Lycanroc (Midnight Form)
Attack
Defense
Stamina
Best Movesets
Analysis
Lycanroc is a popular Pokemon from Gen 7, but unfortunately doesn't have any use in the metagame of Pokemon Go. With even more frail bulk than Aerodactyl and worse DPS output, Lycanroc unfortunately isn't worth much more than a Dex filler.
Offense
- Rock Throw synergizes with Lycanroc's offensive role and gets STAB.
- Counter is better for actual Fighting-type Pokemon.
- Stone Edge pairs well with Lycanroc's Rock-type role, and hits hard and fast.
- Crunch and Trailblaze don't have any meaningful use for Lycanroc.
- Psychic Fangs is strictly for PvP.
Defense
- Counter provides more meaningful typing coverage on defense.
- Rock Throw is more likely to be resisted by common Fighting-type attackers.
- Crunch can be used frequently on defense as a 3-bar move.
- Trailblaze is a solid defensive option.
- Stone Edge is strong and hard to dodge, but Lycanroc might faint before it can use it.
- Psychic Fangs is strictly for PvP.
Counter is one of the best moves in the game, and despite lacking STAB, is recommended for its good stats and wide Fighting-type coverage. Rock Throw can be chosen for a niche use if Rock-type damage is needed, though its energy generation is slow.
Psychic Fangs is recommended for its cheap energy cost and guaranteed debuff utility, despite Trailblaze can also work for Water or Ground counter-coverage and Attack boosts, but it's hard to justify over Drill Run and Crunch at times.its poor damage output. Crunch is a stronger move that offers relatively neutral coverage, and has a small chance to also proc a debuff on the opponent. Stone Edge gets STAB to threaten significant damage, but its high energy cost makes it difficult to access. Trailblaze can also work for Water or Ground counter-coverage and Attack boosts, but it's hard to justify over Drill Run and Crunch at times.
Lycanroc shares similarities with Sudowoodo as a pure Rock-type with access to Counter. Unfortunately Lycanroc is also considered to be a niche Pokemon at best due to its poor fragility and non-STAB moveset. While Sudowoodo gets very strong coverage options, Lycanroc is mostly considered for its debuff utility spam and aggressive play style. Rock typing defensively is one of the worst types in the game, and Lycanroc is very vulnerable to common attacks.
