[Overview]
<p>Dodrio is a beautiful, elegant bird. However, despite its regal appearances, Dodrio still faces competition as the premier NU bird from the likes of Braviary and Swellow. Braviary and Swellow (when statused) both sport higher Attack and a better movepool than Dodrio, causing many players to neglect the exquisite bird. Dodrio's movepool is horribly barren, leaving it to be walled by nearly every Rock- or Steel-type in existence. Furthermore, Dodrio is unfortunately weak to Stealth Rock, meaning that when using its main STAB attack, Brave Bird, it will not be lasting too long. However, Dodrio does have its advantages over Braviary and Swellow. Dodrio is blessed with a base 100 Speed, meaning it can outspeed threats Braviary cannot, such as Zangoose and Haunter. Dodrio also has much more immediate power than Swellow, and doesn't wear out as quickly. Luckily for Dodrio, it also possesses Taunt, a move which can cripple both setup Pokemon and walls, something the other birds don't have access to. Dodrio faces much competition from other birds for a slot on your team, but always remember that three heads are better than one.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Return
move 3: Quick Attack / Toxic
move 4: Pursuit
item: Choice Band
ability: Early Bird
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Although Dodrio does look dashing with a Choice Band attached, that is not the point of this set. This set aims to hit stuff, and hit it hard. Although Choice Band Braviary is stronger than this Dodrio, Dodrio has the advantage of being able to outrun and defeat one-on-one notable threats such as Zangoose and Haunter, which Braviary has no chance of doing. Brave Bird is the crux of this set, as it allows Dodrio to go into kamikaze mode, dealing much damage to anything that doesn't resist it. Return is a powerful secondary STAB and allows Dodrio to hit Electric-types such as Eelektross harder. Quick Attack is fairly strong and a good option to revenge faster threats, but Toxic is equally usable to ensure Dodrio isn't completely stranded when it comes to facing Rock-types. Pursuit is extremely useful against Ghost-types, especially Haunter, as it puts Haunter in a checkmate position. After Stealth Rock, even if Haunter chooses to stay in it is KOed by Pursuit.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EV spread is fairly straightforward, maximizing Dodrio's Attack and Speed to make it as strong as possible. An Adamant nature is heavily advised against, as with the lost Speed, Dodrio is unable to outrun threats such as Zangoose and Leafeon. If you truly want extra power at the cost of Speed, it is recommended that you instead use Braviary. Early Bird is the ability of choice as it is the only ability that has any sort of in-battle use, and can occasionally pay off by causing Dodrio to wake up earlier than it normally would.</p>
<p>Dodrio is weak to Stealth Rock, and as such, appreciates a spinner to clear the battlefield. An offensive Armaldo with Rapid Spin is a good teammate as it can clear the field for Dodrio, while at the same time keeping offensive momentum. Dodrio also appreciates teammates who can set up entry hazards as this makes the foe easier to KO. Pokemon such as Garbodor and Cacturne are useful as both can set up Spikes. Golurk and Golem are also good teammates for Dodrio as both can absorb Electric-type moves aimed at Dodrio while also being able to set up Stealth Rock. Dodrio can in turn KO Pokemon Golurk and Golem struggle with, such as Tangela. Torterra is a good option as it can set up Stealth Rock and beat many of the Rock- and Steel-types that Dodrio struggles with, such as Golem and Bastiodon. Sawk is a very good teammate for Dodrio as Sawk defeats all of Dodrio's aforementioned counters with ease. Zangoose is a great teammate for Dodrio and greatly benefits from its ability to remove opposing Ghost-types, such as Haunter. Finally, Musharna makes an excellent teammate because of its ability to beat Rock-types that plague Dodrio while also being able to clear Dodrio of any status with Heal Bell.</p>
[SET]
name: Kacaw
move 1: Taunt
move 2: Brave Bird
move 3: Return
move 4: Roost
item: Life Orb / Sharp Beak
ability: Early Bird
