Little Cup Threat List!

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Gen VI Little Cup Pokebank Threatlist
by Apt-get, base of sets descriptions by Ray Jay, iss, Blarajan, and Elevator Music. Special thanks to Goddess Briyella.

This list was made to provide an easy and accessible list to the main threats of the metagame. It's not exhaustive, and it may change at any time, thanks to the unstable nature of the metagame right now. If a Pokémon is not present on this list, it means it wasn't considered good enough right now, but it may change once we discover all the egg moves for Pokémon. Finally, this list was made for the original gen VI metagame, which means that only Scyther, Sonicboom/Dragon Rage, and Moody are banned.




Offensive


Abra



Abilities: Synchronize - Inner Focus - Magic Guard(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 25 HP / 20 Atk / 15 Def / 105 SpA / 55 SDef / 90 Spe

Abra really relies on Magic Guard and its strong Special Attack and 19 Speed to run a good Focus Sash attacking set. It can also run a Life Orb set, using Substitute to protect itself from revenge killing while being immune to Life Orb recoil.



Amaura



Abilities: Refrigerate - Snow Warning(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 77 HP / 59 Atk / 50 Def / 67 SAtk / 63 SDef / 46 Spe

Amaura often uses a Choice Scarf set, abusing its excellent dual STAB to revenge kill a wide array of threats, while hitting common switch-ins with Hidden Power Ground and Thunderbolt. Sometimes, it uses a Calm Mind set, but at that point you can just easily revenge kill it.



Axew



Abilities: Rivalry - Mold Breaker - Unnerve(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 46 HP / 87 Atk / 60 Def / 30 SpA / 40 SDef / 57 Spe

Axew is like Dratini in that its only use comes from Dragon Dance sets. It hits harder than Dratini, but is less bulky.



Binacle



Abilities: Tough Claws - Sniper - Pickpocket(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 42 HP / 52 Atk / 67 Def / 39 SAtk / 56 SDef / 50 Spe

Binacle uses an awesome Shell Smash set, abusing its excellent coverage, which include Cross Chop, Earthquake, Poison Jab and Brick Break, along with Stone Edge and Razor Shell to break its opponents with Tough Claws-boosted attacks.



Bronzor



Abilities: Levitate - Heatproof - Heavy Metal(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 57 HP / 24 Atk / 86 Def / 24 SpA / 86 SDef / 23 Spe

Bronzor can use an effective Recycle + Berry Juice set to setup Calm Mind along with its high defenses to sweep after a few boosts with Flash Cannon and Hidden Power Ground.



Bunnelby



Abilities: Pickup - Cheek Pouch - Huge Power(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 38 HP / 36 Atk / 38 Def / 32 SAtk / 36 SDef / 57 Spe

Bunnelby is blessed with the Huge Power ability, doubling its attack to a whopping 26 with a neutral Nature. It either uses a Choice Scarf set, outspeeding every unboosted Pokémon in the meta and hitting them with Return, Earthquake, or U-turn, or an Eviolite set that abuses Spikes and its decent defenses to setup Entry Hazards and dishing out some pain.



Carvanha



Abilities: Rough Skin - Speed Boost(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 45 HP / 90 Atk / 20 Def / 65 SpA / 20 SDef / 65 Spe

Carvanha is a really dangerous Pokémon. It has access to Speed Boost, allowing it to outspeed every unboosted Pokémon after protect, and its base 90 Attack puts the hurt on its opponents. It generally runs Hydro Pump / Crunch / Ice Beam / Protect, allowing it to get past physically bulky Pokémon and Tangela.

Chinchou



Abilities: Volt Absorb - Illuminate - Water Absorb(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 75 HP / 38 Atk / 38 Def / 56 SpA / 56 SDef / 67 Spe

Chinchou generally runs a Choice Scarf set, as it is able to revenge kill a lot of threats, including but not limited to Gligar, Murkrow, and Tyrunt. It can also run an Offensive Berry Juice set, using Heal Bell and Volt Switch to act as a powerful pivot.

Clamperl



Abilities: Shell Armor - Rattled(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 35 HP / 64 Atk / 85 Def / 74 SpA / 55 SDef / 32 Spe

Clamperl uses Shell Smash and hits things hard. It uses DeepSeaTooth to give it an insane stat of 68 Special Attack after a boost.





Abilities: Hyper Cutter - Shell Armor - Adaptability (Hidden Ability)
Base Stats: 43 HP / 80 Atk / 65 Def / 50 SpA / 35 SpD / 35 Spe

Corphish got a huge buff in XY, getting Aqua Jet, and to a lesser extent Switcheroo, added to its moveset. With Aqua Jet and Life Orb, Corphish is able to threaten nearly every offensive Pokemon in the metagame. Hitting Gligar with SUper Effective priority is pretty great too. Corphish's Crabhammer is so strong, that most Water-type resists other than Tangela won't be able to tank them at all. Beyond this, Corphish has an excellent movepool in Swords Dance, Dragon Dance, Superpower, Ice Beam and more, making it an excellent wallbreaker in XY.
Croagunk



Abilities: Anticipation - Dry Skin - Poison Touch(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 48 HP / 61 Atk / 40 Def / 61 SpA / 40 SDef / 50 Spe

Croagunk doesn't frequently run offensive sets, though it is occasionally EVed more offensively so as to hit harder with Drain Punch and Sucker Punch. It can use a Bulk Up set, but aside from some of the extra resistances provided by its Poison-typing, Timburr is often better suited for the role. Occasionally it runs Nasty Plot, but at that point all you have to do is laugh.

Diglett



Abilities: Sand Veil - Arena Trap - Sand Force(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 10 HP / 55 Atk / 25 Def / 35 SpA / 45 SDef / 95 Spe

Diglett is something to really watch out for because, if it comes in on the right Pokémon, you're in for a world of hurt due to its Arena Trap ability, preventing you from switching out. Furthermore, Diglett has 20 Speed, which is one of the fastest for any unboosted Pokémon in the tier. Due to this and Arena Trap, Diglett most commonly runs a Life Orb attacking set, which is a very good trapper and revenge killer. This set frequently has Stealth Rock and / or Memento, so watch out.

Dratini



Abilities: Shed Skin - Marvel Scale(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 41 HP / 64 Atk / 45 Def / 50 SpA / 50 SDef / 50 Spe

Dratini is one of the few actually good Dragon-type Pokémon in the tier. All of its offensive sets rely on Dragon Dance to boost its Attack and Speed to make it threatening. Life Orb Dragon Dance is rather common, especially due to Dratini's access to ExtremeSpeed, allowing it to muscle past Priority users such as Murkrow and Bunnelby. A RestTalk set is also viable, abusing Marvel Scale's defense boost to setup.

Drifloon



Abilities: Aftermath - Unburden - Flare Boost(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 90 HP / 50 Atk / 34 Def / 60 SpA / 44 SDef / 70 Spe

Drifloon's offensive power comes from its ability Unburden. The most effective set activates Unburden with Substitute and Berry Juice and then uses STAB Acrobatics to weaken the opposing team. It can also use moves such as Destiny Bond, Disable and Hypnosis to cripple its own counters. A Calm Mind set can also be used, as Drifloon is bulky enough to take any neutral hit, setup a few Calm Minds, and sweep the opponent with doubled Speed, thanks to Unburden and Berry Juice.

Drilbur



Abilities: Sand Rush - Sand Force - Mold Breaker(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 60 HP / 85 Atk / 40 Def / 30 SpA / 45 SDef / 68 Spe

Drilbur is a good Rapid Spinner, using its powerful Earthquake with Mold Breaker to threaten a large portion of the tier. Sand Rush is also an option as Life Orb Drilbur can cause a lot of damage, but the weather nerf, limiting sand to just 5 or 8 turns, makes it less effective in XY.

Dwebble



Abilities: Sturdy - Shell Armor - Weak Armor(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 50 HP / 65 Atk / 85 Def / 35 SpA / 35 SDef / 55 Spe

Dwebble frequently uses a Shell Smash set, abusing Sturdy and Berry Juice to setup against everything. It can also run an effective Hazards set.

Fletchling



Abilities: Big Pecks - Gale Wings(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 45 HP / 50 Atk / 43 Def / 40 SAtk / 38 SDef / 62 Spe

Fletchling's Priority Acrobatics is something to watch out. Its most common set is a Swords Dance one, using either a Normal Gem for Return or a Berry Juice, or sometimes no item at all. It commonly carries Overheat or/and Hidden Power Grass, so watch out.

