Late-game comebacks are among the most exciting moments in competitive Cobblemon battles. When the match is on the line, the right Cobblemon can turn the tide with clutch moves, clever strategies, and overwhelming power. Building a team with effective late-game sweepers or disruptors can give you the edge when it matters most. This guide highlights the top Cobblemon that excel at seizing victory in the final moments of a battle.
What Makes a Great Late-Game Cobblemon?
Late-game Cobblemon are typically chosen for their ability to:
- Clean Up: Sweep through weakened opponents with powerful moves.
- Disrupt: Stall out and cripple the opposing team’s final Cobblemon.
- Sustain: Recover health or reduce incoming damage to outlast threats.
- Exploit Momentum: Take advantage of prior setup, hazards, or status conditions.
Key traits to look for:
- High Speed to outspeed most remaining threats.
- Access to setup moves like Dragon Dance or Calm Mind.
- Versatile movepools to handle diverse opponents.
- Abilities that enhance survivability or damage.
Top Late-Game Cobblemon
1. Dragonite (Dragon/Flying)
- Role: Setup Sweeper
- Why It’s Great:
Dragonite’s Multiscale ability halves damage at full health, giving it a free turn to set up Dragon Dance. With boosted Speed and Attack, Dragonite can outspeed and KO most opponents. - Key Moves:
- Dragon Dance
- Outrage/Dragon Claw
- Fire Punch (for Steel-types)
- Roost (to recover Multiscale)
- Tip: Use Roost strategically to maintain Multiscale, ensuring you can survive critical hits.
2. Garchomp (Dragon/Ground)
- Role: Physical Sweeper
- Why It’s Great:
Garchomp’s excellent offensive stats, Speed, and access to Swords Dance make it a prime choice for late-game cleanups. Its diverse movepool allows it to hit almost every type effectively. - Key Moves:
- Swords Dance
- Earthquake
- Dragon Claw/Outrage
- Fire Fang/Stone Edge
- Tip: Eliminate Ice- and Fairy-types before unleashing Garchomp.
3. Volcarona (Bug/Fire)
- Role: Special Sweeper
- Why It’s Great:
Volcarona’s Quiver Dance boosts its Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed, making it an unstoppable force once set up. Its bulk allows it to take a hit while setting up. - Key Moves:
- Quiver Dance
- Fiery Dance
- Bug Buzz
- Giga Drain/Roost
- Tip: Clear hazards like Stealth Rock before sending in Volcarona, as it takes heavy damage from them.
4. Excadrill (Steel/Ground)
- Role: Hazard Cleaner and Sweeper
- Why It’s Great:
Excadrill’s Sand Rush ability doubles its Speed in Sandstorms, making it a fast and deadly attacker. It also serves as a hazard remover, setting the stage for a clean late-game. - Key Moves:
- Rapid Spin
- Earthquake
- Iron Head
- Swords Dance/Rock Slide
- Tip: Pair Excadrill with a Sandstorm setter like Tyranitar for maximum effectiveness.
5. Togekiss (Fairy/Flying)
- Role: Status Spreader and Flinch Lock
- Why It’s Great:
Togekiss combines bulk with utility, using Thunder Wave to paralyze opponents and Air Slash to flinch them into submission. It can stall or disrupt even powerful threats in the late game. - Key Moves:
- Air Slash
- Thunder Wave
- Roost
- Flamethrower
- Tip: Use Togekiss to lock down speedy opponents and regain control.
6. Rotom-Wash (Electric/Water)
- Role: Utility and Disruption
- Why It’s Great:
Rotom-Wash is a versatile pivot that can cripple physical attackers with Will-O-Wisp, spread chip damage, and pivot into a sweeper. - Key Moves:
- Volt Switch
- Hydro Pump
- Will-O-Wisp
- Pain Split
- Tip: Use Volt Switch to pivot into a finisher while spreading status.
7. Scizor (Bug/Steel)
- Role: Priority Sweeper
- Why It’s Great:
Scizor’s Technician ability boosts the power of its priority move, Bullet Punch, making it a strong finisher. Its access to Swords Dance allows it to sweep even late-game threats. - Key Moves:
- Bullet Punch
- Swords Dance
- U-turn
- Roost
- Tip: Use Scizor against weakened teams that rely on faster Cobblemon.
8. Clefable (Fairy)
- Role: Late-Game Wall and Utility
- Why It’s Great:
Clefable’s combination of bulk, utility, and offensive potential makes it a reliable closer. It can absorb status moves, heal itself, and disrupt opponents. - Key Moves:
- Moonblast
- Calm Mind
- Soft-Boiled
- Thunder Wave
- Tip: Use Calm Mind to boost Special Attack and Special Defense for a final sweep.
9. Weavile (Dark/Ice)
- Role: Revenge Killer
- Why It’s Great:
With its blistering Speed and strong Attack, Weavile excels at picking off weakened Cobblemon. Its priority move, Ice Shard, is particularly useful in the late game. - Key Moves:
- Ice Shard
- Knock Off
- Icicle Crash
- Low Kick
- Tip: Use Knock Off to remove key items from opposing Cobblemon.
10. Tyranitar (Rock/Dark)
- Role: Tanky Cleanup and Sand Setter
- Why It’s Great:
Tyranitar’s bulk and access to Dragon Dance allow it to tank hits and sweep in the late game. Its Sand Stream ability synergizes with Sand teams while wearing down opponents. - Key Moves:
- Dragon Dance
- Crunch
- Stone Edge
- Fire Punch
- Tip: Clear Fighting-types before deploying Tyranitar.
Building a Team for Late-Game Success
1. Support with Hazard Control
Set up Stealth Rock and Spikes to chip away at opposing Cobblemon, making it easier for your late-game ace to sweep. Use hazard removal to protect fragile sweepers like Volcarona.
2. Include Status Spreaders
Paralyze or burn opponents to reduce their effectiveness in the late game. Moves like Thunder Wave or Will-O-Wisp can cripple key threats.
3. Manage Timing
Hold your late-game Cobblemon in reserve until the opponent’s team is sufficiently weakened. Deploy them once opposing counters have been eliminated.
Conclusion
Late-game Cobblemon can turn the tide of battle with the right preparation and strategy. By building your team around one or more of these top-performing closers, you’ll be ready to pull off thrilling comebacks and secure victories. Experiment with different combinations and adapt to your playstyle to maximize your potential.