Screens balance · VGC 2026 Reg M-B

Grimmsnarl + Metagross Screens Balance

Screens, Intimidate, redirection, and Hospitality create durable turns for multiple physical Mega or non-Mega attackers.

FavePoke Editorial TeamPublished Updated

  • Grimmsnarl
    Grimmsnarl
  • Metagross
    Metagross
  • Sinistcha
    Sinistcha
  • Incineroar
    Incineroar
  • Staraptor
    Staraptor
  • Garchomp
    Garchomp
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Game plan

How the six slots work together

Grimmsnarl establishes the correct screen, then Parting Shot or Sinistcha brings Metagross, Staraptor, or Garchomp into a favorable board. Choose one Mega path per game and use the other stone holder as a normal alternate only when its base form still fits.

Complete sets

Six editable, format-ready sets

Champions pages show stat points rather than traditional 510 EVs; fixed 31 IVs are omitted.

Grimmsnarl

Slot 1

Grimmsnarl

Lv. 50
Item
Light Clay
Ability
Prankster
Nature
Careful

Stat points: 32 HP / 19 Def / 15 SpD

Moves

  • Reflect
  • Parting Shot
  • Light Screen
  • Spirit Break
Metagross

Slot 2

Metagross

Lv. 50
Item
Metagrossite
Ability
Clear Body
Nature
Jolly

Stat points: 2 HP / 32 Atk / 32 Spe

Moves

  • Protect
  • Psychic Fangs
  • Iron Head
  • Bullet Punch
Sinistcha

Slot 3

Sinistcha

Lv. 50
Item
Kasib Berry
Ability
Hospitality
Nature
Bold

Stat points: 32 HP / 14 Def / 20 SpD

Moves

  • Matcha Gotcha
  • Rage Powder
  • Trick Room
  • Protect
Incineroar

Slot 4

Incineroar

Lv. 50
Item
Sitrus Berry
Ability
Intimidate
Nature
Careful

Stat points: 32 HP / 14 Def / 20 SpD

Moves

  • Fake Out
  • Parting Shot
  • Flare Blitz
  • Throat Chop
Staraptor

Slot 5

Staraptor

Lv. 50
Item
Staraptite
Ability
Intimidate
Nature
Jolly

Stat points: 2 HP / 32 Atk / 32 Spe

Moves

  • Close Combat
  • Protect
  • Brave Bird
  • Roost
Garchomp

Slot 6

Garchomp

Lv. 50
Item
Life Orb
Ability
Rough Skin
Nature
Jolly

Stat points: 2 HP / 32 Atk / 32 Spe

Moves

  • Dragon Claw
  • Rock Slide
  • Protect
  • Earthquake

Lead options

  • Grimmsnarl + Incineroar for layered damage reduction.
  • Sinistcha + Metagross for redirection into Mega pressure.

Win conditions

  • Mega Metagross uses screens to stay on board and attack repeatedly.
  • Staraptor or Garchomp closes after Intimidate cycling removes counters.

Watch for

  • Screen removal or critical damage can shorten the setup window.
  • Multiple physical attackers need a plan for Intimidate.

Possible replacements

  • Kingambit can replace Staraptor to punish Intimidate.
  • Farigiraf can replace Sinistcha for priority denial.

Source, date, and intended use

This sample is organized from the 2026-06, 1630-rating Smogon usage snapshot and the project’s pinned Pokémon Showdown rules. It is not an official rental, tournament result, or win-rate promise. Metagames and bans change, so revalidate in the Builder and on the current platform before playing.

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More curated teams in this format

Mega rain offensePelipper + Mega Swampert RainMega Swampert supplies the fast rain mode while Archaludon, Sinistcha, and Kingambit support slower, sturdier selections.Sun Tailwind offenseMega Charizard Y + Whimsicott OffenseMega Charizard Y creates immediate spread damage, while Whimsicott and Farigiraf offer opposite speed and priority tools.Redirection offenseSinistcha + Sneasler PressureRedirection and double Fake Out access create protected attacks for special, physical, and Mega modes.