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Dodrio possesses the always nifty Taunt, which allows it to separate itself from its bird brethren. With the use of Taunt, premier NU walls, such as Alomomola, are put in difficult situations. Taunt prevents Alomomola from using Toxic on Dodrio, forcing it instead to use its weak Waterfall or Scald to do damage. Due to Alomomola also not being able to use Wish, it is quickly downed by the combination of Brave Bird and Roost. Taunt also ensures that Dodrio will not be set-up fodder for Pokemon like Calm Mind Musharna and Shift Gear Klang. Return is a strong, recoil-free STAB that hits Electric-types fairly hard. Although this set does have reliable healing, it should be noted that, with Dodrio's pitiful defenses, it is still very susceptible to even resisted attacks.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Maximizing Attack and Speed is the best route for Dodrio to take. Regardless of invested bulk, Dodrio will not be taking hits any time soon, so it might as well forgo that option. This may sound like a broken record, but Dodrio really can't afford to run an Adamant nature as it needs all the Speed Jolly provides. Early Bird is again the ability of choice, as it's really the only viable option. Life Orb is useful to boost Dodrio's power, and its recoil can be resolved through the use of Roost; however, Sharp Beak can be used if you dislike the thought of recoil. Toxic is a usable option over Return, however Dodrio probably won't last long enough to see it take effect.</p>
<p>Unfortunately for Dodrio, this set is entirely beaten by most Rock- or Steel-types, such as Golem and Klang. To beat such threats, Pokemon such as Sawk and Torterra are useful teammates for Dodrio as they both destroy Dodrio's counters with ease. This set appreciates entry hazards even more than the Choice Band set as it will often be forcing many switches. Garbodor is useful for its ability to set up Spikes and lure Ground-type attacks that let Dodrio switch in for free. Zangoose is a Pokemon that appreciates the removal of bulky physical walls such as Alomomola, which this Dodrio does excellently, so Zangoose is a great partner. Musharna is also a good partner for Dodrio as it greatly appreciates the cleric support Musharna provides.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Dodrio's other options are quite possibly the definition of horrible. You honestly are better off just sticking to the recommended sets, but alas, if you really want to use something different, Dodrio does technically have other moves in its arsenal. Dodrio can use Faint Attack or Payback to hit Ghost-types harder, but while Pursuit is minimally weaker, it is far more useful. An Agility + Substitute + Liechi Berry set is usable, but with the metagame being dominated by priority attacks, it is not recommended. While Double-Edge looks like a great option on Dodrio, it is unfortunately illegal in tandem with Brave Bird as Double-Edge is a ADV tutor move, while Brave Bird is a 4th generation move that requires breeding. Work Up can be used to give Dodrio move flexibility while having an Attack boost, but Dodrio is much better suited to directly attacking. Drill Peck is a weaker option over Brave Bird to save Dodrio from recoil, but since it won't be taking any hits, you might as well be hitting everything as hard as you can. Steel Wing is an option to hit Rock-types such as Regirock harder, but despite it showing the words, "It's Super Effective!" it won't remotely harm anything. Finally, you can use Frustration over Return if you truly despise your Dodrio, but it is such a beautiful bird that I know that will not be the case.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>If it's a Rock- or Steel-type Pokemon, there's a very good chance that it beats Dodrio. Pokemon such as Bastiodon and Regirock stop give Dodrio a hard time as Dodrio has struggles to get past them. Pokemon that can take repeated hits from Dodrio are also excellent counters. This includes Weezing, who is able to take any attack Dodrio throws at it and burn Dodrio with Will-O-Wisp or KO with Thunderbolt or Ice Beam. Articuno is in the same boat as Weezing, as it can take a Choice Band Brave Bird and respond with Ice Beam, provided it doesn't switch into Stealth Rock. Strong priority also puts a damper on Dodrio's day, as with its weak defenses, Dodrio is incapable of taking any sort of hit. Absol and Skuntank both have strong priorities in Sucker Punch, and can cause Dodrio much misery. Because of Dodrio's low defenses, anything faster with any sort of power to its name can efficiently KO Dodrio. Cinccino and Electrode both dominate Dodrio by using either Tail Slap or Thunderbolt, respectively.</p>
