Stolen from the amazing sparktrain (won via a game of darts).
QC 3/3: sparktrain, cbrevan, sparktrain
GP 2/2: Snobalt, P Squared
[OVERVIEW]
Manaphy's standout trait is its access to Tail Glow, which allows it to set up incredibly quickly and break through a plethora of walls. A mono-Water typing leaves Manaphy with very few weaknesses, and this coupled with good defensive stats means Manaphy is able to find many opportunities to set up. Manaphy has an impressive range of coverage moves as well, including Ice Beam, Energy Ball, and Psychic. However, foes such as Mollux, Plasmanta, Cyclohm, and Krilowatt make it difficult for Manaphy to always have the right coverage options. Manaphy's base 100 Speed isn't bad by any means, but it leaves it outsped by many offensive threats such as Mega Manectric and Serperior. However, very few things can safely switch into a boosted Manaphy, and with the right team support its coverage issues can be remedied.
[SET]
name: Tail Glow + 3 Attacks
move 1: Tail Glow
move 2: Scald
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Psychic / Energy Ball
item: Leftovers / Wacan Berry
ability: Hydration
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Tail Glow boosts Manaphy's Special Attack by three stages, turning it into a powerful wallbreaker. Scald's burn chance allows Manaphy to cripple and wear down potential switch-ins, such as Ferrothorn, Kyurem-B, and Unaware Clefable, which can allow Manaphy a better shot at breaking past them. Ice Beam provides good overall neutral coverage with Scald and hits Grass- and Dragon-types such as Necturna, Mega Altaria, Cyclohm, Garchomp, and Latios super effectively. Psychic provides coverage against Keldeo, Mollux, Plasmanta, and Mega Venusaur, but it leaves Manaphy much more easily checked by opposing Water-types. Alternatively, Energy Ball may be used for stronger coverage against the likes of Azumarill, Krilowatt, Naviathan, Rotom-W, Starmie, and Slowbro, but it renders Manaphy helpless against the likes of Mollux, Plasmanta, and Mega Venusaur.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed investment and a Timid nature make the best use of Manaphy's Speed tier. 252 Special Attack EVs maximize Manaphy's damage output. Leftovers provides Manaphy with added longevity, allowing it to set up more often throughout the course of a match. Wacan Berry may be used instead to improve Manaphy's matchup against Electric-types. It prevents faster Electric-types such as Krilowatt and Mega Manectric from easily revenge killing it, and it allows Manaphy to set up more comfortably against slower Electric-types such as Cyclohm. Rindo Berry prevents Manaphy from being revenge killed by Serperior, giving it an opportunity to strike back with Ice Beam. Similarly, Rindo Berry also allows Manaphy to set up against slower Grass-types and use Ice Beam the next turn.
Usage Tips
========
If there are no Pokemon immune to Water on the opposing team, Manaphy can use Scald liberally early on in the match to potentially cripple and wear down its defensive answers. Depending on which coverage move Manaphy is running, it will find itself being walled by a certain group of Pokemon. Manaphy should wait until these threats have been adequately weakened or removed before setting up Tail Glow. Manaphy should set up Tail Glow against Pokemon that can't do much damage to it, such as Mega Sableye and Heatran, so that it is as healthy as possible after setting up and harder to revenge kill. If Manaphy is running Wacan Berry or Rindo Berry, slower Electric- or Grass-types, respectively, can make for excellent setup bait. However, if fast Electric- or Grass-types are present on the opposing team, try to preserve Manaphy's Berry for these threats so they cannot revenge kill it. Manaphy may struggle finding an opportunity to set up against faster teams, so be sure to take advantage of Scald and its coverage moves as much as possible in these matchups; setting up too soon against fast teams can result in wasted turns of using Tail Glow as the opponent switches to a threat that forces Manaphy out.
