So How Good Could Kilowattrel Be In 2023?

As an electric fanatic in the VGC scene, I‘ve been digging into the potential of these shocking new Gen 9 threats. And Kilowattrel has quickly become one of my speculative favorites for its blazing speed and hefty special attack if enabled properly.

But DOES this glide right into being a top competitive threat already? Let‘s dive deeper fellow trainers!

Killer Attributes off the Bat

Right out of Paldea‘s grass, Kilowattrel immediately stands out for its standout base 125 speed stat – matching the likes of Pheromosa and Kartana as one of the fastest in Scarlet/Violet.

That alone provides strong offensive pressure. But pair it with a still very impressive base 117 special attack, and you have the tools for a dangerous setup sweeper or wallbreaker in the making.

To put in perspective vs similar electric legends:

Kilowattrel may slightly lag legendaries in special attack, but outpaces most in speed tier. That‘s one key ingredient down!

Sweeping Role Theorycraft

In theory, these offensive attributes make Kilowattrel an appealing late-game win condition once the coast is clear. Or if outpacing the opponent is made possible via speed control (Tailwind, paralysis etc).

If Dynamaxed with Max Airstream raises, little can outpace Kilowattrel at +2 speed tearing holes with Max Lightning and Max Flutterby coverage. Charizard wishes it had that electric STAB!

Even without dynamax, choice sets can enable wall-breaking. Specs boosted Thunderbolt and Air Slashes will dent unprepared teams.

So the firepower and speed are clearly there! Now what about rounding out Kilowattrel‘s viability as a sweeper?

Supporting Cast Theory

For such explosive potential, frailty comes attached as Kilowattrel sports only 65/75 bulk. It can‘t simply tank hits while setting up, making the supporting cast and game plan vital.

If structural weakness sound familiar, think Mega-Pinsir back in VGC 2015. Prone to getting one-shot without support, but an utter menace if enabled.

Here‘s the team support I‘d speculate could unleash Kilowattrel:

• Redirection – Incineroar/Amoongus pivot moves away from super effective hits
• Speed Control – Tailwind or thunder wave to outpace threats
• Terrain Control – Activate psychic terrain to avoid priority sucker punches
• Disruption – Sleep powder or will-o-wisp to neutralize checks
• Defensive Synergy – Goodra special walling to cover flying weakness

With the right structured game plan, Kilowattrel has a real shot at explosively sweeping unprepared teams late game. But it remains a risky glass cannon proposition, especially if popular intimidate users like Incineroar spread.

What Could Boost Viability?

Without real 2023 usage yet, what metagame circumstances could help our electric bird rise?

• Decline of Incineroar – The ever-popular Incineroar hits Kilowattrel with weakness, intimidate, fake out, and flare blitz. Removing that hearty feline from the picture opens up Kilowattrel‘s sweeping chances tremendously.
• Psychic Terrain – With Indeedee and Gardevoir seeing heavy usage, avoiding sucker punch and other priority can enable setup opportunities
• Room Service – A surprise viable ability, it doubles Kilowattrel‘s speed under trick room to still threaten opponents

Conversely, continued Incineroar dominance, icy hail, or choice scarf threats could hamper Kilowattrel‘s progress as an over committing sweeper. But the upside looks apparent!

So in summary trainers, I‘d speculate Kilowattrel has very high upside if enabled by the right composition and strategy in 2023. Raw stats are clearly there, but its viability remains dependent on the ever-shifting VGC metagame.

I know I‘ll be keeping a close eye on tournament usage as we discover if our electric bird can truly soar competitively! But I welcome hearing your thoughts or team ideas in the comments.

Now let‘s get training!