Rabia
GP & NU Leader
[OVERVIEW]
Dhelmise is a threatening wallbreaker thanks to its high base Attack and strong Grass-type STAB attack in Power Whip enabling it to OHKO the likes of physically defensive Slowbro and defensive Hariyama and 2HKO Pokemon such as Steelix, Whimsicott, and Mega Audino. Because of its typing and above-average bulk, Dhelmise finds multiple chances to switch in on resisted hits from Pokemon like Slowbro, Heliolisk, and Sceptile while also functioning as a check to Pokemon like Passimian, Rhydon, and Torterra. Additionally, Dhelmise's ability Steelworker provides it with a 1.5x boost to the power of Heavy Slam and Anchor Shot, allowing the former to OHKO Pokemon such as Braviary and Xatu and heavily dent Vileplume. Dhelmise also has access to Rapid Spin and recovery in Rest and Synthesis, letting it function as a reliable source of entry hazard removal. Unfortunately, Dhelmise is plagued with weaknesses to common attacking types in Dark, Fire, Ice, and Ghost as well as a poor Speed tier, making it easy for Pokemon like Incineroar, Sneasel, Decidueye, and Rotom to revenge kill.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Power Whip
move 2: Heavy Slam / Anchor Shot
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Knock Off
item: Choice Band
ability: Steelworker
nature: Adamant
evs: 52 HP / 252 Atk / 204 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Power Whip is Dhelmise's strongest Grass-type STAB move and lets it threaten common Water-, Ground-, and Rock-types such as Slowbro, Diancie, Rhydon, and Slowking. Heavy Slam gives Dhelmise the means to heavily damage Pokemon that resist Power Whip such as Braviary, Xatu, and Vileplume. Alternatively, Anchor Shot can be run to 2HKO Guzzlord while also letting Dhelmise trap switch-ins at the cost of doing less damage overall. Earthquake rounds out Dhelmise's coverage by hitting Fire-types like Incineroar, Delphox, and Magmortar for super effective damage while also reliably 2HKOing Guzzlord after Stealth Rock damage. Knock Off cripples common switch-ins such as Steelix, Ferroseed, Vileplume, and Golbat and softens them up for Dhelmise's stronger STAB attacks.
Set Details
========
Maximum Attack investment and an Adamant nature let Dhelmise hit as hard as possible. 204 Speed EVs let Dhelmise outspeed everything up to Vaporeon. The remaining EVs are dumped into HP to provide Dhelmise with additional bulk. A Choice Band further augments Dhelmise's wallbreaking capabilities and lets Dhelmise 2HKO Steelix and Guzzlord. Steelworker is Dhelmise's only ability and provides Dhelmise with a 1.5x boost to Heavy Slam and Anchor Shot.
Usage Tips
========
Dhelmise has an excellent matchup against stall builds because it finds multiple opportunities to switch in against passive Pokemon like Mega Audino, Miltank, and Pyukumuku, fearing only a potential Toxic. Against more offensive teams, look to pivot Dhelmise in on a resisted hit such as Sceptile's Leaf Storm and then retaliate with an attack. Because of Dhelmise's solid bulk, it can easily be pivoted in on Stealth Rock users like Diancie, Steelix, and Rhydon. Thanks to its Ghost typing, Dhelmise can switch into Close Combat from Pokemon like Passimian and Hariyama, but it must be wary about a potential Knock Off. Because of their sheer strength and utility, all of Dhelmise's moves are easy to spam early-game. Both Power Whip and Heavy Slam heavily dent common switch-ins like Steelix, Incineroar, and Vileplume, while Knock Off cripples Ferroseed and Golbat by removing their Eviolite.
