Girafarig (GP 2/2)

marilli

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[Overview]

<p>Girafarig is one of the more diverse and adaptive Pokemon in NU—indeed, with its two heads, it only makes sense that Girafarig has multiple options. As a versatile Pokemon, Girafarig is naturally doomed as a jack-of-all-trades, and faces severe competition in a metagame infested with pure Psychic-types and Normal-types. Special Girafarig is usually inferior to Mesprit, while physical Girafarig is sorely outclassed by anything from Miltank to Stantler. However, Sap Sipper and the Normal typing gives Girafarig two great immunities and an edge over Misdreavus and opposing Psychic-types. On top of that, the threat of a Calm Mind sweep and Baton Pass poses a multidimensional threat to the opponent. While this niche may not be enough, Girafarig is an underrated Pokemon that can be a nuisance to an unprepared team.</p>

[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Psychic
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Baton Pass
item: Life Orb
ability: Sap Sipper
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Girafarig's above average Special Attack, coverage, and Speed allows it to use a sweeping Calm Mind set. Thanks to its interesting typing and ability, Girafarig can set up in front of the likes of Misdreavus, Tangela, and other common defensive Pokemon. Psychic is its strongest STAB move, while Thunderbolt provides great coverage alongside Psychic. In fact, only Cacturne, Exeggutor, and Zweilous resist these two moves, and Cacturne cannot even touch Girafarig given that it has Sucker Punch and Seed Bomb as its two attacking moves. Baton Pass is Girafarig's biggest niche as a Calm Mind user: when threatened, Girafarig can pass away its Calm Mind or Sap Sipper boosts. As an added bonus, Baton Pass happens to bypass Pursuit, Sucker Punch, and other Dark-type moves that will surely end Girafarig in a single hit.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EV spread is simple, but maximizes Girafarig's sweeping potential. This way, Girafarig can pose a double threat of sweeping and Baton Passing. Life Orb is the item of choice for further increasing its damage output. Notably, +1 Life Orb-boosted Thunderbolt is very likely to OHKO Absol, who may prove troublesome otherwise. Finally, Sap Sipper is Girafarig's best ability—Sap Sipper allows Girafarig to nullify all sleep moves barring Jynx's Lovely Kiss, and is vastly superior to Early Bird. As for Inner Focus, there are very few Fake Out users in NU, and Kangaskhan's Fake Out will do a ton of damage regardless. Additionally, Sap Sipper allows Girafarig to get an Attack boost from opponent's Grass-type moves, which it can simply pass away to a physical sweeper.</p>

<p>Even with Life Orb, Girafarig's power is middling at best, and it is hopeless defensively. As a result, Spikes support from Garbodor or Cacturne is helpful in order to bring Regirock and other bulky Pokemon into KO range, instead of failing to KO and taking heavy damage in return. Girafarig is a handy switch-in to Misdreavus, Tangela, Cacturne, and other prominent Pokemon. As Misdreavus and Tangela are common physical walls, it is wise to pair Girafarig with a physical attacker that can lure them in and allow Girafarig to set up. Golem is a terrific teammate for Girafarig, as it can easily check Skuntank, while Girafarig takes care of Misdreavus and Tangela that wall Golem. As a Baton Passer, Girafarig appreciates a partner that can terrify the opposition with the Special Attack boost. For example, Magmortar can make excellent use of the Calm Mind boost, but comes at a price of questionable defensive synergy.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Thanks to its second head, Girafarig has some extra gray matter and hence, a large movepool. An all-out special set with Psychic, Thunderbolt, Grass Knot, Hidden Power Fighting, or Charge Beam is viable, but Mesprit sorely outclasses it. Uproar is Girafarig's strongest special Normal-type STAB move, but the lock-in side effect is very detrimental and and the move has a low Base Power. Girafarig's physical options include Return, Earthquake, Sucker Punch, Zen Headbutt, and Crunch, but unfortunately Sucker Punch is illegal with Sap Sipper. The physical set also happens to be very outclassed by the multitude of Normal-types in NU, including Sap Sipper Miltank, Tauros, and even Stantler. While the surprise value may allow Girafarig to cripple a special wall, any self-respecting physical wall can deal with a purely physical Girafarig. Again, a mixed set might work, but Girafarig has modest offenses at best, hates splitting investment into both attacking stats, and is unable to sacrifice its Speed thanks to the contested Speed tier around 85 base. Especially with access to Psyshock, a mixed set is outclassed by special Girafarig at best.</p>

