Summary

Registeel in ADV draft is a versatile threat -- while in OU it is commonly outclassed by Metagross, Snorlax, or Jirachi depending on the role you are trying to give it, it is a extremely potent Pokemon in draft due to the necessary checkboxes it clicks unique to draft, availability of Pokemon who typically outclass it, and its ability to know what it's going up against.

Registeel is slow, and not too strong with only 75 in its attacking stats. However, it is hilariously bulky, and is able to check Snorlax, Celebi, electric types, Tyranitar, and Salamence all in 1 draft slot. He can be a mixed attacker, a tank with Thunder Wave and Seismic Toss, a Curse sweeper, or an Explosion user depending on what you need. Due to Registeel's decent coverage, it is very easy to use the prep period of a draft match to squeeze as much damage out of it as possible, even with its limited attacking stats. The reason it is able to do this is due to both the raw numbers of its bulk and, more importantly, the way it can invest its effort values. Registeel needs 252 hp in essentially every single matchup, but once you spend these EVs it is extremely flexible with how it can invest the reamining 256.

The first set to highlight is mixed tank -- Registeel has amazing coverage with Ice Punch, Thunder, Hidden Power, Explosion, Thunder Wave, or the odd physical attack to allow it to hit certain pokemon with super effective damage. This allows Registeel to be a decent check to anything you need, and while it doesnt do as much as contemporaries like Snorlax, Metagross, or the other Regis, it makes up for it by taking half the damage they would in a majority of situations. It is able to spread paralysis and, similar to Metagross or Snorlax, have an advantageous trade with the opponent in the majority of situations. This set can use Seismic Toss to deal damage with full defense, but that's often less helpful due to its ability to squeeze damage well in draft due to knowing the matchup. Another set is its Curse set. It has major weaknesses in that it takes a very long time to get going and it is susceptible to someone fishing crits for 16 or 24 turns with no Pressure ability to help, but despite this there are plenty of drafts where Curse registeel is unstoppable and can result in an free win if you use it correctly by removing key targets that can check it and getting a crucial first turn to boost. This applies to Curse + Rest specifically, but Curse + Explosion or Curse + 3 attacks is also viable as an offshoot of the tank setup mentioned above, as Registeel has an impressive physical movepool and can squeeze the most of its mediocre attack stat to deal impressive damage. Some other options include Substitute, allowing you to put up a strong substitute as they are paralyzed or use your impressive bulk to easily have the substitute take a plethora of hits. Another is Mimic, as Registeel's passivity invites Spikes users. This lets you in return Spikes on them, and Registeel is possibly the best in the format at performing such an action.

Registeel's unique combination of bulk, versatility, and adaptability makes it a formidable asset in the draft format. Its ability to flexibly invest EVs, adapt to specific matchups, and function in multiple roles -- whether as a mixed tank, status spreader, or Curse sweeper -- gives it a distinct edge in draft play, where preparation and matchup knowledge are emphasized. Registeel excels in fulfilling multiple defensive and offensive roles within a single team, and while it may not be the most powerful offensive force, its durability and role compression make it an invaluable Pokemon in draft.

Summary written by SPFunkM

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