Team Options
========
Magnezone provides a direct method of eliminating Ferrothorn by trapping it and KOing it with Hidden Power Fire. However, this may also be accomplished by utilizing a lure, such as Hidden Power Fire Kyurem-B or Hidden Power Fire Mega Diancie. Fast cleaners such as Cawmodore, Stratagem, and Mega Lopunny all benefit from Manaphy's wallbreaking. Talonflame can handle faster offensive threats with priority Brave Bird or Acrobatics and can help defeat Ferrothorn and Chansey as well. Illusion Tail Glow Aurumoth is an excellent teammate; it can disguise itself as Manaphy and help break past Manaphy's checks and counters, allowing Manaphy a better shot at sweeping later on. Aurumoth's strong Psychic-type STAB moves lessen the need for Manaphy to run Psychic as coverage, freeing up the moveslot for Energy Ball. Electric checks such as Mega Charizard X and Hippowdon make for good teammates, especially if Manaphy is not running Wacan Berry. If Manaphy is not running Rindo Berry, Tornadus-T and Mega Scizor can take Grass-type moves aimed at it. A Sticky Web setter, such as Necturna, can slow down the opposing team, which improves Manaphy's matchup against offensive teams and allows it a much better chance at sweeping. However, Sticky Web also makes opposing Serperior even more threatening to Manaphy and its team. Tailwind users such as Fidgit and Talonflame pair well with Manaphy for similar reasons, speeding up Manaphy and its teammates.
[SET]
name: Tail Glow + Rain Dance
move 1: Tail Glow
move 2: Rain Dance
move 3: Scald
move 4: Psychic / Energy Ball / Ice Beam
item: Leftovers
ability: Hydration
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Tail Glow turns Manaphy into a powerful wallbreaker by boosting its Special Attack by three stages. Rain Dance powers up Manaphy's Scald, giving Manaphy the potential to muscle past Unaware Clefable. It also allows Manaphy to take advantage of its ability, Hydration. Manaphy can utilize Scald's burn chance to wear down potential switch-ins, such as Ferrothorn and Unaware Clefable, more easily. Psychic allows Manaphy to deal notable damage to Mollux, Plasmanta, and Mega Venusaur, preventing them from walling the set. Energy Ball, instead, gives Manaphy the ability to threaten Water-types more effectively, such as Azumarill, Slowbro, and Rotom-W. Alternatively, Ice Beam gives Manaphy super effective coverage against opposing Grass- and Dragon-types such as Necturna, Mega Altaria, Cyclohm, Garchomp, and Latios. It should be noted, however, that many of the foes that are hit by Energy Ball or Ice Beam for super effective damage still take neutral damage from Psychic, whereas Manaphy absolutely needs Psychic if aiming to defeat Mollux on its own.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed investment and a Timid nature allow Manaphy to Speed tie with the plethora of other base 100 Speed Pokemon. 252 Special Attack EVs are used to increase Manaphy's damage output, making it deadly after a single Tail Glow boost. Leftovers increases Manaphy's longevity, allowing it to set up more often throughout the course of a match. Hydration heals Manaphy's status ailments at the end of each turn in rain, which is helpful in tandem with Rain Dance.
Usage Tips
========
If the opposing team lacks foes with abilities that grant Water immunities, Manaphy has the freedom to use Scald frequently and early on in the match, as it may cripple and wear down its defensive answers. Two coverage moves are nowhere near enough for Manaphy to cover all the threats it'd like to, and it will always be walled by a certain subset of Pokemon depending on which two attacks it opts for. Therefore, Manaphy should wait until these threats have been adequately worn down or handled by its teammates before attempting to set up. Mega Sableye, Heatran, and other foes that do little damage to Manaphy provide it with great opportunities to set up either Tail Glow or Rain Dance. Despite Manaphy's reasonable bulk, its middling Speed means that it can struggle against offensive teams, as it'll have a hard time setting up or find itself being easily revenge killed. Manaphy should take advantage of Scald and its coverage move as much as possible in these matchups or be used as a Rain Dance setter to support its teammates on forced switches.
