Iron Leaves is the Paradox version of Virizion in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, and this futuristic alter ego is quite shocking. Virizion was once a Grass- and Fighting-Type but has opted for a Psychic-Type over its original fighting form, choosing mind over matter.
Iron Leaves possesses the rare ability, Quark Drive, which boosts its highest stat by 30% if in the presence of an Electric Terrain or holding Booster Energy. Unlike its original form, which excelled in Special Attacks, Iron Leaves is an incredible Physical Attacker. This guide will show you how to maximize this Paradox Pokémon’s potential and obliterate any threat you face.
Breakdown
Like many other Paradox Pokémon, Iron Leaves boasts fantastic stats, with its 130-base Attack being its highest. Its Special Defense and Speed stats are both over 100, which gives it enough tempo to outspeed threats like Volcarona and Articuno. It has an impressive move pool with access to Close Combat, Swords Dance, Leaf Blade, and its signature attack, Psyblade, which gains a 50% damage boost in the presence of an Electric Terrain. This attack compounded with Quark Drive, can make for some devastating results. Even without Electric Terrain, this attack benefits from STAB and can break through resilient opponents.
Iron Leaves works exceptionally well in Double Battles when paired with Pincurchin and Miraidon, as they automatically activate Electric Terrain upon entry, activating Iron Leaves’ ability, Quark Drive. This ability will boost its highest stat, which will be its Special Attack, but this can be manipulated with proper EV training and Nature. With a Jolly Nature and investments in Speed EVs, Quark Drive will boost Iron Leaves Speed stat by 50% instead of 30%. Depending on how to choose to play Iron Leaves will determine this outcome. Be wary of threats like Lokix and Slither Wing, as Iron Leaves will receive 4x damage from Bug-Type moves, and a single use of First Impression can put Iron Leaves in the grave.
Builds
Swift Striker
Item: Booster Energy / Ability: Quark Drive
- Psyblade
- Swords Dance
- Close Combat
- Trailblaze or Leaf Blade
This build excels at setting up Iron Leaves for success. This build also depends on another Pokémon from your team who can use Electric Terrain before Iron Leaves can be switched in. Swords Dance will dramatically increase your impressive Attack stat, while Trailblaze will increase your Speed stat, ensuring you’ll move first every time. Psyblade will always receive a boost if Electric Terrain is in effect. Lastly, Close Combat offers great coverage despite iron Leaves not being a Fighting-Type. For more type coverage and STAB bonuses, consider Leaf Blade instead of Trail Blaze, especially if Quark Drive is accelerating your Speed stat.
Fiery Fighter
Item: Life Orb / Ability: Quark Drive
- Psyblade
- Swords Dance
- Leaf Blade
- Tera Blast (Fire)
This build relies on Life Orb to increase all damaging moves while sacrificing some HP. Swords Dance will beef up your other attacks while saving some of your HP. Having Electric Terrain in effect is always the most optimal play for Psyblade, but it can still hit hard without it. Having a Fire Tera type will transform the power of Tera Blast to deal Fire damage. Even though Tera Blast is a Special Attack, it will deal Physical damage if your Attack is higher than your Special Attack. This is a great way to counter threats like Gholdengo and Corviknight.
Electrifying Concoction
Item: Booster / Ability: Quark Drive
- Psyblade
- Wild Charge
- Protect
- Megahorn or Close Combat
Iron Leaves works as well in Double Battles as in Single Battles. Having a partner who can use Electric Terrain allows Iron Leaves to keep all its best moves like Psyblade. Incorporating Wild Charge is excellent since its damage increases with Electric Terrain in effect. Protect provides defense from powerful Bug-Type moves. The last slot can be any of Iron Leaves strongest attacks like Megahorn, Close Combat, Leaf Blade, or Night Slash to deal with Ghost-Types.
Final Thoughts
Adamant (Atk+, Sp. Atk-) and Jolly (Spd+, Sp. Atk-) Natures will serve Iron Leaves best as they decrease the power of its Special Attack, which won’t be needed. Maximize EV distribution into its Attack and Speed, with only a few remaining into its HP. This way, you can switch up its Nature to determine which stat you want to be boosted when utilizing Quark Drive.
Despite Iron Leaves’ incredible Attack and Speed, Pokémon like Gholdengo, Kingambit, and Kleavor will pose considerable threats to it. Terastallizing Iron Leaves to a Fighting-Type is excellent to counter these threats. Regardless, Iron Leaves can take out most of the competition in one or two hits, which is a terrific departure from its former version.
