga has been around since the earliest days of the series, continuing to this day. This box set includes the first seven volumes of the series. Volumes 1-3 follow the story of Red as he journeys around Kanto on a quest to become Pokemon League Champion, while volumes 4-7 take place two years later and star a new protagonist, the titular Yellow and her Pikachu.

Pokemon Squirtle Plush Pokemon Squirtle Plush | $12 ($15)

What Pokemon fan can resist own a plush of their favorite monster? As one of its Cyber Monday Lightning Deals, Amazon is selling an eight-inch plush of Squirtle--the best starter Pokemon--for only $12. You can also get a 12-inch Charizard plush for $18, down from its normal price of $25. You better act fast, though; like all Lightning Deals, these are available in limited quantities.

Pokemon TCG Sun & Moon: Cosmic Eclipse Elite Trainer Box Pokemon TCG Sun & Moon: Cosmic Eclipse Elite Trainer Box | $40 ($50)

Walmart is offering a handful of deals on various Pokemon Trading Card Game box sets ahead of Black Friday, including this Elite Trainer Box for the series' recent Sun & Moon: Cosmic Eclipse expansion. The box includes eight Cosmic Eclipse booster packs, as well as a bunch of Energy cards, 65 card sleeves (featuring Dialga, Palkia, and Arceus), dice, game markers, and more. It also comes with a guide that teaches you some helpful strategies. If you're looking for other Pokemon TCG gifts, be sure to also consider the Unified Minds Elite Trainer Box and Detective Pikachu Greninja-GX Case File. The Cosmic Eclipse box is currently sold out at Walmart, but you can still get it at Best Buy for $40.

More Cyber Monday 2019 deals

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Now Playing: The Best 2019 Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals - GS News Update

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Get a Nintendo Switch Lite and Pokèmon Sword or Shield for $229

© Jacob Krol/CNN

For Black Friday we saw only minimal discounts or bonuses on the Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite. But for Cyber Monday, eBay is pairing a Switch Lite (in gray or yellow) with either Pokèmon Sword or Shield for just $229.99.

At full cost, the Switch Lite is $199.99 and either title of the latest Pokèmon is $59.99, so you're saving $29.99 with this bundle. Let's break down the options.

Nintendo Switch Lite in Yellow or Gray with Pokèmon Sword or Shield ($229.99; ebay.com)

The Switch Lite is basically a miniature version of the Switch that can do handheld-only (it won't dock into a stand for playing on a bigger screen). Even better, it brings back the traditional arrow pad instead of four separate keys.

This is a solid offer on one of the most popular gadgets to get or give this holiday season. Since this is an eBay deal, it is limited in quantity, so act fast before it's sold out.

Note: The prices above reflect the retailer's listed price at the time of publication.

Black Friday Pokemon deals: $48 for Sword or Shield, $89 for both

Look for Gigantamax Pikachu in Pokemon Shield and Sword.

Nintendo/Screenshot by Corinne Reichert/CNET This story is part of Holiday Gift Guide 2019, your source for the season's best gifts and deals, hand-picked by the experts at CNET.

You can catch a super-hot Nintendo Switch Pokemon game for under $50 with eBay seller Rushhourwholesaler's tempting Black Friday deal (which seems like it's going to extend through Cyber Monday): get Pokemon Sword or Shield for $47.99. 

There's yet another option worth considering: Geek Alliance (via Rakuten) has Pokemon Sword or Pokemon Shield for $55.49 -- and your purchase also nets you Rakuten points worth $11. Those points (which require you to have a Rakuten account) are nearly as good as cash: They can be applied to any other purchase you make from the online store. In fact, you could purchase one of the games for $55.49, claim your points, then come back and get the other for $44.49. (The math: $55.49 minus $11.)

These two new Pokemon games sold more than 6 million copies over launch weekend. I won't suggest which one to get; it depends on which exclusive Pokemon you want: Monsters like Deino, Hydreigon and Farfetch'd come in Sword, while Tyranitar, Goodra and Galarian Ponyta are exclusive to Shield. 

So, are these games the answer to all your Pokemon hopes and dreams? That depends upon how you want to feel about them: The internet is outraged, as it often is, over seemingly inconsequential details, like the fact that Sword and Shield don't include, you know, every Pokemon ever. But if you're OK with that, rest assured that GameSpot rated the game "Superb" with a rating of 9.

