Overview
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With its high Speed and Attack stats, Dodrio managkes to becomefor a really hard-hitting hole-puncher. Along with its powerful STAB attacks in, Return and Brave Bird, it has access to the coveted Knock Off. However, it faces huge competition from other Normal-types, such as Kangaskhan, Swellow, and Zangoose. Along with it, has low defenses, and is weakness to Stealth Rocks,; it is also completely walled by Rock- and Steel-types. Overall, Dodrio is a Pokemon with a small niche in NU, but if used correctly, it can capitalize upon it and become a great asset on many teams.
Choice Band
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name: Choice Band
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Return
move 3: Knock Off
move 4: Quick Attack
ability: Early Bird
item: Choice Band
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
nature: Jolly
Moves
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Brave Bird is theDodrio's main STAB optionmove, and hitsting extremely hard with a Choice Band, while Return is the other STAB option that is a bit more reliable, asince it doesn't havedeal recoil damage, and givprovides decent coverage. Knock Off is one of the only reasons to use Dodrio, as it is a powerful attack and utility move that removes threatening opponents' items, such as Rhydon's Eviolite, as well as hitting Rotom for super effective damage. Lastly, Quick Attack can be used as a hard-hitting priority move to finish off faster, weakened Pokemon.
Set Details
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The EVs used maximize Dodrio's Attack and Speed, Dodrio'its best and most prevalent stats. Choice Band is the best item to give Dodrio so, letting it can act as a wallbreaker and clean through teams with its extremely powerful STAB attacks. A Jolly is the nature of choice as itis used to allows Dodrio to have a high enough Speed stat to outspeed or Speed tie with relevant Pokemon, such as Rotom, Jynx, Xatu, Typhlosion, Ninetales, Kangaskhan, and Electivire. However, an Adamant nature can be used to hit harder and still lets Dodrio outspeed Jolly-natured base 85 Speed Pokemon such as Sawk. It can also get criticalimportant OHKOs on Pokemon such as Mesprit and Dragon Dance Feraligatr. Lastly, Early Bird is the ability of choice because it is the only ability that is useful enough to use, and allows Dodrio to wake up quickly if it's ever put to sleep.
Usage Tips
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Try to keep a clear field withoutremove entry hazards for Dodrio, as it does not appreciate taking Stealth Rock damage. Rock- and Steel-type Pokemon should be removed beforehand so that Dodrio can hasve an easier time picking off the opponent's Pokemon. Dodrio's most powerful move is Brave Bird, and as such; hence, it should be used most of the time. Return is a more reliable STAB move, and should be used whenever Brave Bird's recoil is not wanted. Always predict switch-ins, and use Knock Off to cripple thingsPokemon such as Rhydon and Rotom, asince Dodrio does not want to be caught off guard and helpless. Use Dodrio mid- to late-game for best results, as you'll want Dodrio as a hole-puncher and revenge killer that can easily take out slower opponents.
Team Options
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Steel-types such as Steelix and Pawniard make for good teammates, as they can beat threatening Rock- and Ice-type Pokemon for Dodrio. Additionally, Steelix can set up Stealth Rock, asnd Dodrio appreciates its ability to wear down Steel- and Rock-type Pokemon. Ground-types work especially well with Dodrio, as they are able to take out Electric-, Steel-, and Rock-types, which are Dodrio's main counters, with great ease. Additionally, Ground-types appreciate Dodrio's ability to take out Grass-types. Sandslash is one of Dodrio's best teammates, as it can also sRapid Spin away Stealth Rock that hurts, which Dodrio dislikes. Water-type Pokemon such as Feraligatr and Gorebyss that can set up on Steel- and Rock-types are good teammates, as they can eliminate Dodrio's biggest threats. In particular, Kabutops and Swanna in particular make for good teammates, as they can help prevent Dodrio from taking Stealth Rock damage with Rapid Spin and Defog, respectively. Finally, Guts users such as Gurdurr and Hariyama make for good teammates, as tohey can absorb status, and in addition, can beat Steel- and Rock-types that give Dodrio trouble.
Other Options
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Dodrio has quite a varied movepool, that includinges support moves, boosting moves, and even reliable recovery. Agility can be used sto allow Dodrio canto outspeed any opponenunboosted threat, buthough such a set would miss the sheer power of Choice Band. Baton Pass can be used if Dodrio uses boosting moves such as Acupressure or Agility. Taunt can be used to effectively stop walls, but Dodrio is too frail to utilize it properly. Pursuit can be used to catch thingsPokemon switching out off guard, but Knock Off is usually the superior choice. Roost can be used for a reliable source of recovery, but Dodrio would almost always rather just punch holes in its opponents. In addition to its other move options, Dodrio can use some other items effectively. A Life Orb can be used to hit almost as hard as Choice Band, while allowing it to switch moves. Its recoil, however, is almost always too detrimental for Dodrio. Finally, a Choice Scarf set can be used as a revenge killer, but that role is typically done better by other Choice Scarf users, such as Rotom and Pyroar.
Checks & Counters
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**Steel-types**: Steel-types such as Bastiodon, Probopass, Steelix, and Klinklang can all switch in on Dodrio, and take relatively little damage from any of Dodrio'its moves. Bastiodon and Probopass can status it and wear it down, while Steelix can quickly take it out with an attacking move. Additionally, Klinklang can even userender it as setup bait, and proceed to sweep.
**Rock-types**: Rock-types such as Kabutops, Carracosta, Regirock, Rhydon, and Golem can switch into and tank any of Dodrio's attacks. Carracosta can use Dodrio as setup bait, while the other three can either set up Stealth Rock or quickly dispose of it with a STAB Rock-type move. Kabutops and Golem cannot switch in too many times, however, as they are worn down quite easily.
**Faster Pokemon**: Faster Pokemon such as Archeops, Swellow, Scarf Typhlosion, Choice Scarf Rotom, and Sneasel can all outspeed Dodrio and easily revenge kill it with their hard-hitting respective STAB moves. Typically they cannot switch in most of the time, however, as they take loads of damage from Dodrio's attacks.
**Status**: Burns from Pokemon such as Weezing, paralysis from Pokemon such as Lanturn and Granbull, and poison inflicitions from any walls all hinder Dodrio, halving its aAttack, drastically cutting its sSpeed, and wearing it down gradually, respectively.
