http://veekun.com/dex/pokemon/chinchou
Status: Done
Overview:
-Chinchou hasn’t changed much since Gen IV
-It has cool new toys in Volt Change and Boiling Water
-Chinchou is still a great Scarfer and Agility user
-Its main weakness is being countered by Munchlax
-In addition, Claw Sharpen Diglett can set up on Scarf Volt Change / Thunderbolt
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Volt Change
move 2: Hydro Pump / Surf
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Thunderbolt / Hidden Power Grass
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Volt Absorb
nature: Modest
evs: 52 Def / 228 SpA / 220 Spe
Set Comments:
-One of the best special Scarfers in Little Cup
-Reaches 16 Special Attack and 24 Speed with Choice Scarf
-Volt Change is a great addition to Chinchou’s movepool, allowing it to bounce in and out while doing massive amounts of damage
-Hydro Pump is a secondary STAB that hits the Ground types who are immune to Volt Change / Thunderbolt
-Ice Beam hits Dragon and Grass types that resist Chinchou’s STAB moves
-Thunderbolt is stronger than Volt Change and is good for late-game cleanup
Additional Comments:
-Surf is an option if you dislike the accuracy of Hydro Pump
-Hidden Power Grass hits opposing Chinchou who otherwise wall you
-EVs give max Special Attack and Speed
[SET]
name: Agility
move 1: Agility
move 2: Hydro Pump / Surf
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Ice Beam / Hidden Power Grass
item: Life Orb / Berry Juice
ability: Volt Absorb
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 52 Def / 228 SpA / 220 Spe
Set Comments:
-Exact same set from Gen IV
-Hits 15/16 Special Attack and 30/32 Speed after Agility
-Agility is self-explanatory
-Hydro Pump again punches holes in teams
-Thunderbolt is a secondary STAB for coverage on opposing Water-types
-Ice Beam destroys Grass-types
Additional Comments:
-Surf can be used for the accuracy
-Hidden Power Grass can hit opposing Chinchou who otherwise wall this set
-EVs give max Special Attack and Speed
-Modest gives Chinchou more power while Timid allows it to outspeed 20 Speed Scarfers
[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Thunder Wave
move 2: Confuse Ray
move 3: Boiling Water
move 4: Thunderbolt / Ice Beam
item: Berry Juice
ability: Volt Absorb
nature: Calm
evs: 236 HP / 228 SpD
Set Comments:
-An odd but workable option for Chinchou
-Thunder Wave is a godsend in the Speed-based Little Cup metagame
-Confuse Ray partners with Thunder Wave to create a great combination
-Boiling Water hits the Ground-types immune to Thunder Wave and also has a chance to burn
-Thunderbolt is a stronger STAB than Boiling Water
Additional Comments:
-Ice Beam has good coverage with Boiling Water
-Discharge can be used on this set
-EVs give max HP and Special Defense
Team Options:
-Entry hazard support is helpful for Choice Scarf and Agility sets
-Wynaut helps Chinchou set up Agility
-Something to take Ground-type attacks helps Chinchou a lot
-A Scarf Fighting-type like Mankey or Machop can take out Munchlax, Chinchou’s biggest counter
Optional Changes:
-Discharge is usable on every set for the paralysis chance
-Boiling Water is usable on every set for the burn chance
-Chinchou does a good job at Rain Dance setup with STAB Thunder to take advantage of it
-Blizzard can be used in hail
Counters:
-The Choice Scarfer is beaten by resistance or immunity to the move of choice or faster Scarfers that can KO it (Gligar, Diglett, etc
-The Agility set is taken out by priority
-The Support set is taken down by super effective hits, especially on the physical side
-Munchlax walls every single set
Dream World:
-Water Absorb is a usable replacement to Volt Absorb on every set. It depends on the team surrounding Chinchou: do you need an Electric or a Water immunity?
