Alexmcmillan, Author at Hard Drive

Same-Day Barbie and Oppenheimer Release to Finally Determine Who Has More Say In Couple’s Relationship

Posted on August 26, 2022 by Camden Brazile

ST. LOUIS — Local couple Steven Marion and Ashley Columbia were reportedly troubled by the recent film news that Greta Gerwig’s Barbie and Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer will be releasing on the same day, as it will finally decide who has more say in their relationship when planning date night.

“We’ve usually tried to keep things pretty even and compromise,” began boyfriend Steve Marion. “But now we’ll see who really wears the pants. I love my girlfriend, we’ve been dating for six years, but I also love Nolan, and I’ve been seeing his movies longer, so I’m kind of at a crossroads here. I think the studio executives knew what they were doing here, and they definitely are trying to break us up, and I’m afraid it just might work. As the only Christopher Nolan fan with a girlfriend, I feared this day may eventually come.”

Girlfriend Ashley Columbia offered her rebuttal.

“I will not concede, I will not lose,” Columbia said. “He made me watch something called Tenet during quarantine and I had no idea what the fuck was going on. Hell, he didn’t even know what was going on. I’m not sitting through another two and a half hour science jargon-fest. Hell, half of that guy’s movies are about dead wives. And have you seen the leaked pictures from Barbie? It’s going to be transcendent. He may think he is the strong one in our relationship but we’ll just see what happens in the summer of 2023. Sorry, but I only want to see a movie by a director that actually has an Oscar.”

At press time, multiple movie theaters had announced a special cut of the two films to compromise for couples, editing Barbie into a jumbled timeline as she wanders Malibu haunted by the death of Ken.

25 Great New Films and the 25 Different Streaming Services You Can Find Them On

Posted on August 26, 2022 by Mark Roebuck

August is here, and just like every other month a slew of movies have left streaming services and are being replaced by an entirely new slew of films, many of which you absolutely MUST watch! We know it can be harder than ever to navigate the increasingly crowded streaming landscape, so we’ve provided you this helpful list of 25 great new films hitting streaming this month, and the 25 different services you can find them on. Better get cracking!

The Gray Man (Netflix) – The Russo Brothers direct Ryan Gosling as a CIA mercenary on the run from Chris Evans in this high octane Netflix original.

Not Okay (Hulu) – A wannabe influencer is outed for a lie and is turned into the internet’s public enemy number one in this original comedy.

Don’t Make Me Go (Amazon Prime) – John Cho stars as a terminally ill man taking his daughter on a road trip to teach her about life while he still can. Oh man.

Z-O-M-B-I-E-S 3 (Disney Plus) – The third installment in this suspenseful song-and-dance series drops this month, and rumor has it it’s the final one. Say it ain’t so!

The Bad Guys (Peacock) – This animated Dreamworks series focuses on an infamous crew of criminal animals trying to turn a corner and do some good. Voice talent includes Sam Rockwell and Marc Maron.

On the Third Day (Shudder) – A woman recovers from a car accident with no idea where her son has gone in this premiere from the spooky streaming service. Holey moley.

The Only (Paramount Plus) – This documentary focuses on the story of Briana Scurry, the only Black starter and first openly gay Women’s soccer player to play on the national team.

Riding With Sugar (Tubi) – A young refugee embarks on a quest for BMX glory and the pursuit of identity, safety, happiness and love. These are still the real ones, folks.

The Bob’s Burgers Movie (HBOMax) – Sorry if you went out to see this last month. Check this out before it’s deleted from the app while you’re watching it!

ArmyCop (Buggle) – Buggle has assured its angry subscribers that ArmyCop will be the high profile release that justifies their subscribing to the service that was touted as a ‘Netflix Killer,’ when it debuted last year. Since then, however, there’s been a minimum of original content, but this gritty military action crime drama promises to have it all. Based on the 2016 best seller Daniel Zack: My Life as an ArmyCop.

You’ve Got to be Kidding Me! (Kanopy) – You might not know about Kanopy, but you can access this incredible (and free) streaming service with any library card. Home to classics, foreign films, and arthouse fare, there’s an abundance of options to check out, including this upcoming Holocaust documentary that is nothing short of riveting.

Thank You, Thomas Huffman From Massachusetts (CNN+) – CNN put this extended thank-you video on their platform to honor their lone remaining subscriber this month. Pretty sweet if you ask me. Catch this before it’s too late, which is any day now. Recommended if you are Thomas Huffman from Massachusetts!

Taken 6 – (Starz Play) This time they get his wallet!

Chris Kattan & Friends: Gettin’ Silly Up Here! (Seeso) – We didn’t know Seeso still existed and aren’t sure how to access it, but there’s a new Chris Kattan special dropping!

Beverly Hills Cop 4 (Quibi Films) – Quibi is back as a full length feature film streaming service and has spent over $120 million dollars to bring Eddie Murphy back as Axel Foley and, oh, actually, I just got a notification that Quibi Films has gone under. Damn.

Locked in the Garage (PlutoTV) – This Pluto original wears its low budget on its sleeve with a convoluted plot that involves a man (played by Mario Lopez) who locks himself in his garage and spends the movie’s run time calling people and asking what he should do.

Unstoppable (Unstoppable+) Like all months on Unstoppable+, 2010’s better-than-you-remembered Denzel Washington led Unstoppable is the only movie on the platform. We can’t imagine why you’d continue to subscribe to this service, but if it snuck past you another month, maybe watch Unstoppable again? I’m telling you, it’s pretty good!

