Distortion in VGC 2015
You’ve probably already come across this type of team. By reversing the Speed ratios, Distortion will allow slow and little-played Pokémon to be truly monstrous. However, Distortion-based teams (or Disto teams for short) are not very popular in 2015, because they are more difficult to build and play than in previous years.
With this guide you will discover all the secrets of Distortion, whether to play with it, or to face it.
Guide to Distortion with Bean
How does Distortion work?
Distortion is a low-priority non-offensive move that first appeared in Generation 4. Available as a TM in Pokémon X, Y, Omega Ruby, and Alpha Sapphire, many Psychic-type and Ghost-type Pokémon can learn it.
When a Pokémon uses Distortion, the Speed ratios will reverse for 5 turns: the slowest Pokémon will attack first. This attack allows powerful and resistant Pokémon like Lançargot or Mega Mawile to become the fastest.
Priority attacks work under Distortion, however, with equal priority, the slowest Pokémon will attack first. For example, a Tutankafer will always use Interversion before a Flambusard that uses Rapace.
The Full Incense, Slow Motion, and Live Claw items are not affected by Distortion, as is the Brake Ability.
Distortion suffers from a priority of -7, meaning Distortion will always be the last attack launched in a turn, even Howl and Cyclone are only at -6. Therefore, do not expect to use a fast Pokémon like Alakazam to be sure to land it.
How to play with or against Distortion?
Playing with or against Distortion requires tower management. When you’re up against this type of team, don’t try to stop them from landing it. This may seem strange, but it’s the most important key, because a well-built Distortion team will always find a way to land it, otherwise, they can do without it.
Rather than trying to prevent your opponent from setting up Distortion at all costs, focus on one of your opponent’s Pokémon, preferably sweeping them. At 4 vs. 3 with Distortion, you’ll be in a much better situation than at 3 vs. 4 or 3 vs. 3 without Distortion.
When a player threatens both opposing Pokémon, you find yourself in a situation where choices are easier to anticipate: use this to surprise your opponent, or to make safe switches to pass turns. Once the Distortion is over, it will often be more difficult to place it a second time.
If you play Distortion yourself, you must judge whether Distortion is your win condition from the team preview. If you have no chance of winning without it, then take the lead that allows you to face the most possibilities. For example, if your opponent has a Fulgurus and a Kangourex, the classic Hariyama+Cresselia lead will be difficult to set up because of bluffing and Provocation. In this situation, take Cresselia as lead, but keep Hariyama behind. On the first turn, if your opponent leads with Kangourex and Fulgurus, then switching Cresselia to Hariyama will give you the opportunity to Bluff one of your opponent’s Pokémon and why not set Distortion with your other Pokémon.
At high levels, all players are prepared to counter Distortion, so it is important not to be too reliant on Distortion.
Remember that Distortion can be canceled using this same attack. In fact, there is a way to prevent the opponent from playing with the number of turns. If you know that your opponent will take cover with at least one of his two Pokémon to make Distortion’s last turn pass, take advantage of it to use the attack with your two Pokémon. Thus, the Distortion will be canceled by the first Pokémon and then the second will relaunch it for 5 turns. Succeeding in a play of this level is rare, and yet you can try it at any level of play. It is also rare to have two Distortion setters on the field.