Froakie



Abilities: Torrent - Protean(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 41 HP / 56 Atk / 40 Def / 62 SAtk / 44 SDef / 71 Spe

Froakie's Protean ability transforms it into the type of the move it's going to use, so it basically has STAB on every move. With good coverage, decent offenses, and high speed, it's a Pokémon you should always have at least a check to.

Gastly



Abilities: Levitate
Base stats:
30 HP / 35 Atk / 30 Def / 100 SpA / 35 SDef / 80 Spe

Gastly uses a Choice Scarf and its powerful STABs to revenge kill a large portion of the tier, along with Trick to cripple walls. Its powerful Sludge Bomb can KO Swirlix, even after a Calm Mind boost. It can also utilise a Life Orb set to hit even harder or use strategies such as SubDisable and SubHypnosis.

Gligar



Abilities: Hyper Cutter - Sand Veil - Immunity(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 65 HP / 75 Atk / 105 Def / 35 SpA / 65 SDef / 85 Spe

Gligar is one of the better Swords Dancer users in the tier, thanks to its excellent Defense, high Attack, and wonderful Speed. It often runs Berry Juice and Acrobatics, as it's its strongest move after the item is consumed. It sometimes runs Baton Pass to let another Pokémon sweep when it's weakened.

Grimer



Abilities: Stench / Sticky Hold / Poison Touch(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 80 HP / 80 Atk / 50 Def / 40 SpA / 50 SDef / 25 Spe

Grimer is an excellent Swirlix check, as it easily OHKOes it with Poison Jab while the latter fails to 2HKO with Surf, Flamethrower, or Thunderbolt. It's also a decent Gligar lure, as it can take an Earthquake and 2HKO with Ice Punch and Shadow Sneak. It doesn't fear Pawniard either, as Sticky Hold prevents Knock Off from being at full power. It even has Pain Split to heal itself and cripple its opponents, but it's unreliable.

Honedge



Ability: No Guard
Base stats:
45 HP / 80 Atk / 100 Def / 35 SAtk / 37 SDef / 28 Spe

Honedge is one of the most dangerous Swords Dance users in the tier. Having an excellent Defense stat, one of the best typings in the game, and Shadow Sneak along with Sacred Sword, it can setup on most defensive Pokémon and wreck switch-ins with a boosted Shadow Sneak, or a stray Iron Head. It can even use Berry Juice to ensure nearly-guaranteed setup.

Houndour



Abilities: Early Bird - Flash Fire - Unnerve(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 45 HP / 60 Atk / 30 Def / 80 SpA / 50 SDef / 65 Spe

Houndour's strong Special Attack, high powered STABs, and access to STAB Sucker Punch let it perform as one of the most threatening mixed attackers in the tier.

Inkay



Abilities: Contrary - Suction Cups - Infiltrator(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 53 HP / 54 Atk / 53 Def / 37 SAtk / 46 SDef / 45 Spe

Inkay is one of the coolest new Trick Room users: With decent defenses, Contrary, and Superpower, it can setup boosts while attacking with a 120 Base Power Fighting-type move. It can also use a Choice Scarf, as it hits 14 Speed with a neutral Nature and 15 Speed with a beneficial Nature.

Joltik



Abilities: Compoundeyes - Unnerve - Swarm(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 50 HP / 47 Atk / 50 Def / 57 SpA / 50 SDef / 65 Spe

Joltik, when used, either employs a Choice Scarf set to abuse its STAB Volt Switch, or a Life Orb Agility set to abuse its excellent dual STABs.

Larvesta



Abilities: Flame Body - Swarm(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 55 HP / 85 Atk / 55 Def / 50 SpA / 55 SDef / 60 Spe

Larvesta tends to run a bulky pivot set with Eviolite, utilizing its strong Attack, decent resistances, good bulk, STAB U-turn, and powerful Flare Blitz to hit hard, though deterred by its low Speed and 4x Stealth Rock weakness. However, it can also run a Choice Scarf set, outspeeding and revenge killing a large portion of the tier along with scouting thanks to a fast U-turn.

Magnemite



Abilities: Magnet Pull - Sturdy - Analytic(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 25 HP / 35 Atk / 70 Def / 95 SpA / 55 SDef / 45 Spe

Magnemite's strong Special Attack, good bulk, and excellent typing which includes STAB Volt Switch allows Magnemite to perform as a revenge killer. Its most popular set is a Sturdy + Berry Juice one, allowing it to revenge kill Pokémon such as Gligar, Mantyke, and Swirlix easily. It can also use a Choice Scarf set, outspeeding all unboosted Pokemon. Finally, Magnemite can trap and remove Steel-types with Magnet Pull.

Mantyke



Abilities: Swift Swim - Water Absorb - Water Veil(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 45 HP / 20 Atk / 50 Def / 60 SpA / 120 SDef / 50 Spe

Mantyke uses its Swift Swim ability to employ a Berry Juice Rain Dance attacker. It uses its excellent Special Defense and good typing to setup against a whole lot of threats, and manages to OHKO a large portion of the tier.

Meditite



Abilities: Pure Power - Telepathy(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 30 HP / 40 Atk / 55 Def / 40 SpA / 55 SDef / 60 Spe

Meditite is one of the most dangerous threats in the metagame. It has decent defenses, and its Pure Power ability makes it hit a whopping 28 Attack with a positive Nature! Drain Punch manages to 2HKO everything not resisting it, while High Jump Kick is the most powerful attack in the tier. It has access to a wide array of coverage moves, like Ice Punch, Fire Punch, and Bullet Punch. All these traits make it one of the best offensive attackers in the tier.


Meowth



Abilities: Pick Up - Technician - Unnerve (Hidden Ability) Base stats: 40 HP /45 Atk /35 Def / 40SpA / 40 SDef / 90 Spe
Meowth is an interesting Pokemon due to its access to Fake Out, Covet, and Technician. As Normal Gem is the only one that is able to be found in game, it has a unique niche in being able to use a boosted Fake Out to flinch the opponent, and can then use Covet to steal their Berry Juice (or other item I guess). On top of this, Meowth's 19 Speed allows it to outrun most of the unboosted metagame, and it can 2HKO the majority of it with Return, due to the lack of Eviolite on most Pokemon.

Mienfoo



Abilities: Inner Focus - Regenerator - Reckless(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 45 HP / 85 Atk / 50 Def / 55 SpA / 50 SDef / 65 Spe

Mienfoo usually uses a Choice Scarf set along with Regenerator to revenge kill pretty much any setup sweeper. It can also use a Life Orb set along with Knock Off to KO ghost-types and abuse High Jump Kick.

Minccino



Abilities: Cute Charm - Technician - Skill Link(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 55 HP / 50 Atk / 40 Def / 40 SpA / 40 SDef / 75 Spe

With Skill Link and STAB Tail Slap, Minccino hits incredibly hard with its reliable 125 Base Power attack. It either employs a Life Orb set, which allows it to muscle its way through even the bulkiest of physical walls, or a Choice Scarf set, using its strong Attack and high Speed to revenge kill many threats.

Misdreavus



Abilities: Levitate
Base stats:
65 HP / 65 Atk / 65 Def / 85 SpA / 85 SDef / 85 Spe

Misdreavus is a really versatile Pokémon. It usually uses a Nasty Plot set, using Shadow Ball and Icy Wind to KO a large portion of the tier. The last move is usually a tie between Thunderbolt and Hidden Power Fighting. It can also run a Choice Scarf set, using its broad coverage and Trick to threaten opponents.

Munchlax



Abilities: Pickup - Thick Fat - Gluttony(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 135 HP / 85 Atk / 40 Def / 40 SpA / 85 SDef / 5 Spe

Munchlax tends to run a Reycle set, relying on its immense bulk to sponge hits while essentially having infinite recovery thanks to Recycle Berry Juice, and dishing out pain. It can also use RestTalkwith Curse to easily sweep after a few boosts and its gargantuan Special Defense.

Murkrow



Abilities: Insomnia - Super Luck - Prankster(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 60 HP / 85 Atk / 42 Def / 85 SpA / 42 SDef / 91 Spe

Murkrow is a really good glass cannon, using a Life Orb, its high-powered STABs, STAB Sucker Punch, and coverage moves such as Heat Wave and Icy Wind to break through any opponent.

