[OVERVIEW]
Amoonguss should be the first Pokemon under consideration when redirection is required, as it's often the best suited for it. Likewise, its low Speed and access to Spore make it valuable when Trick Room support, or a counter to Trick Room, is needed. Regenerator is an excellent ability for keeping Amoonguss healthy throughout battles, although it's comparably not as strong as it has been in previous years as a result of a more offensive metagame making switches more punishing. It also has excellent natural defenses which, when combined with resistances to common types such as Fairy and Water, generally allow it to take hits very well. However, its typing is a double-edged sword, as it also causes Amoonguss to be weak against Fire and Flying, which creates issues against common foes such as Primal Groudon and Mega Rayquaza. Furthermore, while Spore is a great move, preparing against Smeargle's Dark Void is so common that it inadvertently hurts Amoonguss's ability to put foes to sleep, as well-constructed teams are generally prepared against status. You should also be aware that Amoonguss is almost entirely a team player, as it lacks offensive presence despite Grass Knot's often high Base Power. It should also be ensured that Amoonguss is not outclassed on a specific team by other redirectors such as Togekiss and Clefairy, which might situationally be more appropriate picks.
[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Rage Powder
move 2: Spore
move 3: Grass Knot / Clear Smog
move 4: Protect
item: Sitrus Berry / Mental Herb
ability: Regenerator
nature: Sassy
evs: 244 HP / 60 Def / 204 SpD
ivs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Rage Powder is the main reason to use Amoonguss, as it protects Amoonguss's allies against single-target moves by redirecting them. Spore is the most reliable method of putting foes to sleep available and is therefore a great move for debilitating foes. Spore is also an excellent check to opposing Trick Room setters, as they'll be put to sleep before they can use the move as a result of its negative priority. Grass Knot provides an offensive option that has a high Base Power against the format's often very heavy Pokemon, in particular dealing excellent damage to Primal Kyogre. Clear Smog is used almost exclusively to counter Xerneas, as it removes the stat boosts gained from Geomancy. However, it can also help deal with other setup sweepers such as Power-Up Punch Mega Kangaskhan. Protect provides the option of shielding Amoonguss for a turn, allowing its partner a turn to maneuver.
Set Details
========
Sitrus Berry is Amoonguss's preferred item, as it improves Amoonguss's longevity by recovering 25% of its total health and in doing so prevents a number of 2HKOs. Mental Herb can be used instead, however, to block a single use of Taunt, as this could otherwise shut down Amoonguss's ability to support its team. Regenerator is Amoonguss's better ability, as the healing it provides allows Amoonguss to remain healthy late-game. A notable downside to its alternative, Effect Spore, is that it interferes with Amoonguss's ability to use Spore if the foe is poisoned, for example. A Speed-reducing nature and 0 Speed IVs are used to allow Amoonguss to move sooner under the effect of Trick Room, as its low base Speed means it doesn't mind the irrelevant loss in Speed even when operating outside of Trick Room. 244 HP EVs are used to get an even number of HP, which causes Sitrus Berry to activate after Amoonguss takes a Super Fang from Crobat. 60 Defense EVs allow Amoonguss to take two Precipice Blades from Adamant Primal Groudon including Sitrus Berry recovery. They also allow Amoonguss to survive a Double-Edge from Jolly Mega Kangaskhan if another item is used instead. 204 Special Defense EVs allow Amoonguss to take two Ice Beams from Timid Primal Kyogre including Sitrus Berry recovery.
Usage Tips
========
While Amoonguss works well at most stages of the game, it generally prefers being used early-game the most. This is because Regenerator's recovery will be used more often and because supporters with low offensive pressure, like Amoonguss, have a hard time closing out games. You'll typically want to avoid using attacking moves over Rage Powder or Spore, as Amoonguss's damage output is poor. An exception, however, is when Amoonguss is being threatened by Taunt, as you might want to attack to avoid wasting a turn. Take opportunities to switch Amoonguss out if it has taken damage or is being threatened, as Regenerator will heal it for doing so. However, it's also sometimes fine to let Amoonguss faint to a big hit, as it might have already done its job in doing so. This then allows a potentially more appropriate partner to switch in for free, continuing your team's momentum. Be aware that neither Rage Powder nor Spore will function against Grass-types or foes holding Safety Goggles.
