Hippopotas (Analysis)

Aerrow

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Hippopotas
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[Overview]

<p>As weather plays a dominant role in the Little Cup metagame, weather-starters like Hippopotas are extremely important, as they are able to both set up the field for a teammate to sweep and shut down an opponent's sweep. Being the only Pokemon in Little Cup to automatically start sandstorm, Hippopotas plays a crucial role in the metagame, balancing other forms of weather while simultaneously assisting Pokemon like Drilbur in sweeping. Aside from providing sandstorm support, Hippopotas is also capable of many other things such as providing Stealth Rock support as well as becoming a notable defensive threat by utilizing moves such as Toxic, Protect, Slack Off and Roar.</p>

[SET]
name: Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Roar / Crunch
move 4: Rock Slide / Protect / Slack Off
nature: Impish
item: Evolite / Leftovers
evs: 212 HP / 36 Atk / 212 Def / 36 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Just like in Generation 4, Hippopotas will continue to be a "Staple Lead" for any Little Cup team revolving around strategies, offensive or defensive, associated with the effects of sandstorm. Hippopotas, is also able to provide Stealth Rock support, thus making a more useful lead. Earthquake is used mainly because it provides Hippopotas with a strong and reliable STAB attack, while Crunch and/or Rock Slide can be used for coverage reasons. However, aside from these attacking options, there are a couple of other moves that also work nicely on this set: Roar can be used to deal with troublesome match-ups or simply to scout the opponent's team and deal a bit of residual damage; Protect can be used against Fake out leads and can be used to gain some Leftovers recovery while also dishing out a bit of Sandstorm damage; and Slack off can be used to increase Hippopotas's longevity in a battle.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>An Impish Nature combined with the given EVs maximizes Hippopotas's defensive prowess while also supplementing its rather average offensive power. An Evolite is recommended on this particular set as it helps Hippopotas to survive for a much longer period of time in a battle, to restart sandstorm or lay down Stealth Rock. Leftovers can be used alternatively for similar reasons, although Leftovers will only be useful in the majority of scenarios if you have opted not to use Slack Off on the set. Lastly, Roar is an exceptional move which can be used on the set to deal with unfavorable match-ups and/or in conjunction with additional entry hazards provided by Pokemon like Ferroseed.</p>

<p>Being the only Pokemon in Little Cup which can start sandstorm automatically, Hippopotas can be a valuable asset to many sandstorm-orientated sweepers, one of the more notable ones being Drilbur. Also, as it is able to provide Stealth Rock support, non-sandstorm sweepers like Totodile and Dratini, which need Stealth Rock support to get certain KOs and eliminate focus sashes, are also great teammates for the baby sand-hippo. Also, packing Pokemon on your team which can handle Pokemon like Chinchou and Mantyke would go a long way in keeping Hippopotas healthy throughout a battle as the aforementioned Pokemon can easily take down Hippopotas with their STAB, super effective attacks, hitting Hippopotas's lackluster Special Defense.</p>

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Toxic
move 2: Slack Off
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Stealth Rock / Protect / Roar
nature: Impish
item: Evolite
evs: 212 HP / 36 Atk / 212 Def / 36 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Unlike the last set (which look very similar to this one), the Defensive set attempts to use Hippopotas's physical bulk to try and "stall-out" opponents through a combination of Toxic and Slack Off, slowly wearing them down as the turns of a battle progress. Earthquake is used mainly on this set as an attacking option as it helps Hippopotas to defeat Pokemon already weakened without having to stall them out with Slack Off. Stealth Rock gives this set a supporting aspect as in addition to helping Hippopotas weaken opponents' Pokemon, it also assists Hippopotas's teammates when they are attempting a sweep. However, Protect can be used to enhance the stalling strategy associated with this set, while Roar can be used in conjunction with entry hazard support to rack up damage additional damage.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EV Spread and Nature used here maximize Hippopotas's defensive capabilities while also slightly increasing Hippopotas's power output. An Evolite is highly recommended as it increases the hippo Pokemon's durability and longevity in a battle, making it more effective in slowly wearing down an opponent. Pokemon like Ferroseed make excellent partners for Hippopotas as the entry hazards they are able to provide are invaluable, hastening the process of stalling an opponent’s Pokemon out. Also, as with the Lead set, Pokemon like Chinchou and Mantyke are huge problems for Hippopotas as they are able to land STAB, super effective attacks on Hippopotas's weaker defensive side. However, it should be noted that this set is a lot harder to take down as it is significantly more defensively inclined than the Lead set.</p>

[Optional Changes]

