Voted against the Moody ban
QC Approved: tennisace, Ice-Eyes, and NatGeo
GP Approved: sirndpt, NatGeo (for Evire)
[Overview]
<p>The transition to BW has not been kind to everyone's favorite HM slave. While Bibarel briefly enjoyed success with his new ability, Moody, its quick banishment left in the dust once more. To make matters worse, Baton Passed boosts aren't doubled by Simple, meaning if this beaver wants to sweep, he'll have to set up on his own. He also faces stiff competition from Quagsire for the role of an Unaware tank. He does have a few tricks up his sleeves, however, so don't completely write off this silly looking rodent.</p>
[SET]
name: RestTalk
move 1: Curse
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Leftovers
ability: Simple
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Thanks to Simple, each time Bibarel uses Curse, it is the equivalent of both a Swords Dance and an Iron Defense boost, at the complete sacrifice of his Speed. Waterfall provides excellent coverage for a mono-attacker, resisted only by Water-, Grass-, and the rare Dragon-types. Rest is the only form of recovery available to Bibarel, which is a requirement for his success. Sleep Talk allows him to continue boosting and attacking while he slumbers.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Leftovers is the item of choice, as it provides Bibarel with some much needed health. The EVs and nature maximize his special bulk, as Curse will quickly boost his physical defense. The remaining 4 EVs are dropped into Defense for added bulk. Chesto Berry is an alternative item option, instantly waking Bibarel after Rest. When using it, Bibarel can afford to run either Return or Quick Attack over Sleep Talk. While Return offers a greater damage output, Quick Attack is useful priority that makes up for his abysmal Speed.</p>
<p>Teammates that can remove Grass-, Water-, and Dragon-types greatly increase Bibarel's effectiveness. Ice-type attackers, such as Cyrogonal, Glaceon, Piloswine, and Sneasel, can handle Grass- and Dragon-types with ease, while Exeggutor, Torterra, and Eelektross are all prime options for dealing with other Water-types. A Wish passer makes a wonderful partner, as Bibarel's biggest issue is his lack of reliable recovery; Lickilicky, Alomomola, and Audino are all great for this role, though all three unfortunately share weaknesses with Bibarel. Leafeon, however, has good type synergy, and is more physically defensive, though its Wishes are smaller. As with any sweeper, entry hazards are a plus for scoring more KOs. Cacturne and Garbodor are excellent Spikers, while Mesprit and Bastiodon can provide reliable Stealth Rock support.</p>
[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Toxic / Thunder Wave
move 2: Stealth Rock
move 3: Return / Waterfall
move 4: Protect / Rest
item: Leftovers
ability: Unaware
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set aims to take advantage of Unaware, a wonderful ability for a defensive Pokemon. Thanks to Unaware, Bibarel ignores stat boosts; even after a Shell Smash, Gorebyss can only 3HKO him. Toxic is useful for wearing down foes, but Thunder Wave is a great choice for stopping a Gorebyss sweep cold. Stealth Rock is one of the few things Bibarel has to differentiate itself from Quagsire, so it should always be used. Return is Bibarel's strongest attack, and his best option in case he gets Taunted. Protect is useful for gaining added Leftovers health and wearing the foe down further with Toxic.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EVs maximize Bibarel's special bulk to best allow him to take on the likes of Gorebyss. Waterfall can be used over Return, and offers better neutral coverage, but it is less effective against Gorebyss. Rest is an option, as it is Bibarel's only form of recovery, and can be run over Protect. However, it should only be used in conjunction with a cleric, or else Bibarel will just sleep uselessly for three turns.</p>
<p>As mentioned before, a cleric is highly recommended, even if not running Rest. Wish passing is also a great boon, as Bibarel lacks the reliable recovery necessary to be a premier wall. Both Audino, Leafeon, and Lickilicky can provide Wish and Heal Bell support. Toxic Spikes are quite helpful, as it eases up the load for Bibarel. Garbodor and Whirlipede are both great options for this task, and both handily resist Bibarel's Grass- and Fighting-type weaknesses. Dual screen support also goes a long way in aiding Bibarel's bulk; once again, Audino is great for this, as is Mesprit and Meganium.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>With Work Up and Simple, Bibarel can transform into a mixed sweeper. He also has access to Rain Dance, which boosts his Water-type STAB, as well as Sunny Day. Yawn is great for causing switches, and is viable on the Specially Defensive set. Finally, Taunt and Super Fang work together nicely for breaking down walls, but Raticate is much better at this task due to its higher Speed. Aqua Tail can be used over Waterfall for higher damage output, at the cost of Accuracy.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Strong physical Fighting-, Grass, and Electric-type attacks can easily wreck Bibarel; Emboar, Torterra, and Luxray are all prime candidates for this. Both sets have a huge Taunt weakness, and there are many users of this move in the tier, such as Murkrow and Fraxure. Both Toxic and Toxic Spikes easily break down the Unaware set; Quagsire often carries the first, while Garbodor is a great user of the second. Quagsire also ignores any stat boosts from the Curse set thanks to Unaware. Frillish is immune to both of Bibarel's STAB moves, making it a solid counter as well. Finally, although Gorebyss struggles with the Unaware set, it can easily break through the Curse set, as it resists Bibarel's main STAB, Waterfall.</p>[/QUOTE]