<p>Dodrio is a beautiful, elegant bird. However, despite its regal appearances, Dodrio still faces competition as the premier NU bird from the likes of Braviary and Swellow. Braviary and Swellow (when statused) both sport higher Attack and a better movepool than Dodrio, causing many players to neglect the exquisite bird. Dodrio's movepool is horribly barren, leaving it to be walled by nearly every Rock- or Steel-type in existence. Furthermore, Dodrio is unfortunately weak to Stealth Rock, meaning that when using its main STAB attack, Brave Bird, it will not be lasting too long. However, Dodrio does have its advantages over Braviary and Swellow. Dodrio is blessed with a base 100 Speed, meaning it can outspeed threats Braviary cannot, such as Zangoose and Haunter. Dodrio also has much more immediate power than Swellow, and doesn't wear out as quickly. Luckily for Dodrio, it also possesses Taunt, a move which can cripple both setup Pokemon and walls, something the other birds don't have access to. Dodrio faces much competition from other birds for a slot on your team, but always remember that three heads are better than one.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Return
move 3: Quick Attack / Toxic
move 4: Pursuit
item: Choice Band
ability: Early Bird
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Although Dodrio does look dashing with a Choice Band attached, that is not the point of this set. This set aims to hit stuff, and hit it hard. Although Choice Band Braviary is stronger than this Dodrio, Dodrio has the advantage of being able to outrun and defeat one-on-one notable threats such as Zangoose and Haunter, which Braviary has no chance of doing. Brave Bird is the crux of this set, as it allows Dodrio to go into kamikaze mode, dealing much damage to anything that doesn't resist it. Return is a powerful secondary STAB and allows Dodrio to hit Electric-types such as Eelektross harder. Quick Attack is fairly strong and a good option to revenge faster threats, but Toxic is equally usable to ensure Dodrio isn't completely stranded when it comes to facing Rock-types. Pursuit is extremely useful against Ghost-types, especially Haunter, as it puts Haunter in a checkmate position. After Stealth Rock, even if Haunter chooses to stay in it is KOed by Pursuit.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EV spread is fairly straightforward, maximizing Dodrio's Attack and Speed to make it as strong as possible. An Adamant nature is heavily advised against, as with the lost Speed, Dodrio is unable to outrun threats such as Zangoose and Leafeon. If you truly want extra power at the cost of Speed, it is recommended that you instead use Braviary. Early Bird is the ability of choice as it is the only ability that has any sort of in-battle use, and can occasionally pay off by causing Dodrio to wake up earlier than it normally would.</p>
<p>Dodrio is weak to Stealth Rock, and as such, appreciates a spinner to clear the battlefield. An offensive Armaldo with Rapid Spin is a good teammate as it can clear the field for Dodrio, while at the same time keeping offensive momentum. Dodrio also appreciates teammates who can set up entry hazards as this makes the foe easier to KO. Pokemon such as Garbodor and Cacturne are useful as both can set up Spikes. Golurk and Golem are also good teammates for Dodrio as both can absorb Electric-type moves aimed at Dodrio while also being able to set up Stealth Rock. Dodrio can in turn KO Pokemon Golurk and Golem struggle with, such as Tangela. Torterra is a good option as it can set up Stealth Rock and beat many of the Rock- and Steel-types that Dodrio struggles with, such as Golem and Bastiodon. Sawk is a very good teammate for Dodrio as Sawk defeats all of Dodrio's aforementioned counters with ease. Zangoose is a great teammate for Dodrio and greatly benefits from its ability to remove opposing Ghost-types, such as Haunter. Finally, Musharna makes an excellent teammate because of its ability to beat Rock-types that plague Dodrio while also being able to clear Dodrio of any status with Heal Bell.</p>
[SET]
name: Kacaw
move 1: Taunt
move 2: Brave Bird
move 3: Return
move 4: Roost
item: Life Orb / Sharp Beak
ability: Early Bird
