[OVERVIEW]
Chinchou is one of the biggest threats in the metagame, being able to maintain both a defensive and offensive presence. Chinchou's main advantage lies in its typing; it sports resistances to several common types in LC, as well as an immunity to Electric-type attacks thanks to Volt Absorb, allowing Chinchou to switch in on Volt Switch. Additionally, Chinchou is among the best users of Volt Switch in the metagame, as well as an ideal Flying-type check, given its resistance to Flying and stellar HP stat. Chinchou's main flaw is its lack of reliable recovery, which forces it to rely on either Berry Juice, Rest, or Volt Absorb to extend its longevity. Its defensive sets are much more passive than its offensive sets, which can limit Chinchou's effectiveness against some LC archetypes. Chinchou's Defense stat is less than satisfactory, which results in it being hindered by powerful physical attackers. Finally, Chinchou has common weaknesses to Ground- and Grass-type moves, which are fairly common in LC; this also may leave it easily taken out by the two most used trappers in LC: Diglett and Gothita.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf Pivot
move 1: Volt Switch
move 2: Scald / Hydro Pump
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Hidden Power Ground / Thunderbolt / Hydro Pump
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Volt Absorb
nature: Modest
evs: 52 Def / 232 SpA / 224 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
This set functions as a very effective revenge killer and cleaner. Volt Switch is Chinchou's main move; not only does it serve as a STAB move, but it is also able to regain offensive momentum most of the time. The choice between Scald and Hydro Pump is up to preference; Scald offers a far more spammable and consistent STAB move, while Hydro Pump can make the difference with the sheer power it offers, having a solid chance to OHKO Drilbur. Ice Beam serves as Chinchou's main coverage move and is a must-have in order to nail Grass-types. It is also a safe option to check some weakened threats, such as most Flying-types, if Diglett is on the opposing team. Hidden Power Ground can be useful in order to avoid being walled by opposing Chinchou and to hit Magnemite and Croagunk at the same time, both of which are threats to this set. However, Thunderbolt can also be used, as it offers an Electric-type STAB move that doesn't force Chinchou to switch out, allowing it to clean better late-game.
Set Details
========
The given EVs maximize Chinchou's Special Attack and Speed while giving it an extra point in Defense, ensuring this set is as offensively threatening as possible. A Modest nature is used to increase Chinchou's Special Attack, as, with a Choice Scarf, Chinchou already reaches a solid Speed tier. However, Timid can be used if some specific threats must be outsped, such as Choice Scarf Jolly Pawniard, Choice Scarf Adamant Mienfoo, and +1 Carvanha. Choice Scarf allows Chinchou to revenge kill very fast threats such as Abra. Volt Absorb makes sure that Chinchou is able to switch in on Electric-type attacks such as Thunder Wave and Volt Switch and recover HP in the process. It's also this set's only means of recovery.
Usage Tips
========
While this set can still check Flying-types, avoid switching in on Flying-type attacks—or any attacks at all—as this set is quite easy to wear down; Volt Absorb is Chinchou's only way to recover HP, and this Chinchou set is relatively frail. Spamming Volt Switch works in most cases, unless your opponent has an opposing Chinchou or a Ground-type, such as Diglett; in these instances, you should take more care to lure them in with Chinchou's Water-type STAB move or Hidden Power Ground, respectively.
Team Options
========
As Choice Scarf Chinchou isn't a very reliable Flying-type check, Archen is a very neat teammate that shares great offensive and defensive synergy with Chinchou; it can also set up Stealth Rock. Diglett is another great teammate that can also provide Stealth Rock support and remove opposing Chinchou, especially bulky ones with Hidden Power Ground, which threaten this set a lot. Pokemon that also have access to either Volt Switch or U-turn are great teammates for this Chinchou; great users of these moves that pair well with Chinchou include Vullaby and Fletchling. Larvesta is a teammate that synergizes well with Chinchou and has an incredibly powerful STAB U-turn. Fire- and Grass-type Pokemon, such as Ponyta and Foongus, form a nice core with Chinchou, covering each other's weaknesses fairly well. Special sponges such as Spritzee and Porygon hard wall this set, so Pokemon that are able to deal with them, such as Pawniard and Mienfoo, respectively, are also nice teammates. Gothita can cripple and render both of these walls useless with Trick, making it another solid option.
[SET]
name: Bulky Attacker
move 1: Scald / Hydro Pump
move 2: Volt Switch
move 3: Ice Beam / Hidden Power Ground
move 4: Heal Bell / Hidden Power Ground
item: Berry Juice
ability: Volt Absorb
nature: Bold
evs: 76 HP / 212 Def / 152 SpA / 60 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
This set makes Chinchou a decently powerful attacker that can check threats such as Flying-types. Scald is the preferred Water-type STAB move, as it has much more consistency than Hydro Pump, being also able to heavily cripple common switch-ins to Chinchou, such as Pumpkaboo. However, Hydro Pump is still a great option if more power is needed, as it still allows Chinchou to check everything that Scald does. Volt Switch is a staple on Chinchou, allowing Chinchou's team to maintain momentum even if it is threatened by a switch-in. Ice Beam is a nice move to surprise Grass-types that switch in on Chinchou with, while Hidden Power Ground is an option to hit opposing Chinchou, Croagunk, and Magnemite. Heal Bell is a fantastic option on this set, allowing Chinchou to support its team. However, Hidden Power Ground can be used if opting for Ice Beam on the third moveslot, making Chinchou somewhat difficult to switch into.
