Pokemon Sword and Shield: Flapple

Flapple is a generation VIII pokemon introduced in Pokemon: Sword and Shield. It a dual type Grass and Dragon pokemon that evolves from Applin when exposed to a Tart Apple. It is one of Applin's final forms, the other being Appletun. It also has a Gigantamax form.

Flapple's dual typing gives it some interesting weaknesses. On the bright side, it has some great matchups against some of the most popular typing such as water and electric which it resist, and it's neutral to steel, fire and fighting. However, it has some heavy weaknesses to Ice, and is also weak to fairy and dragon. These aren't as popular as Fighting, fire or water types, but ice moves such as ice beam will be very hard to deal with if Flapple is in your party.

Flapple has a very interesting move set. It's stats are heavy in the physical damage department, which is good for moves such as Fly, Dragon Rush, and it's own special move "Grav Apple". Grav Apple looks useful, doing decent damage and also decreasing the targets defense stat. It can also learn Giga Drain, Substitute and Grass Knot so it stay in fights for a long time. if you obtain Flapple by breeding, you can also teach it the useful "Sucker Punch" move.

Flapple looks promising and a lot like an apple. The Grass and Dragon typing isn't something we see very often, with only 1 existing outside of the Applin evolution tree. It will be interesting to see if this Pokemin will any competitive merit, or if it will be just be a visually appealing monster with a cute name.

Photo Courtesy of Game Freak