http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/dewgong
On-site analysis lacks depth and could use with an update
[Overview]
<p>Dewgong has never been a common sight in the UU metagame. It's severely outclassed by its cousin Walrein, in terms of both overall stats and ability. Dewgong's defensive stats should by no means be dismissed, however, and its unique ability, Hydration, distinguishes it from its Water- and Ice-type brethren. Dewgong's part Ice typing is quite a mixed blessing. STAB Ice-type moves are always welcome on any team, hitting many common Pokemon super effectively. Defensively, however, Dewgong's Ice typing does it no favors. Stealth Rock hinders Dewgong's ability to tank attacks, as taking 25% damage each time it switches in will wear it down very quickly. But even with these drawbacks taken into consideration, Dewgong can still act as a decent tank in UU play, with handy resistances to the omnipresent Ice- and Water-type attacks.</p>
[SET]
name: Rain Dance
move 1: Rain Dance
move 2: Surf
move 3: Ice Beam / Toxic
move 4: Rest
item: Damp Rock / Leftovers
ability: Hydration
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 162 SpA / 96 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set is based around utilizing Dewgong's ability, Hydration. After Rain Dance is set up, Rest becomes a means of recovery that is both instantaneous and reliable. STAB Surf in the rain will hit any Pokemon that does not resist it for significant damage. Ice Beam is Dewgong's second STAB move, which, when paired with Surf, provides excellent all-around coverage. Toxic is a useful option to consider, depending on the rest of your team; it can cripple bulky walls such as Milotic and Chansey, forcing them to either switch out or die, which can be an effective way to rack up damage if entry hazards are present.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>At a glance, the EV spread might appear to be rather haphazard; however, it is in fact quite simple and effective. 96 Speed EVs guarantee that Dewgong will outspeed notable threats such as max Speed Aggron and Rock Polish Torterra (before the boost). 252 HP EVs give it as much bulk as possible, while the remaining EVs are dumped into Special Attack to give Dewgong some much needed offensive firepower. Unfortunately, since there aren't any Pokemon in the UU metagame that can set up permanent rain, Dewgong is left to perform that task for itself. Thanks to its bulk, it can take a hit or two, set up rain, and let teammates such as Kabutops and Ludicolo wreak havoc. Damp Rock should always be Dewgong's primary item choice, as it grants three (very much appreciated) additional turns of rain. However, if you have other Pokemon to set up rain on the team, then Leftovers is a good alternative.</p>
[OPTIONAL CHANGES]
<p>Dewgong can also use a physically based set with Waterfall and Avalanche instead of Surf and Ice Beam; if you decide to use this set, the EVs and nature should of course be changed accordingly. Ice Shard and Aqua Jet both get STAB, but still do a pitiful amount of damage, even against Pokemon that are weak to them. Blizzard is a viable option if you are using Dewgong in a hail based team, as the additional Base Power is greatly welcomed. Signal Beam is the only other attacking option available for Dewgong, besides Hidden Power, but is considered redundant, as Ice Beam offers pretty much the same type coverage while hitting Dark- and Psychic-types almost as hard, thanks to STAB. Dewgong can try pseudo-hazing with Perish Song, but this is usually better left to more defensive Pokemon like Lapras. An interesting alternative is Encore, which can force switches or create openings for fellow sweepers, allowing them to set up on an opposing Pokemon that is locked into an unthreatening move. Thick Fat can replace Hydration outside of rain, but you're still better off using other bulky Water-type Pokemon such as Milotic or Blastoise.</p>
[TEAM OPTIONS]
<p>Rapid Spin support is greatly appreciated by Dewgong, as losing 25% of its health to Stealth Rock upon every switchin is not desirable. Donphan can take Electric- and Rock-type attacks aimed at Dewgong and has access to both Stealth Rock and Rapid Spin, making it an ideal partner. Offensive Fire-type Pokemon such as Arcanine and Blaziken also make great teammates, as they can remove Chansey and Registeel, two major annoyances to Dewgong. Dugtrio can come in on an Electric-type Pokemon, such as Manectric and Raichu, trap it, and proceed to destroy it with STAB Earthquake. Chansey can easily take any special attack aimed at Dewgong, thanks to its gigantic HP and Special Defense stats, while Hitmontop and Registeel can take most physical attacks. Pokemon with the Swift Swim ability, most notably Kabutops and Ludicolo, can abuse the rain that Dewgong sets up.</p>
[COUNTERS]
<p>With its poor offensive stats, Dewgong certainly doesn't pose much of threat to most of the metagame. Bulky Water-type Pokemon such as Milotic and Blastoise have nothing to fear, except for Toxic; if they are running a RestTalk sets, then they can switch into Dewgong with absolute impunity. Clefable is immune to status and boasts great Special Defense, making it an ideal counter; it is able to inflict status on, set up on, or Encore Dewgong. Poliwrath can easily switch in on any move not named Toxic, set up a Substitute, and proceed to pummel Dewgong with STAB Focus Punch. Bulky Pokemon in general that either are immune to Toxic or can remove status afflictions can easily set up on Dewgong. Trick users immediately cripple Dewgong by locking it into a move, forcing it to switch. Having Stealth Rock up will limit how freely Dewgong can switch in and out, hindering its performance.</p>
