OU Empoleon

[horyzhnz]

Overview
########

While Empoleon's UU status might leave it overlooked in OU, it actually has quite a notable niche in handling many prominent threats, such as the Lati twins, Greninja, Azumarill lacking Superpower, and Clefable, all common roadblocks to many teams. Empoleon can also support its team with access to both Defog and Stealth Rock, and its typing and good natural bulk allow it to function effectively as a special wall. Empoleon's excellent movepool backed by a base 111 Special Attack also means that it can be used as a tank. However, its weaknesses to common offensive types such as Electric, Fighting, and Ground mean that it can be hard-pressed to switch in, and its lack of reliable recovery and low Speed mean that it can be easily worn down.

Specially Defensive
########
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Scald
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Roar / Protect
move 4: Stealth Rock / Defog
ability: Torrent
item: Leftovers
evs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
nature: Calm

Moves
========

Scald's 30% burn chance helps Empoleon handle physical attackers more easily and deters many of them from switching in. Toxic puts a timer on opponents, slowly wearing them down. Roar can be used to stop Pokemon such as Calm Mind Clefable from setting up for free, although Protect can be helpful for accumulating Leftovers recovery and racking up Toxic damage, as well as scouting for moves. Stealth Rock should be used if your team lacks an entry hazard setter. Defog can be used in this slot to clear hazards when facing Pokemon that cannot touch Empoleon.

Set Details
========

The given EV spread allows Empoleon to make the best of its excellent Special Defense, which is further bolstered by a Calm nature. Leftovers gives Empoleon some much-needed passive recovery.

Usage Tips
========

Empoleon works nicely as a pivot, switching into common threats such as Azumarill and Heatran. It can serve as a good answer to most rain teams, easily handling staples such as Azumarill without Superpower and Kabutops, while still handling many common threats such as Greninja and Clefable. Stealth Rock and Defog can be used rather easily, as Empoleon forces quite a few switches, most notably on Heatran, one of the most common Stealth Rock users. Scald is a very spammable move, crippling many switch-ins and potentially whittling their health down for other teammates. Keep in mind that Empoleon has no access to reliable recovery, so keep it away from Knock Off and potential Will-O-Wisp users to let it do its job more effectively.

Team Options
========

Wish support from teammates is very helpful, as Empoleon lacks any reliable recovery of its own. Landorus-T and Gliscor appreciate Empoleon's ability to deal with threats such as Greninja, Azumarill, Substitute + Dragon Dance Gyarados, and other Water- and Ice-types which they cannot handle, and can take Fighting-, Electric-, and Ground-type moves in return. Pokemon such as Mega Charizard X, Talonflame, and Latios appreciate Empoleon's ability to switch into Azumarill and Heatran.


Choice Specs
########
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Flash Cannon
move 3: Grass Knot
move 4: Hidden Power Fire / Ice Beam
ability: Torrent
item: Choice Specs
evs: 248 HP / 252 SpA / 8 Spe
nature: Modest

Moves
========

STAB Choice Specs-boosted Hydro Pump hits astonishingly hard coming off Empoleon's decent base 111 Special Attack, denting most Pokemon without a resistance. Flash Cannon is Empoleon's second STAB move, dispatching Fairy-types and 2HKOing Pokemon that resist Water such as the Lati twins. Grass Knot hits most opposing Water-types such as Keldeo and Suicune. Hidden Power Fire takes care of Scizor and Ferrothorn, while Ice Beam can be used to defeat Dragon-types more easily.

Set Details
========

A standard spread for a special attacker allows Empoleon to hit as hard as possible while maintaining enough Speed to outrun Clefable, Azumarill, and minimum Speed Tyranitar. Alternatively, a Timid nature can be used to get the jump on neutral-natured Heatran, Breloom, and Scizor. Choice Specs boosts the power of Empoleon's attacks, and Torrent enables it to do even more damage to opponents while on the brink of fainting.

Usage Tips
========

The standard defensive set can easily be bluffed, allowing Empoleon to surprise the opponent with a powerful Choice Specs-boosted attack. Empoleon's STAB combination hits most of the tier neutrally, with Rotom-W and Chansey being the only common counters to it. This set is also a neat answer to Water-types in general, being able to easily switch into Choice-locked Keldeo and Azumarill, as well as bulkier Water-types such as Suicune and Slowbro.

