|
-
Sturdy
- OHKO moves will fail.
-
Magnet Pull
- Prevents Steel Pokémon from switching. Increases the chance of encountering a Steel Pokémon in the wild.
|
Statistics
|
Min- |
Min |
Max |
Max+ |
| HP |
60
|
- |
261 |
324 |
- |
| Atk |
55
|
131 |
146 |
209 |
229 |
| Def |
145
|
293 |
326 |
389 |
427 |
| SpA |
75
|
167 |
186 |
249 |
273 |
| SpD |
150
|
302 |
336 |
399 |
438 |
| Spe |
40
|
104 |
116 |
179 |
196 |
Probopass, quite unlike Nosepass of Advance, is a very potent wall in UU. Unlike its Rock/Steel counterpart Aggron, Probopass is primarily used for special walling; its ability to wall special attacks is nearly unrivaled in UU. Stealth Rock is optimal on this set, as Probopass will have ample opportunities to set it up when switching in and out. The second move slot occupied with some for of status. Thunder Wave is recommended to hit fast, powerful Fighting-types or sweepers with Earthquake that Probopass seems to attract like a magnet (no pun intended). Toxic is also a fine option to wear down bulky Waters and opposing walls that have a tendency to switch into Probopass.
Earth Power is incredibly useful to hit the Ground-bound Steel-types Probopass will be trapping with Magnet Pull. The 88 Evs in Speed are there to outpace defensive Aggron (Rock Polish or Choice Band variations will outspeed you), as well as Steelix. Hidden Power Rock and Flash Cannon are useful STAB options, the former getting better coverage with Earth Power and the latter hitting Claydol and most Ice-types harder. Thunder or Thunderbolt are also options if you want to hurt bulky Waters that aren't part Ground.
Unlike the last set, which mainly served to wall, this set is specifically designed to switch into and trap the Steel-types of UU, as well as eliminating one of Probopass' crippling weaknesses. Magnet Rise helps block Steelix's and Aggron's potential Earthquake, meaning that you completely wall them. Substitute is useful for Bastiodon, whom you outspeed and set up a Substitute before they can Taunt, or possibly even use Metal Burst. It also helps Probopass avoid deadly fighting-type attacks. Taunt is to prevent the use of Roar which most of the Steel types in UU tend to have (albeit opposing Probopass). Hidden Power Rock is listed as the primary option as it provides better type coverage than Flash Cannon. However, Flash Cannon is worth considering as it hits Claydol (after using Magnet Rise), Hitmontop and other Fighting-types harder than Earth Power or Hidden Power Rock.
This Probopass set is much more offensive than the previous set, mostly to increase the strength of Earth Power against other Steel-types, but it still can take hits fairly well. However, don't expect to be sweeping teams with its mediocre 75 base special attack.
Though this set may look strange at first glance, Probopass actually makes good use of Choice Specs due to his large special movepool, despite Base 75 Special Attack. Earth Power is useful as ever, OHKOing Aggron and dealing up to 80% to Steelix. With the boost Choice Specs provides, Earth Power also does respectable damage to Lanturn and Muk. Hidden Power Grass is for Gastrodon and Quagsire mostly, which would wall the set otherwise. Flash Cannon provides a reliable STAB attack, but Explosion is an option to take out Hypno and Grumpig once they've figured out your carrying Choice Specs. Thunderbolt helps covers the remainder of the "Bulky Waters" and Flying types, mainly Poliwrath, Blastoise and Noctowl.
Other Options
Gravity is an option to support your team mates, and allows Probopass to use attacks like Zap Cannon and Thunder more effectively. Hidden Power Ice is a must if you attempt to use this in OU, lest you allow Garchomp free switch-ins. Protect can scout for Choice Banders so you aren't caught in a guessing game (Do I leave in Probopass on Granbull's Return or switch to Altaria to avoid an Earthquake?) Explosion is always a worthwhile option to take out Probopass with a bang, hopefully bringing something with it.
EVs
Max out HP first in order to get the best defenses possible with Probopass' terrible 60 base HP. The 88 speed EVs reaches 138 Speed, which outspeeds standard Aggron (4 Speed EVs) by a point. Don't bother to aim for a higher speed. Probopass is slow enough that it won't be outspeeding anything worth noting without impractical amounts of speed EVs.
Opinion
One of Advance's most forgettable Pokemon, Nosepass, got a much-needed evolution, the result a Pokemon with enormously high defenses but rather poor typing to make up for it. However, pair it up with a sturdy Flying-type to soak up those Earthquakes and Close Combats and you've got a very potent walling duo. Probopass walls many special attackers in UU and has plenty of support options, and with a little Wish support it just doesn't die. Unless it Explodes, of course.
Counters
As with other Steel/Rocks, Earthquake and strong Fighting moves in general can bring it down. However, unlike Bastiodon, Probopass has something resembling offense, and unlike Aggron, it doesn't die to unresisted special attacks. Still, Quagsire, Gastrodon, and most Fighting-types—really, anything that Probopass can't hit for super effective damage will work well as a counter.