<p>If necessary, the EVs can be invested more into Special Defense, although even with maximum Special Defense, Hippopotas will still have trouble with the likes of Mantyke and Chinchou. Aside from the recommended sets, Hippopotas doesn't have many other options, offensively or defensively orientated: a Curse set can be used but is not recommended as even with boosts from Curse, Hippopotas's Special Defense remains static, meaning the Pokemon will still be easily exploited by Special Attackers. Similarly, a Stockpile set can be run although it is not recommended for similar reasoning. A Choice Band set can be used to some success but due to Hippopotas's meager offensive-stats, Choice Band Hippopotas will almost always find itself being outclassed. In terms of other moves Hippopotas can use, Ice Fang can be used to better deal with Gligar, a common switch-in to Hippopotas, while Superpower can be used to deal with Ferroseed, expecting to set up a couple of free layers of entry hazards on Hippopotas.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Pokemon such as Chinchou and Mantyke, which can super effectively hit Hippopotas on its weaker defensive side with their STAB attacks, are the biggest threats Hippopotas has to deal with in the Little Cup metagame, as if the aforementioned are able to get in on anything but a super effective attack, Hippopotas will be forced to switch or fall to an OHKO. While also being a great teammate for Hippopotas, Gligar is also one of its worst nightmares as not only does it benefit from the permanent sandstorm Hippopotas brings, but it can also set up without fear of any of Hippopotas's moves (except Roar) due to its massive base Defense stat. Lastly, Pokemon like Snover and Vulpix which can alter the weather prove to be challenges for Hippopotas; although Vulpix must be wary of switching into a super effective Earthquake, Snover doesn’t fear Hippopotas in the slightest and can easily dispatch of Hippopotas through either of its super effective STABs.</p>


[Overview]

  • With generation 5 bringing strong little cup sweepers like Moguryuu which is heavily dependent on Sandstorm to pull of a sweep, Hippopotas will probably be seeing a lot more usage as its the only Pokemon in LC which can provide permanent Sandstorm and as battlers start to use Pokemon like Moguryuu
  • Though Hippopotas can provide Sandstorm support, it can also provide the always valuable Stealth Rock support which will remain a very useful asset in the increasingly offensively-orientated Little Cup metagame
[SET]
name: Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Roar / Crunch
move 4: Rock Slide / Protect / Slack Off
nature: Impish
item: Evolution Stone / Leftovers
evs: 212 HP / 36 Atk / 212 Def / 36 SpD

Set Comments

  • Just like in Generation 4, Hippopotas will be quite useful as lead on Little Cup teams revolving around strategies associated with the effects of Sandstorm
  • Hippopotas can also provide Stealth Rock support making it thus more effective as a lead due to the additional support it gives
  • The remaining move slots are mainly used as offensive options, allowing Hippopotas to retaliate against strong foes
  • Earthquake provides a strong, reliable STAB move while both Crunch Rock Slide are used for coverage reasoning as they strike Pokemon who are resistant or immune to Earthquake
  • Roar can be used to deal with troublesome match-ups or simply to scout the opponent's team / deal a bit of residual damage
  • Protect can be used over Rock Slide as it helps against Fake Out lead, stopping their initial attack while simultaneously breaking their Focus Sash through Sandstorm damage
  • Slack Off can be used for an obvious reason – to lengthen Hippopotas’ longevity in a battle
Additional Comments

  • The nature combined with the EVs given maximize Hippopotas’ defensive prowess while also magnifying it rather average offensive power
  • Evolution Stone is recommended on the set as it help Hippopotas survive for a longer amount in the battle (also increases durability), while Leftovers can be used alternatively to slightly increase Hippopotas’ longevity in the battle by restoring a steady amount of HP every turn
  • Roar is an exceptional move that can be used on the set for reasons associating with utility; Roar can works great with other entry hazards which can be provided by Pokemon like Tesshiido or even when you are faced with an unwanted match-up
Teammates and Counters

  • Hippopotas, being the only Pokemon in LC that can start permanent Sandstorm, can be a valuable asset to many sweepers, the most notable one being Moguryuu
  • It can also be used as a simple Stealth Rock lead which is also needed for powerful sweepers like Totodile and Dratini, to get useful KOs
  • Any Pokemon packing a super effective special move will alms always be guaranteed the OHKO on Hippopotas as unlike it defense stat, its special defenses stat is lackluster and quite frankly, mediocre
  • Chinchou and Mantyke are both excellent examples of plausible counters as they can easily take down Hippopotas with their STAB attacks; although both must watch out in switching into a super effective attack – Earthquake for Chinchou and Rock Slide for Mantyke
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Toxic
move 2: Slack Off
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Stealth Rock / Protect / Roar
nature: Impish
item: Evolution Stone
evs: 212 HP / 36 Atk / 212 Def / 36 SpD

Set Comments

  • Hippopotas ca effectively utilize a toxic stall set due to its immense amount of bulk
  • Toxic and Slack Off are staples on this set as the are pretty much the basis or centre of the entire strategy involving Toxic Stall, which is used to slowly wear down opposing Pokemon
  • Earthquake is used as an attacking option to hit Steel-types who would otherwise wall this set
  • Stealth Rock can be used for utility although protect can be used to rack up more damage on the opposing Pokemon every other turn; Roar can be used for similar forms of utility
Additional Comments

