Fastest Pokémon

As of 2020, the fastest Pokémon is Regieleki, an Electric-type Legendary Pokémon from the Galar region, with a base Speed stat of 200.

Regieleki was first released through Pokémon Sword and Shield's Crown Tundra expansion, and is a member of the legendary giants along with Regirock, Regice, Registeel, and Regidrago.

Regieleki, with its jaw-dropping base Speed stat of 200, holds the title of the fastest Pokémon ever introduced in the series. This stat isn't just a number, it’s a defining aspect of its identity and competitive effectiveness. To understand why Regieleki's speed is so significant, let’s dive into the mechanics of Speed stats in Pokémon, their role in competitive battling, and the lore behind these rapid creatures. 

How Speed affects battle mechanics 

In Pokémon battles, Speed determines the turn order - one of the most critical aspects of combat. The Pokémon with the highest Speed stat typically attacks first in a turn, which can be the difference between landing a decisive blow or fainting before getting a chance to act. 

This mechanic becomes especially important when using moves that rely on timing. For example, if a slower Pokémon tries to use a setup move like Swords Dance, a faster opponent might knock it out before it can act. Similarly, moves like Protect and Roar can gain additional utility when paired with high-Speed Pokémon. 

The role of Speed in determining turn order 

Speed is calculated at the start of each turn, factoring in buffs, debuffs, and status conditions. A boosted Speed stat could even allow slower Pokémon to move quicker than naturally faster ones. Certain moves like Tailwind and Electroweb manipulate Speed stats during battle, adding layers of strategy. 

Factors that influence Speed in Pokémon 

• Items like Choice Scarf increase Speed by 50%. 

• Abilities such as Chlorophyll or Swift Swim double Speed in specific weather conditions. 

• Moves like Agility sharply boost a Pokémon's Speed mid-battle. 

• Status effects like paralysis reduce a Pokémon's Speed by 50%. 

Speed isn’t just about base stats - it’s a dynamic element that trainers can manipulate to their advantage. But, having a natural speedster like Regieleki in your team is always going to be a bonus! 

The importance of Speed in competitive battling 

Speed provides a tactical advantage that can often decide the outcome of a battle. Faster Pokémon can execute strategies like revenge killing, flinching opponents with moves like Fake Out or Rock Slide, and breaking through opponents' setups before they fully materialize. 

Regieleki can be a dangerous weapon in this sense, often dealing huge damage with moves like it’s signature Thunder Cage before the opponent even has a chance to react. Its speed also enables it to function as a pivot, using Volt Switch to escape unfavourable matchups while maintaining momentum for its team. 

In 2023, members actually voted in favour of banning Regieleki from Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's OU (competitive play), as its speed, combined with new gameplay features, made it almost impossible to beat! 

Common strategies involving Speed-based Pokémon 

Fast Pokémon often serve specialist roles in competitive play, such as: 

• Sweepers: Utilizing their Speed to deal consistent damage before being countered. 

• Leads: Quickly setting up hazards like Stealth Rock or controlling the pace with moves like Taunt. 

• Revenge Killers: Out-speeding weakened foes to clean up battles. 

Moves and abilities that benefit high-Speed Pokémon 

Certain abilities and moves make already fast Pokémon even more threatening:

Abilities:

• Speed Boost: Gradually increases Speed each turn. 
• Surge Surfer: Doubles Speed on Electric Terrain (Alolan Raichu only). 
  
  

Moves: 

• Agility: Doubles the user’s Speed stat. 
• Tailwind: Temporarily doubles the Speed of the entire team. 
• Extreme Speed: A high-priority move that hits before most others. 

In Regieleki's case, its Speed amplifies the effectiveness of moves like Thunder Cage, trapping and damaging opponents while ensuring they can’t escape. 

Top 10 fastest Pokémon by base Speed stat (excluding Mega Evolutions) 

1. Regieleki – 200 

2. Deoxys (Speed Forme) – 180 

3. Ninjask – 160 

4. Pheromosa – 151 

5. Electrode – 150 

6. Calyrex (Shadow Rider) – 150 

7. Zacian (Crowned Sword) – 148 

8. Accelgor – 145 

9. Zeraora – 143 

10. Dragapult - 142

Techniques to maximize Speed in Pokémon battles 

Effort Values (EVs) are crucial for tailoring a Pokémon’s stats. By dedicating EVs to Speed, trainers can maximize a Pokémon’s potential to outspeed opponents. For example, investing 252 EVs in Regieleki’s Speed stat ensures it outspeeds virtually any unboosted opponent. 

Certain natures, like Timid and Jolly, boost Speed at the expense of another stat (typically Attack or Special Attack). Choosing the right nature can ensure your Pokémon maintains a competitive edge. 

Several held items can also enhance Speed: 

• Choice Scarf: Boosts Speed by 50%, though it locks the user into a single move. 

• Focus Sash: Ensures the holder survives a one-hit KO, allowing a fast Pokémon to make a second move. 

• Quick Claw: Grants a 20% chance to move first regardless of Speed. 

How have Speed attributes tied into the design features of Pokémon? 

Fast Pokémon often reflect their Speed stat in their design and lore. Regieleki is a pure Electric-type whose sleek, spherical body suggests an unhindered flow of electricity - a symbol for its unmatched velocity. 

Some other examples: 

• Ninjask evolves to achieve ninja-like agility, evading predators and capturing prey. 

• Dragapult is a spectral dragon, darting through dimensions at incredible speeds. 

• Electrode rolls rapidly across terrain, channelling its electricity to move faster. 

• Pheromosa’s design mirrors the agility of a cockroach. 

• Crobat is based on the swift and silent flight of bats.