Optimal Moveset and Counters for Pokemon GO Masquerain: Is It Worth Using?

Trainers will soon have an opportunity to catch and evolve Masquerain in Pokémon GO, thanks to the Surskit Spotlight Hour set for Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. local time. This Bug/Flying type Pokémon first appeared during the Hoenn Celebration on February 9, 2018. Take advantage of the event’s 2x Transfer Candy bonus to quickly accumulate Surskit candies, enabling you to evolve and strengthen Masquerain for battles.

Spotlight Hours are a prime opportunity for trainers to focus on specific Pokémon. Use this time wisely to enhance Masquerain’s capabilities for both PvP and PvE engagements.

Optimal Movesets for Masquerain in Pokémon GO

Masquerain as seen in the anime (Image via The Pokemon Company) — Masquerain as seen in the anime (Image via The Pokémon Company)

Movesets Overview

PvP Moveset:

Fast Move: Air Slash
Charged Move: Silver Wind

PvE Moveset:

Fast Move: Infestation
Charged Move: Silver Wind

Is Masquerain a Viable Choice in Battles?

Performance in PvP

Masquerain possesses some unique potential in PvP battles due to its debuffing capability. The move Silver Wind can hamper an opponent’s stats, which can provide a significant edge in specific matchups. However, the ability to switch Pokémon in battles allows opponents to easily counter these debuffs, limiting Masquerain’s lasting effectiveness.

While using Masquerain can be a fun way to explore unconventional strategies, it is unlikely to secure a place among the top competitive Pokémon.

Performance in PvE

In the realm of PvE, Masquerain’s vulnerabilities become pronounced. As a Bug/Flying type, it is particularly susceptible to prevalent raid bosses that employ Rock, Ice, and Electric moves. With weaknesses to five major types, Masquerain finds itself at a disadvantage against stronger foes, which makes it less suitable for high-level raid encounters and gym battles.

Masquerain’s Comprehensive Stats and Moves

Masquerain and its shiny variant (Image via The Pokémon Company)

Type: Bug/Flying

Fast Moves:

Air Slash
Infestation

Charged Moves:

Bubble Beam
Ominous Wind
Air Cutter
Silver Wind
Lunge

Base Stats:

Attack: 192
Defense: 150
Stamina: 172
Max CP: 2,567

While Masquerain boasts a solid offensive capability, its relatively low defense and stamina stats hinder its performance in intense battles, particularly since it lacks high-power moves that would enhance its effectiveness in PvE.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Masquerain

Resistances

Ground: 24% resistance
Fighting: 39% resistance
Grass: 39% resistance
Bug: 63% resistance

Weaknesses

Rock: 256% vulnerability
Electric: 160% vulnerability
Flying: 160% vulnerability
Fire: 160% vulnerability
Ice: 160% vulnerability

Despite its ability to resist Bug and Grass moves, Masquerain’s significant vulnerability to Rock-type attacks makes it a risky choice in battles. Trainers should consider these factors carefully when deploying Masquerain in combat scenarios.

Effective Counters for Masquerain

Counters to Masquerain (Image via The Pokémon Company)

When facing Masquerain in either PvP or PvE, here are strong counters to consider:

Mega Diancie (Rock Throw, Rock Slide)
Shadow Rampardos (Smack Down, Rock Slide)
Shadow Rhyperior (Smack Down, Rock Wrecker)
Mega Rayquaza (Air Slash, Dragon Ascent)
Shadow Gigalith (Smack Down, Meteor Beam)
Mega Aerodactyl (Rock Throw, Rock Slide)
Mega Tyranitar (Smack Down, Stone Edge)
Shadow Aggron (Smack Down, Meteor Beam)
Tyrantrum (Rock Throw, Meteor Beam)
Shadow Archeops (Wing Attack, Ancient Power)
Terrakion (Smack Down, Rock Slide)
Shadow Salamence (Fire Fang, Fly)
Mega Charizard Y (Fire Spin, Blast Burn)
Shadow Darmanitan (Fire Fang, Rock Slide)
Mega Blaziken (Fire Spin, Blast Burn)

While Masquerain may not dominate in Pokémon battles, it offers collectors and casual players an intriguing option to explore unique movesets. If you plan on joining the Surskit Spotlight Hour, seize the chance to gather candy and enhance your roster with Masquerain.

This Bug/Flying type Pokémon, despite not being the strongest available, brings a fun and visually appealing aspect to low-stakes battles or themed team compositions.

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