  • The nature combined with the EVs given maximize Hippopotas’ defensive prowess while also magnifying it rather average offensive power
  • An evolution stone is given to maximize Hippopotas’ durability and defensive prowess, making It this more effective at doing its job of Toxic Stalling
  • Roar can be used with entry hazards supposedly provided by the likes of Tesshiido to rack up larger amount of damage every passing turn
Teammates and Counters

  • See Teammates and Counters for the lead set as they basically apply here as well although in this case, Hippopotas will be harder to take down due to it being much more defensively orientated
[Team Options]

  • All the teammates mentioned in the Lead set
  • Pokemon who receive the Special Defense boost from Sandstorm (Rock-types) usually make some of the best partners to Hippopotas as it make setting up much easier for them
  • Also, Pokemon that have the sand Veil ability, notably Gligar also benefit from the permanent Sandstorm weather status as it makes setting up much easier for them while also, inducing a bit of hax at uncertain times in a battle
[Optional Changes]

  • EVs can have a larger concentration in SpD if necessary
  • Other than a Lead, Hippopotas doesn’t have many other options, offensively or defensively
  • A Curse set can be used but is not recommended to the low level of viability, similarly a Stockpile set can be used but again, this is not recommended to the abundance of Water and Ice type attack in LC; Choice Band falls into the same category
  • In terms of optional moves, Ice Fang can be used on a set to help retaliate against Hippopotas’ common switch ins, such as Gligar which take 4X damage from an Ice-type attack
  • Superpower can be used to better deal with Tesshiido
[Counters]

  • All the counters mentioned in the Lead set
  • Gligar makes an excellent counter as not only does it benefit from the Sandstorm Hippopotas brings, it can also simply set up in Hippopotas’ face while taking miniscule amounts of damage due to its high defense stat
  • Pokemon like Snover who can change the weather effect also prove to be threats to Hippopotas; Snover individually, can easily launch massive amounts of damage with either of its super effective STABs
 
I feel Hippopotas is begging for a Toxic Stall set with an Evolution Stone and Slack Off. It basically makes itself, Earthquake, Toxic, Slack Off, Protect / Stealth Rock.
 

Eo Ut Mortus

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I think Slack Off deserves a slash somewhere on the first set instead of just a mention; with Hippopotas's bulk, it just seems like a sin not to make it a primary option. Even if Hippopotas is not going to be used in a defensive role, the extra longevity is helpful against opposing weather teams.

Second set looks fine except I think it should be renamed "Defensive" (because it doesn't have to be used primarily as a Toxic-staller), and Roar should be slashed in the last slot.

Mention Superpower somewhere (set comments of first set or OC) for a quicker way to kill Tesshiido.
 
Yeah, what about a 4th Gen-esque lead set with like SR/EQ/Slack Off/Roar or something? Taunt isn't really as common in LC, so it could work, right?
 
Just posting to say that I've run an effective Specially Defensive set with an EV spread of 212 HP / 20 Atk / 52 Def / 180 SpD / 20 Spe and a Careful nature. Might be worth a mention
 
I think both Slack Off and Roar should go over Crunch and stuff on the first set. You don't really lead this gen so I would just rename it "Defensive". I always find running offensive moves to be wasteful on Hippo, when with EQ/Toxic/Slack Off/Roar (or SR thrown in somewhere) it makes a fantastic support pokemon.
 
Would a Choice Band set be useful? In OU a while back, I ran a Choice Band Hippowdon as a lead and it worked really well. Powerful Earthquakes plus Sandstorm works really well to beat those frail Focus Sash leads, and it's pretty unpredictable. Something with Earthquake, Ice Fang, Stone Edge, and Crunch might help Hippopotas beat those attacking leads, plus take advantage of its good attack.
 
Leftovers recovery on level 5 pokemon is pretty pathetic. Even with max HP Hippoopotas only recovers 1 HP per turn. Oran Berry should be slashed over Leftovers, since it recovers almost as much as Slack Off; without having to waste a moveslot.
 