<p>As for supporting options, Girafarig has access to Thunder Wave, Baton Pass, Trick, Wish, Magic Coat, and dual screens. Wish with Sap Sipper might allow Girafarig to switch into all variants of Exeggutor, but specially defensive Girafarig would only be a niche counter with little to do against strong switch-ins such as Absol. Trick may see use on Choice Girafarig, but Mesprit outclasses it in such a role. Thunder Wave or Magic Coat can see some situational use, but requires heavy prediction because Girafarig is too frail to take a hit. Finally, a pure Baton Pass set is viable, with access to a number of boosting moves such as Agility, Calm Mind, and Work Up. However, Girafarig needs to compete with Ninjask, Volbeat, and other stellar Baton Passers. The offensive Calm Mind set uses Girafarig's offenses to pose a dual threat—something that neither Ninjask nor Volbeat can claim for themselves—and should be the focus of a Baton Pass set for that reason.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>As a Calm Mind user, Girafarig loses to special walls, given that they can deal damage back or phaze Girafarig out of play. Lickilicky and Altaria are both very specially bulky, and have access to Roar and Dragon Tail, respectively, to force out Girafarig and foil its Baton Passing attempts. While Girafarig usually comes out on top against opposing Psychic-types thanks to resisting Psychic and being immune to Shadow Ball, Mesprit can tank boosted Thunderbolts and use Thunder Wave to cripple Girafarig. Cryogonal is also very specially bulky and can Haze away the Calm Mind boosts, but it needs to watch out for Psyshock or a mixed set, as it is unable to tank any physical hits.</p>

<p>For a more offensive response, Skuntank is one of the best counters, but Girafarig will often have Baton Pass, which handily evades Sucker Punch and Pursuit. However, very few prominent special attackers resist Dark-type moves, so Girafarig is essentially forced to give up the offensive boost of Calm Mind. Absol and Cacturne can both OHKO with Sucker Punch, but Girafarig can often beat them with proper prediction. As an offensive Pokemon, Girafarig's mediocre Speed and lackluster bulk allows faster threats such as Swellow, and Choice Scarf users such as Sawk and Braviary to easily revenge kill Girafarig. However, beware of revenging Girafarig with a special Choice Scarf user such as Rotom-S, as it will not do enough damage after the Calm Mind boost.</p>

[Overview]

- One of the few normal types that are specially oriented
- However, no good Normal STAB unless you go physical, which is sorely outclassed by anything from Miltank and Tauros to even Stantler
- Best classified as a psychic type with Ghost immunity, not a normal type with psychic subtyping
- Sap Sipper is cool
- Girafarig is cool in general, a cool psychic that beats Ghosts and opposing psychics

[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Psychic
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Baton Pass
item: Life Orb
ability: Sap Sipper
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

- Calm Mind to boost its special attack and pose a threat
- Psychic is the best STAB it has
- TBolt for coverage, "walled" only by Cacturne and stuff, which can't even touch Girafarig as long as it boosts till whenever and pass to a big threat.
- Baton Pass bypasses pursuit, sucker punch, and other scary dark type moves

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

- EVs are for sweeping potential while not passing
- Life Orb allows to kill absol with +1 Thunderbolt, so it's a losing prediction battle for the absol user
- Sap Sipper is the ability of choice because Sap Sipper > Vital Spirit >> Early Bird bar Jynx. Inner Focus isn't useful as there are few flinchers in NU.
- You can set up vs. Misdreavus, Tangela, Sucker Punch / Seed Bomb Cacturne or scare out a slow fighter. Note that Girafarig doesn't in fact deal well with fighters because it doesn't even resist it.
- Grass Knot hits Quagsire and Regirock harder, but that's about it
- Shadow Ball hits Psychics harder, usually beats opposing Psychic Calm Minders 1 vs. 1 because it's immune to Shadow Ball anyways.
- Teammates that appreciate Calm Mind boosts passed: includes stuff like Magmortar, but comes at a price of little defensive synergy
-

[Other Options]

- All-out attacker set. OK, all it has over mesprit is: outspeeds Magmortar, outspeeds Skuntank too but both die horribly to Skuntank anyways.

