Krytocon
I do things (sometimes)
Welcome to 2v2 Doubles! In this metagame, you play in the doubles format, but you battle with only 2 pokemon, and once those 2 pokemon faint the battle is over. You are allowed up to 4 pokemon in a team, but of course, you only pick 2 of them at team preview.
The main difference from Doubles OU is the limitation to only 4 pokemon in a team and the further limitation of only being able to use 2 of them, and that there is no switching. These are simple changes that can have a massive impact on how the battles are played and what the metagame is about. For example, you can't force an opposing pokemon out by moves such as Haze as a counter-play to setup and you can't switch out if your pokemon has been debuffed and statused.
Rules:
Mechanic: Bring 4 Pokemon at Team Preview, pick 2 to battle.
Clauses: Standard Doubles, Accuracy Moves Clause, Evasion Clause, Sleep Clause Mod, Swagger Clause, Team Preview, Terastal Clause
Bans: Pokemon: Arceus, Calyrex-Ice, Calyrex-Shadow, Chi-Yu, Deoxys-Attack, Dialga, Dialga-Origin, Eternatus, Giratina, Giratina-Origin, Groudon, Ho-Oh, Iron Hands, Koraidon, Kyogre, Kyurem-White, Lugia, Lunala, Magearna, Mewtwo, Miraidon, Necrozma-Dawn-Wings, Necrozma-Dusk-Mane, Palkia, Palkia-Origin, Rayquaza, Reshiram, Solgaleo, Urshifu, Urshifu-Rapid-Strike, Zacian, Zacian-Crowned, Zamazenta, Zamazenta-Crowned, Zekrom
Moves: Ally Switch, Final Gambit, Perish Song
Items: Focus Sash, King's Rock
Abilities: Commander, Moody
Strategy
2v2 Doubles is a metagame with a plethora of strategies as you can fully utilize everything Pokemon has to offer, meaning you can use stuff that has no use in singles formats, examples being Fake Out and Trick Room. Popular strategies involve the use of speed control, weather, Trick Room and more. If you already play 1v1, this metagame is relatively easy to get into since it has a similar concept, and 1v1 pokemon are very useful here. Putting 4 1v1 pokemon in a team is a good way to start, and then making changes as needed to face and adapt to the metagame.
Synergies like Chlorophyll Scovillain + Torkoal or Photosynthesis User + Torkoal can be strong because these Pokemon benefit highly from the sun that Torkoal summons with Drought.
Intimidate Pokemon such as Paldean Tauros, Gyarados, Salamence, and Arcanine can all be used to lower the attack of opponents.
Murkow and Talonflame can use their abilities Prankster and Gale Wings respectively to set up a priority Tailwind, which due to the speed mechanics introduced in Generation 8 will apply to your partner Pokemon that same turn.
Q&A
Q: 2v2? Does that mean you team up with another player and face 2 other players?
A: No. 2v2 refers to that it's 2 pokemon on each side of the field.
Council
This metagame currently has a total of six council members:
Morgan
Krytocon
yuki
Vrji
Fragments
Kaif
The 2v2 Doubles Resource Index
This post also serves a Central Hub for the resources developed by the 2v2 Doubles Community. It includes the various projects and helpful links that will provide a means of proper participation in regards to this tier. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask on the 2v2 doubles discord server or in the 2v2 room. Below is an overlay of the Resources:
Pokémon Showdown! Room
2v2 Doubles Discord
Viability Rankings
Sample Teams
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