Team Options
========
This Dhelmise set fits best on bulky builds, which can cover its weaknesses to common attacking types. Diancie is an excellent partner for Dhelmise, not only resisting Dark-, Fire-, and Flying-type moves from Pokemon like Sneasel, Magmortar, and Braviary but also providing Stealth Rock and Heal Bell support. Additionally, Diancie appreciates Dhelmise's ability to take on Water- and Ground-type Pokemon such as Slowbro, Rhydon, and Vaporeon. Other Stealth Rock setters such as Steelix and Rhydon are also good partners, checking Flying-types like Vivillon and Scyther for Dhelmise. Because of Dhelmise's weakness to common Ice-, Fire-, and Dark-types like Incineroar and Vanilluxe, Hariyama is an excellent partner that can check said Pokemon while also exerting pressure on physically defensive foes. Dark-types such as Incineroar work well alongside Dhelmise by beating problematic Ghost-type Pokemon like Decidueye and Rotom. Furthermore, Sneasel, Houndoom, and Absol can provide Pursuit support to trap and remove Ghost-types. Cleric support from the likes of Mega Audino and Vaporeon is greatly appreciated by Dhelmise because it makes switching in on Scald from bulky Water-types less punishing. In addition, Mega Audino and Vaporeon provide Wish support for Dhelmise, letting it more comfortably pivot into resisted hits from Pokemon like Passimian and Torterra. Dhelmise is affected by every kind of entry hazard, so Pokemon that can clear or prevent entry hazards such as Silvally-Steel, Blastoise, and Xatu are helpful partners. Because Dhelmise is a slow wallbreaker, it appreciates being safely pivoted in. Passimian and Silvally-Steel can bring Dhelmise in safely with U-turn and Parting Shot. Passimian in particular is an excellent pivot to pair with Dhelmise, as Passimian draws in bulky Water-types like Slowbro, Slowking, and Vaporeon for Dhelmise to give it more opportunities to wallbreak, while Dhelmise forces in Incineroar and Guzzlord, both of which Passimian can beat.
[SET]
name: Rapid Spin
move 1: Power Whip / Earthquake
move 2: Anchor Shot
move 3: Rapid Spin
move 4: Rest / Synthesis
item: Colbur Berry
ability: Steelworker
nature: Adamant
evs: 156 HP / 252 Atk / 100 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Power Whip is Dhelmise's strongest Grass-type STAB attack and hits opposing entry hazard setters like Steelix, Palossand, and Torterra for solid damage while OHKOing Rhydon. Alternatively, Earthquake lets Dhelmise beat Garbodor while also dissuading Pokemon like Incineroar and Klinklang from switching in. Anchor Shot lets Dhelmise prevent switch-ins like defensive Hariyama, Ferroseed, and Golbat from making a double switch while also giving Dhelmise a way to hit Grass- and Ground-resistant Pokemon like Whimsicott, Braviary, and Vivillon for good damage. Rapid Spin allows Dhelmise to clear entry hazards. Rest is Dhelmise's most consistent form of recovery, allowing Dhelmise to heal damage and remove status like burn and Toxic poison inflicted by Pokemon like Slowbro, Steelix, Slowking, Rhydon, and Vaporeon. Alternatively, Synthesis can be run if being put to sleep by Rest is unappealing, but the lower PP of Synthesis is something to be mindful of.
Set Details
========
Maximum Attack investment with an Adamant nature lets Dhelmise hit as hard as possible. 156 HP EVs ensure Dhelmise always takes a Fire Blast from Assault Vest Slowbro. The remaining EVs go into Speed so Dhelmise can outspeed pinch Berry Incineroar variants. A Colbur Berry lets Dhelmise better take Knock Off from the likes of Passimian, Hariyama, and Scrafty while also helping Dhelmise avoid being Pursuit trapped by Pokemon like Sneasel, Absol, and Aerodactyl. Alternatively, Meadow Plate gives Dhelmise a stronger Power Whip and lets it OHKO Piloswine and Palossand while netting a 3HKO on Steelix. Steelworker is Dhelmise's only ability, powering up Anchor Shot.
Usage Tips
========
Dhelmise should be brought in on Stealth Rock setters that don't pose a significant threat to it such as Steelix, Rhydon, and Miltank. Look to use Rapid Spin against Pokemon Dhelmise forces out such as Passimian, Heliolisk, and Vaporeon. However, be wary of opposing Ghost-types switching in to prevent a successful Rapid Spin. Utilize Anchor Shot's trapping capabilities to freely switch in the appropriate check to the opponent's Pokemon. This Dhelmise variant can relatively easily switch into Fighting-types like Passimian, Hariyama, and Scrafty, as Colbur Berry reduces the damage taken from a potential Knock Off. Rest should be used when Dhelmise has taken heavy damage or sustained a status ailment like a burn or Toxic poison. If using Synthesis, use it to heal chip damage from resisted hits like Heliolisk's Volt Switch and Sceptile's Giga Drain, but be mindful of Synthesis's low PP.