Sharky Waters (FreeVee) – Okay, so Amazon spun off something called iMBDtv, which was a movie website turned streaming service (that has new episodes of the Judge Judy TV show), but now that has turned into FreeVee. And while I’m not sure I got that all the way right, I am sure that FreeVee is the only streaming app where you can find this shark movie starring Sean Spicer and Hulk Hogan’s daughter.

ESPN Presents: Dan Marino: The 5-Dog Game (ESPN+) – This insightful documentary sees the legendary quarterback himself discuss the infamous 1995 game against the San Diego Chargers wherein he ingested five hot dogs shortly before kickoff, mistakenly thinking he hadn’t been medically cleared to start. Featuring archival footage and new interviews, many critics have called The 5-Dog Game one of the best documentaries of the year.

There’s a Quid in the Loo (AcornTV) – The British streaming service is throwing its hat into the original movie game, with this film about a bank employee that tries to flush a fortune into the sewer and discover it later.

Femme Triste le Matin (The Criterion Channel) – This four and a half hour Cannes entry from French auteur François Beaufort examines a marriage falling apart for a decade. There is a 20 minute scene of sad people eating breakfast halfway through that you have to see to believe.

My Summer of Love and Predictable Storm Patterns (The Weather Channel) These monthly TWC exclusive films are usually pretty tedious, full length films that amount to little more than characters discussing the weather, but this one has some charming scenes that elevate it ahead of some of their other offerings this year, such as Sunny Days, Stormy Nights and Hurricane Mom.

My Favorite Fish (Long John Silver’s MAX) – Yes, this is another full length commercial for Long John Silver’s disguised as a madcap comedy, this one about a group of sailors stranded on an island with nothing but delicious Long John Silver’s products. Not without its highlights, this one is worth watching for Coolio’s surprisingly poignant turn as Admiral Tartar Q. Hushpuppy alone.

Hardly Workin’ (Redbox Mobile App) – Holograms of Tupac Shakur and John Candy star in this side splitting comedy about two ex-cons who lie on their resume and find themselves managing a fast food restaurant. You gotta figure out some weird Redbox app to watch this one. I did, and it was well worth it!

Jesus Slaps! (Kirk Plus Brought to You By Kirk Cameron) Kirk Cameron wrote, directed, stars, edited, produced, and wrote the songs for this downright embarrassing attempt at making the bible appeal to a new generation. Worth viewing for the abysmal “All My Homies Love Eating Communion” rap.

Best Morty MultiVersus Combos, Strategies, and Perks

Posted on August 26, 2022 by Parker Johnson

Morty, of Rick and Morty fame, joined MultiVersus’ combatants on Aug 23. Categorized as a Bruiser, Morty is closer to a Mage in many ways. His moveset mostly revolves around utility, with interesting projectiles and buffs that he can provide to his teammates. There is still a lot to learn about Morty this early into his release, but these basic tips and strategies can help you get started with Rick’s anxious grandson.

**Morty MultiVersus Moveset Overview**

Morty has a ton of unique moves in his kit that have potential to shake up the MultiVersus meta. From grenades that can be used as creative traps, to being able to spawn a whole platform, Morty has a ton of utility. Using these interesting moves can create crazy projectile play that complements the current meta of MultiVersus.

Neutral Ground Attack: Morty uses a blaster shot to hit enemies and knocks them back. On cooldown, damage is reduced and it has no knockback. This attack will also lock on and detonate any active grenades from Morty’s Neutral Special.
Side Ground Attack: Morty hits enemies in a three-hit combo. He swings his muscular arm, Armothy, for two hits, then unleashes a final hit with Hammerhead Morty. The final Hammerhead hit has massive launch power, but landing the full combo can be a bit finicky. Alternatively, to finish the combo, you can use a Neutral Ground Attack input to finish the combo with a long range whip.
Up Ground Attack: Morty shoots his blaster upwards. This shares the same cooldown and effects as the Neutral Ground Attack. The main difference is that this attack will not detonate grenades.
Down Ground Attack: Morty charges his Plumbus, and scrubs the floor with it. The Plumbus will stay active as long as you hold the attack button. Any enemies hit with the Plumbus will also be weakened.
Neutral Air Attack: This attack is the same as the Neutral Ground Attack.
Side Air Attack: Morty uses an axe chop forward to slash enemies. This input can be pressed again for a second combo hit. The first chop covers a large area but isn’t very powerful, while the second slash has less range but deals heavier damage and knockback.
Up Air Attack: Morty uses the power of fire above him. This move deals decent damage and burns the enemy to deal damage over time.
Down Air Attack: Morty swings Armothy downwards to spike his enemy. One of Morty’s most effective options for eliminating opposition is spiking them onto the stage. At high damage, the momentum will knock the enemy into the top blast zone.

Neutral Special: Morty throws a grenade. This grenade can be hit by allies or enemies to move the grenade around the stage. The grenade has a set cook time, after which it will detonate. Alternatively, the grenade can be detonated by the player who threw it by using Neutral Ground or Neutral Air attacks. Morty can have three charges of this grenade at a time. Each grenade has cooldown time. The cooldown works similarly to Tracer’s Blink ability in Overwatch.
Side Special (Ground): Morty can aim and summon a spire of rock from the floor of the stage. This weakens enemies, and launches them towards Morty. Because of the launch trajectory, this move is a great combo starter. In addition, if you hit your grenade with the spire, it will split the grenade in two. If you do it to an opponent Morty’s grenade, it will split and become yours.
Side Special (Air): In the air, Morty’s Side Special becomes a portal. Morty can aim this portal, and stalls in the air with armor while aiming it. If the move isn’t on cooldown, it also spawns a square portal that speeds up any ally projectiles that pass through it significantly.
Up Special: Morty summons his grandpa Rick’s spaceship from below. This spaceship acts as a makeshift platform, and continually rises. Not only does this move act as a great recovery option, but it can also do a few other things. Morty can use it as a way to get rid of Jerry from the Tom & Jerry duo, using the platform to rise up and take him away. This spaceship can also be utilized as a bumper, letting Morty use his powerful Down Air Attack to bounce enemies off of the ship and K.O. them much earlier.
Down Special: Morty’s Down Special lets him create a temporal copy of himself. After pressing the input again, or after a set period of time, Morty returns to the copy and heals himself. He also deals damage in the area where his copy was, and leaves a grenade at his final location before teleporting back.