Team Options
========
Depending on Manaphy's choice of two coverage moves, it will find itself being walled by certain groups of Pokemon and will need the proper teammates to handle them accordingly. Manaphy lacking Psychic absolutely needs a method of dealing with Mollux, Plasmanta, and Mega Venusaur. Seeing as these are all Poison-types, a Psychic-type such as Aurumoth is an excellent partner to take these threats out of the picture. Manaphy lacking Energy Ball will need a teammate that can check Water-types, such as Cyclohm, Mollux, Necturna, or Serperior. Manaphy lacking Ice Beam will struggle against opposing Dragon-types, so Fairy-types such as Clefable, Mega Diancie, and Mega Gardevoir can pair up well with Manaphy. Cawmodore pairs up very nicely with Manaphy if Manaphy is running Ice Beam to defeat Cyclohm, and it can act as a fast late-game sweeper after Manaphy breaks down walls. Cawmodore also benefits from Rain Dance, as it neutralizes its weakness to Fire. Other late-game cleaners such as Stratagem and Mega Lopunny can also take advantage of walls being broken down by Manaphy. Manaphy tends to struggle breaking past defensive threats such as Ferrothorn and Chansey and requires teammates to take them on. Talonflame works well in this role and can also handle faster offensive threats for Manaphy with priority Brave Bird or Acrobatics. Magnezone can trap an opposing Ferrothorn that blocks Manaphy's path to setting up and KO it with Hidden Power Fire. Alternatively, lures such as Mega Diancie can use Hidden Power Fire to take care of Ferrothorn. Manaphy should not use Rain Dance if its teammates have yet to weaken or remove Ferrothorn, as this will hamper their ability to do so by weakening their Fire-type moves. Necturna can use Sticky Web to allow Manaphy to outspeed more threats, but this has the risk of making Serperior more fearsome. Similarly, Fidgit and Talonflame can provide Tailwind support, thus pairing well with Manaphy for similar reasons by speeding up Manaphy and its teammates. Finally, Pokemon with Swift Swim, such as Mega Swampert, Kabutops, and Kingdra, or Hurricane, such as Tornadus-T and Tomohawk, can all benefit from Manaphy setting up Rain Dance.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A bulky set with Rain Dance / Rest / Calm Mind / Scald is usable and has greater longevity than any of Manaphy's other sets. However, this set is too matchup dependent to be consistent, as Mollux and Plasmanta are fairly common and can wall this set completely. +3 Hidden Power Fire OHKOes Ferrothorn and maintains decent coverage against other Grass-types, so it can be used over Ice Beam, but it leaves Manaphy unable to deal with Dragon-types such as Cyclohm. Dazzling Gleam allows Manaphy to OHKO Kyurem-B after a single Tail Glow boost, but it provides subpar coverage overall compared to its usual coverage moves.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Electric-types**: Electric-types, such as Krilowatt, Mega Manectric, and Thundurus, all pose a heavy threat to Manaphy and can serve as solid revenge killers. Plasmanta can get a Special Attack boost from Storm Drain if it switches into Scald. However, it needs to watch out for Psychic.
**Grass-types**: Mega Venusaur can check Manaphy lacking Psychic and can hit it hard with Giga Drain. Serperior can outspeed and OHKO Manaphy with Leaf Storm and can even tank an unboosted Ice Beam if necessary, making it a good offensive check. Ferrothorn is a potential answer to Manaphy lacking Hidden Power Fire, as it is only 3HKOed by +3 Ice Beam and can strike back with a super effective Power Whip. However, Ferrothorn does not appreciate getting burned by Scald.
**Faster Pokemon**: Faster attackers such as Mega Crucibelle, Stratagem, Tornadus-T, and Weavile can't switch into Manaphy very well, but they can outspeed it and dish out massive damage, allowing them to serve as revenge killers.
**Priority Users**: Powerful priority users such as Colossoil and Talonflame can easily pick off a weakened Manaphy but don't enjoy switching in directly.
**Unaware Clefable and Arghonaut**: Unaware Clefable ignores Manaphy's boosts, making it a solid answer to Manaphy if it's healthy enough. Clefable can potentially be worn down by a Scald burn, however, and Rain Dance Manaphy can put a lot of pressure on Clefable. Bulky Arghonaut variants can handle most Manaphy, especially if it is lacking Energy Ball or Psychic. That said, a Scald burn has the potential to cripple Arghonaut as well.
**Mollux**: Mollux counters any variant of Manaphy lacking Psychic due to Dry Skin.
**Chansey**: Chansey can check Manaphy if it lacks Rain Dance thanks to its immense special bulk, but it can find itself being overwhelmed by Manaphy in the rain, as it's 2HKOed by a +6 rain-boosted Scald and will very likely end up getting burned if it tries to stall with Soft-Boiled.
**Dragon-types**: Dragon-types such as Mega Altaria, Cyclohm, and Latios resist Manaphy's STAB moves, allowing them to check any variant of Manaphy lacking Ice Beam. Kyurem-B is neutral to Ice Beam thanks to its secondary Ice typing and can threaten Manaphy with Fusion Bolt, but it doesn't enjoy getting burned by Scald upon switching in.
