When it comes to understanding legendary Pokémon abilities and how they shape battle outcomes, few rivalries are as intriguing as Orichalcum Pulse vs Desolate Land. These two powerful weather-altering abilities not only impact the field visually and mechanically but also significantly influence the strategies of competitive players. With Generation IX adding new dynamics to battles and bringing Koraidon into the scene with Orichalcum Pulse, trainers now often find themselves comparing its effects to the established dominance of Primal Groudon’s Desolate Land. The match-up between these two abilities can turn the tide of a fight, especially in doubles and competitive formats where weather control is everything.
Understanding Orichalcum Pulse
What It Does
Orichalcum Pulse is the signature Ability of Koraidon, a Legendary Pokémon introduced in Pokémon Scarlet. When Koraidon enters battle, it triggers harsh sunlight essentially functioning like the move Sunny Day, but with greater implications. On top of this, Orichalcum Pulse boosts the user’s Attack stat by 30% while the harsh sunlight remains active. This turns Koraidon into an immediate physical powerhouse while supporting Fire-type moves and sun-based strategies.
- Automatically sets harsh sunlight.
- Boosts Koraidon’s Attack by 30% while sunlight is active.
- Activates synergy with Chlorophyll, Solar Power, and Leaf Guard abilities.
- Empowers Fire-type attacks and weakens Water-type moves.
Orichalcum Pulse allows Koraidon to not only set the stage for other sun-based teammates but also to hit incredibly hard from turn one. This makes it a dominant force in both singles and doubles formats, particularly in restricted formats where legendary Pokémon are allowed.
Understanding Desolate Land
What It Does
Desolate Land is the signature Ability of Primal Groudon, which is accessed through the Red Orb. When Primal Groudon enters the battlefield, it triggers extremely harsh sunlight, a special weather condition that is even stronger than regular harsh sunlight. In this state, all Water-type moves fail entirely making Primal Groudon immune to its only major weakness. Desolate Land also boosts Fire-type moves and activates sun-dependent abilities, much like Orichalcum Pulse.
- Triggers extremely harsh sunlight stronger than standard sun.
- Completely nullifies Water-type moves.
- Boosts Fire-type attacks.
- Remains active while Primal Groudon is on the field.
Desolate Land has long been one of the most feared abilities in the game due to its unique ability to eliminate a core elemental weakness. This gives Primal Groudon unmatched staying power and defensive utility, making it a top-tier pick in many legendary-based competitive formats like VGC (Video Game Championships).
Weather Hierarchy and Override Rules
Which Weather Wins?
In a battle between Orichalcum Pulse and Desolate Land, the stronger weather takes precedence. Desolate Land, being classified as ‘extremely harsh sunlight,’ overrides Orichalcum Pulse’s regular harsh sunlight. This means if both Koraidon and Primal Groudon are sent onto the battlefield simultaneously, Desolate Land will take priority.
If Koraidon is on the field and Primal Groudon switches in afterward, Desolate Land will cancel out Orichalcum Pulse’s harsh sunlight. Conversely, if Primal Groudon leaves the field and Koraidon remains, Orichalcum Pulse will reapply its version of the weather. This interaction is crucial when considering turn order and team composition.
Weather Clash Outcome
- Desolate Land enters after Orichalcum Pulse: Desolate Land overrides the weather.
- Orichalcum Pulse enters after Desolate Land: Harsh sunlight is overridden by Desolate Land again.
- Desolate Land fades (due to Groudon leaving or fainting): Orichalcum Pulse can re-apply harsh sunlight if Koraidon remains on the field.
Comparative Battle Applications
Offensive Capabilities
Orichalcum Pulse gives Koraidon a huge offensive edge. The Attack boost turns already strong physical moves into devastating blows, especially when combined with its signature move, Collision Course, or other STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus) moves like Flare Blitz and Close Combat. It also benefits sun-based allies like Charizard (with Solar Power) or Venusaur (with Chlorophyll) in doubles.
Desolate Land, on the other hand, transforms Primal Groudon into a tanky monster that still packs a punch. Its physical and special attack stats are high, and with access to moves like Precipice Blades and Eruption, it becomes a dual threat. Moreover, its complete immunity to Water-type attacks allows for greater survivability.
Defensive Advantages
The biggest difference lies in defense. Orichalcum Pulse does not provide any protection beyond weather synergy. Koraidon, while powerful, still has to deal with Fairy, Psychic, and Flying-type threats. Meanwhile, Desolate Land nullifies Water-type moves entirely, removing the most dangerous type against Groudon. This gives Primal Groudon a significant defensive edge in terms of team sustainability and pivoting during battle.
Team Synergy
Both abilities support sun-based teams but in slightly different ways. Koraidon supports physical sweepers and benefits Fire- and Grass-types indirectly. Its role is more aggressive and frontline-based. Primal Groudon supports more balanced teams with both offensive and defensive structures. Its synergy with Pokémon like Venusaur, Mega Charizard Y, and even Xerneas in dual legendary formats is well-documented.
Situational Strengths
When Orichalcum Pulse is Superior
- In fast-paced battles where setting up strong physical attackers is a priority.
- When supporting abilities like Chlorophyll, Solar Power, and Leaf Guard are part of your strategy.
- In formats where Primal Reversion is not allowed, making Koraidon the most dominant sun setter.
When Desolate Land is Superior
- In team compositions that benefit from complete Water-type immunity.
- In double battles where weather disruption is frequent and consistent sun is necessary.
- In metagames where survival and bulk are more valuable than raw attack.
Competitive Scene and Usage
Both Koraidon and Primal Groudon are highly valued in competitive play, but they typically show up in different rulesets. Koraidon is seen more in Generation IX restricted formats, where paradox Pokémon are permitted and Primal Reversions may be banned. Primal Groudon, on the other hand, remains a staple in legacy formats like National Dex AG or custom tournament scenes where older mechanics are allowed.
In usage stats, Primal Groudon tends to have a higher pick rate in formats where it’s legal, simply because of its unique immunity and unmatched utility. Koraidon, however, offers higher offensive pressure from the outset, making it a priority pick in formats emphasizing fast-paced combat.
The debate between Orichalcum Pulse vs Desolate Land highlights the ongoing evolution of weather mechanics in the Pokémon universe. Orichalcum Pulse represents a new era of battle dominance, delivering raw power and sun synergy in a single ability. Desolate Land, meanwhile, remains the benchmark for weather control and defensive utility. Each ability has its own strengths, and understanding when and how to use them can be the difference between victory and defeat in competitive play. Whether you’re building a sun-based team or facing off against one, knowing the dynamics of these two powerful abilities will give you a significant edge.