Now playing: Watch this: Nintendo shows latest Pokemon game, Sword and Shield

2:13

Originally published last week. Updated to reflect new sale prices and availability.

THE CHEAPSKATE NEWSLETTER

CNET's Cheapskate scours the web for great deals on tech products and much more. For the latest deals and updates, follow the Cheapskate on Facebook and Twitter. Questions about the Cheapskate blog? Find the answers on our FAQ page, and find more great buys on the CNET Deals page.

Pokémon Sword and Shield’s coolest towns are the most shallow

© Game Freak, The Pokémon Company/Nintendo via Polygon

Spikemuth is hidden behind a cold, metal gate. The neon-lit town is run-down, dingy, and one of the most interesting places I've explored in a Pokémon game. The problem is that there's almost nothing to it aside from its aesthetic — there's more to do in some filler routes in Pokémon Sword and Shield than there is in Spikemuth.

Sword and Shield sets up Spikemuth as an important place. It's the only town where you can't use Dynamax Pokémon. Team Yell, the game's "villain," is from there. So is Marnie, one of Sword and Shield's three rivals. Visually, it's unlike any other place in Sword and Shield, let alone any town I've seen in a Pokémon game. It's immediately noticeable when entering the city for the first time through its back alley entrance, past the metal garbage cans and crumbling walls.

Pokémon Sword and Shield are set in a fictional version of the U.K., a small and lively region with a variety of architecture styles across its cities and towns. None of the cities are bad. Many of them have plenty of places to explore, making the areas feel alive with their fan-filled stadiums and selection of shops. But most of them are not particularly unique; I've learned to expect what a Pokémon city will look like. And these look like Pokémon cities and towns — except two, which are visually interesting in a way I hadn't seen before. But unfortunately, that interest is superficial. Spikemuth and Ballonlea are two of the most interesting city ideas for Pokémon games — but it's limited only to ideas.

Spikemuth is dark, with half-lit neon signs. Movement is effectively limited to a single hallway. The first thing you see is a glowing Pokémon Center, but that's the only building you can enter. From there, you head straight down the main road and take on Team Yell enemies as you approach the outdoor Pokémon gym. In Spikemuth, I feel like I'm transported into a side-scrolling beat-'em-up, like Konami's 1980s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles arcade game. The environment — a straight shot with a static camera, dodging barrels and disappearing behind walls — is enough to evoke an entirely different genre. Spikemuth continues like this until you enter the Pokémon gym, which is essentially a gated basketball court with a stage. There are no puzzles, as seen in other gyms, and gym leader Piers won't Dynamax his Pokémon either.

While other towns, ones that hew closely to previous Pokémon games, have plenty of characters to interact with, shops to explore, and houses to enter, Spikemuth has only the Pokémon Center and a few Team Yell members strolling around. I almost didn't believe that this was the entirety of what Spikemuth had to offer; I queued up at doorways, thinking I'd missed spots that would open up the world. Of course, I never found them. Spikemuth is an idea that's more interesting than the execution.

Unfortunately, Spikemuth isn't Sword and Shield's only throwaway town that should have defined the game. Ballonlea, home to gym leader Opal, is visually stunning — the whole city glows. Bright green, yellow, and pink mushrooms line the city's streets. Fairy Pokémon float through the air, their sounds punctuating the town's lively music. The world reacts to you as you pass by.

Unlike Spikemuth, there are a couple of houses to center, as well as a freestanding Pokémon gym with a more engaging battle. Thankfully, players are fed into Ballonlea from the Glimwood Tangle, previewed ahead of Sword and Shield's release, which is stunning in its design — a route-like maze where fairy Pokémon hide in tall grass. Ballonlea's intrigue ends there, which is a shame, because I can't get over how much I want to live there.

I just wish Sword and Shield would let me do more than just rush me through. The whole idea of Sword and Shield and its newly introduced Wild Area is that it's a full world, bigger than any other single environment created in Pokémon. There's so much to do within the Wild Area, which leaves the smaller cities and towns feeling like an afterthought — like they're stopgaps when they should be destinations.