- Mixed options, but why go mixed when you can just use Psyshock to kill things like Cryogonal and other physically squishy stuff

- Physical options include sucker punch, return, etc. Sucker Punch is illegal with Sap Sipper, though. And if you get that one hit on a special wall, the jig is up, and any self-respecting physical tank will wall it.
- Choice set is better done by Mesprit, and Choice Mesprit isn't that good to begin with
- HP Fighting, rather pointless, though
- Psyshock, also quite pointless in a metagame of physical bulk and special sweepers
- Dedicated Baton Pass set, with choice of Agility / Calm Mind / Work Up but everything learns Work Up
- Magic Coat perhaps?
- It also gets Taunt, Charge Beam, etc.
- Dual Screens, Thunder Wave, Wish, Trick, etc. Mean Look + Baton Pass (it doesn't pass it, but Mean Look makes the baton pass a bit easier if they happen to switch into a defensive answer to scout your set.)
- Best special normal-STAB is Uproar but COME ON whoever uses it should be shot

[Checks and Counters]

- Bulky Dark type: Skuntank is close as you can get to 'bulky,' though. Absol will usually lose in prediction battle.
- Special Walls, especially with phazing move: Lickilicky, Altaria, even Flareon.
- It has respectable speed, but not very fast! Choice Scarfers such as BRaviary, Scarf Sawk, etc. all work as revengers. However, be careful about revenging with a special attacker like Rotom-S, if it has some CM boosts under its belt.
- Mesprit can tank hits any day and Twave to cripple, but doesn't prevent it from passing away boosts.
- Cryo can haze away boosts, doesn't take much from attacks
 

metsrule158

Don't disturb him on his break.
is a Contributor Alumnus
Put Charge Beam into at least OO, as it has a chance of raising SpA and, at the same time, can dish some damage out.
 

marilli

With you
is a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Past SPL Championis a Former Other Tournament Circuit Champion
OK, so I've been using Girafarig for the last few days. The Calm Mind + Baton Pas set works quite well, and other sets like all-out attacker, choiced, mixed, etc. were cool and all but honestly they are so outclassed I think I'll just go with a single-set analysis for now, until a QC member says otherwise or I run into a really boss set that I haven't tried yet.

QC inputs?
 

Mafeking

channels his inner Wolverine
is a Contributor Alumnus
Girafarig is such a cool Pokemon that I just have to supply a dorky amateur G/P check to it. Someone else will have to stamp this if it's worthy though, sorry!

Removals in Red
Additions/Replacements in Green
Quick Comments in Blue

[Overview]

<p>Girafarig is one of the more diverse and adaptive Pokemon in NU—indeed, with its two heads, it only makes sense that Girafarig has multiple options. For such (As) a flexible (versatile) Pokemon, Girafarig is naturally doomed as a J(j)ack-of-all-trades, and faces severe competition in a metagame infested with pure Psychic-types and Normal-types. Special Girafarig is usually inferior to Mesprit, while physical Girafarig is sorely outclassed by anything from Miltank to Stantler. However, Sap Sipper and the Normal typing allows Girafarig two great immunities, and wins Girafarig key matchup against (and gives Girafarig an edge over) Misdreavus and opposing Psychic-types. On top of that, the threat of a Calm Mind sweep and Baton Pass poses (a) multidimensional threat to the opponent. While this niche may not be enough, Girafarig is an underrated Pokemon that can be a nuisance to an unprepared team.</p>

