Cursola

It protects the soul in its core with a spectral body that has separated from the calcareous base. This transformation comes from an overflowing accumulation of spiritual energy: the framework that once supported its body breaks apart, exposing a floating, white, branching form. Anyone who touches its ectoplasm risks becoming inert like a stone.

Its appearance combines dead coral, broken-off branches and a ghostly silhouette. The core retains traits of Corsola, but is surrounded by a spectral mass that also serves as protection. On nights with a full moon, several specimens gather and raise their branches towards the sky. The reason is unclear: it could be a form of communication or a way to release accumulated energy.

It occupies the final stage of its evolutionary line. It evolves from Galarian Corsola, so it represents a complete departure from the Water- and Rock-type Corsola, which has no evolution. Its white body and its connection to dead coral reflect the loss of its former shape rather than conventional growth.

Cursola is not a common competitive choice. In Sword/Shield, Smogon's analysis places it in ZU and uses it as a slow special attacker. Its stats make this clear: 145 Special Attack and 130 Special Defense, but only 60 HP, 50 Defense and 30 Speed. It hits very hard on the special side, although it almost always takes the hit first and physical attacks do far too much damage.

Weak Armor is its regular Ability: when a physical attack hits it, its Defense falls and its Speed rises. The boost does not make up for the loss of resilience on its own, but it allows Cursola to try to have a physical hit activate the Ability and turn a lost situation into an offensive opportunity. Perish Body, its Hidden Ability, applies a Perish Song effect to the attacker and Cursola if a contact move hits them; both faint after 3 turns unless they leave the field.

The Ghost type gives it an immunity to Normal and Fighting, resistance to Bug and Poison, and weaknesses to Dark and Ghost. Offensively, Shadow Ball is its main attack, while Power Gem and Earth Power cover targets that resist its STAB. It can also use Hydro Pump, Psychic or Giga Drain to broaden its coverage.

Its most reasonable role is as a special wallbreaker in low-tier battles, switching in against Normal or Fighting attacks and punishing the opponent with Shadow Ball. Its low Speed, mediocre physical Defense and competition from faster special attackers such as Jynx greatly reduce its chances.

Cursola belongs to the Water 1 and Water 3 Egg Groups. Its gender ratio is 75% female, so finding a male requires more patience than with a species that has balanced proportions. Its Eggs need 20 cycles to hatch, equivalent to about 5355 steps using the usual conversion.

Breeding allows it to obtain useful moves by TM or Move Tutor during its evolution, but it does not provide specific Egg Moves that change the way it is played. Cursola's growth rate is Fast, so it levels up relatively easily during the adventure.

Its evolution has an exact condition: Galarian Corsola evolves into Cursola when it reaches level 38. It is not enough to use a stone or fulfil a friendship condition. Its catch rate is 30, a low figure that makes it difficult to catch without weakening it carefully and without resorting to status conditions or suitable Poké Balls. In Sword/Shield, it is linked to Galar's regional line, not to the original Water- and Rock-type Corsola.