[OVERVIEW]
Empoleon has excellent typing with key resistances to Flying-, Fairy-, Dragon-, and Psychic-type attacks and great natural bulk to complement these. Its access to good utility moves in Stealth Rock, Defog, and Roar as well as its high base Special Attack and good coverage moves means it can viably run both support and offensive sets. However, it faces competition for a team slot as a Water-type due to its unfortunate neutrality to Fire and weakness to Ground. Additionally, it has no recovery outside of Leftovers, leaving it easily worn down by Knock Off or Scald.
[SET]
name: Specially Defensive Support
move 1: Scald
move 2: Roar
move 3: Stealth Rock / Ice Beam
move 4: Defog / Ice Beam
item: Leftovers
ability: Torrent
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Scald is defensive Empoleon's best STAB move, packing decent power while having a chance to cripple most of its switch-ins. Roar allows Empoleon to temporarily prevent sweeps from Pokemon such as Calm Mind Suicune and Curse Snorlax and helps it wear down the opposing team when Stealth Rock is up. Empoleon can use its wonderful typing and bulk to reliably set up Stealth Rock, and it can use Defog in its last moveslot to compress roles and clear entry hazards as well. Ice Beam can be used over either Stealth Rock or Defog, depending on the rest of Empoleon's team, to hit targets such as Taunt Hydreigon and Defog Salamence hard, as well as Grass-type switch-ins. Knock Off can also be used to aid in wearing down targets such as Tentacruel, Florges, and Porygon2. Protect is useful for racking up Leftovers recovery and scouting moves.
Set Details
========
The given EV distribution and nature maximize Empoleon's Special Defense to allow it to easily take hits from the likes of Azelf, Yanmega, and Choice Scarf Hydreigon. Leftovers provides Empoleon with recovery and prevents it from being worn down too quickly, and Torrent is Empoleon's only useful ability, powering up Scald when it's at low HP. 52 EVs can be moved from Special Defense to Defense in order to nearly always survive Earthquake from Krookodile without a boosting item and Close Combat from Cobalion. A physically defensive spread of 248 HP / 172 Def / 88 SpA can be used with a Bold nature and Grass Knot to answer to Feraligatr and Mega Sharpedo; however, Special Defense investment makes more use of Empoleon's resistances.
Usage Tips
========
Specially defensive Empoleon works best on balanced teams that need a check to special attackers such as Dragalge, Hydreigon, and Whimsicott. Empoleon should make use of its ability to force out these threats to set up Stealth Rock or use Defog. If Stealth Rock is up, Empoleon should use Roar on expected switches to the likes of Toxicroak and Guts Heracross, wearing down the opposing team in the process.
Team Options
========
Empoleon should be paired with sturdy physical walls that can check the threats it tends to draw in. Gligar not only can answer threats such as Toxicroak and Heracross but also is immune to Electric- and Ground-type attacks and can free up one of Empoleon's moveslots by running Stealth Rock or Defog itself. Crobat can also check Fighting-types, which threaten Empoleon the most, and can afford Taunt on its moveset if Empoleon runs Defog. Wish and Heal Bell support from teammates such as Florges and Umbreon lets Empoleon stay healthy, and these Pokemon also provide another check to special attackers that Empoleon can't handle, such as Mega Ampharos. Fighting-type wallbreakers can take advantage of Empoleon's ability to switch into several of their checks, such as Florges and Crobat.
[SET]
name: Offensive Defog
move 1: Defog
move 2: Hydro Pump / Scald
move 3: Ice Beam / Flash Cannon
move 4: Grass Knot / Flash Cannon
item: Shuca Berry
ability: Torrent
nature: Modest
evs: 212 HP / 252 SpA / 44 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Empoleon is an excellent user of Defog, and due to its typing and bulk, it can clear entry hazards multiple times throughout a game. Hydro Pump is a powerful STAB move coming from Empoleon's great Special Attack, denting most neutral targets. Scald can be used instead to let Empoleon wear down targets such as Tentacruel, Mandibuzz, and Cresselia. Ice Beam hits common Grass-type foes that tend to switch into Empoleon hard, as well as Crobat and Hydreigon. Grass Knot provides Empoleon with a powerful hit against opposing Water-types, notably OHKOing Swampert and preventing Feraligatr and Suicune from setting up for free. Depending on its team's needs, Empoleon can also use Flash Cannon over either of the latter two coverage moves to OHKO Whimsicott, pressure Florges, and check Mega Abomasnow. Stealth Rock can be used over Defog if Empoleon's team would prefer this type of support.
