How to build and play a sun team in Pokémon Champions — covering Torkoal as Drought setter, Charizard Y, Heat Wave spread, and how to handle sun counters.
Sun teams are one of the most popular weather archetypes in Pokémon Champions. By using Torkoal's Drought ability to set harsh sunlight, you power up Fire-type moves, weaken Water attacks, and enable Solar Power and Chlorophyll users.
Harsh sunlight lasts 5 turns normally, or 8 turns if the setter holds a Heat Rock. While active:
Torkoal is the undisputed sun setter in Pokémon Champions. Its Drought ability activates on switch-in, and it's a slow, bulky Fire-type that also benefits from sun itself. Standard Torkoal sets run Eruption (weaker as HP drops), Heat Wave (consistent spread move), Protect, and a utility move.
💡 Tip: Run Heat Rock on Torkoal to get 8-turn sun. Don't run Charcoal — you want the extended duration to dominate the weather war, not slightly more power on individual moves.
Mega Charizard Y gains the Drought ability upon Mega Evolution, meaning if Torkoal faints and you Mega Evolve Charizard, sun keeps going. It also gets massive Special Attack, and its Solar Power makes it a nuclear threat in sun. Standard moves: Heat Wave, Solar Beam, Protect, and Air Slash.
Pokémon with Chlorophyll double their Speed in sun. The standout in Champions is Lilligant, who can run After You to make a partner move first, or Quiver Dance for sweeping. Venusaur with Chlorophyll and Solar Beam is another option for more coverage.
Sun teams struggle against three things: opposing weather (especially rain, which overwrites sun and weakens Fire moves), Rock-type Pokémon (resist Fire, threaten Charizard), and Swift Swim teams (if sun falls, rain teams gain massive Speed advantage).
What is the best sun setter in Pokémon Champions?
Torkoal is the primary sun setter, as it has the Drought ability which automatically summons harsh sunlight on entry. It also benefits from sun itself with boosted Fire-type moves.
Does Mega Charizard Y need to use its first move to Mega Evolve?
No. Mega Evolution happens automatically at the start of the turn as long as Charizard holds its Mega Stone. It doesn't cost a move slot.
How do you deal with opposing rain and sand teams as sun?
Torkoal can re-set sun if it switches out and back in. Carrying a Heat Rock extends sun to 8 turns, giving you more turns before weather battles end.
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