What is Salamence's best moveset in VGC?

Salamence has two primary VGC builds: Intimidate support (252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpAtk, Timid) with Hyper Voice / Flamethrower / Dragon Pulse / Protect, or Moxie sweeper (252 Atk / 4 SpAtk / 252 Spe, Naive) with Double-Edge / Dragon Claw / Flamethrower / Protect. Hyper Voice is notable as a spread Normal STAB that bypasses Substitute and hits through soundproof-immune targets, boosted by its Pixilate-equivalent when applicable.

Salamence Intimidate vs Moxie — which is better in VGC?

Intimidate is generally preferred for its immediate team support value — lowering both opponents' Attack on switch-in, similar to Incineroar but on a faster, Flying-type platform with spread move capability. Moxie builds a snowball after each KO (+1 Attack per KO) but provides no immediate team support. In Regulation I, Intimidate Salamence pairs naturally with a physical sweeper core that benefits from reduced damage intake.

What are Salamence's weaknesses?

Salamence (Dragon/Flying) is 4× weak to Ice (Dragon 2× × Flying 2×), 2× weak to Rock, Dragon, Fairy, and Electric. Key VGC threats: Calyrex-Ice Glacial Lance (4× Ice), Rock Slide spread (2× Rock), Flutter Mane Moonblast (2× Fairy). Salamence is immune to Ground (Flying typing) and resists Grass (0.25×), Fire (0.5×), Water (0.5×), Fighting (0.5×), and Bug (0.5×).

VGC Intimidate Support / Moxie Sweep Dual Role

Salamence
VGC Guide

Salamence provides immediate team support via Intimidate (lowering both opponents' Attack on switch-in) or operates as a Moxie snowball sweeper. Hyper Voice's spread Normal STAB bypasses Substitute, 135 Attack delivers strong physical output, but its 4× Ice weakness requires careful positioning.

135

Base Attack

110

Base SpAtk

100

Base Speed

Dragon/Flying

Typing

Intimidate vs Moxie: Ability Choice Framework

Intimidate (Support Recommended)

Immediately lowers both opponents' Attack by 1 on switch-in, equivalent to Incineroar's Intimidate but with spread special moves. Defensive EVs enable multiple switches for repeated Intimidate applications.

Moxie (Sweep Option)

+1 Attack per KO — at +2, 135 Attack reaches devastating levels. Provides no immediate team support and carries more risk than Intimidate in best-of-three series.

Best Moveset

Intimidate Bulky (Recommended)

→

Hyper Voice(Normal)

Spread Normal STAB; penetrates Substitute; good output after opponent Attack drops from Intimidate

→

Flamethrower(Fire)

Fire coverage 2× vs Grass/Steel/Ice; 10% burn chance

→

Dragon Pulse(Dragon)

85BP Dragon STAB for Dragon-type targets; reliable single-target option

→

Protect(Normal)

Doubles staple; shields while repositioning for additional Intimidate applications

ItemAssault Vest / Life Orb

AbilityIntimidate (recommended) or Moxie

NatureTimid (+Spe / -Atk)

EVs252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpAtk

Analyze Salamence Speed Tiers

View Salamence Stats Speed Calculator

Salamence VGC Guide

Intimidate vs Moxie: Ability Choice Framework

Best Moveset

Analyze Salamence Speed Tiers

Salamence
VGC Guide