Set Details
========
Special Attack is maximized with the given EVs and a Modest nature for Empoleon to hit as hard as possible. With near-maximum HP, Empoleon isn't bothered by attackers such as Dragalge, Azelf, and Whimsicott. The given Speed investment lets Empoleon outspeed everything up to base 65 Speed Pokemon, including Alomomola, Chesnaught, Porygon2, and uninvested Swampert. 124 EVs can be placed in Speed to outpace everything up to uninvested Seismitoad and Florges. A Shuca Berry lets Empoleon tank one powerful Ground-type hit from the likes of Nidoqueen, Mamoswine, and Krookodile in order to use Defog or retaliate with an attack. Leftovers can be used, but due to the offensive nature of the teams that Empoleon should be placed on, it probably won't contribute much to its longevity. A Chople Berry can often be used to catch Fighting-types such as Cobalion off guard. Torrent makes Hydro Pump incredibly powerful when Empoleon is weakened; with a Torrent boost, Empoleon can OHKO Heracross, Cobalion, and Doublade.
Usage Tips
========
This set is best used on offensive teams that appreciate Empoleon's ability to clear entry hazards but cannot afford to give up momentum like more defensive sets do. Empoleon can switch in easily on most Fairy-, Water-, and Flying-types to do its job. Try to ensure that the opposing team's entry hazard setters are worn down or eliminated before Empoleon uses Defog, especially when it needs to clear Spikes, to help ensure entry hazards stay off its side of the field. Keep Empoleon healthy when it's needed to check opposing Ground-types or Pokemon with Ground-type coverage, such as Mega Aerodactyl and Dragon Dance Salamence; for example, even with a Shuca Berry, Empoleon takes around 80% from Adamant Life Orb Mamoswine's Earthquake.
Team Options
========
Empoleon should be placed on offensive teams that rely on Defog support with powerful teammates that can capitalize on its ability to check the appropriate threats. For example, Mega Beedrill needs Stealth Rock cleared from its side and can U-turn to Empoleon against opposing Mega Aggron and Crobat. Because Empoleon tends to draw in Heracross and Heliolisk, it needs teammates that can check these Pokemon. Whimsicott can do this well in addition to deterring the bulky setup sweepers that can potentially set up on Empoleon.
Reliable entry hazard setters that can last long enough to set up Stealth Rock mid-game, but that also contribute towards the offensive nature of the team, should be paired with Empoleon if it uses Defog. Examples are Krookodile and Mega Swampert. Gligar can also check threatening Electric-, Fighting-, and Ground-types and appreciate Empoleon's ability to check attackers such as Kyurem, Feraligatr, and Mega Abomasnow; it can also provide Stealth Rock and U-turn support to complement Empoleon's Defog.
[SET]
name: Agility
move 1: Agility
move 2: Hydro Pump
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Grass Knot / Substitute
item: Petaya Berry / Shuca Berry
ability: Torrent
nature: Timid
evs: 64 HP / 252 SpA / 192 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
With Agility, Empoleon becomes a potent late-game sweeper capable of outspeeding several of its usual checks, such as Krookodile and Infernape. Hydro Pump is Empoleon's most powerful viable move, though Surf or Scald can be used if their accuracy is preferred. Ice Beam grants Empoleon super effective coverage against Grass- and Dragon-types. Grass Knot hits Water-types, with the exception of Tentacruel and opposing Empoleon, hard, but if Water-types are eliminated beforehand, Empoleon can use Substitute to get down to Torrent and Petaya Berry range reliably.