Omanyte



Abilities: Swift Swim - Shell Armor - Weak Armor(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 35 HP / 40 Atk / 100 Def / 90 SpA / 55 SDef / 35 Spe

Omanyte plays similarly to Clamperl. Although it is less powerful, its Rock-typing allows it to set up on more Pokemon such as Flying- and Normal-types. It also has the choice of Eviolite, to help it set up, or Life Orb, to hit much harder.

Pawniard



Abilities: Defiant - Inner Focus - Pressure(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 45 HP / 85 Atk / 70 Def / 40 SpA / 40 SDef / 60 Spe

Pawniard relies on its incredible Attack and STAB Sucker Punch to use a decent Swords Dance set. It occasionally uses Choice Scarf, but it generally really only uses Swords Dance, either relying on Eviolite to set up, or Life Orb to hit incredibly hard off the bat.

Ponyta



Abilities: Run Away - Flash Fire - Flame Body(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 50 HP / 85 Atk / 55 Def / 65 SpA / 65 SDef / 90 Spe

Ponyta's most common set is a bulky attacking Sunny Day + Morning Sun set, which uses its resistances and strong Flare Blitz (especially when sun-boosted) to get switch in opportunities and to hit hard. It can also use a Life Orb set with Flame Charge which can make it very hard to revenge kill

Porygon



Abilities: Trace - Download - Analytic(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 65 HP / 60 Atk / 70 Def / 85 SpA / 75 SDef / 40 Spe

Porygon is normally seen as an incredibly bulky Pokémon, but it can also use Download along with Agility and a Life Orb to sweep late-game.

Riolu



Abilities: Steadfast - Inner Focus - Prankster(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 40 HP / 70 Atk / 40 Def / 35 SpA / 40 SDef / 60 Spe

Riolu can use a strong Copycat set along with Prankster to attack an opponent and immediatly attack again, thanks to priority Copycat.

Scraggy



Abilities: Shed Skin - Moxie - Intimidate(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 50 HP / 75 Atk / 70 Def / 35 SpA / 70 SDef / 48 Spe

Scraggy's offensive prowess comes from its access to Dragon Dance, incredible offensive STABs, good bulk with Eviolite and semi-reliable recovery in Drain Punch. It also has 3 incredibly viable abilities; Intimidate can help it set up on Physical attackers, Shed Skin means it is not crippled by Thunder Wave or Will-o-Wisp, and Moxie makes it almost impossible to stop after 1 kill. With all of this, Scraggy is the premiere user of Dragon Dance in the tier.

Shellder



Abilities: Shell Armor - Skill Link - Overcoat(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 30 HP / 65 Atk / 100 Def / 45 SpA / 25 SDef / 40 Spe

Shellder relies on the incredibly high base power of Icicle Spear and Rock Blast (125 Base Power due to Skill Link) to do damage. Shellder is most commonly seen as a Choice Scarf user, or Shell Smash attacker. Its attacking moves are really limited to Icicle Spear, Rock Blast, Hydro Pump, and Ice Shard.

Skiddo



Abilities: Sap Sipper - Grass Pelt(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 66 HP / 65 Atk / 48 Def / 62 SAtk / 57 SDef / 52 Spe

Skiddo is one of the best Grass-type setup sweepers in the tier. It has good defenses, along with Bulk Up, Milk Drink, and Horn Leech. Its main set is a Bulk Up / Milk Drink / Horn Leech / Rock Slide one, and it's a Pokémon every team should watch out for.

Snover



Abilities: Snow Warning - Soundproof(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 60 HP / 62 Atk / 50 Def / 62 SpA / 60 SDef / 40 Spe

Snover is most commonly seen as a Choice Scarf Pokémon, which boosts its meager 14 Speed to 21, faster than any unboosted Pokémon in the tier. It generally spams its STAB moves. It can also use a really bulky Eviolite set, being able to withstand hits from a lot of Pokémon and hit back hard.


Snubbull


Abilities: Intimidate, Run Away, Rattled (Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 60 HP / 80 Atk / 50 Def / 40 SAtk / 40 SDef / 30 Spe

Snubbull's retyping to Fairy allows it to tank the Fighting attacks it used to be weak against, as well as Dark, Bug, and Dragon attacks. With Intimidate and its respectable physical bulk, it can take hits pretty well, and it can also dish out damage with its high base 80 Attack stat and its plethora of physical attacks, including Earthquake to hit all three types that wall its STAB, Close Combat, Ice Punch, etc. It even gets Thunder Wave and Heal Bell so that it can act as an offensive supporter in addition to its physical prowess.


Spinarak



Abilities: Swarm - Insomnia - Sniper(Hidden Ability)
Base Stats: 40 HP / 60 Atk / 40 Def / 40 SpA / 40 SDef / 30 Spe

Access to Sticky Web and Megahorn have made Spinarak a viable option on offensive teams in XY. Sticky Web alone is enough to support the team, making it much easier to handle fast grounded Pokemon. Megahorn can also put a dent into many common switch-ins, and its power, coupled with Swarm, makes it a legitimiate offensive threat.

Spritzee



Abilities: Healer - Aroma Veil (Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 78 HP / 52 Atk / 60 Def / 63 SAtk / 65 SDef / 23 Spe

Spritzee, with its high defenses, its good Special Attack, and its access to Calm Mind, can easily take the role of a defensive Calm Minder. With a set of Calm Mind / Wish / Protect / Moonblast, it can slowly boost and blast through everything not resisting it.

Staryu



Abilities: Illuminate - Natural Cure - Analytic(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 30 HP / 45 Atk / 55 Def / 70 SpA / 55 SDef / 85 Spe

Staryu uses its high Speed in order to hit hard, using its high Base Power STAB Hydro Pump and excellent coverage options. Staryu generally uses Eviolite with Rapid Spin, Recover, Hydro Pump, and a coverage option, though occasionally it uses more coverage options and even Life Orb to hit harder.

Stunky



Abilities: Stench - Aftermath - Keen Eye(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 63 HP / 63 Atk / 47 Def / 41 SpA / 41 SDef / 74 Spe

Stunky's main goal in life is to trap Ghost-types, and it does so in different ways. It generally employs a bulky set and a lot of Dark-type attacks in order to put Ghost-type Pokémon in a checkmate position. However, once in a blue moon it uses Life Orb to boost its strong STAB Sucker Punch and to pose more of an offensive presence.

Surskit



Abilities: Swift Swim - Rain Dish(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 40 HP / 30 Atk / 32 Def / 50 SpA / 52 SDef / 65 Spe

Surskit is a viable user of Sticky Web in Little Cup, and it comes with a few good attributes. First, it has a good typing: while it is weak to Rock, Electric, and Flying, it has resistances to Fighting, Steel, Water, Ice, and Ground. Its decent Special Attack allows it to easily inflict some damage with Hydro Pump, after a Rain Dance. STAB Signal Beam is also useful to KO the Grass-types of the tier, which resist Surskit's Water STAB.

Swirlix



Abilities: Sweet Veil - Unburden (Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 62 HP / 48 Atk / 66 Def / 59 SAtk / 57 SDef / 49 Spe

Swirlix is one of the most threatening Pokémon in the tier. With a great ability in Unburden, access to Calm Mind, and a wide array of coverage moves, it can easily run a Calm Mind set, using a Berry Juice to recover its health after setting up, and activating Unburden, outspeeding every unboosted Pokémon in the tier, along with most scarfers. It can run Flamethrower to roast Steels, Psychic to beat Skrelp, Tentacool and other Poison-types, or Surf to hit Growlithe and Ponyta. It can also run an all-out attacker set, easily cleaning late-game with its awesome coverage. Its Belly Drum set, although harder to setup, is a huge threat, and can easily sweep even the most defensive teams, as nearly nothing in the tier can withstand a +6 Play Rough or Return.
Taillow



Abilities: Guts - Scrappy(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 40 HP / 55 Atk / 30 Def / 30 SpA / 30 SDef / 85 Spe

Taillow's claim to fame comes from its Guts abuse set, relying on its status immunity from Toxic Orb and STAB Facade. It also excels with its Choice Scarf set, regardless of its poor coverage.

