~~RAIN~~
Taken over from GemOftheDay ; Discussion points stolen from Rowan ; approved by prem
As many of you know, I am a strong proponent of using Rain in Little Cup. Rain is a rather underrated playstyle in Little Cup and is often deemed inferior to Sun and Sand teams, mainly due to the lack of a Drizzle Pokemon in the metagame. However, Rain has a variety of capable manual setters (via Rain Dance) and there are quite a few sweepers that can take advantage of Rain to sweep with abilities such as Swift Swim, Dry Skin and Hydration. Water-type Pokemon with the aforementioned abilities can benefit from the boosted Base Power of their STAB moves. Rain, like other weathers, has its own specialty item as well, Damp Rock, which extends the duration of Rain from 5 turns to 8 turns. Rain is also a prominent strategy in ADV Little Cup, where Pokemon such as Omanyte and Horsea can easily plow through opposing teams thanks to Swift Swim. It's a rather unexpected strategy and can usually be bluffed as a regular ol' team, mainly because the most viable Rain-setters are already prominent threats in the current metagame.
Setters
Although Damp Rock extends the duration of Rain, it's not always the best item for Rain Dance users to hold. Eviolite and Berry Juice allow most of these Pokemon to provide Rain support throughout the game.
Mienfoo
Mienfoo is considerably the best Pokemon in the current metagame and also functions as quite possibly the best Rain-setter. Its great bulk and access to Regenerator let it continuously set Rain throughout the game and Mienfoo's great Speed allows it to outspeed opposing threats that might otherwise prevent Mienfoo from using Rain Dance.
Chinchou
The fact that the best Chinchou switch-in is Chinchou is reason enough to use it. Not only does Chinchou possess the bulk to easily set up Rain Dance throughout the game, but both of its STABs can benefit from Rain, with Water-type moves gaining a Base Power boost and Thunder hitting 100% accuracy.
Voltorb
Voltorb is THE fastest Pokemon in Little Cup and because of this, it can reliably use Rain Dance before an opposing Pokemon can touch it. It's also one of the only Rain setters that can effectively run Damp Rock because it doesn't rely on its bulk to continuously set up Rain. Voltorb also benefits from Rain with STAB Thunder which can deal significant damage coming off of Voltorb's decent Special Attack stat.
Riolu / Purrloin
Riolu and Purrloin both fall under the same category due to their ability: Prankster. Priority Rain Dance is great and although neither of these Pokemon can benefit from Rain, the support they bring to the table makes their use worthwhile.
Foongus
Foongus is one of the most unexpected Rain Dance users and is guaranteed to leave your opponents double-checking the battle logs. Its unique combination of bulk, Regenerator, and access to Spore makes it a fantastic support Pokemon and it can provide free set-up turns for Rain sweepers, such as Anorith and Omanyte.
Magnemite
Magnetime is the epitome of longevity with its access to the ever-so annoying Recycle + Berry Juice combination and its Steel typing grants it a variety of resistances. It can also abuse Rain Dance with a powerful STAB Thunder coming off of 20 Special Attack.
Surskit
Surskit's unique typing in tandem with its incredible Sticky Web support make it a good Rain Dance user. Surskit itself can also benefit from the Rain, boosting its STAB Hydro Pump to deal significant damage to opposing leads.
Sweepers
Little Cup is full of capable Rain sweepers and some of the metagame's most powerful threats are only further bolstered by a quick Rain Dance.
Omanyte
Omanyte is a fantastic Rain abuser and after a Shell Smash, Omanyte can easily 2HKO a majority of the Little Cup metagame. Its access to Swift Swim and solid Special Attack already make it a huge threat, but Shell Smash is the true selling point. A +2 STAB Rain-boosted Hydro Pump is brutal, and if Omanyte has the proper team support, Eviolite isn't even necessary and Splash Plate or Life Orb can be utilized instead, further boosting Omanyte's sweeping capabilities.
Tirtouga / Shellder
Tirtouga and Shellder fit under the same category when it comes to Rain due to the fact that both are physically-based Shell Smashers and neither have a Rain-abusing ability. Regardless of their abilities, both Pokemon are powerful threats under the Rain and the boosted Base Power of their STAB moves can help to nab some very handy KOs.
