[OVERVIEW]
Clefable’s powerful ability, Magic Guard, makes it an incredibly attractive option, rendering it immune to entry hazards, any residual damage, and even paralysis. Although Blissey, a similar Pokemon, has greater bulk, Clefable still has very good Special Defense, which is high enough to check almost all special attackers in the tier like Empoleon, Heatran, Choice Scarf Rotom-A, Starmie, Suicune, and Zapdos. In addition, compared to Blissey, Clefable has some additional support moves like Knock Off and Encore.
That said, Clefable still has a few weaknesses that can be exploited; namely, it is a passive Pokemon. Offensive momentum can overwhelm Clefable, and while its physical bulk is not awful by any means, many physical attackers are more than capable of getting rid of Clefable in one to two hits. Clefable is also vulnerable to setup sweepers with Lum Berry as well as Taunt users. Regardless of these flaws, Clefable fits onto a wide variety of teams, boasting a larger versatility than meets the eye.
[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Thunder Wave / Stealth Rock
move 2: Knock Off / Stealth Rock / Protect
move 3: Seismic Toss
move 4: Soft-Boiled
item: Leftovers
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Careful / Calm
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
This support set takes advantage of Clefable's unique traits and is extremely flexible when considering utility move choices in the first two slots. For the first slot, Thunder Wave is highly recommended because it can both support your own Pokemon as well as cripple your opponent's offensive threats.
In the second slot, Knock Off is preferred to pressure the opposing team and make Clefable more difficult to switch into, as no Pokemon appreciates their item being removed. It's worth noting that besides Gliscor, Clefable is the main Knock Off user in the metagame. It can get rid of Choice Band or Life Orb users' items as they switch into Clefable, which will increase its effectiveness in game. Removing items also will assist in team prediction because you can often figure out the roles Pokemon take through their items. Clefable makes for a reliable Stealth Rock user because it can pressure Starmie and does a good job at maintaining Stealth Rock. Protect is a great way to scout out powerful Choice item Pokemon, making it easier to pivot reliably; namely, Clefable can make it extremely difficult for Choice Band Tyranitar — one of its best counters — to reliably trap it, eliminating the mind games between Pursuit and Superpower.
While both Thunder Wave and Stealth Rock are amazing choices for the first moveslot, either can be replaced if you want to run both Knock Off and Protect on Clefable. Another alternative option is Encore, which is an extremely versatile move that will thwart any attempts to set up with Dragon Dance sweepers and Calm Mind users. Encore pairs especially nicely with Thunder Wave, as Clefable is usually slower than the opposing Pokemon, so it can paralyze them and then move first the second turn, which makes Encore more reliable.
Seismic Toss and Soft-Boiled are used to maximize Clefable's consistency. Seismic Toss will effectively damage a myriad of specially attacking threats that Clefable seeks to check, like Empoleon, Heatran, Starmie, Suicune, and Zapdos. Soft-Boiled is a great instant recovery option to ensure that Clefable stays healthy.
Set Details
========
Maximizing HP and Special Defense with a Special Defense-boosting nature is essential for Clefable to make sure it can take special hits as well as possible. However, an alternative spread with a minimum of 32 Defense EVs can be used to ensure that Clefable always survives a neutral-natured Tyranitar's Superpower. Leftovers lets Clefable gain passive recovery even in sand and hail due to its unique ability and notably usually prevents it from being 2HKOed by the more powerful special attackers. If you'd like to crank up Clefable's physical bulk even further, 72 Defense EVs will allow it to never be 2HKOed by Adamant Flygon's Earthquake, making it more effective at dealing with the very common Choice Scarf Flygon. If using Knock Off, consider a Careful nature to have more damage output versus Gengar and Rotom-A, which is useful if either of these Pokemon opts for Substitute.
Usage Tips
========
Early-game, Clefable will often make a nice switch-in to Pokemon like lead Empoleon, Starmie, and Zapdos. If you see a lead Zapdos, be careful when sending in Clefable, however, because Modest Choice Specs Zapdos has a 47.7% chance to 2HKO non-Protect Clefable after Leftovers recovery. Also, it is likely Zapdos pivots out with U-turn early when it can potentially force a switch. If a Starmie comes in to spin Clefable's Stealth Rock away, try to remove its item if you have Knock Off; if not, paralyze it, and pressure it with Seismic Toss. You can introduce variation in your Stealth Rock timing to make it more difficult for your opponent to keep entry hazards off the field if Clefable does not have Thunder Wave to pressure Starmie. On teams without Tyranitar, Clefable will want to use Seismic Toss to burn Starmie's recovery. If you opt for Protect on Clefable, be careful not to use it excessively. Clefable is already quite a passive Pokemon, and your opponent can take advantage of it. If you see a Pokemon that is very likely to have a Choice item, be sure to use Protect to scout it out. If you use Encore, try your best to conserve its limited PP; be especially careful when using Encore on Pokemon with Pressure like Suicune and Zapdos, the former of which is one of the main targets of Encore. Hiding the fact that you have the move will often work effectively to surprise your opponent down the line. Try to observe the opponent's team and notice if they don't have anything that can effectively deal with Clefable. Oftentimes, Clefable can effectively wall out a large portion of teams. If you notice that their team looks a bit susceptible to Clefable, try your best to keep it healthy.
Team Options
========
When you're using Thunder Wave, slower offensive Pokemon like Breloom, Gyarados, Machamp, Metagross, Swampert, and Tyranitar pair very nicely with Clefable. In particular, Tyranitar, especially Choice Scarf or Chople Berry variants, can use Pursuit to trap pesky Ghost-types like Rotom-A and Gengar that could take advantage of Clefable if it opts for Protect or Stealth Rock. Furthermore, Tyranitar's Sand Stream is very useful for Clefable to help whittle the opposing team down. Pokemon that use Substitute can take advantage of paralysis, like Jirachi, Gengar, and Breloom. Magnezone could be a great fit to take advantage of Skarmory, which may try to set up entry hazards on Clefable; Knock Off can even be used to remove a Shed Shell. Be careful, however, because by using Pokemon like Tyranitar and Magnezone, you compound a Fighting-type weakness. Latias is a great offensive teammate because it has amazing type synergy with Clefable, resisting both Breloom and Infernape's STAB attacks. A Choice Scarf or Choice Specs Latias can use Sleep Talk to absorb a Spore. The same is true of Dragonite's Sleep Talk Choice Band set; however, Infernape packs Hidden Power Ice on occasion, which will OHKO Dragonite without Yache Berry.