Team Options
========
Trick Room setters such as Cresselia, Dialga, and Palkia can help Amoonguss take advantage of its low Speed stat by reversing the turn order. Primal Groudon appreciates Amoonguss's ability to deal with Primal Kyogre and, in the case of a special attacking variant, protect it from chip damage to maintain Eruption's high Base Power. Primal Kyogre similarly enjoys having Electric-type attacks such as Thunderbolt redirected, particularly to preserve its HP for Water Spout. In return, Primal Kyogre's Primordial Sea makes Amoonguss immune to Fire-type attacks, which it's otherwise weak to. Furthermore, Amoonguss has tools to keep Xerneas in check, which Primal Kyogre would otherwise struggle with. Flying-types such as Ho-Oh and Yveltal also appreciate being defended against Electric-type attacks. Setup sweepers such as Geomancy Xerneas and Power-Up Punch Mega Kangaskhan have an easier time using their moves safely with Amoonguss available to redirect attacks away from them. Mega Kangaskhan synergizes with Amoonguss particularly well, as Amoonguss resists the Fighting-type moves Mega Kangaskhan is weak to. Mewtwo is quite physically frail and therefore enjoys being safer in the face of physical attacks, especially Sucker Punch, which will fail when Rage Powder is used.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Giga Drain remains an option if you'd prefer Amoonguss was able to regenerate health at the cost of a reduced damage output. Sludge Bomb deals more consistent damage and helps to check opposing Fairy-types. Foul Play deals good damage to foes with high Attack and is therefore particularly useful in checking setup sweepers, but Amoonguss doesn't get STAB from it, so its damage output can be disappointing compared to that of other users of the move. Hidden Power Fire can be used to help deal with Steel-types such as Ferrothorn, but its damage output is quite pitiful. Gastro Acid and Worry Seed provide a form of weather control by removing the effects of Primordial Sea and Desolate Land, and they can additionally be used to neuter foes that rely on their abilities such as Mega Kangaskhan and Mega Mawile. After You provides a form of speed control under Trick Room, as it allows normally faster allies to move after Amoonguss when used. A more physically defensive spread such as 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD with a Relaxed nature and Rocky Helmet better deals with physical attackers, but the reverse is usually preferred. Lum Berry helps to check Smeargle, as Amoonguss can use Spore to shut it down while its teammate uses Protect. Coba Berry and Occa Berry are useful if your team is particularly threatened by foes like Talonflame. While Focus Sash might seem strange on such a bulky Pokemon, it can be useful to survive a single very powerful attack such as Mega Rayquaza's Dragon Ascent or Primal Groudon's Eruption. Black Sludge and Leftovers provide an alternative to Sitrus Berry if it's in greater competition on a teammate as a result of the Item Clause.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Flying-type Pokemon**: Flying-types such as Rayquaza, Talonflame, and Mega Salamence can all OHKO Amoonguss and, moreover, 4x resist Grass. Rayquaza checks it particularly well, as Extreme Speed is on the same +2 priority bracket as Rage Powder, making it unable to be redirected outside of Trick Room. It also commonly holds a Lum Berry, which blocks a single use of Spore.
**Fire-type Pokemon**: Fire-types such as Primal Groudon, Ho-Oh, and Infernape deal super effective damage to Amoonguss with their Fire-type STAB moves. Primal Groudon notably has access to Eruption, which can target Amoonguss's allies due to being a spread attack regardless of Rage Powder. Ho-Oh also commonly uses Substitute, which can block Spore from affecting it.
**Ice-type Pokemon**: Ice-types such as Kyurem-W and Weavile can OHKO Amoonguss when holding a boosting item such as Life Orb. Kyurem-W is particularly dangerous to Amoonguss when seen on Gravity teams, as it can then hit Amoonguss's teammate with Blizzard due to it being a spread move.
**Status Prevention**: Taunt users such as Crobat, Liepard, and Thundurus can almost entirely shut down Amoonguss by limiting it to damaging moves. Substitute users such as Gengar and Aegislash can block the use of Spore against them. Safeguard users such as Meowstic, Whimsicott, and Cresselia can make their teammates immune to status like sleep. Crafty Shield users such as Klefki and Smeargle can block Spore from being used against their side of the field for a turn. Worry Seed users such as Whimsicott and opposing Amoonguss can change their ally's ability to Insomnia, making them immune to sleep. Pokemon holding Safety Goggles aren't affected by Rage Powder or Spore, making it easy for them to deal with Amoonguss. Lum Berry and Chesto Berry prevent a single attempt at putting the holder to sleep. Sleep Talk users such as Talonflame can continue to use their moves despite being put to sleep.