Anorith
Anorith has access to Swift Swim as well and and a fantastic Attack stat that is only further enhanced by a Life Orb and Anorith's solid movepool, with options such as Rock Blast, Knock Off, X-Scissor and a Rain-boosted Aqua Jet. It can also provide fast hazard setting and clearing support with Stealth Rock and Rapid Spin, respectively.
Croagunk
Croagunk differs from most of the common Rain abusers in that it doesn't rely on Swift Swim's Speed boost to effectively clean opposing teams. Its access to Dry Skin, Drain Punch, and Knock Off in tandem with its unique Fighting / Poison typing make it a threatening force under the Rain. Add that to its solid bulk and Croagunk can slowly but surely "rekk" opposing teams and cripple opposing bulky threats.
Mantyke
Mantyke is a fantastic sweeper under the Rain thanks to its fantastic bulk and access to Swift Swim. It has its Water-type STAB boosted in Rain and it can effectively bypass most of its checks with a combination of Air Slash flinches and Hidden Power Ground / Earthquake. Mantyke can also punish opposing weathers, hitting Snover and common Sun-abuser, such as Bellsprout and Oddish, for super effective damage.
Buizel
Buizel under the Rain is really only to absolutely obliterate your opponent in terms of Speed. 19 Speed + Swift Swim allows Buizel outspeed every single Pokemon in the tier, even if they're Choice Scarfed. Buizel also has its STAB moves boosted by the Rain and its access to Water Veil prevents its Attack from being lowered via burn status.
Wingull
Wingull is an interesting case in that it can effectively spam a 100% accurate Hurricane in the Rain and its 19 Speed only further enhances its sweeping capabilities. Wingull also has access to the very handy Knock Off which can aid both itself and its teammates by softening up opposing walls.
Staryu
Staryu offers a lot of offensive capabilities to a Rain team with its access to a Rain-boosted Hydro Pump and 100% accurate Thunder. It also provides Rapid Spin support, hits 19 Speed, and can happily soak up status with its Natural Cure ability.
Kabuto
Kabuto has access Swift Swim and offers some nice support in the form of Stealth Rock and Rapid Spin; it is also faster than both Omanyte and Tirtouga. Along with the aforementioned and Kabuto's solid Defense stat, Kabuto's Water-type STAB is boosted due to Rain.
Poliwag
Under the Rain, Poliwag can become a pseudo-Swirlix, hitting 38 Speed with the ability to max its Attack stat via Belly Drum. It also has its Water-type STAB boosted in Rain, making it a huge threat if given the option to set up.
Other
Rain teams can also make use of some unique trapping and support strategies.
Seel
Seel is unique in that it can effectively trap opponents with Whirlpool and use Perish Song to instantly KO an opposing Pokemon. The combination of Hydration and Rest allow it to return to full health with ease, allowing Seel to repeatedly ruin an opponent's day.
Goomy
Goomy runs a similar set to Seel under the Rain, making use of Infesation to trap opposing Pokemon and continuously healing with Hydration + Rest. Its Dragon typing is very beneficial, giving Goomy quite a few nifty resistances. However, due to Goomy's lack of Perish Song, it's forced to run inferior filler moves, such as Muddy Water or Toxic, to deal damage.
Fletchling
Fletchling, although not a direct abuser of Rain, is a fantastic support Pokemon for the archetype, as it can heavily pressure opposing Sun teams, neutralizing Vulpix and Bellsprout so allies can abuse Rain to its fullest.
Ferroseed
Ferroseed can shine as a support Pokemon in Rain, as its 4x weakness to Fire is diminished, allowing it to effectively set up on a variety of Pokemon. It sets entry hazards, cripples opponents via Thunder Wave, and is an all-around nuisance for opposing team.
If you guys have any other ideas on viable Rain setters / abusers, let me know and I will add them to this list.Although Damp Rock extends the duration of Rain, it's not always the best item for Rain Dance users to hold. Eviolite and Berry Juice allow most of these Pokemon to provide Rain support throughout the game.