Set Details
========
The given Special Attack and Speed EVs with a Timid nature maximize Empoleon's power while allowing it to outspeed the entire unboosted metagame and Choice Scarf Rotom formes after an Agility. The remaining EVs slightly increase Empoleon's bulk while allowing it to get into Petaya Berry range after using Substitute only three times. Torrent is Empoleon's only useful ability, powering up Hydro Pump at low HP. A Petaya Berry lets Empoleon throw out absurdly strong +1 Torrent-boosted Hydro Pumps at low HP. A Shuca Berry, however, can be used to set up on Ground-types such as Krookodile and Nidoking comfortably. Chople Berry is also a possibility, but many Fighting-type attacks from wallbreakers like Heracross and Lucario can OHKO Empoleon anyway. Life Orb is also an option, but the recoil damage takes away from Empoleon's ability to maintain its sweep, and a Petaya Berry grants a greater boost anyway.
Usage Tips
========
Agility Empoleon works well as a cleaner on offensive teams, especially on Spikes-stacking hyper offense, as most of Empoleon's checks, including Blissey and Umbreon, are grounded. Priority attacks such as Mega Absol's Sucker Punch and even Entei's Extreme Speed can pick off Empoleon because it's reliant on the activation of Torrent and Petaya Berry to power up its moves. Mach Punch and Vacuum Wave from Infernape and Lucario can also stop a sweep. Even if it can't set up in a match, Empoleon can function as a check to Flying- and Fairy-types as well as Dragon-types if it chooses to run a Shuca Berry. Empoleon's typing and natural bulk allow it to set up on Choice-locked attacks such as Salamence's Outrage and Kyurem's Ice Beam, and Empoleon's team can even try to lure these attacks to create setup opportunities. After an Agility, Empoleon is still outsped by Choice Scarf users faster than Rotom-A.
Team Options
========
Froslass is hyper offense's best Spikes setter and can support Empoleon by wearing down its checks. Chesnaught and Roserade can also set up Spikes and have exceptional synergy with Empoleon. Empoleon appreciates the removal of opposing Water-types when running Substitute instead of Grass Knot. It also struggles with dedicated special walls such as Snorlax, so Pursuit trappers, special wallbreakers, and strong physical attackers make for good teammates. For example, Nasty Plot Infernape and Choice Band Heracross can take down both Water-types and special walls, and Krookodile can deal moderate damage to special walls switching out with Pursuit and can set up Stealth Rock to support Empoleon. Whimsicott can respond to several of Empoleon's checks, including Suicune, Umbreon, and Mega Absol, and can grant Empoleon safe opportunities to switch in and set up with U-turn, Encore, and Memento.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Toxic can be used on specially defensive Empoleon to heavily cripple the likes of Porygon2 and Cresselia, though a Scald burn can usually work just as well. Empoleon has access to Swords Dance, but it outclassed by Feraligatr and even Cloyster. It can also use Choice Specs to wallbreak without having to set up.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Electric-types**: While Mega Ampharos and Rotom-C are hampered by either Ice Beam or a burn from Scald, they can force Empoleon out given a safe switch in.
**Water-Immune Pokemon**: Toxicroak and Heliolisk can switch into Empoleon without fearing much and force it out. Jellicent can switch into specially defensive variants and wear them down with Will-O-Wisp and Taunt, but it is 2HKOed by Grass Knot from Modest variants of Empoleon.
**Special Walls**: Offensive variants of Empoleon are stopped cold by specially bulky Pokemon such as Blissey and Snorlax. Support Empoleon will also eventually get worn down and beaten by many special walls.
**Fighting-types**: Most Fighting-types hesitate to switch directly into Scald, but they can threaten to OHKO Empoleon if given a safe switch in. In particular, Guts variants of Heracross may benefit from a Scald burn.
**Passive Damage**: Loss of Leftovers, residual damage from burn, and repeated switches into Spikes can wear Empoleon down to the point where it's no longer able to perform its role.