One other thing to note about Morty’s kit is his passive ability. This ability lets Morty give allies a grenade when he overlaps with them. This works similarly to LeBron James’ basketball passing mechanic. However, this ability is currently disabled due to a bug. It will be returning in a future patch.

**Best Morty MultiVersus Combos**

Morty has a few reliable combos to turn to. Lobbing grenades from distance behind a durable teammate is usually Morty’s safest place. When Morty gets into close combat, though, here are some of his best combos to rack up damage.

Down Air into Up Air (low damage): At low damage, Down Air into Up Air is a simple and quick combo that can load up damage on enemies. This is especially helpful since Morty’s Up Air sets enemies aflame, making them take additional damage over time.

Down Air into Up Ground Attack (high damage): When at higher damage, Down Air will bounce the opponent much higher. When this happens, you can instead utilize Morty’s Up Ground Attack instead of his Up Air. This will work even if Morty isn’t directly below the enemy, as the blast will split off into two snakes that can hit the opponent in either direction.

Side Ground Attack (Hit 1), Side Special, Side Ground Attack: This is a great combo to throw enemies off their expectations. Use the first hit of Morty’s Side Ground Attack. This will knock enemies back slightly, but not too much. Then, instead of the second hit, aim and use Morty’s Side Special. This attack will bring Morty back into you, allowing you to use your Side Ground Attack again. This time, use the full combo on your enemies, and charge the third Hammerhead Morty attack for maximum damage and launching power.

Side Air (Hit 1) Into Neutral Attack: When Morty’s opponent is on the ground, a short up with a charged ax can combo into Morty’s blaster. The blaster can be utilized either in midair or on the ground. As long as this attack isn’t on cooldown, it will also deal some knockback to the enemy. Just be wary this combo isn’t used while a grenade is active, or the blaster will lock onto that instead.

How to Win 2v2 Battles as Morty

Despite his Bruiser classification, Morty has great ranged potential that makes him a perfect MultiVersus partner. He’s best teamed up with a scrappy brawler, who can cause trouble in close quarters while Morty sets up his grenades. Here are some of Morty’s best partners:

Wonder Woman (Tank)
Shaggy (Bruiser)
All Assassin Characters
Iron Giant (Tank)

In team battles, Morty does his best work from the backlines, lobbing grenades and hitting them into enemies. One thing to keep in mind is when using your Neutral Special, by holding the button, you can use your left stick to aim it up or down while charging. In the chaos of team battles, try throwing the grenade at Morty’s feet. By doing this, you can use his Side Attack to hit the grenade into the fray, giving it an active hitbox on its path.

Another thing to keep in mind is to be mindful of your teammates. With the flexibility of Morty’s kit, it’s possible to get in the way of teammates’ combos. In particular, Morty’s Up Special is great for disrupting enemies. But, also keep in mind that this ship can just as easily throw your ally off of their own combo.

How to Win 1v1 Battles as Morty in MultiVersus

One-on-one battles as Morty are a bit trickier than duos. With a partner, Morty can serve a support role to rack up damage while his ally does the heavy lifting with knockouts. Without an ally, though, Morty will have some trouble.

Morty’s kit has a major way to make up for this deficit, though. Using his movement tools, mainly his Side Special and Up Special, he can edge guard with little risk. As long as Morty stays above his opponent, and his Up Special isn’t on cooldown, Morty can chase his opponent with a lot of aggression. Utilize his Down Air and Side Air attacks off-stage to try and get early kills to offset his relatively weak kill power on stage.

Morty Best Perks

Morty’s common strategies revolve around his grenade projectiles. Because of this, his perks help augment this, as well as the other abilities at his disposal. Here are Morty’s best perks, in both one-on-one battles and teams battles.

Morty’s Best Perks (one-on-one and teams):

Triple Jump (can be trained at level 9)
That’s Flammable, Doc! (can be trained at level 9)
I Dodge You Dodge We All Dodge (can be trained at level 9)
Coffeezilla (unlocked at level 13)
Signature Perk: Oh That’s Still A Grenade (unlocked at level 10)

Triple Jump has become one of the most popular perks in the meta. It especially helps Morty too. This extra jump will help Morty be even more aggressive in his edge guarding. That’s Flammable, Doc will help Morty’s projectiles deal even more damage. After being hit with a projectile into melee attack combo, Morty’s opponent will be temporarily ignited.

Coffeezilla is a no-brainer for Morty. With so many of his special attacks reliant on cooldowns, reducing them is crucial. Because of this, it may also be helpful to replace That’s Flammable, Doc! with the perk I Dodge You Dodge We All Dodge. This will reduce Morty’s cooldowns when he dodges attacks. Finally, Morty’s best signature perk is Oh That’s Still A Grenade. This will increase Morty’s explosion radius the longer it cooks. The signature perk I’m More Than Just A Hammer is tempting to improve Hammerhead Morty’s damage. But ultimately, as long as you play Morty from a distance, larger grenade radius is too big of a benefit to ignore.

