![](http://www.smogon.com/download/sprites/dp/258.png)
![](http://www.smogon.com/download/sprites/dp/258.png)
![](http://www.smogon.com/download/sprites/dp/258.png)
I have not written something in forever, so I am probably a bit rusty :(
There is only one set Mudkip should be running, and it isn't even that good but let's go for it!
[OVERVIEW]
<p>Mudkip is many things, but a great Pokemon in Little Cup is not one of them. However, Mudkip is not entirely useless. It has a few unique tricks and an ability that can be used to take out many Pokemon in Little Cup without much effort. To utilize Mudkip to its greatest potential requires patience and proper set up, but it certainly is rewarding to defeat an opponent with Mudkip.</p>
[SET]
name: Substitute
move 1: Endeavor
move 2: Substitute
move 3: Waterfall
move 4: Return / Yawn / Rain Dance
item: Salac Berry
nature: Jolly
evs: 196 Atk / 116 Def / 196 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Mudkip takes advantage of every asset it possesses with this set. The idea is to set up Substitute continuously until Salac Berry activates, giving Mudkip a Speed stat of 21. This outspeeds Elekid, Gligar, and Diglett, all of which will be OHKOed by the Torrent boosted Waterfall. Endeavor is what truly makes the set unique; it allows Mudkip to bring any opposing Pokemon (other than Ghost-types) to 1 HP. This allows Mudkip to still have a chance to take down Croagunk or Paras instead of having to switch out. Return is used to take out Croagunk or Paras after Endeavor knocks them down to 1 HP, although Yawn can be used to set up Substitute easier. Rain Dance is not advised but can be used to eliminate the weather brought on by Hippopotas or Snover. Rain Dance will boost the power of Waterfall even more.</p>
[Additional Comments]
<p>With Choice Scarf and priority based attacks becoming so prevalent in Little Cup, it is wise to save Mudkip for later in the game. It isn't much use if you set up Mudkip entirely early, only to fall victim to a Choice Scarf Gastly and Quick Attack Elekid. Munchlax and Wynaut make excellent partners to this set, as they can trap opposing Pokemon with Pursuit or Shadow Tag, respectively. Wynaut is particularly useful for Encore, which can make Substitute easier to use, and Counter or Mirror Coat, as Choice Scarf Pokemon will be stuck into one attack.</p>
[Team Options]
<p>Rapid Spin is not a terrible idea on a team with Mudkip because Stealth Rock will give you a headache and prevent Mudkip from Substituting to 1 HP. Wynaut and Pokemon with Pursuit are very useful in trapping Choice Scarf Pokemon (particularly Gastly).<p>
<p>Snover and Hippopotas are two of the worst Pokemon Mudkip could ever face off against, as their abilities will cause Mudkip to lose any health remaining once Mudkip Substitutes down to 1 HP. Rain Dance is not a bad idea to throw onto the team, especially if Mudkip does not already have it, as it can eliminate weather and boost Mudkip's Waterfall further.</p>
<p>Choice Scarf Diglett, another Pokemon who can trap, is also useful to Mudkip, trapping Choice Scarf Houndour, Magby, and Elekid, all of whom use priority attacks.</p>
<p>Stealth Rock will eliminate Focus Sash from opposing Pokemon. With no worry about a Pokemon surviving Waterfall, Mudkip can sweep more easily.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>There are really no other options for Mudkip. If Mudkip uses another attack, it is likely becoming outclassed straight away. A Curse and Mirror Coat set could prove interesting but Speed is important in Little Cup. With how fast paced the metagame is, there is almost no time to set up Curse effectively enough. Choice Band could be used but Mudkip only gets Superpower, Aqua Tail, and Return for decent physical attacks.</p>
[Counters]
<p>The only "counter" to the set are Pokemon with Encore or Taunt who can stop Mudkip from using other attacks or from using Substitute, respectively. The best way to eliminate Mudkip is simply to kill it as quickly as possible. Elekid, for example, can Thunderbolt and Quick Attack to defeat Mudkip, but will be OHKOed by a Torrent boosted Waterfall.</p>