Tangela



Abilities: Chlorophyll - Leaf Guard - Regenerator(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 65 HP / 55 Atk / 115 Def / 100 SpA / 40 SDef / 60 Spe

Tangela is most well-known for its defensive prowess, but it can also run offensive sets. It either runs an Eviolite set, abusing Sleep Powder and its high Special Attack to hit switch-ins hard, or a Sunny Day Life Orb set, hitting everything hard with Solarbeam and Hidden Power Fire.

Timburr



Abilities: Guts - Sheer Force - Iron Fist(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 75 HP / 80 Atk / 55 Def / 25 SpA / 35 SDef / 35 Spe

Timburr primarily runs a bulky boosting Bulk Up set, using its admirable bulk to tank physical attacks in order to boost its stats. STAB Drain Punch keeps it healthy, while STAB Mach Punch allows it to overcome its poor Speed.

Tirtouga



Abilities: Solid Rock - Sturdy - Swift Swim(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 54 HP / 78 Atk / 103 Def / 53 SpA / 45 SDef / 22 Spe

Tirtouga is arguably the best Shell Smash user in the tier, due to its access to Sturdy and Berry Juice, along with high-powered STABs to basically have two hits against any pokémon after setting up. It generally uses a mixed set using Ice Beam to break through Gligar and Tangela.

Tyrunt



Abilities: Strong Jaw - Sturdy(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 58 HP / 89 Atk / 77 Def / 45 SAtk / 45 SDef / 48 Spe

Tyrunt can run a Dragon Dance set, using its ability, Strong Jaw, which boosts bite moves by 50%, to beat usual checks to physical attackers, like allowing it to OHKO Gligar at +1 with Ice Fang.

Vullaby



Abilities: Big Pecks - Overcoat - Weak Armor(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 70 HP / 55 Atk / 75 Def / 45 SpA / 65 SDef / 60 Spe

The only offensive sets Vullaby will ever run are Nasty Plot or Choice Scarf. Vullaby's claim to fame with the Choice Scarf set is its ability to revenge Scraggy.

Vulpix



Abilities: Flash Fire - Drought(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 38 HP / 41 Atk / 40 Def / 50 SpA / 65 SDef / 65 Spe

Vulpix uses a set with Heat Rock to support its team with 8 turns of sun, whilst hitting extremly hard with a STAB, Sun-boosted Fire Blast. It also tends to run Energy Ball for Water-types and Hidden Power Ice or Electric for Gligar or Mantyke, respectively. Will-o-Wisp and Hypnosis are extremely useful support moves it can run. Alternatively, a Choice Scarf set can be used to revenge kill threats with its Drought-boosted STAB.
Yanma



Abilities: Speed Boost - Compoundeyes - Frisk(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 65 HP / 65 Atk / 45 Def / 75 SpA / 45 SDef / 95 Spe

Yanma is a great late-game cleaner. It often runs an All-out attacker set, using a Life Orb and a modest nature, along with four attacks or Protect to put the hurt on any switch-in with the right coverage move. It also uses a Compoundeyes Hypnosis set, rendering a check or counter useless.
 
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Defensive

Bronzor



Abilities: Levitate - Heatproof - Heavy Metal(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 57 HP / 24 Atk / 86 Def / 24 SpA / 86 SDef / 23 Spe

Bronzor is one of the bulkiest Pokémon in the tier. It is the best Gligar counter in the tier bar none, best Snover check, best check to Dragon-type Pokémon, and is your guy if you need to live a hit and get a Toxic off. Bronzor generally has Stealth Rock—its moves are normally Recycle / Toxic / Flash Cannon / Hidden Power Ice. It has access to Hypnosis though that is rather uncommon, and Stealth Rock can be used if you need it.

Chespin



Abilities: Overgrow - Bulletproof(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 56 HP / 61 Atk / 65 Def / 48 SAtk / 45 SDef / 38 Spe

Chespin is a great defensive Grass-type. Its Bulletproof ability allows it to wall most Ghost- and Poison-types, while its typing gives it some useful resistances, along with an immunity to Sleep Powder. It has access to Spikes, allowing it to easily come in on a resisted attack and setup Entry Hazards. It can heal itself with Synthesis, and useful coverage moves such as Stone Edge, Brick Break, and Poison Jab along with a decent Attack stat.

Cottonee



Abilities: Prankster - Infiltrator - Chlorophyll(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 40 HP / 27 Atk / 60 Def / 37 SpA / 50 SDef / 66 Spe

Cottonee's access to Prankster gives it priority on a variety of support moves such as Leech Seed, Cotton Guard, Taunt, Encore, and Stun Spore. These qualities along with Cottonee's decent bulk turn it into a very diverse wall. It can prevent set-up with Encore, or stop a sweep with Cotton Guard. Its Fighting-, Dark- and Water-resistances allow it to easily counter pokémon such as Scraggy effectively.

Ferroseed



Abilities: Iron Barbs - Anticipation(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 44 HP / 50 Atk / 91 Def / 24 SpA / 86 SDef / 10 Spe

Ferroseed takes after its big brother Ferrothorn by acting as one of the most effective mixed walls in the game. Its incredible defensive typing, access to Stealth Rock, Spikes, Thunder Wave, and Leech Seed, and its passable offenses make it one of the most valuable walls in the tier. Though set back by its Fighting-type weakness, it easily makes up for that by being able to switch into every Water-type in the tier, along with many other threats. Furthermore, Iron Barbs is a fantastic ability that deters Rapid Spin and U-turn.

Frillish



Abilities: Water Absorb - Cursed Body - Damp(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 55 HP / 40 Atk / 50 Def / 65 SpA / 85 SDef / 40 Spe

Frillish is seen as one of the best defensive Ghost-type Pokémon in the tier as its typing and incredible bulk allows it to act as a full stop to many Pokémon such as Mienfoo and Larvesta. Access to Cursed Body makes it a fantastic spinblocker, as it can keep recovering until Staryu's Thunderbolt is disabled. Furthermore, Recover and Will-O-Wisp allows it to last an incredibly long time.
Gligar



Abilities: Hyper Cutter - Sand Veil - Immunity(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 65 HP / 75 Atk / 105 Def / 35 SpA / 65 SDef / 85 Spe

Gligar is one of the best defensive Pokémon in the tier. Access to Roost, Immunity, an extremely high Defense stat, and good HP and Special Defense stats allow it to wall nearly every single physical attacker in the tier. Its typing makes it immune to Ground, while still providing a neutrality to Rock, and makes it resist Fighting- and Poison-type attacks. It also has access to useful supporting options, such as Stealth Rock and Defog. Even uninvested, its STAB earthquake Koes many important threats, while U-turn lets it keep momentum on its team.

Growlithe



Abilities: Intimidate - Flash Fire - Justified(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 55 HP / 70 Atk / 45 Def / 70 SpA / 50 SDef / 60 Spe

Growlithe is a great defensive pivot: access to Intimidate, good defensive stats, Will-O-Wisp, Morning Sun, and a good typing makes it one the few reliable Honedge counters, and it can easily check Sneasel and force it out. Its most common set uses both Toxic and Will-O-Wisp, while Flamethrower is used instead of Flare Blitz to hit Honedge harder.

Hippopotas



Abilities: Sand Stream - Sand Force(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 68 HP / 72 Atk / 78 Def / 38 SpA / 42 SDef / 32 Spe

Hippopotas is one of the premiere physical walls in the tier. Its excellent physical bulk allows it to switch into common physical attackers, such as Gligar and Scraggy, with ease. Furthermore, its access to Slack Off guarantees it'll last for a long time. Stealth Rock is a fantastic move in its arsenal, and it always finds time to set it up. Access to Whirlwind prevents it from being used as set-up bait. Finally, though uninvested, its STAB Earthquake is very powerful, OHKOing or 2HKOing most offensive threats.

Koffing



Abilities: Levitate
Base stats:
40 HP / 65 Atk / 95 Def / 60 SpA / 45 SDef / 35 Spe

Koffing's main niche comes from its ability to check both Fighting-type Pokémon and Gligar in the same set. Its Poison typing grants it a resistance to Fighting- and Bug-type attacks along with a neutrality to Dark-type attacks. Furthermore, its ability Levitate grants it an immunity to Ground-type attacks. These traits in tandem allow it to switch into most Fighting- and Ground-type Pokémon in the tier with impunity, only fearing Mold Breaker Drilbur and Meditite. Furthermore, access to Will-O-Wisp cripples these Pokémon. STAB Sludge Bomb prevents it from being setup bait and hits fairies hard, and Pain Split keeps it healthy in the long run.
Lickitung



Abilities: Own Tempo - Oblivious - Cloud Nine(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 90 HP / 55 Atk / 75 Def / 60 SpA / 75 SDef / 30 Spe

Lickitung faces competition from other bulky Normal-type Pokémon, but its claim to fame is the ability to pass Wish. Access to Dragon Tail also allows it to bypass set-up sweepers by phazing them out.

