TL;DR
- Cyclizar introduces Shed Tail – a game-changing move that creates substitutes while switching out
- Tera Blast replaces Hidden Power with guaranteed STAB based on Tera type
- Loaded Dice improves multi-hit move consistency while Mirror Herb copies stat changes
- Dragon-Normal typing offers unique defensive and offensive capabilities
- New mechanics significantly impact competitive battle strategies and team composition

The Pokemon World Championships 2022 concluded with an explosive trailer showcasing revolutionary additions to Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. This preview revealed not just new creatures but fundamental changes to battle mechanics that will reshape competitive play.
Following the championship finals, The Pokemon Company delivered an extensive look at upcoming features, confirming the return of core mechanics while introducing innovative strategic elements. The timing strategically builds excitement among competitive players who witnessed high-level battles.
Central to the reveal was Cyclizar, a rideable Dragon-Normal type with unprecedented capabilities. Alongside this new Pokemon, trainers received confirmation of held items returning with powerful new additions and a complete overhaul of the Hidden Power system.
#PokemonVG players, this one’s for you.
The game’s about to change in #PokemonScarletViolet!
❤️💜 pic.twitter.com/9n3fENQlje
— Pokémon @ Lumiose City 🥐 (@Pokemon) August 21, 2022
What is Cyclizar in Pokeoon Scarlet and Violet?
Cyclizar emerges as a dual-purpose Pokemon, serving both as a transportation method and a formidable battle partner. Its signature move, Shed Tail, represents one of the most strategically complex abilities introduced in recent generations.
As only the second Dragon-Normal type following Drampa from Sun and Moon, Cyclizar occupies a unique defensive niche. This typing provides immunity to Ghost-type moves while resisting Fire, Water, Grass, and Electric attacks, though it carries vulnerabilities to Ice, Dragon, and Fairy types.
Shed Tail operates as an advanced pivot move, combining elements of U-Turn and Parting Shot with substitute creation. The sequence involves: generating a damage-absorbing substitute, immediately switching to another Pokemon, and leaving the substitute active. This enables safe setup opportunities for sweepers while maintaining offensive pressure.
Competitive analysis suggests Shed Tail could revolutionize switch-heavy strategies. If this move becomes available to other Pokemon through breeding or move tutors, it may fundamentally alter VGC and singles metagames.
The Pokemon’s lore describes it as a species trainers have utilized for riding across millennia, creating narrative intrigue given the recent reveal of legendary ride Pokemon Koraidon and Miraidon.
Meet Cyclizar, the Mount Pokémon!
This Pokémon has lived in many Paldean households since ancient times. It can sprint at over 70 mph while carrying a human rider. 🚲💨#PokemonScarletViolet #PokemonWorlds pic.twitter.com/Kktm2PHTgl
— Pokémon UK (@PokemonNewsUK) August 21, 2022
This dual-ride functionality raises fascinating questions about Paldea’s history and the relationship between common and legendary Pokemon. The design similarities between Cyclizar and the legendaries suggest evolutionary connections or shared ancestry.
Hidden Power returns in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet with new move Tera Blast
Tera Blast represents the evolutionary successor to Hidden Power, addressing the original move’s randomness while integrating with the new Terastallize mechanic. Unlike Hidden Power’s IV-based type determination, Tera Blast automatically matches the user’s Tera type, guaranteeing Same-Type Attack Bonus (STAB) regardless of the Pokemon’s original typing.
The move’s mechanics provide strategic certainty: when a Pokemon Terastallizes, Tera Blast not only changes to match the Tera type but receives the 1.5x STAB multiplier. This creates reliable coverage options that synergize with type-changing strategies.
While base power remains unconfirmed, competitive projections estimate 70-80 power based on historical move balancing. The move likely adapts to use the higher of Attack or Special Attack, similar to Photon Geyser and other adaptive moves.
Compared to Hidden Power, Tera Blast offers superior consistency and power potential. The Terastallize mechanic’s type-changing capability means Pokemon can access STAB on types they wouldn’t normally possess, opening unprecedented team-building possibilities.
Advanced players should note that Tera Blast becomes particularly devastating on Pokemon that Terastallize into types complementing their natural movepools. This creates coverage options that opponents cannot reliably predict during team preview.
The new held items introduce sophisticated strategic layers to Pokemon battles. Loaded Dice specifically enhances multi-hit moves like Icicle Spear, Bullet Seed, and Rock Blast by increasing the probability of landing maximum hits. Statistical analysis suggests it likely raises the average hit count from 3 to approximately 4, significantly improving damage consistency.
Mirror Herb represents a revolutionary counter to stat-boosting strategies. When consumed, it copies all of the opponent’s stat changes, effectively neutralizing setup attempts while boosting your own Pokemon.
Strategic applications for Loaded Dice include: ensuring OHKOs against bulkier targets, breaking through Focus Sash and Sturdy abilities, and maximizing damage output in limited turn scenarios.
Mirror Herb’s tactical uses encompass: punishing Swords Dance and Nasty Plot users, creating unexpected sweep opportunities, and providing comeback potential against stat-stacked opponents.
These items confirm that held items return in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet with innovative designs that address specific competitive scenarios. Their introduction suggests Game Freak’s continued commitment to deepening strategic complexity while maintaining accessibility.
For players looking to master these new mechanics, our Weapons Unlock guide provides complementary strategic frameworks for item optimization.
Action Checklist
- Master Shed Tail timing for safe sweeper setup – practice against AI first
- Experiment with Tera Blast on different Tera types to discover optimal coverage combinations
- Test Loaded Dice with various multi-hit moves to calculate damage consistency improvements
- Develop Mirror Herb counter strategies against common setup Pokemon
- Analyze Cyclizar’s Dragon-Normal typing for defensive synergy in team composition
No reproduction without permission:Game Guides Online » Cyclizar revealed in new Pokemon Scarlet and Violet trailer Complete guide to Cyclizar's Shed Tail move, Tera Blast mechanics, and new held items in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
