Phanpy (Analysis)

Zephyr

Life Stream
is a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Researcher Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Moderator Alumnus

Phanpy


QC Approved [2/2] (Darkamber8828, Heysup)

GP Approved [2/2] (Calm Pokemaster, Natgeo)

[Overview]
<p>Although often overlooked due to the influx of many powerful threats and walls, Phanpy can still support its team pretty well. Its wonderful base 90 HP and base 70 Defense, along with a usable base 60 Attack, allow it to both take physical hits and hit back strongly. Access to support moves such as Stealth Rock, Toxic, and Roar also makes Phanpy a nuisance to opponent's physical setup sweepers. Its offensive movepool is not to be ignored, either, as Phanpy can pose a threat with STAB Earthquake and useful priority in the form of Ice Shard. Sadly, our cute baby elephant has its share of flaws. Phanpy's poor base 40 Special Defense will rarely allow it to live strong special attacks. This is compounded by the fact that Phanpy is weak to common Water-, Ice-, and Grass-type attacks. Phanpy also faces massive competition for a team slot from Hippopotas, who can also support sandstorm teams in addition to making a great check to many physical attackers thanks to its immense physical bulk and access to Slack Off. Still, Phanpy should not be underestimated, and should always be considered when making a team.</p>

[SET]
name: Utility
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Ice Shard
move 4: Toxic / Roar / Knock Off
item: Eviolite
ability: Pickup
nature: Impish
evs: 196 HP / 196 Def / 116 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This is Phanpy's bread-and-butter set, and unfortunately the only one it can run effectively. Phanpy's nice overall defenses and decent Attack allow it to support its team well. Stealth Rock is a given for almost any support Pokemon that has access to it, making it easier for Phanpy's teammates to sweep thanks to residual damage. STAB Earthquake is Phanpy's main form of offense, hitting anything that doesn't resist it pretty hard. Ice Shard complements Earthquake well, allowing Phanpy to pick off weakened Pokemon while also giving it decent coverage. Toxic and Roar are both great options for the last moveslot. While Toxic allows Phanpy to cripple walls such as Gligar, Roar enables it to put a complete full stop to most physical setup sweepers.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The given EV spread, along with an Impish nature and an Eviolite, gives Phanpy excellent physical bulk while bringing its Special Defense to acceptable levels. A different EV spread of your choice can be used as well, but a physically defensive spread is more useful most of the time. With the ubiquity of Eviolite, Knock Off is also an option, allowing Phanpy to cripple walls and bulky attackers reliant on the item. Ferroseed works exceptionally well with Phanpy, as the two cover each other's weaknesses very well. It can also set up Spikes to go with Stealth Rock. Tentacool has great defensive synergy with Phanpy too, can set up Toxic Spikes, and easily sponges the Water- and Ice-type special attacks which trouble Phanpy thanks to its wonderful special bulk and resistances.</p>

[Other Options]
<p>There are quite a few other interesting moves available to Phanpy. Like most physically bulky Pokemon, Phanpy can put a Counter set to good use. It also has access to physical moves such as Seed Bomb and Superpower, which can catch an unsuspecting counter off-guard on the switch. Phanpy's decent physical movepool and good base 60 Attack also make a Choice Band set an option, but it is outclassed by more powerful Pokemon. Gunk Shot hits Grass-types harder than Phanpy's other moves, but has little use otherwise and is also inaccurate. Head Smash can decimate the Flying-types who can switch in for free on Earthquake, but as with Gunk Shot, serves no other purpose.</p>

[Checks and Counters]
<p>Any bulky Water- or Grass-type can come in and pose an immediate threat to Phanpy, although they need to watch out for Toxic. Ghost-types immune to Earthquake, such as Misdreavus, can switch into Phanpy with ease and set up. Ferroseed can switch into Phanpy with ease and proceed to set up without much worry due to its high defenses and immunity to Toxic. Bronzor laughs at all of Phanpy's moves, and can hurt it significantly with Hidden Power Ice, making it a great check too.</p>

[Dreamworld]
<p>Phanpy gets Sand Veil from the Dream World, which allows it to occasionally dodge attacks in the sand. Unfortunately, it will find it difficult to fit into sandstorm teams most of the time.</p>
 
needs moar Head Smash

Gunk Shot could kill Grass-types, but generally sucks.