Set Details
========
The given EVs with a Bold nature maximizes Chinchou's Defense in order to check Flying-types properly while also giving Chinchou good offensive capabilities. For more fast-paced teams that would appreciate more offensive pressure, Chinchou may run an EV spread of 52 Def / 232 SpA / 224 Spe with either a Timid or Modest nature, depending on whether you want to outspeed threats such as Pawniard or instead apply as much offensive pressure as possible. Berry Juice is used due to Chinchou's lack of reliable recovery; however, Eviolite can be used if Wish support is provided. Volt Absorb is this set's means of recovering HP once Berry Juice has been consumed, giving Chinchou a great immunity to Electric-type attacks, such as Volt Switch and Thunder Wave.
Usage Tips
========
This set makes Chinchou a decently powerful attacker that can check Flying-types well. Spam Volt Switch if there are no Ground-types on the opposing team or if they are already KOed. If not, avoid using Volt Switch, especially if Diglett is present. Try healing Chinchou's teammates with Heal Bell when a free turn is available after forcing out Pokemon such as Fletching. It's not a good idea to use Volt Switch if an opposing Chinchou is alive, so try to lure it in and KO it with Hidden Power Ground if running this move. Remember to lure and KO Grass-types in with Ice Beam, as some bulky Grass-types, such as Foongus, may be 2HKOed if they have lost their Eviolite.
Team Options
========
Even if running Berry Juice, Wish support from Pokemon such as Spritzee is still very valuable, as Berry Juice is only usable once. If using Heal Bell, Spritzee then has a free moveslot to run Calm Mind, as Chinchou can function as a cleric in its place. Pokemon that can form a VoltTurn core with Chinchou are great teammates, especially those with good type synergy with it, such as Fletchling, Vullaby, Larvesta, and Mienfoo. Mienfoo can also deal with Porygon, one of the best counters to Chinchou; other Pokemon that can handle it, such as Timburr and Pawniard, are also good options. Spritzee is another Pokemon that can wall Chinchou; Pawniard is a good teammate, as it beats Spritzee and can set up Stealth Rock, which allows Chinchou's ability to force switches to wear down the opposing team. Chinchou's cleric support is greatly appreciated by sweepers that are heavily crippled by status, such as Omanyte and Tirtouga. Fire- and Grass-type Pokemon such as Ponyta and Foongus form a great core with Chinchou, covering its weaknesses to Grass- and Ground-types, respectively, incredibly well.
[SET]
name: RestTalk
move 1: Rest
move 2: Sleep Talk
move 3: Scald
move 4: Volt Switch / Heal Bell
item: Eviolite
ability: Volt Absorb
nature: Bold
evs: 76 HP / 212 Def / 148 SpD / 60 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
This set makes Chinchou very difficult to take down. Rest gives Chinchou much-needed recovery, making it far harder to wear down. Sleep Talk allows Chinchou to use a move when asleep, which prevents it from being complete setup bait. Scald is a must-have STAB move, as the burns it causes allow Chinchou to wall physical threats much more easily. The last moveslot depends on what your team needs most; more balanced teams will appreciate Volt Switch so that Chinchou can still pivot and keep up offensive momentum, while very defensive teams that have no room for other clerics may prefer Heal Bell instead. It should be noted that, with Heal Bell, Chinchou has a 33% chance to wake itself up while asleep.
Set Details
========
The given EVs and a Bold nature maximizes Chinchou's Defense, and placing the remaining EVs in Special Defense and Speed give Chinchou some special bulk and allows it to Speed tie with other defensive Chinchou. Chinchou can then easily take both physical and special attacks that aren't super effective or boosted. Eviolite maximizes Chinchou's defensive capabilities and is more useful than Berry Juice, as Rest already grants Chinchou some form of recovery. Volt Absorb is Chinchou's best ability, especially for this set, as Chinchou may be your team's your only answer to Volt Switch.
Usage Tips
========
This set makes Chinchou very hard to take down and turns it into a fantastic status aliments absorber, as Chinchou can heal status with Rest and proceed to wall the opposing Pokemon. It should be noted that this set isn't that powerful, however, so don't expect it to simply take out very bulky or boosted threats, as your only hope against them may well be going for a Scald burn. Use Rest instead of attacking if Chinchou's HP is low, as you should prioritize keeping Chinchou healthy in most cases. Unless you predict a double switch, send Chinchou directly into Flying-types, as it is one of the most durable and effective checks against them. Even with Sleep Talk, Chinchou may be setup fodder while asleep; unless it's absolutely necessary, it's usually better to switch to a teammate that can deal with threats. Finally, Chinchou must also be played carefully if the opposing team has a Diglett, as Diglett can KO it after Stealth Rock damage.
