Mabosstiff weaknesses, resistances & strengths explained in Pokemon

Ezequiel Leis
Mabosstiff in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

Mabosstiff is Arven’s signature Pokemon in Scarlet and Violet, so here’s everything you need to know about its weaknesses, resistances, and strengths, alongside its best moveset.

Dog Pokemon tend to become fan favorites in Pokemon games, but Mabosstiff has a very particular journey in Scarlet and Violet. Arven’s Mabosstiff is a key element in the Path of Legends storyline in S&V, meaning many trainers want to get the Boss Pokemon for themselves.

Here are Mabosstiff’s weaknesses, resistances, and strengths explained in the Pokemon franchise so you can catch it and utilize it in battle easily.

Mabosstiff weaknesses in Pokemon explained

Mabosstiff is weak against Bug, Fairy, and Fighting-type attacks as a pure Dark-type Pokemon.

While you don’t have a ton of weaknesses to worry about, Mabosstiff’s high Defense stat is sturdy enough to tank a few strong moves.

Mabosstiff resistances in Pokemon explained

Mabosstiff can resist Ghost and Dark-type attacks, and it’s also immune to Psychic-type moves in Pokemon.

You should be particularly careful of Special Attackers, as Mabosstiff has a Sp. Defense stat of 70, which isn’t anything to write home about. However, you might be able to make quick work of your opponents thanks to Mabosstiff’s 120 Attack stat.

Mabosstiff Pokedex entry in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
Mabosstiff’s demeanor in Pokemon is inspired by the Italian mafia.

Mabosstiff strengths in Pokemon explained

Mabosstiff can deal super-effective damage to Ghost and Dark-type Pokemon with its Dark-type STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) moves.

The Boss Pokemon can also learn some Ghost, Dragon, and Fighting-type moves by leveling up in Scarlet and Violet, so keep that in mind when building its moveset.

Best Mabosstiff moves in Pokemon

The best moves for Mabosstiff in Pokemon are Hone Claws, Jaw Lock, Play Rough, and Ice Fang.

  • Hone Claws is usually a must-have in competitive scenarios, as it’s the only boosting move in Mabosstiff’s arsenal. You should note that the Guard Dog Ability also results in an Attack boost when an opponent has Intimidate.
  • Jaw Lock is the go-to STAB move for Mabosstiff, and it can also prevent opponents from switching out, so it’s great to trap Pokemon before they run away.
  • Play Rough is the main coverage move Mabosstiff can use to deal with Fighting types.
  • Ice Fang is another powerful coverage move that’s ideal to use against Flying, Ground, and Grass-type Pokemon.

Other powerful attacks for Mabosstiff include Thunder Fang, Fire Fang, Psychic Fangs, and Crunch.

That’s everything you need to know about Mabosstiff in Pokemon. For more on the popular franchise, check out our other guides:

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