Dondozo & Tatsugiri: A Symbiotic Sushi-Fueled Powerhouse

What happens when Dondozo eats Tatsugiri? In the quirky world of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, this isn’t just a strange snack; it’s a strategic power-up. When the tiny Tatsugiri uses its Commander ability, it willingly enters the mouth of the colossal Dondozo, granting its partner a significant boost in combat prowess. Specifically, Dondozo gets a sharp boost to all its stats.

The Commander Ability: A Deep Dive

The Commander ability is at the heart of this dynamic duo’s synergy. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:

• Activation: When both Dondozo and Tatsugiri are sent out onto the battlefield in a Double Battle, Tatsugiri automatically triggers its Commander ability.
• Entry: Tatsugiri then literally jumps into Dondozo’s mouth. This isn’t just a visual gag; it’s a crucial gameplay mechanic.
• Stat Boost: Once inside, Tatsugiri doesn’t just hang out. It acts as a sort of command center, issuing orders and empowering Dondozo. This results in Dondozo receiving a two-stage boost to all of its stats: Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed. This is a substantial increase, turning Dondozo into an even more formidable force.
• Restriction: While Dondozo gets this incredible power boost, Tatsugiri becomes effectively unusable for the rest of the battle. It can’t switch out, and it can’t take direct action. It’s a sacrifice for the greater good of the team.

Which Tatsugiri Form is Best?

While all Tatsugiri grant the initial stat boost, the effects of Dondozo’s signature move, Order Up, vary depending on the Tatsugiri form currently residing in its mouth.

• Curly Form (Orange/Red): This Tatsugiri form boosts Dondozo’s Attack when Order Up is used. This makes it the ideal choice for maximizing Dondozo’s physical damage output.
• Droopy Form (Pink): This form boosts Dondozo’s Defense when Order Up is used. This is a great option for making Dondozo incredibly difficult to take down, especially when combined with its already high base Defense.
• Stretchy Form (Yellow): This form boosts Dondozo’s Speed when Order Up is used. While Dondozo isn’t inherently fast, a Speed boost can allow it to outspeed key threats and land crucial attacks first.

Choosing the right Tatsugiri form depends on your team composition and strategy. However, generally, Curly Form Tatsugiri is favored for its offensive potential.

Dondozo’s Strengths, Even Without Tatsugiri

Even before being empowered by Tatsugiri, Dondozo is a strong Pokémon. Its base stat total of 530 is distributed favorably:

• High HP: Dondozo is incredibly bulky and can withstand a lot of punishment.
• High Attack: It packs a serious punch with its physical attacks.
• High Defense: It’s physically resilient and difficult to break through.

Tatsugiri simply amplifies these existing strengths, making Dondozo a truly fearsome opponent.

Synergies and Strategies

The Dondozo-Tatsugiri combination opens up a wide range of strategic possibilities in Double Battles. Here are a few examples:

• Offensive Powerhouse: Using Curly Form Tatsugiri to maximize Dondozo’s Attack, then using moves like Liquidation or Wave Crash, can quickly overwhelm opponents.
• Defensive Wall: Using Droopy Form Tatsugiri to boost Dondozo’s Defense, along with moves like Protect and Rest, can create an almost impenetrable wall.
• Speed Control: While less common, Stretchy Form Tatsugiri can surprise opponents by allowing Dondozo to outspeed key threats and disrupt their strategies.

The key to success is understanding the strengths and weaknesses of both Pokémon and using them in tandem to exploit your opponent’s vulnerabilities. The nuanced strategies of team building in this regard can often teach a lot about teamwork and group dynamics that can be found outside of the virtual setting. Research from places like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org has shown the real-world applications of gaming.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does Tatsugiri evolve into Dondozo?

No, Tatsugiri does not evolve into Dondozo, nor does Dondozo evolve from Tatsugiri. They are separate Pokémon that share a symbiotic relationship.

2. What types are Dondozo and Tatsugiri weak against?

Dondozo (Water-type) is weak against Grass and Electric-type moves. Tatsugiri (Water/Dragon-type) is weak against Dragon and Fairy-type moves.

3. Can Dondozo switch out with Tatsugiri inside?

No, once Tatsugiri uses the Commander ability and enters Dondozo’s mouth, it cannot be switched out.

4. What stats does Dondozo get boosted after Tatsugiri enters?

Dondozo receives a two-stage boost to all of its stats: Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed.

5. Is Dondozo a legendary Pokémon?

No, Dondozo is not a legendary Pokémon. While it is a powerful and imposing Pokémon, it is not classified as a legendary.

6. How do you trigger Tatsugiri’s Commander ability?

Simply have both Dondozo and Tatsugiri on the field at the start of a Double Battle. The ability will automatically activate.

7. What happens if Dondozo faints while Tatsugiri is inside?

If Dondozo faints while Tatsugiri is inside its mouth, Tatsugiri also faints. They are essentially linked together at that point.

8. Can you use Dondozo and Tatsugiri in Single Battles?

While you can use them in Single Battles, Tatsugiri’s Commander ability will be useless as it requires Dondozo to be on the field.

9. Is Tatsugiri weak on its own?

Yes, Tatsugiri is relatively weak on its own. Its primary strength lies in its ability to support Dondozo.

10. Does Dondozo need Tatsugiri to be effective?

No, Dondozo is still a viable Pokémon without Tatsugiri, thanks to its high stats and powerful moves. However, Tatsugiri greatly enhances its potential.

11. What is Dondozo’s signature move?

Dondozo’s signature move is Order Up. Its effect varies depending on which form of Tatsugiri is currently inside Dondozo.

12. Is Dondozo the False Dragon Titan in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?

Yes, Dondozo is the False Dragon Titan that you encounter as part of the Path of Legends questline.

13. What level should my Pokémon be to fight Dondozo Titan?

It is recommended that your Pokémon are around level 55 to challenge the Dondozo Titan.

14. What are some good moves to use against Dondozo?

Effective moves against Dondozo include Electric and Grass-type attacks, such as Thunderbolt, Energy Ball, and Leaf Storm.

15. Does the shiny form of Tatsugiri affect Order Up?

The article states that if the shiny forms are “adjacent to each of these colors on RoboAWM’s diagram also grant this same stat boost when Dondozo uses Order Up”

Conclusion: The Ultimate Pokémon Partnership

The Dondozo-Tatsugiri combination is a testament to the creativity and strategic depth of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. This dynamic duo highlights the power of synergy and demonstrates that even the smallest Pokémon can play a crucial role on the battlefield. Understanding how this partnership works is key to mastering Double Battles and achieving victory in the Paldea region.