Team Options
========

Gliscor and Landorus-T have great synergy with Empoleon, resisting each other's weaknesses, and can act as offensive pivots to maintain momentum and keep applying offensive pressure. Healing Wish support from Latias is extremely helpful due to the fact that Latias also beats most of Empoleon's common checks, such as Mega Venusaur, Keldeo, and Rotom-W. Rotom-W and Chansey wall this set completely, so a teammate such as Mold Breaker Excadrill or Assault Vest Conkeldurr can patch up these problems. Talonflame also works decently as a teammate, as it can take care of Ferrothorn and most Fighting-types with ease, while Empoleon can switch into Heatran and Tyranitar in return.

Other Options
########

Icy Wind, Yawn, and Knock Off can be used on the defensive set, but the given moves are generally more useful. A SubPetaya set can work decently, but there are still many Pokemon which can take a hit or outspeed and KO it. A physically based set with Defiant is usable, but Empoleon's lackluster physical movepool and low Speed leave it easily walled or revenge killed. Empoleon's low Speed can be somewhat remedied by using an Agility set, but such a set lacks power and can still be easily revenge killed.

Checks & Counters
########

**Electric-types**: Electric-types such as Raikou, Mega Manectric, and Thundurus can often threaten out Empoleon with a powerful STAB move, although they don't enjoy switching into the Choice Specs set. Rotom-W in particular takes pitiful damage from both of Empoleon's sets, but a Scald burn can force Rotom-W to use up its Chesto Berry early.

**Fighting-types**: Fighting-types such as Keldeo, Mega Heracross, and Terrakion scare off Empoleon with a super effective STAB move, but they cannot switch in directly due to the risk of a burn or heavy damage. However, Conkeldurr can easily switch into any move that Empoleon wants to use courtesy of its Assault Vest and recover off the damage while OHKOing Empoleon with Drain Punch. Conkeldurr also doesn't mind being burned due to Guts .

**Grass-types**: Most Grass-types don't fear a burn from the defensive set due to them being specially oriented, although Ice Beam and Flash Cannon will deal a hefty chunk to them. Mega Venusaur in particular walls both sets, being immune to Toxic and having a neutrality to Ice Beam thanks to Thick Fat.

**Chansey**: Chansey's insane special bulk allows it to eat up any attack from Empoleon and stall Empoleon out with a combination of Seismic Toss and Soft-Boiled. Chansey also doesn't fear a Scald burn due to Natural Cure.

skellytons

Overview
########
- bulky with a good typing which allows it to take on a lot of stuff like Azumarill, Greninja, and the Latis
- gets both SR + Defog
- decent base 111 SpA means it still hits decently hard
- slow
- mfw no reliable recovery
- common weaknesses

Specially Defensive
########
name: Special Wall
move 1: Scald
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Roar / Protect
move 4: Stealth Rock / Defog
ability: Torrent
item: Leftovers
evs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
nature: Calm

Moves
========
- Scald burns things
- Toxic poisons things
- Roar forces things out
- Protect can scout for stuff and recover more HP
- Stealth Rock because Stealth Rock
- Defog removes hazards

Set Details
========
- standard SpD wall EVs + nature
- lefties because recovery

Usage Tips
========
- ban Scald is very spammable
- forces a lot of common stuff out, so SR is easily set up
- Roar phazes stuff like Crocune, CM Clef, Manaphy, and Sub users
- hahaha rain teams

Team Options
========
- Wish support to keep walling stuff
- cleric to remove annoying burns
- Gliscor and Lando-T have cool synergy and can wall physical stuff for Empoleon

Choice Specs
########
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Flash Cannon
move 3: Grass Knot
move 4: Hidden Power Fire / Ice Beam
ability: Torrent
item: Choice Specs
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Modest

Moves
========
- dual STABs hit pretty hard with Specs and have good coverage
- Grass Knot for opposing Waters, most notably Manaphy and CroCune
- HP Fire for Ferrothorn

Set Details
========
- standard 252 / 252 offensive spread
- Modest for power
- Specs for moar power
- Torrent for moar power if nearly ded