Mienfoo is considerably the best Pokemon in the current metagame and also functions as quite possibly the best Rain-setter. Its great bulk and access to Regenerator let it continuously set Rain throughout the game and Mienfoo's great Speed allows it to outspeed opposing threats that might otherwise prevent Mienfoo from using Rain Dance.
The fact that the best Chinchou switch-in is Chinchou is reason enough to use it. Not only does Chinchou possess the bulk to easily set up Rain Dance throughout the game, but both of its STABs can benefit from Rain, with Water-type moves gaining a Base Power boost and Thunder hitting 100% accuracy.
Voltorb is THE fastest Pokemon in Little Cup and because of this, it can reliably use Rain Dance before an opposing Pokemon can touch it. It's also one of the only Rain setters that can effectively run Damp Rock because it doesn't rely on its bulk to continuously set up Rain. Voltorb also benefits from Rain with STAB Thunder which can deal significant damage coming off of Voltorb's decent Special Attack stat.
Riolu and Purrloin both fall under the same category due to their ability: Prankster. Priority Rain Dance is great and although neither of these Pokemon can benefit from Rain, the support they bring to the table makes their use worthwhile.
Foongus is one of the most unexpected Rain Dance users and is guaranteed to leave your opponents double-checking the battle logs. Its unique combination of bulk, Regenerator, and access to Spore makes it a fantastic support Pokemon and it can provide free set-up turns for Rain sweepers, such as Anorith and Omanyte.
Magnetime is the epitome of longevity with its access to the ever-so annoying Recycle + Berry Juice combination and its Steel typing grants it a variety of resistances. It can also abuse Rain Dance with a powerful STAB Thunder coming off of 20 Special Attack.
Surskit's unique typing in tandem with its incredible Sticky Web support make it a good Rain Dance user. Surskit itself can also benefit from the Rain, boosting its STAB Hydro Pump to deal significant damage to opposing leads.
Sweepers
Little Cup is full of capable Rain sweepers and some of the metagame's most powerful threats are only further bolstered by a quick Rain Dance.
Omanyte is a fantastic Rain abuser and after a Shell Smash, Omanyte can easily 2HKO a majority of the Little Cup metagame. Its access to Swift Swim and solid Special Attack already make it a huge threat, but Shell Smash is the true selling point. A +2 STAB Rain-boosted Hydro Pump is brutal, and if Omanyte has the proper team support, Eviolite isn't even necessary and Splash Plate or Life Orb can be utilized instead, further boosting Omanyte's sweeping capabilities.
Tirtouga and Shellder fit under the same category when it comes to Rain due to the fact that both are physically-based Shell Smashers and neither have a Rain-abusing ability. Regardless of their abilities, both Pokemon are powerful threats under the Rain and the boosted Base Power of their STAB moves can help to nab some very handy KOs.
Anorith has access to Swift Swim as well and and a fantastic Attack stat that is only further enhanced by a Life Orb and Anorith's solid movepool, with options such as Rock Blast, Knock Off, X-Scissor and a Rain-boosted Aqua Jet. It can also provide fast hazard setting and clearing support with Stealth Rock and Rapid Spin, respectively.
Croagunk differs from most of the common Rain abusers in that it doesn't rely on Swift Swim's Speed boost to effectively clean opposing teams. Its access to Dry Skin, Drain Punch, and Knock Off in tandem with its unique Fighting / Poison typing make it a threatening force under the Rain. Add that to its solid bulk and Croagunk can slowly but surely "rekk" opposing teams and cripple opposing bulky threats.
Mantyke is a fantastic sweeper under the Rain thanks to its fantastic bulk and access to Swift Swim. It has its Water-type STAB boosted in Rain and it can effectively bypass most of its checks with a combination of Air Slash flinches and Hidden Power Ground / Earthquake. Mantyke can also punish opposing weathers, hitting Snover and common Sun-abuser, such as Bellsprout and Oddish, for super effective damage.