[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Psychic
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Baton Pass
item: Life Orb
ability: Sap Sipper
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Girafarig's above average Special Attack, coverage, and Speed allows Girafarig (it) to use a sweeping Calm Mind set. Thanks to its interesting typing and ability, Girafarig can set up in front of (the likes of) Misdreavus, Tangela, and other common defensive Pokemon. Psychic is its strongest STAB (move), while Thunderbolt provides great coverage alongside Psychic. In fact, only Cacturne, (and) Zweilous, and insignificant NFEs (don't really need a mention and just clog the passage) resist these two moves, and Cacturne cannot even touch Girafarig given that has Sucker Punch and Seed Bomb as its two attacking moves. Baton Pass is Girafarig's biggest niche as a Calm Mind user: when threatened, Girafarig can pass away its Calm Mind or Sap Sipper boosts. As an added bonus, Baton Pass happens to bypass Pursuit, Sucker Punch, and other Dark-type moves that will surely end Girafarig in a single hit.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EV spread is simple, but maximizes Girafarig's sweeping potential. This way, Girafarig can pose a double threat of sweeping and Baton Passing to a greater threat. Life Orb is the item of choice for further increasing its damage output. Notably, +1 Life Orb boosted Thunderbolt has a (is) very likely to OHKO Absol, which (who) may prove troublesome otherwise. Finally, Sap Sipper is Girafarig's best ability—Sap Sipper allows Girafarig to nullify all sleep moves barring Jynx's Lovely Kiss, and is vastly superior to Early Bird. As for Inner Focus, there are very few Fake Out users in NU, and Kangaskhan's Fake Out will do a ton of damage regardless. Additionally, Sap Sipper allows Girafarig to get an Attack boost, which it can simply pass away to a physical threat (sweeper).</p> ("threat" seemed like it was implying one of the opponent's Pokemon)

<p>Even with Life Orb, Girafarig's power is middling at best, and it is hopeless defensively. As a result, Spikes support from Garbodor and (or) Cacturne is helpful in order to wear down (bring) Regirock and other bulky Pokemon into its OHKO range, instead of failing to KO and taking heavy damage back (in return). Girafarig is a handy switch-in to Misdreavus, Tangela, Cacturne, and other prominent Pokemon of the metagame. As Misdreavus and Tangela are common physical walls, it is wise to pair Girafarig with a physical attacker that can lure them in and allow Girafarig to set up. Golem is a terrific teammate for Girafarig, as it can easily switch into (check) Skuntank, while Girafarig takes care of Misdreavus and Tangela that easily wall Golem. As a Baton Passer, Girafarig appreciates a partner that can terrify the opposition with the Special Attack boost. For example, Magmortar can make excellent use of the Calm Mind boost, but comes at a price of little defensive synergy.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Thanks to its second head, Girafarig has some extra gray matter and hence a large movepool. (hahahaha) An all-out special set with Psychic, Thunderbolt, Grass Knot, Hidden Power Fighting, or Charge Beam is viable, but Mesprit sorely outclasses it. Uproar is its strongest Special Normal-STAB, but the lock-in side effect is very detrimental and comes at a low Base Power. Its physical options include Return, Earthquake, Sucker Punch, Zen Headbutt, and Crunch, but unfortunately Sucker Punch is illegal with Sap Sipper. The physical set also happens to be very outclassed by the multitude of Normal-types in NU, including Sap Sipper Miltank, Tauros, and even Stantler; (Period) w(W)hile the surprise value may allow you to cripple a special wall, any self-respecting physical wall can deal with a purely physical Girafarig. Again, a mixed set may work, but Girafarig has modest offenses at best, hates splitting investment into both attacking stats, and is unable to sacrifice its Speed thanks to the contested speed tier around 85 base Speed. Especially with access to Psyshock, a mixed set is outclassed by special Girafarig at best.</p>

