pancake
movement and location
QC: Megazard / Grim / Anty
GP: Sobi (amcheck) / Haund / ?
[SET]
name: Substitute + Calm Mind
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Calm Mind
move 3: Psyshock / Psychic
move 4: Focus Blast
item: Leftovers
ability: Thick Fat
nature: Timid
evs: 80 HP / 252 SpA / 176 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
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Substitute allows Grumpig to set up with Calm Mind on more passive Pokemon and avoid status moves that would cripple it, such as Toxic and Thunder Wave. Calm Mind makes Grumpig a potent setup sweeper and strengthens its wallbreaking capabilities, especially when combined with Substitute. Psyshock is used in order to beat other Calm Mind users such as Clefairy one-on-one. However, Psychic can also be used because it is slightly more powerful and helps with Curse Muk after it boosts. Focus Blast is used to hit the Dark- and Steel-types, such as Pawniard and Metang, that Grumpig's STAB move can't hit. Shadow Ball can be used over Substitute to beat other Psychic-types, but Substitute is generally better, as it gives Grumpig more chances to set up.
Set Details
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The given Speed EVs and Timid nature are used to outspeed Adamant Monferno and Stoutland while also providing one extra Speed point. The remaining EVs maximize Grumpig's damage output and still allow it to tank some hits and be a better check to Pokemon such as Monferno. Thick Fat lets Grumpig check Fire- and Ice-types well. Leftovers is used to make up for some of the health Grumpig loses after using Substitute. Colbur Berry can be used over Leftovers to lure Cacturne and Pawniard in, take a hit, and hit them with a Focus Blast, but this should only be used if you run Shadow Ball, because otherwise, the passive recovery from Leftovers is better with Substitute. An alternative EV spread with maximum Speed and Special Attack EVs can be used to outspeed Smeargle and use Substitute on its Spore or Dark Void; it also allows Grumpig to outspeed Modest Articuno and tie with other positive-natured base 80 Speed Pokemon, such as Arbok. However, it loses the bulk that allows it to set up Substitutes and check Fire- and Ice-types.
Usage Tips
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The ideal Pokemon for Grumpig to set up on are those that can't break its Substitute, such as Clefairy, Mr. Mime locked into Psychic, and Cryogonal. It should switch into these Pokemon to try to set up a Substitute, but be careful that they don't predict the switch and go for a status move such as Thunder Wave or Trick, crippling Grumpig. Grumpig threatens Pokemon such as Muk and forces them to switch out; this is another great time to set up Substitute. This Grumpig set should be used to wallbreak, as it annoys Pokemon like Clefairy and paves the way for cleaners such as Dodrio. However, it can also sweep bulkier teams late-game. Utilize Substitute to avoid status moves like Toxic, to scout for what move Pokemon like Choice Specs Beheeyem go for, and to dodge Sucker Punch from the likes of Cacturne and Pawniard. This set outspeeds Adamant Monferno, but watch out for Jolly U-turn Monferno, which can weaken Grumpig greatly.
Team Options
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Grumpig is best used on balance or bulky offense teams as a wallbreaker or a secondary sweeper that provides defensive utility with Thick Fat. Pursuit from Stoutland or Metang, as well as Trapinch's Arena Trap, can trap, weaken, and KO the bulky Psychic-types, such as opposing Grumpig, that wall it. Entry hazard support, especially Toxic Spikes from the likes of Roselia, synergizes well with Substitute and helps Grumpig wallbreak. Grumpig's ability to check Fire- and Ice-types makes Pokemon that are weak to these types, such as Leafeon, Golem, and Regice, good teammates. Grumpig has to rely on winning mind games and hitting Focus Blast to take on Dark-types, so partners that beat them, such as Clefairy and Monferno, are much appreciated. Setup sweepers such as Grumpig and fast cleaners such as Dodrio and Chatot are great partners because Grumpig breaks down walls such as Metang and Mawile for them.
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