Buizel under the Rain is really only to absolutely obliterate your opponent in terms of Speed. 19 Speed + Swift Swim allows Buizel outspeed every single Pokemon in the tier, even if they're Choice Scarfed. Buizel also has its STAB moves boosted by the Rain and its access to Water Veil prevents its Attack from being lowered via burn status.
Wingull is an interesting case in that it can effectively spam a 100% accurate Hurricane in the Rain and its 19 Speed only further enhances its sweeping capabilities. Wingull also has access to the very handy Knock Off which can aid both itself and its teammates by softening up opposing walls.
Staryu offers a lot of offensive capabilities to a Rain team with its access to a Rain-boosted Hydro Pump and 100% accurate Thunder. It also provides Rapid Spin support, hits 19 Speed, and can happily soak up status with its Natural Cure ability.
Kabuto has access Swift Swim and offers some nice support in the form of Stealth Rock and Rapid Spin; it is also faster than both Omanyte and Tirtouga. Along with the aforementioned and Kabuto's solid Defense stat, Kabuto's Water-type STAB is boosted due to Rain.
Under the Rain, Poliwag can become a pseudo-Swirlix, hitting 38 Speed with the ability to max its Attack stat via Belly Drum. It also has its Water-type STAB boosted in Rain, making it a huge threat if given the option to set up.
Other
Rain teams can also make use of some unique trapping and support strategies.
Seel is unique in that it can effectively trap opponents with Whirlpool and use Perish Song to instantly KO an opposing Pokemon. The combination of Hydration and Rest allow it to return to full health with ease, allowing Seel to repeatedly ruin an opponent's day.
Goomy runs a similar set to Seel under the Rain, making use of Infesation to trap opposing Pokemon and continuously healing with Hydration + Rest. Its Dragon typing is very beneficial, giving Goomy quite a few nifty resistances. However, due to Goomy's lack of Perish Song, it's forced to run inferior filler moves, such as Muddy Water or Toxic, to deal damage.
Fletchling, although not a direct abuser of Rain, is a fantastic support Pokemon for the archetype, as it can heavily pressure opposing Sun teams, neutralizing Vulpix and Bellsprout so allies can abuse Rain to its fullest.
Ferroseed can shine as a support Pokemon in Rain, as its 4x weakness to Fire is diminished, allowing it to effectively set up on a variety of Pokemon. It sets entry hazards, cripples opponents via Thunder Wave, and is an all-around nuisance for opposing team.
Some discussion points:
- What support Pokemon need to be added to help with your main sweeper(s)?
- Is it viable to have more than 1 dedicated Rain sweeper on a team?
- Is it viable to have more than 1 dedicated Rain setter on a team?
- What are some good Pokemon (with sets!) that can work well against Rain teams?
- Is Rain too predictable and easy to work around?
- Is Rain viable?
Setters
Mienfoo @ Eviolite
Ability: Regenerator
Level: 5
EVs: 156 HP / 76 Atk / 116 Def / 80 SpD / 80 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Rain Dance
- Drain Punch
- Knock Off
- U-turn
Chinchou @ Berry Juice
Ability: Volt Absorb
Level: 5
EVs: 76 HP / 212 Def / 152 SpA / 60 Spe
Bold Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Thunder
- Hidden Power [Ground]
- Rain Dance
Voltorb @ Damp Rock
Ability: Aftermath
EVs: 36 HP / 36 Def / 236 SpA / 196 Spe
Timid Nature
- Rain Dance
- Thunder
- Volt Switch
- Taunt
Riolu @ Eviolite
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 196 HP / 196 Def / 116 SpD
Impish Nature