QC 3/3: sparktrain, cbrevan, sparktrain
GP 2/2: Snobalt, P Squared
[OVERVIEW]
Manaphy's standout trait is its access to Tail Glow, which allows it to set up incredibly quickly and break through a plethora of walls. A mono-Water typing leaves Manaphy with very few weaknesses, and this coupled with good defensive stats means Manaphy is able to find many opportunities to set up. Manaphy has an impressive range of coverage moves as well, including Ice Beam, Energy Ball, and Psychic. However, foes such as Mollux, Plasmanta, Cyclohm, and Krilowatt make it difficult for Manaphy to always have the right coverage options. Manaphy's base 100 Speed isn't bad by any means, but it leaves it outsped by many offensive threats such as Mega Manectric and Serperior. However, very few things can safely switch into a boosted Manaphy, and with the right team support its coverage issues can be remedied.
[SET]
name: Tail Glow + 3 Attacks
move 1: Tail Glow
move 2: Scald
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Psychic / Energy Ball
item: Leftovers / Wacan Berry
ability: Hydration
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Tail Glow boosts Manaphy's Special Attack by three stages, turning it into a powerful wallbreaker. Scald's burn chance allows Manaphy to cripple and wear down potential switch-ins, such as Ferrothorn, Kyurem-B, and Unaware Clefable, which can allow Manaphy a better shot at breaking past them. Ice Beam provides good overall neutral coverage with Scald and hits Grass- and Dragon-types such as Necturna, Mega Altaria, Cyclohm, Garchomp, and Latios super effectively. Psychic provides coverage against Keldeo, Mollux, Plasmanta, and Mega Venusaur, but it leaves Manaphy much more easily checked by opposing Water-types. Alternatively, Energy Ball may be used for stronger coverage against the likes of Azumarill, Krilowatt, Naviathan, Rotom-W, Starmie, and Slowbro, but it renders Manaphy helpless against the likes of Mollux, Plasmanta, and Mega Venusaur.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed investment and a Timid nature make the best use of Manaphy's Speed tier. 252 Special Attack EVs maximize Manaphy's damage output. Leftovers provides Manaphy with added longevity, allowing it to set up more often throughout the course of a match. Wacan Berry may be used instead to improve Manaphy's matchup against Electric-types. It prevents faster Electric-types such as Krilowatt and Mega Manectric from easily revenge killing it, and it allows Manaphy to set up more comfortably against slower Electric-types such as Cyclohm. Rindo Berry prevents Manaphy from being revenge killed by Serperior, giving it an opportunity to strike back with Ice Beam. Similarly, Rindo Berry also allows Manaphy to set up against slower Grass-types and use Ice Beam the next turn.
Usage Tips
========
If there are no Pokemon immune to Water on the opposing team, Manaphy can use Scald liberally early on in the match to potentially cripple and wear down its defensive answers. Depending on which coverage move Manaphy is running, it will find itself being walled by a certain group of Pokemon. Manaphy should wait until these threats have been adequately weakened or removed before setting up Tail Glow. Manaphy should set up Tail Glow against Pokemon that can't do much damage to it, such as Mega Sableye and Heatran, so that it is as healthy as possible after setting up and harder to revenge kill. If Manaphy is running Wacan Berry or Rindo Berry, slower Electric- or Grass-types, respectively, can make for excellent setup bait. However, if fast Electric- or Grass-types are present on the opposing team, try to preserve Manaphy's Berry for these threats so they cannot revenge kill it. Manaphy may struggle finding an opportunity to set up against faster teams, so be sure to take advantage of Scald and its coverage moves as much as possible in these matchups; setting up too soon against fast teams can result in wasted turns of using Tail Glow as the opponent switches to a threat that forces Manaphy out.
