Setup means using a stat-boosting move — Swords DanceSwords DancemoveA Normal-type move that sharply raises Attack by two stages — doubling it in one turn.Click to read more →, Quiver DanceQuiver DancemoveA Bug-type move that raises Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed all at once by one stage each.Click to read more →, Dragon DanceDragon DancemoveBoosts the user's Attack and Speed by one stage each. The defining setup move for physical sweepers — fast and strong after one turn.Click to read more →, or similar — to raise your own power before attacking. You spend one turn doing nothing offensive, then spend the rest of the game hitting so hard nothing survives.
The idea is straightforward: a +2 Attack Pokémon hits twice as hard as a neutral one. After setup, a single move can KO opponents that would normally require two or three hits.
Why setup is harder in doubles
In singles, finding a “free turn” to set up is manageable — you switch to a good matchup, the opponent switches, and you boost while they bring in their answer. You get a whole turn with only one opponent.
In doubles, the opponent has two Pokémon acting simultaneously. Both of them can target your setup sweeper on the turn you boost. You need to actually prevent that from happening — which is why support structures exist in the first place:
- Fake OutFake OutmoveA +3 priority Normal-type move that does small damage and forces the target to flinch — only usable on the user's first turn out.Click to read more → forces one opponent to skip their turn, halving the incoming damage threat.
- RedirectionRedirectionmechanicMoves like Follow Me and Rage Powder force all single-target attacks to hit the user instead of their partner.Click to read more → (Rage Powder, Follow MeFollow Memove+2 priority redirection. The user becomes the target of every single-target attack opposing Pokémon use this turn, protecting allies.Click to read more →) absorbs the other opponent’s attack entirely.
- ProtectProtectmoveA move that makes the user immune to all moves for one turn. Fails if used consecutively.Click to read more → lets the sweeper stall one turn while the partner handles threats.
Without these, a setup turn in doubles is extremely dangerous. With them, it’s often unstoppable.
Setup archetypes in Reg M-A
The two dominant setup sweepers:
- Kingambit — Swords DanceSwords DancemoveA Normal-type move that sharply raises Attack by two stages — doubling it in one turn.Click to read more → + Supreme OverlordSupreme OverlordabilityKingambit's ability: Attack increases by 10% for each fainted ally, up to +50% at 5 fainted — it gets stronger as teammates fall.Click to read more →. Physical.
- Volcarona — Quiver DanceQuiver DancemoveA Bug-type move that raises Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed all at once by one stage each.Click to read more →. Raises three stats at once. Special.
Both require dedicated support (IncineroarIncineroarpokemonThe most-used Pokémon in Reg M-A. Defines doubles tempo with Fake Out, Intimidate on every switch, and Parting Shot pivots.Click to read more → Fake Out + Amoonguss redirection) to reach the setup turn safely.