Empoleon
Hi C&C. This passed QC here but was left to ruin for about 5 months. Finally, after deciding that it wasn't going to happen, it was put up for reassignment and I decided to write it so that it'd be done ASAP. I have posted this straight to Copyediting because I am changing nothing about the approved sets.
Status:
Awaiting GP Checks
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[Overview]
<p>From the outset, Empoleon doesn't look particularly overwhelming—its movepool isn't overflowing in terms of offense, and it doesn't have any stats that bring it to the front of the crowd. However, what it does have is a unique typing that grants it an immunity and 11 resistances to some of the most common attacking types, such as Ice, Dragon, Ghost, Rock, Water, and Dark. In contrast, Empoleon only has weaknesses to Ground, Fighting, and Electric. Its high Special Defense also lends it to the job of a defensive Pokemon, but it can be capable of much more. Wielding both Agility and an already high Special Attack stat, Empoleon is an extremely deadly late-game sweeper with just enough coverage to destroy entire teams. While Empoleon may not be used very much since it requires a well-built team, this does not detract from the fact that it can be very effective if played correctly.</p>
[SET]
name: SubPetaya
move 1: Agility
move 2: Substitute
move 3: Surf
move 4: Ice Beam / Grass Knot
item: Petaya Berry
nature: Modest
evs: 12 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA / 240 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Empoleon's signature set aims to sweep the opponent late-game with a strategy very rarely deemed effective in high level play: Substitute, Agility, and a pinch Berry. With 240 Spe EVs and an Agility, Empoleon reaches 432 Speed, outspeeding +1 Jolly Gyarados and Dragonite, Choice Scarf Togekiss, +2 Adamant Metagross, and Choice Scarf Heatran. Empoleon can also OHKO Heatran and 2HKO Metagross with Surf, while being able to OHKO Dragonite and 2HKO Togekiss, provided Stealth Rock is in play. The premise of the set is simple; late-game, switch Empoleon in on any one of its many resistances, or after a revenge kill, and use Agility as your opponent switches out to a check. After an Agility, the only Pokemon that can outspeed Empoleon are those with Choice Scarf. Because of this, Empoleon can confidently use Substitute against most Pokemon to not only block incoming status, but also get it into range for Petaya Berry to activate.</p>
<p>Surf is Empoleon's primary STAB attack, as with a Petaya Berry boost, Hydro Pump's extra power is not necessary. Ice Beam is the prime choice for providing good coverage, most notably against Shaymin, Dragonite, Celebi, and Zapdos. Grass Knot can be used over Ice Beam for taking down Swampert and Suicune, although this allows Dragonite and many Pokemon to check and stop Empoleon.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EVs and nature focus on maximizing Empoleon's attacking power, while 12 EVs are placed in HP so that it only takes three Substitutes for Petaya Berry to activate at 25% health. 240 Speed EVs are all that's needed, as more outspeeds nothing notable. The last 4 EVs, while functionally negligible, provide the best boost when placed into Empoleon's Defense.</p>
<p>Since Empoleon can only have one of Ice Beam or Grass Knot, it is necessary to support Empoleon with Pokemon that cover whatever checks it. When running Grass Knot on Empoleon, Choice Scarf Jirachi is a good teammate because it can deal with Grass- and Dragon-types with Ice Punch, though it may not be enough against bulky Shaymin and Celebi. Tyranitar packs a much bigger punch with Crunch, Stone Edge, and Fire Punch, but be wary of Grass- and Ground-type attacks when using it. Blissey is the biggest problem for this set, as it takes little damage even from a boosted Empoleon's attacks. In order to remove Blissey, using a powerful physical attacker, such as Lucario or Breloom, is recommended. Both Lucario and Breloom have access to Swords Dance to boost their Attack to sky-high levels; individually, Lucario has Close Combat and ExtremeSpeed to vanquish the foe, while Breloom resists two of Empoleon's weaknesses and has Spore to put an opponent to sleep. Toxic Spikes deserves a special mention here for being able to weaken and defeat both Blissey and Suicune as Empoleon is repeatedly using Substitute. Many a game has been won by Empoleon setting up on a poisoned and weakened Blissey.</p>