Overall, Morty MultiVersus moveset is completely unexpected. They’re all great references to the show. These references helped create what is arguably MultiVersus’ most inventive character to date. Explosive projectiles and the ability to create his own platform make this character rife with possibilities. It wouldn’t be surprising to see this character have a meteoric rise to success long after release like Minecraft’s Steve in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. With these basic combos, strategies, and perks, perhaps you could be the one to unlock Morty’s true potential and rise to the top of the MultiVersus ladder.

Teenager Emerges From 40-Minute Video Essay With Brand New Personality

Posted on August 25, 2022 by Hunter R. Thompson

BEAVERCREEK, Ohio — Concerned friends report that local high schooler Ricky Dunleavy, 16, has completely reinvented himself aesthetically and ideologically after spending sixth period watching a video essay on his phone.

“I thought I understood Ricky! We were soulmates for a few weeks, and I thought I knew his heart,” said Alison Toole, who was the first to notice Dunleavy’s sudden personality shift. “But then he shows up to class talking in this sotto radio voice about, like, the often-overlooked anarcho-syndicalist subtext to Toy Story, and a ‘deep dive’ into the history of a sport that hasn’t existed in fifty years? He still vapes, though, so I’m not as worried as I might be otherwise.”

Dunleavy maintains that the video, which featured eight midroll ads and was jointly written and edited by six different Fiverr freelancers, presented the perfect mix of education and entertainment to re-wire his entire brain.

“I thought the essay really gave voice to something I already agreed with, but just didn’t know I agreed with, you know?” Dunleavy insisted, while typing the video’s script verbatim into a Reddit argument thread. “Sure, I never actually played Bloodborne, but now that I know it revolutionized the Souls formula with a streamlined weapons system and a faster combat pace, I’ll never have to!”

As of his fifth rewatch, Dunleavy has rebranded to “RickyPedia,” lit his bedroom with contrasting rim lights of blue and maroon, opened and immediately abandoned two Patreons, and argued that an unnamed television show ‘changed everything’ while failing to elaborate whatsoever.

“The ability of video propaganda to shape young people’s ideologies is an aspect of Gen-Z that troubles me greatly,” said Dr. Yelena Zhdanova, research professor of sociology at the University of Cincinnati who hopes to assuage the video essay epidemic. “People tend to hyper-focus on the alt-right pipeline, though. Frankly, I’d rather deprogram a Sargon of Akkad viewer than a kid who’s suffered the neurodegenerative effects of a nine-hour Drake & Josh recap video.”

While some remain concerned, analysts predict that Dunleavy will renounce every claim made in the video essay once HenricusTheWesternDebunker releases a response video tomorrow.

Mad Catz Releases Cheaper, Less Cool COVID-19 Vaccine

Posted on August 25, 2022 by Mark Roebuck

SAN DIEGO — The CDC has approved a new, clunky, not that effective, COVID-19 vaccination that has been developed by Mad Catz, a company known primarily for video game accessories prior to their recent expansion into medicine.

“It’s not nearly as good as the vaccines we’ve approved previously,” said Grant Snyder, a Senior Executive of the CDC. “But technically, yes, it is a vaccine against COVID-19. In the same way you could technically use a tennis racket as a flyswatter. I guess it’s better than nothing, but you really need to be careful out there if the only protection against this virus is something made by Mad Catz, for god’s sake.”

Representatives from Mad Catz defended their company’s reputation as they expanded their services.

“Look, we’re realistic here at Mad Catz,” said Darren Richardson, president and CEO of Mad Catz Interactive, through a microphone that was on the fritz. “We know we’re nobody’s first, second, or third choice when it comes to video game peripherals or vaccines that are effective against the transmission of the Coronavirus. But what do you want for twenty bucks, you know? That’s our whole thing here at Mad Catz.”

“If we gave a fuck we’d spell Cats with an ‘S,’” he added.

Gamers familiar with the company’s reputation were confused by their expansion into healthcare.

“Wait, they never even figured out how to make good controllers after decades, why on earth would they get into the business of medicine?” asked Troy Woods, a gamer that said they wouldn’t take a vaccine distributed by Mad Catz. “I remember getting one of their XBox 360 controllers for my birthday one year. My horse in Red Dead Redemption was pulling to the left by the second mission! And none of the shoulder buttons ever worked right. I wouldn’t trust this company to make a paperweight let alone a vaccine against an infectious disease.”

As of press time, Johnson & Johnson had surprised the tech world and announced they were going to start making janky video game controllers.

Unfunny Friend Casually Suggests Playing Game Other Than Quiplash

Posted on August 25, 2022 by Camden Brazile

COLUMBIA, Mo. — A collection of friends hanging out and playing games together Thursday night noted that the unfunny friend of the group off-handedly requested that everyone play a different game than Quiplash, according to close sources.

“Hey guys, Fibbage is really cool, I like that one a lot. Maybe we can play that one now?” unfunny friend group member Danny Robinson casually began. “Yeah, Quiplash is cool, we’ll totally play that one later, but let’s start out with the T-Shirt one, you know, like as a warm-up. Then we’ll play the trivia murder game and if we have time we can play Quiplash. Oh, okay! You all want to play Quiplash. We can start with one round of that and then try one of those games that we’ve all never played just to see what they’re like. Oh we’re starting a third round of Quiplash? That’s cool, that’s cool.”

Robinson’s friends claimed that they knew this awkward situation would occur.

“He’s not funny, but I promise he’s a really nice guy!” pleaded roommate Nick Martins. “I tried to extend an olive branch by letting him ‘be on my team,’ as if that’s a thing, but he rebuffed me. Sure, we could play one of the other games, but you don’t even get to be funny in those. I don’t care if I hurt my friend’s feelings, I’m not playing Bomb Corp. I’m just worried if we play Quiplash long enough, he’ll just get to the point of desperation where he just puts in slurs.”