<p>As for supporting options, Girafarig has access to Thunder Wave, Baton Pass, Trick, Wish, Magic Coat, and (can set up) dual screens. Wish with Sap Sipper may allow Girafarig to switch into all variants of Exeggutor, but specially defensive Girafarig would only be a niche counter with little to do against strong switch-ins such as Absol. Trick may see use in a Choiced Girafarig, but Mesprit outclasses it in such a role. Thunder Wave or Magic Coat can see some situational use, but requires heavy prediction because Girafarig is too frail to take a hit. Finally, a pure Baton Pass set is viable, with access to Agility, Calm Mind, and Work Up. However, it needs to compete with Ninjask, Volbeat, and other stellar Baton Passers of the tier. The offensive Calm Mind set uses Girafarig's usable offenses to pose a dual threat—something that neither Ninjask nor Volbeat can claim for themselves—and should be the choice of (focus of a) Baton Pass set for a reason.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>As a Calm Mind user, Girafarig is weak to (loses to) special walls, given that they can deal damage back or phaze Girafarig out of play. Lickilicky and Altaria are both very specially bulky, and has (have access to) Roar and Dragon Tail, respectively, to force out Girafarig and foil its Baton Passing attempts. While Girafaric (Girafarig) usually comes out on top against opposing Psychic-types thanks to resisting Psychic and being immune to Shadow Ball, Mesprit can tank boosted Thunderbolt and (use) Thunder Wave to cripple Girafarig. Cryogonal is also very specially bulky and can Haze away the Calm Mind boost(s), but it needs to watch out for Psyshock or a mixed set, as it is unable to tank any physical hits.</p>

<p>For a more offensive response, Skuntank is one of the best counters, but Girafarig will often have Baton Pass, which handily evades Sucker Punch and Pursuit. However, very few prominent special attackers resist Dark-type moves, so Girafarig is essentially forced to give up the offensive boost of Calm Mind. Absol and Cacturne can both OHKO with Sucker Punch, but Girafarig will often beat them with proper prediction. As an offensive Pokemon, Girafarig's mediocre speed and lacking (lackluster) bulk allows faster threats such as Swellow and Choice Scarf users such as Sawk and Braviary to easily revenge Girafarig. However, beware of revenging Girafarig with a special Choice Scarf user such as Rotom-S, as it will not do enough damage after the Calm Mind boost.</p>


This is very nice! Just minor preference edits.

[Overview]

<p>Girafarig is one of the more diverse and adaptive Pokemon in NU—indeed, with its two heads, it only makes sense that Girafarig has multiple options. As a versatile Pokemon, Girafarig is naturally doomed as a jack-of-all-trades, and faces severe competition in a metagame infested with pure Psychic-types and Normal-types. Special Girafarig is usually inferior to Mesprit, while physical Girafarig is sorely outclassed by anything from Miltank to Stantler. However, Sap Sipper and the Normal typing allows Girafarig two great immunities,and gives Girafarig an edge over Misdreavus and opposing Psychic-types. On top of that, the threat of a Calm Mind sweep and Baton Pass poses a multidimensional threat to the opponent. While this niche may not be enough, Girafarig is an underrated Pokemon that can be a nuisance to an unprepared team.</p>

[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Psychic
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Baton Pass
item: Life Orb
ability: Sap Sipper
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Girafarig's above average Special Attack, coverage, and Speed allows it to use a sweeping Calm Mind set. Thanks to its interesting typing and ability, Girafarig can set up in front of the likes of Misdreavus, Tangela, and other common defensive Pokemon. Psychic is its strongest STAB move, while Thunderbolt provides great coverage alongside Psychic. In fact, only Cacturne and Zweilous resist these two moves, and Cacturne cannot even touch Girafarig given that has Sucker Punch and Seed Bomb as its two attacking moves. Baton Pass is Girafarig's biggest niche as a Calm Mind user: when threatened, Girafarig can pass away its Calm Mind or Sap Sipper boosts. As an added bonus, Baton Pass happens to bypass Pursuit, Sucker Punch, and other Dark-type moves that will surely end Girafarig in a single hit.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EV spread is simple, but maximizes Girafarig's sweeping potential. This way, Girafarig can pose a double threat of sweeping and Baton Passing to a greater threat. Life Orb is the item of choice for further increasing its damage output. Notably, +1 Life Orb boosted Thunderbolt is very likely to OHKO Absol, who may prove troublesome otherwise. Finally, Sap Sipper is Girafarig's best ability—Sap Sipper allows Girafarig to nullify all sleep moves barring Jynx's Lovely Kiss, and is vastly superior to Early Bird. As for Inner Focus, there are very few Fake Out users in NU, and Kangaskhan's Fake Out will do a ton of damage regardless. Additionally, Sap Sipper allows Girafarig to get an Attack boost, which it can simply pass away to a physical sweeper.</p>