Team Options
========
Dhelmise's Rapid Spin support is appreciated by builds that revolve around setting Spikes. Garbodor appreciates Dhelmise being able to clear entry hazards without clearing its Spikes as well as Dhelmise's ability to switch into common Stealth Rock setters like Steelix and Rhydon. Cleric support from the likes of Diancie, Mega Audino, and Vaporeon is greatly appreciated so that Dhelmise can be woken up by Heal Bell after using Rest. Additionally, Mega Audino and Vaporeon provide Wish support for Dhelmise, further augmenting Dhelmise's ability to check Pokemon like Slowbro, Passimian, and Sceptile. Because of Dhelmise's weaknesses to both Ice and Fire, Pokemon with Thick Fat like Hariyama and Miltank make excellent partners, with Miltank also appreciating Dhelmise's ability to absorb Fighting-type moves. Stealth Rock setters like Diancie, Steelix, and Rhydon have good synergy with Dhelmise, as they can take Flying-type moves, and Diancie and Rhydon can also deal with Fire-types like Delphox and Houndoom. Since Dhelmise has a weakness to Dark, Pokemon like Incineroar, Guzzlord, and Hariyama are excellent teammates. Additionally, Incineroar can punish Choice item Pursuit users like Sneasel and Houndoom by using Swords Dance if they lock themselves into Pursuit.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Dhelmise can run a set based around trapping with Anchor Shot and using Toxic + Protect to stall the opponent. Alternatively, Phantom Force can be used instead of Protect for stalling. Dhelmise can forgo Rapid Spin and use a 3 attacks + Synthesis set with Groundium Z or a Meadow Plate, but this set struggles to break common checks like Vileplume, Golbat, and Ferroseed and faces competition from other offensive Grass-types like Decidueye and Torterra, which have better bulk and type coverage. A Swords Dance set sounds appealing, but this set faces heavy competition from Decidueye, which is much faster. An Assault Vest set could be used to better check Pokemon like Heliolisk, Whimsicott, and Sceptile, but Dhelmise sorely misses the healing provided by Rest and Synthesis. Shadow Claw provides Dhelmise with a usable Ghost-type STAB attack, but Shadow Claw is weak and doesn't provide any useful coverage. Rock Slide gives Dhelmise a way to hit Flying-types for super effective damage, although Heavy Slam and Anchor Shot typically hit them hard enough.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Dark-types**: Incineroar can come in on any of Dhelmise's moves other than Earthquake and threaten it out with its super effective STAB attacks while also being able to pivot out of Dhelmise's Anchor Shot trapping thanks to U-turn. Sneasel, Houndoom, and Absol threaten to Pursuit trap Dhelmise. Guzzlord threatens to OHKO Dhelmise with Dark Pulse. Intimidate Scrafty can attempt to set up on either variant of Dhelmise, while Z-Celebrate Malamar can try to on Rapid Spin versions of Dhelmise.
**Flying-types**: Braviary fears Heavy Slam and Anchor Shot, but it can pivot in on Power Whip and OHKO Dhelmise with Brave Bird. Vivillon can take advantage of a Dhelmise Choice-locked into Power Whip or Earthquake by setting up with Quiver Dance. Golbat takes little from Power Whip and fears only Knock Off from Dhelmise while threatening it in return with Brave Bird or Toxic.
**Faster Attackers**: Pokemon like Vanilluxe, Decidueye, Rotom, Sigilyph, and Delphox can't switch into Dhelmise, but they threaten to revenge kill it with super effective attacks. Magmortar can't switch in well to Dhelmise's strong STAB attacks but forces it out with its Fire-type STAB moves. Mismagius can come in on a Dhelmise locked into Earthquake and set up with Nasty Plot. Vikavolt can come in safely on any move from the Rapid Spin set and 2HKO it with Bug Buzz.
