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Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's VGC Regulation G unbanned the legendary Pokemon Dialga and Palkia, allowing trainers to finally use the powerful Sinnoh region creatures in PvP. However, which is the better option between Dialga and Palkia? While both legendaries are considered outclassed by other Dragon-types in the format, Palkia is considered a better option when in its Origin Forme.
Both Dialga and Palkia have access to their Origin Forms in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, but the former exists primarily as a defensive Pokemon. Moreover, it has more resistances and immunities when compared to Palkia, but the latter can serve as a decent Special Attacker. This is due to Spacial Rend's increased chance to crit and Palkia's ability to pivot on offense and defense with a solid team.
Why Palkia is the better Pokemon Scarlet and Violet VGC option over Dialga
All in all, the base forms of Dialga and Palkia don't amount to much in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet VGC. Their base stats are fairly similar but without their Origin Forms courtesy of Dialga's Adamant Crystal or Palkia's Lustrous Globe, the two legendaries are easily outclassed. Even in their Origin Formes, there are simply better partial Dragon-type options in the Regulation Set G VGC.
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That said, when comparing both of these legendaries in their maximum Origin Forms in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, Palkia emerges as the better option. It's more flexible, and has a better Speed stat that helps negate its vulnerability to speedy physical attackers. Additionally, access to Spacial Rend allows it to land critical hits with the powerful move more often while Dialga is primarily relegated to Defense.
This isn't to say both Pokemon can't perform when a strong team is built around them, but Origin Forme Palkia has a more potent mix of durability and damage output compared to Origin Forme Dialga, which is mostly relegated to tanking hits and allowing its teammates to do the damage dealing. Palkia doesn't have the numerous resistances Dialga has, but it can take plenty of punishment regardless.
Origin Forme Palkia's base speed is increased compared to its base form, but it's wise to EV train its Special Attack and Speed stats to the maximum while placing the final four points in HP. This is to ensure that Palkia can hit hard and fast while still being able to sustain a few hits of its own. With moves like Thunderbolt, Spacial Rend, Surf, and Flamethrower, Origin Forme Palkia should perform well.
Both Dialga and Palkia are niche at best in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's current VGC, but Palkia has the benefit of being a pivot that can play offensively or defensively depending on its team makeup. Meanwhile, Dialga, while it can deal some damage of its own, is better suited to soaking up damage and allowing its teammates to switch in and handle the offensive responsibilities.
Neither Dialga nor Palkia ranks high in Scarlet and Violet's current VGC meta when compared to the likes of Origin Forme Giratina, Koraidon, Miraidon, or Eternatus. However, if trainers are going to pick between Dialga or Palkia, they're best suited to choose Palkia and secure its Lustrous Globe from the Porto Marinada Auction House.
