Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: What’s the difference between Tatsugiri forms?

TATSUGIRI is a new Pokémon introduced in Scarlet and Violet with an interesting ability.

While it is rather unassuming by itself, it makes an interesting doubles partner which can provide great synergy.

However, it also comes in three forms, making the right one harder to pick.

Here’s everything you need to know about Tatsugiri in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: What is Tatsugiri’s ability?

Tatsugiri comes with the interesting ability, Commander.

This is a signature ability, that when paired with Dondozo in doubles, Dondozo will eat Tatsugiri and gain a 100% boost to all stats.

While the Tatsugiri is inside Dodonzo it cannot be harmed, and will not be released until Dondozo dies.

This means that spread moves that damage both opponents in double battles will deal 25% less damage to Dondozo.

Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: What is the difference between Tatsugiri forms?

Tatsugiri forms have the same stats and only matter in double battles with Dondozo.

There are three forms, Curly Form, which is orange; Droopy Form, which is pink; and Stretchy Form, which is yellow.

When Tatsugiri is inside Dondozo, it gives different stat boosts to the move Order Up depending on the form.

Order Up is an 80 power physical Dragon-type move that Dondozo learns at level 50.

Curly Form will give an attack boost, Droopy Form will give a defence boost, and Stretchy Form will give a speed boost.

You will likely want to use Curly Form, as Dondozo is a physical attacker.

Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: How to use Tatsugiri in competitive play?

The most common way to use Tatsugiri Curly Form in competitive play is to pair it with Dondozo.

Equip Tatsugiri with the Toxic Orb, which will badly poison it the first move of battle.

Then use Order Up to up Dodonzo’s attack until Tatsugiri dies.

After this, you can send in a second Pokémon, but Dondozo will keep all of its stat boosts.

Commonly, Flamigo with the ability Costar is used, as it will copy Dodonzo’s stat changes, making it at least twice as strong.

Be careful, though, as these boosts can be erased by Haze, and Mukrow with Eviolite, the ability Prankster, and the moves Tailwind and Haze, is popular for this reason.

Prankster allows Haze to go first, erasing the stat boosts, and the Evolite will bulk up Murkrow’s defences, making it difficult to take out.