<p>Even with Life Orb, Girafarig's power is middling at best, and it is hopeless defensively. As a result, Spikes support from Garbodor or Cacturne is helpful in order to bring Regirock and other bulky Pokemon into KO range, instead of failing to KO and taking heavy damage in return. Girafarig is a handy switch-in to Misdreavus, Tangela, Cacturne, and other prominent Pokemon of the metagame. As Misdreavus and Tangela are common physical walls, it is wise to pair Girafarig with a physical attacker that can lure them in and allow Girafarig to set up. Golem is a terrific teammate for Girafarig, as it can easily check Skuntank, while Girafarig takes care of Misdreavus and Tangela that easily wall Golem. As a Baton Passer, Girafarig appreciates a partner that can terrify the opposition with the Special Attack boost. For example, Magmortar can make excellent use of the Calm Mind boost, but comes at a price of little defensive synergy.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Thanks to its second head, Girafarig has some extra gray matter and hence a large movepool. An all-out special set with Psychic, Thunderbolt, Grass Knot, Hidden Power Fighting, or Charge Beam is viable, but Mesprit sorely outclasses it. Uproar is its strongest Special Normal-STAB, but the lock-in side effect is very detrimental and comes at a low Base Power. Its physical options include Return, Earthquake, Sucker Punch, Zen Headbutt, and Crunch, but unfortunately Sucker Punch is illegal with Sap Sipper. The physical set also happens to be very outclassed by the multitude of Normal-types in NU, including Sap Sipper Miltank, Tauros, and even Stantler. While the surprise value may allow you to cripple a special wall, any self-respecting physical wall can deal with a purely physical Girafarig. Again, a mixed set may work, but Girafarig has modest offenses at best, hates splitting investment into both attacking stats, and is unable to sacrifice its Speed thanks to the contested speed tier around 85 base Speed. Especially with access to Psyshock, a mixed set is outclassed by special Girafarig at best.</p>

<p>As for supporting options, Girafarig has access to Thunder Wave, Baton Pass, Trick, Wish, Magic Coat, andcan set up dual screens. Wish with Sap Sipper may allow Girafarig to switch into all variants of Exeggutor, but specially defensive Girafarig would only be a niche counter with little to do against strong switch-ins such as Absol. Trick may see use in a Choiced Girafarig, but Mesprit outclasses it in such a role. Thunder Wave or Magic Coat can see some situational use, but requires heavy prediction because Girafarig is too frail to take a hit. Finally, a pure Baton Pass set is viable, with access to Agility, Calm Mind, and Work Up. However, it needs to compete with Ninjask, Volbeat, and other stellar Baton Passers of the tier. The offensive Calm Mind set uses Girafarig's usable offenses to pose a dual threat—something that neither Ninjask nor Volbeat can claim for themselves—and should be the focus of a Baton Pass set for a reason.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>As a Calm Mind user, Girafarig loses to special walls, given that they can deal damage back or phaze Girafarig out of play. Lickilicky and Altaria are both very specially bulky, and have access to Roar and Dragon Tail, respectively, to force out Girafarig and foil its Baton Passing attempts. While Girafarig usually comes out on top against opposing Psychic-types thanks to resisting Psychic and being immune to Shadow Ball, Mesprit can tank boosted Thunderbolt and use Thunder Wave to cripple Girafarig. Cryogonal is also very specially bulky and can Haze away the Calm Mind boosts, but it needs to watch out for Psyshock or a mixed set, as it is unable to tank any physical hits.</p>