Defensively, Pokemon like Celebi, Gliscor, Skarmory, and Zapdos all synergize well with Clefable. Celebi is a nice Fighting-type answer and physical wall that can also contribute to spreading paralysis. Gliscor will do well versus many physical attacks aimed at Clefable and provides a key Fighting-type switch-in, while Clefable can pivot into many special attacks aimed at Gliscor. Zapdos can pair with Clefable to also take Fighting-type attacks very well, and Pressure can assist in slowly wearing down the opposing team. The Substitute + Toxic Zapdos set gets a special mention because Toxic helps Clefable wear opposing Pokemon down via Soft-Boiled. Skarmory can set up entry hazards for Clefable and allow Seismic Toss to more effectively pressure the opposing team. If you opt for Encore, Clefable can act as a pseudo-phazer, forcing switches and increasing the effectiveness of Skarmory's Spikes. Nidoqueen gets a special mention, as physically defensive variants can do quite well versus physical Infernape, and specially defensive variants can deal better with the mixed attacking sets. Poison Point makes it harder for Infernape to use Close Combat and U-turn repeatedly. Nidoqueen can also lay Toxic Spikes to support Clefable. Beyond that, Nidoqueen is a great answer to Fighting-type Pokemon in general. The core of Tyranitar, Nidoqueen, and Clefable gets a special mention; Tyranitar sets up sand and can trap threats like Starmie and Ghost-types, Nidoqueen resists Fighting-type attacks and can set up entry hazards, and Clefable is a special tank. You can also pair Rotom-A, which is immune to Fighting, with this core to prevent Rapid Spin. While Latias makes a solid offensive teammate, it also pairs wonderfully with Clefable as a defensive teammate. A bulky variant with Thunder Wave and/or Reflect will make it even better at walling Fighting-types, and paralysis support will help Clefable, as it is slower than most Pokemon. A bulkier Calm Mind + Roar set will provide solid backup against other Calm Mind sweepers like Substitute + Calm Mind Jirachi, Substitute + Calm Mind Suicune, and CroCune, which tend to break through Clefable.
[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Thunderbolt / Flamethrower
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Soft-Boiled
item: Leftovers
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Calm Mind, combined with Clefable's Magic Guard, turns it into a potent stallbreaker. Because Clefable is immune to residual damage from entry hazards and status — notably Toxic — stall-oriented teams usually have very little to combat it. With Soft-Boiled, Clefable can effectively alternate between increasing its Special Attack and Special Defense and instantly recovering its health. On top of that, Clefable has access to a plethora of special attacks that you can choose from based on the rest of the team. However, in particular, Thunderbolt combined with Ice Beam gives Clefable almost perfect coverage and a healthy number of PP to dismantle an entire opposing team.
Beyond BoltBeam coverage being naturally effective in DPP, Ice Beam fits like a glove on Calm Mind Clefable, allowing it to threaten Pokemon like Gliscor, Flygon, and Dragonite. Also, Ice Beam can be used to chip Breloom with super effective damage. Thunderbolt fits amazingly on Calm Mind Clefable as well to threaten most Water-types; with multiple boosts, even the bulkiest of Water-types like non-Haze Milotic can be threatened with an OHKO. With Calm Mind Clefable's defensive investment, it can use Thunderbolt to soft check Gyarados, which cannot OHKO Clefable without a critical hit when unboosted.
Flamethrower can be used over Thunderbolt to more effectively deal with Steel-types, especially Swords Dance Scizor, which can threaten Calm Mind Clefable by taking Thunderbolt well and reaching +2 Attack. However, this will make Clefable weaker to Water-types like Gyarados, Suicune, and Starmie.
Set Details
========
Maximizing HP and Defense works effectively because Clefable already has naturally good Special Defense, which it can boost even further with just one Calm Mind. In addition, this Clefable wants to take physical hits as well as possible. With maximum investment in Defense and its Thunderbolt and Ice Beam, Clefable can even serve as a soft check to Dragon Dance Gyarados and Dragon Dance Dragonite. Similarly, of course, with Flamethrower it would serve as a check to Swords Dance Scizor that lack Superpower. Alternatively, you can opt for an EV spread of 252 HP / 96 Def / 160 SpD with a Calm nature so an unboosted Clefable always takes less than 50% from a maximum Special Attack, neutral-natured Heatran's Fire Blast. This secondary EV spread also stays more true to Clefable's role as a special wall, if you wish to go that route. The set is rounded out with Leftovers to increase Clefable's longevity and help it better serve its purpose.
Usage Tips
========
Calm Mind Clefable is unique in that unlike other Calm Mind sweepers, it isn't usually stashed as a last Pokemon. In fact, it usually enters the game quite early and uses one or two Calm Minds to put early pressure on the opponent. The set's longevity allows it to utilize the pressure-inducing asset of Calm Mind, combined with the fact that the move also has a generous number of PP. Ice Beam can add to the pressure by threatening to freeze certain checks like Haze Milotic and Pokemon with Roar or Whirlwind. Try to initially bait in a Pokemon like Skarmory before revealing Thunderbolt or Ice Beam if you've scouted it out prior, as oftentimes Skarmory will use Clefable to get entry hazards up. Although it's been mentioned that you can use Calm Mind early to put pressure on your opponent, keeping the set unrevealed can also be effective in surprising Gyarados or Dragonite with Thunderbolt or Ice Beam. If Clefable is at full, it can pivot reliably into Gyarados before it uses Dragon Dance. Sometimes, the Gyarados will even attempt to use Taunt to set up more Dragon Dances, and you can shut it down with Thunderbolt. Calm Mind Clefable has enough physical and special bulk to pivot into many different Pokemon; some examples are Celebi, Starmie, Suicune, and weaker physical attackers.