- Copycat
- Rain Dance
- Drain Punch
- Crunch
Purrloin @ Eviolite
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 188 HP / 60 Def / 228 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Encore / Taunt
- U-turn
- Rain Dance
- Foul Play
Surskit @ Focus Sash
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 36 HP / 20 Def / 196 SpA / 20 SpD / 236 Spe
Timid Nature
- Sticky Web
- Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam / Signal Beam
- Rain Dance
Sweepers
Omanyte @ Eviolite / Splash Plate
Ability: Swift Swim
Level: 5
EVs: 196 SpA / 72 SpD / 236 Spe
Modest Nature
- Hydro Pump / Surf
- Ice Beam
- Shell Smash / Surf
- Earth Power
Tirtouga @ Berry Juice
Ability: Sturdy
Level: 5
EVs: 236 Atk / 92 Def / 180 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Shell Smash
- Waterfall
- Stone Edge
- Aqua Jet / Earthquake
Anorith @ Life Orb
Ability: Swift Swim
Level: 5
EVs: 176 Atk / 36 SpD / 236 Spe
Adamant Nature
IVs: 0 HP
- Aqua Jet
- Knock Off
- Rock Blast
- Rapid Spin / X-Scissor
Croagunk @ Eviolite
Ability: Dry Skin
Level: 5
EVs: 132 HP / 28 Atk / 116 Def / 108 SpA / 116 SpD
Quiet Nature
- Drain Punch
- Sludge Bomb
- Vacuum Wave
- Knock Off
Other
Seel @ Eviolite
Ability: Hydration
Level: 5
EVs: 236 HP / 156 Def / 116 SpD
Bold Nature
- Rain Dance
- Rest
- Whirlpool
- Perish Song
Goomy @ Eviolite
Ability: Hydration
Level: 5
EVs: 236 Def / 76 SpA / 156 SpD / 36 Spe
Bold Nature
- Rain Dance
- Infestation
- Rest
- Muddy Water / Toxic
Mienfoo @ Eviolite
Ability: Regenerator
Level: 5
EVs: 156 HP / 76 Atk / 116 Def / 80 SpD / 80 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Rain Dance
- Drain Punch
- Knock Off
- U-turn
Chinchou @ Berry Juice
Ability: Volt Absorb
Level: 5
EVs: 76 HP / 212 Def / 152 SpA / 60 Spe
Bold Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Thunder
- Hidden Power [Ground]
- Rain Dance
Voltorb @ Damp Rock
Ability: Aftermath
EVs: 36 HP / 36 Def / 236 SpA / 196 Spe
Timid Nature
- Rain Dance
- Thunder
- Volt Switch
- Taunt
Riolu @ Eviolite
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 196 HP / 196 Def / 116 SpD
Impish Nature
- Copycat
- Rain Dance
- Drain Punch
- Crunch
Purrloin @ Eviolite
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 188 HP / 60 Def / 228 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Encore / Taunt
- U-turn
- Rain Dance
- Foul Play
Surskit @ Focus Sash
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 36 HP / 20 Def / 196 SpA / 20 SpD / 236 Spe
Timid Nature
- Sticky Web
- Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam / Signal Beam
- Rain Dance
Sweepers
Omanyte @ Eviolite / Splash Plate
Ability: Swift Swim
Level: 5
EVs: 196 SpA / 72 SpD / 236 Spe
Modest Nature
- Hydro Pump / Surf
- Ice Beam
- Shell Smash / Surf
- Earth Power
Tirtouga @ Berry Juice
Ability: Sturdy
Level: 5
EVs: 236 Atk / 92 Def / 180 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Shell Smash
- Waterfall
- Stone Edge
- Aqua Jet / Earthquake
Anorith @ Life Orb
Ability: Swift Swim
Level: 5
EVs: 176 Atk / 36 SpD / 236 Spe
Adamant Nature
IVs: 0 HP
- Aqua Jet
- Knock Off
- Rock Blast
- Rapid Spin / X-Scissor
Croagunk @ Eviolite
Ability: Dry Skin
Level: 5
EVs: 132 HP / 28 Atk / 116 Def / 108 SpA / 116 SpD
Quiet Nature
- Drain Punch
- Sludge Bomb
- Vacuum Wave
- Knock Off
Other
Seel @ Eviolite
Ability: Hydration
Level: 5
EVs: 236 HP / 156 Def / 116 SpD
Bold Nature
- Rain Dance
- Rest
- Whirlpool
- Perish Song
Goomy @ Eviolite
Ability: Hydration
Level: 5
EVs: 236 Def / 76 SpA / 156 SpD / 36 Spe
Bold Nature
- Rain Dance
- Infestation
- Rest
- Muddy Water / Toxic
Last edited:
