Pokemon VGC Tailwind: How to use, tips, and counters

With the Pokemon World Championships just around the corner, many fans have turned their attention towards the Pokemon VGC scene once again. Standing for Video Game Championships, these events feature high-skill battles where top players compete against one another in the most modern main series title in the franchise.

Players must use the best strategies possible to get the upper hand on their opponent. One of the most popular ways for trainers to gain the advantage is through the use of the move Tailwind. Here is everything to know about this crucial move and how it can drastically impact a fight.

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How to use Tailwind in Pokemon VGC

Tailwind doubles the speed of all Pokemon on the same side of the field as the user (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Tailwind is a Flying-type status move that benefits one's team, much like Light Screen, Reflect, or Aurora Veil. However, instead of providing defenses, Tailwind doubles the speed of all active members of the user's team for the next four turns.

In Scarlet and Violet, the games used for the 2024 Pokemon World Championships, this boost is applied during the turn it is used, rather than taking effect on the next turn, making it best to use as soon as possible.

Thankfully, there are a few ways players can make sure they get Tailwind on the field as soon as possible.

Tips for using Tailwind in Pokemon VGC

• Tailwind is a temporary boost that has no actual bearing on a Pokemon's respective stat boost, meaning players can still stack up to six speed increases and still get the bonus from Tailwind.
• Being a status move, Tailwind can be given priority if used by a creature with the Prankster ability, allowing it to be utilized first. Whimsicott and Tornadus are the only two viable options that have both Prankster and Tailwind, but Murkrow was used before these picks were introduced to the game.
• Unlike other field status buffs like Reflect, Light Screen, or Safeguard, Tailwind cannot be nullified by Defog or Brick Break, making it impossible to get rid of once it has been set up.

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How to counter Tailwind in Pokemon VGC

Tailwind is a difficult move to counter since it cannot be dispelled like other team buffs. Once it is in play, it is impossible to remove as of the ninth generation. The only way players can truly counter it is to either use a Tailwind of their own, restoring the speed balance, or use Trick Room.

Trick Room is a field status move that inverses the turn order. This means that the order moves that are used will start with the slowest Pokemon and end with the fastest. While it does directly counter Tailwind, this move often requires the user's team to be built entirely around the strategy.

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Overall, Tailwind is a staple in Pokemon VGC for a reason. The move grants sharply-boosted speed to both of a player's active Pokemon in a given turn, and it cannot be countered, resulting in an obvious skyrocket in popularity. While not necessarily required for success, most trainers find victory when they incorporate Tailwind onto their team.

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For more information about Pokemon's competitive scene, check out our other articles:

• Pokemon VGC Taunt: How to use, tips, counters, and more
• Pokemon VGC Stealth Rock: How to use, tips, counters, and more
• All Water-type starters in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet VGC, ranked
• All Grass-type starters in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet VGC, ranked
• Pokemon Scarlet and Violet VGC Regulation G restricted Pokemon tier list