<p>Empoleon is susceptible to Mach Punch from Breloom and Infernape, especially if the user comes in before Empoleon starts using Substitute. Besides this, even though Empoleon is immune to sandstorm and Toxic Spikes, it must be mindful of any other residual damage, such as Spikes, Leech Seed, and hail. Additionally, while using Substitute to gain the Petaya Berry boost, Empoleon can be phazed with Roar or Whirlwind. As all of these factors will plague Empoleon's ability to sweep, it is best to eliminate these users as soon as possible to ensure a clean late-game sweep.</p>
[SET]
name: Agility
move 1: Agility
move 2: Surf / Hydro Pump
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Grass Knot
item: Life Orb
nature: Modest
evs: 12 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA / 240 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set forgoes the use of Substitute and Petaya Berry to use three attacks, giving it more rounded coverage against a variety of threats. Despite that Life Orb gives less of a boost when compared to Petaya Berry, this set successfully makes use of its ability to set up multiple times during a match. The moveset is fairly self-explanatory; Agility allows Empoleon to boost its Speed to such a degree that it can sweep with its three coverage moves: Surf, Ice Beam, and Grass Knot. Hydro Pump is an option over Surf since the power helps KO Pokemon that Surf would otherwise be unable to, such as Tyranitar.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>252 Special Attack EVs and a Modest nature provide Empoleon with maximum power, and 240 EVs are placed in Speed to outspeed as much as is necessary. The rest of the EVs are spread to optimize Empoleon's defenses as much as is possible with only 16 EVs available. Life Orb is chosen as the item on this set for its immediate boost and because Empoleon isn't using Substitute to activate a pinch Berry.</p>
<p>This Empoleon will require much more dedicated team support, since it not only lacks Substitute to protect itself from oncoming onslaught, but requires more entry hazard support to score some necessary KOs. Skarmory can provide Spikes support whiling taking on Empoleon's Ground-type weakness. For Stealth Rock support, Hippowdon is more than up for the task due to its mammoth physical bulk and ability to summon a sandstorm, which increases the amount of residual damage done upon the foe. Toxic Spikes from the likes of Roserade and Tentacruel are also very useful for wearing down a majority of Empoleon's checks and counters, such as Blissey, Suicune, Vaporeon, and Celebi. On top of this, this Empoleon is more likely to be sweeping mid-game as opposed to late-game, so punching holes in the opponent's team can also clear way for other sweepers. For example, if Empoleon can take down Gyarados or Bronzong, Swords Dance Gliscor can sweep more easily.</p>
[SET]
name: Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Hydro Pump / Surf
move 3: Aqua Jet
move 4: Grass Knot / Ice Beam
item: Focus Sash / Chople Berry
nature: Modest
evs: 156 HP / 252 SpA / 100 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Empoleon's typing and respectable movepool allow it to be a great lead. With access to Stealth Rock and a priority move to top it off, it can deal with many common leads effectively. Faster, frail leads can be taken out by a combination of Hydro Pump and Aqua Jet, whereas slower leads can have Stealth Rock set up on them before being taken out. Hydro Pump is used in order to deal as much damage as possible to the likes of Hippowdon and Metagross, whereas Surf can be used for more reliability, as it will still deal with Infernape and Tyranitar. Grass Knot takes care of Swampert and other Water-types that switch in to wall Empoleon. Ice Beam can be used instead of Grass Knot to take down Dragonite and Gliscor, although the latter can still be worn down with Hydro Pump.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The Speed EVs given outpace minimum Speed Skarmory and Metagross, although some Metagross are known to invest a little more to overcome this, so you can do the same. Maximum Special Attack lets Empoleon do as much damage as possible, while the remaining EVs are placed into HP. Focus Sash is the item of choice, since Empoleon has weaknesses to common Fighting- and Ground-type moves and Focus Sash allows Empoleon to do its job. However, since some Pokemon are inclined to carry Fake Out—most notably Infernape and Hariyama—a Chople Berry can be used to soften the blow from their next strike, since Focus Sash then becomes unusable. Alternatively, for opposing Pokemon that do not KO, such as Heatran and Metagross, Shuca Berry can be used to weaken the damage from their attacks.</p>