Usage Tips
========
- 2HKOes most of the tier with a neutral attack, so STABs are pretty spammable
- wall set is easily bluffed; smack something which thinks it can set up with a Specs attack
- still pretty bulky, so it can switch into a lot of attacks and dent something back
- solid answer to CM Clef, CroCune, Greninja, and most Water-types in general
- Flash Cannon is very spammable against teams with multiple Water resists, easily 2HKOing things such as the Latis and Azumarill

Team Options
========
- Wish support to keep destroying stuff
- Gliscor and Lando-T still have great synergy and can act as offensive pivots
- Rotom-W walls this set regardless, so a teammate such as Mold Breaker Excadrill or Mega Venusaur helps

Other Options
########
- icy wind, yawn, knock off
- sub + petaya
- physical defiant set
- specs

Checks & Counters
########
- Conkeldurr because Drain Punch, AV, and Guts, can't do anything to Rotom-W
- Ferrothorn without HP Fire, megasaur on the defensive set
- burn is annoying because no recovery
- electric types

 

[Jukain]

move 1: Scald
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Protect
move 4: Stealth Rock / Defog

should be the only set, specs in oo.

 

[alexwolf]

One of Empoleon's biggest niches is checking Manaphy, CM Clefable, and CM Suicune, and it needs Roar to do this. Roar should definitely be slashed somewhere in the set. Neither of Toxic and Protect are musts imo and Roar is equally important to Empoleon's job. All of Roar, Protect, and Toxic have equal merits on Empoleon.

 

[Jukain]

then slash roar with protect idc

 

[horyzhnz]

i did those things

 

[trc]

I disagree with Specs being removed, I'd like to see it added as it's a viable set and I don't know why Jukain asked for its removal with no reasoning and I'm almost 100% sure he hasn't used it.

I also believe Roar is necessary as another of its merits is in being able to beat SubDD Gyarados which Empoleon walls.

 

[Jukain]

you're correct that i haven't used specs, my initial impression was pretty negative. i'll make a team and test it out.

 

[Jukain]

i made a team and used it a bunch of times against a few different people, i'll approve. hits pretty fucking hard and that defensive typing is killer.

 

[horyzhnz]

readded Jukain

 

[alexwolf]

- Grass Knot for opposing Waters, most notably Manaphy and CroCune

Manaphy takes pathetic damage from Grass Knot, as it is very light. Instead, mention Slowbro, who has a chance of getting OHKOed after SR, Keldeo, Alomomola, and Starmie.

 

[alexwolf]

Flash Cannon is a must if you want to counter CM Clefable, a huge threat to many teams. Also, Flash Cannon already hits most Dragon and Grass-types pretty hard, to the point where it 2HKOes them, so it's not like without Ice Beam you struggle against them. Not to mention that because most Fire- and Steel-types don't want to switch into Empoleon, Flash Cannon is a great move to spam against teams with multiple Water-resists, for example against teams that have both Latios and Azumarill. Like, there are some basic reasons you put Specs Empoleon in your team, and for me it's to have a solid answer to CM Clefable, CM Suicune, Greninja, and some other Water-types that Heatran can't deal with. And of course choiced Hydro Pump is much easier to spam than choiced Fire Blast / Overheat.

 

[Aragorn the King]

Rotom-W resists Water, Steel, Fire, and Ice, takes absolutely nothing from Grass Knot, and hits it hard and can burn it, so I think putting it in C&C would make sense. It's not a fan of Toxic, but it is good against the Specs set, and does beat the defensive set 1v1 too, especially if it's using ChestoRest.

 

[TKGriffiths]

Has anyone tried an offensive Stealth Rock set? Something along the lines of:


Offensive Stealth Rock
########
Name: Offensive Stealth Rock
Move 1: Hydro Pump
Move 2: Stealth Rock/Defog
Move 3: Ice Beam
Move 4: Toxic/Flash Cannon/Defog
Ability: Torrent
Item: Leftovers
EVs: 252 SpAtk / 252 Hp / 6 Speed
Nature: Modest

EVs might not be optimal, I forget my exact spread. Speed creeping uninvested Scizor might be an idea, you also creep uninvested Tyranitar by doing this.

