[QC 0/3]
[OVERVIEW]
* Empoleon functions as a bulky Water-Type with hazard control due to its access to Stealth Rock and Defog.
* Its unique Water/Steel typing gives Empoleon 10 resistances (Bug-, Dragon-, Fairy-, Flying-, Ice-, Normal-, Psychic-, Rock-, Steel-, Water-types) and immunity to Poison-type.
* Lack of reliable recovery makes Empoleon susceptible to chip damage.
* Due to its neutrality to Fire and weakness to Ground, it faces competition for bulky Water-Type slot.
[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Scald
move 2: Defog
move 3: Stealth Rock/ Toxic
move 4: Roar / Toxic / Knock Off
item: Leftovers
ability: Torrent
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Scald is the best move to run on defensive Empoleon. It packs decent power along with 30% chance to burn.
* Defog provides hazard removal for the team.
* Stealth Rock is an option if you dont have another Stealth Rock setter.
* Toxic is also another option to deal with Pokemon that are not scared by Scald such as Slowbro, Latias, Volcanion and Mantine.
* Roar is there to prevent Empoleon from being too passive.
* Knock off is another useful utility move that Empoleon can run. It can cripple item-reliant Pokemon and get rid of their items.
Set Details
========
* The EV spread maximizes the natural bulk of Empoleon, allowing it to take hits better from special attackers such as Primarina or Latias.
* Leftovers should be the item of choice since Empoleon does not have reliable recovery.
* Torrent is the ability of choice since Empoleon doesn't benefit the attack boost from Defiant. Torrent also helps Empoleon dish out powerful Scalds when its HP is low.
Usage Tips
========
* Specially Defensive Empoleon performs best in bulky offense or balance as hazard control.
* Use Empoleon's natural bulk and typing to check threats in the tier such as Clefable, Latias and Primarina.
* Use Scald as much as possible to threaten physical attackers and use Roar if Stealth Rock is up to force opponent take multiple hazard damage or phase out setup sweepers.
* Empoleon should avoid switching into potential Knock Off users as much as possible. Leftovers is the only form of recovery Empoleon has therefore losing Leftovers limits longevity and number of switches.
Team Options
========
* Although Empoleon boasts 10 resistances and an immunity thanks to its unique typing, it is weak to several common typings such as Ground-, Fighting- and Electric-types. Pairing it with Pokemon that resist or are immune to these weaknesses such as Hippowdon, Gliscor or Celebi usually works really well.
* Empoleon appreciates Wish and/or cleric support as it does not have any form of reliable recovery and is weak to burn damage.
* Empoleon cannot check Fire-type Pokemon reliably due to its secondary typing. Using a Fire-type check along with Empoleon is highly recommended.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
* Yawn can be used to force switches instead of Roar. It forces opponent choose between letting the Pokemon go to sleep or switching out, helping you get momentum.
* Ice Beam is another option to deal with common Empoleon switch-ins such as Latias or Amoonguss.
* Instead of specially defensive set, an offensive set with either Agility with 3 attacks (Hydro Pump, Ice Beam and Hidden Power Electric or Grass Knot) or Stealth Rock with 3 attacks can be used as well.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Electric-types**: Electric-types such as Raikou or Magneton can force Empoleon out, trap it or setup on it. Raikou can take advantage of non-Roar versions of Empoleon and setup Substitude and/or Calm Mind. Magneton can trap Empoleon thanks to its ability, Magnet Pull, and get rid of Empoleon. However neither of them appreciate switching into Scald and/or Toxic.
**Bulky Pokemon with Recovery**: Blissey, Clefable, and Alomomola can chip away at Empoleon while being able to recover any HP lost with their respective recovery moves. In case of Blissey and Clefable, Blissey can heal status with either Heal Bell or by switching out while Clefable can ignore status thanks to Magic Guard.
**Fighting-types**: Fighting-types such as Keldeo, Conkeldurr, Infernape and Meinshao threaten Empoleon a lot. While Infernape and Mienshao cannot switch in to Empoleon, Keldeo and Conkeldurr can reliably switch in and threaten to setup.
**Knock Off**: The only form of recovery Empoleon has is Leftovers. Taking away Leftovers from Empoleon greatly reduces its ability to switch in.
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