Empoleon has excellent typing with key resistances to Flying-, Fairy-, Dragon-, and Psychic-type attacks and great natural bulk to complement these. Its access to good utility moves in Stealth Rock, Defog, and Roar as well as its high base Special Attack and good coverage moves means it can viably run both support and offensive sets. However, it faces competition for a team slot as a Water-type due to its unfortunate neutrality to Fire and weakness to Ground. Additionally, it has no recovery outside of Leftovers, leaving it easily worn down by Knock Off or Scald.
[SET]
name: Specially Defensive Support
move 1: Scald
move 2: Roar
move 3: Stealth Rock / Ice Beam
move 4: Defog / Ice Beam
item: Leftovers
ability: Torrent
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Scald is defensive Empoleon's best STAB move, packing decent power while having a chance to cripple most of its switch-ins. Roar allows Empoleon to temporarily prevent sweeps from Pokemon such as Calm Mind Suicune and Curse Snorlax and helps it wear down the opposing team when Stealth Rock is up. Empoleon can use its wonderful typing and bulk to reliably set up Stealth Rock, and it can use Defog in its last moveslot to compress roles and clear entry hazards as well. Ice Beam can be used over either Stealth Rock or Defog, depending on the rest of Empoleon's team, to hit targets such as Taunt Hydreigon and Defog Salamence hard, as well as Grass-type switch-ins. Knock Off can also be used to aid in wearing down targets such as Tentacruel, Florges, and Porygon2. Protect is useful for racking up Leftovers recovery and scouting moves.
Set Details
========
The given EV distribution and nature maximize Empoleon's Special Defense to allow it to easily take hits from the likes of Azelf, Yanmega, and Choice Scarf Hydreigon. Leftovers provides Empoleon with recovery and prevents it from being worn down too quickly, and Torrent is Empoleon's only useful ability, powering up Scald when it's at low HP. 52 EVs can be moved from Special Defense to Defense in order to nearly always survive Earthquake from Krookodile without a boosting item and Close Combat from Cobalion. A physically defensive spread of 248 HP / 172 Def / 88 SpA can be used with a Bold nature and Grass Knot to answer to Feraligatr and Mega Sharpedo; however, Special Defense investment makes more use of Empoleon's resistances.
Usage Tips
========
Specially defensive Empoleon works best on balanced teams that need a check to special attackers such as Dragalge, Hydreigon, and Whimsicott. Empoleon should make use of its ability to force out these threats to set up Stealth Rock or use Defog. If Stealth Rock is up, Empoleon should use Roar on expected switches to the likes of Toxicroak and Guts Heracross, wearing down the opposing team in the process.
Team Options
========
Empoleon should be paired with sturdy physical walls that can check the threats it tends to draw in. Gligar not only can answer threats such as Toxicroak and Heracross but also is immune to Electric- and Ground-type attacks and can free up one of Empoleon's moveslots by running Stealth Rock or Defog itself. Crobat can also check Fighting-types, which threaten Empoleon the most, and can afford Taunt on its moveset if Empoleon runs Defog. Wish and Heal Bell support from teammates such as Florges and Umbreon lets Empoleon stay healthy, and these Pokemon also provide another check to special attackers that Empoleon can't handle, such as Mega Ampharos. Fighting-type wallbreakers can take advantage of Empoleon's ability to switch into several of their checks, such as Florges and Crobat.
[SET]
name: Offensive Defog
move 1: Defog
move 2: Hydro Pump / Scald
move 3: Ice Beam / Flash Cannon
move 4: Grass Knot / Flash Cannon
item: Shuca Berry
ability: Torrent
nature: Modest
evs: 212 HP / 252 SpA / 44 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Empoleon is an excellent user of Defog, and due to its typing and bulk, it can clear entry hazards multiple times throughout a game. Hydro Pump is a powerful STAB move coming from Empoleon's great Special Attack, denting most neutral targets. Scald can be used instead to let Empoleon wear down targets such as Tentacruel, Mandibuzz, and Cresselia. Ice Beam hits common Grass-type foes that tend to switch into Empoleon hard, as well as Crobat and Hydreigon. Grass Knot provides Empoleon with a powerful hit against opposing Water-types, notably OHKOing Swampert and preventing Feraligatr and Suicune from setting up for free. Depending on its team's needs, Empoleon can also use Flash Cannon over either of the latter two coverage moves to OHKO Whimsicott, pressure Florges, and check Mega Abomasnow. Stealth Rock can be used over Defog if Empoleon's team would prefer this type of support.