Team Options
========
Calm Mind Clefable dislikes facing most Steel-type Pokemon like Bronzong, Metagross, Jirachi, Scizor, and some variants of Skarmory, so a Fire-type Pokemon like Heatran could be a good pairing. Hippowdon generates sand through its Sand Stream, which Clefable appreciates to help wear opposing Pokemon down, and also matches up well versus Metagross and Jirachi. Tyranitar is another option, but beware of compounding a Fighting-type weakness. Skarmory can be used to handle most Steel-types and gets a special mention because Clefable matches up well versus Heatran, one of the only Steel-type Pokemon Skarmory always detests. Calm Mind Clefable is good at forcing switches, so the Spikes support also will be particularly effective. Similarly, Toxic Spikes also works wonderfully with Calm Mind Clefable, as its instant recovery move in Soft-Boiled and overall bulk will allow Clefable to stall out a large number of poisoned Pokemon. Nidoqueen and Roserade both fit the bill, and both Pokemon resist Fighting, which can be helpful for Clefable; however, Roserade needs significant Defense investment to properly take physical Fighting-type attacks. While Clefable can handle most Heatran effectively, some variants with Magma Storm and Taunt can be troubling, so having backup for Heatran is important. Trappers like Dugtrio and Magnezone often target Calm Mind Clefable checks. Dugtrio can trap Infernape, Tyranitar, and some Steel-types; Magnezone can trap most of the Steel-types that give Clefable trouble. Defensively, Celebi, Gliscor, Latias, and Zapdos will pair well with Calm Mind Clefable. Latias doesn't need to use Roar as much on other Calm Mind sweepers, since Calm Mind Clefable will handle most of them well, but it is still useful for Substitute + Calm Mind Jirachi and will pair well with the entry hazards that Clefable appreciates. A more offensive Choice Scarf or Choice Specs Latias with Sleep Talk is very good at handling Breloom, which Calm Mind Clefable dislikes if it cannot punish its entry with an Ice Beam.
[SET]
name: Wish
move 1: Wish
move 2: Protect
move 3: Seismic Toss
move 4: Encore / Knock Off
item: Leftovers
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Magic Guard sets Clefable apart as a Wish user. Clefable can enter into entry hazards without taking damage, and barring direct attacks it can switch in an indefinite number of times while getting a turn of Leftovers recovery each time, which can be especially effective for Wish passing versus stall-oriented builds. The consistent damage from Seismic Toss means that Clefable has more than enough room to run both Wish and Protect as well as a more flexible option for the last slot.
Protect is a mandatory move with Wish Clefable because it cannot sustain itself without an instant recovery move. On top of that, Protect's general utility for stalling out opponents and properly scouting Choice item users is very powerful when using a more passive Pokemon.
Encore can be used to force opposing Pokemon out, create more opportunities to use Wish, and prevent Clefable from being overly passive by stopping setup sweepers in their tracks. Reliably answering Pokemon like CroCune, Calm Mind Jirachi, and opposing Calm Mind Clefable is a really unique trait. That said, Knock Off can be used over Encore to make it more difficult to switch into Clefable, allowing it to more freely use Wish.
Set Details
========
Maximize HP and Special Defense investment lets Clefable function as a sturdy special wall. An alternative would be to use 32 EVs in Defense to always survive Choice Scarf Tyranitar's Superpower. With Protect, is it less important to hit a benchmark like Adamant Flygon's Earthquake, since Clefable can gain more Leftovers recovery and consistently stall out the Earthquakes. Leftovers is used in conjunction with Protect to maximize Clefable's potential as a Wish user.
Usage Tips
========
Assuming that you are using this Clefable on a more defensive build, you have the freedom to play more aggressively with your other Pokemon. As always with Encore, try to save the PP for as long as possible and only use it in case of an emergency unless you are feeling comfortable in your position and want to gain momentum. Since Wish Clefable has maximum HP and Special Defense, it can come into almost all special attackers with ease. Early-game, if Clefable is healthy, try to use Seismic Toss initially and reveal Wish for when you need it. If your opponent catches on to the fact that you're using Wish, they can turn up the aggression and try to take advantage of Clefable likely not carrying Thunder Wave. Revealing Protect is completely fine and does not necessarily indicate that Clefable has Wish.
Team Options
========
Since Wish Clefable usually finds itself on more defensive builds, it is recommended to pair it with defensive Pokemon that appreciate Wish support; Pokemon that are vulnerable to entry hazards such as Nidoqueen, Milotic, Swampert, and Tentacruel will benefit tremendously from the consistent Wishes that Clefable passes. Additionally, these Pokemon all synergize well defensively with Clefable. Milotic, Swampert, and Tentacruel can all deal with Infernape, while the former two can also check Metagross. Nidoqueen and Tentacruel both provide a Fighting resistance, which brings type synergy into play as well. Skarmory and Toxic Spikes users are of course fantastic fits with Wish Clefable, as stalling out the opposing team with Toxic Spikes support is something that Wish Clefable specializes in. Beyond Pokemon that specifically appreciate the Wish support, the usual defensive synergies apply to Wish Clefable as well. Pokemon like Celebi, Gliscor, Latias, and Zapdos pair excellently with Clefable. Celebi and Zapdos will also appreciate the Wish support, since Celebi is considered vulnerable to hazards, and Zapdos is weak to Stealth Rock, increasing the ease of pivoting these Pokemon in. An offensive variant of Latias that can't heal itself will be able to take advantage of Clefable's Wish support as well with its wonderful typing and near-perfect synergy with Clefable. Sleep Talk Latias can help to counter Breloom, which would be painful for Wish Clefable to face unless it is Substitute + Focus Punch and has already put something to sleep.
In general, Pokemon that have good Defense but weaker Special Defense can create opportunities for Clefable to pivot in and provide Wish support. Metagross is a good example that also appreciates Wish support. If you use Iron Ball Metagross, you can bait Rotom-A in and cripple it by grounding it.