This isn't an official check as I am NOT part of the GP team.
Red is removal
Blue is edit

[Overview]

<p>As Weather plays a dominating dominant role in the Little Cup metagame,. the Weather-starters, Pokemon like such as Hippopotas, peak their effectiveness by being able to both set up the field for a teammate to sweeper or shut down the possibility of an opponent’s sweep. Being the only Pokemon in Little Cup to automatically start sandstorm, Hippopotas plays a crucial role in the metagame, balancing other forms of weather while simultaneously assisting Pokemon like Moguryuu in sweeping. Aside from providing sandstorm support, Hippopotas is also capable of many other things such as providing Stealth Rock support, as well as becoming a notable defensive threat by utilizing moves such as Toxic, Protect, Slack Off, and Roar.</p>

[SET]
name: Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Roar / Crunch
move 4: Rock Slide / Protect / Slack Off
nature: Impish
item: Evolution Stone / Leftovers
evs: 212 HP / 36 Atk / 212 Def / 36 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Just like in Generation 4, Hippopotas will continue to be a “Staple Lead” common Pokemon for any Little Cup teams revolving around offensive or defensive strategies, may they be offensive or defensive, associated with the effects of sandstorm. Hippopotas, along with in addition to providing sandstorm support, is also able to provide Stealth Rock support, making it thus more useful as a lead. Earthquake is used mainly because it provides Hippopotas with a strong and reliable STAB attack, while Crunch and/or Rock Slide can be used for coverage reasons. However, aside from these attacking options, there are a couple of other moves that also work nicely on this set:. Roar can be used to deal with troublesome match-ups or simply to scout the opponent's team and deal a bit of residual damage. Protect can be used against Fake Out leads or simpley to gain some Leftovers recovery and while also dishing doing out a bit of sandstorm damage, while Slack off can be used simply to increase Hippopotas’ longevity in a battle.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>An Impish Nature combined with the given EVs maximize Hippopotas’ defensive prowess. It while also, slightly magnifying magnifies its rather average offensive power through the Attack investment. An Evolution Stone is recommended on this particular set as helps Hippopotas to survive for a much longer period of time in a battle, enabling it to repeatedly come in during a battle and restart sandstorm or lay down Stealth Rock. However, Leftovers can be used alternatively for a similar functions as Evolution Stone, although Leftovers will only be useful in the majority of scenarios if you have opted not to use Slack Off on the set. Lastly, Roar is an exceptional move which can be used on the set to deal with unfavorable match-ups and/or in conjunction with additional entry hazards provided by Pokemon like such as Tesshiido.</p>

<p>Being the only Pokemon in Little Cup which can auto-start sandstorm, Hippopotas can be a valuable asset to many sandstorm-orientated sweepers, one of the more notable ones being Moguryuu,. so Pairing Hippopotas up with such Pokemon would betaking takes full use of its supporting capabilities. Also, as it is able to provide Stealth Rock support, which non-sandstorm sweepers, which need at times Stealth Rock support to get certain KOes and eliminate focus sashes,. like Totodile and Dratini are also great teammates for the baby sand-hippo. Also, Packing Pokemon on your team which can handle Pokemon like such as Chinchou and Mantyke would also go a long way in keeping Hippopotas healthy throughout a battle. as The aforementioned Pokemon are great examples of ones which can easily take down Hippopotas due to their STAB, super effective attacks hitting Hippopotas’ lackluster Special Defense.</p>

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Toxic
move 2: Slack Off
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Stealth Rock / Protect / Roar
nature: Impish
item: Evolution Stone
evs: 212 HP / 36 Atk / 212 Def / 36 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Unlike the last set (which looks very similar to this one), the Defensive set attempts to use Hippopotas’ physical bulk to try and “stall-out” opponents through a combination of Toxic and Slack Off, slowly wearing them down as the turns of a battle progress. Earthquake is used mainly on this set as an attacking option. as It helps Hippopotas to defeat already-weakened Pokemon without resorting to use another turn to stall them out with Slack Off. Stealth Rock gives this set a supporting aspect as although it helps Hippopotas pre-weaken opponents Pokemon, it and also assists its teammates when they are attempting a sweep. However, Protect, however, can be used to furthermore enhance the whole “stalling” strategy associated with this set,. while Roar can be used in conjunction with entry hazard support to rack up residual damage additional amounts of damage.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The exact same EV spread and nature as the previous set is used here and, as in the previous set, as, once again, it maximizes Hippopotas’ defensive prowess while also slightly increasing Hippopotas’ power output. An Evolution Stone is highly recommended as it increases the hippo Pokemon’s durability and longevity in a battle, making it thus more effective in doing its job of slowly wearing down an opponent through means of stall. Pokemon like such as Tesshiido and Ishizumi make excellent partners for Hippopotas as the entry hazards theytheir Spike support is are able to provide are invaluable,. as They hasten the process of stalling an opponent’s Pokemon out They help provide more residual damage when an opponent's Pokemon switches in. Also, Just like the Lead set, Pokemon like such as Chinchou and Mantyke are huge problems for Hippopotas as they are able to land the STAB, super effective attacks on hitting Hippopotas’ weaker special defensive side. However, it should be noted that this set is a lot harder to take down due to it being significantly more defensively inclined than the Lead set.</p>

[Team Options]