Lileep



Abilities: Suction Cups - Storm Drain(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 66 HP / 41 Atk / 77 Def / 61 SpA / 87 SDef / 23 Spe

Lileep is one of the best mixed walls in the tier. Its access to Stealth Rock allows it support the team, while its access to Storm Drain lets it switch into Water-type Pokémon with impunity. Its incredible defenses allow it to live powerful attacks, such as +2 Gem Acrobatics from Gligar when at full health. Its Ice and Fighting weaknesses is a problem, but its ability to switch into pretty much anything definitely makes up for this.

Mienfoo



Abilities: Inner Focus - Regenerator - Reckless(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 45 HP / 85 Atk / 50 Def / 55 SpA / 50 SDef / 65 Spe

Mienfoo is an excellent defensive Pokémon, and for good reason. It combines a variety of traits to act as a fantastic defensive pivot. A resistance to Stealth Rock and its ability Regenerator make it so Mienfoo takes incredibly little residual damage. Furthermore, its stab Drain Punch assists this recovery. U-turn lets Mienfoo scout and switch out, maintaining momentum. Fake Out breaks Sturdy and gets free damage on nearly everything, while Knock Off grants fantastic team support by taking out opposing Eviolite. What's most important is Mienfoo's fantastic physical bulk, which makes it one of the best Scraggy and Sneasel checks in the tier, and a check for most other physical attackers. However, its Fairy and Flying weakness, along with even more new threats prevents it from being overused.

Misdreavus



Abilities: Levitate
Base stats:
65 HP / 65 Atk / 65 Def / 85 SpA / 85 SDef / 85 Spe

While an excellent offensive Pokémon, Misdreavus's excellent bulk allows it to act as a special sponge. Its high Speed for a wall, and access to Will-O-Wisp and Pain Split, make a support set incredibly viable. Although it can't switch into Fighting-types as well this generation thanks to the Knock Off buff, it still makes one of the best checks in the tier to Meditite and it can check most special attackers.
Munchlax



Abilities: Pickup - Thick Fat - Gluttony(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 135 HP / 85 Atk / 40 Def / 40 SpA / 85 SDef / 5 Spe

Munchlax occasionally runs RestTalk and Whirlwind to capitalize on its strong Special bulk, seeing as it is one of the most specially defensive Pokémon in the tier. However, the most common Munchlax would be the bulky four attack set, as listed above. Its ability Thick Fat grants it a resistance to Ice- and Fire-type attacks, while its other ability, Immunity, grants it an immunity to Toxic.

Murkrow



Abilities: Insomnia - Super Luck - Prankster(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 60 HP / 85 Atk / 42 Def / 85 SpA / 42 SDef / 91 Spe

Murkrow has access to a variety of support moves that allow it to pull off a more defensive set. Priority FeatherDance, Toxic, Thunder Wave, and Perish Song, in tandem with Roost and Substitute, allow for some very interesting sets, though they are incredibly uncommon, as most players opt for an offensive Murkrow.

Natu



Abilities: Synchronize - Early Bird - Magic Bounce(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 40 HP / 50 Atk / 45 Def / 70 SpA / 45 SDef / 70 Spe

Natu's main goal in life is keeping Stealth Rock off, which it excels at due to its ability Magic Bounce. Magic Bounce reflects entry hazards, Taunt, and status moves, making Natu invaluable as a defensive teammate, and it can even clear already set Entry Hazards with Defog. Furthermore, access to Featherdance, Toxic, and U-Turn allow Natu to check a lot of physical attackers in the tier. However, some of them, like Gligar and Sneasel can easily KO it.

Phantump



Abilities: Natural Cure - Frisk - Harvest(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 43 HP / 70 Atk / 48 Def / 50 SAtk / 60 SDef / 38 Spe

Phantump is most commonly seen using an annoying SubSeed set, capable of stalling opponents to death thanks to Harvest Oran Berry, along with Will-O-Wisp to cripple Physical threats, and Horn Leech to heal itself.

Porygon



Abilities: Trace - Download - Analytic(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 65 HP / 60 Atk / 70 Def / 85 SpA / 75 SDef / 40 Spe

Porygon is one of the better walls in the metagame due to its amazing bulk and fantastic ability in Trace. Its physical bulk allows it to avoid a 2HKO from Life Orb Sneasel. Its ability allows it to switch into Fire-type attacks from Houndour, or Electric-type attacks from Chinchou. It allows it to gain Intimidate from Growlithe, and Psych Up allows it to copy Swirlix's Calm Mind boosts. Porygon's fantastic bulk and amazing diversity, along with its high Special Attack, allow it to check an incredible range of Pokémon.

Pumpkaboo



Abilities: Pickup - Frisk - Insomnia(Hidden Ability)
Base stats vary slightly in Pumpkaboo's four different forms...
Pumpkaboo (Small): 44 HP / 66 Atk / 70 Def / 44 SAtk / 55 SDef / 56 Spe
Pumpkaboo (Average): 49 HP / 66 Atk / 70 Def / 44 SAtk / 55 SDef / 51 Spe
Pumpkaboo (Large): 54 HP / 66 Atk / 70 Def / 44 SAtk / 55 SDef / 46 Spe
Pumpkaboo (Super): 59 HP / 66 Atk / 70 Def / 44 SAtk / 55 SDef / 41 Spe

Pumpkaboo has a few tricks up its sleeves. It has really good Defenses, along with 59 base HP in its Super form, and is one of the only Grass-types to learn Flamethrower and Fire Blast. It can use a good eviolite set, abusing its typing along with Will-O-Wisp and leech seed to check important threats such as Fighting-types and Water-types.

Shellos



Abilities: Sticky Hold - Storm Drain - Sand Force(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 76 HP / 48 Atk / 48 Def / 57 SpA / 62 SDef / 34 Spe

Shellos is one of the better defensive Water-types. Access to Recover, really good defense stats, Sticky Hold, along with Clear Smog and Scald makes Shellos unique. It is the most reliable Sneasel counter around, while it can fairly easily check Swirlix. It has a decent Special Attack Stat, and the 30% Burn rate of Scald can ruin an opposing Physical Attacker. It is still an excellent Special tank, as even Tangela cannot hope to inflict more than 55% to it with Giga Drain.

Shelmet



Abilities: Hydration - Shell Armor - Overcoat(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 50 HP / 40 Atk / 85 Def / 40 SpA / 65 SDef / 25 Spe

Shelmet's main goal in life is checking Fighting-type Pokémon while setting up Spikes. Its fantastic bulk allows it to check Pokémon such as Scraggy, Timburr, Tangela, and Hippopotas, while also avoiding the 2HKO from Misdreavus's Shadow Ball. Access to Recover and Acid Armor allow Shelmet to stay alive and further prevent damage from set-up Pokémon. Shelmet also has access to two wonderful abilities. Shell Armor prevents it from getting hit by a critical hit, which is fantastic for a defensive Pokémon. On the other hand, Overcoat prevents Shelmet from taking sand damage, along with being immune to powder moves, such as Tangela's Sleep Powder.

Slowpoke



Abilities: Oblivious - Own Tempo - Regenerator(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 90 HP / 65 Atk / 65 Def / 40 SpA / 40 SDef / 15 Spe

Slowpoke is one of the best checks to Fighting-type Pokémon in the tier bar Scraggy, due to its Psychic typing and great physical bulk. It is also one of the more reliable defensive Gligar counters. Furthermore, its excellent coverage, which includes Water- and Psychic-type STABs as well as Fire- and Ice-type attacks, allows it to pose an offensive threat. It can cripple foes with Toxic and Thunder Wave as well, while relying on Slack Off to keep itself healthy. Regenerator makes it incredibly hard to wear down, as it gains 33% of its HP every time it switches. However, it is heavily threatened by Dark-types.