I think it's a good utility poke. It combines the roles of Stealth Rock setter, Bulky Water and maybe Defogger while also possessing a nuke in (potentially torrent-boosted) Hydro Pump. Just as physically bulky as the specially defensive set so it's equally effective at checking stuff like Talonflame, Scizor and Tyranitar while the SpAtk investment means it can do some damage rather than just hoping for a Scald burn.

Flash Cannon might be the obvious choice in the fourth slot, I prefer Toxic because with Flash Cannon you're totally walled by other water-types. Flash Cannon's coverage is very underwhelming for me. It hits basically nothing but Kyurem, and pure fairies which you should be beating anyway. Yeah Magic Guard Clefable but Toxic's utility in hitting stuff like Rotom-W, Gastrodon, Chansey, Vaporeon, Charizard, Jellicent, Keldeo, Mandibuzz, Gyarados etc on the switch is much more useful. It's not as if Kyurem and Fairies enjoy Toxic either.

Many niche options in the last slot including Knock Off, HP Fire, Roar, Grass Knot, Substitute. In theory Substitute lets you do some interesting stuff like avoiding Ferrothorn's Leech Seed (you can beat Ferrothorn if it has Gyro Ball rather than Power Whip, especially if it's a Rocky Helmet variant), lowering yourself into Torrent range, setting up on predicted U-turns, etc but in practice Toxic or Defog must be better.

 

[aim]

1/3 friend :]

 

[Rissan]

Empoleon works nicely with Assault Vest if you clear physical sweepers and certain walls (particularly Rotom-W and Suicune) or force them out.

Assualt Vest
########
Name: Assualt Vest
Move 1: Scald
Move 2: Flash Cannon
Move 3: Ice Beam
Move 4: Aqua Jet/Knock Off
Ability: Torrent
Item: Assualt Vest
EVs: 252 SpAtk / 252 Hp / 4 Spe/Atk
(Alternative spread: 252 SpAtk / 252 SpDef / 4 Spe/Atk, unothodox but makes better use of the AVest imo)
Nature: Mild


Moves
========
- Scald for Water STAB and hopefully burning targets
- Flash Cannon for coverage, STAB, and possibly forcing switches with lowered SpDef
- Ice Beam for coverage
- Aqua Jet for priority, alternatively Knock Off can be used for coverage and checking Eviolite Chansey or AVest Goodra

Set Details
========
- Essentially a standard AVest set
- Several options for fourth moveslot: Aqua Jet being a good choice if priority is needed or desired; Earthquake is available but it would likely have to switch out if it needs Ground coverage anyway; Rock Tomb is an interesting option and can force switches with a guaranteed Speed drop; Aerial Ace or Drill Peck work better against Venusaur-M than Ice Beam would; Brick Break can be used to break walls; or even Facade to abuse status ailments
- Defiant can be used to power up the last move if anything other than Aqua Jet is used, but is situational and Torrent is generally the better option
- The main problem that this set has is that Empoleon needs more support than it might normally, as well as a smaller movepool without being able to use status moves

Team Options
========
- first and foremost Emp needs a teammate to deal with walls and certain physical sweepers; Venusaur-M and Jolteon are notable options to deal with Rotom-W, Suicune, and Manaphy, of course, though Volt Absorbers and specially defensive Espeon also work well for Rotom-W and the others, respectively
- Talonflame can still potentially 2-HKO it with Flare Blitz, so a bulky Rock-type such as Regirock or Gigalith would be helpful as they can wall both of its STAB moves (plus you can still put SR on either); alternatively physically defensive Gliscor can wall it and other phys attackers without much of a problem
- Wish support is always greatly appreciated and Empoleon is no exception; EvioChansey, Blissey, and Vaporeon are all good options
- Heal Bell/Aromatherapy support is also a good idea in case of burns or paralysis, Chansey/Blissey and Celebi work nicely
- Baton Pass - Shell Smash Shuckle/Smeargle can boost Emp's power and help patch up its Speed, though this would defeat the purpose of Assualt Vest; if it isn't running Aqua Jet then Curse - BP Umbreon is also an option

Usage Tips
========
- Even with AVest switch-ins should be timed carefully; if you can predict a Toxic or Sludge Bomb/Wave this would be the best time because of immunity, or on a weak Fake Out or a special/status move it resists
- Emp works nicely as a late-game sweeper once everything that can wall/check it is taken care of, or at least takes enough damage that an Aqua Jet will be sufficient

Whew, that was a lot more than I was planning on writing initially. If nothing else I can see AVest Empoleon having potential in UU, but I still have to test it more thoroughly with the different move options.

