Pokemon taking on different forms isn't anything new to Gen 9's Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet. Changing a Pokemon's form is often triggered by using a certain item on a certain species of Pokemon. In some cases, their Type changes as well.
Generation 7 introduced Oricorio, the Dancing Pokemon, and it would appear its made a home for itself in the Paldea region. Oricorio is a dual Flying-type, but its primary typing is determined by the Nectar it drinks. While Oricorio may be outclassed by Paldea's other Flying-types, its ability to change its Typing might appeal to some Scarlet & Violet players.
Where to Find Oricorio
The only Oricorio that trainers can catch in the wild are the Pom-Pom and Baile Oricorio. The Pom-Pom Style Oricorio can be spotted in South Province (Area One) while the Baile Style is found outside of Artazon in South Province (Area Three). Pom-Pom Oricorio is around level 5-6, while the Baile Style is level 16. Additionally, Baile Style Oricorio may appear as a 4-Star Tera Raid Pokemon. Those looking for Pa'u or Senseu Style will need to change the form of their Pom-Pom or Baile Oricorio.
Since Oricorio appears in the wild fairly early, Scarlet/Violet players shouldn't have any problems catching either form. Avoid bringing Pokemon that are weak to Flying-type moves, such as Grass, Fighting, or Bug-type Pokemon. Inflicting a status ailment (such as Sleep) on Oricorio makes it easier to catch, but Pom-Pom Oricorio cannot be paralyzed due to its Electric-typing. Likewise, Baile Oricorio can't be burned.
How To Change Oricorio's Style
Oricorio can change by drinking any of the following Nectars:
- Red: Changes Oricorio into Baile Style (Fire/Flying-type)
- Yellow: Changes Oricorio into Pom-Pom Style (Electric/Flying-type)
- Pink: Changes Oricorio into Pa'u Style (Psychic/Flying-type)
- Purple: Changes Oricorio into Sensu Style (Ghost/Flying-type)
Where To Find Nectar
Trainers in a rush to change Pom-Pom or Baile Oricorio into Sensu or Pa'u Style will need to wait. There's only one place to get Nectar and unlike in Alola, they can't be plucked from flower fields. Nectar can be bought from Delibird Presents, but only if the player has 3 Gym Badges. Each Nectar costs 300 PokeDollars, so it's fairly cheap. In order to unlock all of Oricorio's Dex Entries, trainers will need the Pink and Purple Nectar.
Like most Form-changing Pokemon, Oricorio can go back to its previous Typing. Simply buy new Nectar from Delibird Presents and give it to Oricorio to return it to its former Form. Keep in mind that Nectar can only be given to Oricorio outside of battle since it's not a Medicine-classified item like a Potion, or a Battle Item such as Dire Hit.
Which Oricorio Form is the Best?
The best Oricorio Form is determined by whatever trainers are looking for in their team. Every Oricorio will have moves that are strong against most Grass, Bug, and Fighting-type Pokemon, as these types are weak to Flying-type attacks. They should be kept away from Ice, Rock, and Electric-type moves (although Pom-Pom Style is not weak to Electric-type attacks). Oricorio's additional type advantages and weaknesses will depend on its Form.
At level 40, Oricorio will learn its Signature Move, Revelation Dance. Despite being a Normal-type move, Revelation Dance deals Special damage based on Oricorio's primary typing. For example, if Pom-Pom Style uses Revelation Dance, it will be an Electric-type move, whereas Baile Style's Revelation will be Fire-type. Those using Oricorio competitively (or against NPCs/in gym battles) will want to make room for Revelation Dance in Oricorio's moveset.
Oricorio Type Effectiveness & Coverage
Pom-Pom (Electric-Flying) | Baile (Fire/Flying) | Pa'u (Psychic/Flying) | Sensu (Ghost/Flying) | |
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Aside from Revelation Dance, Oricorio learns no damage-dealing Electric/Fire/Psychic/Ghost-type moves from leveling up or from TMs. It can, however, gain type coverage by learning Icy Wind (Ice-type) or Trailblaze (Grass-type) via TM034 and TM020 respectively.
Oricorio Stats
No matter the Style, all Oricorio have the same Base Stat spread:
Stat | Base Value | Total |
|---|---|---|
HP | 75 | 476 |
Attack | 70 | |
Special Attack | 98 | |
Defense | 70 | |
Special Defense | 70 | |
Speed | 93 |
Unfortunately for Oricorio, its Base Stats aren't too impressive. It's easily outdone by other Flying-type such as Staraptor or Kilowattrel, who have higher Speed, Attack (Staraptor), and Special Attack (Kilowattrel). Even Flamigo is preferred if Scarlet/Violet players need a speedy, hard-hitting physical attacker.
However, Oricorio's strengths are in its Special Attack and Speed. Its base Speed is faster than a Pokemon like Flamigo, and its stronger moves are all Special. Its ability to learn a variety of Status through TMs means it can boost its stats in-battle.
Using Oricorio in battle can be a bit challenging for new trainers. Shuffling from one Style to another is recommended until trainers land on the one they prefer.
Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet are available now on Nintendo Switch.