Abilities: Intimidate, Run Away, Rattled(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 60 HP / 80 Atk / 50 Def / 40 SAtk / 40 SDef / 30 Spe

Snubbull is mostly known for its tanky sets, but it can also run a defensive RestTalk set, using a combination of Play Rough, great resistances, Intimidate, and Earthquake to reliably switch into most physical attackers throughout the entire battle.



Tangela



Abilities: Chlorophyll - Leaf Guard - Regenerator(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 65 HP / 55 Atk / 115 Def / 100 SpA / 40 SDef / 60 Spe

Tangela is one of the bulkiest physically defensive Pokémon in the tier. Access to Regenerator, Sleep Powder, Giga Drain, HIdden Power, and Leech Seed lets it recover damage easily, while its base 115 Defense ensures it will not get OHKOed by any unboosted physical attack in the tier. It's not offensive slouch either, as even when uninvested, its Giga Drain hits hard.

Tentacool



Abilities: Clear Body - Liquid Ooze - Rain Dish(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 40 HP / 40 Atk / 35 Def / 50 SpA / 100 SDef / 70 Spe

Tentacool acts as an incredible special sponge with its excellent special bulk. Tentacool serves 100% as team support, using its diverse support movepool, which includes Toxic Spikes, Rapid Spin, and Knock Off. Its ability Liquid Ooze allows it to switch into the many Giga Drains, Drain Punches, and Leech Seeds that litter the tier, forcing the user to lose HP instead of gaining it. It's also an incredible check to Swirlix, fearing nothing but the rare Thunderbolt, and 2HKOing it at +1 with Sludge Bomb.

Vullaby



Abilities: Big Pecks - Overcoat - Weak Armor(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 70 HP / 55 Atk / 75 Def / 45 SpA / 65 SDef / 60 Spe

Vullaby uses a combination of bulk, Overcoat, and a good bunch of resistances to act as a strong choice for defensive teams. Furthermore, its Flying typing is a godsend in dealing with Scraggy and Tangela, two Pokémon who tend to give many teams trouble. Furthermore, it can reliably switch into Misdreavus, which isn't a common feat.Vullaby has access to Knock Off and Defog, which make Vullaby able to support her teammates very well.

Wynaut



Abilities: Shadow Tag - Telepathy(Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 95 HP / 23 Atk / 48 Def / 23 SpA / 48 SDef / 23 Spe

Wynaut is an interesting Pokémon to say the least. Its usage comes from its ability Shadow Tag which allows it to prevent any other Pokémon bar opposing Wynaut from switching out. Access to Encore can force opposing set up, giving you free turns, or can force your opponent to hit you with weak attacks so you can Mirror Coat or Counter them. Tickle is a great move as well as it allows you to Pursuit trap anything.
 
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I was told to post here with missing threats:

Offensive:

Meowth


Abilities: Pick Up - Technician - Unnerve (Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 40 HP /45 Atk /35 Def / 40SpA / 40 SpD / 90 Spe

Meowth is an interesting Pokemon due to its access to Fake Out, Covet, and Technician. As Normal Gem is the only one that is able to be found in game, it has a unique niche in being able to use a boosted Fake Out to flinch the opponent, and can then use Covet to steal their Berry Juice (or other item I guess). On top of this, Meowth's 19 Speed allows it to outrun most of the unboosted metagame, and it can 2HKO the majority of it with Return, due to the lack of Eviolite on most Pokemon now.


Spinarak


Abilities: Swarm - Insomnia - Sniper _Hidden Ability)
Base Stats: 40 HP / 60 Atk / 40 Def / 40 SpA / 40 SpD / 30 Spe

Access to Sticky Web and Megahorn have made Spinarak a viable option on offensive teams in XY. Sticky Web alone is enough to support the team, making it much easier to handle fast grounded Pokemon such as Sneasel. Megahorn can also put a dent into many common switch-ins, but usually not enoguh to activate Berry Juice!

to lazy to do snubbull now, but these two guys are great :)
 

Goddess Briyella

Banned deucer.
I'll do Snubbull. ♥





Abilities: Intimidate, Run Away, Rattled (Hidden Ability)
Base stats: 60 HP / 80 Atk / 50 Def / 40 SAtk / 40 SDef / 30 Spe

Snubbull's retyping to Fairy allows it to wall the Fighting attacks it used to be weak against, as well as Dark, Bug, and Dragon attacks. With Intimidate and its respectable physical bulk, it can take hits pretty well, and it can also dish out damage with its high base 80 Attack stat and its plethora of physical attacks, including Earthquake to hit all three types that wall its STAB, Close Combat, Ice Punch, etc. It even gets Thunder Wave and Heal Bell so that it can act as a supporter in addition to its physical prowess.
 

Rowan

The professor?
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Extremely useful list, but I have quite a few comments that I feel are important.


Offensive:
  • Maybe mention the possibility of Bulk Up Gunk in its offensive section?
  • Remove mentions of flying gem on drifloon - i'd just mention that berry juice can be used with unburden or something, but it sort of sucks without the gem. Berry Juice+Sub+Acro+Shadow Ball+filler seems to be its best set.
  • For drilbur, sandstorm can actually be up for 8 turns if you run smooth rock which is a viable option if you really want to bother with a sand team.
  • Gastly doesn't necessarily have to use a Scarf, I'd maybe mention the possibility of a Life Orb set as well, since poison buff gives it some sort of niche over Missy.
  • Is scarf Gligar good enough to be mentioned? I haven't tested it so I have no idea.
  • Scarf Magnemite should definitely be mentioned in my opinion.
  • For Omanyte, you make it sound like it's just a weaker Clamperl but I'd probably mention how it can have an easier time setting up with some of Rock's resistances to Flying and Normal.
  • Flame Charge Ponyta is a viable set imo, probably worth noting that it can make itself incredibly fast this way.
  • Intimidate isn't the only viable ability on Scraggy, you make it sound like it is. All 3 are very usable.
  • Scarf Snover isn't faster than Sneasel, might need to correct that.
  • Stunky doesn't get access to Poison Jab because Game Freak are trolls.
  • Mention Psychic>Thunderbolt as a coverage move on Swirlix as that allows it to get past Grimer as well as Skrelp and Tentacool.
  • Vulpix doesn't need a scarf, it is reasonably fast already with 17 speed and Heat Rock is preferable a lot of the time. It also can't learn solarbeam, it uses Energy Ball instead. (unless it is a new gen 6 thing which I have missed.)
Defensive:
  • Mention how annoying Cursed Body is on Frillish.
  • Koffing can't switch into EVERY ground- or fighting-type in the tier (Meditite and Mold Breaker Drilbur) - slight nitpick with your choice of words there.
  • I don't really think Misdreavus is a good Fighting switch-in anymore with the Knock Off Buff. Pretty much all fighting-types use it and will hit it extremely hard. Infact, Timburr, Croagunk and Scraggy will all end up winning 1v1 pretty much. However it still is one of the best Meditite checks which is worth noting.
  • Mention how Slowpoke is one of the most reliable defensive Gligar checks in the tier.

If you disagree with any of this feel free to correct me :)
 
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Expulso

Morse code, if I'm talking I'm clicking
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Aww, no Rufflet. :(

Offensive:

Rufflet, in my opinion, can run a Choice Scarf set very well. It can also work well in a Volt-Turn combo with Chinchou, as SE Thunder-type attacks meant for it can be absorbed by Chinchou with Volt Absorb, as well as healing it. Also, Ground-type attacks meant for Chinchou do not effect (or affect?) Rufflet's 70/50/50 defenses let it take Grass-type attacks for Chinchou, which scoffs at Ice Beam and its kin.
 

Rowan

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I took it upon myself to edit the set descriptions I mentioned in my previous post, 'cos I got bored.

Croagunk doesn't frequently run offensive sets, though it is occasionally EVed more offensively so as to hit harder with Drain Punch and Sucker Punch. It can use a Bulk Up set, but aside from some of the extra resistances provided by its Poison-typing, Timburr is often better suited for the role. Occasionally it runs Nasty Plot, but at that point all you have to do is laugh.


Drifloon's offensive power comes from its ability Unburden. The most effective set activates Unburden with Substitute and Berry Juice and then uses STAB Acrobatics to weaken the opposing team. It can also use moves such as Destiny Bond, Disable and Hypnosis to cripple its own counters.