 

[horyzhnz]

empoleon has no access to reliable recovery unlike most other AV users and its power is middling at best, meaning it is worn down quite quickly and it cannot hit back as hard as it would like. aqua jet is weak priority and means it still can't do shit against other water-types, and every other option you've mentioned in the fourth slot is redundant. why should I use this set needing heavy team support when specs empoleon can just beat suicune and most other waters not named rotom-w with grass knot? espeon, regirock, gigalith, vaporeon, shuckle, umbreon, goodra, and smeargle are all outclassed or irrelevant in ou, and the fact that you bring up regirock and gigalith makes it seem like you don't have much experience with this tier, no offence. i haven't really tested it myself, but it just seems like it's trying to be a special tank but lacks the power. not really going to consider this unless qc approves

 

[Jukain]

mention some more things in c&c, including elecs, mega venusaur, and gliscor. also knock off which is pretty debilitating to defensive sets bc no recovery and specs loses its main source of power.

approved 2/3

 

[Magcargo]

I haven't used specs empoleon, but the team options seems like it needs some work. Wish support shouldn't be mentioned because specs empoleon has pretty crappy synergy with the two wish passers (Mola and Chansey). Instead I think Healing Wish Latias should be mentioned as a partner, as it has amazing defensive synergy with empoleon, defeats quite a few of its checks (Venusaur, Keldeo, Rotom-W, Charizard Y, Raikou, etc.) and can completely heal empoleon with healing wish. Mega Veusaur is another good partner since it checks most Electric and fighting-types. Some other partners that could be mentioned are Latios, Dragonite, and Talonflame.

C&C section needs some expanding of as well. For electric-types, mention Raikou, Thundurus, and Mega-Manetric as checks. For fighting-types, mention a couple of more checks like Terrakion, Keldeo, and Mega Heracrooss.

Mention Agility in OO.

EDIT: The Specs set EV spread should be changed to 248 HP / 252 SpA / 8 Spe. Empoleon really appreciates HP investment to tank attacks from azumarill, clefable, ninja etc. 8 Speed evs allow you to outspeed min speed tyranitar.

 

[alexwolf]

You should put some more content under Usage Tips and Team Options for both sets. Macgargo provided some feedback for what to add on the Specs set, and i don't really have anything important to add right now, but you need to add more stuff.

 

[Valentine]

3/3, cute

 

[frenzyplant]

1/2 :)

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add remove (comments)

Overview
########

While Empoleon's UU status may leave it overlooked in OU, it actually has quite a notable niche in handling many prominent threats, such as the Lati twins, Greninja, Azumarill lacking Superpower, and Clefable, all common roadblocks to many teams. Empoleon can also support its team with access to both Defog and Stealth Rock, and its typing and good natural bulk allow it to function effectively as a special wall. Empoleon's excellent movepool backed by a base 111 Special Attack also means that it can be used as a tank. However, its weaknesses to common offensive types such as Electric, Fighting, and Ground mean that it can be hard-pressed to switch in, and its lack of reliable recovery and low Speed mean that it can be easily worn down.

Specially Defensive
########
name: Specially Defensive Wall
move 1: Scald
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Roar / Protect
move 4: Stealth Rock / Defog
ability: Torrent
item: Leftovers
evs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
nature: Calm

Moves
========

Scald's 30% burn chance helps Empoleon handle physical attackers more easily, (remove comma) and deters many of them from switching in. Toxic puts a timer on opponents, slowly wearing them down. Roar can be used to stop Pokemon such as Calm Mind Clefable from setting up for free, although Protect can be helpful for accumulating Leftovers recovery and racking up Toxic damage, as well as scouting for moves. Stealth Rock can should be used if your team lacks an entry hazard setter. Defog can be used in this slot to clear hazards on when facing Pokemon that cannot touch Empoleon.

Set Details
========

The given EV spread allows Empoleon to make the best of its excellent Special Defense, which is further bolstered by a Calm nature. Leftovers gives Empoleon some much-needed passive recovery.