At press time, sources close to Robinson reported that he was dealt a devastating blow when his friend group ironically gave his clearly terrible answer a Quiplash as a bit.

How Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Co-op Works

Posted on August 24, 2022 by Jay Castello

Nintendo has revealed that Pokemon Scarlet and Violet will be playable with friends via online co-op. While we don’t know everything yet, there are some new elements to the co-op. For instance, you’ll be able to explore the world together. And the new Tera Raid battles are a great place to work together to obtain powerful Pokemon.

We’ve gathered together everything that we know about co-op so far, including how to access Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s co-op and what you can do together with your friends.

When more information is released we’ll update this guide accordingly.

How Can I Play Pokemon Scarlet and Violet multiplayer co-op?

Up to four people will be able to play Pokemon Scarlet and Violet together. Players will be able to explore Paldea, catch Pokémon, and take part in raid battles.

To launch multiplayer, you’ll need to use a feature called the Poké Portal. First, make your way to a Union Circle. From what we’ve seen so far, these may be found close to Pokémon Centers around the world. From here, you can use the circle to visit other players’ worlds using the online connection.

All players will need to have their own Nintendo Switch and a copy of Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet to play. Also, they will need to have a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership in order to use Pokémon’s multiplayer features. This includes co-op play, but also includes trading with and battling other people.

So far, there’s been no indication that there will be offline multiplayer added to Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet.

What to do in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet co-op

While playing in co-op multiplayer, you’ll be able to explore the world of Paldea together. You can even all use the Legendary Pokémon Koraidon and Miraidon to ride around quickly. However, the main appeal of co-op is taking part in Tera Raid battles. These battles require friends to work together to defeat and catch more powerful Pokémon. These Tera Pokémon may have unusual types, and be great additions to your collection. Therefore, taking part in the Raid battles can be both fun and useful.

The Tera Raid battles are on their own timing and you can all attack or heal your Pokémon at once. So you don’t need to wait around for your friends to act. You can constantly be making your own moves while your friends do their own thing. It’s not exactly clear when the opponent Pokémon will be able to move, but try to beat them quickly and add them to your collection!

All New Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Pokémon Explained

Posted on August 24, 2022 by Jay Castello

Like all new Pokémon generations, Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet will introduce brand new Pokémon to collect and battle with. In this guide we’ll collect everything we know about those Pokémon so far, from starters to legendaries.

It can be useful to get a head start learning about these Pokémon before the game releases, so that you can plan which ones you want to take on your adventure with you. We’ll let you know their types, abilities, stats, and some of the fun facts that Nintendo has shared. The latter might not be important for becoming the very best, but still, it’s fun to know!

Be sure to check back often as new Pokémon are revealed in the runup to the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet release in November.

Sprigatito

One of the three starters, Sprigatito is known as the Grass Cat Pokémon.

Type: Grass

Ability: Overgrow (when the Pokémon has less than a third of its health remaining, Grass type moves gain a 50% boost).

Sprigatito is reportedly an attention seeking Pokémon that will sulk if its Trainer gives attention to other Pokémon. This isn’t likely to be a real mechanical effect but it’s helpful to know if you want to really get into character! It’s also able to photosynthesize thanks to its plant-like fur.

Sprigatito can also create soothing aromas that lulls its opponents into losing their will to battle. Very useful!

Fuecoco

One of the three starters, Fuecoco is known as the Fire Croc Pokémon.

Type: Fire

Ability: Blaze (when the Pokémon has less than a third of its health remaining, Fire type moves gain a 50% boost).

Fuecoco is a laid back Pokémon that apparently loves food. This might be a good starter to pick if you’re really into the game’s berry system?

The two spikes on top of Fuecoco’s head are actually a leak. It can’t fully contain all of its fire energy, and if it gets too excited, it’ll shoot more flames out. Be careful! On the other hand, the square plates that cover its front and back absorb heat from the atmosphere and convert it into energy that Fuecoco can use in battle.

Quaxly

One of the three starters, Quaxly is known as the Duckling Pokémon.

Type: Water

Ability: Torrent (when the Pokémon has less than a third of its health remaining, Water type moves gain a 50% boost).

Quaxly reportedly has a serious attitude and likes to keep things tidy. However, it also has a rowdy side – its strong legs can be used for more than swimming and it will kick opponents in battle.

Like ducks, Quaxly has a glossy coat which repels water. Useful for swimming – but that’s also the secret to how it keeps its quiff so fabulous.

Koraidon and Miraidon

The Legendary Pokémon that will be available in Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet respectively.

Not much is yet known about these two Pokémon, including their types and abilities. However, they will be used for getting around the Paldea region, as they can transform into land, water, and air vehicles. That suggests we’ll be getting to know them earlier than most Legendary Pokémon.

Cetitan

Cetitan is known as the Terra Whale Pokémon.

Type: Ice

Ability: Thick Fat (if the Pokémon is attacked by an Ice or Fire type move, it takes half as much damage) or Slush Rush (the Pokémon’s speed is doubled during a hailstorm).

Cetitan weighs an amazing 700 kilograms thanks to its big muscles and blubber layer. It uses these in battle to launch huge physical attacks against opponents. Outside of battle, they’re useful for keeping it warm and fed as it moves around the icy parts of Paldea.

Cetitan also has five horns, which can be used to freeze the area around it, as well as any Pokémon opponents in the vicinity.

It appears that the Ice type Gym leader Grusha uses a Cetitan.