On-site analysis lacks depth and could use with an update
[Overview]
<p>Dewgong has never been a common sight in the UU metagame. It's severely outclassed by its cousin Walrein, in terms of both overall stats and ability. Dewgong's defensive stats should by no means be dismissed, however, and its unique ability, Hydration, distinguishes it from its Water- and Ice-type brethren. Dewgong's part Ice typing is quite a mixed blessing. STAB Ice-type moves are always welcome on any team, hitting many common Pokemon super effectively. Defensively, however, Dewgong's Ice typing does it no favors. Stealth Rock hinders Dewgong's ability to tank attacks, as taking 25% damage each time it switches in will wear it down very quickly. But even with these drawbacks taken into consideration, Dewgong can still act as a decent tank in UU play, with handy resistances to the omnipresent Ice- and Water-type attacks.</p>
[SET]
name: Rain Dance
move 1: Rain Dance
move 2: Surf
move 3: Ice Beam / Toxic
move 4: Rest
item: Damp Rock / Leftovers
ability: Hydration
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 162 SpA / 96 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set is based around utilizing Dewgong's ability, Hydration. After Rain Dance is set up, Rest becomes a means of recovery that is both instantaneous and reliable. STAB Surf in the rain will hit any Pokemon that does not resist it for significant damage. Ice Beam is Dewgong's second STAB move, which, when paired with Surf, provides excellent all-around coverage. Toxic is a useful option to consider, depending on the rest of your team; it can cripple bulky walls such as Milotic and Chansey, forcing them to either switch out or die, which can be an effective way to rack up damage if entry hazards are present.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>At a glance, the EV spread might appear to be rather haphazard; however, it is in fact quite simple and effective. 96 Speed EVs guarantee that Dewgong will outspeed notable threats such as max Speed Aggron and Rock Polish Torterra (before the boost). 252 HP EVs give it as much bulk as possible, while the remaining EVs are dumped into Special Attack to give Dewgong some much needed offensive firepower. Unfortunately, since there aren't any Pokemon in the UU metagame that can set up permanent rain, Dewgong is left to perform that task for itself. Thanks to its bulk, it can take a hit or two, set up rain, and let teammates such as Kabutops and Ludicolo wreak havoc. Damp Rock should always be Dewgong's primary item choice, as it grants three (very much appreciated) additional turns of rain. However, if you have other Pokemon to set up rain on the team, then Leftovers is a good alternative.</p>
[OPTIONAL CHANGES]
<p>Dewgong can also use a physically based set with Waterfall and Avalanche instead of Surf and Ice Beam; if you decide to use this set, the EVs and nature should of course be changed accordingly. Ice Shard and Aqua Jet both get STAB, but still do a pitiful amount of damage, even against Pokemon that are weak to them. Blizzard is a viable option if you are using Dewgong in a hail based team, as the additional Base Power is greatly welcomed. Signal Beam is the only other attacking option available for Dewgong, besides Hidden Power, but is considered redundant, as Ice Beam offers pretty much the same type coverage while hitting Dark- and Psychic-types almost as hard, thanks to STAB. Dewgong can try pseudo-hazing with Perish Song, but this is usually better left to more defensive Pokemon like Lapras. An interesting alternative is Encore, which can force switches or create openings for fellow sweepers, allowing them to set up on an opposing Pokemon that is locked into an unthreatening move. Thick Fat can replace Hydration outside of rain, but you're still better off using other bulky Water-type Pokemon such as Milotic or Blastoise.</p>
[TEAM OPTIONS]
<p>Rapid Spin support is greatly appreciated by Dewgong, as losing 25% of its health to Stealth Rock upon every switchin is not desirable. Donphan can take Electric- and Rock-type attacks aimed at Dewgong and has access to both Stealth Rock and Rapid Spin, making it an ideal partner. Offensive Fire-type Pokemon such as Arcanine and Blaziken also make great teammates, as they can remove Chansey and Registeel, two major annoyances to Dewgong. Dugtrio can come in on an Electric-type Pokemon, such as Manectric and Raichu, trap it, and proceed to destroy it with STAB Earthquake. Chansey can easily take any special attack aimed at Dewgong, thanks to its gigantic HP and Special Defense stats, while Hitmontop and Registeel can take most physical attacks. Pokemon with the Swift Swim ability, most notably Kabutops and Ludicolo, can abuse the rain that Dewgong sets up.</p>
[COUNTERS]
<p>With its poor offensive stats, Dewgong certainly doesn't pose much of threat to most of the metagame. Bulky Water-type Pokemon such as Milotic and Blastoise have nothing to fear, except for Toxic; if they are running a RestTalk sets, then they can switch into Dewgong with absolute impunity. Clefable is immune to status and boasts great Special Defense, making it an ideal counter; it is able to inflict status on, set up on, or Encore Dewgong. Poliwrath can easily switch in on any move not named Toxic, set up a Substitute, and proceed to pummel Dewgong with STAB Focus Punch. Bulky Pokemon in general that either are immune to Toxic or can remove status afflictions can easily set up on Dewgong. Trick users immediately cripple Dewgong by locking it into a move, forcing it to switch. Having Stealth Rock up will limit how freely Dewgong can switch in and out, hindering its performance.</p>