Dhelmise is a threatening wallbreaker thanks to its high base Attack and strong Grass-type STAB attack in Power Whip enabling it to OHKO the likes of physically defensive Slowbro and defensive Hariyama and 2HKO Pokemon such as Steelix, Whimsicott, and Mega Audino. Because of its typing and above-average bulk, Dhelmise finds multiple chances to switch in on resisted hits from Pokemon like Slowbro, Heliolisk, and Sceptile while also functioning as a check to Pokemon like Passimian, Rhydon, and Torterra. Additionally, Dhelmise's ability Steelworker provides it with a 1.5x boost to the power of Heavy Slam and Anchor Shot, allowing the former to OHKO Pokemon such as Braviary and Xatu and heavily dent Vileplume. Dhelmise also has access to Rapid Spin and recovery in Rest and Synthesis, letting it function as a reliable source of entry hazard removal. Unfortunately, Dhelmise is plagued with weaknesses to common attacking types in Dark, Fire, Ice, and Ghost as well as a poor Speed tier, making it easy for Pokemon like Incineroar, Sneasel, Decidueye, and Rotom to revenge kill.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Power Whip
move 2: Heavy Slam / Anchor Shot
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Knock Off
item: Choice Band
ability: Steelworker
nature: Adamant
evs: 52 HP / 252 Atk / 204 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Power Whip is Dhelmise's strongest Grass-type STAB move and lets it threaten common Water-, Ground-, and Rock-types such as Slowbro, Diancie, Rhydon, and Slowking. Heavy Slam gives Dhelmise the means to heavily damage Pokemon that resist Power Whip such as Braviary, Xatu, and Vileplume. Alternatively, Anchor Shot can be run to 2HKO Guzzlord while also letting Dhelmise trap switch-ins at the cost of doing less damage overall. Earthquake rounds out Dhelmise's coverage by hitting Fire-types like Incineroar, Delphox, and Magmortar for super effective damage while also reliably 2HKOing Guzzlord after Stealth Rock damage. Knock Off cripples common switch-ins such as Steelix, Ferroseed, Vileplume, and Golbat and softens them up for Dhelmise's stronger STAB attacks.
Set Details
========
Maximum Attack investment and an Adamant nature let Dhelmise hit as hard as possible. 204 Speed EVs let Dhelmise outspeed everything up to Vaporeon. The remaining EVs are dumped into HP to provide Dhelmise with additional bulk. A Choice Band further augments Dhelmise's wallbreaking capabilities and lets Dhelmise 2HKO Steelix and Guzzlord. Steelworker is Dhelmise's only ability and provides Dhelmise with a 1.5x boost to Heavy Slam and Anchor Shot.
Usage Tips
========
Dhelmise has an excellent matchup against stall builds because it finds multiple opportunities to switch in against passive Pokemon like Mega Audino, Miltank, and Pyukumuku, fearing only a potential Toxic. Against more offensive teams, look to pivot Dhelmise in on a resisted hit such as Sceptile's Leaf Storm and then retaliate with an attack. Because of Dhelmise's solid bulk, it can easily be pivoted in on Stealth Rock users like Diancie, Steelix, and Rhydon. Thanks to its Ghost typing, Dhelmise can switch into Close Combat from Pokemon like Passimian and Hariyama, but it must be wary about a potential Knock Off. Because of their sheer strength and utility, all of Dhelmise's moves are easy to spam early-game. Both Power Whip and Heavy Slam heavily dent common switch-ins like Steelix, Incineroar, and Vileplume, while Knock Off cripples Ferroseed and Golbat by removing their Eviolite.