Fidough

Fidough is simply known as the Puppy Pokémon.

Type: Fairy

Ability: Own Tempo (the Pokémon cannot be affected by confusion).

Fidough is a very cute Pokémon which is used by people outside of its ability to battle. Its breath contains yeast, which can be used in cooking. Its smooth skin can puff up to intimidate its enemies in battle. Although with that cute face, I’m not sure how well it will work.

Lechonk

Lechonk is the Hog Pokémon.

Type: Normal

Ability: Aroma Veil (this Pokémon and any allies cannot be affected by Taunt, Torment, Encore, Disable, Cursed Body, Heal Block, or be infatuated) or Gluttony (this Pokémon will eat its healing Berry at 50% HP rather than 25%).

Lechonk is another cute Pokémon introduced in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. It is reportedly a bit of a coward, but its body is strong and muscular. Its giant nose is used to find berries, which make up its diet and give it a strong herbal smell.

Your friend and fellow trainer Nemona, who loves to battle, uses this Pokémon.

Pawmi

Pawmi is the Mouse Pokémon.

Type: Electric

Ability: Static (moves that make contact have a 30% chance to paralyze the attacking Pokémon) or (any status conditions are healed when this Pokémon is switched out).

Every new Pokémon generation needs a Pikachu spinoff, and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are no exception. This electric mouse is Pawmi, and its electricity is stored in its cheeks and fur ready to be discharged from its fluffy paws.

Your friend and fellow trainer Nemona, who loves to battle, uses this Pokémon.

Smoliv

Smoliv is known as the Olive Pokémon.

Type: Grass/Normal

Ability: Early Bird (if this Pokémon is put to sleep, it stays asleep for half as much time as usual).

Smoliv, despite its looks, is not edible. Instead, it is full of a bitter oil which it can use to attack enemies and slow them down. It doesn’t need to eat much itself, either, as it photosynthesizes using the fruit on its head.

The NPC Nemona, who loves to battle, uses this Pokémon.

Paldean Wooper

Though not fully a new Pokémon, Wooper has a new form in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. It is known as the Poison Fish Pokémon.

Type: Poison/Ground

Ability: Poison Point (moves that make contact have a 30% chance to poison the attacking Pokémon) or Water Absorb (when this Pokémon is hit by a Water type attack, its HP is restored by 25%).

Paldean Wooper live on the land, rather than the water. To protect themselves, they cover themselves in a poisonous film. This poison is shed through its gills and can be used to attack opponents.

Cyclizar

Cyclizar is known as the Mount Pokémon.

Type: Dragon/Normal

Ability: Shed Skin (the Pokémon has a 1/3rd chance of curing a status effect every turn).

Cyclizar is used by humans as a sort of bike to explore the region of Paldea. Apparently, it likes to be ridden because it keeps the Pokémon warm in cold climates. It can run at over 70mph and its strong legs are also useful in battle.

Grafaiai

Grafaiai is known as the Toxic Monkey Pokémon.

Type: Poison/Normal

Ability: Unburden (the Pokémon’s speed stat is doubled when it loses a held item) or Poison Touch (when this Pokémon makes contact with an attack there is a 30% chance the opponent will be poisoned).

Grafaiai uses berries to paint on the trees around its habitat. This draws in bug type Pokémon and paralyzes them ready for Grafaiai to attack. The type of painting depends on what kind of Berries it’s eaten. In dangerous situations – or Pokémon battles! – it can also use its poison to attack.

Klawf

Klawf is known as the Ambush Pokémon.

Type: Rock

Ability: Anger Shell (when the Pokémon has less than half HP, it has reduced Defense and Special Defense, but higher Attack, Special Attack, and Speed), or Shell Armor (the Pokémon cannot receive critical hits).

Klawf is a crab-like Pokémon that uses its claws to attack its opponents. These claws grow back if they’re ever lost – which is good news, because they apparently make excellent cooking ingredients.

It can also rotate its eyes around its head, giving it a 360 degree view. By clinging to cliffs, it can ambush passers by.

Armarouge

Armarouge is known as the Fire Warrior Pokémon. It will be exclusive to Pokémon Scarlet.

Type: Fire/Psychic

Ability: Flash Fire (the Pokémon is immune to Fire Type moves. If hit by one, it increases its own Fire type moves by 50%).

Armarouge wears the armor of a warrior from the past, which lends it its psychic abilities and gives it a strong defense against enemies.

It has a signature move called Armor Cannon which turns its pauldrons into hand cannons. It makes a powerful Fire type attack, but it lowers Armarouge’s Defense and Special Defense.

Ceruledge

Ceruledge is known as the Fire Blades Pokémon. It will be exclusive to Pokemon Violet.

Type: Fire/Ghost

Ability: Flash Fire (the Pokémon is immune to Fire Type moves. If hit by one, it increases its own Fire type moves by 50%).

Ceruledge is armed with powerful ghostly blades which absorb the life energy of its opponents.

It has a signature move called Bitter Blade. This Fire Type attack will slash an opponent and restore Ceruledge’s HP by half of the damage done.

Wiglett

Wiglett is a new Pokémon that is strangely similar to Diglett but apparently unrelated.

Type: Water

Ability: Gooey (when this Pokémon makes contact with a move, it decreases the opponent’s Speed), or Rattled (when this Pokémon is hit with a Bug, Dark, or Ghost type move, its Speed increases).

Just like Diglett, little is known about what Wiglett looks like beneath the ground. However, it can stretch its neck to feed in the ocean. Apparently it also has a fantastic sense of smell, which makes it nervous when approached. It can bury itself in the sand to escape.

We don’t yet know whether Wiglett will have an evolution like Diglett does, but this is not a regional variant like Paledean Wooper.