<p>Depending on the item, Empoleon faces several unfavorable match-ups, like those against Machamp, Roserade, and Infernape. Machamp is able to smack Empoleon hard with DynamicPunch, which inflicts confusion even if Empoleon packs Chople Berry to survive the attack. Roserade can put Empoleon to sleep and then either slam it hard with Leaf Storm or set up Toxic Spikes. Infernape's combination of Fake Out and Close Combat will nearly always KO Empoleon, though this can be mitigated with Chople Berry. Dragonite is a solid partner as it resists the STAB attacks of these unfavorable match-ups and can use Draco Meteor to deal serious damage to them. Dragonite must still beware of Machamp's ability to confuse and access to Ice Punch, however. Tentacruel is another option to consider since it resists Fighting and Fire, has great special bulk to take on Roserade's Leaf Storm, and can Rapid Spin away entry hazards and absorb Toxic Spikes.</p>
[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Surf
move 2: Grass Knot
move 3: Hidden Power Electric / Stealth Rock
move 4: Roar / Ice Beam
item: Leftovers
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 252 SpD / 4 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With a superb defensive typing, decent support movepool, and solid defensive stats, Empoleon can do a fine job at supporting its team. Empoleon may lack the bulk of Suicune and Swampert, but its typing allows it to resist some of the most common attacking types and gives it ample opportunities to switch in and KO the opponent or force it out. Surf is a great move to have, and pretty much mandatory on Empoleon. Since Empoleon is no longer sweeping, bulky Water-types like Swampert are going to be more of a threat due to their ability to outstall Empoleon, Roar it away, and otherwise set up. As such, Grass Knot is a must-have for this set. Hidden Power Electric is recommended on the third slot to deal with Water-types such as Gyarados, which takes less damage from Grass Knot. Empoleon can make use of either Roar or Stealth Rock to support its team outside of checking common threats. Roar gives Empoleon a tool to phaze setup sweepers while scouting the opponent's team. Stealth Rock is a great alternative over Hidden Power Electric to weaken the opponent's team gradually; it also combines well with Roar to rack up even more damage over time. Lastly, Ice Beam is usable over Roar to strike troublesome Dragon- and Grass-types such as Dragonite and Shaymin.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EVs and nature allow for maximum protection from special attacks. All of Empoleon's potential bulk is better off on the special side, since most physical attacks take the form of Ground- and Fighting-type moves, which will maim Empoleon even with defensive investment. Despite this, 68 Def EVs can be taken from Special Defense and placed in Defense in order to survive most Dragonites' Superpower and Offensive Gyarados's Earthquake.</p>
<p>Since this Empoleon aims to support rather than sweep, having Pokemon that take advantage of weakened special attackers such as Starmie and Togekiss is beneficial. Setup attackers like Metagross and Infernape can be effective, since they will no longer have a Pokemon that can resist their STAB attacks. Alternatively, a Dragon-type such as Dragonite or Flygon is useful to have around since it can do some damage to Suicune or Swampert early on and enable Empoleon to deal with it later.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Hydro Pump / Surf
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Grass Knot
move 4: Sleep Talk / Hidden Power Electric
nature: Modest
item: Leftovers
evs: 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Empoleon can choose to bypass the turns of setup and start hitting hard right away with Choice Specs equipped. Its high Special Attack in tandem with Choice Specs means that it will be doing huge damage to a majority of your opponent's team. However, due to Choice Specs's side effect, Empoleon will be switching a lot, and while it resists Stealth Rock, it will still be taking damage from Spikes as it switches in. Considering Empoleon isn't a lightning bruiser, it will be taking a hit before it attacks more often than not as well. Fortunately, Empoleon's natural bulk allows it to take these hits and return fire for a KO more often than not.</p>
