|
-
Thick Fat
- Fire- and Ice-type damage is reduced by 50%.
-
Hydration
- Heals status effects in rain.
-
Ice Body
- Heals 1/16 maximum HP in hail.
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Level 50 Statistics (see level 5, 50, 100)
|
Min- |
Min |
Max |
Max+ |
| HP |
90
|
- |
165 |
197 |
- |
| Atk |
70
|
81 |
90 |
122 |
134 |
| Def |
80
|
90 |
100 |
132 |
145 |
| SpA |
70
|
81 |
90 |
122 |
134 |
| SpD |
95
|
103 |
115 |
147 |
161 |
| Spe |
70
|
81 |
90 |
122 |
134 |
Overview
Dewgong hasn't changed much since Gen 4; its movepool has remained the same, and it's still a pretty average Pokemon. Hydration, Encore, and it decent defenses are the only reason to use Dewgong. With Hydration, Dewgong becomes a decent tank and status absorber in the rain, which warrants it a place on your team. Unfortunately, Dewgong was cursed with a secondary Ice typing, which means that it is weak to Stealth Rock, and common Rock-, Grass-, Electric-, and Fighting-type moves will all seriously maim it. Dewgong isn't very impressive, and you shouldn't be in a rush to use it, but it's somewhat unique in terms of its movepool.
This is the only reason to use Dewgong. With Rest and the rain set up, Dewgong becomes difficult to KO. Its defenses are high enough to take a hit or two, and an instant, single-turn recovery move allows it to tank for a long time. Not only that, but Hydration also turns Dewgong into a pseudo-status absorber for your team. Surf is used for STAB, as it gains an additional boost from the rain, and Encore is used to cripple Pokemon that attempt to set up. Ice Beam can be used in the third slot if you prefer the ability to hit Grass-types super effectively, but Encore is the only thing that sets Dewgong apart from Phione, Lapras, and Alomomola.
Team Options & Additional Comments >>>
The EVs emphasize on Dewgong's decent bulk. Maximum HP ensures Dewgong can take as many hits as possible before going down, while the Special Attack EVs give its attacks a boost. 112 Speed EVs allow Dewgong to outrun max Speed Gorebyss outside of the rain; however, you can run 144 to outpace max Speed Torterra. Toxic is another option over either of its attacking moves; it allows Dewgong to cripple bulkier Pokemon that take little damage from any of its attacks. Damp Rock provides Dewgong with 8 turns of rain, while Leftovers give Dewgong that little bit more in terms of recovery. A physical set with Waterfall and Avalance can be used with a Jolly nature, but that's entirely preferential.
Pokemon that can switch into Dewgong's weaknesses are good partners. Amoongus can switch into Grass- and Electric-type moves, while using its STAB Grass-type moves to KO opposing Water-types. Zebstrika should be considered as it can gain a Special Attack boost from switching into Electric-type attacks. Wartortle can support Dewgong with Rapid Spin, and it can also switch into physical attacks aimed at Dewgong, although they share similar typing. Toxic Spikes are a great option to take advantage of Dewgong's stalling ability. Whirlipede can set them up, and a spinblocker, such as Haunter or Misdreavus, can be used to keep them on the field.
As rain weakens Fire-type moves, Pokemon who are susceptible to them can take advantage of the rain. For example, Armaldo can use the rain to boost its Speed with Swift Swim, and it can use Rapid Spin in order to support Dewgong. Electric-types who can abuse 100% accurate Thunder are great choices too; Electrode, Electabuzz, and Rotom-F are all good choices thanks to their high Special Attack stats. Swift Swim abusers such as Gorebyss and Huntail, fare well when the rain is set up, and they can cause extreme pain to the opposing team after a Shell Smash boost. Finally, Pelipper can abuse Rain Dish to stall the opponent, and its STAB Flying-type moves can break through opposing Grass-types.
Other Options
Dewgong's movepool isn't great, but there are a few moves it can utilize to some level of success. Perish Song can be used to break stall and force stat boosters to switch, and it also causes plenty of residual damage from opponents switching into entry hazards. Ice Body is available from Dream World; unfortunately there aren't any permanent hail inducers in the tier. A Choice Specs set can be used with Surf, Ice Beam, Hidden Power Electric and Ground, and Signal Beam, but Dewgong's attacking stats aren't great, and there are plenty of better sweepers in the tier. Stockpile can raise Dewgong's defenses and allow it to take hits easier, but Walrein is usually a lot better at this. Finally, Blizzard can be used for a more powerful STAB outside of rain, but its low accuracy is off-putting.
Checks and Counters
Lickilicky and Audino are probably the biggest counters to any of Dewgong's special sets. Their great defensive stats, access to Toxic and Heal Bell, and reliable recovery all make them very difficult to break through. Regice also gets an honorable mention as it takes little damage from any of Dewgong's attacks and it can beat Dewgong one on one. Storm Drain Cradily can take on sets without Ice Beam, but it must beware of Encore. Kecleon is in the same boat; it can switch into any of Dewgong's attacks, stay healthy with Recover, and hit it with STAB Return. Throh and Sawk can wipe Dewgong out with their STAB attacks, and they're both reasonably bulky as well. Most Water-types can take on Dewgong as they resist its STAB and the majority of them have a decent coverage move. Lapras can hit Dewgong with Thunderbolt, while Alomomola can poison Dewgong with Toxic and stay healthy with Wish. Parasect can take on sets without Ice Beam and cripple Dewgong with Spore. Shedinja's Wonder Guard blocks Water- and Ice-type moves, it just needs to watch out for Toxic. Electric-types, such as Electabuzz and Eelektross, and Grass-types, such as Vileplume and Leafeon, can hit Dewgong super effectively, just watch out for rain-boosted Surf and Ice Beam, respectively. Finally, Taunt users really cripple Dewgong's strategy, while weather changing Pokemon can put an end to its torrential downpour.