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Dodrio possesses the always nifty Taunt, which allows it to separate itself from its bird brethren. With the use of Taunt, premier NU walls, such as Alomomola, are put in difficult situations. Taunt prevents Alomomola from using Toxic on Dodrio, forcing it instead to use its weak Waterfall or Scald to do damage. Due to Alomomola also not being able to use Wish, it is quickly downed by the combination of Brave Bird and Roost. Taunt also ensures that Dodrio will not be set-up fodder for Pokemon like Calm Mind Musharna and Shift Gear Klang. Return is a strong, recoil-free STAB that hits Electric-types fairly hard. Although this set does have reliable healing, it should be noted that, with Dodrio's pitiful defenses, it is still very susceptible to even resisted attacks.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Maximizing Attack and Speed is the best route for Dodrio to take. Regardless of invested bulk, Dodrio will not be taking hits any time soon, so it might as well forgo that option. This may sound like a broken record, but Dodrio really can't afford to run an Adamant nature as it needs all the Speed Jolly provides. Early Bird is again the ability of choice, as it's really the only viable option. Life Orb is useful to boost Dodrio's power, and its recoil can be resolved through the use of Roost; however, Sharp Beak can be used if you dislike the thought of recoil. Toxic is a usable option over Return, however Dodrio probably won't last long enough to see it take effect.</p>
<p>Unfortunately for Dodrio, this set is entirely beaten by most Rock- or Steel-types, such as Golem and Klang. To beat such threats, Pokemon such as Sawk and Torterra are useful teammates for Dodrio as they both destroy Dodrio's counters with ease. This set appreciates entry hazards even more than the Choice Band set as it will often be forcing many switches. Garbodor is useful for its ability to set up Spikes and lure Ground-type attacks that let Dodrio switch in for free. Zangoose is a Pokemon that appreciates the removal of bulky physical walls such as Alomomola, which this Dodrio does excellently, so Zangoose is a great partner. Musharna is also a good partner for Dodrio as it greatly appreciates the cleric support Musharna provides.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Dodrio's other options are quite possibly the definition of horrible. You honestly are better off just sticking to the recommended sets, but alas, if you really want to use something different, Dodrio does technically have other moves in its arsenal. Dodrio can use Faint Attack or Payback to hit Ghost-types harder, but while Pursuit is minimally weaker, it is far more useful. An Agility + Substitute + Liechi Berry set is usable, but with the metagame being dominated by priority attacks, it is not recommended. While Double-Edge looks like a great option on Dodrio, it is unfortunately illegal in tandem with Brave Bird as Double-Edge is a ADV tutor move, while Brave Bird is a 4th generation move that requires breeding. Work Up can be used to give Dodrio move flexibility while having an Attack boost, but Dodrio is much better suited to directly attacking. Drill Peck is a weaker option over Brave Bird to save Dodrio from recoil, but since it won't be taking any hits, you might as well be hitting everything as hard as you can. Steel Wing is an option to hit Rock-types such as Regirock harder, but despite it showing the words, "It's Super Effective!" it won't remotely harm anything. Finally, you can use Frustration over Return if you truly despise your Dodrio, but it is such a beautiful bird that I know that will not be the case.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>If it's a Rock- or Steel-type Pokemon, there's a very good chance that it beats Dodrio. Pokemon such as Bastiodon and Regirock stop give Dodrio a hard time as Dodrio has struggles to get past them. Pokemon that can take repeated hits from Dodrio are also excellent counters. This includes Weezing, who is able to take any attack Dodrio throws at it and burn Dodrio with Will-O-Wisp or KO with Thunderbolt or Ice Beam. Articuno is in the same boat as Weezing, as it can take a Choice Band Brave Bird and respond with Ice Beam, provided it doesn't switch into Stealth Rock. Strong priority also puts a damper on Dodrio's day, as with its weak defenses, Dodrio is incapable of taking any sort of hit. Absol and Skuntank both have strong priorities in Sucker Punch, and can cause Dodrio much misery. Because of Dodrio's low defenses, anything faster with any sort of power to its name can efficiently KO Dodrio. Cinccino and Electrode both dominate Dodrio by using either Tail Slap or Thunderbolt, respectively.</p>