Mention of Resttalk?

Bronzor resists every move you could possibly have that isn't Superpower. Even Toxic.

Needs DW section, as Sand Veil isn't released yet. When it is, it'll be better than Pickup. If you needed any help coming to that conclusion.

Nice job! Just a suggestion, maybe you should emphasize Ice Shard, Head Smash, Superpower, etc as stuff that Phanpy has and Hippo doesn't? As well as not having Sand Stream, if your team doesn't like that? Because I'm pretty sure those are the only reasons to not use Hippo, who has delicious recovery in Slack Off and is therefore better by a lot.

Not that Phanpy isn't cool, though, so



[QC 1/2]
 
Head Smash is not especially great this generation, nothing's really flying.....you're better off Roaring or hitting Missy with Toxic.
 
Deletions
Additions / Corrections
Comments


[Overview]
<p>Phanpy is an often overlooked Pokemon this generation due to many new options being introduced in the 5th generation metagame. Phanpy comes onto the scene boasting an impressive Defensive stat, great HP stat, and passable Special Defensive stat; making it a certainly viable support Pokemon with access to moves such as Stealth Rock, Toxic, and useful priority in the form of Ice Shard. It is a Ground-type Pokemon meaning it also has a very reliable attack in Earthquake as it gains a STAB boost and is generally a great coverage move with a lot of natural power. Competing for a team slot with Hippopotas is the greatest challenge presented to Phanpy. Although often overlooked due to the influx of many powerful threats and walls, Phanpy can still support its team pretty well. Its wonderful base 90 HP and base 70 Defense, along with a usable base 60 Attack, allow it to both take physical hits and hit back strongly. Access to support moves such as Stealth Rock, Toxic, and Roar also makes Phanpy to physical setup sweepers. Its offensive movepool is not to be ignored, either, as Phanpy can pose a threat with STAB Earthquake and useful priority in the form of Ice Shard. Sadly, our cute baby elephant has its share of flaws. Phanpy's poor base 40 Special Defense will rarely allow it to live strong special attacks. This is compounded by the fact that Phanpy is weak to common Water-, Ice-, and Grass-type attacks. Phanpy also faces massive competition for a team slot from Hippopotas, who can also support sandstorm teams in addition to making a great check to many physical attackers thanks to its immense physical bulk and access to Slack Off. Still, Phanpy should not be underestimated, and should always be considered when making a team.</p>
(remove space)
[SET]
name: Utility
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Ice Shard
move 4: Toxic / Roar
item: Eviolite
ability: Pickup
nature: Impish
evs: 196 HP / 196 Def / 116 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Here is the Bread-and-butter set for Phanpy this generation. With exceptional defense it can do a variety of things for your team. Stealth Rock has always been the prime team support move since its introduction in generation 4. Earthquake is Phanpy's most reliable attack whereas Ice Shard lets Phanpy have a shot at revenge killing a threat to your team and pairs well with Earthquake for coverage. Toxic and Roar are arguably Phanpy's two most useful moves of choice in the final slot, and which one you choose will most likely reflect what your team needs. Eviolite along with Impish nature and the given EVs will give Phanpy an exceptional defensive spread to hang around the battle for awhile This is Phanpy's bread-and-butter set, and unfortunately the only one it can run effectively. Phanpy's nice overall defenses and decent Attack allow it to support its team ably. Stealth Rock is a given for almost any support Pokemon that has access to it, making it easier for Phanpy's teammates to sweep. STAB Earthquake is Phanpy's main form of offense, hitting anything that doesn't resist it pretty hard. Ice Shard complements Earthquake well, allowing Phanpy to pick off weakened Pokemon while also giving it decent coverage. Toxic and Roar are both great options for the last moveslot. While Toxic allows Phanpy to cripple walls such as Gligar, Roar enables it to put a complete full stop to most physical setup sweepers.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The given EV spread, along with an Impish nature and an Eviolite, gives Phanpy excellent physical bulk while bringing its Special Defense to acceptable levels. A different EV spread of your choice can be used to your liking in order to meet your teams needs as well, although a physically defensive spread is the most common and useful but a physically defensive spread is more useful most of the time. With the ubiquity of Eviolite, Knock Off is also an option, allowing Phanpy to cripple walls and bulky attackers reliant on the item. Toxic is the preferred option in Phanpy's 4th move slot as it helps wear down the opposing team's Pokemon, but Roar can be used as extra insurance for stopping a sweep. (I mentioned this in Set Comments) Ferroseed works exceptionally well with Phanpy, as they cover each other's weaknesses quite well and they both can set up a hazard to go together. Tentacool also matches well defensively with Phanpy, as one of Tentacool's main weaknesses is an immunity to Phanpy as the two cover each other's weaknesses very well. It can also set up Spikes to go with Stealth Rock. Tentacool has great defensive synergy with Phanpy too, can set up Toxic Spikes, and easily sponges the Water- and Ice-type special attacks which trouble Phanpy thanks to its wonderful special bulk and resistances.</p>

