The fifth generation profoundly changed competitive play. New items, new Hidden Abilities from the Dream World, permanent weather and a major novelty: team preview before the battle. Here are the keys to the Black and White metagame, and how to make the most of it with Unova’s Pokémon.
This guide is for those who want to go beyond the adventure: battles with friends, the Battle Subway, or simple curiosity about a landmark era of competitive play.
An essential reminder: a Pokémon’s stats depend on its IVs, its EVs and its Nature. If these notions are unfamiliar, start with our guide IVs, EVs, Natures and Calculators.