Amoonguss should be the first Pokemon under consideration when redirection is required, as it's often the best suited for it. Likewise, its low Speed and access to Spore make it valuable when Trick Room support, or a counter to Trick Room, is needed. Regenerator is an excellent ability for keeping Amoonguss healthy throughout battles, although it's comparably not as strong as it has been in previous years as a result of a more offensive metagame making switches more punishing. It also has excellent natural defenses which, when combined with resistances to common types such as Fairy and Water, generally allow it to take hits very well. However, its typing is a double-edged sword, as it also causes Amoonguss to be weak against Fire and Flying, which creates issues against common foes such as Primal Groudon and Mega Rayquaza. Furthermore, while Spore is a great move, preparing against Smeargle's Dark Void is so common that it inadvertently hurts Amoonguss's ability to put foes to sleep, as well-constructed teams are generally prepared against status. You should also be aware that Amoonguss is almost entirely a team player, as it lacks offensive presence despite Grass Knot's often high Base Power. It should also be ensured that Amoonguss is not outclassed on a specific team by other redirectors such as Togekiss and Clefairy, which might situationally be more appropriate picks.
[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Rage Powder
move 2: Spore
move 3: Grass Knot / Clear Smog
move 4: Protect
item: Sitrus Berry / Mental Herb
ability: Regenerator
nature: Sassy
evs: 244 HP / 60 Def / 204 SpD
ivs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Rage Powder is the main reason to use Amoonguss, as it protects Amoonguss's allies against single-target moves by redirecting them. Spore is the most reliable method of putting foes to sleep available and is therefore a great move for debilitating foes. Spore is also an excellent check to opposing Trick Room setters, as they'll be put to sleep before they can use the move as a result of its negative priority. Grass Knot provides an offensive option that has a high Base Power against the format's often very heavy Pokemon, in particular dealing excellent damage to Primal Kyogre. Clear Smog is used almost exclusively to counter Xerneas, as it removes the stat boosts gained from Geomancy. However, it can also help deal with other setup sweepers such as Power-Up Punch Mega Kangaskhan. Protect provides the option of shielding Amoonguss for a turn, allowing its partner a turn to maneuver.
Set Details
========
Sitrus Berry is Amoonguss's preferred item, as it improves Amoonguss's longevity by recovering 25% of its total health and in doing so prevents a number of 2HKOs. Mental Herb can be used instead, however, to block a single use of Taunt, as this could otherwise shut down Amoonguss's ability to support its team. Regenerator is Amoonguss's better ability, as the healing it provides allows Amoonguss to remain healthy late-game. A notable downside to its alternative, Effect Spore, is that it interferes with Amoonguss's ability to use Spore if the foe is poisoned, for example. A Speed-reducing nature and 0 Speed IVs are used to allow Amoonguss to move sooner under the effect of Trick Room, as its low base Speed means it doesn't mind the irrelevant loss in Speed even when operating outside of Trick Room. 244 HP EVs are used to get an even number of HP, which causes Sitrus Berry to activate after Amoonguss takes a Super Fang from Crobat. 60 Defense EVs allow Amoonguss to take two Precipice Blades from Adamant Primal Groudon including Sitrus Berry recovery. They also allow Amoonguss to survive a Double-Edge from Jolly Mega Kangaskhan if another item is used instead. 204 Special Defense EVs allow Amoonguss to take two Ice Beams from Timid Primal Kyogre including Sitrus Berry recovery.
Usage Tips
========
While Amoonguss works well at most stages of the game, it generally prefers being used early-game the most. This is because Regenerator's recovery will be used more often and because supporters with low offensive pressure, like Amoonguss, have a hard time closing out games. You'll typically want to avoid using attacking moves over Rage Powder or Spore, as Amoonguss's damage output is poor. An exception, however, is when Amoonguss is being threatened by Taunt, as you might want to attack to avoid wasting a turn. Take opportunities to switch Amoonguss out if it has taken damage or is being threatened, as Regenerator will heal it for doing so. However, it's also sometimes fine to let Amoonguss faint to a big hit, as it might have already done its job in doing so. This then allows a potentially more appropriate partner to switch in for free, continuing your team's momentum. Be aware that neither Rage Powder nor Spore will function against Grass-types or foes holding Safety Goggles.