Team Options
========
This set greatly mitigates issues that teams may have with Flying-types, so Pokemon that are weak to Flying-type attacks and are able to deal with bulky Pokemon that wall Chinchou, such as Mienfoo and Timburr, are great teammates. Defensive Pokemon that patch up Chinchou's weakness to Grass- and Ground-types, such as Vullaby, create good defensive synergy with Chinchou. Volt Switch and U-turn users are great teammates if running Volt Switch; Larvesta can learn U-turn and is also a very solid check to physical attackers. Fire- and Grass-types such as Ponyta, Foongus, and Pumpkaboo-XL are very useful teammates for this set, as they provide a great increase to your team's defensive synergy by checking several common typing in LC such as Ground- and Grass-types, which also threaten Chinchou. Even though it has Rest to restore its own health, Wish users can still make for useful partners to help extend Chinchou's longevity and make it easier for Chinchou to switch in. Spritzee and Lickitung are good examples; they can also provide Aromatherapy or Heal Bell support to wake up Chinchou should it not be running the move. Sweepers, and Pokemon that generally dislike status, such as Gastly and Fletchling, also appreciate cleric support from this set.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Soak can be used on the bulky attacker set to surprise Pokemon that would normally want to absorb Volt Switch, such as Grass-types and special walls, but it has no other use. Thunder Wave is another option for the bulky attacker set, but even though it pressures Chinchou's switch-ins, the possibility of a Scald burn or the simple threat of Volt Switch already assists Chinchou, so running Thunder Wave over Heal Bell or a coverage move is often a sub-optimal choice. An Agility set with a Life Orb can turn Chinchou into a dangerous sweeper, but Porygon is more effective in this role because it is bulkier, more powerful, and has access to a more reliable recovery move. Chinchou can also act as a Rain Dance setter on dedicated rain teams, as it can then use a perfectly accurate Thunder and a very powerful Hydro Pump. Toxic can cripple Porygon, Spritzee, opposing Chinchou, and non-Rest Munchlax. It should be noted, however, that Spritzee can act as a cleric for itself, and some Grass-types that are common switch-ins to Chinchou, such as Foongus and Ferroseed, are immune to Toxic. Hidden Power Fire can hit both Ferroseed and Snover hard, which otherwise wall Chinchou completely, but the former can very easily get worn down by Chinchou's teammates, particularly if Chinchou is on a VoltTurn team, while the latter isn't that common in LC. Water Absorb could be used over Volt Absorb; although a Water immunity generally isn't as useful as an Electric immunity, as Chinchou already resists Water, it allows Chinchou to safely use Volt Switch when the opponent has Trace Porygon. It is very niche, however. Dazzling Gleam is highly situational, but it's still an option for Choice Scarf Chinchou to revenge kill +1 Scraggy if your team is weak to it. Sucker Punch is an option if your team is desperate for a priority user; however, it's very gimmicky due to Chinchou's low Attack stat.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Diglett**: Diglett is Chinchou's best check and biggest menace to it in the metagame at the moment. Unless Chinchou is running Choice Scarf or is at full health with the RestTalk set, Diglett can trap Chinchou and take it out very easily. It should be noted that Diglett can't switch in on Chinchou, however.
**Special Walls**: RestTalk Munchlax and Download Porygon beat any Chinchou set not carrying Soak. Spritzee, Recycle Munchlax, and Trace Porygon can do the same, but they risk getting PP stalled by RestTalk Chinchou.
**Grass-types**: Ferroseed and Lileep can almost always switch in on Chinchou and beat it, though others, such as Cottonee, fear Ice Beam. Lileep, in particular, is a fairly effective Scald absorber, with Storm Drain giving it an immunity to Water-type attacks. Foongus can even survive an Ice Beam at full health with its Eviolite, while recovering any HP lost with Giga Drain and Regenerator. However, Ferroseed can be troubled by a Scald burn and the rare Hidden Power Fire.
**Croagunk**: Croagunk is quite annoying to deal with, as it can absorb and regain HP from Chinchou's Scald and can also threaten to Knock Off Chinchou's necessary item.
**Timburr**: Timburr can easily switch in on Scald as, should it get burned, it will receive an Attack boost due to Guts.
**Physical Attackers**: While the RestTalk set is able to deal with a good number of physical attackers, other sets have difficulties with threats such as Pawniard, Drilbur, and High Jump Kick Mienfoo due to Chinchou's low Defense; however, none of these Pokemon want to switch in on Scald.
**Pokemon immune to Electric**: Ground-types can be threatening, but they are only checks due to being weak to Chinchou's Water-type STAB moves. Some niche threats, such as Lightingrod Goldeen, dislike Scald burns; however, Goldeen can hit Chinchou fairly hard with Drill Run. Another common switch-in is other Chinchou running Hidden Power Ground, which can come in safely if your own Chinchou is not also running Hidden Power Ground.
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