<p>Hydro Pump is the primary option to dish out as much pain as possible on the opponent. Surf is a fine alternative for reliability, though Hydro Pump's power truly is impressive. Ice Beam covers Grass- and Dragon-types that resist Hydro Pump and Surf. Grass Knot destroys Water-types that resist the rest of the set. The most notable niche this set boasts is Sleep Talk. Because of Empoleon's great resistances and decent bulk, it can work as an effective sleep absorber for the team. Sleep Talk allows it to attack while not being locked into one single attacking move. This is also reflected in the EV spread—that much HP investment means that Empoleon will stay alive for quite some time against neutral attacks. Hidden Power Electric is an alternative over Sleep Talk for the OHKO on Gyarados and 2HKO on Vaporeon with Stealth Rock damage, but achieves little on the set besides that.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Despite the defensive investment, Empoleon appreciates Wish support a lot. Since this set uses Choice Specs, Blissey and Snorlax will be switching in easily. Jirachi can provide Wish support and take out Blissey with continuous Iron Heads, but shares a Ground-type weakness with Empoleon. Jolteon heals itself when switching into Empoleon's Electric-type weakness, although it is also stopped by Blissey and is annoyingly weak to Ground-type attacks as well. For a more reliable way of eliminating Blissey and Snorlax, Tyranitar can be considered to either smack them with Superpower or hit them on their switch out with Pursuit.</p>
<p>Paralysis support is very handy for this set, since it can allow Empoleon to stay at high health and not take hits from opposing Pokemon. Despite the maximum HP investment, Empoleon's Defense is still sub-par, so having Pokemon such as Celebi and Rotom-A will be extremely helpful when a Ground- or Fighting-type is out on your opponents side. Celebi and Rotom-A can also spread around Thunder Wave to make up for Empoleon's low Speed.</p>
[Team Options]
<p>Empoleon needs little in the way of team support due to its resistances and natural defenses. However, if playing an offensive set, especially with Agility, having Spikes and Stealth Rock down can be crucial ensure Empoleon's sweep. Dugtrio can trap and KO Blissey with its STAB Earthquake, and is also immune to Electric-type moves which are one of Empoleon's weaknesses. Powerful Fighting-type Pokemon such as Machamp and Infernape can both deal with Blissey and generally weaken the opponent's team to pave the way for Empoleon's sweep. Toxic Spikes support is immensely valuable on any set of Empoleon's without Grass Knot, mostly for dealing with Suicune, but also for screwing up Blissey and Vaporeon. Good options for Toxic Spikes support are Roserade and Tentacruel, though Forretress isn't a terrible choice either. Paralysis support can also be helpful for sets lacking Agility since Empoleon isn't very fast.</p>
<p>Defensively, Wish support is paramount, since Empoleon does not have its own method of recovery outside of Rest. While defensive Empoleon invest in HP and aims for greater longevity, it will find itself unable to deal with hard-hitting opponents such as Infernape, Metagross, and Gyarados. Empoleon can still be an effective sponge for specially-based attacks, though, so having a teammate that can sweep more easily with Starmie and Suicune weakened or removed is a good plan. Metagross shares its Ground-type weakness with Empoleon, but appreciates having Suicune taken out. Gliscor is also an option, since it cannot deal with bulky Water-types, so Empoleon can clear a sweep for it easily. Gliscor can also help Empoleon out by laying down Stealth Rock or Taunting defensive Pokemon so that Empoleon has an easier time taking them down.</p>
[Optional Changes]
<p>Empoleon has a good movepool for what it needs, but lacks many notable other options. With access to Swords Dance to boost its mediocre Attack and a usable physical movepool consisting of Earthquake, Aqua Jet, Waterfall, Drill Peck, Return, and Avalanche, Empoleon can become a neat physical sweeper, but it lacks power and Speed to sweep properly. Yawn can be used to phaze, but Roar is better and Empoleon often can't risk guessing if the opponent will stay in to attack or switch out to dodge the sleep. Flash Cannon is available for a secondary STAB move, though it offers redundant coverage with Empoleon's main moves and is easily resisted. Lastly, Knock Off is usable on defensive sets to remove items, but is essentially useless once the job is done.</p>
[Counters]
<p>Blissey is the best counter to Empoleon for hopefully obvious reasons and cripple it with Thunder Wave or wear it down with Seismic Toss. Empoleon relies on Agility to outspeed and damage the opponent before it can hit back, so faster Pokemon such as Choice Scarf Flygon or Choice Scarf Starmie can get in and do serious damage. As long as they switch in on a revenge kill and Empoleon hasn't used Agility and lacks a Substitute, Jolteon, Rotom-A, and Magnezone can destroy Empoleon with their STAB Electric-type attacks; in addition, Magnezone has Magnet Pull to prevent Empoleon from escaping. Empoleon variants without Ice Beam lose to Dragonite, Shaymin, or Celebi while those without Grass Knot will fall flat against Suicune and Vaporeon.</p>