Team Options
========
Magnezone provides a direct method of eliminating Ferrothorn by trapping it and KOing it with Hidden Power Fire. However, this may also be accomplished by utilizing a lure, such as Hidden Power Fire Kyurem-B or Hidden Power Fire Mega Diancie. Fast cleaners such as Cawmodore, Stratagem, and Mega Lopunny all benefit from Manaphy's wallbreaking. Talonflame can handle faster offensive threats with priority Brave Bird or Acrobatics and can help defeat Ferrothorn and Chansey as well. Illusion Tail Glow Aurumoth is an excellent teammate; it can disguise itself as Manaphy and help break past Manaphy's checks and counters, allowing Manaphy a better shot at sweeping later on. Aurumoth's strong Psychic-type STAB moves lessen the need for Manaphy to run Psychic as coverage, freeing up the moveslot for Energy Ball. Electric checks such as Mega Charizard X and Hippowdon make for good teammates, especially if Manaphy is not running Wacan Berry. If Manaphy is not running Rindo Berry, Tornadus-T and Mega Scizor can take Grass-type moves aimed at it. A Sticky Web setter, such as Necturna, can slow down the opposing team, which improves Manaphy's matchup against offensive teams and allows it a much better chance at sweeping. However, Sticky Web also makes opposing Serperior even more threatening to Manaphy and its team. Tailwind users such as Fidgit and Talonflame pair well with Manaphy for similar reasons, speeding up Manaphy and its teammates.
[SET]
name: Tail Glow + Rain Dance
move 1: Tail Glow
move 2: Rain Dance
move 3: Scald
move 4: Psychic / Energy Ball / Ice Beam
item: Leftovers
ability: Hydration
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Tail Glow turns Manaphy into a powerful wallbreaker by boosting its Special Attack by three stages. Rain Dance powers up Manaphy's Scald, giving Manaphy the potential to muscle past Unaware Clefable. It also allows Manaphy to take advantage of its ability, Hydration. Manaphy can utilize Scald's burn chance to wear down potential switch-ins, such as Ferrothorn and Unaware Clefable, more easily. Psychic allows Manaphy to deal notable damage to Mollux, Plasmanta, and Mega Venusaur, preventing them from walling the set. Energy Ball, instead, gives Manaphy the ability to threaten Water-types more effectively, such as Azumarill, Slowbro, and Rotom-W. Alternatively, Ice Beam gives Manaphy super effective coverage against opposing Grass- and Dragon-types such as Necturna, Mega Altaria, Cyclohm, Garchomp, and Latios. It should be noted, however, that many of the foes that are hit by Energy Ball or Ice Beam for super effective damage still take neutral damage from Psychic, whereas Manaphy absolutely needs Psychic if aiming to defeat Mollux on its own.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed investment and a Timid nature allow Manaphy to Speed tie with the plethora of other base 100 Speed Pokemon. 252 Special Attack EVs are used to increase Manaphy's damage output, making it deadly after a single Tail Glow boost. Leftovers increases Manaphy's longevity, allowing it to set up more often throughout the course of a match. Hydration heals Manaphy's status ailments at the end of each turn in rain, which is helpful in tandem with Rain Dance.
Usage Tips
========
If the opposing team lacks foes with abilities that grant Water immunities, Manaphy has the freedom to use Scald frequently and early on in the match, as it may cripple and wear down its defensive answers. Two coverage moves are nowhere near enough for Manaphy to cover all the threats it'd like to, and it will always be walled by a certain subset of Pokemon depending on which two attacks it opts for. Therefore, Manaphy should wait until these threats have been adequately worn down or handled by its teammates before attempting to set up. Mega Sableye, Heatran, and other foes that do little damage to Manaphy provide it with great opportunities to set up either Tail Glow or Rain Dance. Despite Manaphy's reasonable bulk, its middling Speed means that it can struggle against offensive teams, as it'll have a hard time setting up or find itself being easily revenge killed. Manaphy should take advantage of Scald and its coverage move as much as possible in these matchups or be used as a Rain Dance setter to support its teammates on forced switches.