Wish Clefable, like all other variants, appreciates Sand Stream support. Tyranitar and Hippowdon provide exactly that for Clefable, but make sure when using Clefable and Tyranitar together to account for the Fighting-type weakness. Wish Clefable is also weak to Pokemon that can exploit its passivity. Ghost-types like Gengar and Rotom-A are not threatened much by the Encore version; Gengar can use Taunt and completely shut this Clefable down. Choice Scarf Tyranitar is a great choice for trapping these pesky Ghost-types with Pursuit. Wish Clefable can in turn provide Tyranitar with healing.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Like many other Normal-type Pokemon, Clefable has an astronomical movepool. Because of this versatility, it can perform many different unique roles. A Trick + Flame Orb set can be used to punish a physical attacker that comes in. Sing can be used to put opposing setup sweepers or entry hazard stackers to sleep. Clefable also makes for an effective cleric with Heal Bell. Another solid option on the support set is Reflect, which can combat Choice Band Tyranitar and other physical attackers simultaneously. Finally, Clefable can opt for Mail over Leftovers on certain sets like the Calm Mind set if there is a significant desire to be immune to Trick, but this is not generally recommended over the vast utility that Leftovers provides.
On the more gimmicky side, Cosmic Power can be used on a set with Toxic, Seismic Toss, and Soft-Boiled to whittle down opposing Pokemon while becoming an absolute tank, but this needs the support of a Pursuit user that can reliably trap Gengar. Also, Cosmic Power can be used alongside Charge Beam, Ice Beam, and Soft-Boiled as an alternative to the Calm Mind set. Facade can be used with Toxic Orb, since Magic Guard will nullify the residual damage Toxic Orb usually causes. Clefable also can use Double-Edge with zero recoil, which is a decently powerful STAB move, and its immunity to Life Orb recoil allows it to potentially use a wallbreaking set with Trick Room support from teammates like Bronzong. A Focus Sash set could potentially be used with Endeavor, as Magic Guard will prevent it from taking hazard or residual damage that would otherwise mess with a mid-game Endeavor user. Healing Wish could be a decent option to support a wide variety of Pokemon. Finally, Belly Drum in theory could be used with Double Edge, Soft-Boiled, and Thunder Wave to threaten slower or stall-oriented builds, but this set would be extremely unreliable.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Choice Specs Users**: The strongest of special attackers like Heatran, Kingdra, Vaporeon, and even Swampert can convincingly 2HKO Clefable if they use Choice Specs. While none of these Pokemon are capable of OHKOing the bulkiest of Clefable, Modest Heatran for example does 73.8 - 87% with a Choice Specs-boosted Overheat to fully specially defensive Clefable. Choice Specs Heatran is most typically seen in the lead position, so tread lightly with Clefable when facing a lead Heatran until you have confirmed it is not using Choice Specs.
**Fighting-types**: All Fighting-types like Breloom, Gallade, Heracross, Infernape, Machamp, and Lucario can OHKO Clefable with their powerful Close Combat while finding opportunities to pivot in due to Clefable's passive movesets. While these Pokemon must watch out in particular for Thunder Wave, they often will be paired with Thunder Wave-immune choices like Flygon and other Ground-types.
**Ghost-types**: Ghost-types are immune to Seismic Toss and, if given the initiative, can use Substitute to prevent status. Gengar and Rotom-A are the most capable of these feats. Substitute + Pain Split Gengar can threaten Clefable with a very powerful Focus Blast and put it in a bad position. Rotom-A with Substitute or Rest can effectively stall out Clefable and force it to switch out, but the Substitute version must beware of Encore variants, as they will force Rotom-A out even from behind its Substitute.
**Iron Head Jirachi**: Jirachi can induce two or three Iron Head flinches on Clefable and get it down to very low health. Even the Calm Mind set with heavy defensive investment must be very careful when dealing with Jirachi. While it is tempting to try to get a Thunder Wave off, Clefable is unfavored in this matchup.
**Strong Physical Attackers**: Any strong physical attacker will be a major threat to Clefable. Choice Band users like Dragonite, Gyarados, Flygon, Scizor, Swampert, and Tyranitar can OHKO or come very close to OHKOing all variants of Clefable. Beyond Choice Band users, Life Orb users and naturally strong physical attackers like Metagross, any variant of Tyranitar, Dragon Dance sweepers like Dragonite and Gyarados, and even physical Kingdra can all force Clefable out and do a ton of damage. Choice Band Scizor and Choice Band Tyranitar have the potential to hit Clefable with Pursuit as it switches out, which does a respectable amount of damage. Dugtrio can trap Clefable with its Arena Trap and often packs a punch with Choice Band-boosted Earthquake or, more rarely, a Screech set. It's worth noting that the Wish + Protect set is less susceptible to Dugtrio, especially since it has the potential to use Encore on a Screech, but both these sets are huge threats. Choice Band Earthquake can be stalled out by just Soft-Boiled potentially, but there is a good chance of taking at least one critical hit.
**Substitute Users**: Any Substitute user that is a Ghost-type or can make 101 HP Substitutes or greater can put a hard stop to Clefable and set up on it. Calm Mind users like Jirachi and Suicune can boost up to +6 if they are gaining health from Leftovers. Other variants of Substitute Jirachi like ones with Iron Head will similarly force Clefable out and can take it down through flinches if it decides to stay in. Special attackers, aside from Gengar, will be stopped by Encore, though.
**Taunt and Trick Users**: Aerodactyl, Azelf, Gengar, Gliscor, and Heatran are some of the more prominent Taunt users that can shut down Clefable's support moves, restricting it only to Seismic Toss usually and preventing Calm Mind Clefable from setting up. By using Taunt and preventing Clefable from healing, it can be chipped down and pressured very easily. Additionally, Clefable is quite susceptible to Trick from Choice item users like Jirachi, Latias, and Rotom-A. If you determine in battle that one of these Pokemon is holding a Choice item, be very cautious. Trick users themselves also have to be aware of losing their item to Knock Off, though.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Excal, 456373]]
- Quality checked by: [[Emeral, 72767], [DeepBlueC, 307789], [Seven Thunders, 467063]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [Rabia, 336073]]
Clefable’s powerful ability, Magic Guard, makes it an incredibly attractive option, rendering it immune to entry hazards, any residual damage, and even paralysis. Although Blissey, a similar Pokemon, has greater bulk, Clefable still has very good Special Defense, which is high enough to check almost all special attackers in the tier like Empoleon, Heatran, Choice Scarf Rotom-A, Starmie, Suicune, and Zapdos. In addition, compared to Blissey, Clefable has some additional support moves like Knock Off and Encore.
