[OVERVIEW]
Prinplup is unique in the sense that it's the only viable Pokemon in NU with access to both Defog and Stealth Rock, being able to act as a nice support Pokemon by itself. It is also one of the few Defoggers not weak to Stealth Rock, which, combined with its excellent bulk backed by Eviolite, makes it reliable at clearing the field of entry hazards. Its Water typing also gives it a good matchup against common Stealth Rock users such as Steelix and Rhydon. Prinplup has its fair share of shortcomings, though, most notably its passive nature, which leaves it vulnerable to terrifying offensive Pokemon such as Sceptile and Abomasnow. Due to a lack of any sort of recovery, Prinplup is very prone to being worn down by repeated attacks, status, and entry hazards, causing it to have trouble staying on the field for long. This flaw becomes even more apparent against offensive teams, as Prinplup tends to have a hard time keeping hazards off the field while setting up Stealth Rock itself in the same match.
[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Defog
move 2: Stealth Rock
move 3: Scald
move 4: Toxic
item: Eviolite
ability: Torrent
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Defog is great for keeping entry hazards off the field, and Prinplup is a reliable user of the move thanks to its great natural bulk and pure Water typing, which let it switch into common Stealth Rock users such as Steelix and Rhydon. While it may seem like Stealth Rock conflicts with Defog, it works well on this set because Prinplup has enough raw bulk to perform both roles if necessary. Scald is a reliable STAB move that has a nice chance to burn the target, deterring physical attackers from switching directly in and ensuring that Grass-types cannot switch in for free either. Toxic lets Prinplup cripple typical switch-ins to it, such as Sceptile and Lilligant, as well as some Calm Mind users, such as Musharna, Mesprit, and Mega Audino. Signal Beam is also an option to 3HKO Malamar and hit Pokemon such as Shiftry, Abomasnow, Jynx, and Sceptile on the switch.
Set Details
========
The given EV spread and a Bold nature maximize Prinplup's physical bulk, letting it tank several hits throughout the game, and is preferred over investment into special bulk primarily because most Stealth Rock users are physical attackers. Eviolite further augments Prinplup's bulk, increasing both of its defenses substantially. Torrent is chosen to give a boost to Scald should Prinplup be at a third of its HP or less.
Usage Tips
========
Use Prinplup to pivot into Pokemon that cannot do much in return, such as Steelix, Kabutops, and Piloswine. Do not switch in Prinplup haphazardly, however, as it has no means of recovery, meaning repeated attacks will only make it go down faster. Once it's brought in, use Stealth Rock or Defog depending on the situation. If entry hazards are on Prinplup's side of the field, use Defog to clear them. Once the opportunity presents itself, use Stealth Rock in order to get chip damage on the opposing team. When matched up against Xatu, be hesitant when using Stealth Rock, as Xatu can bounce it back and steal momentum with U-turn. Counteract this by using Scald, fishing for the potential burn, or by double switching to a teammate that can threaten Xatu. Scald should be used when there are no hazards that need to be cleared and in situations where getting off damage and possibly a burn on a potential switch-in is more beneficial than setting up Stealth Rock. Use Toxic to catch Grass-types such as Sceptile and Lilligant on the switch. Toxic should also be used against Pokemon that could otherwise use Priplup as setup bait, such as Calm Mind Musharna and Mesprit. Just note that against Musharna, doing so means Prinplup will be poisoned as well due to Synchronize, so only use it if necessary.
Team Options
========
Teammates that appreciate entry hazards being off the field, such as Sawk and Jynx, pair well with Prinplup, as they want to keep Sturdy and Focus Sash intact in order to survive a hit from full health. Other hazard-weak Pokemon, such as Magmortar and Abomasnow, also work well, with both of them being able to threaten Grass-types that take advantage of Prinplup. Defensive Grass-types such as Vileplume and Roselia all make for good partners, with the former acting as a much more reliable check to Swords Dance Samurott and not being too troubled by Knock Off, while Roselia can better take on Lilligant and Life Orb Sceptile. Mega Audino is a decent switch-in to Knock Off users, most notably Shiftry, and can keep Prinplup alive with Wish and Heal Bell support. Xatu may seem redundant when paired with Prinplup, but both form a solid anti-hazard core, keeping hazards off the field much more reliably and enabling them to better support Pokemon 4x weak to Stealth Rock such as Scyther and Vivillon.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A set with Defog or Stealth Rock and three attacks is also an option, as Prinplup may only need one of the moves if its teammates already carry either move, letting it run additional coverage moves such as Signal Beam, Ice Beam, and Grass Knot. Just note that doing so leaves Prinplup somewhat outclassed by other Pokemon because its main niche lies in being able to use both moves together. Ice Beam provides good coverage alongside Scald, letting Prinplup hit Grass-types such as Lilligant, Sceptile, and Vileplume on the switch, though Prinplup typically has trouble fitting it in its moveset and it generally has worse coverage than Signal Beam. Feather Dance lets Prinplup cut the Attack of physical attackers, letting it more comfortably take attacks and preventing it from being set up on by Swords Dance Samurott. A specially defensive spread is also viable to better take on some special attackers such as Pyroar and Life Orb Samurott. An offensive Agility set has some merit on specific teams but is generally outclassed by other offensive Water-types such as Samurott and Floatzel.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Grass-types**: Grass-types such as Vileplume and Roselia can freely switch into Prinplup thanks to their resistance to Scald and immunity to Toxic and retaliate with Giga Drain. Both, however, do not appreciate being worn down by Scald burns. Sceptile, Abomasnow, Shiftry, and Lilligant serve as great offensive checks, switching safely into all of Prinplup's moves with the exception of Toxic. Substitute + Swords Dance Sceptile is particularly threatening, as Prinplup has no means to break its Substitute outside of the rare Ice Beam or Signal Beam, and Sceptile forces Prinplup out, getting a free chance to set up. Cacturne gets a special mention thanks to its ability Water Absorb giving it an immunity to Scald.
**Electric-types**: Lanturn can switch into Scald, remove any burn or poison inflicted with Heal Bell, and hit Prinplup with Volt Switch, stealing momentum from it. Other Electric-types, such as Rotom and Electivire, can KO Prinplup with ease with their respective STAB moves, although the latter does not appreciate being burned by Scald.
**Xatu**: Xatu has the ability to bounce back Stealth Rock and Toxic and does not mind switching into Scald very much. In return, Xatu can wear down Prinplup with Psychic or steal momentum from it with U-turn.
**Offensive Pressure**: Putting Prinplup in situations where it's pressured to keep entry hazards off the field is an easy way to take advantage of it, as this can be used as an opportunity to freely bring in Pokemon that can KO it, preventing it from performing its intended role.
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