<p>Due to Hippopotas’s ability, Sandstream, Pokemon which benefit from permanent sandstorm tend to be the best teammates to Hippopotas;. Moguryuu would be is a prime example,; as with the speed boost from sandstorm, it becomes a ridiculously powerful sweeper. Additionally, Rock-type Pokemon, (which get a Special Defense boost from sandstorm), also are also great Pokemon to use alongside Hippopotas. as With the Special defensive boost, setting up becomes a lot more easy for them. Also, Pokemon including Gligar and Cacnea with the Sand Veil ability also benefit from sandstorm as it makes setting up, and sweeping overall, easier due to the larger luck factor coming into play. Lastly, as Hippopotas is also able to provide Stealth Rock support,. Pokemon which get certain KOes or enjoy broken Focus Sashes also make decent teammates to Hippopotas; Dratini and Totodile would be are great examples as both despise Focus Sashes and both get certain KOes with Stealth Rock on the opponent’s side of the field.</p>

[Optional Changes]

<p>If necessary, the EVs can be more largely invested into Special Defense, although even with maximum Special Defense, Hippopotas will still have trouble with the likes of Mantyke and Chinchou. Aside from the recommended sets, Hippopotas doesn’t have many other options, whether they are offensively- or defensively-orientated;. A Curse set can be used but is not recommended due to it being quite circumstantial and having quite a low level of viability. Similarly, a Stockpile set can be run although it is not recommended for similar reasoning reasons as the Curse set. A Choice Band set can be used to some success but due to Hippopotas’ meager offensive-stats, Choice Band Hippopotas it will almost always find itself being outclassed. In terms of other moves Hippopotas can use:, Ice Fang can be used to better deal with Gligar, a common switch-in to Hippopotas, while Superpower can be used to deal with Tesshiido, who is expecting to set up a couple of free layers of entry hazards on Hippopotas.</p>

[Counters]

<p>Pokemon such as Chinchou and Mantyke, which can super effectively hit Hippopotas on its weaker specially defensive side with their STAB attacks, are the biggest threats Hippopotas has to deal with in the Little Cup metagame,. as if The aforementioned Pokemon are able to switch get in on anything but except for a super effective attack,. Hippopotas will be forced to switch or be fall to an OHKOed. While also being a great teammate for Hippopotas, Gligar is also one of its worst nightmares. as Not only does it benefit from the permanent sandstorm Hippopotas brings, but it can also set-up without fear of any of Hippopotas’ moves, 9except Roar), due to its massive base defense stat. Lastly, Pokemon like such as Snover and Vulpix which can alter the weather. prove to be challenges for Hippopotas; although Vulpix must be wary of switching into a super effective Earthquake, Snover doesn’t fear Hippopotas at the slightest and can easily dispatch of it through either of its super effective STABs.</p>


[Overview]

<p>Weather plays a dominant role in the Little Cup metagame. Weather-starters, such as Hippopotas, peak their effectiveness by being able to both set up the field for a teammate sweeper or shut down the possibility of an opponent’s sweep. Being the only Pokemon in Little Cup to automatically start sandstorm, Hippopotas plays a crucial role in the metagame, balancing other forms of weather while simultaneously assisting Pokemon like Moguryuu in sweeping. Aside from providing sandstorm support, Hippopotas is also capable of many other things such as providing Stealth Rock support, as well as becoming a notable defensive threat by utilizing moves such as Toxic, Protect, Slack Off, and Roar.</p>

[SET]
name: Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Roar / Crunch
move 4: Rock Slide / Protect / Slack Off
nature: Impish
item: Evolution Stone / Leftovers
evs: 212 HP / 36 Atk / 212 Def / 36 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Just like in Generation 4, Hippopotas will continue to be a common Pokemon for any Little Cup team revolving around offensive or defensive strategies associated with sandstorm. Hippopotas, in addition to providing sandstorm support, is also able to provide Stealth Rock support, making it more useful as a lead. Earthquake is used mainly because it provides Hippopotas with a strong and reliable STAB attack, while Crunch and/or Rock Slide can be used for coverage reasons. However, aside from these attacking options, there are a couple of other moves that also work nicely on this set. Roar can be used to deal with troublesome match-ups or simply to scout the opponent's team and deal a bit of residual damage. Protect can be used against Fake Out leads or simply to gain Leftovers recovery also doing sandstorm damage, while Slack off can be used to increase Hippopotas’ longevity in a battle.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>An Impish Nature combined with the given EVs maximize Hippopotas’ defensive prowess. It also slightly magnifies its rather average offensive power through the Attack investment. An Evolution Stone is recommended on this particular set as helps Hippopotas to survive for a much longer period of time in a battle, enabling it to repeatedly come in during a battle and restart sandstorm or lay down Stealth Rock. However, Leftovers can be used alternatively for a similar function as Evolution Stone, although Leftovers will only be useful in the majority of scenarios if you have opted not to use Slack Off on the set. Lastly, Roar is an exceptional move which can be used on the set to deal with unfavorable match-ups and/or in conjunction with additional entry hazards provided by Pokemon such as Tesshiido.</p>

<p>Being the only Pokemon in Little Cup which can auto-start sandstorm, Hippopotas can be a valuable asset to many sandstorm-orientated sweepers, one of the more notable ones being Moguryuu. Pairing Hippopotas with such Pokemon takes full use of its supporting capabilities. Also, it is able to provide Stealth Rock support, which non-sandstorm sweepers need at times to get certain KOes and eliminate focus sashes. Totodile and Dratini are great teammates for the baby sand-hippo. Packing Pokemon on your team which can handle Pokemon such as Chinchou and Mantyke also go a long way in keeping Hippopotas healthy throughout a battle. The aforementioned Pokemon are great examples of ones which can easily take down Hippopotas due to their STAB, super effective attacks hitting Hippopotas’ lackluster Special Defense.</p>

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Toxic
move 2: Slack Off
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Stealth Rock / Protect / Roar
nature: Impish
item: Evolution Stone
evs: 212 HP / 36 Atk / 212 Def / 36 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Unlike the last set (which looks very similar to this one), the Defensive set attempts to use Hippopotas’ physical bulk to try and “stall” opponents through a combination of Toxic and Slack Off, slowly wearing them down as the turns of a battle progress. Earthquake is used mainly on this set as an attacking option. It helps Hippopotas to defeat already weakened Pokemon without resorting to using another turn to stall them out with Slack Off. Stealth Rock gives this set a supporting aspect as it helps Hippopotas weaken opponents Pokemon and also assists its’ teammates when they are attempting a sweep. Protect, however, can be used to furthermore enhance the whole “stalling” strategy associated with this set. Roar can be used in conjunction with entry hazard support to rack up residual damage.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The exact same EV spread and nature as the previous set is used here and once again maximizes Hippopotas’ defensive prowess while also slightly increasing Hippopotas’ power. An Evolution Stone is highly recommended as it increases the hippo Pokemon’s durability and longevity in a battle, making it more effective in slowly wearing down an opponent through means of stall. Pokemon such as Tesshiido and Ishizumi make excellent partners for Hippopotas as their Spike support is invaluable. They help provide more residual damage when an opponent's Pokemon switches in. Just like the Lead set, Pokemon such as Chinchou and Mantyke are huge problems for Hippopotas as they are able to land the STAB, super effective attacks hitting Hippopotas’ weaker special defensive side. However, it should be noted that this set is a lot harder to take down due to it being significantly more defensively inclined than the Lead set.</p>

[Team Options]

<p>Due to Hippopotas’s ability, Sandstream, Pokemon which benefit from permanent sandstorm tend to be the best teammates to Hippopotas. Moguryuu is a prime example; with the speed boost from sandstorm, it becomes a powerful sweeper. Additionally, Rock-type Pokemon, which get a Special Defense boost from sandstorm, are also great Pokemon to use alongside Hippopotas. With the special defensive boost, setting up becomes a lot more easy for them. Pokemon including Gligar and Cacnea with the Sand Veil ability also benefit from sandstorm as it makes setting up, and sweeping overall, easier due to the larger luck factor coming into play. Lastly, Hippopotas is also able to provide Stealth Rock support. Pokemon which get certain KOes or enjoy broken Focus Sashes also make decent teammates to Hippopotas; Dratini and Totodile are great examples as both despise Focus Sashes and both get certain KOes with Stealth Rock on the opponent’s side of the field.</p>

[Optional Changes]

<p>If necessary, the EVs can be more largely invested into Special Defense, although even with maximum Special Defense, Hippopotas will still have trouble with the likes of Mantyke and Chinchou. Aside from the recommended sets, Hippopotas doesn’t have many other options, whether they are offensively- or defensively-orientated. A Curse set can be used but is not recommended due to it being quite circumstantial and having a low level of viability. Similarly, a Stockpile set can be run although it is not recommended for similar reasons as the Curse set. Choice Band can be used to some success but due to Hippopotas’ meager offensive-stats, it will almost always find itself being outclassed. In terms of other moves Hippopotas can use:, Ice Fang can be used to better deal with Gligar, a common switch-in to Hippopotas, while Superpower can be used to deal with Tesshiido, who is expecting to set up a couple of free layers of entry hazards on Hippopotas.</p>

[Counters]

