Gummy
...three, smiles go for miles!
qc: AD Thunderboy / Hilomilo / Corporal Levi
gp: P Squared / Fireflame479
[OVERVIEW]
Piplup has a niche as one of the few LC Pokemon that can both set up hazards with Stealth Rock and get rid of the opponent's with Defog, giving it decent role compression. It's also a Defog user that isn't weak to Stealth Rock, allowing it to switch in more easily. Supporting this are its decent defenses and good defensive typing, letting it take resisted attacks and some neutral ones. Its access to a Water-type STAB move in Scald lets it beat most traditional Stealth Rock setters like Onix and Dwebble. However, Piplup is extremely passive, making it setup bait for sweepers like Shellder and Calm Mind Spritzee. It is also forced into performing its predictable niche, as it's outclassed as a Water-type attacker by Chinchou and defensive Staryu due to their better Speed and movepools. Piplup has access to no recovery outside of Rest, making it prone to getting worn down over time. Finally, it faces competition from Kabuto, a Water-type hazard setter with Rapid Spin, Knock Off, and Weak Armor, as well from Slowpoke and Mareanie, bulkier Water-types with access to Regenerator and recovery.
[SET]
name: Utility
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Defog
move 3: Scald
move 4: Ice Beam
item: Eviolite
ability: Torrent
nature: Bold
evs: 92 HP / 252 Def / 148 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Stealth Rock breaks Sturdy on Pokemon like Magnemite and Onix and chips into threats like Vullaby and Ponyta. Defog removes all entry hazards, allowing Piplup to support its team. Scald gives Piplup a main STAB attack and increases its utility, allowing it to spread burns to cripple physical attackers. Ice Beam hits Grass- and Flying-types like Snivy and Doduo, but it won't do very significant damage, failing to 2HKO bulkier foes like Vullaby. Yawn can be used to put on pressure and force switches, but it makes Piplup even more of a Taunt bait and gives it no coverage against Grass-types.
Set Details
========
A Bold nature, 92 HP EVs, and 252 Defense EVs maximize Piplup's physical bulk, letting it tank a hit in order to set up Stealth Rock. These EVs also allow Piplup to avoid the 2HKO from any of Onix's and Dwebble's moves, unless they get lucky with Rock Blast. 148 Special Defense EVs let Piplup hit even Eviolite numbers, allowing it to take two of Staryu's Thunderbolts and avoid the 2HKO from Focus Sash Abra's Psychic. Torrent is the only ability compatible with Defog; it's rarely useful, but it does power up Water-type moves at low HP.
Usage Tips
========
Piplup should focus on hazard control and not be used for offensive purposes, as its offensive presence is incredibly low. It performs best when coming in on a slow Volt Switch or U-turn, as it doesn't get worn down as quickly. Piplup functions as a decent lead, as it can beat other common leads like Onix and Dwebble. It also has good bulk, so it can usually switch in on resisted and neutral hits. However, Piplup lacks recovery, so try to avoid switching it in often, especially into powerful attacks like Pawniard's Knock Off and Doduo's Brave Bird. Be careful about using Defog if there is a Pawniard on the other team, as it can switch in and get a +2 Attack boost thanks to Defiant. Finally, Defog can remove all hazards, including the ones you've set, so it can be counterproductive if used directly after Stealth Rock. Try using Defog before using Stealth Rock.
Team Options
========
Fire-types like Ponyta and Larvesta have great synergy with Piplup; they can muscle past bulky Grass-types like Pumpkaboo-XL and Foongus, which Piplup can't beat. They also appreciate Piplup removing Stealth Rock. Flying-types that prefer entry hazards removed, like Vullaby, Doduo, and Rufflet, all appreciate Piplup's Defog, and they can beat Grass-types as well. Grass-types like Snivy and Foongus resist both of Piplup's weaknesses and can check Water-types that resist both of Piplup's attacks. Ground-types like Choice Scarf Drilbur and Diglett can revenge kill Electric-types like Magnemite and Chinchou that threaten Piplup. Slow, bulky U-turn and Volt Switch users like Mienfoo and Chinchou can get Piplup in safely. Sturdy users like Magnemite and Onix also need hazards removed to function best. Wish passers like Spritzee and Lickitung can help keep Piplup alive to keep controlling hazards. Chinchou can switch into Electric-type Pokemon that Piplup can't beat like Magnemite and Elekid; it can also deal with opposing Water-types.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Berry Juice is an option that gives Piplup some longevity, but it removes from its bulk and consequently its ability to switch in. Brick Break can deal with Pawniard, but it's very situational and doesn't hit much else. Hidden Power Grass hits Water-types that otherwise wall Piplup, but it is very weak. Icy Wind can be used to help Piplup support its teammates with speed control, but it's much weaker than Ice Beam.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Bulky Grass-types**: Despite Piplup's access to Ice Beam, Foongus and Pumpkaboo-XL can easily take one and deal heavy damage back with their STAB attacks, regaining their lost health in the process.
**Taunt Users**: Cottonee and Mienfoo can render Piplup near useless with Taunt, forcing it to switch in order to get another opportunity to set or remove hazards.
**Electric-types**: Piplup has nothing to handle Pokemon like Magnemite or Chinchou and is essentially forced to switch. Electric-types can take advantage of this and use Volt Switch to gain momentum.
**Water-types**: Water-types like Chinchou, Slowpoke, Shellder, and Staryu resist both of Piplup's STAB moves and completely wall it. Chinchou, in particular, can hit back hard with Volt Switch, while Staryu can spin away the hazards Piplup places.
**Residual Damage**: Since Piplup lacks any form of recovery, and it wants to come in often, hazards and status conditions can quickly wear it down.
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