That said, Clefable still has a few weaknesses that can be exploited; namely, it is a passive Pokemon. Offensive momentum can overwhelm Clefable, and while its physical bulk is not awful by any means, many physical attackers are more than capable of getting rid of Clefable in one to two hits. Clefable is also vulnerable to setup sweepers with Lum Berry as well as Taunt users. Regardless of these flaws, Clefable fits onto a wide variety of teams, boasting a larger versatility than meets the eye.
[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Thunder Wave / Stealth Rock
move 2: Knock Off / Stealth Rock / Protect
move 3: Seismic Toss
move 4: Soft-Boiled
item: Leftovers
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Careful / Calm
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
This support set takes advantage of Clefable's unique traits and is extremely flexible when considering utility move choices in the first two slots. For the first slot, Thunder Wave is highly recommended because it can both support your own Pokemon as well as cripple your opponent's offensive threats.
In the second slot, Knock Off is preferred to pressure the opposing team and make Clefable more difficult to switch into, as no Pokemon appreciates their item being removed. It's worth noting that besides Gliscor, Clefable is the main Knock Off user in the metagame. It can get rid of Choice Band or Life Orb users' items as they switch into Clefable, which will increase its effectiveness in game. Removing items also will assist in team prediction because you can often figure out the roles Pokemon take through their items. Clefable makes for a reliable Stealth Rock user because it can pressure Starmie and does a good job at maintaining Stealth Rock. Protect is a great way to scout out powerful Choice item Pokemon, making it easier to pivot reliably; namely, Clefable can make it extremely difficult for Choice Band Tyranitar — one of its best counters — to reliably trap it, eliminating the mind games between Pursuit and Superpower.
While both Thunder Wave and Stealth Rock are amazing choices for the first moveslot, either can be replaced if you want to run both Knock Off and Protect on Clefable. Another alternative option is Encore, which is an extremely versatile move that will thwart any attempts to set up with Dragon Dance sweepers and Calm Mind users. Encore pairs especially nicely with Thunder Wave, as Clefable is usually slower than the opposing Pokemon, so it can paralyze them and then move first the second turn, which makes Encore more reliable.
Seismic Toss and Soft-Boiled are used to maximize Clefable's consistency. Seismic Toss will effectively damage a myriad of specially attacking threats that Clefable seeks to check, like Empoleon, Heatran, Starmie, Suicune, and Zapdos. Soft-Boiled is a great instant recovery option to ensure that Clefable stays healthy.
Set Details
========
Maximizing HP and Special Defense with a Special Defense-boosting nature is essential for Clefable to make sure it can take special hits as well as possible. However, an alternative spread with a minimum of 32 Defense EVs can be used to ensure that Clefable always survives a neutral-natured Tyranitar's Superpower. Leftovers lets Clefable gain passive recovery even in sand and hail due to its unique ability and notably usually prevents it from being 2HKOed by the more powerful special attackers. If you'd like to crank up Clefable's physical bulk even further, 72 Defense EVs will allow it to never be 2HKOed by Adamant Flygon's Earthquake, making it more effective at dealing with the very common Choice Scarf Flygon. If using Knock Off, consider a Careful nature to have more damage output versus Gengar and Rotom-A, which is useful if either of these Pokemon opts for Substitute.
Usage Tips
========
Early-game, Clefable will often make a nice switch-in to Pokemon like lead Empoleon, Starmie, and Zapdos. If you see a lead Zapdos, be careful when sending in Clefable, however, because Modest Choice Specs Zapdos has a 47.7% chance to 2HKO non-Protect Clefable after Leftovers recovery. Also, it is likely Zapdos pivots out with U-turn early when it can potentially force a switch. If a Starmie comes in to spin Clefable's Stealth Rock away, try to remove its item if you have Knock Off; if not, paralyze it, and pressure it with Seismic Toss. You can introduce variation in your Stealth Rock timing to make it more difficult for your opponent to keep entry hazards off the field if Clefable does not have Thunder Wave to pressure Starmie. On teams without Tyranitar, Clefable will want to use Seismic Toss to burn Starmie's recovery. If you opt for Protect on Clefable, be careful not to use it excessively. Clefable is already quite a passive Pokemon, and your opponent can take advantage of it. If you see a Pokemon that is very likely to have a Choice item, be sure to use Protect to scout it out. If you use Encore, try your best to conserve its limited PP; be especially careful when using Encore on Pokemon with Pressure like Suicune and Zapdos, the former of which is one of the main targets of Encore. Hiding the fact that you have the move will often work effectively to surprise your opponent down the line. Try to observe the opponent's team and notice if they don't have anything that can effectively deal with Clefable. Oftentimes, Clefable can effectively wall out a large portion of teams. If you notice that their team looks a bit susceptible to Clefable, try your best to keep it healthy.
Team Options
========
When you're using Thunder Wave, slower offensive Pokemon like Breloom, Gyarados, Machamp, Metagross, Swampert, and Tyranitar pair very nicely with Clefable. In particular, Tyranitar, especially Choice Scarf or Chople Berry variants, can use Pursuit to trap pesky Ghost-types like Rotom-A and Gengar that could take advantage of Clefable if it opts for Protect or Stealth Rock. Furthermore, Tyranitar's Sand Stream is very useful for Clefable to help whittle the opposing team down. Pokemon that use Substitute can take advantage of paralysis, like Jirachi, Gengar, and Breloom. Magnezone could be a great fit to take advantage of Skarmory, which may try to set up entry hazards on Clefable; Knock Off can even be used to remove a Shed Shell. Be careful, however, because by using Pokemon like Tyranitar and Magnezone, you compound a Fighting-type weakness. Latias is a great offensive teammate because it has amazing type synergy with Clefable, resisting both Breloom and Infernape's STAB attacks. A Choice Scarf or Choice Specs Latias can use Sleep Talk to absorb a Spore. The same is true of Dragonite's Sleep Talk Choice Band set; however, Infernape packs Hidden Power Ice on occasion, which will OHKO Dragonite without Yache Berry.