<p>Pokemon such as Chinchou and Mantyke, which can super effectively hit Hippopotas on its weaker specially defensive side with their STAB attacks, are the biggest threats Hippopotas has to deal with. The aforementioned Pokemon are able to switch in on anything except for a super effective attack. Hippopotas will be forced to switch or be OHKOed. While also being a great teammate for Hippopotas, Gligar is also one of its worst nightmares. Not only does it benefit from the permanent sandstorm Hippopotas brings, but it can also set-up without fear of any of Hippopotas’ moves, except Roar, due to its massive base defense stat. Lastly, Pokemon such as Snover and Vulpix which can alter the weather. Vulpix must be wary of switching into a super effective Earthquake, Snover doesn’t fear Hippopotas at the slightest and can easily dispatch of it through either of its super effective STABs.</p>
 

jc104

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<p>As weather plays a dominant dominating role in the Little Cup metagame, the weather-starters, Pokemon like Hippopotas peak their effectiveness are extremely important, as they are being able to both set up the field for a teammate to sweep or and shut down the possibility of an opponent’s sweep. Being the only Pokemon in Little Cup to automatically start sandstorm, Hippopotas plays a crucial role in the metagame, balancing other forms of weather while simultaneously assisting Pokemon like Moguryuu in sweeping. Aside from providing sandstorm support, Hippopotas is also capable of many other things such as providing Stealth Rock support as well as becoming a notable defensive threat by utilizing moves such as Toxic, Protect, Slack Off and Roar.</p>

[SET]
name: Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Roar / Crunch
move 4: Rock Slide / Protect / Slack Off
nature: Impish
item: Evolution Stone / Leftovers
evs: 212 HP / 36 Atk / 212 Def / 36 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Just like in Generation 4, Hippopotas will continue to be a “Staple Lead” for any Little Cup team revolving around strategies,
may they be offensive or defensive, associated with the effects of sandstorm. Hippopotas, along with providing Sandstorm support, is also able to provide Stealth Rock support, thus making thus a more useful as a lead. Earthquake is used mainly because it provides Hippopotas with a strong and reliable STAB attack, while Crunch and/or Rock Slide can be used for coverage reasons. However, aside from these attacking options, there are a couple of other moves that also work nicely on this set: Roar can be used to deal with troublesome match-ups or simply to scout the opponent's team and deal a bit of residual damage; Protect can be used against Fake out leads and can be used or simply to gain some Leftovers recovery while also dishing out a bit of Sandstorm damage; and while Slack off can be used simply to increase Hippopotas’ longevity in a battle.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>An Impish Nature combined with the given EVs maximizes Hippopotas’ defensive prowess while also
, slightly magnifying supplementing its rather average offensive power through the Attack investment. An Evolution Stone is recommended on this particular set as it helps Hippopotas to survive for a much longer period of time in a battle, enabling it to repeatedly come in during a battle and to restart sandstorm or lay down Stealth Rock. However, Leftovers can be used alternatively for similar reasons functions as Evolution Stone, although Leftovers will only be useful in the majority of scenarios if you have opted not to use Slack Off on the set. Lastly, Roar is an exceptional move which can be used on the set to deal with unfavorable match-ups and/or in conjunction with additional entry hazards provided by Pokemon like Tesshiido.</p>

<p>Being the only Pokemon in Little Cup which can
auto-start sandstorm automatically, Hippopotas can be a valuable asset to many sandstorm-orientated sweepers, one of the more notable ones being Moguryuu, so pairing Hippopotas up with such Pokemon would be taking full use of its supporting capabilities. Also, as it is able to provide Stealth Rock support, non-sandstorm sweepers like Totodile and Dratini, which need Stealth Rock support to get certain KOs and eliminate focus sashes, like Totodile and Dratini are also great teammates for the baby sand-hippo. Also, packing Pokemon on your team which can handle Pokemon like Chinchou and Mantyke would go a long way in keeping Hippopotas healthy throughout a battle as the aforementioned Pokemon are great examples of ones which can easily take down Hippopotas with due to their STAB, super effective attacks, hitting Hippopotas’ lackluster Special Defense.</p>

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Toxic
move 2: Slack Off
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Stealth Rock / Protect / Roar
nature: Impish
item: Evolution Stone
evs: 212 HP / 36 Atk / 212 Def / 36 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Unlike the last set (which look very similar to this one), the Defensive set attempts to use Hippopotas’ physical bulk to try and “stall-out” opponents through a combination of Toxic and Slack Off, slowly wearing them down as the turns of a battle progress. Earthquake is used mainly on this set as an attacking option as it helps Hippopotas to defeat
already-weakened Pokemon already weakened without resorting to use another turn having to to stall them out with Slack Off. Stealth Rock gives this set a supporting aspect as although it helps in addition to helping Hippopotas pre-weaken opponents’ Pokemon, it also assists Hippopotas' its’ teammates when they are attempting a sweep. However, Protect can be used to furthermore enhance the whole “stalling strategy associated with this set, while Roar can be used in conjunction with entry hazard support to rack up damage additional amounts of damage.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The
exact EV Spread and Nature is used here, as in the previous set, as, once again, it maximize Hippopotas’ defensive capabilities prowess while also slightly increasing Hippopotas’ power output. An Evolution Stone is highly recommended as it increases the hippo Pokemon’s durability and longevity in a battle, making it thus more effective in doing its job of slowly wearing down an opponent through means of stall. Pokemon like Tesshiido make excellent partners for Hippopotas as the entry hazards they are able to provide are invaluable, as they hasten hastening the process of stalling an opponent’s Pokemon out. Also, just like as with the Lead set, Pokemon like Chinchou and Mantyke are huge problems for Hippopotas as they are able to land the STAB, super effective attacks on Hippopotas’ weaker defensive side. However, it should be noted that this set is a lot harder to take down as it is due to it being significantly more defensively inclined than the Lead set.</p>