Team Options
========
Trick Room setters such as Cresselia, Dialga, and Palkia can help Amoonguss take advantage of its low Speed stat by reversing the turn order. Primal Groudon appreciates Amoonguss's ability to deal with Primal Kyogre and, in the case of a special attacking variant, protect it from chip damage to maintain Eruption's high Base Power. Primal Kyogre similarly enjoys having Electric-type attacks such as Thunderbolt redirected, particularly to preserve its HP for Water Spout. In return, Primal Kyogre's Primordial Sea makes Amoonguss immune to Fire-type attacks, which it's otherwise weak to. Furthermore, Amoonguss has tools to keep Xerneas in check, which Primal Kyogre would otherwise struggle with. Flying-types such as Ho-Oh and Yveltal also appreciate being defended against Electric-type attacks. Setup sweepers such as Geomancy Xerneas and Power-Up Punch Mega Kangaskhan have an easier time using their moves safely with Amoonguss available to redirect attacks away from them. Mega Kangaskhan synergizes with Amoonguss particularly well, as Amoonguss resists the Fighting-type moves Mega Kangaskhan is weak to. Mewtwo is quite physically frail and therefore enjoys being safer in the face of physical attacks, especially Sucker Punch, which will fail when Rage Powder is used.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Giga Drain remains an option if you'd prefer Amoonguss was able to regenerate health at the cost of a reduced damage output. Sludge Bomb deals more consistent damage and helps to check opposing Fairy-types. Foul Play deals good damage to foes with high Attack and is therefore particularly useful in checking setup sweepers, but Amoonguss doesn't get STAB from it, so its damage output can be disappointing compared to that of other users of the move. Hidden Power Fire can be used to help deal with Steel-types such as Ferrothorn, but its damage output is quite pitiful. Gastro Acid and Worry Seed provide a form of weather control by removing the effects of Primordial Sea and Desolate Land, and they can additionally be used to neuter foes that rely on their abilities such as Mega Kangaskhan and Mega Mawile. After You provides a form of speed control under Trick Room, as it allows normally faster allies to move after Amoonguss when used. A more physically defensive spread such as 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD with a Relaxed nature and Rocky Helmet better deals with physical attackers, but the reverse is usually preferred. Lum Berry helps to check Smeargle, as Amoonguss can use Spore to shut it down while its teammate uses Protect. Coba Berry and Occa Berry are useful if your team is particularly threatened by foes like Talonflame. While Focus Sash might seem strange on such a bulky Pokemon, it can be useful to survive a single very powerful attack such as Mega Rayquaza's Dragon Ascent or Primal Groudon's Eruption. Black Sludge and Leftovers provide an alternative to Sitrus Berry if it's in greater competition on a teammate as a result of the Item Clause.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Flying-type Pokemon**: Flying-types such as Rayquaza, Talonflame, and Mega Salamence can all OHKO Amoonguss and, moreover, 4x resist Grass. Rayquaza checks it particularly well, as Extreme Speed is on the same +2 priority bracket as Rage Powder, making it unable to be redirected outside of Trick Room. It also commonly holds a Lum Berry, which blocks a single use of Spore.
**Fire-type Pokemon**: Fire-types such as Primal Groudon, Ho-Oh, and Infernape deal super effective damage to Amoonguss with their Fire-type STAB moves. Primal Groudon notably has access to Eruption, which can target Amoonguss's allies due to being a spread attack regardless of Rage Powder. Ho-Oh also commonly uses Substitute, which can block Spore from affecting it.
**Ice-type Pokemon**: Ice-types such as Kyurem-W and Weavile can OHKO Amoonguss when holding a boosting item such as Life Orb. Kyurem-W is particularly dangerous to Amoonguss when seen on Gravity teams, as it can then hit Amoonguss's teammate with Blizzard due to it being a spread move.
**Status Prevention**: Taunt users such as Crobat, Liepard, and Thundurus can almost entirely shut down Amoonguss by limiting it to damaging moves. Substitute users such as Gengar and Aegislash can block the use of Spore against them. Safeguard users such as Meowstic, Whimsicott, and Cresselia can make their teammates immune to status like sleep. Crafty Shield users such as Klefki and Smeargle can block Spore from being used against their side of the field for a turn. Worry Seed users such as Whimsicott and opposing Amoonguss can change their ally's ability to Insomnia, making them immune to sleep. Pokemon holding Safety Goggles aren't affected by Rage Powder or Spore, making it easy for them to deal with Amoonguss. Lum Berry and Chesto Berry prevent a single attempt at putting the holder to sleep. Sleep Talk users such as Talonflame can continue to use their moves despite being put to sleep.
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