Set Details
========
Special Attack is maximized with the given EVs and a Modest nature for Empoleon to hit as hard as possible. With near-maximum HP, Empoleon isn't bothered by attackers such as Dragalge, Azelf, and Whimsicott. The given Speed investment lets Empoleon outspeed everything up to base 65 Speed Pokemon, including Alomomola, Chesnaught, Porygon2, and uninvested Swampert. 124 EVs can be placed in Speed to outpace everything up to uninvested Seismitoad and Florges. A Shuca Berry lets Empoleon tank one powerful Ground-type hit from the likes of Nidoqueen, Mamoswine, and Krookodile in order to use Defog or retaliate with an attack. Leftovers can be used, but due to the offensive nature of the teams that Empoleon should be placed on, it probably won't contribute much to its longevity. A Chople Berry can often be used to catch Fighting-types such as Cobalion off guard. Torrent makes Hydro Pump incredibly powerful when Empoleon is weakened; with a Torrent boost, Empoleon can OHKO Heracross, Cobalion, and Doublade.
Usage Tips
========
This set is best used on offensive teams that appreciate Empoleon's ability to clear entry hazards but cannot afford to give up momentum like more defensive sets do. Empoleon can switch in easily on most Fairy-, Water-, and Flying-types to do its job. Try to ensure that the opposing team's entry hazard setters are worn down or eliminated before Empoleon uses Defog, especially when it needs to clear Spikes, to help ensure entry hazards stay off its side of the field. Keep Empoleon healthy when it's needed to check opposing Ground-types or Pokemon with Ground-type coverage, such as Mega Aerodactyl and Dragon Dance Salamence; for example, even with a Shuca Berry, Empoleon takes around 80% from Adamant Life Orb Mamoswine's Earthquake.
Team Options
========
Empoleon should be placed on offensive teams that rely on Defog support with powerful teammates that can capitalize on its ability to check the appropriate threats. For example, Mega Beedrill needs Stealth Rock cleared from its side and can U-turn to Empoleon against opposing Mega Aggron and Crobat. Because Empoleon tends to draw in Heracross and Heliolisk, it needs teammates that can check these Pokemon. Whimsicott can do this well in addition to deterring the bulky setup sweepers that can potentially set up on Empoleon.
Reliable entry hazard setters that can last long enough to set up Stealth Rock mid-game, but that also contribute towards the offensive nature of the team, should be paired with Empoleon if it uses Defog. Examples are Krookodile and Mega Swampert. Gligar can also check threatening Electric-, Fighting-, and Ground-types and appreciate Empoleon's ability to check attackers such as Kyurem, Feraligatr, and Mega Abomasnow; it can also provide Stealth Rock and U-turn support to complement Empoleon's Defog.
[SET]
name: Agility
move 1: Agility
move 2: Hydro Pump
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Grass Knot / Substitute
item: Petaya Berry / Shuca Berry
ability: Torrent
nature: Timid
evs: 64 HP / 252 SpA / 192 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
With Agility, Empoleon becomes a potent late-game sweeper capable of outspeeding several of its usual checks, such as Krookodile and Infernape. Hydro Pump is Empoleon's most powerful viable move, though Surf or Scald can be used if their accuracy is preferred. Ice Beam grants Empoleon super effective coverage against Grass- and Dragon-types. Grass Knot hits Water-types, with the exception of Tentacruel and opposing Empoleon, hard, but if Water-types are eliminated beforehand, Empoleon can use Substitute to get down to Torrent and Petaya Berry range reliably.