Drilbur is a good Rapid Spinner, using its powerful Earthquake with Mold Breaker to threaten a large portion of the tier. Sand Rush is also an option as Life Orb Drilbur can cause a lot of damage, but the weather nerf, limiting sand to just 5 or 8 turns, makes it less effective in XY.


Gastly uses a Choice Scarf and its powerful STABs to revenge kill a large portion of the tier, along with Trick to cripple walls. Its powerful Sludge Bomb can KO Swirlix, even after a Calm Mind boost. It can also utilise a Life Orb set to hit even harder or use strategies such as SubDisable and SubHypnosis.


Magnemite's strong Special Attack, good bulk, and excellent typing which includes STAB Volt Switch allows Magnemite to perform as a revenge killer. Its most popular set is a Sturdy + Berry Juice one, allowing it to revenge kill Pokémon such as Gligar, Mantyke, and Sneasel easily. It can also use a Choice Scarf set, outspeeding all unboosted Pokemon except Sneasel. Finally, Magnemite can trap and remove Steel-types with Magnet Pull.


Omanyte plays similarly to Clamperl. Although it is less powerful, its Rock-typing allows it to set up on more Pokemon such as Flying- and Normal-types. It also has the choice of Eviolite, to help it set up, or Life Orb, to hit much harder.


Ponyta's most common set is a bulky attacking Sunny Day + Morning Sun set, which uses its resistances and strong Flare Blitz (especially when sun-boosted) to get switch in opportunities and to hit hard. It can also use a Life Orb set with Flame Charge which can make it very hard to revenge kill


Scraggy's offensive prowess comes from its access to Dragon Dance, incredible offensive STABs, good bulk with Eviolite and semi-reliable recovery in Drain Punch. It also has 3 incredibly viable abilities; Intimidate can help it set up on Physical attackers, Shed Skin means it is not crippled by Thunder Wave or Will-o-Wisp, and Moxie makes it almost impossible to stop after 1 kill. With all of this, Scraggy is the premiere user of Dragon Dance in the tier.

Snover is most commonly seen as a Choice Scarf Pokémon, which boosts its meager 14 Speed to 21, faster than any unboosted Pokémon in the tier besides Sneasel. It generally spams its STAB moves. It can also use a really bulky Eviolite set, being able to withstand hits from a lot of Pokémon and hit back hard.

Stunky's main goal in life is to trap Ghost-types, and it does so in different ways. It generally employs a bulky set and a lot of Dark-type attacks in order to put Ghost-type Pokémon in a checkmate position. However, once in a blue moon it uses Life Orb to boost its strong STAB Sucker Punch and to pose more of an offensive presence.


Swirlix is one of the most threatening Pokémon in the tier. With a great ability in Unburden, access to Calm Mind, and a wide array of coverage moves, it can easily run a Calm Mind set, using a Berry Juice to recover its health after setting up, and activating Unburden, outspeeding every unboosted Pokémon in the tier, along with most scarfers. It can run Flamethrower to roast Steels, Psychic to beat Skrelp, Tentacool and other Poison-types, or Surf to hit Growlithe and Ponyta. It can also run an all-out attacker set, easily cleaning late-game with its awesome coverage.


Vulpix uses a set with Heat Rock to support its team with 8 turns of sun, whilst hitting extremly hard with a STAB, Sun-boosted Fire Blast. It also tends to run Energy Ball for Water-types and Hidden Power Ice or Electric for Gligar or Mantyke, respectively. Will-o-Wisp and Hypnosis are extremely useful support moves it can run. Alternatively, a Choice Scarf set can be used to revenge kill threats with its Drought-boosted STAB.


Frillish is seen as one of the best defensive Ghost-type Pokémon in the tier as its typing and incredible bulk allows it to act as a full stop to many Pokémon such as Mienfoo and Larvesta. Access to Cursed Body makes it a fantastic spinblocker, as it can keep recovering until Staryu's Thunderbolt is disabled. Furthermore, Recover and Will-O-Wisp allows it to last an incredibly long time.


Koffing's main niche comes from its ability to check both Fighting-type Pokémon and Gligar in the same set. Its Poison typing grants it a resistance to Fighting- and Bug-type attacks along with a neutrality to Dark-type attacks. Furthermore, its ability Levitate grants it an immunity to Ground-type attacks. These traits in tandem allow it to switch into most Fighting- and Ground-type Pokémon in the tier with impunity, only fearing Mold Breaker Drilbur and Meditite. Furthermore, access to Will-O-Wisp cripples these Pokémon. STAB Sludge Bomb prevents it from being setup bait and hits fairies hard, and Pain Split keeps it healthy in the long run.


While an excellent offensive Pokémon, Misdreavus's excellent bulk allows it to act as a special sponge. Its high Speed for a wall, and access to Will-O-Wisp and Pain Split, make a support set incredibly viable. Although it can't switch into Fighting-types as well this generation thanks to the Knock Off buff, it still makes one of the best checks in the tier to Meditite and it can check most special attackers.


Slowpoke is one of the best checks to Fighting-type Pokémon in the tier bar Scraggy, due to its Psychic typing and great physical bulk. It is also one of the more reliable defensive Gligar counters. Furthermore, its excellent coverage, which includes Water- and Psychic-type STABs as well as Fire- and Ice-type attacks, allows it to pose an offensive threat. It can cripple foes with Toxic and Thunder Wave as well, while relying on Slack Off to keep itself healthy. Regenerator makes it incredibly hard to wear down, as it gains 33% of its HP every time it switches. However, it is heavily threatened by Dark-types.


most edits were pretty minor, there were a few which i re-wrote almost completely (vulpix, drifloon, omanyte)
 
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Shouldn't there be at least some mention of Swirlix's Belly Drum set? Belly Drum, Juice to full health, sweep with Unburden active? Good luck switching a special wall into something with +6 attack.
 
You added Honedge as an offensive threat with only an offensive description, but it can very easily fill the roll of a physical wall with it's mighty base 100 defense that makes other physical LC mons shiver, especially with it's steel typing, only helping it's defensive capabilities, backed by it's ghost typing to make Normal and Fighting types retreat. In my opinion, all out defensive Honedge may be more useful than an offensive Honedge.
So if it's all good, I'll make a defensive Honedge description.

Honedge


Ability: No Guard
Base stats:
45 HP / 80 Atk / 100 Def / 35 SAtk / 37 SDef / 28 Spe

Being one of the bulkiest LC mons in terms of defense and blessed by a typing that isn't anything to laugh at, a defensive set can easily do work. Access to both reflect and iron defense can easily allow Honedge to eat up any physical attack thrown at it. It even learns Power Trick, which can make it a hybrid pokemon with a higher potential attack stat hidden from our eyes. Shadow Sneak is a brilliant support move as it can switch in an finish off Shell Smashers that try to throw physical attacks at this monster. It even learns Gyro Ball, which can make up for it's terrible speed stat. Brick Break can also be used as a support move, as it tears down screens and can be used when predicting Houndour switch-ins.

Shouldn't there be at least some mention of Swirlix's Belly Drum set? Belly Drum, Juice to full health, sweep with Unburden active? Good luck switching a special wall into something with +6 attack.
The only problem with a set like this is Swirlix's Physical move pool is trash. Play Rough, the usual normal-type moves (facade, return, etc.), and Theif (which will make you lose your unburden boost) and that's it. Plus, the feared Sneasel will outspeed it, as well as a few common LC Scarfers, easily ending it's reign of terror. Also, Pokemon sets like Fake Out-Foo will cripple it to the point of death. It really isn't a bad set though, it's just too limited/predictable.
 
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Rowan

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The only problem with a set like this is Swirlix's Physical move pool is trash. Play Rough, the usual normal-type moves (facade, return, etc.), and Theif (which will make you lose your unburden boost) and that's it. Plus, the feared Sneasel will outspeed it, as well as a few common LC Scarfers, easily ending it's reign of terror. Also, Pokemon sets like Fake Out-Foo will cripple it to the point of death. It really isn't a bad set though, it's just too limited/predictable.
Thief doesn't make you lose the unburden boost, it remains there.
 
Thief doesn't make you lose the unburden boost, it remains there.
"Unburden: Speed is doubled on held item loss; boost is lost if it switches, gets new item/Ability." "Thief: If the user has no item, it steals the target's."

Thief gives you an item, which makes you lose your doubled speed.
 