[Team Options]

<p>Due to Hippopotas’ ability, Sandstream, Pokemon which benefit from permanent sandstorm tend to be the best teammates to Hippopotas; Moguryuu would be a prime example, as with the Speed boost from sandstorm, it becomes a ridiculously powerful sweeper. Additionally, Rock-Type Pokemon
(which get a Special Defense boost from sandstorm) also are great Pokemon to use alongside Hippopotas, as with the Special defensive boost, setting up becomes a lot more easy easier for them. Also, Pokemon including Gligar and Cacnea with the Sand Veil ability also benefit from sandstorm as it makes setting up and sweeping overall, easier due to the larger luck factor coming into play. Lastly, as Hippopotas is also able to provide Stealth Rock support, Pokemon which get certain KOs or enjoy broken Focus sashes also make decent teammates to Hippopotas; Dratini and Totodile would be great examples as both despise Focus sashes and both get certain KOs with Stealth Rock on the opponent’s side of the field.</p>

[Optional Changes]

<p>If necessary, the EVs can be
more largely invested more into Special Defense, although even with maximum Special Defense, Hippopotas will still have trouble with the likes of Mantyke and Chinchou. Aside from the recommended sets, Hippopotas doesn’t have many other options, offensively- or defensively-orientated (remove hyphens): a Curse set can be used but is not recommended due to it being quite circumstantial and having quite a low level of viability (terrible argument – replace with why you actually shouldn't use curse hippo – eg. exploitable special defense). Similarly, a Stockpile set can be run although it is not recommended for similar reasoning as the Curse set. A Choice Band set can be used to some success but due to Hippopotas’ meager offensive-stats, Choice Band Hippopotas will almost always find itself being outclassed. In terms of other moves Hippopotas can use, Ice Fang can be used to better deal with Gligar, a common switch-in to Hippopotas, while Superpower can be used to deal with Tesshiido, expecting to set up a couple of free layers of entry hazards on Hippopotas.</p>

[Counters]

<p>Pokemon such as Chinchou and Mantyke, which can super effectively hit Hippopotas on its weaker defensive side with their STAB attacks, are the biggest threats Hippopotas has to deal with in the Little Cup metagame, as if the aforementioned are able to get in on anything but a super effective attack, Hippopotas will be forced to switch or fall to an OHKO. While also being a great teammate for Hippopotas, Gligar is also one of its worst nightmares as not only does it benefit from the permanent sandstorm Hippopotas brings, but it can also set up without fear of any of Hippopotas’ moves
9except Roar) due to its massive base Defense stat. Lastly, Pokemon like Snover and Vulpix which can alter the weather prove to be challenges for Hippopotas; although Vulpix must be wary of switching into a super effective Earthquake, Snover doesn’t fear Hippopotas at in the slightest and can easily dispatch of Hippopotas through either of its super effective STABs.</p>
GP check 1.
Be sure to replace all of the Japanese names with the English ones. I also suspect that you may need to change your apostrophes to the more vertical ones if this is ever to go on site.
 

Aerrow

hunter
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Top Team Rater Alumnusis a Community Leader Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
Thanks, jc104! Also, Fate already stamped AlphaJolt's Check, so this has now received 2 GP Checks, and is now done.
 

Zephyr

Life Stream
is a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Researcher Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Moderator Alumnus
The [Team Options] Section is to now be removed due to the new format.


( You should still mention team mates in the AC section of each given set)
 

Oglemi

Borf
is a Top Contributoris a Tournament Director Alumnusis a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Researcher Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Smogon Media Contributor Alumnusis an Administrator Alumnusis a Top Dedicated Tournament Host Alumnus
<p>As weather plays a dominant role in the Little Cup metagame, weather-starters like Hippopotas are extremely important, as they are able to both set up the field for a teammate to sweep and shut down an opponent’s's sweep. Being the only Pokemon in Little Cup to automatically start sandstorm, Hippopotas plays a crucial role in the metagame, balancing other forms of weather while simultaneously assisting Pokemon like Drilbur in sweeping. Aside from providing sandstorm support, Hippopotas is also capable of many other things such as providing Stealth Rock support as well as becoming a notable defensive threat by utilizing moves such as Toxic, Protect, Slack Off, (comma) and Roar.</p>

You're going to have to go through the analysis and replace all of the curly shit with regular shit. Sorry dude.
 

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