Farigiraf

Farigiraf is a new evolution for Girafarig. It is known as the Long Neck Pokémon.

Type: Normal/Psychic

Ability: Armor Tail (a new ability which prevents the opposing Pokémon from using priority moves) or Chew Cud (another new ability which allows Farigiraf to eat a berry again the turn after it does ordinarily).

Farigiraf blends the tail-head mixup of Girafarig into something new after it evolves in Paldea. Its two brains connect, giving it psychic powers and a high reaction speed. It can also defend itself by closing its second mouth around its inner head, and then use this tough skull for strong physical attacks.

Bellibolt

Type: Electric

Ability: Electromorphosis (when hit, it becomes Charged, boosting its next Electric type attack) or Static (moves that make physical contact have a chance of paralysing the opposing Pokémon).

Bellibolt generates electricity in its stomach by expanding and contracting its squishy body. Those eyes on the side of its head are fake too – the real eyes are the small yellow ones.

Bellibolt is also the partner Pokémon of the streamer gym leader Iono.

Greavard

Type: Ghost

Ability: Pickup (this Pokémon may pick up items from the overworld or from opponent Pokémon during battle).

Greavard is a new Ghost type Pokémon coming to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. It often hides underground, with only the purple candle on its head showing, so that it can ambush passers by.

It’s described as friendly and lonely, however it accidentally absorbs the life force of those around it.

Gimmighoul

Type: Ghost

Ability: Rattled (when this pokemon is hit by a Bug, Dark, or Ghost move, its Speed is increased).

Gimmighoul hides inside treasure chests, making it slow to move but giving it a strong defence. It ambushes passers by and uses mind control to make them collect coins for it.

It can also be seen outside of its Chest Form, in the Roaming Form. However, if spotted it will run away immediately, making it difficult to catch.

Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Type Matchup Chart

Posted on August 24, 2022 by Jay Castello

All Pokemon have one or two “types.” This category gives them advantages and disadvantages against other types. Some of these are obvious. You’ll probably be able to remember that Water moves are super effective against Fire type Pokémon. But what about how Ice types interact with Fighting types? These interactions are why a Pokemon type matchup chart is helpful.

If you’re diving into Pokémon Scarlet and Violet and want a refresher on the type strengths and weaknesses, you’ll find them all here.

Pokemon Type Effects

Pokémon types have two effects. Pokémon of a certain type can be weak to or strong against moves of other types. If a Pokémon is weak to a type, moves of that type will be super effective and deal more damage. If a Pokémon is strong to a type, moves of that type will be not very effective and deal less damage. This can be the key to winning tough battles.

Some types are fully immune to others. For example, Fighting moves do no damage against Ghost types.

Some Pokémon have two types. This can reduce the number of overall weaknesses they have. However, this is typically cancelled out by some types having double strength against them. For example, a Ground and Flying type has full immunity to Ground and Electric-type attacks. However, it will take four times as much damage from Ice type attacks.

Pokémon moves have their own types which do not necessarily line up with the type of the Pokémon in question. However, if they do, the Pokémon will receive a “STAB” or “same type attack bonus,” making it even stronger.

Pokémon Types in Scarlet and Violet

Pokémon typing has existed in all Pokémon games. However, it hasn’t always been the same. New types have been introduced, and strengths and weaknesses have been changed over the years.

So far, it seems that the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet type strengths and weaknesses will be the same as in other recent games. However, the introduction of the Terastal system can give Pokémon new types, so keep an eye out.

If any other changes are revealed, we will update this article.

Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Type Matchup Chart – Strengths & Weaknesses

Below is a chart detailing all interactions between Pokémon types in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. The left three columns describe attacks. For example, a Bug type attack is super effective (deals twice damage) to Grass, Psychic, and Dark type Pokémon. The right three columns describe defense. For example, a Bug type Pokémon is weak to (will take twice damage from) Fire, Flying, and Rock type attacks.

Type	Super Effective Against	Not Very Effective Against	No Effect On	Weak To	Resistant To	Immune To
Bug	Grass, Psychic, Dark	Fire, Fighting, Poison, Flying, Ghost, Steel, Fairy		Fire, Flying, Rock	Grass, Fighting, Ground
Dark	Psychic, Ghost	Fighting, Dark, Fairy		Fighting, Bug, Fairy	Ghost, Dark	Psychic
Dragon	Dragon	Steel	Fairy	Ice, Dragon, Fairy	Fire, Water, Electric, Grass
Electric	Water, Flying	Electric, Grass, Dragon	Ground	Ground	Electric, Flying, Steel
Fairy	Fighting, Dragon, Dark	Fire, Poison, Steel		Poison, Steel	Fighting, Bug, Dark	Dragon
Fighting	Normal, Ice, Rock, Dark, Steel	Poison, Flying, Psychic, Bug, Fairy	Ghost	Flying, Psychic, Fairy	Bug, Rock, Dark
Fire	Grass, Ice, Bug, Steel	Fire, Water, Rock, Dragon		Water, Ground, Rock	Fire, Grass, Ice, Bug, Steel, Fairy
Flying	Grass, Fighting, Bug	Electric, Rock, Steel		Electric, Ice, Rock	Grass, Fighting, Bug	Ground
Ghost	Psychic, Ghost	Dark	Normal	Ghost, Dark	Poison, Bug	Normal, Fighting
Grass	Water, Ground, Rock	Fire, Grass, Poison, Flying, Bug, Dragon, Steel		Fire, Ice, Poison, Flying, Bug	Water, Electric, Grass, Ground
Ground	Fire, Electric, Poison, Rock, Steel	Grass, Bug	Flying	Water, Grass, Ice	Poison, Rock	Electric
Ice	Grass, Ground, Flying, Dragon	Fire, Water, Ice, Steel		Fire, Fighting, Rock, Steel	Ice
Normal		Rock, Steel	Ghost	Fighting		Ghost
Poison	Grass, Fairy	Poison, Ground, Rock, Ghost	Steel	Ground, Psychic	Grass, Fighting, Poison, Bug, Fairy
Psychic	Fighting, Poison	Psychic, Steel	Dark	Bug, Ghost, Dark	Fighting, Psychic
Rock	Fire, Ice, Flying, Bug	Fighting, Ground, Steel		Water, Grass, Fighting, Ground, Steel	Normal, Fire, Poison, Flying
Steel	Ice, Rock, Fairy	Fire, Water, Electric, Steel		Fire, Fighting, Ground	Normal, Grass, Ice, Flying, Psychic, Bug, Rock, Dragon, Steel, Fairy	Poison
Water	Fire, Ground, Rock	Water, Grass, Dragon		Electric, Grass	Fire, Water, Ice, Steel