Team Options
========
Depending on Manaphy's choice of two coverage moves, it will find itself being walled by certain groups of Pokemon and will need the proper teammates to handle them accordingly. Manaphy lacking Psychic absolutely needs a method of dealing with Mollux, Plasmanta, and Mega Venusaur. Seeing as these are all Poison-types, a Psychic-type such as Aurumoth is an excellent partner to take these threats out of the picture. Manaphy lacking Energy Ball will need a teammate that can check Water-types, such as Cyclohm, Mollux, Necturna, or Serperior. Manaphy lacking Ice Beam will struggle against opposing Dragon-types, so Fairy-types such as Clefable, Mega Diancie, and Mega Gardevoir can pair up well with Manaphy. Cawmodore pairs up very nicely with Manaphy if Manaphy is running Ice Beam to defeat Cyclohm, and it can act as a fast late-game sweeper after Manaphy breaks down walls. Cawmodore also benefits from Rain Dance, as it neutralizes its weakness to Fire. Other late-game cleaners such as Stratagem and Mega Lopunny can also take advantage of walls being broken down by Manaphy. Manaphy tends to struggle breaking past defensive threats such as Ferrothorn and Chansey and requires teammates to take them on. Talonflame works well in this role and can also handle faster offensive threats for Manaphy with priority Brave Bird or Acrobatics. Magnezone can trap an opposing Ferrothorn that blocks Manaphy's path to setting up and KO it with Hidden Power Fire. Alternatively, lures such as Mega Diancie can use Hidden Power Fire to take care of Ferrothorn. Manaphy should not use Rain Dance if its teammates have yet to weaken or remove Ferrothorn, as this will hamper their ability to do so by weakening their Fire-type moves. Necturna can use Sticky Web to allow Manaphy to outspeed more threats, but this has the risk of making Serperior more fearsome. Similarly, Fidgit and Talonflame can provide Tailwind support, thus pairing well with Manaphy for similar reasons by speeding up Manaphy and its teammates. Finally, Pokemon with Swift Swim, such as Mega Swampert, Kabutops, and Kingdra, or Hurricane, such as Tornadus-T and Tomohawk, can all benefit from Manaphy setting up Rain Dance.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A bulky set with Rain Dance / Rest / Calm Mind / Scald is usable and has greater longevity than any of Manaphy's other sets. However, this set is too matchup dependent to be consistent, as Mollux and Plasmanta are fairly common and can wall this set completely. +3 Hidden Power Fire OHKOes Ferrothorn and maintains decent coverage against other Grass-types, so it can be used over Ice Beam, but it leaves Manaphy unable to deal with Dragon-types such as Cyclohm. Dazzling Gleam allows Manaphy to OHKO Kyurem-B after a single Tail Glow boost, but it provides subpar coverage overall compared to its usual coverage moves.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Electric-types**: Electric-types, such as Krilowatt, Mega Manectric, and Thundurus, all pose a heavy threat to Manaphy and can serve as solid revenge killers. Plasmanta can get a Special Attack boost from Storm Drain if it switches into Scald. However, it needs to watch out for Psychic.
**Grass-types**: Mega Venusaur can check Manaphy lacking Psychic and can hit it hard with Giga Drain. Serperior can outspeed and OHKO Manaphy with Leaf Storm and can even tank an unboosted Ice Beam if necessary, making it a good offensive check. Ferrothorn is a potential answer to Manaphy lacking Hidden Power Fire, as it is only 3HKOed by +3 Ice Beam and can strike back with a super effective Power Whip. However, Ferrothorn does not appreciate getting burned by Scald.
**Faster Pokemon**: Faster attackers such as Mega Crucibelle, Stratagem, Tornadus-T, and Weavile can't switch into Manaphy very well, but they can outspeed it and dish out massive damage, allowing them to serve as revenge killers.
**Priority Users**: Powerful priority users such as Colossoil and Talonflame can easily pick off a weakened Manaphy but don't enjoy switching in directly.
**Unaware Clefable and Arghonaut**: Unaware Clefable ignores Manaphy's boosts, making it a solid answer to Manaphy if it's healthy enough. Clefable can potentially be worn down by a Scald burn, however, and Rain Dance Manaphy can put a lot of pressure on Clefable. Bulky Arghonaut variants can handle most Manaphy, especially if it is lacking Energy Ball or Psychic. That said, a Scald burn has the potential to cripple Arghonaut as well.
**Mollux**: Mollux counters any variant of Manaphy lacking Psychic due to Dry Skin.
**Chansey**: Chansey can check Manaphy if it lacks Rain Dance thanks to its immense special bulk, but it can find itself being overwhelmed by Manaphy in the rain, as it's 2HKOed by a +6 rain-boosted Scald and will very likely end up getting burned if it tries to stall with Soft-Boiled.
**Dragon-types**: Dragon-types such as Mega Altaria, Cyclohm, and Latios resist Manaphy's STAB moves, allowing them to check any variant of Manaphy lacking Ice Beam. Kyurem-B is neutral to Ice Beam thanks to its secondary Ice typing and can threaten Manaphy with Fusion Bolt, but it doesn't enjoy getting burned by Scald upon switching in.
Last edited:
