Frostlass in Pokémon: A Deep Dive into Its Performance and Strategies

[IceBlaze]

Pokémon enthusiasts know that team composition and strategic planning are key elements to achieving success, whether you're playing casually or competitively. One Pokémon that often gets overlooked in the competitive scene is Frostlass. This elusive Ice/Ghost-type creature has some unique attributes, but does it have what it takes to stand out in the current meta? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Frostlass’s potential, how to effectively use it, and why it might not be the powerhouse you’re hoping for in every match.

A New Look at Frostlass

In Pokémon Legends ZA, many players are familiar with the top-tier picks like Metagross and Mega Evolutions like Xerneas or Dragonite. However, Frostlass often flies under the radar, despite its intriguing moveset and unique dual typing. In my recent gameplay, I decided to give Frostlass a try, and while I had high hopes, the results were mixed.

The build I used was focused on maximizing Frostlass’s special attack and speed. I hyper-trained its Special Attack and made it modest for the best damage output. The move set was built around its ability to hit hard and fast: Thunderbolt, Ice Beam, Shadow Ball, and Nasty Plot. Unfortunately, it doesn't get access to Freeze Dry in this game, which would have been a nice addition to counter Water-types like Gyarados. Without that, Frostlass finds it difficult to deal with bulky Water-types, making it less versatile than some other Pokémon in its tier.

Frostlass vs. The Current Meta

As I faced off against different teams, one of the things that stood out was the number of Steel-types. Steel-types, such as Metagross, are prevalent in the current metagame, and this made Frostlass’s efforts even more challenging. Despite its strong Special Attack, it struggles to break through Steel’s defenses, which limits its effectiveness in competitive play.

In one of my games, I faced a tough matchup against Eveltal, and despite a solid Nasty Plot boost, Frostlass couldn’t outpace its opponent. Shadow Ball just didn’t deal enough damage to make a difference. On the other hand, Metagross and Eveltal both performed significantly better in these situations, making Frostlass feel like a weak link in the team.

That said, Frostlass does have its merits. It can deal substantial damage with Thunderbolt to take down flying types and Shadow Ball to handle Psychic-types. However, its low bulk and susceptibility to faster attackers put it at a distinct disadvantage. In the competitive scene, it’s difficult to justify using Frostlass when there are better alternatives that offer both bulk and offensive power.

How to Get the Most Out of Frostlass

If you're keen on using Frostlass, there are ways to make it shine. Here are a few strategies to maximize its potential:

Support Your Frostlass: Frostlass isn’t going to take hits very well, so pairing it with a supportive Pokémon that can set up screens (like Light Screen or Reflect) can help it survive longer.

Focus on Speed: With its naturally high Speed, Frostlass can outspeed many threats and hit them with strong STAB moves like Ice Beam or Shadow Ball. However, the key is to catch opponents off guard before they can strike back.

Nasty Plot is Key: Frostlass’s potential lies in Nasty Plot, which can double its Special Attack. By using Nasty Plot first, you give yourself a fighting chance to sweep through unprepared opponents, especially with the boost to Ice Beam or Shadow Ball.

Strategic Switching: Don’t hesitate to switch Frostlass in and out of battle. Its frailty means it can’t take a hit, but switching into a favorable matchup allows you to dish out significant damage while staying out of harm's way.

Is Frostlass Worth Your Time?

At the end of the day, Frostlass is not a must-have Pokémon for every team. It has the potential to be a formidable force when used correctly, but the current metagame presents numerous challenges. Steel-types, bulky Water-types, and fast threats like Garchomp and Xerneas make it difficult for Frostlass to truly shine.

While it's definitely fun to experiment with Frostlass, especially if you're a fan of Ice-type Pokémon, you'll need to be strategic in your choices. If you're looking for a powerhouse that can handle most of the meta, Frostlass might not be the right fit. That being said, if you’re a player who enjoys the challenge of making underused Pokémon work, give Frostlass a try—but be ready for some tough battles ahead.

Frostlass can certainly have its moments, especially when you can get the right setup for it. But in a competitive environment filled with Steel-types and bulky Pokémon, it can feel outclassed by other options. If you’re looking for a unique addition to your team, Frostlass might provide some fun gameplay, but if you're aiming for a more consistent performance, consider other choices.