Alolan
Ninetales VGC Guide 2026
Snow Warning sets Snow on entry; Aurora Veil under Snow halves all physical and special damage for your entire team simultaneously. 109 base Speed ensures setup before most threats, then Moonblast spread answers Dragon and Fighting-type attackers.
Aurora Veil Mechanics Explained
- • Combined Reflect + Light Screen in one move — halves both physical and special damage simultaneously
- • Lasts 5 turns; extends to 8 turns with Light Clay held
- • Can only be used in Snow weather — Snow Warning provides that immediately on switch-in
- • Critical hits bypass Aurora Veil (deal full damage through the barrier)
- • Brick Break and Raging Bull remove all screen effects in one hit
In VGC doubles, Aurora Veil's value far exceeds its single-battle equivalent. In singles it protects one Pokémon; in doubles it simultaneously protects both Pokémon, acting as a double-sided barrier for your entire active pair.
The optimal sequence is: Ninetales uses Aurora Veil turn one while a partner (Calyrex-Ice, Iron Hands) survives hits it otherwise couldn't and immediately threatens damage. This extra 1-2 survival turns under Veil can completely change a game's outcome.
Best Moveset
Snow Team Core Partners
Top Trick Room physical attacker; under Aurora Veil it can tank moves it otherwise couldn't and Glacial Lance OHKOs virtually everything
Trick Room setter; pairing TR + Aurora Veil with Calyrex-Ice creates a nearly unbeatable slow-fast reversal core
Fast attacker that benefits from Aurora Veil's extra survival; turns exchanges where it would die into survivable ones
Electric Terrain variant; Aurora Veil under Miraidon Electric Terrain lets Iron Hands operate far more safely in the early game
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Aurora Veil work and why does it need Snow?
Aurora Veil is a 5-turn (8 with Light Clay) field effect that halves both physical and special damage simultaneously — a combined Reflect + Light Screen. It can only be used in Snow weather, making Snow Warning essential. Alolan Ninetales sets Snow automatically on switch-in, enabling immediate Aurora Veil use with no extra setup.
Should I invest in Special Attack EVs for Alolan Ninetales?
Generally no. The priority is maximizing Speed (to set Aurora Veil before opponents act) and HP (to survive long enough to be useful). Moonblast and Icy Wind are effective enough at 4 SpA EVs — the damage isn't the point, the utility and speed control are.
What counters Alolan Ninetales?
Brick Break and Raging Bull (Boar) remove all screens in one hit — the highest-priority threats to watch for. Heavy Rain or Sun teams override Snow before Aurora Veil can be set; Taunt prevents Aurora Veil from being used at all. Ninetales' 4× Steel weakness means Gholdengo Make It Rain or Bullet Punch can OHKO without Aurora Veil support.
Build Your Aurora Veil Team
Use the PokeStats Team Builder to plan a complete Aurora Veil team with Alolan Ninetales.