Team Options
========
This Dhelmise set fits best on bulky builds, which can cover its weaknesses to common attacking types. Diancie is an excellent partner for Dhelmise, not only resisting Dark-, Fire-, and Flying-type moves from Pokemon like Sneasel, Magmortar, and Braviary but also providing Stealth Rock and Heal Bell support. Additionally, Diancie appreciates Dhelmise's ability to take on Water- and Ground-type Pokemon such as Slowbro, Rhydon, and Vaporeon. Other Stealth Rock setters such as Steelix and Rhydon are also good partners, checking Flying-types like Vivillon and Scyther for Dhelmise. Because of Dhelmise's weakness to common Ice-, Fire-, and Dark-types like Incineroar and Vanilluxe, Hariyama is an excellent partner that can check said Pokemon while also exerting pressure on physically defensive foes. Dark-types such as Incineroar work well alongside Dhelmise by beating problematic Ghost-type Pokemon like Decidueye and Rotom. Furthermore, Sneasel, Houndoom, and Absol can provide Pursuit support to trap and remove Ghost-types. Cleric support from the likes of Mega Audino and Vaporeon is greatly appreciated by Dhelmise because it makes switching in on Scald from bulky Water-types less punishing. In addition, Mega Audino and Vaporeon provide Wish support for Dhelmise, letting it more comfortably pivot into resisted hits from Pokemon like Passimian and Torterra. Dhelmise is affected by every kind of entry hazard, so Pokemon that can clear or prevent entry hazards such as Silvally-Steel, Blastoise, and Xatu are helpful partners. Because Dhelmise is a slow wallbreaker, it appreciates being safely pivoted in. Passimian and Silvally-Steel can bring Dhelmise in safely with U-turn and Parting Shot. Passimian in particular is an excellent pivot to pair with Dhelmise, as Passimian draws in bulky Water-types like Slowbro, Slowking, and Vaporeon for Dhelmise to give it more opportunities to wallbreak, while Dhelmise forces in Incineroar and Guzzlord, both of which Passimian can beat.
[SET]
name: Rapid Spin
move 1: Power Whip / Earthquake
move 2: Anchor Shot
move 3: Rapid Spin
move 4: Rest / Synthesis
item: Colbur Berry
ability: Steelworker
nature: Adamant
evs: 156 HP / 252 Atk / 100 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Power Whip is Dhelmise's strongest Grass-type STAB attack and hits opposing entry hazard setters like Steelix, Palossand, and Torterra for solid damage while OHKOing Rhydon. Alternatively, Earthquake lets Dhelmise beat Garbodor while also dissuading Pokemon like Incineroar and Klinklang from switching in. Anchor Shot lets Dhelmise prevent switch-ins like defensive Hariyama, Ferroseed, and Golbat from making a double switch while also giving Dhelmise a way to hit Grass- and Ground-resistant Pokemon like Whimsicott, Braviary, and Vivillon for good damage. Rapid Spin allows Dhelmise to clear entry hazards. Rest is Dhelmise's most consistent form of recovery, allowing Dhelmise to heal damage and remove status like burn and Toxic poison inflicted by Pokemon like Slowbro, Steelix, Slowking, Rhydon, and Vaporeon. Alternatively, Synthesis can be run if being put to sleep by Rest is unappealing, but the lower PP of Synthesis is something to be mindful of.
Set Details
========
Maximum Attack investment with an Adamant nature lets Dhelmise hit as hard as possible. 156 HP EVs ensure Dhelmise always takes a Fire Blast from Assault Vest Slowbro. The remaining EVs go into Speed so Dhelmise can outspeed pinch Berry Incineroar variants. A Colbur Berry lets Dhelmise better take Knock Off from the likes of Passimian, Hariyama, and Scrafty while also helping Dhelmise avoid being Pursuit trapped by Pokemon like Sneasel, Absol, and Aerodactyl. Alternatively, Meadow Plate gives Dhelmise a stronger Power Whip and lets it OHKO Piloswine and Palossand while netting a 3HKO on Steelix. Steelworker is Dhelmise's only ability, powering up Anchor Shot.
Usage Tips
========
Dhelmise should be brought in on Stealth Rock setters that don't pose a significant threat to it such as Steelix, Rhydon, and Miltank. Look to use Rapid Spin against Pokemon Dhelmise forces out such as Passimian, Heliolisk, and Vaporeon. However, be wary of opposing Ghost-types switching in to prevent a successful Rapid Spin. Utilize Anchor Shot's trapping capabilities to freely switch in the appropriate check to the opponent's Pokemon. This Dhelmise variant can relatively easily switch into Fighting-types like Passimian, Hariyama, and Scrafty, as Colbur Berry reduces the damage taken from a potential Knock Off. Rest should be used when Dhelmise has taken heavy damage or sustained a status ailment like a burn or Toxic poison. If using Synthesis, use it to heal chip damage from resisted hits like Heliolisk's Volt Switch and Sceptile's Giga Drain, but be mindful of Synthesis's low PP.