Usage Tips
========

Empoleon works nicely as a pivot, switching into common threats such as Azumarill and Heatran. It Empoleon can serve as a good answer to most rain teams, easily handling staples such as Azumarill without Superpower and Kabutops and Azumarill without Superpower, while still handling many common threats such as Greninja and Clefable. Stealth Rock and Defog can be used rather easily, as Empoleon forces quite a few switches. Scald is a very spammable move, crippling many switch-ins and potentially whittling their health down for other teammates. Keep in mind that Empoleon has no access to reliable recovery, so keep it away from Knock Off and potential Will-O-Wisp users to let it do its job more effectively.

Team Options
========

Wish support from teammates is very helpful, as Empoleon lacks any reliable recovery of its own. Landorus-T and Gliscor appreciate Empoleon's ability to deal with threats such as Greninja, Azumarill, Substitute + Dragon Dance Gyarados, and other Water- and Ice-types which they cannot handle, and can take Fighting-, Electric-, and Ground-type moves in return. Empoleon works nicely as a pivot switch into common threats such as Azumarill and Heatran, so Pokemon such as Mega Charizard X, Talonflame, and Latios appreciate its ability to switch into Azumarill and Heatran them.


Choice Specs
########
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Flash Cannon
move 3: Grass Knot
move 4: Hidden Power Fire / Ice Beam
ability: Torrent
item: Choice Specs
evs: 248 HP / 252 SpA / 8 Spe
nature: Modest

Moves
========

STAB Choice Specs-boosted Hydro Pump hits astonishingly hard coming off Empoleon's decent base 111 Special Attack, denting most Pokemon without a resistance. Flash Cannon is Empoleon's second STAB move, dispatching Fairy-types and 2HKOing Water resists such as the Lati twins. Grass Knot hits most opposing Water-types such as Keldeo and Suicune. Hidden Power Fire takes care of Scizor and Ferrothorn, while Ice Beam can be used to take care of defeat Dragon-types more easily.

Set Details
========

A standard spread for a specially offensive attacker allows Empoleon to hit as hard as possible while maintaining enough Speed to outrun Clefable, Azumarill, and minimum Speed Tyranitar. Alternatively, a Timid nature can be used to get the jump on neutral-natured Heatran, Breloom, and Scizor. Choice Specs boosts the power of Empoleon's attacks, and Torrent enables it to do even more damage to opponents while on the brink of death.

Usage Tips
========

The standard defensive set can easily be bluffed, allowing Empoleon to surprise the opponent with a powerful Choice Specs-boosted attack. Empoleon's STAB combination hits most of the tier neutrally, with Rotom-W and Chansey being the only common counters to it. This set is also a neat answer to Water-types in general, being able to easily switch into Choice-locked Keldeo and Azumarill, as well as bulkier Water-types such as Suicune and Slowbro.

Team Options
========

Gliscor and Landorus-T have great synergy with Empoleon, resisting each other's weaknesses, and can act as offensive pivots to maintain momentum and keep applying offensive pressure. Healing Wish support from Latias is extremely helpful, due to the fact that Latias also beats most of Empoleon's common checks, (comma) such as Mega Venusaur, Keldeo, and Rotom-W. Rotom-W and Chansey wall this set completely, so a teammate such as Mold Breaker Excadrill or Assault Vest Conkeldurr can patch up these problems. Talonflame also works decently as a teammate, as it can take care of Ferrothorn and most Fighting-types with ease, while Empoleon can switch into Heatran and Tyranitar in return.

Other Options
########

Icy Wind, Yawn, and Knock Off can be used on the defensive set, but the given moves are generally more useful. A SubPetaya set can work decently, but there are still many Pokemon which can take a hit or outspeed and KO it. A physically based set with Defiant is usable, but its Empoleon's lackluster physical movepool and low Speed leave it easily walled or revenge killed. The issue of Empoleon's low Speed can be somewhat remedied by using an Agility set, but it lacks power, (remove comma) and can still be easily revenge killed.