Every Pokémon Confirmed for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet So Far

Posted on August 24, 2022 by Jay Castello

Ever since Pokémon crossed the generation 8 threshold, some creatures haven’t made it into the games. As new games are announced, that’s left people curious about whether or not their favorite will make the cut.

Nintendo doesn’t typically make a full announcement, so we don’t yet know how many Pokémon will be appearing in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. But every trailer has had a good collection of Pokémon shown off. By combing through all of the trailers and information revealed by Nintendo so far, we have assembled this list of every Pokémon confirmed for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Evolutions have also been added.

This list includes all the returning Pokémon from previous games as well as the new additions made in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Plus, there’s at least one new form coming to the Paldean region.

When more information is released, we’ll update this guide accordingly.

Confirmed returning Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet

Below is a list of all the Pokémon from previous games which have been confirmed to return in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. These are Pokémon which have been spotted in the trailers that Nintendo have released. Evolutions which have not been seen directly have been included, because it’s very unlikely that they will be excluded or changed.

Growlithe
Arcanine
Deerling
Sawsbuck
Houndour
Houndoom
Snorunt
Magikarp
Gyarados
Murkrow
Honchkrow
Girafarig
Mareep
Flaaffy
Ampharos
Cufant
Copperajah
Chewtle
Drednaw
Psyduck
Golduck
Sunkern
Sunflora
Fletchling
Fletchinder
Talonflame
Slakoth
Vigoroth
Slaking
Cacnea
Cacturne
Panphy
Donphan
Dratini
Dragonair
Dragonite
Pineco
Forretress
Misdreavus
Mismagius
Cubchoo
Beartic
Pichu
Pikachu
Raichu
Parichisu
Swablu
Altaria
Drifloon
Drifblim
Pincurchin
Eevee
Vaporeon
Jolteon
Flareon
Espeon
Umbreon
Leafeon
Glaceon
Sylveon
Scyther
Scizor
Tynamo
Eelektrik
Eelektross
Hatenna
Hattrem
Hatterene
Noibat
Noivern
Deino
Zweilous
Hydreigon
Makuhita
Hariyama
Meowth
Persian
Marill
Azurill
Azumarill
Pettilil
Lilligant
Slowpoke
Slowbro
Slowking
Finneon
Lumineon
Clauncher
Clawitzer
Skiddo
Gogoat
Shinx
Luxio
Luxray
Sinistea
Polteageist
Hoppip
Skiploom
Jumpluff
Skwovet
Greedent
Hippowdon
Hippopotas
Magnemite
Magneton
Magnezone
Rotom
Mudbray
Mudsdale
Stonjourner
Eiscue
Wingull
Pelipper
Bounsweet
Steenee
Tsareena
Ghastly
Haunter
Gengar
Ralts
Kirlia
Gardevoir
Gallade
Starly
Staravia
Staraptor
Combee
Vespiquen
Happiny
Chansey
Blissey
Seviper
Larvitar
Pupitar
Tyranitar
Riolu
Lucario
Flabébé
Floette
Florges
Shellder
Cloyster
Rolycoly
Carkol
Coalossal
Shroomish
Breloom
Oricorio
Torkoal
Sudowoodo
Medicham
Teddiursa
Ursaring
Drowzee
Hypno
Tropius
Cryogonal
Dunsparce
Bagon
Shelgon
Salamance
Komala
Weavile
Sneasel
Zangoose
Glalie
Froslass
Igglybuff
Jigglypuff
Wigglytuff
Litleo
Pyroar
Venonat
Venomoth
Skwovet
Greedent
Sableye
Goomy
Sliggoo
Goodra
Croagunk
Toxicroak

New Paldean Forms in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

One previous Pokémon, Wooper, has also been given a Paldean form. Different forms have sometimes been observed in different Pokémon games. They bring a new look and new types to certain Pokémon. In this case, while Wooper is usually a Water and Ground type Pokémon, Paldean Wooper will be a Poison and Ground type.

It is not yet known whether the original Wooper form will be available in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

We will update this article if more Paldean forms are confirmed to appear in the game.

New Pokémon in the Paldea region of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Several new Pokémon will also be making their first appearance in Paldea. For more information, check out our guide to the new Pokémon of Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. This guide will give all the information we have gathered on these Pokémon so far.

The new Pokémon are:

Sprigatito
Fuecoco
Quaxly
Koraidon
Miraidon
Pawmi
Smoliv
Lechonk
Fidough
Cetitan
Cyclizar
Klawf
Ceruledge
Armarouge
Farigiraf
Wiglett
Greavard