<p>For a more offensive response, Skuntank is one of the best counters, but Girafarig will often have Baton Pass, which handily evades Sucker Punch and Pursuit. However, very few prominent special attackers resist Dark-type moves, so Girafarig is essentially forced to give up the offensive boost of Calm Mind. Absol and Cacturne can both OHKO with Sucker Punch, but Girafarig will often beat them with proper prediction. As an offensive Pokemon, Girafarig's mediocre speed and
lackluster bulk allows faster threats such as Swellow and Choice Scarf users such as Sawk and Braviary to easily revenge Girafarig. However, beware of revenging Girafarig with a special Choice Scarf user such as Rotom-S, as it will not do enough damage after the Calm Mind boost.</p>
 

November Blue

A universe where hot chips don't exist :(
is a Contributor Alumnus
[Overview]

<p>Girafarig is one of the more diverse and adaptive Pokemon in NU—indeed, with its two heads, it only makes sense that Girafarig has multiple options. As a versatile Pokemon, Girafarig is naturally doomed as a jack-of-all-trades, and faces severe competition in a metagame infested with pure Psychic-types and Normal-types. Special Girafarig is usually inferior to Mesprit, while physical Girafarig is sorely outclassed by anything from Miltank to Stantler. However, Sap Sipper and the Normal typing allows gives Girafarig two great immunities,(Space)and gives Girafarig an edge over Misdreavus and opposing Psychic-types. On top of that, the threat of a Calm Mind sweep and Baton Pass poses a multidimensional threat to the opponent. While this niche may not be enough, Girafarig is an underrated Pokemon that can be a nuisance to an unprepared team.</p>

[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Psychic
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Baton Pass
item: Life Orb
ability: Sap Sipper
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Girafarig's above average Special Attack, coverage, and Speed allows it to use a sweeping Calm Mind set. Thanks to its interesting typing and ability, Girafarig can set up in front of the likes of Misdreavus, Tangela, and other common defensive Pokemon. Psychic is its strongest STAB move, while Thunderbolt provides great coverage alongside Psychic. In fact, only Cacturne, Exeggutor, and Zweilous resist these two moves, and Cacturne cannot even touch Girafarig given that it has Sucker Punch and Seed Bomb as its two attacking moves. Baton Pass is Girafarig's biggest niche as a Calm Mind user: when threatened, Girafarig can pass away its Calm Mind or Sap Sipper boosts. As an added bonus, Baton Pass happens to bypass Pursuit, Sucker Punch, and other Dark-type moves that will surely end Girafarig in a single hit.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EV spread is simple, but maximizes Girafarig's sweeping potential. This way, Girafarig can pose a double threat of sweeping and Baton Passing to a greater threat. Life Orb is the item of choice for further increasing its damage output. Notably, +1 Life Orb boosted Orb-boosted Thunderbolt is very likely to OHKO Absol, who may prove troublesome otherwise. Finally, Sap Sipper is Girafarig's best ability—Sap Sipper allows Girafarig to nullify all sleep moves barring Jynx's Lovely Kiss, and is vastly superior to Early Bird. As for Inner Focus, there are very few Fake Out users in NU, and Kangaskhan's Fake Out will do a ton of damage regardless. Additionally, Sap Sipper allows Girafarig to get an Attack boost from opponent's Grass-type moves, which it can simply pass away to a physical sweeper.</p>