Defensively, Pokemon like Celebi, Gliscor, Skarmory, and Zapdos all synergize well with Clefable. Celebi is a nice Fighting-type answer and physical wall that can also contribute to spreading paralysis. Gliscor will do well versus many physical attacks aimed at Clefable and provides a key Fighting-type switch-in, while Clefable can pivot into many special attacks aimed at Gliscor. Zapdos can pair with Clefable to also take Fighting-type attacks very well, and Pressure can assist in slowly wearing down the opposing team. The Substitute + Toxic Zapdos set gets a special mention because Toxic helps Clefable wear opposing Pokemon down via Soft-Boiled. Skarmory can set up entry hazards for Clefable and allow Seismic Toss to more effectively pressure the opposing team. If you opt for Encore, Clefable can act as a pseudo-phazer, forcing switches and increasing the effectiveness of Skarmory's Spikes. Nidoqueen gets a special mention, as physically defensive variants can do quite well versus physical Infernape, and specially defensive variants can deal better with the mixed attacking sets. Poison Point makes it harder for Infernape to use Close Combat and U-turn repeatedly. Nidoqueen can also lay Toxic Spikes to support Clefable. Beyond that, Nidoqueen is a great answer to Fighting-type Pokemon in general. The core of Tyranitar, Nidoqueen, and Clefable gets a special mention; Tyranitar sets up sand and can trap threats like Starmie and Ghost-types, Nidoqueen resists Fighting-type attacks and can set up entry hazards, and Clefable is a special tank. You can also pair Rotom-A, which is immune to Fighting, with this core to prevent Rapid Spin. While Latias makes a solid offensive teammate, it also pairs wonderfully with Clefable as a defensive teammate. A bulky variant with Thunder Wave and/or Reflect will make it even better at walling Fighting-types, and paralysis support will help Clefable, as it is slower than most Pokemon. A bulkier Calm Mind + Roar set will provide solid backup against other Calm Mind sweepers like Substitute + Calm Mind Jirachi, Substitute + Calm Mind Suicune, and CroCune, which tend to break through Clefable.
[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Thunderbolt / Flamethrower
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Soft-Boiled
item: Leftovers
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Calm Mind, combined with Clefable's Magic Guard, turns it into a potent stallbreaker. Because Clefable is immune to residual damage from entry hazards and status — notably Toxic — stall-oriented teams usually have very little to combat it. With Soft-Boiled, Clefable can effectively alternate between increasing its Special Attack and Special Defense and instantly recovering its health. On top of that, Clefable has access to a plethora of special attacks that you can choose from based on the rest of the team. However, in particular, Thunderbolt combined with Ice Beam gives Clefable almost perfect coverage and a healthy number of PP to dismantle an entire opposing team.
Beyond BoltBeam coverage being naturally effective in DPP, Ice Beam fits like a glove on Calm Mind Clefable, allowing it to threaten Pokemon like Gliscor, Flygon, and Dragonite. Also, Ice Beam can be used to chip Breloom with super effective damage. Thunderbolt fits amazingly on Calm Mind Clefable as well to threaten most Water-types; with multiple boosts, even the bulkiest of Water-types like non-Haze Milotic can be threatened with an OHKO. With Calm Mind Clefable's defensive investment, it can use Thunderbolt to soft check Gyarados, which cannot OHKO Clefable without a critical hit when unboosted.
Flamethrower can be used over Thunderbolt to more effectively deal with Steel-types, especially Swords Dance Scizor, which can threaten Calm Mind Clefable by taking Thunderbolt well and reaching +2 Attack. However, this will make Clefable weaker to Water-types like Gyarados, Suicune, and Starmie.
Set Details
========
Maximizing HP and Defense works effectively because Clefable already has naturally good Special Defense, which it can boost even further with just one Calm Mind. In addition, this Clefable wants to take physical hits as well as possible. With maximum investment in Defense and its Thunderbolt and Ice Beam, Clefable can even serve as a soft check to Dragon Dance Gyarados and Dragon Dance Dragonite. Similarly, of course, with Flamethrower it would serve as a check to Swords Dance Scizor that lack Superpower. Alternatively, you can opt for an EV spread of 252 HP / 96 Def / 160 SpD with a Calm nature so an unboosted Clefable always takes less than 50% from a maximum Special Attack, neutral-natured Heatran's Fire Blast. This secondary EV spread also stays more true to Clefable's role as a special wall, if you wish to go that route. The set is rounded out with Leftovers to increase Clefable's longevity and help it better serve its purpose.
Usage Tips
========
Calm Mind Clefable is unique in that unlike other Calm Mind sweepers, it isn't usually stashed as a last Pokemon. In fact, it usually enters the game quite early and uses one or two Calm Minds to put early pressure on the opponent. The set's longevity allows it to utilize the pressure-inducing asset of Calm Mind, combined with the fact that the move also has a generous number of PP. Ice Beam can add to the pressure by threatening to freeze certain checks like Haze Milotic and Pokemon with Roar or Whirlwind. Try to initially bait in a Pokemon like Skarmory before revealing Thunderbolt or Ice Beam if you've scouted it out prior, as oftentimes Skarmory will use Clefable to get entry hazards up. Although it's been mentioned that you can use Calm Mind early to put pressure on your opponent, keeping the set unrevealed can also be effective in surprising Gyarados or Dragonite with Thunderbolt or Ice Beam. If Clefable is at full, it can pivot reliably into Gyarados before it uses Dragon Dance. Sometimes, the Gyarados will even attempt to use Taunt to set up more Dragon Dances, and you can shut it down with Thunderbolt. Calm Mind Clefable has enough physical and special bulk to pivot into many different Pokemon; some examples are Celebi, Starmie, Suicune, and weaker physical attackers.