Team Options
========
Dhelmise's Rapid Spin support is appreciated by builds that revolve around setting Spikes. Garbodor appreciates Dhelmise being able to clear entry hazards without clearing its Spikes as well as Dhelmise's ability to switch into common Stealth Rock setters like Steelix and Rhydon. Cleric support from the likes of Diancie, Mega Audino, and Vaporeon is greatly appreciated so that Dhelmise can be woken up by Heal Bell after using Rest. Additionally, Mega Audino and Vaporeon provide Wish support for Dhelmise, further augmenting Dhelmise's ability to check Pokemon like Slowbro, Passimian, and Sceptile. Because of Dhelmise's weaknesses to both Ice and Fire, Pokemon with Thick Fat like Hariyama and Miltank make excellent partners, with Miltank also appreciating Dhelmise's ability to absorb Fighting-type moves. Stealth Rock setters like Diancie, Steelix, and Rhydon have good synergy with Dhelmise, as they can take Flying-type moves, and Diancie and Rhydon can also deal with Fire-types like Delphox and Houndoom. Since Dhelmise has a weakness to Dark, Pokemon like Incineroar, Guzzlord, and Hariyama are excellent teammates. Additionally, Incineroar can punish Choice item Pursuit users like Sneasel and Houndoom by using Swords Dance if they lock themselves into Pursuit.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Dhelmise can run a set based around trapping with Anchor Shot and using Toxic + Protect to stall the opponent. Alternatively, Phantom Force can be used instead of Protect for stalling. Dhelmise can forgo Rapid Spin and use a 3 attacks + Synthesis set with Groundium Z or a Meadow Plate, but this set struggles to break common checks like Vileplume, Golbat, and Ferroseed and faces competition from other offensive Grass-types like Decidueye and Torterra, which have better bulk and type coverage. A Swords Dance set sounds appealing, but this set faces heavy competition from Decidueye, which is much faster. An Assault Vest set could be used to better check Pokemon like Heliolisk, Whimsicott, and Sceptile, but Dhelmise sorely misses the healing provided by Rest and Synthesis. Shadow Claw provides Dhelmise with a usable Ghost-type STAB attack, but Shadow Claw is weak and doesn't provide any useful coverage. Rock Slide gives Dhelmise a way to hit Flying-types for super effective damage, although Heavy Slam and Anchor Shot typically hit them hard enough.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Dark-types**: Incineroar can come in on any of Dhelmise's moves other than Earthquake and threaten it out with its super effective STAB attacks while also being able to pivot out of Dhelmise's Anchor Shot trapping thanks to U-turn. Sneasel, Houndoom, and Absol threaten to Pursuit trap Dhelmise. Guzzlord threatens to OHKO Dhelmise with Dark Pulse. Intimidate Scrafty can attempt to set up on either variant of Dhelmise, while Z-Celebrate Malamar can try to on Rapid Spin versions of Dhelmise.
**Flying-types**: Braviary fears Heavy Slam and Anchor Shot, but it can pivot in on Power Whip and OHKO Dhelmise with Brave Bird. Vivillon can take advantage of a Dhelmise Choice-locked into Power Whip or Earthquake by setting up with Quiver Dance. Golbat takes little from Power Whip and fears only Knock Off from Dhelmise while threatening it in return with Brave Bird or Toxic.
**Faster Attackers**: Pokemon like Vanilluxe, Decidueye, Rotom, Sigilyph, and Delphox can't switch into Dhelmise, but they threaten to revenge kill it with super effective attacks. Magmortar can't switch in well to Dhelmise's strong STAB attacks but forces it out with its Fire-type STAB moves. Mismagius can come in on a Dhelmise locked into Earthquake and set up with Nasty Plot. Vikavolt can come in safely on any move from the Rapid Spin set and 2HKO it with Bug Buzz.
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