Checks & Counters
########

**Electric-types**: Electric-types such as Raikou, Mega Manectric, and Thundurus can often threaten out Empoleon with a powerful STAB move, although they don't enjoy switching into the Choice Specs set. Rotom-W in particular takes pitiful damage from both of Empoleon's sets, but a Scald burn may force Rotom-W to use up its Chesto Berry earlier. (chesto only cures sleep)

**Fighting-types**: Fighting-types such as Keldeo, Mega Heracross, and Terrakion will scare off Empoleon with a super effective STAB move, but they cannot switch in directly, (remove comma) due to the risk of a burn or heavy damage. However, Conkeldurr can easily switch into any move that Empoleon wants to use courtesy of its Assault Vest and recover off the damage while OHKOing Empoleon with Drain Punch. Conkeldurr also doesn't mind being burned, due to its Guts ability.

**Grass-types**: Most Grass-types don't fear a burn from the defensive set due to most of them their being specially oriented, although Ice Beam and Flash Cannon will deal a hefty chunk to them. Mega Venusaur in particular walls both sets, being immune to Toxic and having a neutrality to Ice Beam thanks to Thick Fat.

**Chansey**: Chansey's insane special bulk allows it to eat up any attack from Empoleon, while and stalling it out with a combination of Seismic Toss and Soft-Boiled. Chansey also doesn't fear a Scald burn, due to its Natural Cure ability.

 

[Magcargo]

I know this is already in GP but for the defensive set, one thing you might want to mention is that Empoleon is one of the few Defog users able to defeat Heatran, which is pretty important considering Heatran Is one of the best SR users atm.

 

[GatoDelFuego]

penguin

horyzhnz

REMOVE CHANGE COMMENTS

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Overview
########

While Empoleon's UU status may might leave it overlooked in OU, it actually has quite a notable niche in handling many prominent threats, such as the Lati twins, Greninja, Azumarill lacking Superpower, and Clefable, all common roadblocks to many teams. Empoleon can also support its team with access to both Defog and Stealth Rock, and its typing and good natural bulk allow it to function effectively as a special wall. Empoleon's excellent movepool backed by a base 111 Special Attack also means that it can be used as a tank. However, its weaknesses to common offensive types such as Electric, Fighting, and Ground mean that it can be hard-pressed to switch in, and its lack of reliable recovery and low Speed mean that it can be easily worn down.

Specially Defensive
########
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Scald
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Roar / Protect
move 4: Stealth Rock / Defog
ability: Torrent
item: Leftovers
evs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
nature: Calm

Moves
========

Scald's 30% burn chance helps Empoleon handle physical attackers more easily and deters many of them from switching in. Toxic puts a timer on opponents, slowly wearing them down. Roar can be used to stop Pokemon such as Calm Mind Clefable from setting up for free, although Protect can be helpful for accumulating Leftovers recovery and racking up Toxic damage, as well as scouting for moves. Stealth Rock should be used if your team lacks an entry hazard setter. Defog can be used in this slot to clear hazards when facing Pokemon that cannot touch Empoleon.

Set Details
========

The given EV spread allows Empoleon to make the best of its excellent Special Defense, which is further bolstered by a Calm nature. Leftovers gives Empoleon some much-needed passive recovery.

Usage Tips
========

Empoleon works nicely as a pivot, switching into common threats such as Azumarill and Heatran. It can serve as a good answer to most rain teams, easily handling staples such as Azumarill without Superpower and Kabutops, while still handling many common threats such as Greninja and Clefable. Stealth Rock and Defog can be used rather easily, as Empoleon forces quite a few switches, most notably on Heatran, one of the most common Stealth Rock users. Scald is a very spammable move, crippling many switch-ins and potentially whittling their health down for other teammates. Keep in mind that Empoleon has no access to reliable recovery, so keep it away from Knock Off and potential Will-O-Wisp users to let it do its job more effectively.

Team Options
========

Wish support from teammates is very helpful, as Empoleon lacks any reliable recovery of its own. Landorus-T and Gliscor appreciate Empoleon's ability to deal with threats such as Greninja, Azumarill, Substitute + Dragon Dance Gyarados, and other Water- and Ice-types which they cannot handle, and can take Fighting-, Electric-, and Ground-type moves in return. Pokemon such as Mega Charizard X, Talonflame, and Latios appreciate its Empoleon's ability to switch into Azumarill and Heatran.