Team Options
========
Calm Mind Clefable dislikes facing most Steel-type Pokemon like Bronzong, Metagross, Jirachi, Scizor, and some variants of Skarmory, so a Fire-type Pokemon like Heatran could be a good pairing. Hippowdon generates sand through its Sand Stream, which Clefable appreciates to help wear opposing Pokemon down, and also matches up well versus Metagross and Jirachi. Tyranitar is another option, but beware of compounding a Fighting-type weakness. Skarmory can be used to handle most Steel-types and gets a special mention because Clefable matches up well versus Heatran, one of the only Steel-type Pokemon Skarmory always detests. Calm Mind Clefable is good at forcing switches, so the Spikes support also will be particularly effective. Similarly, Toxic Spikes also works wonderfully with Calm Mind Clefable, as its instant recovery move in Soft-Boiled and overall bulk will allow Clefable to stall out a large number of poisoned Pokemon. Nidoqueen and Roserade both fit the bill, and both Pokemon resist Fighting, which can be helpful for Clefable; however, Roserade needs significant Defense investment to properly take physical Fighting-type attacks. While Clefable can handle most Heatran effectively, some variants with Magma Storm and Taunt can be troubling, so having backup for Heatran is important. Trappers like Dugtrio and Magnezone often target Calm Mind Clefable checks. Dugtrio can trap Infernape, Tyranitar, and some Steel-types; Magnezone can trap most of the Steel-types that give Clefable trouble. Defensively, Celebi, Gliscor, Latias, and Zapdos will pair well with Calm Mind Clefable. Latias doesn't need to use Roar as much on other Calm Mind sweepers, since Calm Mind Clefable will handle most of them well, but it is still useful for Substitute + Calm Mind Jirachi and will pair well with the entry hazards that Clefable appreciates. A more offensive Choice Scarf or Choice Specs Latias with Sleep Talk is very good at handling Breloom, which Calm Mind Clefable dislikes if it cannot punish its entry with an Ice Beam.
[SET]
name: Wish
move 1: Wish
move 2: Protect
move 3: Seismic Toss
move 4: Encore / Knock Off
item: Leftovers
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Magic Guard sets Clefable apart as a Wish user. Clefable can enter into entry hazards without taking damage, and barring direct attacks it can switch in an indefinite number of times while getting a turn of Leftovers recovery each time, which can be especially effective for Wish passing versus stall-oriented builds. The consistent damage from Seismic Toss means that Clefable has more than enough room to run both Wish and Protect as well as a more flexible option for the last slot.
Protect is a mandatory move with Wish Clefable because it cannot sustain itself without an instant recovery move. On top of that, Protect's general utility for stalling out opponents and properly scouting Choice item users is very powerful when using a more passive Pokemon.
Encore can be used to force opposing Pokemon out, create more opportunities to use Wish, and prevent Clefable from being overly passive by stopping setup sweepers in their tracks. Reliably answering Pokemon like CroCune, Calm Mind Jirachi, and opposing Calm Mind Clefable is a really unique trait. That said, Knock Off can be used over Encore to make it more difficult to switch into Clefable, allowing it to more freely use Wish.
Set Details
========
Maximize HP and Special Defense investment lets Clefable function as a sturdy special wall. An alternative would be to use 32 EVs in Defense to always survive Choice Scarf Tyranitar's Superpower. With Protect, is it less important to hit a benchmark like Adamant Flygon's Earthquake, since Clefable can gain more Leftovers recovery and consistently stall out the Earthquakes. Leftovers is used in conjunction with Protect to maximize Clefable's potential as a Wish user.
Usage Tips
========
Assuming that you are using this Clefable on a more defensive build, you have the freedom to play more aggressively with your other Pokemon. As always with Encore, try to save the PP for as long as possible and only use it in case of an emergency unless you are feeling comfortable in your position and want to gain momentum. Since Wish Clefable has maximum HP and Special Defense, it can come into almost all special attackers with ease. Early-game, if Clefable is healthy, try to use Seismic Toss initially and reveal Wish for when you need it. If your opponent catches on to the fact that you're using Wish, they can turn up the aggression and try to take advantage of Clefable likely not carrying Thunder Wave. Revealing Protect is completely fine and does not necessarily indicate that Clefable has Wish.
Team Options
========
Since Wish Clefable usually finds itself on more defensive builds, it is recommended to pair it with defensive Pokemon that appreciate Wish support; Pokemon that are vulnerable to entry hazards such as Nidoqueen, Milotic, Swampert, and Tentacruel will benefit tremendously from the consistent Wishes that Clefable passes. Additionally, these Pokemon all synergize well defensively with Clefable. Milotic, Swampert, and Tentacruel can all deal with Infernape, while the former two can also check Metagross. Nidoqueen and Tentacruel both provide a Fighting resistance, which brings type synergy into play as well. Skarmory and Toxic Spikes users are of course fantastic fits with Wish Clefable, as stalling out the opposing team with Toxic Spikes support is something that Wish Clefable specializes in. Beyond Pokemon that specifically appreciate the Wish support, the usual defensive synergies apply to Wish Clefable as well. Pokemon like Celebi, Gliscor, Latias, and Zapdos pair excellently with Clefable. Celebi and Zapdos will also appreciate the Wish support, since Celebi is considered vulnerable to hazards, and Zapdos is weak to Stealth Rock, increasing the ease of pivoting these Pokemon in. An offensive variant of Latias that can't heal itself will be able to take advantage of Clefable's Wish support as well with its wonderful typing and near-perfect synergy with Clefable. Sleep Talk Latias can help to counter Breloom, which would be painful for Wish Clefable to face unless it is Substitute + Focus Punch and has already put something to sleep.
In general, Pokemon that have good Defense but weaker Special Defense can create opportunities for Clefable to pivot in and provide Wish support. Metagross is a good example that also appreciates Wish support. If you use Iron Ball Metagross, you can bait Rotom-A in and cripple it by grounding it.
