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-
Poison Point
- 30% chance to poison when struck by a contact move.
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Swarm
- Boosts power of Bug-type moves by 50% when at 1/3 HP or less.
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Quick Feet
- Speed is increased by 50% when afflicted with status.
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Level 100 Statistics (see level 5, 50, 100)
|
Min- |
Min |
Max |
Max+ |
| HP |
40
|
- |
221 |
284 |
- |
| Atk |
55
|
131 |
146 |
209 |
229 |
| Def |
99
|
210 |
234 |
297 |
326 |
| SpA |
40
|
104 |
116 |
179 |
196 |
| SpD |
79
|
174 |
194 |
257 |
282 |
| Spe |
47
|
117 |
130 |
193 |
212 |
Overview
Although Whirlipede is an NFE, it's one of the only viable users of Toxic Spikes in the tier. What sets it apart from Garbodor are its superior defenses, better resistances (most notable its 4x resistance to Grass- and Fighting-type attacks), and the ability to use Eviolite. Its typing gives it a lot to be desired, however, plaguing it with some common weaknesses to Rock-, Fire-, Psychic-, and Flying-type moves, in addition to a nasty Stealth Rock weakness. Whirlipede's HP stat isn't great either, but its boosted defenses and useful setup moves make up for it. Whirlipede also lacks any form of offensive presence, making it easy to set up on, and very susceptible to Taunt. It can take on Grass- and Fighting-types and set up entry hazards, but it doesn't have a lot going for it otherwise.
Eviolite is the only reason to use Whirlipede, allowing it to shrug off physical attacks with relative ease. The idea is to switch into a Choiced Fighting-type, such as Sawk, and proceed to set up layers of Spikes and Toxic Spikes. Poison Jab is a reliable STAB move, and Whirlipede's most powerful attack. Poison Jab also gives it something to do should Whirlipede be the last Pokemon on your team. Rest is Whirlipede's only method of recovery, as Eviolite is needed over Black Sludge. Protect can be used for scouting, and it helps outstall Pokemon crippled by Toxic Spikes. Toxic gives Whirlipede something to hit Levitate Pokemon with, and it poisons Flying-types immune to Spikes and Toxic Spikes.
Team Options & Additional Comments >>>
The EVs and Eviolite maximize Whirlipede's better Defense, giving it the best chance of setting up. One can invest in Special Defense to soften hits from special attackers, but it's inferior to the listed spread. Rapid Spin support gives Whirlipede an easier time switching in. Torkoal, Armaldo, and Wartortle can all provide Rapid Spin support. Wish support from the likes of Alomomola and Audino helps keep Whirlipede healthy, and allows it to run Protect or Toxic over Rest. A cleric is helpful to wake up Whirlipede if it's forced to Rest.
Miltank, Audino, and Articuno can all support Whirlipede with Heal Bell, and they have good defensive synergy as well. Whirlipede also needs teammates that can switch into special Fire- and Psychic-type moves. Lickilicky and Audino can switch into the majority of special attackers, while Skuntank can take on Psychic-types with its STAB Dark-type moves. Flash Fire Rapidash can switch into Fire-type moves aimed at Whirlipede, and it also appreciates entry hazards on the field. Finally, a Ghost-type, such as Haunter or Misdreavus, can be used to block Rapid Spin.
Other Options
Whirlipede's movepool is pitiful, to say the least. Despite Whirlipede's low Special Attack, Venoshock can be used along with a Bold nature to deal more damage to poisoned Pokemon. Iron Defense can raise Whirlipede's Defense, but without reliable recovery, it should spend every free turn it can get setting up hazards. Sunny Day can help its teammates, but it doesn't benefit Whirlipede in any way, and increasing the power of Fire-type moves is only bad news for Whirlipede.
Checks and Counters
Anything that doesn't mind Poison will have an easy time against Whirlipede. It has next to nothing in terms of offense, making it setup fodder for many Pokemon in the tier. Steel-types, such as Probopass, can set up against Whirlipede; Bastiodon can even Taunt it and set up. Whirlipede's typing isn't great, and it falls to repeated super effective attacks. Exploit its weaknesses to Fire-, Flying-, and Psychic-type attacks, which are fairly common. Charizard, Swellow, and Gardevoir have nothing to fear when switching in, and their STAB moves make little work of Whirlipede. Whirlipede also has a nasty weakness to Stealth Rock, which means it'll lose 25% of its health upon switching in. If you can't do anything else, Whirlipede is completely shut down by Taunt, and Natu's Magic Bounce can reflect its entry hazards.