<p>Even with Life Orb, Girafarig's power is middling at best, and it is hopeless defensively. As a result, Spikes support from Garbodor or Cacturne is helpful in order to bring Regirock and other bulky Pokemon into KO range, instead of failing to KO and taking heavy damage in return. Girafarig is a handy switch-in switchin to Misdreavus, Tangela, Cacturne, and other prominent Pokemon of the metagame. As Misdreavus and Tangela are common physical walls, it is wise to pair Girafarig with a physical attacker that can lure them in and allow Girafarig to set up. Golem is a terrific teammate for Girafarig, as it can easily check Skuntank, while Girafarig takes care of Misdreavus and Tangela that easily wall Golem. As a Baton Passer, Girafarig appreciates a partner that can terrify the opposition with the Special Attack boost. For example, Magmortar can make excellent use of the Calm Mind boost, but comes at a price of little questionable defensive synergy.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Thanks to its second head, Girafarig has some extra gray matter and hence, (< Comma) a large movepool. An all-out special set with Psychic, Thunderbolt, Grass Knot, Hidden Power Fighting, or Charge Beam is viable, but Mesprit sorely outclasses it. Uproar is its strongest Special Normal-STAB Girafarig's strongest special Normal-type STAB move, but the lock-in side effect is very detrimental and comes at and the move has a low Base Power. Its Girafarig's physical options include Return, Earthquake, Sucker Punch, Zen Headbutt, and Crunch, but unfortunately Sucker Punch is illegal with Sap Sipper. The physical set also happens to be very outclassed by the multitude of Normal-types in NU, including Sap Sipper Miltank, Tauros, and even Stantler. While the surprise value may allow you Girafarig to cripple a special wall, any self-respecting physical wall can deal with a purely physical Girafarig. Again, a mixed set may might work, but Girafarig has modest offenses at best, hates splitting investment into both attacking stats, and is unable to sacrifice its Speed thanks to the contested speed Speed tier around 85 base Speed. Especially with access to Psyshock, a mixed set is outclassed by special Girafarig at best.</p>

<p>As for supporting options, Girafarig has access to Thunder Wave, Baton Pass, Trick, Wish, Magic Coat, andcan set up dual screens. Wish with Sap Sipper may might allow Girafarig to switch into all variants of Exeggutor, but specially defensive Girafarig would only be a niche counter with little to do against strong switch-ins switchins such as Absol. Trick may see use in a on Choiced Girafarig, but Mesprit outclasses it in such a role. Thunder Wave or Magic Coat can see some situational use, but requires heavy prediction because Girafarig is too frail to take a hit. Finally, a pure Baton Pass set is viable, with access to a number of boosting moves such as Agility, Calm Mind, and Work Up. However, it Girafarig needs to compete with Ninjask, Volbeat, and other stellar Baton Passers of the tier. The offensive Calm Mind set uses Girafarig's usable offenses to pose a dual threat—something that neither Ninjask nor Volbeat can claim for themselves—and should be the focus of a Baton Pass set for a that reason.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>As a Calm Mind user, Girafarig loses to special walls, given that they can deal damage back or phaze Girafarig out of play. Lickilicky and Altaria are both very specially bulky, and have access to Roar and Dragon Tail, respectively, to force out Girafarig and foil its Baton Passing attempts. While Girafarig usually comes out on top against opposing Psychic-types thanks to resisting Psychic and being immune to Shadow Ball, Mesprit can tank boosted Thunderbolt Thunderbolts and use Thunder Wave to cripple Girafarig. Cryogonal is also very specially bulky and can Haze away the Calm Mind boosts, but it needs to watch out for Psyshock or a mixed set, as it is unable to tank any physical hits.</p>

<p>For a more offensive response, Skuntank is one of the best counters, but Girafarig will often have Baton Pass, which handily evades Sucker Punch and Pursuit. However, very few prominent special attackers resist Dark-type moves, so Girafarig is essentially forced to give up the offensive boost of Calm Mind. Absol and Cacturne can both OHKO with Sucker Punch, but Girafarig will can often beat them with proper prediction. As an offensive Pokemon, Girafarig's mediocre speed Speed and lackluster bulk allows faster threats such as Swellow, (< Comma) and Choice Scarf users such as Sawk and Braviary to easily revenge kill Girafarig. However, beware of revenging Girafarig with a special Choice Scarf user such as Rotom-S, as it will not do enough damage after the Calm Mind boost.</p>




GP Approved 2/2
 

marilli

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I took all edits bar your 'switch-in' to 'switchin' edits. According to the (possibly outdated) standards: "Use "switch-in" when referring to a Pokemon that often switches in on another" (Scizor is a common switch-in to Latias.) That's exactly the meaning I want (Girafarig is a switch-in to Misdreavus) so I kept those to make sure.

If that's cleared, then we're all good to go.
 

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