The only problem with a set like this is Swirlix's Physical move pool is trash. Play Rough, the usual normal-type moves (facade, return, etc.), and Theif (which will make you lose your unburden boost) and that's it. Plus, the feared Sneasel will outspeed it, as well as a few common LC Scarfers, easily ending it's reign of terror. Also, Pokemon sets like Fake Out-Foo will cripple it to the point of death. It really isn't a bad set though, it's just too limited/predictable.
Considering that Swirlix has a very competent and SCARY calm mind set as WELL as a Belly Drum sweeper set, it's already EXTREMELY unpredictable. I mean, sure, once they Drum/Calm Mind you know what they're running, but the tools to deal with either set are VERY different.

As for speed, 44 speed EVs allow you to outspeed Jolly Sneasal after Unburden. 124 EVs allows you to outspeed any 70 Spe Choice Scarfer. Full Speed allows you to outspeed any base 80, and Tie/I'm not quite sure on the math but it's very close base 90. So, I mean, take your pick, speed is not REALLY problem if you don't want it to be.

You can wear it down with Priority, obviously, but it's a revenge kill at best.

Finally, you would be surprised how little it matters how crappy it's movepool is at +6. Adamant +6 Play Rough deals 85-100% damage to an 0HP-0Def Honedge, which means that with 1 layer of spikes it's a guarantee'd KO. Even then, all it can hit you back with is shadow sneak, or Iron Head if they're lucky and live. In order to stand up to this thing and not fall down in one hit, you LITERALLY have to be a defensive powerhouse that resists both Play Rough/Return. So, honedge. With no residual damage. It's not fun.

Swirlix is SCARRRRRY.
 
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Considering that Swirlix has a very competent and SCARY calm mind set as WELL as a Belly Drum sweeper set, it's already EXTREMELY unpredictable. I mean, sure, once they Drum/Calm Mind you know what they're running, but the tools to deal with either set are VERY different.

As for speed, 44 speed EVs allow you to outspeed Jolly Sneasal after Unburden. 124 EVs allows you to outspeed any 70 Spe Choice Scarfer. Full Speed allows you to outspeed any base 80, and Tie/I'm not quite sure on the math but it's very close base 90. So, I mean, take your pick, speed is not REALLY problem if you don't want it to be.

You can wear it down with Priority, obviously, but it's a revenge kill at best.

Finally, you would be surprised how little it matters how crappy it's movepool is at +6. Adamant +6 Play Rough deals 85-100% damage to an 0HP-0Def Honedge, which means that with 1 layer of spikes it's a guarantee'd KO. Even then, all it can hit you back with is shadow sneak, and you have a decent amount of leftover EVs to put into bulk, considering 44 Speed Evs allows you to outspeed any non-scarf smeargle. In order to stand up to this thing and not fall down in one hit, you LITERALLY have to be a defensive powerhouse that resists both Play Rough/Return. So, honedge. With no residual damage. It's not fun.

Swirlix is SCARRRRRY.
Swirlix is really predictable with its movepool, as it really only has thief and play rough for belly drum and psychic/flamethrower/surf for special plus its stab. Honedge is easily OHKOed by thief at +6 and why are you mentioning smeargle its not in LC.
 
Swirlix is really predictable with its movepool, as it really only has thief and play rough for belly drum and psychic/flamethrower/surf for special plus its stab. Honedge is easily OHKOed by thief at +6 and why are you mentioning smeargle its not in LC.
Smeargle? Sounds similar to Sneasal. Mistyped. I'll edit it. (EDIT: I had already edited that out when I read your comment. Lol)

Also, predicting the Play Rough is coming doesn't matter much when they're at +6 and it literally OHKOs any pokemon on your team that isn't, like, a defensive Aron or Honedge. Thief really shouldn't be used unless you're reasonably sure the opponent has a Berry Juice or something, as it gets rid of your Unburden boost.

Also, 3 of Stab/Flamethrower/(Psychic/Surf) seems like enough for ME to sweep with after a Calm Mind boost and Unburden active, I dunno about you.
 

Expulso

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^ And Thunderbolt for Swirlix; it looks inferior, but people usually think their Water type is safe against him.
 
P.S., it has to survive long enough to Belly Drum since it's slow before Unburden
Also, using Thief will make it use it's Unburden speed bonus.
And also (last one), who carries a 0 Def/0 HP Honedge?
 
Smeargle? Sounds similar to Sneasal. Mistyped. I'll edit it. (EDIT: I had already edited that out when I read your comment. Lol)

Also, predicting the Play Rough is coming doesn't matter much when they're at +6 and it literally OHKOs any pokemon on your team that isn't, like, a defensive Aron or Honedge. Thief really shouldn't be used unless you're reasonably sure the opponent has a Berry Juice or something, as it gets rid of your Unburden boost.

Also, 3 of Stab/Flamethrower/(Psychic/Surf) seems like enough for ME to sweep with after a Calm Mind boost and Unburden active, I dunno about you.
Thief doesn't get rid of your boost (Edit: Technically while your sweeping the berry juice will end up being used so just thief when its smart really no point as having that one issue prevent you from OHKOing a mon). Also with the influx of sturdy mons, the use of belly drum seems pretty bad as your getting rid of your safety net against mons like dwebble with rock blast and you can't switch out without wasting your only chance of sweeping in unburden while CM at least lets you wait
 
Thief doesn't get rid of your boost.
Thief does get rid of your boost. Read my other post, or I'll just repeat it.
Note the boost is lost if it gets a new item part.
"Unburden: Speed is doubled on held item loss; boost is lost if it switches, gets a new item/Ability." "Thief: If the user has no item, it steals the target's."
-Courtesy of Pokemon Showdown's /data and what I already knew.
 
Thief doesn't get rid of your boost (Edit: Technically while your sweeping the berry juice will end up being used so just thief when its smart really no point as having that one issue prevent you from OHKOing a mon). Also with the influx of sturdy mons, the use of belly drum seems pretty bad as your getting rid of your safety net against mons like dwebble with rock blast and you can't switch out without wasting your only chance of sweeping in unburden while CM at least lets you wait
Well, Belly Drum gets used the second you either go below half health or you Belly Drum. Unburden is immeadietly/instantly active. After you drum, you'll either be at Half Health or full health, depending on if your juice got popped beforehand.

According to earlier in the thread, Thief does get rid of Unburden. I based my judgment off of that. Obviously Thief makes a fine coverage choice if it doesn't get rid of your Unburden boost.

Sturdy is of course an issue, and the Belly Drum set greatly appreciates spikes/rocks on the field, as any sweeper does. To use your example, 252HP/252Def Bold Dwebble is always OHKO'd by Play Rough after Belly Drum with any residual damage.
 
Well, Belly Drum gets used the second you either go below half health or you Belly Drum. Unburden is immeadietly/instantly active. After you drum, you'll either be at Half Health or full health, depending on if your juice got popped beforehand.

According to earlier in the thread, Thief does get rid of Unburden. I based my judgment off of that. Obviously Thief makes a fine coverage choice if it doesn't get rid of your Unburden boost.

Sturdy is of course an issue, and the Belly Drum set greatly appreciates spikes/rocks on the field, as any sweeper does. To use your example, 252HP/252Def Bold Dwebble is always OHKO'd by Play Rough after Belly Drum with any residual damage.
Uh who runs max defense dwebble with berry juice and sturdy? Also I know what berry juice and belly drum do you don't need to explain it. The point is it has a harder time setting up as anything that hits it with some damage after or before berry juice activates will make it really easy to revenge unlike the cm set where it can afford not to instantly set up. Thief is still great even without having unburden for like 5 seconds before you're hit again, and you can also use play rough and then thief to get the boost back and your health. Lastly the defog buff makes keep SR up more difficult.
 

apt-get

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This is not a thread for discussing whether Swirlix' Belly Drum set is good or not, this is a thread for putting off a Threat List of the Pokémon in gen 6, and Belly Drum swirlix is one to consider. Please stop.

edit: updated, thanks Corkscrew!
 
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I agree. I will not delete the discussion as there are so many posts, but we do not need to keep talking about these threats. If you have something you want included in the threat list, and there's a little debate about it, sure. But the criteria for entering the threat list is a very low threshold, so we do not need to see extensive arguments on validity in this thread, thank you. Belly Drum Swirlix is potent enough to be added.
 

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