Choice Specs
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name: Choice Specs
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Flash Cannon
move 3: Grass Knot
move 4: Hidden Power Fire / Ice Beam
ability: Torrent
item: Choice Specs
evs: 248 HP / 252 SpA / 8 Spe
nature: Modest

Moves
========

STAB Choice Specs-boosted Hydro Pump hits astonishingly hard coming off Empoleon's decent base 111 Special Attack, denting most Pokemon without a resistance. Flash Cannon is Empoleon's second STAB move, dispatching Fairy-types and 2HKOing Pokemon that resist Water resists such as the Lati twins. Grass Knot hits most opposing Water-types such as Keldeo and Suicune. Hidden Power Fire takes care of Scizor and Ferrothorn, while Ice Beam can be used to defeat Dragon-types more easily.

Set Details
========

A standard spread for a special attacker allows Empoleon to hit as hard as possible while maintaining enough Speed to outrun Clefable, Azumarill, and minimum Speed Tyranitar. Alternatively, a Timid nature can be used to get the jump on neutral-natured Heatran, Breloom, and Scizor. Choice Specs boosts the power of Empoleon's attacks, and Torrent enables it to do even more damage to opponents while on the brink of fainting death.

Usage Tips
========

The standard defensive set can easily be bluffed, allowing Empoleon to surprise the opponent with a powerful Choice Specs-boosted attack. Empoleon's STAB combination hits most of the tier neutrally, with Rotom-W and Chansey being the only common counters to it. This set is also a neat answer to Water-types in general, being able to easily switch into Choice-locked Keldeo and Azumarill, as well as bulkier Water-types such as Suicune and Slowbro.

Team Options
========

Gliscor and Landorus-T have great synergy with Empoleon, resisting each other's weaknesses, and can act as offensive pivots to maintain momentum and keep applying offensive pressure. Healing Wish support from Latias is extremely helpful, (RC) due to the fact that Latias also beats most of Empoleon's common checks, such as Mega Venusaur, Keldeo, and Rotom-W. Rotom-W and Chansey wall this set completely, so a teammate such as Mold Breaker Excadrill or Assault Vest Conkeldurr can patch up these problems. Talonflame also works decently as a teammate, as it can take care of Ferrothorn and most Fighting-types with ease, while Empoleon can switch into Heatran and Tyranitar in return.

Other Options
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Icy Wind, Yawn, and Knock Off can be used on the defensive set, but the given moves are generally more useful. A SubPetaya set can work decently, but there are still many Pokemon which can take a hit or outspeed and KO it. A physically based set with Defiant is usable, but Empoleon's lackluster physical movepool and low Speed leave it easily walled or revenge killed. Empoleon's low Speed can be somewhat remedied by using an Agility set, but it such a set lacks power and can still be easily revenge killed.

Checks & Counters
########

**Electric-types**: Electric-types such as Raikou, Mega Manectric, and Thundurus can often threaten out Empoleon with a powerful STAB move, although they don't enjoy switching into the Choice Specs set. Rotom-W in particular takes pitiful damage from both of Empoleon's sets, but a Scald burn may can force Rotom-W to use up its Chesto Berry early.

**Fighting-types**: Fighting-types such as Keldeo, Mega Heracross, and Terrakion scare off Empoleon with a super effective STAB move, but they cannot switch in directly due to the risk of a burn or heavy damage. However, Conkeldurr can easily switch into any move that Empoleon wants to use courtesy of its Assault Vest and recover off the damage while OHKOing Empoleon with Drain Punch. Conkeldurr also doesn't mind being burned, (RC) due to its Guts ability.

**Grass-types**: Most Grass-types don't fear a burn from the defensive set due to them being specially oriented, although Ice Beam and Flash Cannon will deal a hefty chunk to them. Mega Venusaur in particular walls both sets, being immune to Toxic and having a neutrality to Ice Beam thanks to Thick Fat.

**Chansey**: Chansey's insane special bulk allows it to eat up any attack from Empoleon and stall it Empoleon out with a combination of Seismic Toss and Soft-Boiled. Chansey also doesn't fear a Scald burn, (RC) due to its Natural Cure ability.

2/2

 

[Jukain]

uploading

e: actually gonna hold off on this until i go over something