Wish Clefable, like all other variants, appreciates Sand Stream support. Tyranitar and Hippowdon provide exactly that for Clefable, but make sure when using Clefable and Tyranitar together to account for the Fighting-type weakness. Wish Clefable is also weak to Pokemon that can exploit its passivity. Ghost-types like Gengar and Rotom-A are not threatened much by the Encore version; Gengar can use Taunt and completely shut this Clefable down. Choice Scarf Tyranitar is a great choice for trapping these pesky Ghost-types with Pursuit. Wish Clefable can in turn provide Tyranitar with healing.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Like many other Normal-type Pokemon, Clefable has an astronomical movepool. Because of this versatility, it can perform many different unique roles. A Trick + Flame Orb set can be used to punish a physical attacker that comes in. Sing can be used to put opposing setup sweepers or entry hazard stackers to sleep. Clefable also makes for an effective cleric with Heal Bell. Another solid option on the support set is Reflect, which can combat Choice Band Tyranitar and other physical attackers simultaneously. Finally, Clefable can opt for Mail over Leftovers on certain sets like the Calm Mind set if there is a significant desire to be immune to Trick, but this is not generally recommended over the vast utility that Leftovers provides.
On the more gimmicky side, Cosmic Power can be used on a set with Toxic, Seismic Toss, and Soft-Boiled to whittle down opposing Pokemon while becoming an absolute tank, but this needs the support of a Pursuit user that can reliably trap Gengar. Also, Cosmic Power can be used alongside Charge Beam, Ice Beam, and Soft-Boiled as an alternative to the Calm Mind set. Facade can be used with Toxic Orb, since Magic Guard will nullify the residual damage Toxic Orb usually causes. Clefable also can use Double-Edge with zero recoil, which is a decently powerful STAB move, and its immunity to Life Orb recoil allows it to potentially use a wallbreaking set with Trick Room support from teammates like Bronzong. A Focus Sash set could potentially be used with Endeavor, as Magic Guard will prevent it from taking hazard or residual damage that would otherwise mess with a mid-game Endeavor user. Healing Wish could be a decent option to support a wide variety of Pokemon. Finally, Belly Drum in theory could be used with Double Edge, Soft-Boiled, and Thunder Wave to threaten slower or stall-oriented builds, but this set would be extremely unreliable.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Choice Specs Users**: The strongest of special attackers like Heatran, Kingdra, Vaporeon, and even Swampert can convincingly 2HKO Clefable if they use Choice Specs. While none of these Pokemon are capable of OHKOing the bulkiest of Clefable, Modest Heatran for example does 73.8 - 87% with a Choice Specs-boosted Overheat to fully specially defensive Clefable. Choice Specs Heatran is most typically seen in the lead position, so tread lightly with Clefable when facing a lead Heatran until you have confirmed it is not using Choice Specs.
**Fighting-types**: All Fighting-types like Breloom, Gallade, Heracross, Infernape, Machamp, and Lucario can OHKO Clefable with their powerful Close Combat while finding opportunities to pivot in due to Clefable's passive movesets. While these Pokemon must watch out in particular for Thunder Wave, they often will be paired with Thunder Wave-immune choices like Flygon and other Ground-types.
**Ghost-types**: Ghost-types are immune to Seismic Toss and, if given the initiative, can use Substitute to prevent status. Gengar and Rotom-A are the most capable of these feats. Substitute + Pain Split Gengar can threaten Clefable with a very powerful Focus Blast and put it in a bad position. Rotom-A with Substitute or Rest can effectively stall out Clefable and force it to switch out, but the Substitute version must beware of Encore variants, as they will force Rotom-A out even from behind its Substitute.
**Iron Head Jirachi**: Jirachi can induce two or three Iron Head flinches on Clefable and get it down to very low health. Even the Calm Mind set with heavy defensive investment must be very careful when dealing with Jirachi. While it is tempting to try to get a Thunder Wave off, Clefable is unfavored in this matchup.
**Strong Physical Attackers**: Any strong physical attacker will be a major threat to Clefable. Choice Band users like Dragonite, Gyarados, Flygon, Scizor, Swampert, and Tyranitar can OHKO or come very close to OHKOing all variants of Clefable. Beyond Choice Band users, Life Orb users and naturally strong physical attackers like Metagross, any variant of Tyranitar, Dragon Dance sweepers like Dragonite and Gyarados, and even physical Kingdra can all force Clefable out and do a ton of damage. Choice Band Scizor and Choice Band Tyranitar have the potential to hit Clefable with Pursuit as it switches out, which does a respectable amount of damage. Dugtrio can trap Clefable with its Arena Trap and often packs a punch with Choice Band-boosted Earthquake or, more rarely, a Screech set. It's worth noting that the Wish + Protect set is less susceptible to Dugtrio, especially since it has the potential to use Encore on a Screech, but both these sets are huge threats. Choice Band Earthquake can be stalled out by just Soft-Boiled potentially, but there is a good chance of taking at least one critical hit.
**Substitute Users**: Any Substitute user that is a Ghost-type or can make 101 HP Substitutes or greater can put a hard stop to Clefable and set up on it. Calm Mind users like Jirachi and Suicune can boost up to +6 if they are gaining health from Leftovers. Other variants of Substitute Jirachi like ones with Iron Head will similarly force Clefable out and can take it down through flinches if it decides to stay in. Special attackers, aside from Gengar, will be stopped by Encore, though.
**Taunt and Trick Users**: Aerodactyl, Azelf, Gengar, Gliscor, and Heatran are some of the more prominent Taunt users that can shut down Clefable's support moves, restricting it only to Seismic Toss usually and preventing Calm Mind Clefable from setting up. By using Taunt and preventing Clefable from healing, it can be chipped down and pressured very easily. Additionally, Clefable is quite susceptible to Trick from Choice item users like Jirachi, Latias, and Rotom-A. If you determine in battle that one of these Pokemon is holding a Choice item, be very cautious. Trick users themselves also have to be aware of losing their item to Knock Off, though.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Excal, 456373]]
- Quality checked by: [[Emeral, 72767], [DeepBlueC, 307789], [Seven Thunders, 467063]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [Rabia, 336073]]
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