[Other Options]
<p>There are quite a few other interesting and gimmicky moves available to Phanpy. Like most physically-oriented physically bulky Pokemon, a Counter set is viable on Phanpy can put a Counter set to good use. Phanpy It also has access to a few physical moves such as Seed Bomb and Superpower, which could prove useful as surprise moves can catch an unsuspecting counter off-guard on the switch. A Choice Band set would be quite outclassed by other Pokemon, but should certainly not be taken lightly Phanpy's decent physical movepool and good base 60 Attack also make a Choice Band set an option, but it is outclassed by more powerful Pokemon. Knock Off is a great utility move as well on the main set if Toxic and Roar aren't useful for the team in general. Gunk Shot can hit Grass-type Pokemon but is generally useless otherwise. Head Smash is viable but lacks use compared to other options. Rest and Sleep Talk are also usable Gunk Shot hits Grass-types harder than Phanpy's other moves, but has little use otherwise and is also inaccurate. Head Smash can decimate the Flying-types who can switch in for free on Earthquake, but as with Gunk Shot, serves no other purpose.</p>

[Checks and Counters]
<p>Any bulky Water-type or Grass-type Pokemon can come in and pose an immediate threat to Phanpy, although being wary of Toxic should always be considered when switching in they need to watch out for Toxic. Misdreavus or any Ghost-type Pokemon immune to Earthquake can also handle Phanpy well Ghost-types immune to Earthquake, such as Misdreavus, can switch into Phanpy with ease and set up. Ferroseed can come into Phanpy switch into Phanpy with easeand proceed to set up without much worry due to its high defenses and it's immunity to Toxic. Bronzor basically hard walls anything Phanpy has at its disposal Bronzor laughs at all of Phanpy's moves, and can hurt it significantly with Hidden Power Ice, making it a great check too.</p>

[Dream World]
<p>Phanpy gets Sand Veil as an ability which will outclass Pickup when it becomes available Phanpy gets Sand Veil from the Dream World, which allows it to occasionally dodge attacks in the sand. Unfortunately, it will find it difficult to fit into sandstorm teams most of the time.</p>


After talking with Heysup on IRC, the decision taken is that Knock Off should be mentioned in AC, which I have included in my check.

Regarding the analysis, the only problem was that the prose wasn't too good, and this is why I ended up rewriting almost the entire thing. Anyway,



GP 1 / 2
 

Moo

Professor
is an Artist Alumnusis a Researcher Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
Sorry for the late imput, but I really think Knock Off should get a slash on the set, and not just an OO mention. It's an amazing move in LC and any Pokemon that has access to it should make use of it.
 
