Galarian Rapidash Movesets & Competitive Sets

In a tier with few Fairy-types, Galarian Rapidash holds a unique niche as the fastest and physically strongest one in ZU. This gives it a distinct purpose over other wallbreakers, as its rare typing lets it take on bulky staples like Appletun and Poliwrath. Its immunity to Toxic also allows it to use status-reliant walls like Altaria and Miltank as setup fodder. Unfortunately, its few resistances and low bulk make it difficult to consistently set up Swords Dance. High Horsepower is an extremely useful coverage tool that hits Poison-types like Qwilfish and Silvally-Poison, as well as Fire-types like Rapidash and Coalossal. Morning Sun provides valuable recovery to preserve Galarian Rapidash's longevity, as does holding Leftovers. Swords Dance Galarian Rapidash is typically reserved for offensive teams that value its Speed and coverage. Galarian Rapidash's low bulk and relatively few resistances make it reliant on VoltTurn support to safely threaten the opponent. As a result, it favors offensive pivots like Thwackey, Manectric, and the Silvally formes as partners, which can lure in Pokemon like Clefairy and Altaria for Galarian Rapidash. Knock Off users like Throh, Alolan Persian, and Thwackey are also very helpful for Galarian Rapidash, letting it further threaten Eviolite users like Tangela and Gurdurr. Entry hazards are another important part of wearing down foes to facilitate Galarian Rapidash's breaking ability, so threatening entry hazard setters like Rhydon and Qwilfish are essential; entry hazard setters pair well with the VoltTurn and Knock Off partners that also benefit Galarian Rapidash.

Galarian Rapidash is a scary setup sweeper thanks to its Speed, bulk, and STAB Stored Power. It is able to consistently set up in front of passive defensive Pokemon like Miltank, Altaria, and Clefairy. It can also switch into some wallbreakers, like Sawk and Poliwrath Choice-locked into a Fighting-type attack. Dazzling Gleam gives Galarian Rapidash an option for Dark-types like Silvally-Dark, Skuntank, and Alolan Persian. It can also run Mystical Fire, which lets it directly threaten the common Klinklang while also lowering the Special Attack of switch-ins such as Alcremie and Skuntank. Morning Sun provides recovery and longevity, making it even more threatening in the late game. Its recovery also complements its immunity to Toxic thanks to Pastel Veil. Galarian Rapidash works very well with Kee Berry, letting it take physical hits more easily alongside boosting Stored Power's damage. Electric Seed immediately provides the same boost, making Galarian Rapidash a great pick on the niche Electric Terrain teams. Bulky offense and balance teams can benefit from Galarian Rapidash's role as a bulky sweeper. Galarian Rapidash is at its best when it doesn't have to worry about being revenge killed, so defensive partners like Miltank, Tangela, and Stunfisk can soak hits from revenge killers like Froslass, Kangaskhan, and Choice Scarf Rotom. Pokemon like Alolan Dugtrio, Throh, and Ninetales check Steel- and Dark-type Pokemon that give Galarian Rapidash a hard time. Galarian Rapidash is also a staple on Electric Terrain teams, which require the use of Pincurchin. Other setup Pokemon that can sweep alongside Galarian Rapidash include Swoobat, Drifblim, Unburden Thievul, and Rising Voltage Manectric.