In Pokémon Legends: Z-A, players are always on the lookout for ways to optimize their Pokémon builds and battle strategies. Two items that often come up in this context are the Soft Sand and the Earth Plate. These two powerful items each provide unique advantages, but understanding their differences and when to use them is essential for maximizing your team’s potential.
What is Soft Sand?
The Soft Sand is a held item that boosts the power of Ground-type moves by 20%. This makes it an excellent choice for trainers looking to increase the offensive capabilities of their Ground-type Pokémon. Whether you’re battling wild Pokémon or engaging in trainer battles, a boosted Ground-type move can be the difference between a quick knockout and a prolonged fight.
Soft Sand works exceptionally well with strong Ground-type moves like Earthquake or Sand Tomb, where the extra boost in damage can turn the tide in your favor. However, it’s important to note that this item only affects Ground-type moves, meaning that its utility is more limited to specific Pokémon with access to such moves.
What is Earth Plate?
The Earth Plate is a slightly more versatile item compared to the Soft Sand. When held by a Pokémon, the Earth Plate boosts the power of Ground-type moves by 20%, just like the Soft Sand. However, what makes the Earth Plate stand out is its additional ability to change the holder’s type to Ground when used in conjunction with the move Judgment (if held by Arceus). This dual function makes Earth Plate incredibly valuable for trainers who are interested in versatility and maximizing damage output in specific situations.
In addition to its more flexible use, the Earth Plate’s power boost is also applicable to a wider variety of Pokémon that can utilize it in different team compositions. The item works well with both specialized Ground-type attackers and other Pokémon who may benefit from a boost to their Ground-type coverage.
Soft Sand vs Earth Plate: Which is Better?
The choice between Soft Sand and Earth Plate comes down to the specific needs of your Pokémon and your overall battle strategy. Here’s a comparison of both items:
- Power Boost: Both items provide a 20% power boost to Ground-type moves, so there’s no significant difference in damage output when using them for that purpose alone.
- Versatility: The Earth Plate offers more versatility, as it can be used by any Pokémon capable of learning Judgment to take on the Ground-type form. This makes it a strong option for Pokémon like Arceus, allowing for an additional layer of strategy in battles.
- Item Use: Soft Sand is best suited for dedicated Ground-type attackers who don’t need any additional coverage or versatility. On the other hand, Earth Plate is better for trainers who want to maximize their team’s overall flexibility while still benefiting from a strong Ground-type move.
Safe Shiny Pokémon Shops for Enhancing Your Battle Team
While discussing items like Soft Sand and Earth Plate, it’s important to remember that the strength of your Pokémon team depends not just on their held items, but also on the quality of the Pokémon themselves. If you’re looking to build a powerful team with unique or rare Pokémon, consider visiting a safe shiny Pokémon shop. These shops offer a reliable source of shiny Pokémon that can give you an edge in battle, whether you’re looking for a shiny Ground-type to make the most out of Soft Sand or a shiny Pokémon with versatile moves to benefit from Earth Plate.
Many players opt to buy shiny Pokémon from trusted sources to enhance their team’s power and aesthetic appeal. Choosing a reputable shop ensures that you’re getting high-quality Pokémon with the stats and abilities needed to excel in battle.
In the end, whether you choose the Soft Sand or the Earth Plate will depend on your team’s needs. If you’re focused on maximizing the damage output of Ground-type moves, Soft Sand is a great choice. However, if you want versatility and the potential to change your Pokémon’s type with the use of Judgment, the Earth Plate could be the better option. Don’t forget, no matter which item you choose, building a well-rounded team with access to strong Pokémon—whether shiny or regular—can make all the difference in Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