GOT DIS

remove
change

[Overview]
<p>Although often overlooked due to the influx of many powerful threats and walls, Phanpy can still support its team pretty well. Its wonderful base 90 HP and base 70 Defense, along with a usable base 60 Attack, allow it to both take physical hits and hit back strongly. Access to support moves such as Stealth Rock, Toxic, and Roar also makes Phanpy a nice supporter for (no idea what to put here besides that, CP can probably fix it if he wants to) physical setup sweepers. Its offensive movepool is not to be ignored, either, as Phanpy can pose a threat with STAB Earthquake and useful priority in the form of Ice Shard. Sadly, our cute baby elephant has its share of flaws. Phanpy's poor base 40 Special Defense will rarely allow it to live strong special attacks. This is compounded by the fact that Phanpy is weak to common Water-, Ice-, and Grass-type attacks. Phanpy also faces massive competition for a team slot from Hippopotas, who can also support sandstorm teams in addition to making a great check to many physical attackers thanks to its immense physical bulk and access to Slack Off. Still, Phanpy should not be underestimated, and should always be considered when making a team.</p>

(remove space)
[SET]
name: Utility
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Ice Shard
move 4: Toxic / Roar / Knock Off
item: Eviolite
ability: Pickup
nature: Impish
evs: 196 HP / 196 Def / 116 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This is Phanpy's bread-and-butter set, and unfortunately the only one it can run effectively. Phanpy's nice overall defenses and decent Attack allow it to support its team well (people will probably understand well easier than ably but that's just me). Stealth Rock is a given for almost any support Pokemon that has access to it, making it easier for Phanpy's teammates to sweep thanks to residual damage. STAB Earthquake is Phanpy's main form of offense, hitting anything that doesn't resist it pretty hard. Ice Shard complements Earthquake well, allowing Phanpy to pick off weakened Pokemon while also giving it decent coverage. Toxic and Roar are both great options for the last moveslot. While Toxic allows Phanpy to cripple walls such as Gligar, Roar enables it to put a complete full stop to most physical setup sweepers.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The given EV spread, along with an Impish nature and an Eviolite, gives Phanpy excellent physical bulk while bringing its Special Defense to acceptable levels. A different EV spread of your choice can be used as well,(space)but a physically defensive spread is more useful most of the time. With the ubiquity of Eviolite, Knock Off is also an option, allowing Phanpy to cripple walls and bulky attackers reliant on the item. Ferroseed works exceptionally well with Phanpy, as the two cover each other's weaknesses very well. It can also set up Spikes to go with Stealth Rock. Tentacool has great defensive synergy with Phanpy too, can set up Toxic Spikes, and easily sponges the Water- and Ice-type special attacks which trouble Phanpy thanks to its wonderful special bulk and resistances.</p>

[Other Options]
<p>There are quite a few other interesting moves available to Phanpy. Like most physically bulky Pokemon, Phanpy can put a Counter set to good use. It also has access to physical moves such as Seed Bomb and Superpower, which can catch an unsuspecting counter off-guard on the switch.(space)Phanpy's decent physical movepool and good base 60 Attack also make a Choice Band set an option, but it is outclassed by more powerful Pokemon. Gunk Shot hits Grass-types harder than Phanpy's other moves, but has little use otherwise and is also inaccurate. Head Smash can decimate the Flying-types who can switch in for free on Earthquake, but as with Gunk Shot, serves no other purpose.</p>

[Checks and Counters]
<p>Any bulky Water- or Grass-type can come in and pose an immediate threat to Phanpy, although they need to watch out for Toxic. Ghost-types immune to Earthquake, such as Misdreavus, can switch into Phanpy with ease and set up. Ferroseed can switch into Phanpy with ease(space)and proceed to set up without much worry due to its high defenses and immunity to Toxic. Bronzor laughs at all of Phanpy's moves, and can hurt it significantly with Hidden Power Ice, making it a great check too.</p>

[Dreamworld]
<p>Phanpy gets Sand Veil from the Dream World, which allows it to occasionally dodge attacks in the sand. Unfortunately, it will find it difficult to fit into sandstorm teams most of the time.</p>
mostly nitpicking and spacing at this point, but looks good.

GP 2/2
 

Zephyr

Life Stream
is a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Researcher Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Moderator Alumnus
Updated and completed. Thank you. Also, I fixed the one part on my own with a factual LC statement lol.
 

Users Who Are Viewing This Thread (Users: 1, Guests: 0)

Top