Set Details
========
The given Special Attack and Speed EVs with a Timid nature maximize Empoleon's power while allowing it to outspeed the entire unboosted metagame and Choice Scarf Rotom formes after an Agility. The remaining EVs slightly increase Empoleon's bulk while allowing it to get into Petaya Berry range after using Substitute only three times. Torrent is Empoleon's only useful ability, powering up Hydro Pump at low HP. A Petaya Berry lets Empoleon throw out absurdly strong +1 Torrent-boosted Hydro Pumps at low HP. A Shuca Berry, however, can be used to set up on Ground-types such as Krookodile and Nidoking comfortably. Chople Berry is also a possibility, but many Fighting-type attacks from wallbreakers like Heracross and Lucario can OHKO Empoleon anyway. Life Orb is also an option, but the recoil damage takes away from Empoleon's ability to maintain its sweep, and a Petaya Berry grants a greater boost anyway.
Usage Tips
========
Agility Empoleon works well as a cleaner on offensive teams, especially on Spikes-stacking hyper offense, as most of Empoleon's checks, including Blissey and Umbreon, are grounded. Priority attacks such as Mega Absol's Sucker Punch and even Entei's Extreme Speed can pick off Empoleon because it's reliant on the activation of Torrent and Petaya Berry to power up its moves. Mach Punch and Vacuum Wave from Infernape and Lucario can also stop a sweep. Even if it can't set up in a match, Empoleon can function as a check to Flying- and Fairy-types as well as Dragon-types if it chooses to run a Shuca Berry. Empoleon's typing and natural bulk allow it to set up on Choice-locked attacks such as Salamence's Outrage and Kyurem's Ice Beam, and Empoleon's team can even try to lure these attacks to create setup opportunities. After an Agility, Empoleon is still outsped by Choice Scarf users faster than Rotom-A.
Team Options
========
Froslass is hyper offense's best Spikes setter and can support Empoleon by wearing down its checks. Chesnaught and Roserade can also set up Spikes and have exceptional synergy with Empoleon. Empoleon appreciates the removal of opposing Water-types when running Substitute instead of Grass Knot. It also struggles with dedicated special walls such as Snorlax, so Pursuit trappers, special wallbreakers, and strong physical attackers make for good teammates. For example, Nasty Plot Infernape and Choice Band Heracross can take down both Water-types and special walls, and Krookodile can deal moderate damage to special walls switching out with Pursuit and can set up Stealth Rock to support Empoleon. Whimsicott can respond to several of Empoleon's checks, including Suicune, Umbreon, and Mega Absol, and can grant Empoleon safe opportunities to switch in and set up with U-turn, Encore, and Memento.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Toxic can be used on specially defensive Empoleon to heavily cripple the likes of Porygon2 and Cresselia, though a Scald burn can usually work just as well. Empoleon has access to Swords Dance, but it outclassed by Feraligatr and even Cloyster. It can also use Choice Specs to wallbreak without having to set up.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Electric-types**: While Mega Ampharos and Rotom-C are hampered by either Ice Beam or a burn from Scald, they can force Empoleon out given a safe switch in.
**Water-Immune Pokemon**: Toxicroak and Heliolisk can switch into Empoleon without fearing much and force it out. Jellicent can switch into specially defensive variants and wear them down with Will-O-Wisp and Taunt, but it is 2HKOed by Grass Knot from Modest variants of Empoleon.
**Special Walls**: Offensive variants of Empoleon are stopped cold by specially bulky Pokemon such as Blissey and Snorlax. Support Empoleon will also eventually get worn down and beaten by many special walls.
**Fighting-types**: Most Fighting-types hesitate to switch directly into Scald, but they can threaten to OHKO Empoleon if given a safe switch in. In particular, Guts variants of Heracross may benefit from a Scald burn.
**Passive Damage**: Loss of Leftovers, residual damage from burn, and repeated switches into Spikes can wear Empoleon down to the point where it's no longer able to perform its role.
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